Isaiah 13
Isaiah’s vision from the LORD regarding Babylon verse 1- 3
The burden of Babylon
which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see
Lift you up a banner upon the high mountain
exalt the voice unto them – shake the hand
that they may go into the gates of the nobles
I have commanded my sanctified ones
I have called my mighty ones for MINE anger
even them that rejoice in MY highness
LORD brings armies from far verse 4- 5
The noise of a multitude in the mountains – like as a great people
a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together
the LORD of hosts mustered the host of the battle
They come from a far country – from the end of heaven
even the LORD – and the weapons of HIS indignation
to destroy the whole land
Day of the LORD coming verse 6- 8
Howl you – for the DAY OF THE LORD is at hand
it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty
THEREFORE shall all hands be faint
and every man’s heart shall melt
and they shall be afraid – pangs and sorrow
shall take hold of them
they shall be in pain as a woman that travails
they shall be amazed one at another
their faces shall be as flames
Day of the LORD described as day of darkness verse 9- 10
BEHOLD the DAY OF THE LORD comes
cruel both with wrath and fierce anger – to lay the land desolate
and HE shall destroy the sinner thereof out of it
For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof
shall not give their light
the sun shall be darkened in his going forth
and the moon shall not cause her light to shine
Day of the LORD is a day of judgment verse 11- 13
And I will punish the world for their evil
and the wicked for their iniquity
and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease
and I will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible
I will make a man more precious than fine gold
even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir
THEREFORE I will shake the heavens
and the earth shall remove out of her place
in the wrath of the LORD of hosts
and in the day of HIS fierce anger
Judgment on Babylon explained verse 14- 16
And it shall be as the chased roe
and as a sheep that no man takes up
they shall every man turn to his own people
and flee every one into his own land
Every one that is found shall be thrust through
and every one that is joined unto them
shall fall by the sword
their children shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes
their houses shall be spoiled
and their wives ravished
Babylon judged by the Medes/Persians verse 17- 18
BEHOLD – I will stir up the Medes against them
which shall not regard silver – and as for gold
they shall not delight in it
Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces
and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb
their eyes shall not spare children
Destruction and future of Babylon explained verse 19- 22
AND Babylon – the glory of kingdoms
the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency
shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah
It shall never be inhabited
neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation
neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there
neither shall the shepherds make their fold there
BUT wild beasts of the desert shall lie there
and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures
and owls shall dwell there – and satyrs shall dance there
And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses
and dragons in their pleasant palaces
and her time is near to come
and her days shall not be prolonged
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982).(Salvation – יְשׁוּעָה [yâshuwʿah /yesh·oo·aw/] n f. Passive participle of 3467; TWOT 929b; GK 3802; 78 occurrences; AV translates as “salvation” 65 times, “help” four times, “deliverance” three times, “health” three times, “save” once, “saving” once, and “welfare” once. 1 salvation, deliverance. James Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon (Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1995).
DEVOTION: Jah, Jehovah. The repetition of the name denotes emphasis, and the unchangeableness of God’s character. The refrain in Isaiah 12:2—“The Lord, even Jehovah, is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation”—was sung at the Exodus (Ex. 15:2) and at the rededication of the temple in Ezra’s day (Ps. 118:14). It was sung by the Red Sea after the Jews had been delivered from Egypt by Moses, a prophet. It was sung in Jerusalem when the second temple was dedicated under the leadership of Ezra, a priest. It will be sung again when the Jewish nation accepts Jesus Christ as its King. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Comforted, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 41.)
As the nation of Israel rejoices that their God is present with them, so the believer today is assured of the continual presence of the Lord in their lives as well. Jesus made the claim and promise that the Holy Spirit would come and abide with the believers (Jn. 14-16). Paul states that the Holy Spirit has sealed us and this guarantee is our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. (Eph. 1:13-14). While the Israelites could look at specific historical points to rejoice in we as believers can look to the inward work of the Holy Spirit daily to enable us to rejoice! He is our continual source of strength and joy, may we sing a song of gladness and worship to Him!
