Bridge Community Church Harstine Island

Saul believed the Christians were evil heretics that should be stamped out immediately. He believed Jesus was an impostor. He did all he could to destroy the Christians. After he persecuted those in Jerusalem, he received authority from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem for trial and possible execution.

The 140 mile trip to Damascus would take about a week. As Saul neared Damascus Jesus intercepted him by blinding him with a light brighter than the sun. He told Saul to go into Damascus and he would be told what to do. Saul had been doing what he wanted. Now he was willing to do what Jesus told him to do. This was a great transformation. Every true follower of Christ desires to do what Christ wants him to do

Jesus appeared to Ananias, one of the Christians in Damascus, and told him to go to Straight Street, to Judas’ house, and inquire for Saul. Ananias was very reluctant, because he had heard of Saul’s violent persecution of the believers. He did go, as Jesus instructed. He said, “Brother Saul.” He believed Jesus had changed Saul’s heart. Saul received his sight and was baptized.

Saul immediately preached in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. He went to the place where he was known for his hatred of Jesus and told that he believed in Jesus now. His life was greatly transformed. It was obvious to everyone. When we meet Jesus our life is transformed. We have a new life, new purpose, new strength, and new destiny. God doesn’t want us to be ‘secret service’ Christians, hiding our love for Christ.

Saul soon experienced the persecution that he had been intending to give to the Christians in Damascus. His message was very persuasive as he proved from the Scripture that Jesus is the Messiah. The Jews plotted to kill him. They watched the gates of Damascus day and night to kill him. The disciples let him down through the wall in a large basket (II Cor. 11:32-33).

When he sought to join the disciples in Jerusalem, they were all afraid of him, suspecting a trap. Barnabas told them how Saul had seen the Lord, believed in Him, and preached boldly in Damascus. In Jerusalem, Saul spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Jews attempted to kill him. He was taken to Caesarea and sent to his home town of Tarsus.

Stephen, Ananias, and Barnabas all had an important part in Saul coming to Jesus and becoming a committed follower of Jesus. Who have you helped come to love and follow Jesus? We each can be an encourager as Barnabas was.

How has your life been transformed by Jesus? Anyone who is following Jesus will be like Him “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” ^ESV 1 John 2: 6   “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”.  ^ESV Luke 6:40

     It is a great privilege to be in God’s family. He wants every one of us to love Him and do His will. We honor our heavenly Father as we love those near us. We can be an encourager like Barnabas (son of encouragement) and help another to be welcomed into the Christian fellowship and grow in Christ.

God used persecution to scatter the Christians from Jerusalem so that many outside Jerusalem would hear the gospel. Philip, one of the seven, preached Christ in Samaria. Many responded by trusting in Christ. Miracles confirmed the message, and those possessed by evil spirits were delivered from Satan. This brought great joy in that city.

Simon, a sorcerer, had been regarded as ‘the great power of God’. He had astonished people with his sorceries for a long time. He believed and was baptized and continued with Philip, being amazed at the miracles and signs.

Peter and John came from Jerusalem, prayed and laid their hands on the believers so they received the Holy Spirit. This showed that the Samaritans, whom the Jews hated, and with whom they had no dealings, were accepted as fellow believers and heirs of the kingdom.

Simon wanted the power to lay hands on people and cause them to receive the Holy Spirit. So, he offered money to the apostles to receive this power. Peter sharply rebuked him, saying, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God s could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” Acts 8:20-22) He asked the apostles to pray for him.

The unregenerate heart is contaminated and defiled by pride, rebellion, bitterness, deceit, fear, and worry. It does not love for God. The Lord searches every heart (Jer. 17:10; I Chronicles 28:9). Our defiled hearts have broken our relationship with God (Mark 7:21-23). 

Only Christ can cleanse our hearts. Peter testified that God who knows the heart gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit when they trusted Christ (Acts 15:8).  We also are commanded to ‘purify our hearts’ (James 4:8). We are to actively cooperate with God in cleansing our hearts of every attitude, thought, motive, and desire that is not controlled by Christ.  We must learn to love righteousness and hate evil, beginning in our own heart. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart’ (Matt. 5:8). We should pray daily, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me’ (Psa. 51:10).  While a clean body and clean house are important, a clean heart is most important.

Philip left the crowd at Samaria and spoke with one person on the desert road south of Jerusalem. The Ethiopian official was reading the scroll of Isaiah. The Spirit directed Philip to join him. The official wanted to know of whom the prophet was speaking. Philip told him about Jesus. Immediately the man believed and wanted to express his faith in baptism. Are we willing and available to speak of Jesus with those God brings into our lives? Could you show another person from the Bible who Jesus is and what it means to trust in Him? Do you love God and others enough to share the gospel so they can be reconciled to God?

The followers of Christ were very generous and caring. They shared with one another. Ananias and Sapphira also gave the proceeds of the sale of their property, but kept some back while pretending to give everything. What motivated them to lie? Satan is a liar and the ‘father of lies’ (John 8:44; Gen. 3:1-5). Satan filled Ananias’ heart to lie to the Holy Spirit.

What would motivate a person to lie? fear, greed, pride, bitterness, hypocrisy. Can you remember lying? What motivated you to lie? What does one expect to gain by lying? What are the consequences of lying? Ananias and Sapphira died.

Why did Ananias and Sapphira die? Is lying that serious? What would get our attention and cause us to realize how important truth is and what a serious offense lying is? If every person who lied today died immediately who would be left?

God is a God of truth. He cannot lie, since it is contrary to His character (Titus 1:2). The Holy Spirit is the ‘Spirit of truth’ who guides us into all truth (John 16:13; 14:16-17). God hates lying (Prov. 6:16-19). ‘…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death’ (Rev. 21:8, 27).

Those who love Jesus want to please Him and keep His commandments (John 14:15). Our physical body doesn’t function well if its members send false messages, like phantom pain. So, the body of Christ needs to speak truth to one another in love (Eph. 4:15). We are to put aside lying since we are members of the same body (Eph. 4:25), and speak what is good for necessary edification—building up—that it may impart grace to the hearers (Eph. 4:29).We are to think the truth (Phil. 4:8-9). We are to ‘love the truth (II Thess. 2:10). We are to ‘walk in truth’ (3John 3,4).

Are you known as a person of truth? Is you word your bond? Do you fulfill your word if at all possible? It is very important to speak truth in our hearts (Psa. 15:2). We are not to deceive ourselves (James 1:22) but be doers of the Word.

