Comments for March 12

v. 9 - This respect for authority and particularly for our parents' authority is a constant theme in scripture. We have all been through times when this has been hard, and that is based on the recognition of the human failings of our own parents, but we do have a father that doesn't have these failings and it is respect for him that we are expected to practice and get right on our human parents first. This places a big responsibility on those of us who are parents to earn that respect too. Ex.21:17, Prov.20:20, 30:11,17. Revised and made harder for us in Matt.5:4,5.

20:6 Wizardry and idol worship is likened to whoredom in Scripture because the one who does these things is compromising his relationship with God. In like manner any way in which we compromise our relationship with God is whoredoms. 20:27 That the man or woman who had a familiar spirit be put to death marks the association with the whore who was to be put to death. This action was required that the land be not polluted with the unseemly actions of the wizard.

v.10-21 - How few of these principles still apply to our world today. These things which to those who follow God's principles are abomination are largely accepted practice in at least the western 'civilised(!)' world, and some are even positively reinforced by society. What must God think?

Idol worship, sacrificing children to Moloch and such behaviour is an affront to God because Israel had been separated to him and therefore were not free to do as they wished. They were to :7 'sanctify' themselves - that is be separate to God. They were 'not their own' just as we are 'bought with a price' [1 Corinthians 6:20]

Whilst Chapters 11-15 dealt with uncleanness from the point of view of a disease or issue over which man had no control the law now turns to uncleanness cause by the actions of the person. No one had to violate any to the provision of the law s outlined in this chapter but if they did they were as unclean as the one who was unclean through no choice of their own.

20:6,10 We might think that there is little connection between idol worship and adultery as so wonder why they are put beside each other in this chapter. In fact they are identical. Idol worship and wizardry is treating God like the man who commits adultery treats his wife.

V.26 "Ye shall be holy unto me" We have been reading this past week the law regarding the cleansing in cases of defilement.(Lev 15:31) They should have realized that they had been separated from the nations around them, so they must separate themselves from the ways of the peoples, so they could remain holy unto the LORD. 

The reference to clean and unclean food (v 25) leads us to consider the variations in God’s law about food given at different times:
a) Eden to the flood: a vegetarian diet Gen 1:29,30
b) The Flood until Law of Moses: anything, but no blood Gen 9:3,4  
c) Law of Moses until Christ’s death : clean food only 
d) Christian era: anything, but no blood Acts 10:9-15 and Acts 15:29

Molech means king in Hebrew.  Here, it is a reference to the Ammonite god to which human sacrifices were made.

Molech was a large bronze figure with the head of an ox.
There was a cradle (arms) in front where a child could be placed.  A fire was then lit underneath and the screaming child would be burned to death.

It is difficult to believe that parents could offer their children in this way and watch them die howling in pain. Perhaps they were under the influence of drugs and had their senses deadened.
That the pagans did this is one thing, but to contemplate  Israelites, with all their spiritual education, doing it is mind boggling.

And yet, despite Yahweh's injunction (v.2,3) they did participate (see 2Kin 21:6, 23:10, 2Chron 28:3, Psa 106:38, Jer 7:31, 9:4-5, Eze 16:21, 23:37,39).

Notice references to Topheth, or the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom which is Gehenna.  This, of course, is picked up by Jesus later when he talks of hell (Gr. ge'enna) fire (Matt 5:22, 18:9, Mark 9:47).

Note that if any member of the community turned a blind eye to this evil practice, then he would be punished (v.4,5). We too have the same responsibility, in the community of Christ, to confront sin when it appears (1Tim 5:20).

20:2      Offering seed to Molech was evil because it violated what God said. However there is a fundamental reason why it was abhorrent to God. Israel had been bought by God – Hos 11:1 – and so they belonged to God. No man, therefore, was free to offer his seed to anyone else, be it man or a god.

V.23 The lesson of the Mosaic shadow is plain. Unholiness of body or of the heart will evoke death; but true sacrifice brought in the hands of daily prayer, will ensure forgiveness if holiness is followed."without which no man shall see the Lord"  Heb 12:14

20:4   Israel are warned that neglect of addressing the issue of false worship is punishable by death. This is the degree to which God seeks faithful worship.

20:9 Cursing one’s father – a repetition of the law – Exo 21:17  is so fundamental because the altitude to one’s father is a pattern of one’s attitude to God.

