Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "A Call to Repentance"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Zechariah 1:1-21
Today's Blog Key Verse: Zechariah 1:3 "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Return to me," says the LORD of hosts," "and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts."

In verse 1, the "eighth month" corresponds to October-November on our calendar.  "Darius" ruled Persia from 522 to 486 B.C.  Thus his "second year" was 520 B.C.  The name "Zechariah" means "Yahweh Remembers" emphasizing God's FAITHFULNESS to His COVENANT PROMISES and to His people.

The "fathers" in verse 2, refers to the ancestors of the present generation who had disobeyed God and had come under His Judgment, 2nd Chronicles 36:15-16.

In verse 3, the words "Return to Me" remind us of the DEPTHS of God's UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.  "Says the LORD of hosts,": The personal Name translated LORD speaks of God's GRACIOUS nature as He relates to His people, Exodus 3:15.  The "hosts" are the angelic armies that await His EVERY COMMAND.

"Do not be like your fathers," in verse 4, means that just because the older generation was UNFAITHFUL to God  is NO reason for their sons and grandsons to be UNFAITHFUL.  What an ENCOURAGING WORD!  Our CHOICES are not determined by the EXAMPLE or TRAINING we have received.  We are FREE to CHOICE for ourselves.  So let's CHOOSE God and DO what is RIGHT in His SIGHT.

In verses 5 and 6, "Your fathers, where are they?" refers to their "fathers" who had been killed or exiled and even the "prophets" had perished.  The previous generation had been overtaken by God's judgment, Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

Verses 1:7-6:15, contain the eight night visions.  ALL eight night visions occurred on one night and constitute a unity of revelation.  The FIRST is most IMPORTANT, because it provides a key for UNDERSTANDING the other seven.  The night visions were not presented to the prophet in the form of a DREAM, but rather with the prophet in some form of trance, Acts 10:10, 11:15, Revelation 1:10.  The OVERALL message of these VISIONS for the nation of Israel in Zechariah's day was: "The LORD is with you, therefore rebuilt the temple."  For Israel of the future, the visions outlined the prophetic program for Israel from the time of RESTORATION from Babylonian captivity to the INSTITUTION of the MILLENNIAL KINGDOM.

The "Myrtle trees" in verse 8, is an evergreen tree that was once very common in the vicinity of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 8:15.

In verses 12 and 13, the prophet overhears a conversation between "the Angel of the Lord" and God.  This may be a conversation between the preincarnate Jesus and First Person of the trinity, God the Father, Psalm 110.  It is certainly an ILLUSION to the ROLE of Jesus as INTERCESSOR. As the author of the Book of Hebrews states, Jesus LIVES to make INTERCESSION for us at the right Hand of the Father, Hebrews 7:25.  "Seventy years" refers to the period of exile during which the temple lay in ruins from 586-515 B.C. Jeremiah 25:7-14.

"The angel who spoke with me" in verse 14, is the interpreting angel in the dramatic vision, NOT the "Angel of the Lord" of verse 11.  "I am zealous" in verse 14, we can see the passion of the Lord in his defense of His SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP with Israel and Jerusalem.

In verse 15, "I am exceedingly" speaks of the anger of God was against the nations that He had used to PUNISH His UNREPENTANT people.

In verse 16, "I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy..." shows God's PROMISE to show COMPASSION on His people and to rebuild the Jerusalem temple.  "A surveyor's line" was used to make measurements in preparation for the new construction.  The stretching of the line was a promise that he work would begin and the completion of the task would follow.

The four horns in verses 18-21, are representative of the "Four Gentile" world powers earlier introduced in Daniel Chapters 2, 7, and 8.  Here as in other Old Testament prophecy, a horn represents POWER and AUTHORITY.  The horns that persecuted Israel and Judah included Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and later Greece.

