Comments for July 10

v.12 - This message from God was able to avoid a conflict for David, but in doing so became an 'untrue' prophecy. Here we have God's insight into 'what would have happened if...' a fascinating ability for the immortal mind. It's mind-blowing to think that God can always know what would have happened, but it does give us a great deal of confidence to ask him for help with our decisions, given that he knows the consequences of all options.

v.7 - In that one told Saul that David was in Keilah we have an example of the way of the ungrateful. There is always someone who wishes to ingratiate himself with 'important' people irrespective of the hurt to others. We must be aware of the dangers of having respect of persons.

v.2,4 - One wonders whether maybe the first prayer was private and the second public as the second time the doubt seems to be taken from the minds of those who were previously frightened. There is much for us to learn here, both of the longsuffering of God towards our human weaknesses and of the strength of God available to us in overcoming those things which stand in the way of our walk to His kingdom.

23:12 Keilah was in the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:1, 44) So it was David's own brethren of his own tribe who were willing to betray him to Saul. In like manner the Jews delivered their saviour up to the Romans.

:19 The title of Psalm 54 shows that this Psalm was written about this time in the historical record. If you mark your Bible you may care to note Psalm 54 against this verse and also mark Psalm 54 as fitting in to 1 Samuel 23:19

23:2-4 This two fold request of God. First 'shall I go up' and second asking whether God would deliver the Philistines into his hand, though this is not explicitly stated, shows that David did not presume that just because he was going to do God's work that the outcome would be just as he would want it. He asked the second time to find out how God would use him against the Philistines.

V.16 Jonathan, at no small risk to himself, resolved to see David once again. He sought him out, and for the last time these two wonderful characters enjoyed the stimulus of one another's friendship. Jonathon was in all likelihood strengthened by talking about their covenant.1Sam 20:16

There's a wonderful passage in  1Sam 23:26-28.  David was surrounded by Saul and his men.  But God did not want David killed, so He brought the Philistines against Israel.  A message arrived for Saul, so he had to leave David, and go and fight the nation's battle.  It meant David was safe. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." (Psa 34:7 A Psalm of David).

David's prime pre-occupation was to flee from Saul. How then could he take time out to fight the Philistines at Keilah?  Besides, it was the king's (Saul's) responsibility to protect the land.  Two things were happening:

1) Saul was being derelict in his duty to protect Israel.

2) Yahweh was coaching David as an active king. 

It was the prophet Gad who urged David to go to Judah (1Sam 22:5).  It is not co-incidence that Keilah is in Judah (Josh 15:44).  Yahweh foreknew the task He gave David to act as king in protecting His land.  

David sought the counsel of Yahweh (twice) before embarking on the mission (vs.2,4).  He also sought Yahweh's advice concerning his safety after the campaign (vs.11,12). 

The lesson for us is to always consult Yahweh in all our dealings and to put our trust in Him (Prov 3:5,6).

In 23:13 we see that David has gained 200 extra men over and above the ones who had joined him at the cave of Adullam. These could only have come from Moab or Keilah, as far as I can see. The men of Keilah seem the most likely since they (some of them at least) must have been very grateful to David for rescuing them, and could also have incurred the wrath of Saul. Six hundred is exactly the same number of frightened people who were with Saul at the start of his reign (13:15).

We will all have days when we feel encompassed around with armies with no visible route of escape (v26). We may have been trusting in a rock stronghold, or a mountain, just as David was, but it is only when we cry out to the LORD that we find our real rock and strength: Compare 1Sam 23:25-29 with Psa 31:1-5.

23:9      In saying that Saul ‘secretly practised’ have we an indication that at this time Saul’s true intentions were not known to all the people?

Jonathan is always spoken of with glowing praise, and rightly so. Compared to his father, Saul, he was a shining example. He was also a very real strength to David. However, there's another side to him which we're meant to see through the narrative of scripture.

Three times Jonathan made a covenant with David. This was extremely significant since he was the heir in line to the throne of Saul. Jonathan, however, had the faith to see that God had chosen David rather than him. It was the custom at that time for a new king to slay all the offspring of the previous king so that he would have no challengers to his throne. This is what Jonathan was safeguarding himself against (20:14-15). So Jonathan was trying to save his own skin because he believed in what God had declared. The way he did this was to swear allegiance to David's line, rather than Saul's.

But he ought to have taken his allegiance to David much further than that. In v17-18, after he had strengthened David, it says "he went to his own house". So, David his new King was hiding in the woods, and Jonathan his loyal subject went home to a comfortable bed, log fire, wife and children, servants, and plenty of good food. This is where we can see the extent of Jonathan's devotion more clearly than ever. He never left the comfort of his father's house, and so the covenant he made was only skin deep. No doubt he had real love for David, but eventually the love he had for his own family was greater, which ultimately led to his death fighting alongside Saul. Jesus, the heir to the throne of David, picked up on these things when he commanded his followers to leave all and follow him. We, like David's followers, should be with him in the woods and caves rather than going each to his own home, and if family comes between us and the Lord, we know who we should choose.

23:16  The seeming casual comment that Jonathon went to strengthen David must be read in the context that Saul had been seeking for David and had not been able to find him.

23:14 As we read this section of David's life, seeking a safe area where he could rest or sleep, we also see the life of David's greater son; for we read just a couple days ago in Matthew "The Son of man hath not where to lay his head". This was certainly the case in this period of David's life, as he fled and hide from Saul.

23:7     So Saul thought that God was party to his desire to kill David! Such was the delusion of the mad king. One wonders how often we attempt to justify our actions on the basis that it is God’s will.
 

It would appear that v.6 should immediately follow v.1.  That would make David's prayers of v.2 and vs.9-12 consistent.

23:1 The record thus far has presented David as a fugitive fleeing from the wrath of Saul. However here we see that despite being on the run from Saul David’s focus is on preserving the people of God and so enters, with God’s blessing, upon a battle against the Philistines.

V.1 The earliest biblical reference to Keilah is in Josh 14:44, which establishes it as a city in Judah.   Of interest, it was the part-ruler of Keilah who helped repair the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day (Neh 3:17,18).

