Jan 18

The Lord at our Right Hand

Living in Christ Comments Off

Psalm 16:7-9

I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

David says “I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel.” Counsel is given as a result of consultation for advice. We can clearly understand that David sought God’s advice and therefore was given the counsel. David, a King of Israel was God’s anointed one who was a man after God’s own heart. He praised God in a magnificent way and his psalms speak of the relationship he enjoyed with Lord God. When such a high and mighty king sought God’s advice, we at our every step should wait and seek His counsel. He sure will direct our every step (Proverbs 3:5-6).

David says that his reins instruct him in the night. In other words, even while David is resting, he is led by the Lord God. The Lord does the same to us if we, like David set the Lord always before us. Even when we sleep at nights His still small voice speaks unto us, His loving arms will lead us, His tender heart will care for us, His blood covers us and His light shines on us. The Lord is at our right hand and therefore we need not be moved. “He is at our right hand” means He is available to us at all times. It is us humans who fail to look up to Him or seek His counsel. Psalm 121:5 says, “The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” The Lord is our keeper and He is our shade upon our right hand. Just like shadow goes with us wherever we go, the Lord God goes with us.

Let us rejoice and be glad in the Lord. Rejoice evermore for He is our strong refuge and mighty tower. Just like David’s my flesh shall rest in hope!

Next: Huldah, the Wife of Shallum

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Dec 25

The Shepherds and the Angels

Gospel of Jesus Christ Comments Off

Luke 2:8-20

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

In the fields near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching their flock in the night and the angel came upon them and the glory of God shone around them. God did not pick kings or princes or nobles but He picked the shepherds who watched their flock diligently guarding them against wolves or thieves or any such dark force. The shepherds did not sleep or slumber at this hour for they could not afford to do so; they guarded that which was their living. We are also called neither to enter into spiritual slumber nor rest in the world but to guard ourselves from the forces of darkness. We are right now in the dark hour like the way shepherds were out in the fields at night. The second coming of the Lord is near and the satan as a roaring lion walks about whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” This calls us all to be sober and vigilant like the way the shepherds were that night when the angel came upon them. The glory of God shone around them. This morning I was talking to my aunt in India and she spoke to me about the power of intercessory prayers during the night when all around you people are asleep. That dark hour, you and the heavenly Father can have a special communion and His glory shines on you and the revelations at that time are so wonderful. Few times I awoke in the middle of the night and I was strongly summoned into His divine presence and all alone with my God the precious moments that I had are so full of His glory and when I wake up in the morning I am revived and renewed by His strength!

 The shepherds were afraid at this just as Mary was afraid and the angel calmed them down by saying, “Fear Not” just as the angel did for Mary. The shepherds were brought the good tidings of great joy that was not just for them but unto the entire mankind. The good tidings brought their way were the birth of the dear Savior Jesus Christ in the city of David which is Bethlehem of Judah. The sign given unto the shepherds was that the babe would be wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The shepherds were not asked to go meet the Savior but the angel’s sign given to them suggests that they are to go and find this Savior. This was only the sign they are asked to go with for who would lay a child in a manger. Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and He would clothe us with His joy and peace lifting off any feeling of guilt and wretchedness. What a glorious way to bring the good news of the Savior of the World! The heavenly host joined the angel praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” He who came into the world came in the most humble fashion, yet there was great joy in heaven about the birth of this Savior because this plan of Salvation was for us humans the creation created by God’s own hands. None on earth are given this privilege except us humans that the Lord God sent His son for our sakes. It is God’s love for us and the heavenly host proclaimed the goodness of God by praising Him and raising this beautiful anthem of praise unto Him who is worthy! God brought peace on earth and good will toward men through Jesus Christ.  We are granted this peace that passeth all understanding when we break open our hearts to receive the wonderful Savior. When He is in, the devil is out. When He is in, the peace and joy are ours.