It's significant, that as pagan world powers arise, so do the "craftsman" in verses 20 and 21, that tear them down.  The dynamics of their destruction are explained in Habakkuk Chapter 2.  The craftsmen or "smiths" destroyed the "horns."  Babylon destroyed Assyria, Medo-Persia, conquered Medo-Persia, and Rome overcame Greece.  There are dominant themes in the prophecies in Daniel 2:7-45. 

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse Writing from Psalm 18:35-36.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi           

Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction to the Book of Zechariah"

Today we start into the 11th of the 12 Minor Prophets, the Book of Zechariah.  Zechariah has more messianic prophecies than any other Minor Prophet and make frequent mention of both the first and second advents of the Messiah.  The Angel of the Lord is more prominent in Zechariah  than in any other of the prophetical writings.  Zechariah is also one of the most devotional of the prophetic books, dwelling more completely on the person and work of Jesus Christ than any other prophetic writings.  Except for the apocalyptic sections (the eight night visions), its basic language and style are simple and direct.

Zechariah is frequently called the "prophet of hope."  As a young man, he reinforced the urgings of Haggai that led exiles who returned from Babylon to finish the rebuilding of the fallen temple of the Lord.  The Book of Zechariah contains a series of fascinating visions conveying vital spiritual truths, 1:7-8:23 and an extends portrait of events leading up to God's final victory at history's end, 9:1-14:21.  How these last chapters must have encouraged the little Jewish community that was struggling economically and surrounded by hostile enemies. How it should encourage as Christians today to meditate on the coming, certain triumph of God over evil.

The prophet identifies himself as "Zechariah" (Yahweh Remembers), the son of Berechiah (Yahweh Blesses), the son of Iddo (the Appointed Time.)  Zechariah's prophecies had two purposes:

First: They challenged the returning exiles to turn to the Lord, to be cleansed from their sins and to experience again the Lord's Blessing, 1:3.

Second: Zechariah's words comforted and encouraged the people regarding the rebuilding of the temple and God's future work among His people, 1:16-17, 2:12, 3:2, 4:9, and 6:14-15.  

The theme of Zechariah is the glory of the Lord, Yahweh.  The theme is set forth as being the motivation for completing the task or rebuilding the temple, and for showing that the people of the prophet's day are an important part of God's ultimate program of displaying His glory through the nation in the future.

THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF ZECHARIAH

 I.  NIGHT VISIONS 1-6
II.  FASTING 7-8
III. MESSIAH'S REJECTION 9-11
IV. MESSIAH'S TRIUMPH 12-14 

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Writing called: "I REFUSE."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi    

 

Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "The Coming Glory of God's House"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Haggai 2:1-23
Today's Blogs Key Verse: Haggai 2:4 "Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel, say the LORD; and be strong Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work; for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts."

The prophets second message in verse 1 is dated "in the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month,"  which was about a month and a half after his receipt of the first message and almost a month after the actual building had began.

In verse 2, "Speak now" Haggai was called again to address the leaders Zerubbabel and Joshua and the true people of God.

Verse 3 is talking about the temple of Solomon which was one of the wonders of the Ancient World, 1st Kings 6.  The older temple would have loomed large and magnificent, far outstripping the present structure.  So even though the building was completed, there may have been the sense among the people that it was "as nothing."

"Covenanted" in verse 5, refers to the Covenant to His firm commitment to His chosen people.  We as Christians today have received just this kind of covenant from God in Jesus Christ His Son.  Whenever a task seems to great for us, we can remember God's words to the responsive generation that completed the second temple: "My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."

In verse 6, "shake the heavens and the earth," is the only verse in Haggai quoted in the New Testament.  Hebrews 12:26, relates it to the end of the world, when God will introduce a cosmic earthquake that destroys every human society and calls all mankind to judgment.

Some interpret the words "Desire of All Nations," in verse 7, as a Messianic title that speaks of the JOY of the REDEEMED of the nations at the time of the rule of King Jesus.  Others observe that the Hebrew word for "desire" is used for objects as in 2nd Chronicles 32:27, Hosea 13:15 and Nahum 2:9 rather than persons.  However, the word is used occasionally for persons, 1st Samuel 9:20.