APPLICATION: Take a moment to reflect upon what the Lord has given you strength to accomplish today! Each day is a challenge and He is there to assist and strengthen the weak and feeble handed! Rejoice! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 3 I have commanded MY sanctified ones, I have also called MY mighty ones for MINE anger, even them that rejoice in MY HIGNESS. (6942 “sanctified ones” [qadash] means a person consecrated to God for a particular purpose, be set apart, removed from common use, be dedicated, or soldiers whom I myself have inaugurated for war)
DEVOTION: The LORD can set apart anyone or any group for HIS use to accomplish HIS purpose in this world. Here we find that the LORD selected a nation that were not HIS followers to judge the children of Israel because of their sins.
The children of Israel were not listening to the LORD. HE had sent HIS prophets to warn them but they didn’t care and did what they wanted. It took the LORD a long time to give HIS people, Israel, a chance to repent but they would not. HE sent HIS judgment to cause them to realize that HE wanted a holy people who would listen to HIM.
Today we find that many people who claim to be believers are saying things that are not found in the Bible. They are misusing the Bible to teach what they want the people to believe rather than what it genuinely teaches.
This happened in Israel when the religious leaders were more concerned for themselves than they were to speak for the LORD and warn the people of judgement. There were only a few that were willing to stand before the people and warn them of coming judgment.
Isaiah was one of these men. He gave the people the message of the LORD and didn’t care what the leaders would do to HIM. HE wanted the children of Israel to repent and return to following the LORD.
Again, today we need pastors and leaders who will stand up for the LORD and not just entertain those who come int the church building but those who would genuinely repent of their sins and go out and reach people with the message of salvation.
Here God is using an unsaved nation to judge the children of Israel. In our time we are not sure who the LORD will use to judge but we know that the message in many churches is not the message of the LORD.
Today’s believers are not challenged to reach their neighbor and friends for the LORD. They are not being challenged to change their lifestyle to one that is pleasing to the LORD. Many pastors are like the false prophets of old that just tickled the ears of those attending their church, so that, they could spread false teachings and not challenge them to genuinely follow the LORD.
God is still using unsaved people to challenge those who claim to be HIS follower but they are NOT! God used unsaved nations to judge Israel and HE is still using the unsaved individuals to challenge false churches and false bible teachers in many nations to get the attention of those who genuinely want to hear the truth of the Word of God.
We need pastors and teachers who are willing to challenge those they teach to dig into the Word of God and accept the challenge of reaching our world for Jesus Christ no matter the cost.
CHALLENGE: Stop tickling the ears of those attending church and give them the truth of their responsibility to witness to those in their world with the true message of salvation presented by Jesus Christ.
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: 6 Howl you; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. (7706 “Almighty” [shadday] means Shaddai, most powerful, a title for the true God, often with the focus on the power to complete promises of blessings and prosperity.)
DEVOTION: The LORD used Babylon to judge the children of Israel because of their lack of repentance. HE communicated with king Nebuchadnezzar regarding who was in control of the world. Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way that the LORD was in control. The LORD is long-suffering. The LORD is not willing that any should perish. HE wants to let the world understand that they are not in control HE is. HE judged Babylon for their actions.
However, when HIS long-suffering comes to an end – there is judgment. Babylon will be judged for the treatment of the children of Israel. The LORD’S wrath will cause this judgment to come. The LORD calls those who execute HIS judgment – HIS sanctified ones.
HE chose the Medes to be the ones who would destroy the kingdom of Babylon. The Medes were a cruel people who didn’t care about getting paid off to not invade the land. When the invasion was complete, wild animals would only inhabit the land of Babylon. The beautiful houses would be the dwelling place of owls.
Why would the LORD allow this to happen? The reason is found in verse eleven. The people of Babylon were sinners. They were arrogant in their sin. They thought they would never be conquered. The LORD showed them who was in control of the world.
