Comments for January 9

Here we have God's final requirements for perfection surrounding the birth of Isaac. God decided that it had to be a miracle - that is, to be born in circumstances that, humanly speaking, were impossible - just like the greater Son that he foreshadowed. But as well as that, Isaac had to be born from within the recently established covenant relationship with God, which Abraham had only just entered by circumcision. He had to be born of this covenant that would be fulfilled in the only sinless man, so that a new and better covenant (Heb.8:6) could be established for us. This is why Ishmael was not good enough. Gal.4:22-31. We are the free (ie. of Jesus) through Isaac.

17:4 - The requirement that all males be circumcised set out here, seems to have been ignored by Moses, when we find that in Exo.4:24, God seems to be threatening Moses' son. He has just spoken to him of the threat of the removal of the firstborn sons of Egypt in the previous verses. Zipporah, amazingly, seems to understand and, performing the act which saves her son's life (v.25,26), is extremely angry with Moses (who should have done it himself when his son was 8 days old, but clearly didn't). However strange this seems, there has to be a lesson or two for us. 1. That we should obey God's commands even if they are grievous to us for some reason, and 2. It may be someone with no grounding in God's ways that bails us out. May we be humbled by this realisation.

ch 17 - Whereas in Genesis 12 Abram had gone out 'not knowing whither he went' [Hebrews 11:8] he is now instructed - for the first time - which parcel of land is promised to him and his seed.

18:12 In laughing and calling Abram 'Lord' in her heart Sarah was demonstrating that her respect for her husband was not simply an outward show. It was a way of life. This attitude is presented to sisters today - 1 Peter 3:6.

ch 17 - Another mark of the passage of time at 99 we are now 24 years on from when Abraham left Haran - and he receives the covenant of circumcision.

18:13-14 We may think that Sarah laughed because she did not believe the words of the angel and see 'Is anything too hard for the Lord' as a rebuke from the angel. However Hebrews 11:11 indicates that Sarah actually believed what the angel said. So is it that the phrase 'Is anything too hard …' Sarah's response on hearing what the angel said?

Genesis 17 - Marvellous things happen in Abram's life now. Five times in this chapter, God speaks to Abram in words that indicate that He and Abram are going to work together, not only to produce the Promised seed, but to create a multitudinous family. Remember Ishmael is now 13 years old, Abram is 99, Sarah is 89. Twenty four years have passed since Abram entered the land. [How long have you been walking with God?] In v2, 4, 7, 10, 11, God informs Abram of their joint cooperation - "me and thee" or "me and you". It is also at this point in Abram's career that God changes Abram's and Sarai's names by including the 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet into both their names - making them now Abraham and Sarah. I have a note in my Bible [you may like to check it for yourself] that the numerical value of Abraham = 248, and Abraham appears in the Bible 248 times.

v4 - "thou shalt be a father of many nations" - Such a prospect is a human impossibility. Should a man father a family, he could only possibly father one nation. He may even father a multitude, but God tells Abraham, that by Grace ["5"] God is going to make Abraham a "father of many nations." How?

v11 - "you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin" - God certainly works in mysterious ways! Abraham knows that he can father children - Ishamel is testimony to that fact. He knows that Sarah is barren and well past the age of child bearing. And now God tells him [at the age of 99] that he must indulge in a private, painful operation on the very member that is used father children! Surely this operation will render that member useless for the purpose! But what a man of Faith. Not only did Abraham submit to this painful rite, but Ishamel at age 13, and every other male member in the compound underwent the same operation. Remember, there may well have been around 1,000 males travelling with Abraham by this time - we know that he had at least 318 trained young men with him - and they had been "born in his compound" - Gen 14:14. Is it not likely that Abraham had at least that number [or more] older men also camped with him at this time? And their wives, and young maidens - possibly around 2,000 people camped with Abraham and shared his faith. See the comment written in Gen 18:19.

17:18 How the bond must have grown during those 14 years. But the son of the bondmaid had
to go (Galatians 4:22-31)

17:1 Abram’s call to ‘walk before me and be thou perfect’ was fulfilled in Jacob (Gen 25:27) where Jacob is a ‘plain’ man – the same word.

Gen 18 - Whilst it might be thought that Abraham is bargaining with the Lord over Sodom in reducing the numbers for which the city would be spared may it be that Abraham, in reducing the numbers becomes more and more incredulous that there are not even twenty righteous in the city. Maybe he anticipated that the Lord would, at some point along the discussion, tell Abraham that He would not destroy the city because there were a specific number of righteous there?

Gen 18:14  Is any thing too hard for the LORD?  The Hebrew word here is 'Pala' (6381) meaning extraordinary or wonderful (2Sam 1:26) How can anyone honestly question what God can or will do? Already this year we have read the account of creation; the account of the flood; and the record of the birth of Christ. We must always be aware of what Christ told the disciples when they questioned Him. (Matt 19:26) 'With God all things are possible.

At eight days of age, circumcision is an unpleasant but comparatively short-lived experience, and one that is not committed to memory. However, as an adult, the experience is painful and one that is sure to linger in the mind. Recall the soreness of the Hivites who were deceived into being circumcised by Dinah's brothers (Gen 34:24-25).  There would have been many young, strong men in that number. And so, when we consider Abraham's being circumcised at ninety-nine years old, we can sympathize with his discomfort, but can also admire his faith.

18:1-3 - Abraham clearly knew that these men were angels from God and was immediately drawn to worship them. Was this a result of his faith, or of the men's physical appearance.  We are given no indication that it was the latter. We are told in Heb 13:2  'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.'  It seems that this event in Gen 18 is referred to here, indirectly, except that Abraham did seem to know that these strangers were angels.

17:9-14 - circumcision was an outward sign of a disowning of the flesh. True circumcision is of the heart Deut 30:6; Rom 2:25-29.

17:13 This is the second ‘everlasting covenant’ that God has made with man. The first is to be found in Gen 9:16

18:14 The word translated ‘hard’ is the same word that is translated ‘wonderful’ in Isa 9:6 showing that the promise of Isaac is part of the theme of the provision of the seed of the woman who would be the Messiah

We notice that it was not only Sarah who laughed, Abraham had laughed also. Gen 17:17

Abraham had to wait, not only until Sarah was unable to bear a child, but until his body also was past fathering a child, so that he would know that he had had no natural part in the process, but that it was totally of God. Rom 4:19-21

We notice the eagerness and zeal with which Abraham makes preparation for the angels, and then he, the patriarch of this huge camp, stands by in the attitude of a servant while they partake. v6-8 Is our attitude to service the same?

Was 50 perhaps the original size of Lot's household?

REASON TO RUSH
 
In our busy world the virtue of hospitality has almost died.
 
When three men were standing near where Abraham was resting, Abraham at ninety-nine years old, lost no time inviting them in and preparing a meal for them. "When he saw them he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them." (Genesis 6 v 2) But notice that his hospitable actions did not stop there. Once they had accepted Abraham's offer of a meal, we read, "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. 'Quick,' he said, 'get three seah's of fine flour and knead it and bake bread.' Then he ran to the herd and selected a tender calf and gave it to a servant who hurried to prepare it." (Gen 18:6-7)
 
Like us, Abraham rushed, but his rushing was in order to show hospitality, to make people feel welcome and to meet their needs. Sadly, as we rush about the busyness of every day life, we are often too busy rushing to show hospitality or meet needs, and the welcome atmosphere we could have, is lost in the stress of preparation, time constraints, or because we are exhausted through it all.
 
The question we need to ask ourselves is whether our rushing serves the right purpose or not. Perhaps we need to slow down our busy lifestyles so that we have time to hurry to do the things that are important, like showing hospitality, preaching the word, meeting the needs of others and spending time with the Lord

17:20 ‘As for Ishmael …’ we should not forget that God has plans for the other children of Abraham – the Arab nations.

Yahweh made an everlasting covenant between Himself, Abraham, and Abraham's descendants (17:7).  In one application, the descendants of Abraham refer to the nation of Israel (Yahweh's natural son) (Exo 4:22).  In another, more universal application, one specific descendant is the focus of the covenant.  That person is Jesus (Gal 3:16).  He was Yahweh's spiritual son (Acts 13:33).