"The glory of this latter temple," in verse 9, refers to the physical presence of Jesus in the second temple.  In Ezekiel  Chapters 10 and 11 we read how Ezekiel had earlier witnessed the departure of God's Glory from Solomon's temple, prior to the destruction by Nebuchadnezzar.  Although the builders of the second temple, prayed for the shekinah glory to return, there is no record that it ever did.  This prophecy would be fulfilled only in the return of that glory in the embodiment of Jesus Christ, of whom His disciples said in John 1:14, "And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father."

Haggai's third message in verses 10 and 11, was a message of affirmation.  This message came about two months after the message of Haggai 2:1-9.

In verses 10-14, a "dual warning" is given.  The two questions that were posed here, underline a basic element in Old testament ritual law.  Holiness is not "catching," but defilement is.  That means, that if a person is touched by a holy thing he will not be made holy, but a holy thing will be defiled if touched by something unclean. 

What lessons did these lived parables teach?  First, they warned the revived community that DISOBEDIENCE and SPIRITUAL indifference are catching.  A few malcontents in the community of FAITH can CORRUPT the whole.  How important then to ENCOURAGE everyone to MAINTAIN an attitude of ENTHUSIASTIC TRUST in the Lord. 

Second, and most important, the pre-exilic Jewish community had felt safe because their city held God's temple.  Haggai warns them that rather than being considered holy because they were in contact with the new temple, this generation must REMEMBER  that their sins WILL defile the Lord's house!  They must live COMMITTED LIVES, or God will cause this temple to be destroyed, even as Solomon's temple was dismantled by the Babylonians!

In verses 12-19, Haggai talks about the blessings ahead.  God will BLESS His people, but it will not be because  once again there was a temple in Jerusalem, but because the people have put God FIRST.

In verse 22, "I will overthrow," Haggai focused on the POWER of God to do His Will among the nations, Daniel 2:21).  These words speak BOTH in a general way of the SOVEREIGNTY of God over the nations throughout history, as well as more specifically of God's FINAL JUDGMENT on the wicked nations at the time He institutes the rule of His Son as King of kings, Psalm 2; 110; Revelation 19.

"A signet ring" was an item of great value in the ancient world.  The ring was used by the owner for the signing of letters and official documents.  It was a mark of such honor and authority, as Zerubbabel's ministry was to bear.  He would care with him the AUTHORITY of the Lord, and would represent the Lord.

Clink on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Scripture Writing from Psalm 71:5 and 8.

This closes the Book of Haggi, which was the 10th of the Minor Prophets.  Our next Study, will be the 11th book of the Minor Prophets, the Book of Zechariah.

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi      

   



       

 

Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "The Command To Build God's House"
Today' Blog Scripture Reading: Haggai 1:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse: Haggai 1:7-8 "Thus says the LORD of hosts" "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorify," says the LORD."

"Zerubbabel and Joshua" Verse 1: Ezra 2:2 identifies Zerubbabel as the individual who led the exiles back to Judah.  He a member of the royal family of David.  Joshua the high priest is mentioned in both Ezra 3:2,8 and Nehemiah 12:1,8.  He held the highest priestly rank.   It is significant that the two most influential leaders in Judah, responded so quickly to the prophets message.  When leaders respond quickly to God, is much easier for the believing community to follow.  

"The time has not come" Verse 2: The people had decided that rebuilding the Lord's dwelling among His people was not important.  How modern an objection! Sorry, "there just isn't enough time right now for PRAYER."  "I'd like to read my Bible, but I have to get up EARLY for WORK." "I'm too TIRED to do ANYTHING but COLLAPSE and read the news."  The people of Judah were also busy with their own AFFAIRS to have TIME or MONEY to INVEST in rebuilding the temple of God.  As a result they LOST OUT!