Too often nations think that they can look up to heaven and tell God HE is not in control. They think that everything they have done has been under their own power. They think that they don’t need to answer to the Creator of the world. They are wrong.
Nations rise and fall by the power of the LORD. Leaders are set up by the LORD and taken down by the LORD. Judgment is coming on any nation that does not honor the LORD.
God’s people need to pray for revival. God’s people need to be excited about witnessing for the LORD. HIS plan is the only plan that is going to work. Is the church reaching her world for the LORD? Time is short!!!
CHALLENGE: Each generation has to honor the LORD with their actions. Are you honoring the LORD with your attitude and actions? Remember judgment begins at the house of the LORD.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. (1346 “haughtiness” [ga’avah] means majesty, pride, loftiness, or conceit.)
DEVOTION: In the first Psalm in the book of Psalms we find that there is a regression with those who are not followers of the LORD. They start out walking with those who are not followers of the LORD. Then they stand around with those who don’t love the LORD. Finally, they sit down with them.
Our world is evil. It has been evil since the fall. It seems that it is getting worse but Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun. There might be different ways to sin but the root of each sin is the same.
Those who love sin seem to get arrogant about their ability to sin. They also seem to feel proud that they are bad sinners. I have tried to witness to individuals who think that they don’t have to answer to God and can do as they please. They think that I am foolish.
Throughout the Word of God there is a warning that sin is going to be punished because God is HOLY. The Bible also teaches that God is LOVE. Which attribute wins? BOTH!!! Yes, God is a loving God and showed it by sending HIS Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world. There was enough blood shed on the cross for everyone to be allowed into heaven. The problem is that God requires repentance. If a sinner chooses not to repent he will spend eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels. That shows the LOVE of God. The HOLINESS is shown by a time of final judgment for those outside of Christ. Those without Christ in their life don’t have the blood to stand between them and judgment, so they are judging themselves by rejection. LOVE only WINS through the blood of Christ accepted through repentance.
Get the message straight because there are false teachers in some churches that think they can teach falsehood and if it is taught long enough it will be believed. The problem is that it is true. People would rather believe a lie that makes them feel good then the truth that they have to act on.
CHALLENGE: Understand the message of the LORD and teach it to others. If you don’t understand ask someone who genuinely teaches the truth of the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth.
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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)
MY mighty ones verse 3
Mine anger verse 3
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 4- 6, 9, 13
LORD of hosts verse 4, 13
Mustered the host verse 4
Day of the LORD verse 6, 9
Almighty verse 6
I will punish the world for their evil verse 11
I will make a man more precious than gold verse 11
I will shake the heavens verse 13
Wrath of the LORD of hosts verse 13
Fierce anger verse 13
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 19
Overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah
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)
Babylon verse 1- 22
Lift up a banner
Sanctified ones
Called mighty ones
Far country
Weapons of HIS indignation to destroy
the whole land (of Israel)
Children shall be dashed to pieces
Houses shall be spoiled
Wives ravished
Glory of kingdoms
Beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency
Kingdoms of nations verse 4
Ophir verse 12
Every man shall flee to his own land verse 14
Medes verse 17, 18
Shall not regard silver or gold
Bows shall dash young men to pieces
No pity on the fruit of the womb
Not spare children
Chaldees verse 19
Sodom verse 19
Gomorrah verse 19
Arabian verse 20
Shepherds verse 20
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Sinners verse 9
Evil verse 11
Wicked verse 11
Iniquity verse 11
Arrogancy of the proud verse 11
Haughtiness verse 11
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Isaiah the son of Amoz verse 1- 22
Nobles verse 2
Gates of the nobles verse 2
Day of Judgment of Israel verse 1- 22
Day of the LORD
Destruction
All hands in Israel shall be faint
Every man’s heart shall melt
They shall be afraid
pangs and sorrows shall take hold
They shall be in pain as a woman in travail
Cruel both with wrath and fierce anger
Lay the land desolate
Stars of heaven and constellations
shall not give light
Sun shall be darkened
Moon shall not cause her light to shine
Wild beasts of the desert shall lie there
Houses shall be full of doleful creatures
Owls shall dwell there
Satyrs shall dance there
Wild beasts of the islands shall cry there
Dragons in their pleasant palaces
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Day of the LORD verse 6, 9- 22
Hands be faint verse 7
Hearts shall melt verde verse 7
Afraid verse 8
Wrath and fierce anger verse 9
Land desolate verse 9
Stars shall not give light verse 10
Constellations shall not give light verse 10
Sun shall be darkened verse 10
Moon shall not shine verse 10
Punish the world for their evil verse 11
Punish the wicked for their iniquity verse 11
Shake the heavens verse 13
Day of HIS fierce anger verse 13
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QUOTES regarding passage
The Day of the Lord (13:2–16). ‘The Day’ is the culmination and termination of history. Step by step Isaiah depicts its seven aspects: it is the Day when the Lord implements his wrath (2–3), marked by worldwide mutual destruction (4–5) from which there is no defence (6–8); it is cosmic in its effect (9–10), moral in its motivation (11); it reverses the work of creation (12–13); there is no escape, only horrific suffering (14–16).