Abraham was to become the father of many nations (17:4,5).  Jesus, the descendant of Abraham, would draw followers from many nations.  These redeemed of Jesus will serve with Him in the coming Kingdom on earth (Rev 5:9,10).

17:1    Jesus also called upon his disciples to be perfect – Matt 5:48.  As Abraham was called to be ‘perfect’ we can see the sort of person that we should be – like Abraham.

GOD GIVEN GRACE

God gave Abram two instructions, one of which was almost impossible to keep. God said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." (Gen 17:1) Much as I, Abram, or anyone else would have liked to, living blamelessly is extremely hard to do. More often than not we fail. Walking before God is almost as difficult. Walking beside him, keeping in touch with him and going his way is a hard way to follow. It is all too easy to go off track.

Was Abram able to do it? If Abram possessed our human nature at all, we can be sure he would have strayed from the path now and again and that his life from that moment on would not have been totally blameless. It was not long afterwards that he told a half truth to Abimelech saying that Sarah was his sister - forgetting to mention that she was also his wife. No, he was not perfect.

The key is found in the next words of God. God said, "No longer will you be called Abram, your name will be called Abraham." (v.5) To change Abram's name in this way God added a letter to Abram's name - the fifth letter of the Hebrew Alphabet - a letter of grace. Abram could not walk before God and be blameless all by himself. But with God's grace in his life, Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness.

Let us also fall on God's grace. We cannot be perfect alone. It is only by God's grace that we can be anything at all.

In Gen 18:9-15 Sarah's response might suggest that this was the first time she had heard this news and yet in chapter 17 we're told how God had appeared to Abram and given him the promise beforehand. Had Abraham not told his wife?

18:1,2 The three men who appeared to Abraham were divine angels.  Yahweh is said to have appeared because these angels bore Yahweh's name (see Exo 23:21,22).  However, the angels had the appearance of men, and until they revealed themselves to him, Abraham thought that they were just men.  This should give us caution, as we might innocently encounter angels (Heb 13:2).

Vs.3,27,30 Abraham addressed the angel as Adonai not Yahweh.  Yahweh became the Name for the National God of Israel under Moses (Exo 3:14).  But, the Memorial Name of Yahweh was known to Abraham (Exo 3:15).  However, Abraham, in speaking to the angel who looked like a man, addressed him as Adonai meaning My Lord.  Adonai denotes a master - one who rules over another, or others.  Sarah addressed Abraham in the same fashion (v.12 cf. 1Pet 3:6).  Later, the Jews only used Adonai and not Yahweh, because their superstition and pseudo reverence persuaded them not to use the Memorial Name.

17:1 We should notice that there is a 13 year gap between chapters 16 and 17.

The promised seed (Christ) would come through Isaac Gen 17:19;21:12;26:3-4;Rom 9:7;Heb 11:18;Luke 3:34.

Gen 17:5;Rom 4:16-17. Gen 18:10,14;Rom 9:8-9. Gen 18:18;Gal 3:8.

Gen 17:19-21 - The covenant was with Isaac not Ishmael. Isaac was born to a free woman not a bond slave as was Hagar and believers similarly have freedom through Christ and an escape from the bonds of sin and death.

Gen 18:1-10,18-22 - Here we have some similarities to Christ and his mission. V1 - a tent or tabernacle (a covering) entrance is near what could be translated as "great oaks or trees of strength" perhaps reminding us of spiritual strength and strength of what was later accomplished on a cross. V2 - three men (angels) and in the number three there is possible echoing the resurrection of Christ (also there were three on the cross). V3 - a person who is a true neighbour (the good Samaritan comes to mind) will offer help and not walk by, Christ offered his life to help. V4 - Christ had his feet washed, was baptised, died and found his rest under the shadow of a tree. V5 - believers are fed and refreshed by Christ (the bread of life) who we remember each first day of the week in a memorial service. V6 - again the number three and bread mentioned. V7 - a good tender calf is offered.  V8 - the husband (Christ is the bridegroom of believers who are one with him) is under a tree. V9 - the bride (perhaps reminds us of the bride of Christ) is covered just as we hope to have our sins covered. V10 - a return and a son. V18 - all nations on the earth to be blessed (this will happen when Christ returns). V19 - keeping the way of the Lord, justice and judgment (this reminds us of Christ's role). V20 - reminds us of sin (Eze 16:49-50) which Christ will eradicate during the millennium. V21 - Christ will return and come down from heaven to judge the earth. V22 - standing before the Lord.

17:20 Ishmael was promised ‘twelve princes’ they are listed in Gen 25:12-15

Gen 17:12 - a scientific reason for 8th day circumcision: 

Vitamin K is responsible for the production (by the liver) of prothrombin.  Vitamin K, coupled with prothrombin, causes blood coagulation, which is important in any surgical procedure. Holt and McIntosh, in their classic work, Holt Pediatrics, noted a newborn infant has “peculiar susceptibility to bleeding between the second and fifth days of life.... Haemorrhage's at this time, though often inconsequential, are sometimes extensive; they may produce serious damage to internal organs, especially to the brain, and cause death from shock and exsanguination” (1953, pp. 125-126). Therefore, as vitamin K is not produced in sufficient quantities until days five through seven, it would be prudent to postpone any surgery until some time after that. Significantly, the eighth day is the only day in a male's life the amount of prothrombin present normally reaches its highest level making the eighth day, from a blood coagulation standpoint, more ideal than any other day for surgery according to S.I. McMillen, M.D., in his book, "None of These Diseases".

A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

It takes two to build a relationship. A one sided relationship doesn't really work when one person does all the work but gains nothing from the other. We think of this particularly in marriage, but it also applies to our relationship with God.

The example of the relationship between Abraham and God is a good one to show the ways God can interact with us and we with him.

The relationship between Abraham and God was initiated by God. He had earlier made a covenant with Abraham and the relationship between the two of them was to confirm it. God promised to remain committed to fulfilling his promises with Abraham, but this time he also gave Abraham some things to do to prove his commitment.

He said Abraham needed to "walk before God and be blameless," (Gen 17:1), that he and all his household should be circumcised (v.13), and that Sarai's name was to be changed to Sarah. (v.15) Abraham did all he was asked to do. Notice his eagerness to get it done: "On that very day Abraham ... circumcised them, as God told him." (v.23)

We also have been given commandments from God to be obeyed. By keeping them, we, like Abraham, can build a relationship with God. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23)

Let us build a strong relationship with God.

18:2 The ‘three men’ are actually angels. Two of them go off to Sodom Gen 19:1 whilst ‘the Lord’ stays with Abraham Gen 18:13.  We may never know when we are entertaining angels but our Father certainly uses them today.

Abraham's Circumcision Implementation Committee (ACIC)

In this issue of the ACIC newsletter we decided to tell our readers a little about our founder, and how he came to set up the ACIC 100 years ago.

Abraham first heard about circumcision from God. Immediately he gathered together the leading men of his household and told them about it. They talked about circumcision, the importance of it, and what it entailed. They decided they needed to know more about the procedure, and set up a committee to plan the circumcision implementation, which was a large task given the size of Abraham's household. Next month the committee met for the first time, bringing with them their preliminary thoughts. Each man presented his thoughts and they were discussed. It was decided that circumcision of all the males in one go was a large and complex task, and ought to be done in stages. Several of the committee were given the task to set up a working group whose remit it would be to canvas opinion and work out a realistic schedule. Two month later (the next meeting fell on a holiday so it was postponed) it was reported that the working group was now set up. Queries were raised by one committee member about the possibility of infection, and as this worried the committee a great deal, they decided to find and consult a medical expert. Questions were also raised about the negative impression mass circumcision would give to the neighboring families. This was left to be discussed at the next meeting. A few meetings later, 6 months after God contacted Abraham, the working group presented their devastating report. Everyone they had asked about circumcision was dead set against it. The objections ranged from medical concerns with the procedure, concerns over seeing blood, loss of working time, permanent scarring, ridicule in the village, and the list went on...

Notice in Gen 17:23-27 how Abraham actually did it. It's quite a contrast to how we might have gone about it. And he was a 99 year old man! Do we sometimes talk and not do? If we leave something difficult for just one day, that one day inevitably turns in to weeks and months. What God asked us to do might never get done. Abraham is an example of action. Can you find any more times when he acted immediately?