Satan’s deceptive ideas which we believe and live by are his strongholds in our hearts (II Cor. 10:4). If we do not receive the love of the truth, that we may be saved, God will send strong delusion, that we would believe the lie (II Thess. 2:11). Those who turn away from God exchange the truth of God for the lie (Rom. 1:25). The fundamental lie of Satan is what he told Eve in the Garden: You can be as gods, deciding for yourselves good and evil. Be your own god.

Today, he still tells us: You can decide for yourself what is good for you. Do you believe him?

 The Day of Pentecost was a Jewish festival fifty days after Passover celebrating the harvest of grain. Every Jewish man was required to go to the temple for this celebration. It is also called the Feast of Firstfruits because the first fruits of harvest were offered to the LORD at the temple.

As the followers of Christ were gathered in one accord prayer, the sound of a strong wind filled the whole house and divided tongues as of fire sat upon each of them. Men from the whole world who were in Jerusalem heard these disciples speaking in their native languages the wonderful works of God. 

Peter stood and told everyone that this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28-32). Jesus, the Risen Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, has sent the Holy Spirit.  You crucified Him but God raised Him from the dead. 

When the people asked, “What shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” “Be saved from this crooked generation.”  About 3000 receive the word and were baptized. 

These continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42). They received the teaching of the apostles about who Jesus is, and what He did, and what it meant to trust and obey Him. They became joint participants in the body of Christians, taking part in the service and activities of the church. They were hospitable to one another, sharing meals and the Lord’s supper in their homes. They united in prayer, being guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, praying that Jesus would be known, and honored and trusted and obeyed as He should be. Praise to the Lord was common among them. It was motivated by fervent love (I Peter 1:22).

They gladly shared their possessions with one another so that no one was in need. This was not communism, which is totalitarian government confiscation of private property and forced labor. Christian love and voluntary generosity is the motivation for biblical giving and sharing. The command, “Thou shalt not steal.” assumes private ownership of property. This command applies to government as well as individual. It is wicked for the government to take from producers and give to non producers. It is right for everyone to voluntarily give to those who have need. They need friendship, love, counsel, training, support and encouragement, as well as money. They need the love of Christ.

Every healthy church needs what the early church had:  The Spirit of God indwelling every person, the sound teaching of the Word of God, strong fellowship –every person participating in the body of Christ, and united one accord prayer guided by the Holy Spirit and Word of God seeking the honor of Christ and the building of His kingdom.

Do you have all these in your life? If there is a weak area, what will you do about it? Do you see others with needs? Will you reach out and share with them love, encouragement, support and assistance?

 The book of Acts, commonly called ‘The Acts of the Apostles’ would better be called “The Works of Jesus—Volume II”. Jesus continues His work as He establishes His church. He works through His chosen apostles to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and His resurrection.

The book of Acts is Volume II of Luke’s record. William M. Ramsay, an English scholar, doubted the reliability of Luke’s account. But careful study of the historical facts convinced Ramsay that Luke was a historian of the first rank with complete accuracy of names, titles, events, and purpose.

Jesus repeats the Great Commission as He tells His followers “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ESV Acts 1:8 He promises them the power to carry out His command. What He commands, He also enables us to do as we depend on His power.

The good news of His love and grace is to be proclaimed in our home town and area, as well as to those who may be enemies or outcasts, and throughout the whole world. Everyone needs to hear of Christ.

Jesus’ ascension into heaven ends His resurrection appearances and makes possible His sending the Holy Spirit to be with every believer all the time. No one can live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit who is our teacher, Comforter, Helper, strength, and life. He guides us into all the truth and reminds us of what Jesus taught.

The church is the followers of Christ assembled for worship, fellowship, instruction, and communion and prayer. The church was born in a prayer meeting. They were all in one accord in prayer. This included the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus and His brothers. These brothers had long doubted His claims, but the resurrection convinced them and they joined the group.

MatthIas was chosen to replace Judas, the traitor, as a witness of the resurrection. He is not mentioned again in the New Testament.

Prayer is essential for every Christian today. While we are to pray without ceasing, we are also to unite in prayer with other believers. There is great effectiveness in united prayer. Just as a laser is concentrated light, so united prayer concentrates our petitions to the Lord. We join as a team to pray for God’s will to be done for His glory.

As the Holy Spirit produces in our lives the fruit of the Spirit Christ is glorified. (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ESV Galatians 5:22-23)There is no church without the Holy Spirit. We are commanded: “Be filled with the Spirit” Eph. 5:18. This is a command, not optional, present tense indicating that it is a continuing action, passive indicating that it is not our work but God’s work, and plural showing that it is for all God’s people. We need to be continuously filled with the Spirit, which means that He enables and controls all our lives. We should continuously welcome the filling of the Spirit to enable us to love, rejoice, have peace in our hearts and words, patience in every situation, kindness to all, etc.

As we remember the humble birth of Christ as a helpless baby born in a poor family it is easy to fail to see His exalted position as Christ the Lord.

IN Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They are hidden, not so we can’t find them, but so we can discover the wonder of His infinite wisdom and knowledge. Righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are in His wisdom (I Cor. 1:30). Only He is the way to God, the true revelation of God, and eternal life from God. 

IN Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in bodily form (Col. 2:9). He is the heir of all things, the creator of all things, the brightness of His glory, the express image of the Father, and upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:1-3).
 He is the head of all rule and authority (Col. 2:10). All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). He is head of the church, the firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18). 

We receive this wonderful Savior by faith—believing that He is who He says He is and that He will do all He promises to do. Now, we walk in Him—in daily fellowship with Him as we progress in our pilgrimage to heaven. We are rooted as a sturdy plant, taking in nourishment and refreshment from Him as a plant through its roots receives water and nutrients and is supported by its roots. We are built up in Him, build upon Him as our foundation and given order and stability as a building is constructed and held together. We abound in thanksgiving as we focus upon His continual grace and goodness to us. He takes even the harmful aspects of our life and uses them for our good.

He is our completion, our fullness. He fills us with Himself, satisfying our hearts by reconciling us to the Father, giving us purpose and power to live in fellowship with Him, and assuring us that our destination is eternal fellowship with Him.