2–5. ‘The gathering armies’. Gates (2) are the symbol of defence. When the enemy enters the gates, the city has fallen (see on 28:6). Nobles: the existing rulers of the world whom the Day will overthrow. My holy ones: not holy in themselves but consecrated to, or set apart for, the holy task of the Lord’s warfare. Who rejoice: literally ‘my exulting ones of arrogance’. These warriors exult in their own self-confident arrogance but (unknown to themselves) they have been claimed by the Lord for his purposes. The Lord is not on either side in this warfare (4–5). Humanity’s armed strength comes together in an orgy of mutual destruction (cf. Ezek. 38–39; Rev. 20:8). Mountains: historically, Jerusalem often heard the sound of gathering forces on the hills around. This is the picture here: it will be pre-eminently the case on the Last Day (Ezek. 38:14–23; Rev. 20:9). Weapons of his wrath: the note of divine sovereign management of this final battle continues. (Motyer, J. A. (1999). Isaiah: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 20, p. 129). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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2–5 Isaiah’s prophetic greatness lies chiefly in the exalted character and vast range of the themes he declared; but allied to this was an outstanding gift for vivid, memorable communication. In these verses the reader or hearer is presented first with a sight for his eyes and then with a sound for his ears. So the imaginative faculty is pressed to carry more than inward sight, two senses combining to convey a reality so impressive as almost to be tangible.
Imagination’s curtain is drawn aside and a bare hilltop is disclosed, surmounted by a banner (v.2). The word nēs (“banner”) is a favorite with Isaiah (cf. 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; 33:23 [“sail”]; 62:10). A shout and a gesture are added to the banner so that the army will be mustered with urgency. The phrases “a bare hilltop” and “the gates of the nobles” suggest a contrast between the remote areas from which the army comes and the sophisticated urban civilization that they will destroy.
Like the Assyrians (cf. 10:5), this army is the instrument of the Lord. “Holy” (v.3) has no character reference here; but like all words from the root qdš, it implies that the persons so designated have been set apart from others, set apart, that is, by the Lord for his purpose of punitive destruction. This is emphasized by the use of the emphatic personal pronoun “I” at the start of v.3.
The single shout of command is replaced by a tumultuous roar (v.4). It is the sound of human voices, yet in such numbers and such volume that words are indistinguishable in the general hubbub. The references to kingdoms, nations, and faraway lands would fit the armies of each of the successive world powers from Assyria through Babylon to Persia; but the mention of the Medes in v.17 plus the use of words like “hilltop” and “mountains” suggest that the army was being massed on the great Iranian plateau. “The ends of the heavens” (v.5) probably refers to the distant horizons and so to the “faraway lands” from which the Medes came. The appropriateness of Isaiah’s selection of designations for God can be seen in his use of Yahweh ṣeḇāʾôṯ (“Lord Almighty”; KJV, “Lord of hosts”) here. Clements (Isaiah 1–39, p. 115) says, “The five lines in vs. 4–5 show evidence of a masterfully concise but dramatic description which gains additional effect through the pervading rhythm 3 plus 2.”