In the Land, Israelites would be surrounded by nations that performed abominable practices. It was o.k. because everybody did it. But, Yahweh insisted that His people abide by His laws and remained separate from society’s mores. But, later, the subtle pulls and pushes of the surrounding nations would gradually lead Israel astray.

We find ourselves in a similar position today. This permissive world says it’s ok to do this or that - everyone’s doing it. Many people think that if society says it’s ok then it must be. Only if we are deeply rooted in faith will we be able to resist any invitation to join the world’s party (James 4:7). The only way to build up faith is by reading the scriptures (Rom 10:17). Constant communication with Our Heavenly Father is also essential for success (1Thess 5:17; Heb 4:15,16).

Lev 20:7; 1Pet 1:16.    Lev 20:9;Matt 15:4;Mark 7:10.

20:7 ‘sanctify yourselves ...’ contrasts with the evil practices spoken of earlier in this chapter. Israel were to separate themselves from the practices of the heathen in the land rather than imitate them in order to manifest God’s holiness. Likewise if we are to manifest His holiness we axe to separate ourselves from the practices of those with whom we sojourn.

Is homosexuality ok?

We don't keep the law of Moses nowadays because Jesus superseded it with a more excellent commandment: the law of loving one another (John 15:12). This doctrine has been used to justify homosexual behaviour by reasoning like this. 1) the law of v13 doesn't apply any more, and 2) loving someone of the same sex must be a good thing because Jesus preached love.

But if we simply look in the context here we see that God's disgust with homosexual and other related practices is not just part of the law of Moses. In v22-23 we read "the nations commit all these things, therefore I abhor them". These nations were not bound by the law of Moses, just the same as we, yet God abhorred them. So this principle came long before the law of Moses so we cannot argue that it was replaced by Jesus's teaching. The old and new testament scripture are consistent in labelling homosexual practice "against nature" (Rom 1:26) or in other words against the law of nature.

20:3   In saying that god will set His face’ against a person we see a contrast with the way that God spake ‘face to face’ with Moses Exo 33:11. So God is looking at us, either in fellowship or in opposition to our actions. But he is always looking!

20:2   Notice that Moses was to warn about Moloch “again” – He has already done so in Lev 18:21. Thus we see the seriousness of such behaviour. The doubling of the warning means it is certain – Gen 41:32

20:27  Whilst it might seem very harsh to stone a person with a “familiar spirit” we should realise that such an one clearly either is knowingly deceiving those who seek their advice or is in total ignorance of what happens when one dies. Given that death is a punishment for sin this is, therefore, an important issue that had to be dealt with severely to save  the people being deceived. 

20:9    When God said that the blood of the one who curses his father or mother will receive his own blood  on his head God is saying that there was no forgiveness for such behaviour. The one who cursed could not make the excuse that no one had warned him.

20:9  We might conclude that the man who cursed his father or mother would also have the same attitude towards God for John teaches us – 1John 4:20 - that if we cannot love our brother we cannot love God.

20:3,5,3       three times in this chapter God speaks of the actions which will cause Him to set His face against a person. The same phrase is used – Lev 26:17 – against the nation where the consequences of God setting His face against the nation is described.

20:15 this law re-presents what was said in Lev 18:23. The additional detail there is that  such behaviour defiles. The reason is the such behaviour violates the creation principle “after his kind” – Gen 1:25.

Lev 20:24 This is the only reference in the Book of Leviticus to the land promised to Israel, “as being a land flowing with milk and honey.” 

The promise was conditional on separation from immorality and from other people (Lev.vs.25-26). Israel were to separate themselves from the corruption of the peoples of the land. They were to be holy because the LORD God is holy (Lev.19:2 ; Lev.20:.7).

As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness from Egypt to the promised land they were to keep in mind this promised Kingdom. As they journeyed through the wild wilderness around them, they were to long for the milk and honey of God’s land.

Lessons for us today:

–      while we journey in a spiritual wilderness, do we desire the sincere milk of the Word of God? (1Peter 2:1-2).

–      As we travel in a difficult world, do we really want to taste that the Lord is gracious? (1Peter 2:3).

–      By reading the Bible regularly we will discover that His Word is sweeter than honey. It gives us understanding of God’s way so we hate every way that is false (Psalm 119:103-104).