Gen 17:10-13 - V10 - "covenant" (a covenant involves cutting and thus circumcision is closely related <1285>), "circumcised"<4135>, both Jew and Gentile were to be circumcised which is a repudiation of a former way of life and the manifestation of the new way in Christ Jesus - it is a figurative "crucifixion of the flesh" with the affections and lusts (Gal 5:24), we are to be living sacrifices (Rom 12:1-2); V12 - 8th<8083> day is thought by some to suggest immortality and/or a new beginning (as with the 8 on Noah's ark) and the 8th millenial day is when death is swallowed up in victory (Isa 25:8;1Cor 15:53-57). Gen 17:25 - Ishmael was circumcised when he was 13 (some feel "13" suggests sin and rebellion).

17:16  We might think that Abraham was hasty in having a child by Hagar. However God had promised Abraham that he would have a son but had not said that it would be from Sarai. Now that detail is made clear to Abraham for the first time.

18:2    This visit of the “men” who, it later become clear, are angels – Gen 19:1 – may well be the basis for the comment in Heb 13:2.

17:1 This the first time that God has introduced Himself as “Almighty God”. 

EIGHT DAYS OLD

Abraham was given a covenant from God. It promised great blessings, and Abraham was told that he needed to keep his side of the covenant too.

"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised" (Gen 17:9-12)

Circumcising a male can be a painful experience. God knew that, so when he instructed that boy babies should be circumcised on the eighth day, he also designed male babies to have a rush of painkilling hormones that flow through their bodies on the eighth day after they are born. In that way, the pain of circumcision is lessened for those who obey this command of God.

You could call it a coincidence, but I call it design. When God requires something done, He also provides all we need to do it - including painkillers for eight day old boys!

18:18   The way in which it is said of Abram that he would become a “great nation” catches the words of the promise of God in Gen 12:2

Gen 18:2-8

I believe we have a wonderful example of a Godly marriage here, in v2 we see Abraham bowing himself before his visitors thus showing an example of servitude and humbleness. In v5 he fetches the bread, in v6 Sarah acting under Abrahams instruction helps with no complaining in v7 Abraham instead of leaving things to his wife prepares the meat and readys it! No wonder in Gen 18:12 she calls her husband lord!

Are our marriages the same?

17:20-21         Despite God’s willingness to listen to Abram’s request for Ishmael God’s plan with Isaac was unmovable. This gives us an insight into how our God works. He has a plan which is unchangeable. However He is still aware, and will respond to, our desires which do not conflict with and can be accommodated within His plan.

Gen 18:14

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD (Yahweh)?

All of us at some point struggle with problems of unbelief. Perhaps, like Abraham and Sarah, we’ve prayed for something, the years went by, but we received no answer. We struggle with doubts as we wonder whether God has heard our prayers.

By nature we tend to trust in ourselves and in God only when we really have to. Through His graciousness, though, God brings us to a place or situation where we have no hope except in Him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats and fasten your seat belts.” The calm voice over the intercom was hardly reassuring as my flight on American Airlines 727 bound to Miami, Florida, encountered a storm during flight. The sky flashed as lightning forked its tongue what seemed like inches away from the plane. Swirling winds tore at the plane as the aircraft bounced and shuddered in the turbulence. Through the window I could see the wings struggling frantically against the violent downdraft. I was faced with a situation no amount of ingenuity on my part, or anyone else’s, could get us out of.

Stuck in the life-threatening storm, it occurred to me that what is humanly impossible is possible with God. After all, Christ calmed the winds and the sea during a violent storm (cf. Mark 4:41). Knowing the power of the God of all creation and that He can control the laws of nature, this Scripture specifically came to mind: “Is anything too hard for Yahweh?”

Our answer to this question reveals our estimate of the power of God and also the extent of our faith in God. There is no prayer too hard for the LORD to answer. There is no problem too hard for the LORD to solve, there is no place that the LORD cannot reach us or hear us, and save us.  

The God we serve is the God of the impossible! I acknowledged this in prayer and asked if God would calm the storm, and pronounce upon it, “Peace, be still!” (cf. Mark 4:39). No sooner did I pray this, the storm ceased and the plane landed safely!

God is always with us in the storms of life. His words in Holy Writ are sufficient: “Be still, and know that I am God,” (Psa 46:10), and I testify to this truth in Christ Jesus our Lord.

17:2,7,10,11  Notice the repletion that shows the covenant is between God and Abraham. The repetition forces us to appreciate that fellowship is being emphasised.

Gen 17:1 Almighty God. (El Shaddai). First use of that name. It would be 3 times and the name Yahweh revealed himself to Abraham.

It can be rendered destroyer Job 15:21 and spoiler Jer 6:26, Jer 15:8, Jer 51:8,53-56

Plural word so tells us these judgments come through Elohim.

It was El shaddai who destroyed Sodom. There it signified Strength of the destroyers.

The singular version of Shaddai is Breast or pap (18 times). A source of nourishment

El Shaddai can be strength of the destroyers or strength of the nourishors.

That should come as no surprise to us (though it does to the churches as they believe God only expresses good) for we understand the Yahweh name shows goodness and severity. Rom 11:22

Here to Abraham it was a source of nourishment for Abraham belived the chosen one the son of promise could not come through abraham as he was to old but we see in Gen 17:4-8 El SHaddai would provide the means to produce the son of promise and Israel would be nourished, however we also see the severity of El SHaddai in Gen 17:14.

It comes as now surprise the name is used 48 times in Job for there we see chastening and tenber love.

The promise to manifest that name in us also applies Rom 12:19, Heb 13:5-6

17:17 Abraham, like Zacharias many years later, saw is age as a barrier to fathering a child. However he believed the “impossible “whereas Zacharias doubted the same promise

18:20   It was not simply that God was aware of what the inhabitants of Sodom were doing. Lot was praying about it. It was a cry against Sodom from Lot that God heard.

Gen 17:1-21 In the 99^thyear of Abraham’s life the LORD appeared to him again and expanded on the covenant He made, see Gen 12:7 ; Gen 15:18. The covenant is an everlasting covenant between the LORD and Abraham and his descendants. Gen 17:7-8 provide the title deed to the land. Canaan was to be an everlasting possession. The covenant came with responsibilities. Circumcision was required of all males in the household with new born males circumcised on the 8^thday of their life Gen 17:12-13.  Four times is the “everlasting” nature of the covenant stated (verses, 7,8,13,19).  So today in spite of the opposition of many nations to their presence in the land we see the Jews are a witness to this everlasting covenant made with Abraham. Prophecy out working before our eyes!

Gen 17:1 - "Almighty<7706>", "God<410>"

Gen 17:5 - "Abraham<85>" would be made a father of many "nations<1471>" thus Gentiles would be included in the promises too (Gal 3:16,26-29). The 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet was added to Abram and "Sarai's<8297>"  names  making them Abraham and "Sarah<8283>", and the number "5" is often associated in the Bible with mercy, grace, and life (living creatures) which was created on the 5th day.

Gen 17:4-8 - this is the "covenant [<1285> which indicates a cutting and shedding of blood]" summary - Abraham was to be the father of many nations, kings would come from Abraham, it would be an everlasting covenant between God and Abraham and the seed after Abraham, the land to be an everlasting posession for Abraham and his descendants after him so resurrection is inferred.

Gen 17:19,21 - Abraham was told before the birth of his son to name him "Isaac[<3327> which means "he laughs"]" and the covenant was with Isaac (the child of promise) not Ishmael. Sarah giving birth at 90 was similar to Mary who also had an unnatural childbirth. The children of promise (Rom 9:7-9;Gal 3:26-29).

Gen 17:25;Gen 14:4 - 13 is the number of rebellion.

Gen 18:8 - Abraham under a tree like Christ whose sacrifice on a tree would feed others.

Gen 18:9 - they lived in tents awaiting the Holy city to come, as opposed to living in an evil city as Lot did.

Gen 18:12-15 - Sarah laughed as did Abraham (Gen 17:17); V14 - nothing is too hard for God.

Gen 18:23, 32 - Abraham intercedes and asks mercy for Sodom and the presumably 10 righteous (Gen 14:12-16).