V.7 If Saul were capable of rational thinking, he would not have believed that God would deliver David, his anointed, into his Saul’s hands.  But, Saul was delusional.

V.14 Ziph was a town situated about two miles southwest of Hebron.  Ziph was situated atop a hill of about 100 feet in height.  And so, the KJV description of mountain is misleading.  Today, the area around Tel-Ziph (the hill where the town once stood) is desert, but in David’s day it was forested.

V.15 The word horesh means wood or forest.  The KJV has translated it here, and in vs.16,19, as wood but the ESV has translated it as a place Horesh, which is incorrect. The word horesh is translated as forests (2Chron 27:4); bough (Isa 17:9); shroud (Eze 31:3).  All these translations have to do with trees.

V.19 Now, David fled to the barren wilderness region bordering the Dead Sea.

V.29 En-Gedi is a rocky oasis by the Dead Sea.  Warm water pours out of its limestone rocks which forms a beautiful pool.  Palms and other flora flourish there.  It is truly an example of the desert blooming.

23:9-13 When David heard that Saul was coming to take him in Keilah it might seem that the obvious thing to do would be to flee. However David first sought counsel of God. We would do well to take heed to |David’s behaviour and realise that the obvious solution might not be the first thing that we should do.

23:11-12   David had shown great kindness to the men of keilah as we have read earlier in the chapter.  However they were not willing to defend David. Is this how we  respond to kindnesses?

23:3   The reaction of the 600 men that who were with David indicates the precarious nature of going to defend Keilah. After all it was not necessary, one might have thought. However David’s focus was on God’s people. Not his own safety. To their credit David’s men, against their better judgement, followed David in battle.

23:13  David’s departure from Keilah is presented in a simple matter of fact way. However David, in simply fleeing, was leaving things in God’s hands. He did not seek vengeance against the men of Keilah who were so churlish.

23:2,4  How do we think David “enquired of the Lord”?  Can we conclude that verse :6 which speaks of Abiathar coming to David had already happened?

1Samuel 23  In this chapter David inquired of the Lord on three occasions.

1Sam 23:2 “shall I go up and smite the Philistines”.

1Sam 23:4 “David enquired of the Lord again”.

1Sam 23:10-11 “will Saul come down”…”will the men of Keilah deliver me up”.

1Sam 22:20-21 informs us that Abiathar had already come, he had fled from Saul.  He was now with David and had brought the ephod with him (1Sam 23:6).

On each occasion when David inquired and the Lord answered his questions, Abiathar was present with the ephod (1Sam 23:9).  The Lord delivered David from the hand of Saul and he dwelt in the strongholds at Engedi (1Sam 23:29).

We must remember this example and place our trust in the Lord committing our life into His hands.  If the Lord be for us who can be against us? (Rom 8:31-39).

23:26 The mention of “fear of Saul” takes us back to the state of mind we find in David in 1Sam 21:10. His fear of Saul was an ongoing problem. Not something that was just present for a while.

23:21  Saul’s response to the men of Ziph shows how far away from understanding God’s plan he was.

23:29     “The strong holds at Engedi” would not have been an easy place to stay. Engedi is in the wilderness country to the west of the Dead Sea. Unless one was by a water course – such as the one at Engedi – there would have been no vegetation to eat or water to drink.

"HE STRENGTHENED HIS HAND IN GOD."

(1 Sam.23:16)

This expression "strengthened his hand in God" is a wonderful expression showing the love Jonathan had for his friend David. Jonathan reminded David that even in our darkest hours - God is always with us - if we are for Him. Jonathan understood and had confidence that God would fulfil His plan and purpose through David ( 1Sam 20:14-15) and that the kingdom would come to him. This must have had a powerful effect on David. This may very well have been the last time that these 2 friends were together. And as true friends they encouraged each other in the things of God and trusted that God's will - will be done. 

These are the marks of true friendship. The strength we are to give each other is the strength that comes from God, not ourselves. The whole point of a life in Christ is to point each other to Christ, not man, for help and strength. And so "Jonathan rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God." 

May we do so likewise for all our brethren & sisters. We strengthen each other's hands in God by reminding each other about the promises of God that are especially suited for each other's needs.  Let us strengthen each other's hands in God - and even more so as we see the day of Christ's return at hand.

v.7-8 it is interesting that when the Philistines were attacking Keilah only David came to their rescue and not Saul, yet when Saul heard that David was there he gather his whole army to attack David. This shows Saul's priorities were mixed up. He was king, his duty was to protect God's people, yet he did not, but so obsessed was his hatred or fear of David that he would bring his whole army to attack one of his own subjects. 

23:10   From what David said here it is clear that Saul had no feelings for other people. He would have destroyed everyone in the city just to catch David. We should remember that this is the behaviour of the one who was the king of Israel!

23:8 we later learn that when David was made king the people recognised him as the one who had cared for the people – 2Sam 5:2 – so, we might conclude, that now they were simply following Saul’s command following a crowd rather than standing up for what they knew to be true.

23:27 When it looked as if Saul had David trapped God intervened. The Philistines were a greater threat than David so Saul had to leave pursuing David for the time being.

23:17 Jonathan’s words, whilst showing humility in foregoing his own claim to the throne, also were presumptive, for he died before he could be “next” to David when he became king. But the Lord Jesus was not presumptive with regard to who will be next to him in the Kingdom: “but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father” (Mt. 20:23). 

23:28-29 We are told here and on two other occasions about Saul and David going different ways. It highlights the difference between Saul and David. Saul “went home” but David continued to be a fugitive. The other occasions are 1Sam 24:22, 1Sam 26:25

We could ask why did Jonathon not join David and his army?  Matt 15:4 the Lord Jesus Christ tells us that we are to Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

23:27 When it looked as if Saul had David trapped God intervened. The Philistines were a greater threat than David so Saul had to leave pursuing David for the time being.

TRUST IN TROUBLED TIMES

As Saul chased David all over the desert and around Judah, there seemed to be only two people who were relatively safe, at peace and comfortable the whole way through. Those two people were Jonathan and David.

When a situation came up and David enquired of the LORD, he was told to go to Keiler. It almost seemed as if David was packing his bags to go back into Saul's territory and risk his life, but his men were not so quick to follow God's instruction. They needed reassurance - and even then it is hard to tell how willing they were.