We must beware of those who would deceive and distract us from Christ. There were teachers in Colosse who urged them to approach God through angels or through keeping certain holy days or by self denial. Paul urges them to find their complete satisfaction in Christ. So, today some say we should approach God through Mary or some ‘saints’. Christ is our Mediator (I Tim. 2:5-6).  We may deceive ourselves thinking we must improve our lives before we come to God. Or, later, after we have done what we want, we will come to God. Satan loves for us to think we can come to God when it is convenient. Today is the only day we have. Today is the day to come to Christ and to live in fellowship with Christ.

Christ is our life. We are buried with Him in baptism—which is a picture of death to the old life and resurrection to new life in Him. The old life is cut off so we may enjoy new life in Christ. Now we seek things which are above, where Christ our life is. These things last for eternity. Christ is all and in all (Col. 3:11)

Remember that there are many attractive things that can distract us from a living growing walk with Christ. Let us beware of anything that would plunder and spoil our walk with Christ.

A friend asked me: “Do you have the mind of Christ?” We also need to ask, “What is the mind of Christ?” 

   In Phil. 2:5-8 Jesus is described as humble, obedient, submissive to His Father. He did not hang onto His heavenly privileges (II Cor. 8:9) but humbled Himself to be come a helpless baby in a poor family. He experienced hunger, weariness, loneliness, abuse, criticism, false accusation, scourging, crucifixion, and death. He was fully obedient to His Heavenly Father (as well as His earthly step-father). He fully honored His Heavenly Father. He became a servant—He preached the gospel to the poor, healed the sick, cast out demons, fed the hungry, called and taught His disciples. He prayed for His disciples and He still prays for us today (Rom. 8:34).  He had compassion on the crowds of people because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36-38). He bore the sin of many—all who trust in Him. (Isa. 53:12; I Peter 2:24)

    This attitude is not attractive to our old sinful nature. We want to hang onto our privileges, protect ourselves and our rights. Only as we draw near to Christ and abide in Him will we come to desire to think like He things, and have the values He has. He valued the people that others despised. He valued what lasts for eternity instead of what is only temporary. He willingly endured suffering, pain, ridicule and death to bring pardon, eternal life, and peace to us. He trusted His Father to judge righteously and correct the wrongs He suffered. (I Pet. 2:21-24)  He expected joy and satisfaction would be the result of obeying His Father. (Heb. 1:2; Isa. 53:11

    To have the mind of Christ we must desire it, abide in Christ, meditate on the Word of God, be filled with the Spirit of God. We must consider Jesus. We must desire to value what He values, see people as He sees them. We must die to self and cultivate a pure heart. As we focus our thoughts and desires on Him we will become more like Him. ^ESV 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Jesus came to teach us and to be an example of what God wants us to be. The Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7 is some of his great teaching. The Beatitudes describe the character that God will bless. Jesus is the perfect example of this character.

--POOR IN SPIRIT We are spiritually bankrupt, utterly destitute of spiritual life and righteousness until we come to Christ. Jesus had no sin, but he fully depended on His Father. He was the most humble person who ever lived on this earth.

--MOURN We should be sorrowful and repentant of our offenses against God. We should also mourn for the dishonor to God’s name and reputation. We should sorrow for the suffering and grief that others experience because of sin. Jesus mourned over Jerusalem because they did not repent and turn to God.

--MEEK Meekness is strength under control like a well trained horse. Jesus was completely submissive to His Father. He prayed, “Not my will be done, but Your will.” We are to be submissive to our Father

--HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS Jesus perfectly loved righteousness and hated evil (Heb. 1:9). He is our righteousness (II Cor. 5:21). We are righteous only in Him.

--MERCIFUL Jesus was merciful. He prayed “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” He was compassionate to the sick, those in bondage and to the outcasts and sinners. We are to be forgiving and compassionate.

--PURE IN HEART. Jesus was pure in heart. He pleased His Father. We need to have our thoughts, motives, desires, and attitudes controlled by Christ. “To the pure all things are pure” (Titus 1:15). “Create in me a clean heart.” (Psa. 51:10). Jesus applies the Ten Commandments to our hearts (Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28).

--PEACEMAKER Jesus was the greatest peacemaker. He came to make peace between us and God. He paid the price to atone for our sin. He calls us to be peacemakers by bringing others to trust in God and by bringing reconciliation and forgiveness where there is hatred and hostility.

--PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS Jesus suffered for righteousness. He was falsely accused, slandered, maliciously attacked and crucified. He was totally innocent, but he took the punishment for our offenses. ESV 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, Let us not compromise our faith to avoid criticism and opposition.

--FOR MY SAKE This gives the motivation for this life and character. We are not serving self or seeking to deserve God’s love and blessing. We desire Jesus to be honored, to receive the credit, to be worshipped.

BLESSED means favored by God. The greatest favor God gives is Himself. He loves us and delights that we love Him. His great commandment is that we love Him with all our heart. He satisfies our hearts. He accepts us, provides for us, protects us in His kingdom. He rules in our hearts for our good. He comforts our sorrows. He forgives our offenses. He calls us His children. What will you do to become more like Jesus?

We may be ‘disappointed with God’ because He doesn’t give us what we want. We may think God isn’t good. So what could be the problem?

The people in Malachi’s time said, 'What's the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD Almighty that we are sorry for our sins? “NLT Malachi 3:14 They had poor crops and meager harvests. They thought God was failing to provide and protect them.

God sent Malachi to give them a different view—something new to consider! God said that He did love them and chose them instead of Esau, but they didn’t love Him. The priests were offering defective sacrifices which they would never give to the governor. They were violating the covenant that God made with their ancestor Levi. Their worship was offensive to God so that it would be better for someone to shut the door to the temple and leave it empty.

The people were adulterers, liars, oppressing the laborers, widows and orphans, and rejecting the homeless. They did not fear God. But God was still merciful and called to them, “Return to me and I will return to you” says the LORD of hosts. They asked, “How shall we return?” God replied, “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. ESV Malachi 3:8-11

‘Contrary to the normal biblical pattern, the people were invited to put God to the test. If they would honor him by reversing their robbery and in a show of true repentance bring what he required, he would shower them with excessive abundance, protect them from locusts (the devourer) and they would be the delight of the nations’ (John MacArthur).
Some of the people did fear God and spoke of Him. God promised to write them in a book of remembrance. The sun of righteousness would shine on them with healing in its wings. “You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall” (4:2).