18:19   This characteristic of Abraham – teaching his household the things of God – is seen much later in another faithful man, Cornelius.Acts 10:2

17:4the covenant promise that Abram would be “a father of many nations” developsGen 12:12. Abram is not only going to be the father of one nations. He is going to father many. So in Abram all families will be blessed – Gen 12:3

20 This Psalm breaks naturally into two parts

:1-4      a call to God

:5-9        A response consequent of God’s blessing

Gen 17:1

“… YHWH appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty…”

Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself by many names, each of which expresses various aspects of His character.

 In The COMPLETE JEWISH Study Bible, p. 77, it states: “The word Shaddai, which often occurs with El, is also used independently as a name of God, chiefly in the book of Job. It is commonly rendered ‘the Almighty.’ However, the Hebrew root shadad, from which it has likely been derived, means ‘to overpower, to treat with violence, to lay waste.’ This would give Shaddai the meaning of ‘devastator’ or ‘destroyer,’ which can hardly be right. It is possible, however, that the original significance was that of ‘overpowering strength’ and that this meaning persists in the divine name…

Another distinct possibility is that the name derives from the Hebrew word shad or ‘breast.’ In this case, God would be seen as ‘the nourisher,’ the one who imparts and provides life… this is the name of God known to Avraham, Yitz’chak, and Ya’akov (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).”

The Meaning of El Shaddai | AHRC (ancient-hebrew.org)

In the Name El Shaddai (actually spelled, shadai), God reveals two aspects of His character: He is the All- Powerful one who can kill or make alive (Deut 32:39; cf. Isa 45:7), yet at the same time He is a loving, caring, protector and sustainer of life. He protects and supplies His people with all their needs as a mother would her child (cf. Isa 49:15,16). This latter meaning is lost in this title, as we have come to understand it. These characteristics, however, are conveyed in ancient Hebrew, in that El Shadai is the All-Powerful All-Sufficient El. This is how YHWH first introduced Himself to Abram.

18:1The meeting between Abraham and the angels seems to be a pattern for the meeting between Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19 . Consider the similarities

Both Abraham and Zacchaeus were hospitable and got more than they were expecting. True children of Abraham will show Abraham’s hospitality and be blessed. Abraham entertained angles – Heb 13:2, Zacchaeus entertained the son of God. Who might we entertain? 

18:8 This is the first time that Abraham’s wife is so addressed. Her named had been changed by the angel – Gen 17:15– so whatever Abraham thought of the visitors as he saw them arriving his opinion must have, by now, been that they were not “ordinary” men.

18:2-8 If Abram had not been so quick to show hospitality to the three strangers who came near to his camp we might conclude that he would not have received the information given to him by the angels. Of course God could and doubtless would have found some other way. However Abram showed a quality that should be found in all believers - hospitality.

17:10,11 This is my covenant ... Every male among you shall be circumcised ... it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you

Was circumcision a sign of the covenant (17:11), or was circumcision the covenant itself (17:10)?

Answer: Circumcision was "a sign of the covenant" (17:11), shortened to read "[Circumcision] is my covenant" (17:10).

What then was "the covenant"?

Answer: 

God agreed to perform the following actions: 

1. God would multiply Abraham's offspring (17:2)

2. Abraham would father "a multitude of nations" (17:4,5)

3. Kings shall come from Abraham (17:6)

4. God would be God to Abraham and Abraham's offspring (17:7)

5. God would give Canaan to Abraham and his offspring (17:8)

6. Sarah shall have a son named Isaac  (17:16,19)

7. Sarah would be the mother of nations (17:16)

8. Kings shall come from Sarah (17:16)

9. All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in Abraham (18:18)

Man was to perform the following actions:

1. To "walk before God, and be blameless" (17:1)

2. To "keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him" (18:19)

What were the signs of the covenant?

Answer:

1. Circumcision (17:11)

2. Abram's name changed to Abraham (17:5)

3. Sarai's name changed to Sarah (17:15)

Psalm 19:14 holds some very familiar words. Let's just put them in context, because this gives us a greater reason to say them. v. 10 presents the value of God's laws - (see Ps.119:72). v.11 is the comfort - (compare Ps.119:11). Then comes the plea for correction - v.12,13. 'Secret', in v. 12, in Hebrew is cathar, which means 'hidden' or 'concealed'. These verses suggest that there are sins we don't know about - (see also Ps.40:12, Job in Job 6:24) - related, maybe, to our human pride (v.13 - 'presumptuous). And so the context for v. 14 is revealed.

20:2 - What help do we get from the sanctuary - much indeed, but sometimes it is by contrast. This thought is picked up in Psa.73:17 where David demonstrates that he, like us, has a problem with the way things are in the world and the attitude he is expected to have towards them (v.15-20). We, like David, have to develop the mind of God and understand His perspective. We do that 'in his sanctuary' - in Zion, in Christ, in His love.

Psa 19 - This Psalm, in contrasting the majesty of creation with God's law draws heavily on the narrative of the fall.
v6 nothing hid Genesis 3:10
v7 Wise Genesis 3:6
v8 enlightening eyes Genesis 3:7
v10 desired Genesis 3:6
God's revelation, not the words of the serpent, provide wisdom. The heavens teach us that we should look to God - the creator - rather than our own understanding.

Psa 20 - This is a prayer that God will listen to and care for others. Consider the pronouns 'thee' 'thy'. And then the psalmist joins in praising and remembering God himself :5 'We'

21:4 In speaking of 'length of days for ever and ever' the Psalmist is echoing 'Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.' [Psalm 16:11]

19:13 We might ask 'what are presumptuous sins?' Well there is one clearly shown in Scripture. 'But they presumed to go up unto the hill top' (Numbers 14:44) when God had told the people that He would not give them the land. A presumptuous sin, then, is a sin where one disregards what has been said by God with the presumption that it will be alright to do that thing.

20:2 In asking God to act 'out of Zion' the Psalmist takes the fact that God is dwelling in Zion as a visible indicator that He will act. That David sees God 'in Zion' means that this Psalm was written after the ark had been taken to Zion by David.

21:2 David tells us that he had one desire - to dwell in the house of the Lord (Psalm 27:4). This he did when he went and 'sat before the Lord' (2 Samuel 7:18) so we can conclude that this Psalm was written after David had brought the ark to Zion.

Psa 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God" - Literally, - 'The heavens number out the glory of the strong God.' A first view of the starry heavens strikes every beholder with astonishment at the power by which they were made, and by which they are supported. To find out the wisdom and skill displayed in their contrivance requires a measure of science: but when the vast magnitude of the celestial bodies is considered, we feel increasing astonishment at these works of the strong God. And the more so, as with modern inventions like the Hubble Telescope, we are told that there are easily as many stars in the known universe, as there is sand on every seashore around the world. And yet that very work of creation is described, almost as a throw away line, in Gen 1:16- "and He made the stars also."

The firmament - The whole visible expanse; not only containing the celestial bodies above referred to, but also the air, light, rains, dews, etc., etc. And when the composition of these principles is examined, and their great utility to the earth and its inhabitants properly understood, they afford such matter of astonishment to the wisest mind, and of adoration and gratitude even to the most unfeeling heart.

Psa 19:7 - "The law" - The doctrine delivered to his people, whether by Moses, or by other prophets. Having discoursed hitherto of the glory of God shining forth in, the visible heavens, he now proceeds to another demonstration of God's glory, which he compares with and prefers before the former. "Perfect" - Completely discovering both the nature and will of God, and the whole duty of man, what he is to believe and practise. Whereas the creation, although it did declare so much of God, has left all men without excuse, yet it did not fully manifest the will of God, nor bring men to eternal salvation. "Converting" - From sin to God, to whom all men must turn if they are to live forever. "Testimony" - His 'law', so called because it is a witness between God and man, what God requires of man. "Sure" - Heb. 'faithful or true', which is most necessary in a witness: it will not mislead any man, but will infallibly bring him to happiness. "Simple" - Even persons of the lowest capacities can understand the message of the Almighty.

Psa 20 - The Psalm can be divided up into a call to God (:1-4) and a response (:5-9) that flows from an appreciation that God will hear the call.

21:11 Notice the evil that was purposed against David was seen by David to be against God. As the Lord’s anointed anything done to him was a slight against God.

Psalm 19:  This Psalm describes the physical majesty of God's creation. v.1-6. The Psalmist, then proceeds to point out that creation is only exceeded by God's moral law. The attributes of which are described in detail. v.7-14

Psalm 20-21: These two Psalms go together. Psalm 20 is a plea for victory and deliverance during battles against Israel's enemies. Psalm 21  is a prayer of thankfulness for the prayer of the 20th. Psalm being answered.

Psa 19:12,13.  The scripture tells us that if we confess our sins they will be forgiven (1John 1:9). As we review our day in prayer to Our Heavenly Father, we can recount the errors of which we are aware.  But there are countless errors that we have made of which we are not aware.  Let us also pray for forgiveness of these. Let us also pray for strength and guidance to avoid any presumptuous sins (wilful sins).  These conscious sins run counter to the Lord's Will.

If we compare 21:2 with 20:4 we see a lesson we all must learn.  David was a man after God's own heart, and so these two passages equate.  If he were not, they wouldn't.

Nature speaks volumes about our Creator.  What about asking God to help us this new year, to actively look out for the things that "declare the glory of God"! (Psa 19:1)

19:12 - "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults" NIV. This reminds me of Jer 17:9 which talks about the heart (i.e. mind) being so desperately wicked or deceitful that who can understand it? We have to carefully self examine for potential rationalisation or blind spots. Ironic that more than a few in the Bible who were blind had better spiritual vision than the sighted. Psa 19:13 - "Keep your servant also from wilful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression" NIV. Heb 10:26 reminds us that there is no sacrifice if we deliberately keep on sinning. We must constantly battle against sin.

19:8     ‘enlightening the eyes’ was a request that Ezra made – Ezra 9:8 – when in captivity. Ezra recognised that enlightenment came from God.

20:1      We might ask how can a name defend anyone? The answer is to be seen in understanding what a ‘name’ signifies. God’s character is bound up in His name. ‘I will be with you’ is what Yahweh said to Moses – Exo 3:12.  The other aspects of the character of God can be added to this point to show that God, because of his character, will take care of His children.  Now isn’t that a wonderful assurance? Of course the consequences of our understanding this is that our character should be such that we can be depended upon implicitly also.

21:4     David’s desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord - Psa 27:4. He was given this when he sat down before the Lord 2Sam 7:18. But the promise of 2Sam 7 was an everlasting promise. So David saw the giving of life ‘for evermore’ as the promise God made to him. Life for ever in the Kingdom.

Psa 19 The heavens glorify God because they obey His law which He has set in place. God also gave His law to men, but because of pride men do not obey, and therefore do not glorify God. David's prayer at the end of the psalm is that he (and others) may do so.

19:4 "Their line … world" is quoted in  Rom 10:18 and applied to the preaching of the gospel. Now Paul is not saying that the details of creation preach the gospel. Rather the Law of God which is as unchangeable as the laws of creation contains the gospel.

Psa 19 In this Psalm we have many allusions to Gen. 3. Each one of these allusions drives home the meaning, as we read of the fall of Adam and Eve, we are reminded that each time we ignore the Word, we sin. They thought that by disobeying God's commands they would be better off, only to find the opposite was the case. This is what each one of us does when we go our way instead of our Heavenly Father's way. The lesson is so simple, that if we are not careful, we will make the same error as was made in Eden. It is only by the keeping of God's Word to the best of our ability that there can be, by God's grace, an inheritance of the promises made to Abraham.

20:6    A comfort to David  was that the Lord saveth His anointed even though he had been in ‘trouble’. The deliverance was to preserve the name of God – Psa 20:1

19:10  The Proverb – 24:13 – makes the point that sweet honey is good to be eaten. However the word of God is more nourishing. The idea of the word of God being sweeter than honey is a point that David makes again – Psa 119:103

19:13 the language ‘not have dominion over me’ is quoted – Rom 6:9,14 – to speak of the ideal of the believer. David in the Psalm saw this being achieved by giving attention to the law of God – vs 19:7-8

Psa 21 is David's praise of God's power by which He had made him King (21:1,13). Do we ever look back at how God has brought us through trials, and at all the things He has given us, and praise His power? Looking back on this power in our lives should make us exceedingly glad (v6) and cause us to trust Him even more (v7). Maybe at the start of a new year we should take half an hour to meditate on last year, how prayers have been answered, count our blessings, and then specifically kneel to offer our thanks and praise.

21:1    It is often difficult to establish when a particular Psalm was written. However we can say that this Psalm was written after David had brought the ark to Zion.  He was king – Psa 21:1 – and his ‘heart’s desire’ has happened.

Psalm 19 addresses a large "global" focus in the beginning (beginning with "the heavens"), then moves on to the part that God's word play in the life of a believer. It finishes with an acknowledgement of one's faults and a prayer for forgiveness. This is a clear demonstration of the fact that God's creative power is revealed in creation Rom 1:20, but also that simple reliance on this will not teach truth. The word must be implanted as well as a recognition of the simple truths of creation. Thus the Psalm is discussing exactly that process. 

IN THE LIGHT OF GOD

If we could paraphrase Psalm 19, we could probably say something like this: Just as the glory of God and the light of the sun lights and heats the whole world, so we must allow the truth of God's word to affect our whole lives in everything we do, say, and even taste. In knowing this we can pray for forgiveness and strength so that God's truth in our lives will be shown in a way that pleases him.

How much of our day today has been affected by the sun? Probably most of it. Not only do we have the sun in the day, but we also see the stars and the moon at night. And further than that, every day of our lives from our birth right through until the day that we die will all have been impacted by the warmth and light of the sun. "Nothing is hidden from it's heat." (Psa 19:6)

Just as our physical lives are so reliant on the heat and light of the sun, so God's word should be the centre of everything else. It revives the soul, makes wise the simple, gives joy to the heart, light to the eyes, fear of the LORD, righteousness, sweetness, warning and great reward. (v.7-11)

If we live in light and warmth, why would we want cold and darkness? So it is with the things of God. Let us pray that we will live in the light of God. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD." (v.14)

21:5   Do we think that God’s glory is seen in the salvation He extends to us? Certainly his righteousness is seen in the forgiveness of sins – Rom 3:25-26.

Evidence of God can be seen in His creation - Psa 19:1-4;Rom 1:20.

Psa 19:4 is quoted in Rom 10:18.

The sun is like a bridegroom/Christ - Psa 19:4-5;Matt 17:2;Rev 1:16.

According to Nasa.gov there may be as many as 500 billion galaxies in the universe.

According to skygaze.com  - if our entire solar system is the size of a quarter the nearest sun would be 300 feet away. If our whole galaxy were the size of a quarter, our solar system would be the size of a molecule and other galaxies would be from a foot to 1,000 feet away. Our galaxy has been estimated to have about 250 billion stars. If our sun was an inch in diameter, the nearest star would be 453 miles away.

"One of the most fundamental laws of natural science is that nothing in the physical world happens without a cause. There simply cannot be a creation without some kind of a spiritual creator...Anything as well ordered and perfectly created as is our earth and universe must have a Maker, a master designer." - Dr. Wernher von Braun. Source:  God's Truth, Alan Hayward, P12.

Psa 20:6 - the Lord saves his anointed <4899> perhaps a reference to Christ.

Psa 20:8 - NIV "but we rise up" (perhaps this refers to the coming resurrection); KJV "stand upright" <5749> (some meanings are "to return, restore, reduplication, lift up").

MESSIANIC APPLICATIONS OF PSALM 21:

Psa 21:2 - You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips.

Psa 21:3 - You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head (this is also an echo of the Ammonite crown David wore - 1Chron 20:2).

Psa 21:4 - He asked you for life,  and you gave it to him -- length of his days, forever and ever.

Psa 21:5 - his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

Psa 21:6 - literally the sense is: "thou makest him a blessing" (The Praises of Israel, V1, Dudley Fifield, p118).

Psa 21:7 - the king trusts in the Lord...he will not be shaken.

Psa 21:11 - Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.

21:1        The “king” of a country is all powerful, or at least was in Old Testament times. But we see David here with that power rejoicing in God’s power. Of course the realisation is that despite what power the king had he could not achieve salvation through his own strength.

Psa 19:12-14.

In v. 12 David, through inspiration, asks God to forgive his "hidden faults" (K.J.V. "secret faults"). In other places in Scripture, it would appear that a necessary prerequisite for forgiveness to occur is for the sinner to truly repent, which involves his admitting his sins and "owning up" to them (as David himself did with his sins of adultery and murder). So how should we understand what David is saying here?

What seems logical to me is that in one respect there are 2 types of sins - those that we are aware that we have committed and those of which we are unaware. As to the first type, it must be true that we should own up to them in our seeking forgiveness by God through Christ. John says (1 Jn. 1:9) - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." But really, there have to be sins that we commit - likely on a daily basis - that we're unaware of, especially, I would think, in the realm of "sins of omission", i.e. failing to do what should have been done.

The idea of hidden or secret faults can't really mean hidden or secret to God and Jesus since "everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb. 4:13) So then they must be hidden to the sinner himself. Yet a prayer such as David's seems appropriate as a kind of generalization one, covering sins that we are not aware that we have committed.

There is a passage - 1 Cor. 3:12-15 - that may (or may not) have some bearing on this subject. Here it is -

"If any man builds on this foundation (i.e. Jesus Christ) using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

I remember reading an explanation by bro. Alfred Norris on this that went something like this. On that great day of judgment, there will be sins that we have committed in our lives that were never really known by us to be such (what Paul calls "wood, hay, and straw") and will need to be "burned up", so to speak. Yet we can still, through the grace of God and love of Jesus, be found to be worthy and be saved by the purging of fire of those faults in our character, so that the gold, silver, and precious stones qualities that we have will be perfected. I have, though, read a totally different explanation of this passage that made sense to me in terms of "the works" equating to the converts that a brother or sister made through preaching. So there are a couple of fairly decent choices on that "hard" passage.

SUNRISE AND MORE

This morning as I got up for work and walked from the bedroom into the lounge, I was greeted with a most glorious sunrise glowing through the window. It was quite appropriate this morning that the Psalm I read while I ate my breakfast began this way: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day the pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." (Psa 19:1-2)

How often do we take time to appreciate the sunrise or the sunset that God takes time to paint for us in the sky each day? How often do we give thanks for it or for any of his creation? It didn't arrive by chance, it was put there by God, designed by him, to show us that he exists. When we are awed by the sunrise, the sunset, a powerful thunderstorm, the beauty of bird's wings, the majesty of the ocean waves, or the growth of a plant, let's remember that their glory declares the glory of God.

So let us, when we are awed by God's creation, give him honour and worship him, because he is the one who makes it all happen and gives us the ability to appreciate it all.

21:11-13           David, knowing that his enemies are planning evil against him leaves things in God’s hand. God will repay is David’s way of thinking. This is based on the teaching of the law of Moses – Deut 32:35

21:2    David’s “heart’s desire” was to build a house for God. What is our heart’s desire? It is that the house of God – our fellow believers – is united and strengthened? If not then we are not like David. We might think that our “heart’s desire” is to be in God’s coming kingdom. However that desire will not be fulfilled in us unless we can be less self-centred and more God centred.

Psa 20:2 How could a sanctuary provide help? If we look at Asaphs example in Psa 73:17 we see that Asaph had a problem (he was struggling against the world) but the word in Ps73 is plural SANCTURIES i dont think this refers to a building but its about opening Gods word and seeking his help, becuase when Asaph did that he "he understood their end".

Psalm 19

What do you think the Presumptuous sins are in v14? If you use a concordance or any Bible software with Strongs or Englishman's search feature, you can find where else in the Bible this particular Hebrew word (mizeediym)
occurs. Wherever else it occurs in the old testament it is translated "proud", such as in Isa 13:11 "I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease". So David is talking about sin where he had proudly assumed he would be forgiven by God, and therefore went ahead and did it anyway. Perhaps that kind of sin is familiar with us too? Paul too talks about it when he asks "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (see the answer in Romans 6).

Psalm 20

"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." Psa 20:1,7

At least twice in Israel's history God had overcome an army of chariots by miring it in mud (see Exo 14, Judg 4). It is by knowledge of God's past miracles combined with faith in His power to repeat them that David could have confidence. This had to be real and active for him, because he had been asked not to gather chariots, whereas the nations around him did (see Deut 17:16).Do we have a similar foundation of knowledge and faith on which to base our actions and our confidence?

19:1   The heavens not only declare God’s glory but also declare His righteousness – Psa 97:6

19:9     God’s true and righteous judgements stand apart from sin. Hence the twofold use of the phrase in the New Testament –Rev 16:7, 19:2

Psa 19:1 Though the heavens and the firmanent are marvelous it will be Christ and the saints that will truly reveal Yahwehs handiwork and glory. cp Hab 3.

21      David, the king, speaks in this Psalm of himself in the third personal. However he is not distancing himself from the lessons he writes. Rather he is saying that those who would be kings should trust God as he has done and will receive the blessings that he has experienced.

20:7    The problem we have all the time is to learn to trust the God we cannot see when there are things we can see in which we are tempted  to put our trust.

Psa 19:7 - "law<8451>", "perfect<8549>", "converting[<7725> the NIV and ESV use "reviving"]", "soul<5315>", "testimony<5715>".

Psa 19:8 - "statutes<6490>", "commandment<4687>".

Psa 19:9 - "judgments<4941>".

Psa 19:14 - may our words and meditations be pleasing to God, my rock and my redeemer (this would seem to imply resurrection).

Psa 20:7 - but Solomon desired chariots and horses.

Psa 21:1-7 (esp verses 4 and 7) - would seem to have an application to Christ; V4 - we too can have eternal life (John 6:54).

21:8 The Creator is so thorough! We can rest assured that by the time the kingdom is established every single wicked person, and thought, will be eliminated – but he willnot overlook any of those who trust Him.

21:2-3 A superficial reading of the Psalm might lead one to conclude that David was joyful that God had given him a crown of God. However a little reflection will cause us to appreciate that the “crown” was only a means to an end. David’s desire was to find a place for God to dwell – Psa 132:2-5 –Being king gave him the ability to fulfil that “heart’s desire”. Do we see the things we obtain in this life as a means to develop a Godly mind? Or do we simply think that we have acquired material things for our own benefit?

21:6 Are we glad that God has called us Doubtless at our baptism we were overjoyed. But has that feeling of elation diminished over time? If so how is it to be revived? It will be revived by immersing ourselves in reading of His life and the prophecies about him in the Old Testament.

21:3 In saying thou “preventest” him with blessings David is recognising that God has gone before him with blessings. God does not wait to see what the needs might be. He, being aware of all things, sees the need before it is known to the one with the need and provides for it in a timely manner.

v.16-19. Here is the pride of the Jews which is a stumbling-block to their acquisition of wisdom. Pride stands in the way of their spiritual involvement (v.17). It stands in the way of any unbiased perception (v.18,19). Ultimately, we see the need for wisdom at the end of v.19. (see also Eccl.2:12,13). Wisdom is not of ourselves either, but from God, who owns it. (Dan.2:20,21). So let us pray for it today.

:1 The phrase 'and it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of …' marks the beginning of a new thematic section in the gospel. The breaks using this or similar language are 7:28,11:1,13:53,19:1,26:1

:16-19 The way in which Jesus characterises those who criticised John and himself is the way that antagonists always react. They always find fault no matter what is done. We should beware lest this attitude manifests itself in us - we have a problem with a brother or sister and so always presume that their words / actions / motives are wrong. In so doing we contradict the clear teaching of Scripture (Philippians 2:3)

Matthew 11:1 - "And it came to pass" - 396 times the Bible tells us that "it came to pass..." - which is very comforting, because that means in this life "nothing comes to stay!"

Matthew 11:28 - "All ye that labour and are heavy laden" - The metaphor here appears to be taken from a man who has a great load laid upon him, which he must carry to a certain place: every step he takes reduces his strength, and renders his load the more oppressive. However, it must be carried on; and he labours, uses his utmost exertions, to reach the place where it is to be laid down. A kind person passing by, and, seeing his distress, offers to ease him of his load, that he may enjoy rest.