The opening verses of the oracle have made it clear that the armies are the instruments of the Lord and that they are coming to execute his wrathful judgment (vv.3, 5). On whom is this wrath to be visited? The RSV translated kol-hāʾāreṣ in v.5 as “the whole earth”; but most modern versions, including the NIV, render it as “the whole country” or “the whole land.” If we take v.1 seriously, then the NIV translation is appropriate, particularly in view of the local application implied in v.2. (Grogan, G. W. (1986). Isaiah. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, pp. 100–101). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
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13:1. This section (13:1–14:27) is ascribed to Isaiah son of Amoz (cf. 1:1). This is significant in view of the fact that it is clearly prophecy spoken before the fall of Babylon. This is important for many believe that Isaiah 40–66 could not have been written by Isaiah son of Amoz because he could not have prophesied about something yet future. The passage in 13:1–14:27 shows that Isaiah’s writing about events before they happened was possible.
This section is an oracle, sometimes translated “burden,” as it comes from the verb meaning “to be lifted or carried.” It was a weighty or burdensome kind of message to deliver. It is a common term in the prophetic writings (13:1; 14:28; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1, 11, 13; 22:1; 23:1; 30:6; Jer. 23:33–34, 36, 38; Ezek. 12:10; Nahum 1:1; Hab. 1:1; Zech. 9:1 [see comments there]; 12:1; Mal. 1:1). Isaiah’s oracle concerns Babylon. Babylon deserved God’s wrath, for that city had long been a rallying point of anti-God activity. From its very beginning (Gen. 11:1–9) it had been characterized by rebellion against God. Over the centuries, as various dynasties ruled over that city, it was viewed as a place of hatred against the God of Israel. Even in the Tribulation it will be a center of hatred against God (Rev. 17–18).
b. God’s army against Babylon (13:2–18)
(1) The forming of God’s army.
13:2–5. The army referred to in these verses is clearly God’s because He said He summoned His warriors to carry out His wrath against Babylon; that is, they would do His bidding. This army was a great multitude.… like an amassing of entire nations. Coming for war they would assemble from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens. This is not a specific geographical description as much as a way of saying that his great army would include soldiers from many places. Though Isaiah was writing about the military strife in his day, a similar mustering of vast armies will occur just before the millennial kingdom (Rev. 16:12–16). (Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1059). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The word “Babel” means “gateway to a god” and sounds like the Hebrew word balal, which means “confusion” (Gen. 10:8–10; 11:1–9). In Scripture, Babylon symbolizes the world system man has built in defiance of God. Jerusalem and Babylon are contrasting cities: One is the chosen city of God, the other the wicked city of man. The city of God will last forever, but the rebellious city of man will ultimately be destroyed (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17–18).
God musters His army (Isa. 13:1–5, 17–18). God is sovereign. He is able to call any army He desires, to accomplish any task He assigns. He can summon them with a whistle (7:18), or by using leaders to raise a banner, shout, and beckon to the soldiers (13:2). In this case, God is mustering the army of the Medes (v. 17; 21:2); and He calls them “My sanctified ones.” Even though they did not believe in Jehovah God, the Medes were set apart by God to do His holy work. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Comforted (p. 43). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The picture presented goes far beyond that of the literal destruction of Babylon on the Euphrates in the days of the Medo-Persian conquest. It vividly presents the conditions that will prevail not only among the nations of central and western Asia, but of all Gentile powers in the day of the Lord’s indignation. In other words, the doom that fell upon Babylon of old was an illustration of the terrible fate that awaits the godless Gentile powers who will be taken in red-handed rebellion against the Lord and His Anointed in the last days. It will be noted that many of the expressions used in these verses are practically identical with those of other prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord and with the events to follow the breaking of the sixth seal in the book of Revelation. (Ironside, H. A. (1952). Expository notes on the prophet Isaiah. (p. 84). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
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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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We are not to spend our time looking back and looking in – we are told to look forward! (p. 54)
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How utterly foreign that is to the spirit of modern orthodoxy! How foreign to the bland assurances that because we can quote the text of Scripture, we must have the experience> this strange textualism that assumes that because we can quote chapter and verse, we possess the content and experience is a grave hindrance to spiritual progress. I think it is one of the deadliest, most chilling breezes that ever blew across the church of God! (p. 57)
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In other cases, Christians have been side-tracked and rendered useless by their acceptance of a state of chronic discouragement. As a result, they have come to a place of contented rationalization that their condition is normal for all Christians. … They say they believe in this progressive, victorious Christian life but that it is for others, not for themselves.