In the other camp, Saul was frantically trying all he could to get his hands on David. He chased up leads and rumours, and rushed around like a mad man. But though he was close, Saul could never quite catch David.

On the other hand, Jonathan, in Saul's camp, got up and went to meet with David. Jonathan had no problem finding his friend.

Neither Saul nor his army, nor the men that were with David had the trust, confidence or peace in God that Jonathan and David had. They knew that God's plan would be worked out. Let's be like them, trusting in God no matter what goes on around us, and having God's peace in our hearts.
 

23:3-5 The willingness of the men that were with David to go with him to defend Keilah despite their misgivings provides us with an insight into their willingness to obey David’s words even though it put their own lives in danger.

This loyalty would be a reason why David would choose many from this group to be with him in the kingdom when he reigned over Israel.

23:2-4 A less spiritual man would have, probably, just told hismen that God had given his judgment and so His word shoul dbe followed. However David, on learning of his men’s wortries, enquired again. Thus his men were givne a double assurance tha their fears were not well founded and that they could be confident in God’s word.

23:1  The mention that the Philistines “robbed the threshingfloors” is the information that leads us to conclude that this event was taking place at the time of the harvest. A time that should have been a time of happiness and rejoicing.

23:2,3  Notice that David enquired of the Lord twice. The second time was a consequence of the anxiety of the men that were with him.

The easiest course of action would be to simply listen ot his men and leave Keilah to its fate. But not David. God’s people came first above the option of taking an easy way out.

v. 8 - Here we have a prophecy not just of the return and the birth of an immortal nation but also of the work of Jesus in the sacrifice that he made for mankind, which produced instantly the way that men could be reborn in Zion [Ps.87:5,6]. Here is the travail of Zion, fulfilled in the work of Christ in the purpose of God. We are come now to Mount Zion [Heb.12:22-24]. See also Isa.49:20-22, Acts 4:4, 21:20, Rom.15:18-21.

v.24 - Twice already [Isaiah 48:22 57:21] has Isaiah told us about the wicked being present and receiving no peace. Now at the end of his prophecy Isaiah sees that there are no wicked. They are consumed. The language that Isaiah uses is utilised by Jesus [Mark 9:22 46 48] to speak of the end of those who will not make the commitment to serve God.

v.5 We see the great gulf that is fixed between those with faith and those without. Let us continue to 'tremble at His word' that we might overcome, and not be ashamed at the return of our Lord from heaven.

66:1-2 Again echoes of the promise to David. David wanted to build a house but could not. His son Solomon built the house but was aware that it was not sufficient for Him to dwell in (2 Chronicles 2:6 6:18) The house, actually, will be made up of men and women who 'tremble at his word' (Isaiah 66:5)

:24 'their worm dieth … be quenched' is quoted (Mark 9:44) to speak of the way in which God will judge the wicked. A consideration of this Old Testament background will demonstrate that 'hell fire torment' is not part of Bible teaching. Isaiah is not talking about eternal suffering. He has been speaking about eternal blessing. The wicked will simply cease to exist.

66:1 The heaven as God's throne and the earth as His footstool forms the basis for Jesus' language (Matt 5:34-35) when he warns Israel about making promises.

V.2 The kingdom of God was taken away from the nation of Israel and given to a nation who would bring forth the fruits of righteousness; a "nation" consisting of faithful men and women from both Jews and Gentiles. Experience has confirmed the Word of God in their lives: they know they cannot earn eternal life, yet they know that God requires them to fashion their lives after the example of their Lord. God looks at the heart.

V.2 All things are Yahweh's and He wants for nothing (Psa 50:10-12).  The only sacrifice He craves from His people is a contrite spirit and to fear His Word (Psa 34:18; 51:17). 

V.15 The time is coming when Yahweh will destroy His enemies with great fury (Mic 5:15). 

Vs.13,22 Those of Yahweh's spiritual seed will be presented as the new Jerusalem in the Kingdom (2Pet 3:13; Rev 21:2). 

Vs.19,20,23,24 Yahweh will also have mercy on the remnant of natural Israel in the Diaspora  and bring them back to the Land to worship Him.  They will count themselves extremely fortunate as they look on the destruction of Yahweh's enemies (Heb 10:31).

HUMILITY
 
Before I began to read the Bible this morning, I had a prayer.  One of the things I particularly asked for today was that God would help me to be humble.  I figured that today I may especially need his help toward humility because today should be the day I will see the product of a project that has taken several years to complete.  It was then that I realized that the Tee shirt I had chosen to wear was the one with a big picture of one of the "Mr. Men" on the front of it - Mr. Perfect!  Yes, today was a day I needed a lesson in humility.
 
I didn't have to read very far to be put in my place.  "This is the one I (God) esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." (Isa 66:2) 
 
Pride can creep up on us so unexpectedly and slowly that we don't even notice the change from humility to pride - often until we fall.  Pride is when we look big and important in our own eyes.  But the people who look big and important in God's eyes are those who are humble and contrite.  God sees greatness the opposite of the way we see it. 
 
When we put things into perspective and give God the place he is due in our lives, as Isaiah begins this chapter by explaining, we will be put into our place and become more humble before the LORD our God.  Let's aim for humility today.

Formerly only Israelites used to appear before the LORD at the set times, according to the lunar calendar "from one new moon to another" (from month to month). One day the LORD will also include in His Kingdom the Gentiles "all flesh", without rejecting or casting away His people, as is the case today. (Rom 11:1-26)

Isaiah concludes his long prophecy with a summary, in his last 2 verses. Isa 66:23,24 says that all flesh will come and worship the Lord, but the evil ones will die.  The figure used in the last verse is that which Jesus picks up in His prophecy of evil people dying for ever
(Mark 9:43-48).

66:1-2  Whilst Israel were obsessed at times with buildings God is more interested in men’s hearts. What do we think is important? A building in which to worship or a relationship with God?