The Jews, heavily laden with the burdensome rites of the Mosaic institution, rendered still more oppressive by the additions made by the scribes and Pharisees, who, our Lord says, (Matthew 23:4), bound on the people heavy burdens; and labouring, by their observance of the law, to make themselves pleasing to God, are here invited to lay down their load, and receive the salvation procured for them by Christ. Sinners, wearied in the ways of iniquity, are thus invited to come to Christ, and find speedy relief. Believers, sorely tempted, and oppressed by the remains of the carnal mind, may come and, purified from all sin, and powerfully succoured in every temptation, find uninterrupted rest in this complete Saviour. All are invited to come, and all are promised rest. If few find rest from sin and vile affections, it is because few come to Christ to receive it.

11:1 It would appear that at this time Jesus was on his own at this time – the disciples having gone to perform miracles.

:3-5 - It seems that here is a question that Jesus never gave a direct answer to.  The reason is clearly that we must each by faith confess that Jesus is the Christ - any other way is not acceptable.  Jesus even required John the Baptist to demonstrate this faith in prison and away from the works.  We should be prepared to do the same.

V.3 John sent his disciples to Jesus with this question for their benefit not John's.  John already knew who and what Jesus represented and was the God-appointed point man to open men's hearts to the Christ. Why were there disciples still hanging on to John if the Messiah had already arrived?  John knew that they should now be following Jesus and no longer himself.  But sometimes faithful followers need a gentle push to accept the new reality.

v.23 - Jesus here uses words of Capernaum which were used of Babylon in Isa 14:13-15.  This is serious judgement indeed.

V.29 There is more to the word "YOKE" than what we see at first. The Greek word is ZUGOS (2218) which means to join together, a coupling. Christ's yoke is not simply imparted by Him, but it is shared with Him. We as individuals, become a team with Christ, we are sharing the burden with Him. He is always beside us, helping us. 

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)
 
Those few verses are a great source of hope to those who are burdened down with the problems of sin and have not yet accepted the offer of help Jesus Christ can give. Jesus' words have proved themselves to countless thousands who have felt their burdens lifted as they shared them with Jesus, who have received a new lease on life, new joy and hope in yoking themselves with their Saviour.
 
Does this invitation apply to those of us who have been walking with Jesus for longer? Sometimes we think we are already there - we have already come to him and have been relieved of our burdens. But over time, little by little, we can find that our worries, the burden of sin and the weariness of the way can slip into our lives so that we hardly even notice. So let's take stock of ourselves and ask whether we really are sharing the yoke of Jesus. It may be that we need to come back to him, weary and burdened as we are, and let him give us rest.
 
Let's take his yoke instead of our own and find the rest for our souls we have been missing. Let's come to him now. Why wait?

DON'T BE DISCOURAGED
 
Jesus described John the Baptist as great. He said, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." (Matt 11:11) The only one greater was Jesus himself. Both Jesus and John the Baptist preached the word of God to the same group of people. What a blessing it would have been to have been around to hear them!
 
If any two people could have made inroads into converting multitudes of people, Jesus and John would have been the team. But it didn't work. Jesus described the response of the people when he said, "For John came neither eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions. (v.18-19) It seems that neither Jesus nor John could do anything right and the people despised them both.
 
We are no greater than Jesus or John, and in the same way people will also despise our message and us for presenting it. But both Jesus and John did not let that discourage them and they continued to preach right up to the end of their lives. Our job is to preach the word. Let's count our success by the amount of people we tell, rather than the number of those we convert. And above all, let us never be discouraged.

V.28-30 - When we are weary and burdened in this pilgrimage Christ is always there to help us and lighten our burden by sharing with his yoke. He shepherds the faithful whose lives walk toward the ultimate rest, that of the millennium.

11:30 The light yoke echoes what the people wanted after Solomon's reign -1Kin 12:4- but Jesus offers something far greater than the people in Solomon's day were looking for.

V.28 It stands to reason that Christ's invitation that such weary and burdened ones should  come to him is relevant today as well as it was at the time that Christ walked on the earth.

Come unto me

Matt 11:28

This is one of the 3 great "comes" in the bible -

Gen 7:1 - "And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation"

The ark which represented God & His salvation was that which saved Noah and his family

Isa 26:20 - "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:"

This will be the great invitation to the saints just before Armageddon, once again the salvation of God takes care of those that are his

Matt 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

This is the 3rd "come" invitation, extended to all those who seek God's salvation

Matt 11:28-30 the yoke is a symbol of whom our master is Rom 5:21, 6:15-18,19-23 Are we still slaves to sin, or to righteousness? Are we in the harsh bondage which leads to death, or do we have a relationship with the Lord & his Father which is eternal life John 17:3

Matt 11:29 records Jesus’ words that we should take His yoke upon us.  At the Royal Show exhibition arranged by the CALS we have some old farming implements. One of these is a yoke. An elderly farmer stopped by one day, and looked at this. “You know,” he said, “all yokes are individual. My yoke wouldn’t fit your shoulders, and vice versa.” This gives us a fascinating insight into Christ’s words. His yoke will fit us, whoever we are, and whatever shape our shoulders might be. With Jesus Christ, one size fits all.

11:10 In quoting Mal 3:1 and applying it to John the Baptist Jesus is restating what had already been said – Mark 1:2 – that the prophets had spoken beforehand about John.

11v25: It can be noted the way Jesus Christ was emphasising the importance of gospel by reading the order of things he's saying were done by himself. v5. He says, blind receiving sight, lame walking, lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raising back to life (a bit greater work than previous ones) and gospel preached to the Poor ( the most important work of all). so we can see the hierarchy from small works of Christ to the great work of Christ ( preaching of gospel).

11V25: In the cities which he was cursing just before, he seemed to do a lot of work there -preaching and healing works. but from the woes 11:21-24 we see that the so called noble and wise men in those cities didn't like his message and rejected him. Now if we were in Jesus' place, first thing we might do is feel very discouraged, that in spite of hard effort, no one turned up and we may even hate them. But that's not what Jesus did. He thanked God for what he has done, by letting this gospel preached unto the poor people.

Many times we may want to do some great thing for God in some Great way, (by arranging meetings or by donating lots of money etc). But God's way of doing things may be different from ours. If it is so, then we may face some failures. But we should not get discouraged by that failure, but just thank God for letting his work done Phil 4:6  1Tim 4:4  in his own way . Because ultimately it is his will, that has to be done.

Vs.12,14 John had met strong opposition to his preaching .  His job was to pave the way for Jesus to begin His ministry.  Jesus said of him: And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.  Many believe (including religious Jews) that Elijah, himself, will appear to pave the way for Jesus' return from heaven to begin His rule on earth.

11:20  As far as the Jews were concerned the fact that they had heard Jesus message and seen his miracles was sufficient basis for judgement from God.

11:7 Notice how Jesus causes the people to reflect on John’s ministry and to decide what they made of John. This was important because it was John who had testified of Jesus – John 1:29 - He was the witness to the Messiaship of Jesus.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus was the start of a new era. The name of this new era is "the kingdom of heaven" (v11, 12). Notice how in this chapter Jesus is specific to point out the differences between this era and the one before:

v11 all who take part in this new era are greater than those taking part in the former era

v17-18 the previous era was mournful and austere

v17,19 the new era is joyful and comes with freedom

v25 the new era is open to the child-like

v28 the old era was hard, but the new gives rest

v29-30 the new era is easy and not burdensome

So what Jesus is saying in essence is that the era where the people of God were mostly Jewish, keeping the law of Moses, has been surpassed by a better era which is open to all, and much less burdensome. This is the era we live in if we follow Jesus. We should be very thankful that, for us, the way to God has been made so plain by the coming of His son.

11:28 The giving of rest to those that labour was prophesied of Jesus in Isa 28:12

11:11 The way in which those in the kingdom will be ‘greater’ than John is that they will have eternal life whereas at that time John did not.

Matt 11:2-3

“Now when John (the Baptist) had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another.”

It is hard to imagine that John the Baptist doubted who Jesus really was given the Biblical accounts of their lives, and John's testimony of Jesus (John 3:25-35). John was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb, and knew who Jesus was when he showed up at the Jordan River to be baptized of him. He heard the voice of the Father say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17). John knew the prophecies of the Messiah.

To fully understand what is being said here, we need to delve into the various teachings extant in their day. While the Pharisees and Sadducees were the two major religions recorded in the Bible, they were contemporary with the Essenes, considered the third Jewish religious sect, as recorded by Josephus, a Jewish Historian and Pharisee, and Philo, a Philosopher, both being contemporary with the first century ecclesias, and as recorded in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The Dead Sea Scrolls recorded that the Essenes believed in two Messiahs, one priestly, the other Davidic. They misinterpreted Isa 53; Dan 9:26in believing the “Suffering Servant” who dies and is rejected by his people, and the “Conquering King” who conquers the nations, sits on the throne of David, and judges and rules all the nations (Psa 2; Dan 7:13-14) were two different persons. They failed to see it was the same person coming at different times.

Oppressed and persecuted under Roman control, the Jews longed for a Messiah that would deliver them from the Romans, and ignored the prophecies of Messiah that his first coming would be as a “Suffering Servant.” Between the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Essenes, it was easy to confuse the newly formed first century ecclesia. For us it is easier to distinguish between the first and second comings of Messiah because we have the New Testament accounts of his first coming.

The question John sent his disciples back to ask Jesus was really asking, which Messiah are you? Jesus in reply pointed to his miracles (Matt 11:4-5). The Essenes believed the Messiah of the priestly order would perform some of these miracles, while the Pharisees believed the kingly Messiah would perform some of the others. Jesus, by pointing to the performance of all his miracles was really telling them, “I am the only one.” The messenger and herald of Messiah had no doubts (John 1:29-36), he knew, but he wanted his disciples to know and to remove their doubts and follow Jesus.

11:3    That people were in great expectation when Jesus starting preaching is clear. However the traditional Jewish expectation was that Messiah would come and rid them of the Roman occupation. Jesus showed no signs of doing this. Hence the question. He did not meet their expectations of what Messiah would do.

I think it is possible for John's faith to waver while in prison as happened to Elijah. However, it was necessary that John's disciples deal with the question as well. Note that Jesus leaves off any comment (from Isaiah) about people being "set free from the prison house", I suggest so as not to raise false hope for John. Jesus immediately dispels any suggestion of weakness on the part of John. He points out that as the King's herald he has started a storm of enthusiasm for the kingdom of God. The role of Jesus and the disciples is now to 'invade' the towns and villages, binding those who do not believe, and setting free those who hear the message.

Matt 11:28-30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I consider the above verses one of the most-beloved passages wherein our Saviour summarizes his gracious invitation to discipleship that characterized his earthly ministry.

Jesus used the word, yoke twice in these verses.  Literally speaking, a yoke is a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two oxen and attached to a wagon or plow to be drawn. Metaphorically speaking, a yoke symbolizes a burden one must bear. The Greek word for yoke is zugos, and the Greek Lexicon defines this word as: “… troublesome laws imposed on one, esp. of the Mosaic law, hence the name is so transferred to the commands of Christ as to contrast them with the commands of the Pharisees which were a veritable ‘yoke’; yet even Christ’s commands must be submitted to, though easier to be kept.”  Jesus did not say that following him would be easy, but following him is a lot easier than following the Law of Moses!

To set the scene, Jesus was addressing the people of Israel who were burdened and weighed down with the externalism and legal do’s and don’ts of the Pharisees – legalism that constantly brought about dissatisfactions, guilt, their failures, and frustrations (Matt 23:2-4). Jesus pleaded with them to come (imperative command) to him, follow him, and learn from him and not the Pharisees. It was customary in those days that students attaching themselves to their teacher were referred to as yoked to him. Those who were under the Mosaic Law were said to be yoked to Moses, and those under the authority of the Pharisees were said to be yoked to the Pharisees (cf. Acts 15:7-11). Jesus wanted to be their teacher, and if they were willing to walk side-by-side with him, he would take the heavy weight of sin upon himself. Jesus would give them rest, or relief from crushing burdens, anxieties, frustrations, and guilt from sin-laden consciences. With his strength they would be able to pull the plow; they just needed to put on his yoke, or accept him as their teacher.

This invitation is aimed all who desire a deeper level of commitment in which we are to take his yoke and learn from him as committed disciples.

11:7-10      There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind as to the status of John.  Nor was he unwilling to emphasise his importance. So his question to the Pharisees -  Matt 21:25 -  was not based on his uncertainty. Rather he knew that they would not acknowledge the truth of John’s position and consequently would not be able, either, to acknowledge Jesus’ status.

Matt 11:11

“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist…”

When I read this, I think of Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah and Elisha. Yet, Christ tells us that no one was greater than John the Baptist! Considering the greatness of these Old Covenant prophets, one wonders just how great John the Baptist was! Why is this, especially when we know so little about him?

No other prophet, aside from Christ, was ever the fulfillment of a distinct prophecy (Mal 3:1). Without doubt, the two greatest prophets are John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. John the Baptist is the last and greatest under the Old Covenant (Matt 11:13); Jesus Christ is the first and greatest of the New Covenant. Unlike the Old Covenant prophets, John the Baptist not only prophesied about the coming of Messiah, he also introduced the Messiah (John 1:29-30)! Thus, John the Baptist was “more than a prophet” (Matt 11:9), the Greek literally meaning: “much more than a prophet.”

11:6  A simple point, really. However it is crucial that we both understand and implement what Jesus said.

11:9    In what way was John “more than a prophet”? And in what way was he a prophet?  He prophesied of the coming of Jesus so was a prophet.

11:14  John was not Elijah – John 1:21 – he came in the spirit and power of Elijah Luke 1:17. But the people were to see him as an Elijah pattern.

11:1    Whilst this comment relates to chapter 10 it is relevant to note here that Jesus “made and end of commanding his disciples” which helps us to understand that the whole of Matthew 10 is all instruction to the disciples before they are sent out preaching and healing.

11:1    In commanding his disciples we see that their work was not an option. If they were followers of Jesus then they were obligated to do his work. Whilst we have not been specifically called like the twelve we who have been baptised into Christ have been “called” and so likewise have no freedom to avoid doing his work.

11:21Today Chorazin is just a ruin in the land of Israel.

Matt 11:1 - encouraged to witness to family and friends.

Matt 11:2-4 - did John the Baptist have doubts, or was this just for the benefit of John's disciples? In V4 the disciples of John were to go their way and tell John the miraculous things they saw perhaps suggesting it was to strengthen John.

Matt 11:7-8;1Tim 2:9 - is it important to God that we wear our "Sunday best" as if we were to meet the queen of England?

Matt 11:9-14 - he who prepares the way of the Lord (Mal 3:1;Mal 4:5); V11 and Matt 18:4 he who is least and he who is greatest in the Kingdom of God

Matt 11:18-19;2Sam 6:14 - Christ drank wine and David danced.

Matt 11:20-24 - will some from Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom be resurrected and judged?

Matt 11:25;Matt 18:4 - are young children more teachable and humble than those who believe they are wise and learned?

Matt 11:27 - Jesus selects who to reveal the Father to so there is the element of grace though seek and ye shall find (Matt 6:31-33;Matt 7:7-11).

Matt 11:28-30 - Christ wants us to be teachable and if Christ was humble, how humble should we be?

11:7,20 Notice how Matthew says Jesus “began …” marking aspects of Jesus’ ministry.

11:25 In speaking of God as Lord of heaven and earth Jesus is echoing the words we find in Gen 14:22 where Abram used a very similar phrase when speaking to the king of Sodom which had been mentioned in the previous verse by Jesus

11:29 adding to an earlier comment about the light yoke we see the “rest” that Jesus offers plays on the way that Solomon brought heavy burdens on Israel.

11:2 We learnt, almost incidentally, that John had been imprisoned – Matt 4:12 – and we read nothing of him again until now. However John was languishing in prison all the time. It is so easy to forget the problems of those we do not see on a regular basis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

11:20 If they had not heard the message of salvation the inhabitants of the cites that Jesus upbraided would have not had any responsibility. They would not have disregarded a message – they simply would not have heard it.

The challenge for us is to respond to the message we hear rather than just dismiss it.