 “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:9-11).

–      Israel were warned to focus their lives on the journey to the land flowing with milk and honey.  

“You shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you:...” (Lev.20:23).

“Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.” (Lev.20:24).

The message to Israel is still relevant for us today! Lets make God way our way.

20:6 we might wonder whether Saul was familiar with these words of God when he sought a woman with a familiar spirit – 1Sam 28:7 – We have to conclude that those who disregard what God says here does not really believe that God keeps His word. Or more probably the statement is read and understood but then circumstances seem more real that God’s word and so His word is disregarded. This the journey that ends in sin. Not that we do not know what God has said. Rather what God said is forgotten in the circumstances that lead to sin.

20:11 Scripture is clear here and when this injunction is repeated in Deut 22:30. Sadly one brother in Corinth seemed to be unwilling to follow this injunction – 1Cor 5:2 – and others did not seem either to think it was a significant problem. Whilst in Christ we are not bound by the Law of Moses its moral instructions still apply. We cannot simply say that the Law of Moses was done away in Christ.

20:7 The call to holiness is quoted by Peter –1Pet 1:16 – showing that this call to holiness does not just apply to Israel. It applies to all those who seek fellowship with the Creator.

20:6  Why is it that seeking after wizards and those that have familiar spirits is to abominable to God?

The answer is clear. In seeking elsewhere rather than go God the person is showing that they do not really believe in the supremacy of God.

This is one reason why we should never be involved in any form of gambling – as if there is such a thing as “luck” that will help us to prosper.

v.130 - The theme of light is a wonderful theme - here is a short tour: Ps.119:105, Prov.6:23, Isa.8:20, Luke 1:77-79, Acts 26:18, 2Cor.4:4-6, Eph.5:13,14, 2Pet.1:19.

Because David respected God's word (v129) and realised that they were 'righteous and faithful' (v138) he was able to uphold them evening difficult times. The degree to which we are able to maintain our faith is proportionate to how much we value the Scriptures.

v.141 - An important principle here where we see (quite often) the humility of David. This is the king speaking here. I wonder how many subsequent monarchs would echo these words from their hearts as David clearly does. We have a great example here. To recognise our own smallness is of paramount importance to the attitude which facilitates God's grace and salvation. Psa.22:6, 40:17, Prov.15:16, 16:8, 19:1 and the greatest example in Isa.53:3

:148 In saying that his eyes 'prevent the night watches' David is here echoing thoughts expressed Psalm 16:7 17:3 63:6. David saw the night season as an opportunity to think about his God. So insomnia should not be seen as a problem but can be seen as an opportunity to reflect on the Father.

:176 In likening himself to a 'lost sheep' the Psalmist understood the relationship between himself and his God. A theme developed by Jesus in parable.

119:137-144 Note the repeated use of ‘righteous’ David is at great pains to acknowledge that God’s actions are right which complements his comments about chastening which we saw in vs 66,71,75.

V.129-176 Once again we would like to look at the Psalmist's devotion to the Word , by looking at one aspect in each section.

This long psalm concludes with the thought that despite all his protestations that he has put God’s Word within his heart, he is still like a lost sheep.  He needs finding, and rescuing.  I wonder if Jesus was thinking of this verse when He told His story about the lost sheep, and the resulting joy in Heaven when it was found? (Luke 15:3-7)

119:129 Do we desire to live the gospel because we view the instruction as ‘wonderful’? Or do we some times – or maybe often – think that the gospel places unpleasant constraints upon us?

V.130 - "entrance" Heb. "pethach" (6608) means "entrance, opening, disclosure" and comes from the root "pathach" (6605) meaning "to open wide, to loosen, to begin, let go free, grave, appear, break forth, plough, carve", etc. By following God's Word we have an "entrance" or disclosure to light, understanding, wisdom, and hope of freedom in Christ. Christ is also our light, our entrance, who was the word made flesh (John 1:14) and who is the entrance or door (John 10:9) to freedom from sin and death. We additionally note in v130 that the word giveth understanding to the simple. The Bible is on different levels of understanding so that it guides the simple yet challenges the intellectual. It requires diligent study Acts 17:11 and we have to beware of scripture not being twisted 2Pet 3:16.