In v7 we have an indication that the "birth" referred to in v7-8 is an un-natural one, since the birth pain comes afterwards rather than prior to the birth.  The boy which is born seems to relate to Jesus and his spiritual family which was born before the pains of AD70.  Jerusalem, or Zion, is described as the mother in v8, and Jesus was possibly referring to this when he prophesied such pains in Matt 24:8.  Interestingly, what is referred to in v7 as a child, becomes "children" and "a nation" in v8.

66:1 The heaven as God’s throne and the earth as His footstool forms the basis for Jesus’ language (Matt 5:34-35) when he warns Israel about making promises.

66:14 The flourishing ‘bones’ here contrasts powerfully with the burnt ‘bones’ of Psa 102:3. Psalm 102 seems to have been written by Hezekiah about his sickness and deliverance from death. Isaiah 66, looking to the kingdom, sees more than just a recovery from impending death. He sees the giving of everlasting life.

V.3 Yahweh must be worshipped in the way that He has prescribed (John 4:24).

V.21 The chosen of Yahweh will be priests in the future age, when Jesus returns (Rev 1:6).

66:1-2 These verses are quoted in Acts 7:49 but there is a subtle difference. Whilst Isaiah has ‘where’ twice in the passage Stephen, by the Holy Spirit, says ‘what’. The people should have been the dwelling place of God as David recognised. His ‘house’ was to be made up of people. Notice the relationship between ‘house’ and ‘children’ in Psa 127:1,3. The ‘what’ in Stephen’s question relates to the Jewish leaders.

V.3 See Prov 15:8.

V.4 If people turn to Yahweh, He will turn to them. But, He will turn away from those who turn away from Him (2Chron 15:2).  Yahweh will support either choice.  Those who refuse to listen to Him (His Word), Yahweh will create a delusion in their minds (2Thess 2:11).

V.6 From Jerusalem, in the end times, Jesus shall destroy the enemies of Yahweh (Zech 12:2,3).

V.17 Eating swine’s flesh was against the Law (Lev 11:7). The mouse was an unclean animal under the Law (Lev 11:29).  The mouse was an idol to some nations (1Sam 6:4).

V.18 In the end times, nations shall come against Jerusalem, but they shall be destroyed (Zech 14:1-3).

Vs.19,20 Jesus will subdue the nations.  But, there will be remnants of the nations who will be in the Kingdom as mortals.  They will worship Yahweh and come to Jerusalem to worship (Zech 14:16).

V.21 The Redeemed (the immortalised brethren of Jesus) will be priests in the kingdom (1Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6).

V.22 A new political rule, with Jesus as king, will exist in the Kingdom (2Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).

V.24 See Eze 39:11-16.

185,000 soldiers had been put to death in one night by the Angel of the LORD (37:36). Can you imagine the scene early in the morning? The account describes it in these terms: "there were the corpses: all dead". These few words somehow convey the shock of it. There they were; God's salvation and judgement, plain to see.

But what does one do with such a vast number of bodies? v24 explains that they were there for a long time, perhaps whilst being gradually gathered up and buried, or perhaps Jerusalem had decided to let nature take care of it. And so we have the bizarre image of Gentile worshippers coming to Jerusalem for the feasts, and whilst there being reminded of the judgements of the LORD and His power to save.

This event will happen again. We know this because these prophecies were not entirely fulfilled at the time of Hezekiah. In particular, v16 says the LORD will judge "all flesh" this time, not just 185,000 Assyrians. This is a sober wake up call to all the ungodly. But we should also remember that this prophecy has its prime fulfilment in Jesus and his Gentile followers now. Jesus opened the way for us to worship God at any time of day or night without the need for a physical temple, as explained in 65v24 to 66v2. Through Jesus Christ the glory of God was declared to the Gentiles (v19) and we benefit from that now, because our peace and comfort is there whenever we call on him (v12-13).

Isa 66:1-2;Acts 7:48-50.

66:2 How do we ‘tremble’ at God’s word? I suggest that such ‘trembling’ is seen in an absolute acknowledgement in the authority of Scripture. Our approach to it is prayerful and respectful. We recognise the original words in the Hebrew and Greek as the actual words of God and consequently are careful as to which translation we use. We seek to use a translation which translates the words accurately and avoids simply giving us the ideas that the translator thinks are in the text.

66:3-4 Israel continued to offer as the law required. But their heart was astray from Him. Therefore God viewed their sacrifices as profane things.  It would have been better, one might think, if they had not kept up the pretence. Their behaviour was hypocritical. How often does what we say not match our real thoughts and intentions?

66:5    So the message is to those who tremble at God’s word. We have already seen in verse :2 the sort of man that God has respect to. Can we underestimate the value of the Scriptures?

Isa 66:6

"A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD (Yahweh) that rendereth recompence to his enemies."

That is, "a voice of tumult is heard from the city, a voice sounds forth from the temple, etc." - E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible.

66:6     Israel continued to disregard God’s teaching even though the temple was present in Jerusalem as a witness to His presence. However God’s patience would eventually wane.  God would speak and they would be punished. They had a visible witness to God’s presence but disregarded it.  How do we view the witness of the continued existence of Israel?

Questions on
Isaiah 66:1-2

Q1: Verse 1 is written as a question: "Where is the house that you will build me?". How would we answer that question ourselves?

Q2: When is the book of Isaiah written? (Clue: we're told in the book of Isaiah itself)

Q3: Did a house for God exist at that time? (Clue: Use the time period you found in Q2, and use Kings or Chronicles to check)

Q4: Given your answers for questions 1-3, do you think it's odd to be asking about building a house?

Q5: Check the context of these verses by reading Isa 65:17-25. What does this context tell us about what kind of house it is? Do you see any similarities between the two passages?

66:7-10         The clear message of God here is that He will bring Israel to a new birth (of obedience to His word). The assurance is that He is not going to cause the Jews to return to the land of Israel  and then not fulfil the rest of His promises to them. Their return to the land is our assurance that He is keeping His word and that Israel will repent and turn to Him. 

Isa 66:1,2,5 – Stephen, when facing charges of speaking blasphemous words against the Temple, quotes the fire two verses of Isaiah 66 (Acts 7:49-50).  Stephen would also have read a few verses further on in this chapter, and identified his own experience with that of his Lord, Isa 66:5.  “Your brethren hated you and cast you out for my name’s sake.”  These words were also clearly prophetic of the experience Jesus was to face” at the hands of the Jewish authorities.