When the angels went their way into heaven, the shepherds discussed with each other saying, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” They came in haste and found Mary and Joseph with the babe lying in a manger. How swiftly the shepherds proceeded to meet the Savior and per the sign explained to them by the angels they found the babe lying in a manger. God speaks to us when we have the eyes of our heart opened to Him and His beautiful truths. Look, the shepherds did not wait there but made their way to meet the Messiah. When we have such a ready heart to receive and act, God will reward us bountifully. And, when the shepherds saw the baby in the manger, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. They are filled with courage and they made known abroad the saying that was told them concerning the humble child lying in the manger. This child was not in a royal mansion with a host of princely jubilations sung unto Him; instead He was laid to rest in a manger where the animals are fed yet He was the Bread of Life to many who willingly dine on Him. The place where animals are fed was now adorned with the Savior of whom the heavenly host proclaimed to the shepherds. All they that heard what was told by the shepherds wondered at this; they probably wondered because it came from the shepherds who held the lowliest profession on earth. But Mary, the mother of Jesus, kept them in heart and pondered about them. She heard about Jesus from angel Gabriel and to her hearing from the shepherds about what Jesus brought into the world (i.e., peace and goodwill) must have simply confirmed the truth about the child that she brought forth. II Corinthians 13:1 says, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” The shepherds’ news was in harmony with what the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary. The high and mighty people many times lack this receiving heart. Let us take time to search our own hearts and see if we count ourselves high and mighty in any area. Let God humble us so we may receive His word in entirety! The way Mary pondered in her heart is the way we should meditate on the scriptures and then the truth about them will be revealed to us. When we dwell on the Word of God, the light in the Word will come to light our lives with His heavenly wisdom.

The shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for what they have heard and seen. Not only did they receive the message, but they also acted based on the message given to them and are filled with joyous praises to the living God of Glory! When we hear something from the Lord, may we also have the same believing heart and if we are asked to act in faith, let us do so without questioning but simply trusting the Lord like the way the shepherds did. They were filled with praises and were glorifying God; let us also do the same. In truth, all the Word of God is given for our sakes. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Nothing in the Word of God should be questioned and it is given for instruction in righteousness.

I wish everyone A MERRY CHRISTMAS! Let the joy of the Lord fill your hearts now and forever!

Next: The Temptation of Jesus Christ – Part I

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Dec 24

The Birth of Jesus

Biblical Women Comments Off

Luke 2:1-7

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

During the time of emperor Caesar Augustus, he decided that the entire world should be taxed. During this time, the mother of Jesus was full with child. See the Savior of the World, was subject to taxation for He took the form of a servant and not as the King of Kings; He came as a servant to the Kings and yet was the King of Kings. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” He came to minister and give His life a ransom for many and not to be ministered to. Every one had to go to their city and so Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem of Judah for they were of David’s lineage, to fulfill the plan of God for the birth of Jesus Christ. Micah, a prophet prophesies the birth of Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem as it says in Micah 5:2. It says, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Bethlehem is the town of David’s birth and it was to be the town of Jesus’ birth. Jesus Christ was the son of David (Matthew 1:1). Even though the town is little among the thousands of Judah, through this little town the Savior, who was and is the Bread of Life was born. Bethlehem stands for “House of Bread” and the Bread of Life is our Savior Jesus Christ; any one who feeds on this divine Bread shall never hunger and so the divine plan for Jesus’ birth was in this little town. He chose the lowliest town and came through a Virgin Mary who was from a low estate.

While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished and Mary brought forth a child, who was their firstborn, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. There was no room in the inn for this Savior and Mary and Joseph had to find a place in the stable where the animals are kept and fed. Manger is the trough made of stone that is used to hold the food for the animals. The Savior had no cradle to lie in and He rested in a manger. Look at the most humble state in which Jesus was born; there was no room for Him; He was born in a stable; wrapped in swaddling clothes; laid in a manger. The one through whom the whole world would seek rest had no room for birth! The swaddling clothes are wrapped around a child to restrict movement and He was wrapped in these to keep Him from movement, yet He came to free us from our sin, error and guilt. When we are pining in error, we are wrapped in the swaddling clothes and lie in our devastated state until some one can grant us the Salvation and set us free. This some one is our Jesus Christ and let us all seek the freedom that He grants us which is precious and everlasting. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger alongside the animals there. He was the Good Shepherd who cared(s) for His flock (us) and brings us all under His shelter to be protected by Him. Under His care why should we be anxious or fret about anything?