When calves are released to pasture after having been confined to a small stall for an expended period, when they are turned out to a big pasture they leap and jump for joy. The picture is one of a joyful, vigorous and free life. Loving God limits us from things that are destructive and harmful, but frees us to joy and liberty in Christ.

If life is burdensome and necessities are sparse we should consider if we are really loving and fearing God. Or, is our worship merely going through the forms and a drudgery instead of a delight. Deprivation and difficulty isn’t always caused by our own departure from God. Many godly people have suffered for their faith. Jesus lived in poverty. Paul suffered much opposition and persecution. But we should honestly ask if we are loving God wholeheartedly and giving Him our best, or just going through religious activities out of habit or custom and not truly loving God. Honest consideration will lead us to joyful restoration to our loving heavenly Father.

Nehemiah had a very important job as cupbearer or butler for King Ahasueras, ruler of the Persian Empire. When he heard of the distress and reproach of the Jews in Jerusalem and the broken down walls and burned gates he was deeply concerned. He prayed earnestly for God to move the king to grant assistance. This prayer showed that he truly depended on God, not just the king. Nehemiah prayed often throughout his life, requesting God's direction, protection and strength. Nehemiah requested leave from his job as cupbearer and money and materials to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The king granted his request, so Nehemiah and others journeyed to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.

Nehemiah served the Lord and the people of Jerusalem. He didn't receive the governor's allowance. He saw the great need for protection for Jerusalem by having a strong wall around the city to protect from raiding bands of robbers. He obtained first hand information by surveying the wall by night. Then he encouraged the people "Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach" (Neh. 2: 17). "And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me" (Neh. 2:18).

Nehemiah persevered when face by opposition. When laughed at and despised, Nehemiah said, "The God of heaven Himself will prosper us" (Neh. 2:20). Nehemiah served wisely by assigning each group of workers a specific section of the wall to build. Many of these sections adjoined their homes, so they would want to make that section of the wall strong.

Nehemiah served unselfishly by putting in long hours overseeing the work and encouraging the workers. He made wise arrangements for the protection of the workers-having some with weapons ready while others worked.

Nehemiah cared for the welfare of the people by working with Ezra to provide the teaching of the Word of God. He promoted godly marriage, by urging them not to marry heathen wives, and to separate from ungodly relationships. He promoted the honor of God by prohibiting trade on the Sabbath and promoting sincere worship in the temple.

We need godly leaders in every area of life today. We need leaders in our families, church, community and nation who will honor God, serve unselfishly, and courageously promote righteousness.

Every person has some leadership responsibility or is preparing for some responsibility. We each need to rely on the Lord in every area of life. Prayer expresses our dependence on the Lord.

We must evaluate every candidate for governmental office regarding his or her moral and spiritual character and their support of biblical values. Voting records are an important source of information. We are also responsible to pray for those in office to obey the Lord and protect life, property, liberty and conscience. We are responsible to support them when they do right and reprove them when they do wrong.

Suspense, danger, intrigue, pride, stupidity, lust, greed, abuse of power, and humble service are all in this short book of Esther. The Jewish people who continued to live in the Persian kingdom were productive and beneficial to the kingdom, but they faced the hatred of anti-Semitism. God was protecting His people. Although He is not mentioned in this book, His hand is shown in the providential ordering of events.

Ahasuerus is the Hebrew name and Xerxes the Greek name of the king of Persia in 486-464 B.C. He gave a great banquet over a period of 6 months preparing for the invasion of Greece. In the closing week of this feast, he ordered the queen, Vashti, to display her beauty. She was removed from being queen because she refused this unwise demand. The army suffered a severe defeat by Greece and Ahasuerus consoled himself with his harem.

Mordecai cared for his cousin, Esther, an orphan. He also reported an attempted assassination of the king. This was found to be accurate and the perpetrators were executed. Ester was chosen as the new queen.

Haman was made the new 'prime minister' but Mordecai refused to bow to him. When Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he vowed to destroy all the Jews. Ahasuerus gave permission to destroy the Jews. Mordecai mourned and fasted in sackcloth when he learned of this decree. There was confusion in the capital city of Shushan. There is confusion when the wrong people are in charge, and when our flesh controls our life.

Mordecai appealed to Esther to intercede for the Jews. When she wavered because of possible death, Mordecai said, ESVEsther 4:14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" We each should ask, "What is God's purpose for me in my position?"

God's providence is seen in the king's sleepless night and the reading of the record of Mordecai's unrewarded deeds. Perhaps the king was very puzzled why Esther would risk her life to invite him and Haman to a banquet.

When Haman's character and evil deeds were exposed the king quickly had him executed. But, the law authorizing the murder of the Jews could not be rescinded. Mordecai was promoted to replace Haman. He devised a law that the Jews were authorized to defend themselves. This brought joy and gladness to the city. The right man was in charge protecting God's people.

'God is still on the throne, He ever cars for His own. His promise is true, He will not forget you. God is still on the throne.'

The Jewsannually celebrate Purim to remember God's deliverance from Haman's plot to destroy them. It is named after 'pur' the lot which Haman cast to determine the best time to carry out his destructive plan. We do well to celebrate our deliverance from Satan's bondage in sin and our freedom in Christ. We are free to love God and become like our Lord Jesus.

God promised He would restore Israel to her land after 70 years. Daniel prayed for this. Cyrus, the emperor of Persia, issued a decree that the LORD God of heaven commanded him to build a temple for the LORD in Jerusalem. He directed those who served the LORD to return to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel led this first return of 49,897 people in 538 B.C. It was a costly, tiring trip of 900 miles. It would be much easier to continue to live in Babylon where their friends and families lived. What motivated these people to return to Israel? Some loved adventure. Some loved the LORD and were committed to building a temple to honor the LORD. They would be pioneers, returning to a city that was largely desolate and rubble and without the protection of a city wall.

Those who returned with Zerubbabel built the altar and laid the temple foundation and then became engrossed in caring for their own concerns of crops and shelter. But they did not prosper. Haggai rebuked them and urged them to complete the temple and God would bless them. Zephaniah urged them to complete the temple because it was a necessary preparation for the Messiah to come. The enemies of the Jews also opposed the building and sent a letter to the king which brought an order to stop. Further search found Cyrus order to build.

Ezra led a much smaller return of about 2000 people in 457 B.C. They brought treasures for the temple worship. They fasted and prayed for the LORD’S protection instead of asking the king for soldiers to guard them. Ezra, the priest and scribe, had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10). The temple was no honor to God unless the people knew the LORD and worshipped and obeyed Him.

Do we love the Lord and endure hardship to serve Him? Or, do we live comfortably and drift along with the world? God calls us to learn from the teacher who follows Christ and trains others to follow Christ (II Tim. 2:1-2). We are to endure hardship like a good soldier and obey our Lord (II Tim. 2:3-4). As the athlete trains diligently and obeys the rules, we must equip ourselves for the opportunities the Lord will give us (II Tim. 2:5). Like the farmer who works wisely at the right time, we must work while we can and we will partake in the fruit of our labor (II Tim. 2:6).

Let us prepare our hearts to serve the Lord and teach others His way.
ESV Proverbs 4:23Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
ESV Psalm 19:14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

NKJ Psalm 119:9How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
ESV Psalm 1:2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Daniel was taken captive to Babylon while a teenager. He and his friends were given pagan names. He was educated in the Babylonian culture and customs. His purpose was to please God. He purposed not to defile himself with the food and drink of the pagan court. 1:8 He was courteous and respectful in his request to have a diet of vegetables and God blessed the request and gave him favor with the chief of the eunuchs.

The first six chapters of Daniel record six significant events in Babylon which show that God is sovereign in the affairs of nations and rulers. Daniel believed that God is sovereign in all events. The last six chapters record visions Daniel received that describe future events. God knows the end from the beginning. He may reveal it to His servants.

Daniel believed he had a purpose in this pagan court. He served faithfully and spoke the truth even when it was contrary to what the pagan ruler wanted to hear. He served four administrations: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.
Daniel lived in close fellowship with God. He prayed three times a day. Darius, in his pride, was tricked by his evil governors into making a law that for thirty days no one was permitted to pray to anyone except the king. Daniel continued according to his custom to pray three times a day to the Living God, while facing toward Jerusalem. He did not hide his devotion to God. God protected His faithful servant from this evil plot and displayed His control over evil men and hungry lions.

Daniel studied the Word of God as written by Jeremiah. He believed God would keep His word and cause His people to return to Jerusalem after 70 years. But he didn’t wait to see what would happen. He prayed a fervent prayer of confession of the sin of His people and acknowledged the just judgment of God upon their sin. He prayed that God would honor His name and His word by granting favor to the remnant and restoring them. 9:1-19

God gave Daniel insight into the spiritual battles in the heavenlies. The answer to Daniel’s prayer for wisdom was delayed three weeks because of evil spiritual forces. 10:11-12 God gave Daniel understanding of future events that would affect the people of Israel.

God revealed to Daniel that ‘the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits’ but there would be persecution and martyrdom for many. 11:32-35 He revealed to Daniel that ‘many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.’ 12:2-3

Daniel prophesied of ‘One like the Son of Man’ coming with the clouds of heaven, who was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one which shall not be destroyed. 7:13-14 The Lord Jesus Christ is this Son of Man.

LAMENTATONS
 Lamentations is an expression of deep grief because of the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the glorious temple built by Solomon. For nearly 400 years the temple had been the center of worship for the Jews. They felt secure in thinking that the LORD would never allow the destruction of this sacred temple. But, many of these Jewish people had turned away from the LORD and worshipped idols, oppressed the poor, cheated, lied, lived immorally, and forgot God. God sent prophets to warn them and call them to humble themselves, turn from their evil ways, pray to God for mercy and forgiveness. Most of those who heard the prophets only hardened their hearts against the message and the messenger. They put Jeremiah in prison, then in a dungeon and in a pit filled with mire where he would soon die. Only the intervention of Ebedmelech rescued him.

The Babylonians were God’s instrument of judgment which brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity in Babylon. In 605 B.C. the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, took many of the treasures and deported many leaders, and some outstanding young men, including Daniel. In 597 B.C. they deported more of the Jews, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. In 586 B.C. Jerusalem was conquered, sacked, and burned. The walls were torn down. Many Jews were killed, others were deported to Babylon.  The siege had been so severe that mothers ate their own children. The people were devastated and hopeless. 

Lamentations expresses this grief in five acrostic poems. Each verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In chapter three each letter of the alphabet begins three verses. It describes suffering from A to Z.

 Jesus, in the Beatitudes, says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” What should we mourn today? We should mourn our failure to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. We should mourn our offenses against others, our failures to show love and kindness, and our callousness to others’ feelings. We should mourn the dishonor given to our Lord. We should be grieved about the unbelief in our own hearts and in our loved ones. We should be grieved regarding the dishonor to God and His holy word in our culture. We should mourn with those who mourn because of their poverty and oppression at the hands of selfish and brutal people. Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem because they rejected Him and His message and would soon experience the severe judgment of God—the total destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D (Matt. 23:37-39).

 Praise God, there is genuine comfort for those who mourn over the things that offend God. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” ESV Lamentations 3:21-25

 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” Let us look to the LORD for mercy and kindness. He has chosen to be gracious to all who come to Him in humility and repentance. ESV 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel was a priest who was taken to Babylon as a captive in 597 B.C. God
called him as a prophet to declare God's message to the captives in Babylon.
Ezekiel is known for his visions of God and the angelic beings. He also had
visions of the temple in Jerusalem where the leaders were worshipping
abominable beasts and the women were worshipping Tammuz (Ezek. 8). He saw
the glory of God depart from the temple (Ez. 10: 18; 11:23).

The phrase 'know that I am the LORD' is used 63 times in Ezekiel. Many times
it is the judgment of God against Israel's sins and against the heathen nations that
will cause them to 'know that I am the LORD'. The people of Israel did not know
the LORD. They did not know His holy character or His love and grace. They
were occupied with their own desires and activities. They forgot that God brought
them out of Egyptian bondage, gave them a land in which to dwell, and made a
covenant that they would be His people and He would be their God. They were
unfaithful to Godjust as a wife might be unfaithful to her husband or a husband to
his wife. God called their unfaithfulness adultery. Although He repeatedly called
them to return to Him, they rebelliously ignored His pleas and continued their
idolatry. So, God said He would send them into captivity in Babylon.

Amazingly, God promised He would not make a complete end of these
rebellious people. He would bring a remnant back from the Babylonian captivity
and restore them to the land. Ezekiel was a watchman to warn them of coming
destruction (33). He warned them of false shepherds and promised a True
Shepherd would come from the family of David (34). God promised to give them
'a new heart' and 'a new spirit'. He will put His Spirit within them and cause them
to walk in His statutes. He will be their God and they will be His people. (36:22-
28). He will cause the 'dry bones' to come together, be clothed with flesh, and
breathe (37). He will protect them from enemies (38-39). He will give them a new
temple from which flows a river oflife giving water (47). This is fulfilled in the
new heaven which has the 'river of water oflife' beside which grows the tree of
life (Rev. 22:1-2).

Do we know the LORD? Do we know His true character of holiness,
righteousness, truth, justice, as well as His goodness, love, and grace? Knowing
God will cause us to believe, trust, fear, love, worship, and obey Him. There is
very much more to know about God, but we need much more than information.
We need a living, personal, intimate relationship with God that can only be
experienced by coming to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only Mediator between
God and man (I Tim. 2:5). One day every knee will bow and every tongue will
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:5-11). It is
infinitely important that we come to bow before Jesus today, while it is still the
day of grace and we can be forgiven and receive life in Christ. Spiritually, we are
dead in trespasses and sins before we come to Christ. We are as unable to give
ourselves life as dry bones. But Christ, the life, gives life to everyone who receives
Him (John 14:6; 5:24).

10 Reasons Why We
Love Muslims

1) God loves Muslims!
Muslims are loved by God in the same way that He loves all people. Like all humans, Muslims are created in the image of God (Genesis 1: 26-27). Like all humans, Muslims sin and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3: 23). Like all humans, God loved them so much that He sent His Son, so that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3: 16).

2) God calls Muslims to Himself!
God designed all of us to seek after Him. That includes Muslims. "From one man, He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth ... God did this so men would seek Him and perhaps reach out to Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:24-31, espec. 26,30). Like you and I, God has placed "eternity in their hearts" (Ecclesiastes 3: 11).

3) Muslims are our neighbors.
Whether in America or in the Middle East, the overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace-loving, hospitable people.

4) Muslims are people like us!
Most Muslims are concerned about the same things as you and I. They want to raise their children well, they are concerned about rising-crime and pornography, and they work hard to pay their bills and survive. Like us, most Muslims decry human suffering and violence between peoples. Like many westerners, a large majority of Muslims yearn for peace, friendship, and a happy life.

5) God is at work among Muslims!
Many Muslims are sensitive to God and spiritual things. Because they fear God and are aware of spiritual reality, Muslims often speak of how God appeared to them through dreams and visions (see Acts 10: 1-8 for an example of this). Stories abound of healings because of God's power through Jesus' name. An increasing number of Muslims are hungry to know about God's dramatic work through Jesus.

6) We are spiritually related.
All Muslims look to 'Ibrahim' (Abraham) as "our forefather" (Romans 4: 1). Since those who follow Jesus call Abraham "the father of all who believe" (Romans 4: 11), that makes us 'cousins' ! Like us, Muslims believe in one true God, the Creator of all peoples.

7) They value our Holy Book and Jesus.
The Qur'an specifically commends the Torat (books of the Law, the first five books of the Bible); the Zibur (the Psalms, or wisdom literature); and the Injil (the Gospels). According to the Qur'an, Jesus was sent by God to earth; He healed many during his ministry; and He is returning to judge the living and the dead.

8) Muslims have some things to teach us.
Muslims take the spiritual world very seriously and generally are more open to discuss spiritual issues. They have a very high respect for God and His power. Muslims place a high value on community and loyalty. Hospitality is very important to them. These are qualities that most westerners appreciate in their Muslim friends.

9) God made promises to their ancestors.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim' (Abraham) as their ancestor through his first son, Ishmael. God made this promise to
Ibrahim: "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation" (Genesis 17:20). God fulfilled this promise, for there are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world today!

10) God promised that Muslims who follow Jesus will be part of the multitudes who are gathered about the Throne of God.
When God gathers all His people at the end of time, there will be representatives from every people group on the earth, "from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes ... crying out in a loud voice, 'Salvation to our God who sits on the throne ... "(Revelation 7:9,10)!

Jeremiah lived in a very troubled time as Judah declined spiritually and was headed for Divine judgment by an invading army. God chose Jeremiah to be His prophet even before He was born (1:5). God called him as a youth (1:6) but Jeremiah was reluctant to be a prophet. “The Task was Demanding; The Times were Difficult; The Servant was Doubtful; The Message was Dangerous.” Wiersbe But Jeremiah was faithful to declare God’s message of judgment and the call to repentance. The leaders and people of Judah hated Jeremiah and his message. He was imprisoned, put in stocks, put in a dungeon, put into a cistern where he sank down in the mire (and would soon have died, but he was rescued by Ebedmelech and his friends who pulled Jeremiah out of this pit). “Jeremiah is one of Scripture’s greatest examples of faithfulness and decisive action in the face of physical danger and national decay.” Wiersbe He prophesied for 50 years.
Jeremiah used many symbolic actions to illustrate his message. He broke a pottery jar to illustrate that Judah would be broken by the invading army of Babylon. He put a loin cloth in a hole by the river. When he retrieved it, it was all moldy, illustrating the deterioration of the people of Judah. He never married because the times were so troubled.
Why didn’t the people listen to Jeremiah? His message didn’t fit their views and lifestyle. They believed they could be victorious with some help from Egypt. They believed they were safe because of the temple. God would never allow His holy temple in Jerusalem to be destroyed. They called Jeremiah a traitor because he told them to surrender to the Babylonians.
God’s message through Jeremiah was “12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jer. 2:12-13 God said that these people were unfaithful to Him, adulterous. Jeremiah called them to repent and return to God in their hearts. Sixty-six times he refers to their hearts.
Although these people would be killed or taken captive by Babylon, God would still keep His promise to provide a Redeemer, a Branch of righteousness who would execute judgment and righteousness in the earth (Jer. 23:5; 33:15). God promised to make a new covenant. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." This was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Heb. 8:8-10).
Are we listening to God’s warnings today? Are we trusting in some church or religious practice to save us? Only Jesus Christ, the one Mediator between God and man, can bring us to God and give us life abundant. Do we live in close fellowship with Him, or are we busy with our own agenda? Is our focus on the LORD or on our self centered desires and plans? Let us listen to the Spirit of God teaching us through the Word of God.

The name, Nahum, means comfort. His prophecy that God would destroy the cruel Assyrians brought some comfort to the oppressed people of Judah. Assyria had captured Samaria and destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrian army had also conquered cities in Judah and surrounded Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king. Hezekiah earnestly prayed and the LORD sent an angel that destroyed the Assyrian forces. The Israelis were comforted that God was against the Assyrians.
But the people of Judah had also greatly offended the LORD by their idolatry, spiritual adultery, injustice, oppression of the poor, shallow religion, materialism and treacherous dealing. God would soon send the Babylonian army to conquer Jerusalem and take many of them captive to Babylon. God is opposed to wickedness wherever it is. He would send His wrath against His own disobedient people. Habakkuk wrestled with this. How could God use the wicked Babylonians to discipline His people? The Babylonians were more wicked than the Israelites. Habakkuk couldn’t comprehend all God’s ways, but he would ‘rejoice in the LORD’ and ‘joy in the God’ of his salvation ((Hab. 3:18).
The wrath of God is His just judgment against evil and wickedness. The wrath of God abides on those who do not believe the Son (John 3:36). “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them” (Rom. 1:18).
Habakkuk prays ‘In wrath remember mercy’ (Hab. 3:2). The Psalmist prayed, “If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared’ (Psalm 130:3-4). While the righteousness of God results in His wrath against sin and unrighteousness, God is also merciful, forgiving and gracious. He can justly forgive the transgressor because the full penalty for our sin has been paid by Christ. Jesus Christ is the propitiation—the full payment for our sin (I John 2:1-2). Now all who rely upon Jesus are forgiven, reconciled to God and adopted into His family.
See the consistency of God throughout all time. He expressed His wrath against sin and unrighteousness before Christ came. He supremely expressed His wrath against sin when Jesus suffered on the cross. He continues to be righteous and wrathful against sin. But, He is also willing to pardon and forgive all who come to Him through Jesus Christ in humility and repentance and faith. There is forgiveness with Him. Praise His holy name!
We would rather think about the love of God and not the wrath of God. But, God would not be righteous and just if He had no wrath against sin. The treason against His holy will and righteous law must be punished. It is most astounding that God has chosen to provide redemption and forgiveness for His enemies (Rom. 5:8-10). God is most glorious in His love and grace that brings us to humble ourselves, admit our guilt and offenses and receive the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not appreciate the love and grace of God until we begin to comprehend the wrath of our most Holy God against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of sinful men. Then, we will bow in humble adoration and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah lived in Judah. He was married and had two children. He was evidently from a distinguished Jewish family. His education is evident in his impressive vocabulary and style. He prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (740 to 680 B.C.) He maintained close contact with the royal court but his exhortations against alliances with foreign powers were not always well received. This great poet and prophet was uncompromising, sincere, and compassionate. Talmudic tradition says he was sawn in two during the reign of Manasseh. His name means “Yahweh is salvation.”
The book of Isaiah has been called the ‘little Bible’ because it has 66 chapters, the first 39 emphasizing God’s judgment against evil, and the last 27 giving hope and emphasizing God’s sovereign character and grace.
Like Hosea, Amos and Micah, Isaiah warned the God’s people of coming judgment because of their many serious sins. He described them as very sick from head to foot (1:5-6). But, he promised God’s forgiveness if they would turn to Him 1:16-18; 45:22). The offer of forgiveness was extended to ‘all the ends of the earth!’ (45:22). He warned that they would be carried to Babylon, but promised that God would restore them if they would humble themselves and seek the Lord (39:7; 48:20; 55:6).
Isaiah had a high view of God. He wrote in Isaiah 40-46 of the greatness of God.
He is the Creator. He names every star. The nations are regarded as the drop from a bucket or the dust on scales (40:26, 15). How could you ever think of representing Him by an idol, the work of men’s hands? He will not give His glory to another (42:8). There is not other god besides Him (44:6-8; 45:22). He declares the end from the beginning. His counsel stands (46:9-10). He names Cyrus, who would live nearly 200 years later, as His servant (45:1).
Isaiah gives many prophecies of Jesus Christ, the Servant. He told of the birth of the Child by the virgin birth who would be on the throne of David (7:14; 9:1-7). The best known is 52:13 to 53:12 where the suffering and death of our Savior for our transgressions is described in great detail. Jesus quoted, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor…” in the Nazareth synagogue as His mission statement (61:1-2; Luke 4:16-20).
God will create ‘new heavens and a new earth in which there will be peace (65:17, 66:12, 22). But he warns of separation and suffering for those who do not know Him (66:24).
We need a better vision of God as holy and sovereign. At the beginning of his ministry Isaiah had a vision of God in His temple with the seraphim crying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (6:1-4). Isaiah realized his own unholiness, and was cleansed and appointed as God’s spokesman. We also need to realize that God is sovereign over men and nations and is fulfilling His counsel (46:9-10). That may include the judgment of His people to bring them to humble repentance and obedience. We must not be complacent in our sins and think we are safe from trouble. We need to ‘with joy draw water from the wells of salvation. And I that day you will say: Praise the LORD, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples. Make mention that His name is exalted.” He is worthy of trust and praise.

Micah came from an agricultural area about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem near Philistia. His strong words warning of coming judgment were addressed to the leaders and people of Judah. This judgment is coming because of the covetousness, and oppression. They liked the false prophets who promised comfort and pleasure. The leaders and rulers hated good and loved evil. They ‘devoured’ the people. Their oppression was presented as if it were cannibalism. The false prophets would soon see the end of their day. The leaders abhorred justice and perverted equity. The judges wanted bribes and the priests and prophets wanted money. So Jerusalem would become heaps of ruins and the temple mount like the bare hills of the forest.

The Lord promised a coming kingdom of peace and order. Many nations would come to the house of the Lord and be taught God’s ways. They would beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. There would be no more war. Everyone would sit under his vine and his fig tree without fear. They would walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. The Lord will reign over them. Micah 4:1-8

But the present Judeans will be taken to Babylon (Micah 4:10). Later God will deliver them from the hand of their enemies. God will provide a Ruler, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. He will be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2). This prophecy of Messiah’s birthplace was made about 700 years before His birth. He shall feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, and be great to the ends of the earth and bring peace (Micah 5:4-5). Meanwhile, the Lord will cut off their horses, destroy their chariots, and pluck their wooden images from their midst ((Micah 5:10-15).

God calls the mountains as jury members to hear the charges against His people. The Lord redeemed them from bondage in Egypt, overcame their enemies. Now they come to God with sacrifices, but they are swindlers and cheats, using short measures, wicked balances, deceitful weights, lies and deception. They will experience hunger and sickness, captivity and death. They followed the way of Omri and Ahab who promoted idolatry. God called them to follow justice, compassion, and humility (Micah 6:8). Micah laments that there are no faithful men, and none who are upright. They all lie in wait for blood. The princes and judges wanted bribes. (Micah 7:2-3) No one could be trusted, not even close friends and family (7:5-6).

Micah finds hope in looking to the Lord: ^ESV Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. In spite of ridicule and criticism He is confident that God will deliver His people. He prays that God will shepherd His people (7:14). His hope is in the Lord because God pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage (7:18). God delights in mercy and will again have compassion. He will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea and give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham.

Today, our nation is guilty of similar offenses against God and people. Our only hope is in the mercy and grace of God. We must wait for Him. There is no one else who can save us (Micah 7:7).

    Is there someone who means a lot to you, to whom you have given much, but who has been unfaithful to you and caused you much heartache? How can the relationship be restored? Are you willing to forgive? Can the relationship be restored if the offender doesn’t repent of the hurtful, unfaithful actions?

  God was willing to forgive and restore unfaithful Israel, the northern kingdom. He sent Hosea and Amos to call them to repentance. God yearned to restore the relationship, but Israel needed to repent and turn back to God. They needed to admit that they were unfaithful, idolatrous, ungrateful, and hypocritical. They had oppressed the poor and neglected the widows. They needed to humble themselves and seek the LORD.

  Israel (also called Ephraim, its largest tribe, and Samaria, its capital city) lived in prosperity and felt very secure. Most of them were unmoved by the preaching of Hosea and Amos. The priest, Amaziah, told Amos, ‘Our land can’t stand your words. Go home to Judah and prophesy there.’ Amos said, “I was a herdsman and a sycamore fruit grower. I am only obeying the LORD.”  Israel would not repent. God sent the Assyrian army in 722 B.C. to destroy the nation of Israel, take many of them captive, scatter them among the nations and repopulate the northern area with foreigners from many nations.

  What is God’s message to America today? What are America’s sins? They include: Materialism, redefining marriage, killing the unborn, casinos and gambling, pornography, adultery, lust, greed, pride, wastefulness, ungodly movies, ungodly music, human trafficking, perversion, do it yourself religion, no right and wrong. Today, God is calling America to repent. Many disasters and tragedies should cause us to seek God.

 What is God saying to the church today? Many Christians are biblically ignorant, worldly, apathetic, careless, materialistic and living for self. The ‘emergent church’ doesn’t proclaim the biblical gospel, but claims to be ‘searching for the truth.’ Amos said there would be a famine of hearing the words of the Lord (8:11). Hosea 3:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

  What is God saying to you? Are you loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind? Is there any area of your life that is not being controlled by Christ and His Spirit? Everyone trusting Christ should delight to do God’s will. Everyone who loves Christ will hunger for God’s word and will fill his mind and heart with God’s truth so he can be guided in the way of righteousness.

  God is calling every one of us to love Him, trust Him, seek Him daily, and walk in fellowship with Him. Where we have strayed we must humble ourselves, repent and return to the Lord. Repentance means we change our mind about the matter. We come to hate what took us away from God and love what brings us to God. We find reasons to love and obey the Lord. We delight in the Lord and enjoy His presence and fellowship. We would rather die than offend the Lord or dishonor Him. If a person realizes he has strayed from the Lord but doesn’t yet wholeheartedly repent and return to the Lord, he should pray, “Lord, help me to realize where this path is taking me, and how satan is enslaving me. Make me willing to wholeheartedly repent and turn to You. Help me to see how gracious and forgiving You are and how much You love me.

NAAMAN IS HEALED
II Kings 5
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master…He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. (II Kings 5:1). In Israel lepers had to live outside the camp, separated from family and society. They were required to cover their mouth and cry “Unclean, unclean.” (Lev. 13:45-46). Similarly, our sin makes us unclean before God and separates us from fellowship with God.
A young Israeli girl had been taken captive by the Syrians and she was a servant of Naaman’s wife. She had compassion on her mistress’ husband and said she wished he could go to the Prophet in Samaria and be healed.
The king of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel with a generous present of gold, silver, and clothes requesting that he heal Naaman. This king Jehoram thought the Syrians were trying to start a war. Elisha told the king to send Naaman to him.
When Naaman came to Elisha, Elisha sent a message to him to go dip in the Jordan river seven times and be healed. Naaman was enraged, expecting more honorable treatment. He also said the rivers of Damascus were better rivers than those in Israel. His servants appealed to him to do as the prophet had directed. He humbled himself and dipped in the Jordan River seven times and was healed. He then went to Elisha to give him a gift. Elisha refused any payment or gift.
The only way we can be forgiven and accepted by God is to humble ourselves by admitting our sin against the Lord, and our helplessness to ever atone for our sin. We must receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. We have nothing to offer to God except our sin and our self. We have no gift or work by which we can pay God. We may be tempted to think we know a better way to approach God than through Christ, but He is the only way.
Naaman returned to Syria believing in the living God of Israel. He shared the faith of the lowly captive servant girl who served his wife.
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, coveted the silver and gold and clothing that Naaman offered and Elisha refused. He ran after Naaman, lied that two young men needed some money and clothing, and returned to hide his new treasure.
Covetousness is an unseen sin. It infects our hearts, but eventually influences our actions. It is discontentment with what God has provided. It is focus on the material while failing to see the spiritual needs of our hearts. No one has ever been arrested and punished for covetousness but many have suffered for the actions that covetousness has motivated. Covetousness may result in theft, lying, murder, falsehood, or apostasy. It excludes from God’s kingdom (Eph. 5:5). It is idolatry (Col. 3:5). How can we discern between good desires which motivate us to right action and the harmful desires of covetousness? Covetousness is self centered and not motivated by love. Good desires are focused on honoring God and meeting genuine needs in God’s way. Good desires motivate us to diligent productive work that honors God. Covetousness leads to envy and jealousy. Covetousness seeks to satisfy selfish desires without relying on God.
Gehazi thought his sin was hidden, but Elisha and God knew. He received the leprosy of Naaman as his reward. ESV 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.