The prophet Isaiah continues, “he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed.” (Isa 66:5).  Stephen would have taken comfort in these words of the prophet, because the Lord did “appear” to him. He saw the Son of man standing at the right hand of God before he was taken and “cast out”, to be stoned to death (Acts 7:56-58).

66:2   The one with the contrite heart and spirit is the one who has recognised his sinfulness and asked God for forgiveness – Psa 51:16, Recognising that such an one cannot direct his own steps he turns to God’s word.

1. Isaiah 66 is the revelation concerning the temple of God, in relation to Isaiah's time and the second coming.

2. Isa 66:1-2 - God's throne is in heaven, but the throne of Jesus is on earth (Matt 6:9;John 3:13;Psa 110:1;Acts 2:32-36;Acts 7:47-50;Rev 3:21); the movable tabernacle and immovable temple of Solpomon represented the dwelling-place of the Father in a man, Jesus, the true tabernacle (Heb 8:1-2;John 2:19-21).

3. Isa 66:2-4 - the righteous vs the hypocrites whose sickening 'worship' God didn't recognize; VS 3-4 the offensiveness of the sacrifice of those who chose their own ways (Isa 1:11-19); V4 in Isaiah's time and later (2Thess 2:11-12).

4. Isa 66:3,17 - some suspect this may have reference to the opening of Manasseh's reign (2Chron 33:1-7;2Kin 21:1-7

5. Isa 66:5-9 - comforting divine message; V5 God's faithful remnant (Matt 10:22;Luke 6:22;2Pet 3:3-5,9;Luke 12:45-46); V5 hating, shunning, or excluding brethren and saying, "Let the Lord be glorified"; V5 the sarcasm of unbelieving fellow-Israelites will be exposed as cynical folly; V6 divine power blasted the Assyrian army outside the walls of Jerusalem; VS 7-8 Zion's man child is Christ and her children are the children of the resurrection (1Cor 15:22-24), the other child is the lawless one (2Thess 2:3-4); V7 in the first century this was the resurrection of the Messiah (Psa 2:7;Heb 1:4-5;Heb 5:5); V8 the AD70 temple destruction and travail was followed by the true believing children (John 16:20-21).

6. Isa 66:6,15-16 - judgment dispensed to the Lord's enemies. 

7. Isa 66:10-14 - messianic age; VS 10-13 Jerusalem is the mother of the children of promise (Gal 4:25-26) and the other mother rivalry is Rome with the misguided children (Rev 17:4-6,9,14-15); V10 NIV "Rejoice with Jerusalem"; V12 KJV "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream"; V12 river of life? (Eze 47:1-12;Rev 22:1-3); V14 "the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes."

8. Isa 66:14-16 - (Luke 24:36-45;Psa 149:1-9); VS 15-16 Kingdom age or just before destruction; V16 the reluctant wrath of the Lord.

9. Isa 66:17-18 - idolatry (Deut 16:21-22;Judg 6:25-27); V17 the ungodly "sanctifying"; V18 all nations will see the Lord's glory.

10. Isa 66:19-20 - the resources of Gentiledom are to be at Zion's command; V19 "that draw the bow" may refer to sounders of the truth (2Sam 1:18;Psa 64:3;Jer 9:3;Hab 3:9;Rev 6:2); V19 KJV "they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles"; V20 the end of the Zionist movement; V20 "for an offering...an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord".

11. Isa 66:21 - the Lord's chosen; KJV "I will also take of them for priests and for Levites"; (Rev 5:7-10;Eze 44:12,15-16).

12. Isa 66:22 - KJV "the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make...so shall your seed and your name remain".

13. Isa 66:23-24 - a latter day visible death of Gehenna or eternal life Mark 9:43-50;Rev 21:8;Psa 145:20;Eze 18:20,23,32); V23 NIV "'...all mankind will come and bow down before me,' says the Lord"; V24 NIV "And they will...look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind" (compare with Eze 39:11-16).

66:1-4 Paul quotes verse :1 in Acts 17:24. However Paul’s use of that verse draws on the context of Isa 66:1-24as we can see from the list below.

Isa 66:6-13

Isa 66:7,8

A comment on the above article as appeared in LOGOS Magazine, June 2016 states: "... The Arab opposition was fierce and in the midst of all the commotion (birth pangs) Israel was born, as 'in a day', when David Ben Guiron declared in Tel Aviv on 14th May, 1948 that the new State would be called 'Israel'!..."
My reply: Isaiah 66:7,8 speaks of giving birth BEFORE labour pains. “Who hath heard of such a thing?” This does not fit the natural wherein labour pains always precede the birth (cf. John 16:21). The nation of Israel Isaiah speaks of was “born at once” - no labour pains.
The labour pains of natural Israel are still ongoing and will end when she becomes a new spiritual nation, responsive to Yahweh, and in acceptance of her Messiah and becomes a believing Israel. Jeremiah uses the figure of labour pains for Israel and Yahudah up until the return of Yahshua (Jer 30). The modern natural nation of Israel today is almost entirely a secular nation.
Verses 7,8 of Isaiah 66 are taken to mean that the birth of modern Israel in 1948 was the “nation born in a day” totally disregarding that this verse was in direct reference to the lack of labour pains that normally precede a birth. We need to consider verses one through nine combined with comparing Scripture with Scripture. Verses seven through nine speak of a woman who gave birth to a male child. The birth was instantaneous and on time – not delayed (as during labour pains). This male child is called a nation. Here’s the problem: If modern Israel is the male child born in a day, who is the mother? According to verse 8, it is Zion (Jerusalem) who is made to give birth.
Scripture tells us that Jerusalem, the "heavenly Jerusalem," (Heb 12:22,23) is the spiritual “mother of us all” (Gal 4:26, note v. 27), yet Jerusalem was not part of modern day Israel, claimed as the “nation born in a day,” until 19 years later! Can a symbolic mother bring forth a physical, natural nation – a nation “born” 19 years before the mother gave birth? Again, if Isaiah is speaking of natural Israel, the type does not fit, nor would it make any sense.
The labour pains that brought forth natural Israel consist of the following:
In 1897 the first Zionist congress held by Theodor Herzl, in Basil, Switzerland was the first official act to prepare the way for an Israeli homeland.
In 1917 we have the Balfour declaration, given by a Gentile nation, gave Israel a legal right to the Holy Land.
In 1948 Israel became a nation.
In 1967 Jerusalem was captured and controlled by Israel.
The labour pains are still ongoing for all of creation (cf. Rom 8:22).
Natural Israel exists from which Yahweh will fulfill His spiritual purpose. The present partial possession, or partial birth, of the Holy Land is but a token. The complete possession awaits the coming of Israel’s Messiah. Furthermore, the 1973 Jewish Encyclopedia documents that approximately 90% of today’s Jews are of Khazar and Japhetic in origin, not Semitic. It further states that according to Immigration statistics, those who call themselves Jews living in 42 countries (includes Israel) around the globe and emigrated are Eastern European Khazar Jews. They are not Jews (accurately not Yahudaites from the tribe of Yahuda), but in fact Gentiles. The nation of Israel came from the loins of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, not Japheth, and will be spiritually restored of which Isaiah speaks at the return of Yahshua.