119:133 In asking God to order his steps in the word David is highlighting a fundamental principle that we should understand when we approach Scripture. It is the teacher and we are the learner. Therefore God is the best person to tell us how to approach it. In fact He does Isa 66:2

119:130 That the entrance of Scripture into the mind gives light is a recurring theme in Proverbs see how simple and understanding are contrasted in Prov 7:7, 8:5, 14:15, 19:25

MAY I?

There are people who think that living a Christian life holds them back. It seems that once we become a Christian, there are a whole lot of rules that we must suddenly keep in order to live God's way. Most of the rules seem to be "Don'ts." Don't go to the movies, don't swear, don't drink, don't have sex outside marriage ... and so on. Some of these rules are important to keep, but when we approach them as a burden, something imposed on us by God or by people in the church, living a Christian life becomes a drag. That is not how God intended it.

The psalmist has a better attitude in this regard when he says, "Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them." (Psa 119:129) It makes it a joy and a pleasure to be able to obey God when we know that his commands are for our benefit. It makes a world of difference when we obey God because we love him instead of because we have to.

A good friend says we need to replace the "Must I?" with the "May I?" of service and love. God's commands are there for our benefit. They are there because he loves us. So let's change from grudging service to become a thankful and willing servant for our God.

119:135 David’s desire for the shining face echoes the blessing of Num 6:23-27 and Moses’ experience when he came down the mount with the tables of the law – Exo 34:29

Vs.136,158 Do we, like the psalmist, anguish when we see our community going astray? If we love Yahweh, we do. We also have the responsibility of a watchman to point out the errors that we see. If we do that, then no guilt can fall on us. But, if we do not, then we become culpable (Eze 33:7-9).

119:151 When Jesus said ‘thy word is truth’ – John 17:17 he is echoing the sentiments of the Psalmist as recorded here.

v147  Prevent here doesn't mean that he stopped the day dawning, simply that he rose before dawn.  Compare with the similar action of Jesus in Mark 1:35. 

119:140 Do we think of God’s word as ‘very pure’ – that is refined? Or do we simply take is as words that we can read that will help us in our lives?  Clearly the Bible is not just black words on white paper.  It conveys to us the mind of our Father. Surely it is good, therefore, to read it so that we can learn how he thinks so we can emulate his thought patterns?

119:137   That God is ‘righteous’ in the things that he does is something that we would always agree is true. However how often do we question why things are happening to us – as if we feel that we do not deserve those things?  In so doing our words give lie to our assertion that we know God is righteous.

1. Psa 119:129-132 - Jesus kept God's testimonies, Jesus in his earliest years was "simple" and had to learn/understand (Isa 7:14-15), Jesus desired his Father's commandments (Matt 5:6), v132 "As thou used to do unto" is better rendered "As in thy judgment unto".

2. Psa 119:133-136 - Christ's footsteps were directed according to God's word and as a result "iniquity"<205> did not rule over him, God did "deliver"<6299> Christ who fully kept his Father's precepts, God's face shined upon his servant Jesus and God taught Christ His statutes (this would seem to be the Day of Atonement blessing Num 6:23-27), we are reminded of the tears of Jesus (Heb 5:7;Luke 19:41-43).

3. Psa 119:139-142 - Christ's zeal "consumed"<6789> him (John 2:17;Psa 69:9) as his enemies had forgotten God's words,  God's word is pure and therefore God's servant Christ loved it, Christ's years were "small"<6810> and he was despised (Isa 53:2-3) yet he did not forget God's precepts, God's ways are an everlasting righteousness and God's law (which Christ fulfilled Matt 5:17) is the truth.

4. Psa 119:143-146 - trouble and anguish took hold of Jesus but he delighted in God's commandments, the righteousness of God's testimonies is everlasting while Jesus was given understanding and everlasting life, Jesus cried with his whole heart and God heard him and Jesus kept all his Father's statutes, Jesus cried unto God to "save"<3467> him and kept all his Father's testimonies.

5. Psa 119:148-151 - Christ meditated all night on his Father's word (Josh 1:8;Luke 6:12), God heard Christ's voice in accordance to His mercy and perserved his life according to His judgment, those who devise wicked schemes were near Christ but far from his Father's law, God is near Christ and all His commandments are "truth"<571>.