"Elaborate homes" Verse 4:  The principle building material in Jerusalem was stone.  Those who wanted to make their "houses" elaborate installed wood panels.  The people of Haggai's time were making their homes elegant, rivaling royal residences and the holy temple itself.  But they STILL did not FEEL that the "time was right" to begin WORKING on the renewed temple.  While this verse is not a blanket condemnation of elegant living among God's people, it certainly calls for a re-evaluation of priorities.

"Consider your ways" Verses 5-6: What a series of images in these two verses.  Their point is so clear.  The harder the people of Judah worked, the further behind they got!  Compare also verses 10-11.  There is a lesson here for us today.  God is the one who makes any EFFORT BEAR FRUIT.  We NEED to PUT God FIRST.  When we DO, the Lord will BLESS us.

"That I may take pleasure in it" Verse 8:  The people were instructed to go to great lengths to get "wood" for paneling the temple of the Lord, verse 4.  "That I may take pleasure in it," means that God's JOY in the temple is related to His PLEASURE in the people who would WORSHIP Him there.  "Be GLORIFIED," clearly means that God does not need to receive more glory, Psalms 24:7-10, however, He gladly receives the adoration of His people.

"Runs to his own house" Verse 9:  Because of their preoccupation with personal comfort, the people were IGNORING the central spiritual concerns of their LIVES.  Their FAULTY principle of life was being SHAKEN by the Lord.  Jesus would later PROCLAIM the TRUE and ABIDING principle for the LIFE of FAITH: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you," Matthew 6:33 

In Verse 10,  the BLESSING and CURSING formula of the Lord's Covenant with His people comes into play, Deuteronomy 28.  "Dew" is a poetic way of speaking of "rainfall."

"The remnant of the people" Verse 12:  The remnant of the people were literally those who made the trek back to Judah from their place of captivity in Babylon; it also refers to those with a larger population who are FAITHFUL to the Lord.

"I am with you" Verse 13: What a message from the Lord! Despite the fact that you've ignored Me, I'm on your side.  Don't misunderstand the troubles you've had, I'm on you side. God so often must overlook our failures and on our part, we MUST learn to interpret our disappointments as CORRECTIVE of GUIDING events.  We must NEVER FORGET that God is on our SIDE.  In Haggai's day, that meant TRUSTING God enough to leave each individual's personal pursuits to rebuild the temple.  In our day, that means you and I TRUST God enough to GIVE His Word, and His Work, our DAILY PRIORITY.

Verse 14, bears witness to the work of God's Spirit on the human "spirit" of His leaders and His people to ACCOMPLISH His tasks.  It is reminiscent of God's work in stirring up the people to BUILT the original tabernacle, Exodus 35:29, 36:2.  ALWAYS within Israel a remnant existed.  Paul stated there was such a remnant in Elijah's time, Romans 11:2-4 and then compare 1st Kings 19:18.

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse Writing from 1st John 4:9-11.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   

 

Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction to the Book of Haggai"

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Haggai is the 10th of the 12 Minor prophets and is the first of three postexilic prophets who ministered in Judah to the tiny community established after the Jews were permitted to return to their homeland.  Haggai, appears briefly in Judah to accomplish a specific mission.  His carefully dated messages or sermons, focus our attention on a four month period in 520 B.C., when Haggai called God's people to complete rebuilding of God's temple, which was began 18 years before.

Haggai's message has nothing in common with the prophets who cried out in Israel before the Assyrians crushed the Northern kingdom in 722 B.C. and before the Babylonians invaded and destroyed Judah.  he says nothing if idolatry, nothing of injustice or violence.  Instead Haggai simply urges the people of Judah to put God first and to demonstrate their commitment by finishing the construction of the temple.