66:4     When God told Isreal that he called Israel did not answer the prophet is drawing attention to Prov 1:24

66:3    The wicked delight in their own ways. We do things we should not do also. However how God views us is determined by what our focus is.  Hopefully we “delight in the law of God” Rom 7:21

66:10 the “her” here is Zion – 61:3. Do we mourn over the current state of affairs in Jerusalem and the land God cares for?

66:12 All through history the Jewish people have been persecuted. Even attempts have been made to destroy the nation and today there are nations hostile to them. However the time will come when that hatred will not only cease but will be replaced with a love for God’s people

66:8the formation of the state of Israel was sudden and against all expectations. In like manner the establishment of the kingdom of God will be a sudden event. We must realise that whilst the extending of the rule of Jesus and the acceptance of him by the nations of the world might take time His return will be at a specific point in time, we must be prepared for his return now. It will come and we will have no time to prepare for it then.

66:1-2 It is awe inspiring to think that the Creator is so great that a building cannot contain Him. Not that He is so big. Rather His majesty and Glory cannot be contained. But yet He wishes to dwell in men and women that have a certain attitude to Him.

Our attitude to His written word determines whether He will come into us or not.

Isa 66:2

“… But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

“This is the state of mind which makes a man a saint in the present mortal state; it is this that qualifies him for the future rulership of the world. It is not a creature of strength or excellence; it is not human culture or attainment. It is the faith that receives the kingdom of God as a little child, and as a consequence, rejoices in it as the supreme good and excellence of existence.

It pleases God that it should be so. Paul tells us the reason: ‘that no flesh should glory in his presence.’”

Robert Roberts, FURTHER SEASONS OF COMFORT, Looking for Great Things, p. 44

Fear is a universal emotion, and if we are honest with ourselves, there were times we feared man more than God. Fear takes on many different forms, but fears of repercussions related to our faith are the most dangerous. This requires deep self-examination, especially when in this Age, reading the Bible automatically makes us enemies of the new world rulers. Yet, one of the most common commands given in the Bible is “do not be afraid.” God knows that as frail mortals we are prone to fear and, therefore, left us with our antidote to fear, and that is to fear God, not man. It truly is a matter of physical life or spiritual life. Which would we choose? (cf. Prov 29:25-27; Matt 10:22,24-28; Heb 13:6).

Brother Roberts writes on p. 41: “… let us look beyond ourselves. Let us mistrust the doleful feelings of the flesh. Let us lean on the Rock that is higher than we. Let us fix our thoughts on what He has promised. Let us not measure God or the hope of the future good by our own thoughts and experience. The flesh is weak. Our fears are very largely due to this. Let us not be unduly distressed by them. They are known on high, and the cause of them. ‘He knoweth our frame: he remembereth that we are dust.’ Therefore, the context informs us, His pity is directed towards us if we fear Him.” (Underline mine).

When we have a reverential fear, an attitude of awe of God, we won’t fear anything else, but if we fear man, we fear everything! It is only our fear of God that will deliver us in the end.

66:1-2 We know, even though God gave instructions about making the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple, that God’s focus is not on a physical building. So we do not place any great emphasis on the building in which we worship. However God is interested in a building and is concerned that it is constructed according to His pattern. That building is the family of believers.

We must take care that in not being concerned about a physical building we are firmly focussed on a building – the “church of the living God”. We must make it our life’s work to perfect that building.

66:12-14 And yet again Isaiah speaks of the glory of the mortal Jewish population when Jesus is king, ruling from Jerusalem.

No more trodden down the blessings they receive will encourage gentile nations to obey God’s laws.

GOOD CHOICE OR GOOD LUCK?
If we wake up and discover that we are in the kingdom of God on resurrection morning, it won't be because we are just lucky. And if we wake up on resurrection morning with weeping and gnashing of teeth, that won't be just bad luck either. It all comes down to choices.

God says this about the people that rejected him: "These have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations; I also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring their fears upon them, because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my eyes and chose that in which I did not delight.” (Isa 66:3-4.)

So much for those who choose evil. If we want to choose good, we need to choose the opposite. Choose God's way, delight in righteousness, respond when God calls, do good, choose the things that delight God. Today's choices will make a huge difference to God's choice for you in the future.

How are we going to choose to live our lives today?

Isa 66:23

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.”

“THERE is an evident counterpart to the Mosaic monthly institution in the blessed age that is coming with the advent of the saints to power. It is ‘from one new moon to another,’ as well as from Sabbath to Sabbath, that all flesh appears in the temple courts to worship. It is ‘every month’ or once a month, that the Apocalyptic wood of life (the saints) yields its fruit for the healing of the nations (Rev 22:2), and it is ‘according to his months’ that the literal tree on both sides of the temple river yields its fruit ‘whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed… the fruit thereof shall be for meat and the leaf thereof for medicine’ (Eze 47:12). There will be no monotony in a state of things in which the whole population is roused with the advent of every new moon in the heavens to a special service of worship and praise, and a special distribution of healing and blessing. The prospect of the Kingdom is a prospect of an endless succession of joyful activities.”