…………….
Jesus is still saying, as He said to the man lying by the gate at the pool, “Wilt you be made whole?” (John 5:6), Jesus made that man whole and raised him up because he wanted to be healed and delivered. If Jesus had found in him that which He finds in so many Christians today – a chronic state of discouragement – He would have passed him by! (p59) (I Talk Back to the Devil by A. W. Tozer)
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Genesis 4
The first murder: Cain kills his brother Abel, and is condemned to wander the earth.
INSIGHT
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain asks. God’s answer is unequivocal: Yes. God intended for His people to be social beings — to love, care for, and protect each other.
The mark of any society is how well it cares for those who cannot care for themselves. Elevated societies do well with this; debased societies do not.The mark of a selfish society is that it cares well for those it likes and does not care well for those it does not like. This kind of thinking leads to brutality.
The Christian is called to have the mind of Christ in this matter. We are to do good to all people, regardless of race, gender, or social position. Indeed, we are our brother’s keeper.(Quiet Walk)
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Pray Anyhow
“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Samuel had served the children of Israel as their faithful judge for many years, and the Lord had blessed them and their land. Nevertheless, they began to want a king and pressed Samuel to get one for them. Finally, Samuel anointed Saul to be their king, but both Samuel and the Lord Himself were displeased with their demands.
Nevertheless, Samuel’s great heart, both for the Lord and for His people, is revealed in the promise of our text. Although he was hurt and disappointed, because he had led them successfully and justly his whole life, he would still pray for them and teach them. This is a great example for Christian leaders or workers today who, through no fault of their own, have been replaced by someone else.
Intercessory prayer is not easy, especially if our prayers are not appreciated by those we pray for. Nevertheless, it is a type of prayer ministry that especially pleases the Lord, and that is more important than human gratitude. “I exhort therefore” said Paul (no doubt reflecting God’s own desires), “that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul would even urge prayer for the emperor, Nero, who had imprisoned him and would eventually have him put to death.
Even Jesus had said that we should “pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). The Lord Jesus is the greatest intercessor of all. For when we sin (and all sin is sin against the Lord), He is our “advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1), and in fact, “he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Therefore, should we not also be prayer intercessors? (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost…. 2 Corinthians 13:14
The Holy Spirit is identified with the Father and the Son in such away as to indicate personality. There are two great arguments here. The first is the baptismal formula: “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Here He is associated with the Father and the Son in a way that of necessity points to His personality.
The second argument is based on the apostolic benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost….” Obviously the Holy Spirit is a person in line with the person of the Father and of the Son.
A most interesting way we can prove the personality of the Spirit is by showing that He is identified with us, with Christians, in away that indicates that He is a person. In Acts 15:28 we read, “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” This was a decision arrived at by members of the early church, and as they were persons, so He must be a person. You cannot say, “It seemed good to a power and to us,” because the power would be working in us. But here is someone outside us—“It seemed good to him and to us.”
Personal qualities are ascribed to the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. He is said, for example, to have knowledge. Paul argues, “For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11).
A Thought to Ponder: The Spirit is identified with us, with Christians, in a way that indicates that He is a person. (From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 10-11, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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