Around this special season when we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, let us not so much dwell on the traditions and customs that overshadow why Jesus came to this earth. The traditions and customs make us lose focus on Jesus and turn our attention to the mundane stories not so divine. Jesus, the immaculate one, was God’s chosen one, God’s only son, who obeyed His Father to the fullest, let God’s will in His life, fulfilled God’s plan and purpose for our sakes yet is a God Himself, the Messiah of the World, who gave His life a ransom for us, that we through Him might gain eternal life.

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE! Focus on Jesus and be mightily blessed from the hand of God.

Next: The Shepherds and the Angels

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Dec 21

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Biblical Women Comments Off

Luke 1:26-38

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth to a Virgin whose name was Mary that was espoused to Joseph of the house of David. The angel’s first words were “Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”. The angel’s words reflect how favored Mary was that all the women will call her blessed. “Blessed!” she shall be called because she was going to bring forth the one who blesses the mankind with Salvation. Jews and the gentiles alike will gain eternal life through Him for God’s only redemption plan for us was through His son, Jesus Christ. He (Jesus) was to come through Mary, a Virgin and her conception was a divine one free of sin unlike the regular man’s birth. Jesus remained sinless right from His birth and Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit because she would bring forth the Holy One of Israel who is the Lion of Judah, the Salvation from whom should never be mocked at.

When Mary saw the angel, she was troubled at his saying and wondered what manner of salutation it was. She was brought the good tidings of great joy through the angel and this news was what the world looked for and the wise men waited for. The angel knew what Mary thought in her and said “Fear not, Mary”. When we have a God’s calling in our life many a time we wonder how it is all going to work out and some times we are struck by this feeling of fear. The words of Gabriel are very much applicable to us for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). The angel here had to say that Mary shall conceive and bring forth a son and He shall be called JESUS. He is the son of the Highest, the most Holy God and He shall have the throne of His father David and shall reign forever! Through Mary the great prophecies of old were to be fulfilled. This son of David, Jesus and His Kingdom shall not pass away. Daniel 2:44 says, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”

Mary’s response to the angel was to know how this was possible and this was a valid question well answered by the angel. This was an answer that we all should know in our hearts for we trust in the MOST HOLY GOD; His holiness is incomparable and is to be held with great reverence. The power of the Highest overshadowed her and the Holy One that came forth was (/is) called the Son of God. I wonder with what great awe Mary heard the angel’s explanation; she a lowly vessel was given the privilege to bear the Holy Son of God. Let us take a moment to reflect the privilege granted to us unworthy vessels; He bought us with that precious price that can never be paid by us. Everything about Jesus was and is HOLY yet He took the gravest of our mistakes upon Him. Why should we carry our guilt any more? Many times when we commit a sin we wonder if we ever can go back in time and fix it. You don’t need a time machine to travel back, you simply need Jesus! Jesus can and longs to pardon all our iniquities and sins; not just cancel them but cleans us of our sins for good. By cancelling there is this chance of emerging again but by cleansing in His blood there is no such chance. Be washed by the Blood of the Lamb that your heart may be made spotless and speckless like the heart of Jesus.