Robert Roberts, The Law of Moses, p. 198

v.25 - The Luke account of this speech [ch.10:21-23] is more detailed and tells us that we (if we are to be classed along with the disciples) are blessed because of the things that we perceive, and that indeed many prophets and kings have not seen what we see. Let us remember the privilege that we have in being in possession of the source of this knowledge and not to waste our time here in this short life that God has provided that we might prove ourselves worthy.

v.6 - If we wish to think of Jesus as being one who went about bending over backwards in order to please men we would be mistaken. [Matthew 11:6 13:21 57 Mark 6:3 John 6:61]. Whilst Jesus knew that what he had to say would offended many he was concerned that his followers would not be so dismayed. [Matthew 11:6 Luke 7:23] His concern was that his Father's will might be known. This is offensive to the flesh - therefore he prayed that his disciples would not be caused to stumble as did his adversaries. [John 16:1]

The quotation from Zechariah 9 is from the area of Zechariah which Matthew later quotes (21:5) and applies to Jesus. Jeremiah 6 is an exhortation to Israel to encourage them to faithful worship to prevent them being taken to Babylon. Jesus is warning his followers to separate themselves from the evil world they are in before the Romans come and destroy the city.

:2 That John heard about Jesus whilst he was in prison implies that he was visited by his disciple. This is confirmed by 'he sent two of his disciples'. How would we view visiting a brother or sister in prison? What do we think Jesus means (Matthew 25:36)

Jesus uses a strange phrase in verse 11, where he says that among "those born of women", there was none greater than John. What does that mean? Surely everyone is born of a woman, even Jesus? He continues with another strange phrase "he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he". Surely John would be in the kingdom?

In the reply of Jesus to the ruler in Luke 18v18-30, he introduces that one cannot inherit the kingdom, even as a camel cannot pass through the eye of a needle. The question of the ruler had been "what must I do to inherit the kingdom?". Elsewhere Jesus tells us that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". In John 3v3 Jesus again tells us that we cannot see the kingdom of God, but this time he gives the solution.... "unless one is born again". His reasoning is "that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit" i.e. you can not change the flesh to the spirit, or vice versa. They are completely different substances. The only way to be of the spirit, is to be born again "of water and the spirit". John and his baptism were earthly, or fleshly (John 3v31) and therefore could not bring life. Jesus was the first of a new creation, born of the spirit. This is why Jesus called John "born of a woman", and why he said to Mary "woman, what have I to do with you?".

A further point to ponder:
In v28-30 we have (to my mind) some of the most comforting words in the whole scriptures. Have you noticed the link to the later words of Jesus in Matt 23:4?

11:25 We might think it strange that Jesus ‘answered’ in prayer as if God had spoken to him. However we might see this as something we do. We pray in answer to our experience. We appreciate what God has done for us in some way as we live our lives and feel compelled to speak to Him in prayer. Such prayers are ‘answers’ to what we see of His work in our lives.

Matt 11:29-30  YOKE is an interesting word to look at. The Greek is "ZUGOS" (2218) which means something shared. It comes from a root word meaning "to join." When one puts on the yoke of Christ, they are sharing it with Him. You are sharing the load with Christ, He is always there to help you. The other day we looked at the word "follow" and saw that it meant "to be in the same way with." (Matt 9:9)  When we choose to follow Christ we did in fact put on His yoke.

V.11 John was an exceptional great man.  However, even he cannot be compared to the greatness of an immortalised saint in the Kingdom.  Such is the glory to which we look forward.

Vs.21-23 The Lord curses Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum.  These cities of Galilee were close to each other.  Capernaum, it appears, became the new hometown of Jesus (Matt 9:1).  Perhaps this curse was in anticipation of his later rejection (Matt 13:54-58).

Vs.2,3 John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask him a question.  This was not for the benefit of John who already knew that Jesus was the Christ.  It was for the benefit of John's disciples who were still remaining loyal to him.  John is, in effect, saying to his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah and that it is He whom they should now follow.  After listening to Jesus, they would be convinced.

11:2 We should remember that we are never actually told of the time that John was cast into prison. Here he is already in prison. The comment upon his death (, Matt 14:3-12) is information given in parenthesis - John had said 'I must decrease ...' (John 3:30)

11:15 ‘He that hath ears to hear …’ is a challenge to those who had ears but did not hear – Isa 6:9-10.

11:28   The giving of rest to the labourers contrasts with Israel’s position when they entered the land. Moses had told them that entering the land was not the ‘rest’ – Deut 12:9. Jesus was speaking of the ‘rest’ that remains. Heb 4:9

TRAIN UP HELPERS

We can't do it all by ourselves. If anyone could have done everything himself, it would have been Jesus. But listen to the words we read about the priorities Jesus put into his teaching and preaching."After Jesus had finished instructing his disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee." (Matt 11:1.) Jesus did not go out immediately to preach. His first priority was to teach his disciples how to help him in the work that he was doing. They needed instruction and example so that they would be able to help him and continue in the work after he had gone.

Sooner or later we too will find that the work we do for the Lord is too big for us to do effectively or that we cannot continue and need to pass on the work to someone else. For that reason we need to follow the example of Jesus and not only get out and preach, but also teach and mentor others to help and continue in the work that we are doing. We need people to help. They are not in competition with us, it is all done to the glory of God, whether it is you or I or someone else that preaches the word. The more of us that can reach out to others means that we can reach more effectively.

So lets not only do the work but teach, encourage and mentor others to do the same.

11:12 The violent taking the kingdom of God by force are those who opposed the preaching of Jesus and his disciples.

V.10 answers to Mal 3:1.

V.12 The Jews did not understand the mission of Jesus. They thought that He, as Messiah, would overthrow the Romans and establish the Kingdom.  The Jews thought they could use force to induce Jesus to become king (John 6:15).

Vs.16,17 The Jews were like children in doing a thing and expecting the results they want to automatically appear. There is an allusion to a funeral mourning here (Matt 9:23).

V.28 Jesus is appealing to the Jews who had been excessively burdened by the extras the scribes and Pharisees had added to the Law (Matt 23:4).