6. Psa 119:152-154 - long ago Christ learned his Father's statutes were established them to last forever, God saw Christ's affliction and would "deliver"<2502> him for Jesus didn't forget His law, God as a near kinsman would "deliver"<1350> His son Jesus and preserve his life according to His word.

7. Psa 119:156-159 - God's mercy is great and He preserved Christ's life according to His judgments, Christ has many persecutors and enemies but he did not turn away from God's testimonies, Christ looked on the transgressors and was "grieved"<6962> as they didn't keep God's word, Christ loved God's precepts and God preserved his life according to His mercy.

8. Psa 119:160-164 - God's word is true from Genesis 1 and every one of His righteous judgments will endure forever, rulers persecuted Christ without cause (John 15:25) but his heart was in awe of God's word, Christ rejoiced at God's word as one who found great spoil (Matt 13:44-46), Christ hated and abhored lying but loved love his Father's law, Christ prayed without ceasing (1Thess 5:17;Luke 18:1-8;Rom 12:12) because of God's righteous judgments.

9. Psa 119:165-168 - great "peace"<7965> have they which love God's law (John 14:27;16:33) and nothing shall "offend" (<4383> "a stumblingblock" 1Pet 2:5-9;1John 2:10) them, Christ hoped for God's salvation and he followed his Father's commandments, Christ fully kept his Father's testimonies and loved them greatly, Jesus fully kept his Father's precepts and testimonies for all his ways are known to God his Father.

10. Psa 119:169-172 - Jesus sought to understand God's word (Isa 7:14-15), Christ sought for God to "deliver"<5337> him according to His word, when God taught Christ His statutes Christ's lips uttered "praise"<8416>, Christ spoke of God's word for all God's commandments are righteousness.

11. Psa 119:173-176 - may God's hand help Christ for he has chosen his Father's precepts, Christ has longed for God's "salvation"<3444> and God's law is Christ's delight, let Christ's "soul"<5315> "live"<2421> and it shall "praise"<1984> God and let His judgments help Christ, Christ has gone "astray" [<8582> perhaps this refers to Christ's fleeing to Egypt (Matt 2:12-15) or later being a fugitive from his enemies (Luke 4:23-24,28-30;John 10:31,39;7:30) or to his fleshly nature (Heb 4:15) or how be bore our burdens (Isa 53:5)] like a lost sheep who did not forget God's commandments. 

119:136  David is doubtless reflecting on his fellow Jews. However do we feel similarly when we see God’s word being flouted?

119:132,133,134,135       These verse give us a progression. The faithful servant of God would desire to ask God to involve Himself in their life. Consider the words that the Psalmist uses to speak of his desire.

Lost and alone inside ourselves

For days you have trekked through the tunnels and caves inside the mountain. Your supplies are running low. The  darkness around you is complete, and you've forgotten what it's like to see. Your hands, shoulders and knees are scratched and bleeding because of constant contact with the rock walls and floor you cannot see. Feeling glad of the helmet covering your head, you feel your way, stumbling, onwards. Can you imagine this? You feel your way round a corner of rock and suddenly become aware that you can see dimly. As you move forward, more and more of the tunnel can be made out - a rough boulder floor, jagged outcrops of rock, but ahead there is light and as you move toward it you suddenly find yourself in a wide open cave, full of light, and full of treasures of Gold, Silver and precious stones.

If we were to put v130 into a story or a scene from a film, maybe it would be a little like that. We live inside our own consciousness, alone and unaware of what each thought and inclination really means. We're stumbling around and feeling our way. We do not know about human nature, what it is, and how to control it. God's word is a light that can enter into our darkness:

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

The entrance it's talking about is the entrance to our mind, our psyche, our inner self. The Psalmist also puts it this way:

"He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.

Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."

Psa 49:19-20

Without letting the word of God shine inside us, we are just like the animals that have no idea of conscience, morality, or even of self. What a wonderful privilege we have of understanding ourselves. The result of this is explained in v133 a path that is not only well lit, but steps that are ordered and going the right direction.

ABSOLUTELY SURE

Having had discussions with a number of people in the last few years whose faith I would have thought was strong, I have been surprised at how insecure many have been in their belief about resurrection, confidence at judgement, and the return of Jesus.

Having placed our lives confidently in the hands of our God, and the assurance of Jesus Christ, we should be very confident - absolutely sure - of the promises of God being fulfilled in our own lives, and in the love of God that cares for us as His dear and loved children.

The psalmist had the attitude that I would like to develop myself, and see in all those around me. He said, "My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise." (Psa 119:123). What that says to me, is that he was so expectant of God's salvation for him, that he couldn't sleep for want of seeing it happen in his life!

How much do we long for God's salvation in our lives? How sure are we of having it fulfilled? Let us, like the psalmist, develop a deep confidence in the salvation God gives us, and a longing for it's fulfilment that eclipses all else.

119:113The word translated “thoughts” in the KJV could equally be translators “opinions”. Once we see this we see how David saw that people’s opinions which were designed to elevate the individual were to be avoided and the clear teaching of God’s word was to be followed instead. Human pride makes it so easy for us to try to elevate ourselves through our knowledge – or speculation – about what the Bible teaches. So David’s warning should be a clear warning against speculation.

119:138  Do we see God’s commandments – the instructions we use to guide our lives - in the same way that the Psalmist does? Or do we see His commandments as some rather unpleasant constraint on our lives which we feel we must follow?

119:131 How much do we desire God’s commandments? Is His word something that we value as much as our food or our leisure activities? We should if we truly share David’s sentiments.

119:133  The way in which Davis speaks of God ordering David’s steps and iniquity not having dominion is the way we should walk. The word should guide us. The word of God, not iniquity, should dominate our lives. It did Jesus – Rom 6:9 and should us Rom 6:14

119:149,156,159        here we see the remaining times David talks about being “quickened” in this Psalm. The lesson is clear. God, because of His nature, has given us His word that we might use it in the various circumstances we find ourselves in during our pilgrimage.

119:130 I suppose if Eve had listened to God’s word it would have enlightened her rather than her and Adam’s eyes being opened to recognise they were sinful.

119:135  The desire for God’s face to shine on David contrasts with the way in which God will set his face against evil doers – Lev 20:3.

119:161 do we stand in awe of God’s word? Does it receive that level of respect in our eyes? Or do we think it is just a “good book” with interesting ideas? Those who dispute the literality of Creation clearly do not have the respect of the written word that the psalmist had.

Psa 119:30 The entrance speaks of door. This made me think of the High priest as he entered the Tabernacle, the first door upon opening would reveal the lampstand giving light upon the table of shewbread, through the next opening (the veil with its Cherubim) would the most holy and the shekinah glory be revealed. The Urim and Thummim (the precious stones which pointed to spiritual Israel) whould have reflected that glory upon his breastplate and shone brightly.

Those stones would have been true God manifestation reflecting Gods glory and light. That is our entrance to the kingdom. The would manifest in the NT gives the idea to make visible by teaching in the OT to polish to make bright.

But without light those stones would be dull and lustre.

Psa 119:135 The word shine here also means to enlighten,,,it was a desire of David to have his face shine upon him that he may be enlightened to Gods word. In return like Moses Davids face would shine, probably not literally but scripture speaks of shining faces as someone enlightened in Gods word. Prov 6:20-24, Ecc 8:1-3

119:154,156 Twice David asks to be “made alive – quickened. Once “according to thy word” and once “according to thy judgments”. He is asking God to measure him against the expectation that God has of him taking account of the fact that God is going to “judge”. The two go hand in hand. We know the criteria that our Father will use as the measure of our faithfulness. So the judgment should not be a surprise!

119:139 David’s understanding of God’s words moved him to zealous action. Whilst what David did here is not specified we know that because of Jesus’ familiarity with God laws and their abuse by those in the temple he acted – John 2:13-16

119:130  Men read books and subjects that are sought after can be presented as complex and require special training. God’s word is not like that. All that is required is a simple reading of the text, looking for the lessons we can draw for life. Hence it is available to all.

v.8 - The physical inheritance that they possessed was of no consequence. They needed the spiritual - 'fruits worthy of repentance' and it is the same for us. We need to repent - constantly - of our constant sins that are with us all the time - but we need to do it effectively by the bringing forth of the fruits. Isa.1:16-18, Eze.18:27-31, Acts 26:20, Gal.5:22-24.

v.1-2 The list of dignitaries sets the scene for the message that God does not call many noble or wise. They were all bypassed because the Word of God came to John. That he was in the wilderness shows that God expects those who want to hear His message have to put in some effort.

3:7 The religious leaders did not change. John calls them a 'generation of vipers'. Three and a half years later they have not been touched by the teaching of Jesus for he calls them 'Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers' (Matthew 23:33) Hopefully the words of Jesus have a bigger impact on us.

:19-20 is a digression from the text to provide some historical background. It is this event which caused John to be beheaded. Notice the event is placed close to the beginning of John's ministry.

V.22 "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" Those were the fruits of His 18 years preparation.

Luke 1:36 tells us that Mary and Elisabeth were cousins.

It is not certain that the term cousin refers to the children of brothers or sisters, as we understand it, or simply a relative of some kind.

Assuming that Mary and Elisabeth were first cousins, Jesus and John would be second cousins.
John was six months older that Jesus.  His father was from a priestly line while his mother was a descendant of Aaron.  He was a Nazarite and his role was to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah.  As such, he came in the spirit and power of Elijah.  His ministry ended and the Lord's began when they were both thirty.

3:7 When John speaks of those who came to be baptised as a 'generation of vipers' he was referring specifically to the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt 3:7)

V.20 Herod, by doing this, was locking himself up in a far more terrible prison, one from which he was never going to escape. The Word of God is mightier than the sword, even the than the executioner's sword.

3:13  The command John gave to the tax gatherers had been observed by Zacchaeus as can be seen in Luke 19:8

The comment in Luke 3:2 that “The word of God came unto John” tells us that he was as “inspired” as the Old Testament prophets had been. The long famine of hearing the words of the Lord (in Amos 8:11), had now come to an end. John was the first prophet since Malachi (about 450 years earlier). No wonder everyone went out to the Jordan to listen to him.

3:3 As John was preaching and baptising in Jordan he was a long way from Jerusalem – the centre of religious life – so anyone who wanted to hear his message had to make the effort to leave their home and seek him out rather than go to Jerusalem where they would previously have gone to worship. Thus there is a little indication that the things of the law were to be done away with in Christ.

V.19-20 Herod and Herodias were to John what Ahab and Jezebel were to Elijah. All God's great servants had to endure great suffering, and in that process to develop in them faith, and to demonstrate their worthiness for a place in God's kingdom, on the principle we all know so well, that it is through great tribulation that we shall enter the kingdom of God. This period of John's imprisonment was surly a test of his Faith.

3:15   That people thought that John might have been the Christ or not is consistent with the narrative which earlier said that there were others in expectation – Luke 2:25

V.14 These soldiers were those belonging to Herod or Philip.  John told them to do three things: Use no violence; don’t accuse falsely; and be content with your wages. John did not tell them to resign their posts. The injunction to use no violence is meant in the context of not taking goods and money from people by force. These soldiers were particularly notorious for doing this.  The Roman soldiers were, also, guilty of this kind of behaviour.

3:3 John’s baptism – a baptism for repentance – had the same significance as Jesus’ baptism in this respect. Those who came out of the water had acknowledged their death to sin and coming alive to righteousness. We should not think of John’s baptism as inferior to Jesus’. It was what was required at that time.

V.1 Tiberius Caesar reigned from 14-39 AD. He was 78 years old when he died. Tiberius was a thoroughly bad individual who set about to do as much mischief as he could. He lined up Caius Caligula as his successor on the basis that this prince would continue his bad ways (which he did).

John, the Nazarite, came to pave the way for Jesus according to prophecy (vs.4,5). He was well respected as a prophet (Luke 7:26; 20:6). He came in the spirit of Elijah (Matt 17:10-12). Before Jesus returns to earth, someone coming in the spirit of Elijah will appear to prepare the Jews who are waiting for the Messiah (Luke 1:17).

3:17 The seeming casual reference to ‘wheat’ and ‘chaff’ actually draws upon the condemnation of the prophet – Jer 23:28

3:22 The words spoken from heaven ‘in thee I am well pleased’ is a quotation from Isa 42:1

3:16   Whilst we are not told anything about John’s instruction during the time he was in the wilderness it is clear from his comment here that he understood his purpose and the significance of the coming of Jesus.  He describes Jesus as ‘the lamb of God’ John 1:29 which would take away sin.

Summary of Luke

3:1-18      John Baptist’s ministry starts – People flock to hear him. Religious leaders do not accept his call to repentance

3:19-20    Digressions – Herod shut John up in prison

3:21-38    Jesus baptised – his ancestry given

Luke 3:4-6.

3:4       John “prepared the way” for Jesus rather like Elijah prepared the way for Elisha. John did no miracles John 10:41 Jesus did many. Elisha did twice as many miracles as Elijah.

3:38  Jesus is styled “the son of God” and we should notice that this position is challenged – Luke 4:3 – so we see Jesus reflecting on the possibility, as son of God, what he could do and then resisting that possibility.

3:8    There were faithful believers to be called of whom Abraham was unawareIsa 63:16– gentiles who those Jews to whom John preached could never consider as Abraham’s children.

3:20-21           John was imprisoned quite some time after Jesus was baptised. However the details are placed adjacent to each other here to highlight the point which is made – John 3:30 – that Jesus would increase and John decrease. John actually now passes off the scene even though he was still around for a while.

3:23     Jesus was the same age as Joseph when he, like Joseph, started his work of salvation –Gen 41:46

3:7 John calls those that came to hear “vipers” Jesus – Matt 23:33– reserves the term for the Scribes and Pharisees.

Note exactly where John the Baptist was when the Word of God came to him. Not in the opulent palaces of the 'great & good' listed in the first two verses, but in the wilderness! And his food was no sumptuous banquet either: locusts and wild honey. The wild honey would possibly be palatable to us, but the locusts? Hmmm...!

The lesson for us is clear: if we want to really absorb and retain the Word of God and become as highly valued by our Father as John was (Matt. 11:11), then our minds have to be a wilderness as far as the aspirations & ambitions of this world are concerned and instead fill our minds with the Word of God and put it into practice daily. We in the Western world all need to "go and learn what that meaneth" (Matt 9:13).

My grandfather never became a brother, but I clearly remember him saying "the more you've got, the more you've got to worry about". Not only to worry about, but more to crowd out the still, small voice of God's Word. Neither John the Baptist nor our Lord ever had many possessions to worry about. In our Lord's case, that meant he had no bed either! (Matt 8:20)

John's and our Lord's example in this regard put me to shame.

3:27 this is the time of the return from Babylon. Salthiel was born in Babylon – Matt 1:12 – Jehoiachin went into Babylon childless and, humanly speaking, it looked as if the line of David was over. However in Babylon Jehoiachin was exalted and bore a son in the line of David. Thus preserving the line to Jesus.

3:5Whilst all four gospels speak of Jesus preparing the way it is only Luke who continues the quotation with “every valley … made smooth”

CROOKED ROADS STRAIGHT

Here was John the Baptist's mission statement: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation." (Luke 3:4-6).

I wonder if this should be our mission statement too? John the Baptist prepared the hearts and minds of the people to receive Jesus Christ. Where there were barriers in the way to accepting him, John removed those barriers. Where people needed to turn a corner in their lives to find Jesus, John helped them around. John made finding Jesus easy for people. His job was to point people to Jesus, and by the time Jesus started his ministry, the people were ready for him.

John did a good job with his generation, but for "all mankind" to see God's salvation, more work needs to be done. That's where we come in. Let's follow John's example and make it easy for people to find Jesus whether they are looking for him or not.
 

3:27 this is the time of the return from Babylon. Salthiel was born in Babylon – Matt 1:12 – Jehoiachin went into Babylon childless and, humanly speaking, it looked as if the line of David was over. However in Babylon Jehoiachin was exalted and bore a son in the line of David. Thus preserving the line to Jesus.

3:10-14 It is evident that many were baptised by John the Baptist. However it is clear that those who were baptised realised that there was more required than just getting baptised. Hence the question “what shall we do”?

The same is true for us who have been baptised into Jesus. Baptism, of itself, is not sufficient. It must be matched with a changed way of living.

3:15-16 Whilst many that saw John’s work and were already in anticipation that Messiah was going to come saw John, potentially, as that Messiah John made it very clear that he was not the Messiah. We know that Jesus was that Messiah but when John spoke those words to the people they had no real idea that they would actually see the Messiah. John gave no indication of a time-scale.  That he was not worthy to unloose Messiah’s shoe-latched would be true whenever Messiah came.