The angel also brought good news about Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin. Elizabeth was barren and was old in age, but God did the impossible to her. She was with a child for six months already and the angel carried this news for Mary. With God everything is possible. Elizabeth waited for many years for a child but in her old age she has conceived to bring forth a son, John the Baptist who prepared the way of Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 3:4). This was God’s plan; six months before the birth of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist was to be born. Mary was filled with immense joy in her heart for the wonderful news of a Savior through her and the news of Elizabeth’s conception. Mary answered, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” What a humble submission to God’s will! The humble acceptance of God’s will in her life reminds me of Ruth’s. Ruth 3:9 says, “And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” When Boaz asked Ruth who she was her humble answer speaks of the kind of protection she sought, under whose care she desired to be. Here Mary, God’s handmaid (servant), knew that her sole protector was Lord God and she yielded to His will because she knew in her heart that His care and protection are ultimate and that His will is the best for her! Do you have such a submissive heart? Are you yielding to the will of God in your life? If not this special season when all around us we hear the jingle bells ringing the birth of Jesus in our ears, make this wonderful decision of submitting yourself to the will of God!

Next: Mary Visits Elisabeth

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Nov 27

The Girl Vexed with Devil made Whole

Women that Received Physical and Spiritual Healing Comments Off

Matthew 15:21-28

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Jesus went to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. Sidon was the first born of Canaan (Genesis 10:15) and was the mother city of Tyre (Isaiah 23:12). Tyre and Sidon are related to Canaan and Jesus went to these coasts. Jesus’ departing to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon is similar to Elijah’s departure to Zarephath of Zidon as mentioned in the blog The Widow at Zarephath – Part I. God had spoken to Elijah to go to Zarephath and dwell with a widow there for she found favor in God’s eyes and was about to experience abundant grace of the Almighty at a juncture when famine was prevalent, through a great prophet sent as a savior unto her although she was not a Jew. Jesus went to these two coasts to preach the good tidings of great joy, to perform mighty miracles and to show His care and concern to men of every kindred.

A woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts and cried unto him saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David. Though this woman was of Canaan, she cried unto Him for mercy. She pleaded not for a worldly favor but for His mercy. May we also in our humility cry out unto Him for His mercy! She knew that He was a Lord and Son of David. She knew pretty well that He was a Jew but yet approached Him for she must have heard of His mercy and grace. The news of Savior spread to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon as well and how she longed for this Savior’s mercy. She besought Him and was full of faith that He would grant her, her sincere plea. She sought His mercy as her daughter was grievously vexed with devil. She was a caring mother who could not see the suffering of her daughter. We as parents must seek the best interests of our children and plead the Lord for His mercy upon them. When we in faith carry our requests on behalf of our children, He will not shun us away. We have an ultimate friend who not only carried our sins and grief but we are privileged to carry our burdens unto Him in a prayer. He waits to hear our requests and pleas.

He answered her not a word. She brought in this request unto Him knowing pretty well that she can find His mercy and grace but Jesus did not respond to her. Many times in our lives too when we carry our requests to Him, He does not respond. He waits to build the right character in us, a character that is more pleasing to Him than our current state. Waiting does shape in us a special trait called patience for without patience what is a person in Christ for? And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. The disciples now intervened and pleaded the Master to send her away for she cries unto them as well. The intervention of His disciples is much like our intercession for the other people. Look, the Master now speaks! We are His disciples and the disciples’ asking Him to send her away is suggestive that they were tired of her pleading not only to Jesus but also to the disciples. Here is a woman who cried unto the Master directly for His mercy and when He did not respond approached His disciples and pleaded them. We too should request the people in Christ to pray for our sakes. We should not get tired of praying and pleading. When we do not hear from Him, that is when we should be more fervent in our prayers and seek the other believers in the Body of Christ to uphold our requests. The disciples spoke to the Master on her behalf and wanted Jesus to send her away. Although it is not clear whether they wanted the Master to grant her the request, I can imagine that they wanted Him to grant her request so that she would not bother them anymore.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus is now saying that He came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel and not for the gentiles. He was thus testing her endurance to stand the test of faith and hang on to her petition although He did not address her directly. He is a God of mercy and grace and I am confident that she had heard of Him thus. But what He is saying now contradicts His character but will she still believe and trust in Him? He was testing her of this. He tests us as well and his silence for our petitions implies that He is working His character in us. It is not that He putting a deaf ear to our requests. He is well aware of the urgency of these requests yet He makes us wait so that we are turned into pure gold that stood the test of fire.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. She did not get offended when He said He came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. She did not apply to her and say that she is not a Jew and hence give up. Instead she turned around and worshipped Him. This woman was a woman of great faith and she worshipped Him when all she senses is a person turned down. She humbles herself and much to a human’s surprise worships Him. She says, “Lord, help me!” She is begging for His help for she very well knows that the help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). John 1 clearly explains that the Light of the World, Jesus was with God from the beginning. So this Canaanite woman believed in the authority of Jesus over every power and principality and especially over the devil that troubled her daughter.