V.29 The yoke that Jesus asks anyone to bear is much lighter than the Law.  The yoke is servitude to Jesus.  Unlike the Law, the yoke of Jesus will sustain a person so that he or she might find rest (Psa 55:22).

11:25-26 Even though Jesus upbraided the cities which had not listened to his message he still thanks God. His thanks are because there are some of a certain disposition who accepted the words. So the upbraiding has to be put in the context of there being some who did accept Jesus’ message.

The quote in v10 is from Malachi 3. Here we can see the context of Jesus' sayings in this chapter:

" But who can endure the day of His coming?
  And who can stand when He appears?
  For He is like a refiner’s fire..."

11:5  In advising the followers of John that they had heard ‘the gospel preached’ they were reminded of the words of Isa 61:1. Gospel = good tidings.

CHRISTIAN, COME TO ME

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)

We often read these verses in the context of Jesus calling new Christians who have been burdened with the pressures of guilt, and worn down with the brutality of those around them. We are right to read them in this context, but in doing so we may miss some important lessons for ourselves.

All too often, we, as Christians, can find ourselves weary and burdened because of the  things we do and the busy lives we lead - even within the church. Could it be that the things we are doing, we are not doing Jesus' way? Could it be that we have not asked his direction or stopped to listen for it if we have asked? Or could it be that while we are busy we are not actually obeying him in some area of our lives?

If we are weary and burdened, let us come to him. Let us take his yoke upon us and do his will together with him, learning to do things his way. In doing so, he will give us rest. For his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

11:28  The invitation to those who labour to come unto Jesus echoes Isa 55:3 and as  such shows that Jesus was the one spoken of by Isaiah.

11:8     Turning to the people he now asks them to consider what they were expecting. The Jewish leaders would cut quite a dash in their fine robes. Were the people anticipating yet another teacher like them?

 Matt 11:23,24.

11:25 Jesus, in speaking of God as “Lord of heaven and earth” shows his appreciation of who he was speaking to.  Whilst Jesus was speaking to his father he realised the greatness of Him. So should we. Whilst God is our father he is majestic above all that we can imagine.

Matt 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This is one of the most well-known and beloved passage in Scripture. Christ's gentle and loving invitation encourages us, uplifts us, and assures us that our faith in him is secure.  

We all feel burdened at times. Those who say they don't are not living in reality.  Because we live in a fallen world, there will always be burdens: financial burdens, family responsibilities, death in the family, illnesses, living in an abusive environment, some may live in the past feeling guilty and unable to forgive themselves. Whatever the situation, it is physically and emotionally draining and the pain is real. Sometimes we may even feel we cannot go on, so what do we do?

Jesus tells us to go to him, to bring all our cares to him, and in so doing, we acknowledge that we cannot handle it alone, but trust in him that he can handle it for us. But, it is even more than that. In doing so, we take our focus off our problems. If we keep focusing on our burdens, we keep carrying it! We have not laid it before the Lord, and then we wonder why our burdens are not eased. We must learn what it means to lay down our burdens as a decision on our part, as an act of faith on our part and change the focus from the burden to the Burden-bearer (cf. Psa 55:22).

Christ does not say he will remove the burden, he says to cast it upon him and he will uphold us (cf. Psa 68:19). Christ bore our sins (1Pet 2:24), and he certainly will help us with our burdens no matter what it is. It is a call to discipleship and an invitation to rest. However, disciples must cultivate a lifestyle of faith and of trusting in God and Christ.

11:13 Jesus is saying that John was the last prophet to speak about Messiah. He is not simply saying that John was the last prophet – for he was not. There were prophets during the first century also.

11:23   Jesus’ words were fulfilled to the letter. Whilst it is possible to go and see Capernaum it is nothing but a ruin.

11:19     The charge that Jesus was a glutton was a terrible charge as they are actually quoting Deut 21:20which speaks of one who is totally Godless.

11:1   In saying that the disciples were sent to “their cities” we realise that preaching and healing work was to be done amongst those who knew them. I venture to suggest that such an audience is less receptive than total strangers. At least this was Jesus’ experience.

11:22  we should appreciate that Tyre and Sidon were outside the borders of Israel. Jesus is saying that gentiles will receive better treatment than the Jews. This is because by now there had been gentiles in the area of Tyre who had responded to Jesus’ words and miracles.

11:30  Jesus’ light yoke contrasts with the heavy yoke of the |Law of Moses – Acts 15:10.

11:24 Why would it be more tolerable for Sodom than Capernaum, we might ask. Well there was one very important difference. Capernaum was inhabited by Jews who were looking for the coming of Messiah who they were rejecting. The men of Sodom had no concept of Messiah.

11:28-30 Jesus’ call to those that would follow him contrasts with the burden that Rehoboam brought on Israel after the people asked that he lighten the “heavy yoke” – 1Kin 12:4 that Solomon had laid on Israel during what was probably the latter part of his reign. The way in which Jesus was “meek and lowly in heart” –Matt 11:29 doubtless contrasted with how Rehoboam ruled the nation. So Jesus’ call is to those who labour. Isaiah 55:1-2 speaks similarly of labour and thirsting. All relieved through association with Christ.

Today we completed reading Isaiah – and it has a final challenging message for us to “Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is they who shall be put to shame.” [v.5] 

Is it clear what this is teaching us? Why will they be “put to shame” by the Lord?  It is because they do not “tremble at his word.”  There is “an uproar,”  the next verse tells us, it is “”The sound of an uproar from the city! A sound from the temple! The sound of the LORD, rendering recompense to his enemies!”  This recompense (punishment)  is given in more detail in v.15,16. “For behold, the LORD will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment … with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many.” 

How soon will this be? Later this month in Matthew, we will first read parables of warning, and then Christs’ fairly explicit words in ch. 24, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,  and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matt 24:37 Our world is totally “unaware” – they have given up on expectations about the future, they are living for the day, the month, at most for the year!  May we so live that we are not “swept away” when “the LORD enter(s) into judgment …with all flesh.” May we be among those who “who tremble at his word” and so be among those who experience, as we read in Isaiah, “the new heavens and the new earth that I make … says the LORD”  when “all flesh (then alive)shall come to worship before me….” Isa 66:22-23