There is another important difference, the words of the former prophets were largely ignored by God's people and led to a national disaster and captivity.  But Haggai's words were heard, and the whole community rallied to the task.  A new, though much smaller temple rose on the site of Solomon's magnificent building.  God was to be put first, and His worship was to be celebrated again in a house dedicated to his Name.

DATE AND AUTHORSHIP

Little is known of the prophet Haggai except what is in the Book that bears his name.  Haggai is mentioned by Ezra in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 and by Zechariah 8:9.  The name Haggai means "Festival" which is an appropriate meaning given the prophets work in restoring temple worship.  But what is most remarkable about Haggai's ministry is its brevity for his messages were given in a span of only 4 months in 520 B.C. 

OUTLINE OF HAGGAI

I. The First Message: A message of motivation  Haggai 1:1-15
    A. The circumstances of the message Haggai 1:1
    B. The content of the message Haggai 1:2-15
         1. The need to rebuild the House of the Lord Haggai 1:2-6
         2. The Commission to Rebuilt Haggai 1:7-11
         3. The compliance to rebuild Haggai 1:12-15

II. The Second Message: A message of consolation Haggai 2:1-9
      A. The circumstances of the message Haggai 2:1-2
      B. The content of the message Haggai 2:3-9
           1. The question Haggai 2:3
           2. The encouragement 2:4-9

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blog.com for a Blog Writing from Romans 5:19. 

Jesus Reigns, and He Is, has Been and ALWAYS Will be in Complete and Total Control!!! May God's Peace, Strength, Love and Grace be with you all.  May we as Christians reach to heaven with one hand and with the other reach out to the lost, in this dark, sinful, and dying world.  May we as John at the close of the Book of Revelation say, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come."

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi
  


  

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 16 September 2014, from Cindi, a daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "Joy In God's Faithfulness"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-20
Today's Blog Key Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quite you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

"Oppressors, Rebellious, and Polluted" in verse 1,  is tragic in view of God's intention that His people of every age should reflect His character and so represent him to the world.  But we should not be so scornful of ancient Israel. Instead, we need to ask how well we represent the Lord TODAY.  Are we as individuals, Caring, Sensitive, Honest, Fair, and Responsive to the needs of others?  As a church, do we stand for both JUSTICE and MERCY as we demonstrate God's Compassion for ALL?  Are we serious about influencing our society toward what is godly and righteous? 

We as God's Children, of every age, need to live by the highest possible standards.  Representing God in our world, calls for more than not just doing wrong, it calls for us to actively do good and right.

The "princes, judges, prophets, and priests" from verses 1-4, whom God had especially designated to work for righteousness, were "more wicked" than the "regular" citizens of Jerusalem.  These leaders were destroying and defrauding the WEAK, the NEEDY, and the HELPLESS.

"The LORD is righteous  in her midst," in verse 5,  means that the Lord is among His people even when they fall terribly short.  In verses 5-7, because God is "absolutely RIGHTEOUS" God had no place in the midst of such an evil people.  "I have cut off nations," means that God's punishment of Judah's neighbors should have brought the people of Israel to their senses, and those who do not accept correction, invite more severe punishment.

"The fire of my jealousy" in verse 8, means that God's response to the wickedness of Jerusalem was to declare His judgment.  He would us other nations to punish the city for its rebellion.

"For then I will restore to the people a pure language," in verse 9, means that the most severe punishment imaginable which God had just announced in verse 8, will NOT prevent Him from doing His people good in the end.  But first God must "take away from among your midst those who rejoice in their pride," verse 11.

In verses 14-17, we see the JOY in God's FAITHFULNESS.  The people of God would be called to SING because their DELIVERANCE had come.  daughter of Zion in verse 14, is an affectionate title for the city of Jerusalem.  "In that day," in verse 16, means that people are commanded to abstain from fear, to keep from hanging heir arms in a posture of resignation.  Instead, they were to take ENCOURAGEMENT and STRENGTH from the reality that their God lived among them.