 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Jesus is responding to her who sought His help that it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to dogs. The children here are the Jews while the dogs are the Canaanites or gentiles. He referred to her as a dog. But her answer speaks the humility with which she accepts herself as a dog. The Master will not look down upon us His children but will see if we are humble enough to enjoy His divine blessings. He was simply testing her faith, her humility and her perseverance. Her answer was that the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their Masters’ table. She is just asking for a crumb of blessing from the tons of blessings that the Master has for His children. She is willing to wait at the Master’s table and be blessed by a little crumb that falls off the table. Oh, how great is this woman’s faith and endurance?

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Now the Master moves in an amazing way in her life and fills her with His mercy and compassion. He was impressed by this woman’s faith. He granted her of her one petition and her daughter was made whole that very hour. Her daughter though not right besides her, received His blessing that very hour and the mother here rejoiced in this miracle and in the Lord before her. Her heart must have overflowed with joy that is beyond explanation. Her prayer for her own daughter is an example to us parents today. We should hang on to our petitions for our children and beg Him of His mercy and worship Him even though the situation does not fade away. He shapes heavenly character in us and one day we will be mightily blessed like the way this woman was blessed. He is hearing our pleas and though He seems to not respond, be encouraged that He is shaping His character in us and when He sees us like He wants to see us, our request will be granted. Amen!

Tomorrow: A Disciple Named Tabitha or Dorcas from Joppa

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Nov 09

Bathsheba, the Wife of Uriah

Women in the Lineage of Christ Comments Off

II Samuel 11:1-4, 27

 1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 2And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
27And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

I have heard many preachers mention that “David was a man after God’s own heart” and “David was a man of war”. What confirms that David was a man of war is the verse from I Chronicles 22:8: “ But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.” In other words, David’s son King Solomon was to build the temple in Jerusalem because David was a man of war. II Samuel 11:1 says that David at this one point in his life did not go to war and instead sent Joab, his servants and all of Israel. Joab and the men destroyed Ammon and besieged Rabbah. While the nation of Israel was celebrating the great victory, King David committed a great sin by staying home and not going to war. David’s one gift was to wage a war and bring victory to Israel. This time he failed to wage a war against the Satan and yielded to temptation and committed a sin.

In the evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of his house. While taking a walk he noticed a beautiful woman washing herself. He was immediately filled with lust for her. He enquired who she was and got to know that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. David sent messengers to her and committed the adulterous act. Bathsheba sent a word to King David saying she was with a child. When Uriah returned from war, David met up with Uriah and requested him to go to his home to be with his wife. Uriah did not go back to his home and rested in his bed with the servants of King David.

David came up with an evil plan and sent a note to Joab to set Uriah at the forefront in the tough battle where the valiant men were, so that Uriah would be killed. Joab followed King David’s plan and Uriah, the Hittite died. After a time of mourning by Bathsheba for Uriah, David sent for Bathsheba and took her to his wife. This act displeased the Lord God.

God sent Prophet Nathan to warn King David and to bring him to the knowledge of repentance. Nathan ministers to David’s heart by narrating a story and David immediately realized how great a sin he had committed. II Samuel 12:13 says, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”

King David and Bathsheba had a child but God struck the child with sickness. Although David pleaded God for this child, the child died on the seventh day. Later God blessed King David and Bathsheba with a son who was the wisest King of Israel, King Solomon. God forgave King David for he repented of his sin and sought God’s forgiveness. My post from October 13, 2009, “Broken Spirit and a Contrite Heart” speaks on Psalm 51 that King David wrote immediately after committing this sin in his life. God accepted King David’s prayer and saw his broken spirit and a contrite heart and blessed him later. Thus Bathsheba too was blessed afterwards.

In Matthew 1 where the genealogy of Christ is mentioned we see a reference to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah who later was the wife of King David. Matthew 1:6 says, “And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;” God did not choose Michal, King Saul’s daughter who was the wife of King David or Abigail or any other of King David’s wives but He chose Bathsheba with whom King David had committed adultery. God blessed Bathsheba because of King David’s wholehearted repentance. God chose a vessel of dishonor to make it honorable in His sight for His glory. God’s heart is after the people who break open their hearts and seek His forgiveness with humble hearts.

If any of you are suffering because of a hidden sin in your life, step out to the Lord God with a humble heart and seek His forgiveness and receive His mighty blessings. It is time now to be cleansed of all the spots and specks on your heart. He blots out all our transgressions and sets us free. You will be a mighty blessing to many souls that yearn for the true love of God. This true love was exhibited for you and me on the Holy Cross of Calvary by Jesus of Nazareth through whom our hearts will be made as white as snow.

Tomorrow: Little Servant Girl with a Mighty Blessing

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Nov 07

The Narrow Way vs. the Broad Way (Ruth vs. Orpah)

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Ruth 1:14
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Elimelech and Naomi were living in Bethlehem, Judah and they were Ephrathites. They traveled from Judah to Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion. The reason they moved from Bethlehem to Moab is because a famine struck the land, while the judges ruled the land. After Elimelech and Naomi reached Moab, Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons Mahlon and Chilion. Mahlon and Chilion married Moabite women Ruth and Orpah respectively. After ten years of livelihood in Moab, Mahlon and Chilion died as well. Naomi was a bereft mother, left with her two daughters in law. Naomi made a wonderful decision of returning to her own land because she had heard how Lord visited His people and the land was blessed with bread again.

Naomi requested Ruth and Orpah to return to their own land Moab saying (Ruth 1:8-9), “Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.” We understand that Ruth and Orpah were kind to Naomi and her family. Naomi was meaning well for her daughters in law and was trusting that the Lord will grant them rest by blessing them with husbands in their land. She kissed them and they three wept loudly. Ruth and Orpah insisted that they go with Naomi to her people.

Naomi again requested Ruth and Orpah to return to their land. This time Naomi explains them why they should return and strongly urged them not to follow her. In Ruth 1:11-13 “And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” Naomi also said that her heart is filled with grief for her daughters in law that the hand of the Lord is gone out against her.

It is very clear that Naomi and her daughters in law enjoyed a sound relationship. They cared for each other. Naomi wanted her daughters in law to find rest in their husbands’ homes. She knew in her heart that she would not have any more sons and even if she marries again and has sons that the wait for her daughters in law would be too long. At this stage we see that they all wept yet again. Ruth 1:14 says “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.” Orpah got convinced and kissed her mother in law and returned to her own land Moab while Ruth adhered to her mother in law.

Orpah and Ruth were on the crossroads at this point. They could choose one way or the other; that is they could return to Moab or stick to their mother in law and go to Bethlehem of Judah. Moab represents the broad way while Bethlehem represents the narrow way. Firstly, Moab was born to Lot and his daughter after the destruction of Sodom. Though Moabites and Israelites were related and have the same roots from Terah, they had conflicts because of Moab’s birth which was incestuous. Secondly, Sihon, King of Amorites did not let the Israelites pass by when they were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, as it is said in Numbers 21:21-23. Also, we see that Moabite King Balak appointed a prophet Balaam to speak against Israelites as said in Numbers 22:5-6. On the other hand, Bethlehem is comprised of two words Bethel (House of God) and Lehem (Bread). In other words, Bethlehem is where God and His people resided and it was filled with bread. This bread is the “Bread of Life”.

Way of Moab or the broad way is the way traveled by many that leads to eternal damnation. Way of Bethlehem or the narrow way is the way least traveled and leads to eternal life. Matthew 7:13-14 says “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The narrow way is the way of the truth and the life. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Orpah chose to go back to Moab while Ruth went on with Naomi. Ruth was blessed and married Boaz and gave birth to Obed. Ruth 4:21-22 says, “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” Ruth was redeemed by Boaz just the same way you and I are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. This blood was shed by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. You and I have a choice as well. We could choose the broad way that leads to destruction or the narrow way that leads to eternal life. This choice dictates your eternal journey. Are you on the crossroads today? Will you choose the narrow way like Ruth did?

Tomorrow: Two way rest for Naomi and Ruth

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Nov 06

Tamar’s Righteousness Rewarded

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Genesis 38:24-26

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Judah, the son of Jacob and Leah, married the daughter of a Canaanite whose name was Shuah. He had three sons Er, Onan and Shelah through her. Er who was wicked in the eyes of God was married to Tamar. Because of Er’s wickedness the Lord slew him. Judah asked his second son Onan to marry Tamar. Onan knew that he did not want to give his seed to his brother and spills his seed; therefore God slew him for dishonoring Him. Judah requested Tamar to remain a widow until his youngest son grew old enough. But he forgot to give Tamar as wife to Shelah when it was time.

Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shuah passed away. Judah went with his friend Hirah the Adullamite to shear his sheep at Timnath. The word reached Tamar that her father-in-law was going to Timnath to shear his sheep. She dressed as harlot by covering her face with a veil and sat on the roadside of Timnath. Judah noticed her and thought her to be a harlot and lied with her. Tamar asked what he would give her. Judah promised to send a kid from his flock. Tamar requested for a token until the kid reaches her. Judah gave his signet, a cord and staff. Tamar was impregnated by Judah. Judah sent a kid with his friend Hirah, the Adullamite and Hirah could not find the harlot because Tamar went back and dressed as a widow.

Judah got to know that his daughter-in-law played the harlot and was with a child; Judah did not realize that she was his harlot and was infuriated with the news and was determined to burn her. When Tamar was brought before Judah, she said (Genesis 38:25) “By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.” Immediately Judah recognized the tokens and repented of his unrighteousness and said (Genesis 38:26), “She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son.” Tamar really wanted children of her own and Judah failed to keep his promise.

Tamar gave birth to twins, Pharez and Zarah. Through Pharez her first born, the mighty king of Israel, David was born. Ruth 4:18-22 says, “Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” Matthew 1 speaks of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1 says, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Pharez the son of Tamar is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Savior of the mankind.

Judah says that the righteousness of Tamar was more than his own righteousness. In other words, Tamar’s act was justified. She was married to Er, a wicked man and Onan, who defiled her and now her father-in-law did not keep his word to marry her to his third son Shelah. But the Lord God dealt with her kindly and rewarded her. Her reward was that she bore a son who was later in the genealogy of King David and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Man might forget to keep his promise but God’s promises will never fail. Tamar waited patiently until Shelah grew up, but her own father-in-law betrayed her. She was faithful in that she did not marry another man and waited patiently in hope of getting married to Shelah. God humbled Judah and blessed Tamar by this whole incident. In I Samuel 26:23, King David tells King Saul, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness.” Yes, the Lord rewards us for our righteousness and our faithfulness. He sees the heart of every man and woman. May the Lord help us to be committed righteous men and women!

Tomorrow: The Narrow Way vs. the Broad Way (Ruth vs. Orpah)

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