"Those who sorrow" in verse 18, means that God is going to make all things right.  Those who are enemies of God's TRUTH will be gathered and removed, those who are disenfranchised, God will RESTORE.

"I will give you fame and praise" in verse 20 means that through Zephaniah, God tells His Old Testament people, that despite the failure of that generation, the future for the chosen people will be bright.  He says the same thing to us today. Yes, God disciplines us when we sin.  Yet in the future we too will be purified, transformed and blessed.

"I will give you fame and praise" also reminds us that ALL that we will ultimately receive is a gift.  Our TRANSFORMATION and our HAPPY FUTURE are expressions of God's GRACE, not rewards earned by our own merit.  The closing words of Zephaniah in verse 20, "Says the LORD" is a solemn vow of God to do what He has PROMISED.  Zephaniah begins and ends with the strong assertion that the Lord is speaking and the implication is clear, "Listen and live," and because God is GRACIOUS we as Christians can say with CONFIDENCE, "Heaven is MINE."

Click on this link at www.cindi

Jesus Reigns, and He is, has Been, and ALWAYS Will Be in Complete and Total Control!!! May God's Peace, Love, Strength, and Grace be with you all.  May we as Christians reach to heaven with one hand, and with the other reach out to the lost and dying of this dark and sinful world. May we like John at the close of the Book of Revelation say, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come."

Your Sister In Christ,
Cindi       
    

Bible Scripture Reading

Today's Blog Title: "A Call To Repentance"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 2:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse: Zephaniah 2:3

In verses 1-3, the people doomed for judgment in the "Day of the Lord" were commanded  to "gather together" perhaps in repentance.  In verse 3, "Seek the Lord",  is the language of true repentance, renewal, and regeneration.  What characterizes a person who truly seeks the Lord?  The prophet mentions humility, expressed in a willingness to submit to God and "do what He commands."  He mentions RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is a COMMITMENT to doing what is RIGHT and also establishing what is right within one's society.

In verses 4 and 5, the focus of Zephaniah moves from the description of God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem to a description of DIVINE JUDGMENT on the surrounding nations.  

The "seacoast shall be pastures" is a reference that the coastal cities of Philistia and the coastal plain that the Philistines dominated for so long would one day become the possession of the Hebrews.  The same God who brought destruction upon the people of Judah in verses 1-4, would restore their fortunes.

In verses 8 and 9, we read that "Moab shall be like Sodom and Ammon like Gomorrah."  The peoples of Moab and Ammon to the east of Judah were hostile to the Hebrews from the earliest times.  Here in verse 9, is God's promise of retribution. (See Genesis 19:12-29)

In verse 11, "the LORD will be awesome to them," may have a double meaning in these words.  For the RIGHTEOUS people of Judah and Jerusalem, there would be a response of AWE and WONDER before God, who had responded to the PRAYER of His servant.  But for the WICKED there would be quite  another response, one of TERROR and DREAD. "People shall worship Him," means that not only would there be a RIGHTEOUS remnant in Judah, there would also be people coming to God from the nations of the earth.

In verses 13-15, we will note that Assyria to the east.  But the ancient armies could not march across the desert and entered the land of the Hebrews from the north.  "The pelican and the bittern" were birds  found in remote areas, Isaiah 34:11.  Their presence in the ruins of Nineveh, attest to the  severity of the destruction announced on these people.  "The rejoicing city," in verse 15, is ironic and is seen as an act of the city's complacency.  Soon the JUDGMENT of God would DESCEND suddenly, and the region would be useful only for HERDING ANIMALS.

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Scripture Writing from James 5:11. 

Jesus Reigns, and He Is, Has Been, and ALWAYS Will Be In Complete and Total Control!!  May God's Peace, Love, Strength, and Grace be with you all.  May we as Christians reach out to heaven with hand and with the other reach out to the lost and dying of this world.  May we like John at the close of the Book of Revelation say, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come." 

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi