Comments for July 21

6:20-22 the fact that Michal was not out rejoicing with David when he brought the ark to Zion speaks volumes about her attitude to the things of God. However her tirade against David confirms the suspicion that her mind was not on the fulfilment of God’s plan – bringing the ark to Zion. Like so many others her mind was focussed on man’s status, not God’s. From her perspective David’s behaviour abased him – whereas she was concerned with status. Hence David’s comment about Saul being rejected (:21). Because he was king he behaved as he did – exalting God above himself. He was concerned with God’s status whereas Michal was concerned about her own!

6:3 The ark was in Kirjath-Jearim, also called Baale. The mention of “Gibeah” here should not confuse into thinking that the ark was in the town called “Gibeah” which is miles away from the location of the ark. We should note – as the margin will say – is that “Gibeah” means “hill”. The house was on a hill in Baale / Kirjath-Jearim.

6:7 the word translated “error”<7944> is rendered “rashness” in the margin. Doubtless Uzzah was well meaning in his actions. However being well meaning is not sufficient. The laws that God has given must be observed at all time. We must be careful ourselves to ensure that we do not behave in a rash way by making a speedy but ill informed decision.

6:10  In telling us that David “carried” the ark into the house of Obed-Edom maybe we are seeing the first indication that David realised what he had done wrong in placing the ark on a new cart.

v. 19 - Whilst this verse is quite clearly prophetic of the time of the crucifixion of Christ, it is also something which was personal to Jeremiah, who shared this rejection - ch.18:18, see also Ps.35:15.

Jeremiah draws Israel's attention to the covenant that their parents had agreed to just before they entered the land.
Quotations and allusions to Deuteronomy

v.4 - Egypt is referred to on three occasions as an iron furnace - here, Deut.4:20, 1Kings 8:51. Consider also these two verses in Ezekiel as well in this context, where the same two Hebrew words occur in close proximity: Eze.22:18,20

11:5 In using 'amen' - so be it - Jeremiah is forcefully reminding Israel how they agreed to the words of the covenant by assenting 'amen' after each clause (Deut 27:15). The lesson for us is clear. We should be aware of the commitments that we have made.

:14 This is the second of three times (7:16 here 14:11) when God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the people. So Jeremiah has been speaking God's words of judgement against a sinful people - and so he prayed for their deliverance - even when he had been told to stop! How do we feel about those in the world who are in darkness?

11:19 Against the background of the evil of the inhabitants of Jerusalem Jeremiah feels an outcast and laments in language which is strikingly like the prophecies of Isaiah about Messiah (Isa 53:7-8)

V.13 "shameful thing" or "shame" namely, the idol, not merely shameful, but the essence of all that is shameful.(Jer 3:24  Hos 9:10 ) which will bring shame and confusion on oneself. 

V.21 If Jeremiah had not uttered his prediction, they would not have plotted against him. None were more bitter than his own fellow townsmen. We can see a similar situation when we compare the conduct of the Nazarites towards Jesus. Luke 4:24-29

V.14 It was the role of the priest to pray for the people. Yahweh told Jeremiah not to pray for the people.  Yahweh was recognizing Jeremiah as a priest.  Indeed, it seems that Jeremiah came from a priestly line (Jer 1:1).  This line probably extended from Abiathar, who Solomon sent to Anathoth (1Kin 2:26,27).

God says that because of Judah’s sin He will actually close His ears when His people cry to Him.  They have gone so far away, that He will not help them (Jer 11:11,14). For the loving Lord God, Who had called Israel to be His own people, to say such a thing, really illustrates how far they had gone from Him.

11:15  In reproving those who rejoice to do evil Jeremiah is quoting Prov 2:14

Vs.21-23 The people from Jeremiah's home town, Anathoth, sought to kill him.  However, Yahweh promised to dispatch these would-be killers.  The year of their visitation (punishment) (KJV) came when the Babylonians overran Anathoth. 

However, Yahweh saw beyond the exile and instructed Jeremiah to buy some land in Anathoth (Jer 32:6-15).  He was signalling a time of restoration for the city. This is borne out by Nehemiah's record of returnees (Neh 7:27; 11:32).

11:8 The ‘covenant’ that the prophet is speaking of is not the one Israel entered into at Sinai. Rather it is the covenant of obedience recorded in Deut 27 - 29

11:7 ‘rising early’ is not saying that the prophet got up early every morning. Rather it is speaking of an attitude of mind which sought to do the things of God immediately. Such an example is seen in Abraham when he went to offer Isaac – Gen 22:3

11:4 ‘from the iron furnace (of Egypt)’ is one of the many quotations in Jeremiah from Deuteronomy – this is from Deut 4:20

Vs.3,4 The Law was a curse if it were not complied with fully (Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10).  If just one of the 613 tenets of the Law was missed, the whole law was considered abandoned (James 2:10).

V.9 The rebellion against Yahweh was not from an isolated source, but from a deliberate, concerted effort to disobey. It was the band of unsanctioned prophets who were at the core of this opposition to Yahweh (Eze 22:25).  Perhaps, we can better appreciate the witness of Jeremiah amidst this dedicated group of false prophets. If these prophets had come together against Yahweh, then they would have surely been hostile to His servant, the only true prophet (Psa 83:5).

V.13 It was not just that there was idolatry in Judah and Jerusalem, but the sheer proliferation of it that was horrendous. The increase of the shame of Judah and Jerusalem was directly proportional to the increase of idolatrous sites.

V.16 As long as Yahweh’s people were attached to Him, they were green (fertile) and would bear good fruit (Psa 52:8). Once they left the nurture of Yahweh, they would shrivel up, be useless, and therefore thrown out to be burned. In this case, it would be the Babylonians who would burn the useless cast-out branches.

The New Testament follows the same theme. John Baptist reminds the Jews to be fertile (Luke 3:8,9).  And, Jesus exhorts His followers to be attached to Him and bear fruit, otherwise they will be cast away and destroyed (John 15:4-6).

How would you feel if the leaders of your Church were to be discovered plotting your death? What if the reason they wanted to kill you was simply because you spoke the truth about God, and they preferred lies? And what if these men and women were your own family? (Jer 11:18-23; 12:1-2, 6; 1:1)

11:3 Josiah was shown a copy of the law which was found in the temple during the reform he instituted – 2Kin 23:24. From the way in which Jeremiah makes repeated use of the quotation from the blessings and cursings of Deut 27 and 28 we might conclude that this was the part of the law of Moses that was found.

11:6  Notice they were to both ‘hear’ and ‘do’ the commandments. It is all too easy just to hear the word of God but then not do as we have read.  The warning of Israel is just as relevant for us today.

11:8  In speaking of the imagination of the heart Jeremiah is saying that the people re no better than those in the days of Noah – Gen 6:5– when God destroyed all mankind, save 8, with the flood.

11:9    The “conspiracy” was that the people said that they would keep God’s word but they did not. Josiah was a good king who sought to bring about reforms but, in the end, he was one of the few who remained faithful in that he not only heard the word of God but did it also.

Breach of contract

In v4-5 we are reminded that God had made an agreement, or covenant, with Israel. He would bring them out of Egypt, from slavery, carry them through a great wilderness, and bring them to a land that was so fruitful He called it a "land flowing with milk and honey". He would chase out the inhabitants of the land and give it to them, then bless them in everything they did so that they would become the envy and talk of the surrounding nations. All that was God's side of the bargain, and he kept it right down to the very last detail (see Josh 24). Israel's part of the bargain was to obey His commandments (v4). As is customary in the making of a contract, there were penalties agreed for breaking the contract. So in this chapter God is reminding Israel of the contract, notifying them of their breach of contract, and serving them of warning that He will bring the agreed penalties upon them.

11:6,8,10    The “covenant” spoken of here by the prophet is the agreement that Israel made with God that they would keep His commandments – outlined in Deut 27, & 28

OBEY ME

There was only one thing that God wanted out of Israel. He wanted to be obeyed. He said to them, "Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people and I will be your God." (Jer 11:4). And He remembered how Israel responded to His command: "From the time I brought your forefathers up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, 'Obey me.' But they did not listen or pay attention; instead they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts." (v.7-8).

Because Israel refused to obey God, they were punished by exile, captivity, and scattering among the nations. Looking back we could say that it would have been much better for them if they had obeyed. We could even look at their choices and think how stupid they were to choose disobedience.

Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15 v 14). In other words, Jesus says to us, "Obey Me." Little by little, Israel turned away from obeying God to follow their own pleasures. What about us? How far have we already turned from obeying Jesus because our way seems more appealing?

"Obey Me,"is all he asks. Will we look back in hindsight, as we do for Israel, and wonder why we didn't make the right choices and why we chose not to obey?

11:11    A man who had turned away from hearing the law of God would not be heard – Prov 28:19.

12:7     God forsook the temple because He was (and still is) unwilling to dwell with people He cannot fellowship. Our worship can be a hollow sham if we only give lip service to serving Him whilst putting our own preferences first.

OUTLINE OF JEREMIAH

PART TWO -- THE PROPHECIES TO JUDAH (JEREMIAH 2:1 to 45:5)

I. The Condemnation of Judah (Jeremiah 2:1 to 25:38)

   D. Fourth Sermon - Judah's Breach of the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1 to 12:17):

      1. Jer 11:2 - "the words of this covenant(<1285> cutting away the flesh and shedding blood)" refer to the law of Moses given at Sinai, forgotten/neglected but rediscovered in the early days of Josiah and reinstituted, but then seemingly again forgotten/disregarded; the function and duration of the law of Moses (Gal 3:19).

      2. Jer 11:3-5 - the copy of the law shown to Josiah (2Kin 23:24) seems to have included the people promising obedience to it as a result of the associated blessings and cursings (Exo 24:7;Deut 27:1-26;Deut 28:1-68;Deut 29:1-29;2Kin 22:1,8;2Chron 34:1,14-16;Gal 3:10;James 2:10); V4 the covenant marked their deliverance from the iron furnace which was symbolic of the intense suffering (Deut 4:20;1Kin 8:51;Isa 48:10) while in Egyptian bondage; V5 "a land flowing with milk and honey" (this expression occurs only here, in the Pentateuch, in Jer 32:22, and in Eze 20:6,15); V5 (KJV) "So be it<543>", "Amen<543>" (Deut 27:15), associated with God "the God<430> of truth<543>" (Isa 65:16), also referenced to the Messiah "Amen<281>" (Rev 3:14), "Amen<281>" (2Cor 1:19-20).

   D. Fourth Sermon - Judah's Breach of the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1 to 12:17):

      3. Jer 11:6-11 - VS 6-10 (Exo 19:4-8;Matt 7:24-29;James 1:21-25 - but they obeyed not); V6 they were to hear and do the words of this covenant; V7 "rising early<7925>" perhaps is an echo of the resurrection (Gen 22:3,13;Mark 16:9); V8 "imagination of their evil heart" as in the days of Noah and the last days (Jer 17:9;Gen 6:5;Matt 24:37-39); VS 9-11 they forgot both God's grace and His justice, and as a result they are doomed to worse than the 'iron furnace' (Jer 11:4) of Egypt.

      4. Jer 11:11-13 - the massive apostasy of Manasseh and Amon (2Kin 21:1-26;2Chron 33:1-25) was succeeded by the reforms of Josiah, but upon his death the old abominations were re-introduced, and as a result Jerusalem and the inhabitants of other Judean cities would pay the price; V12 the idols "they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble"; V12 the covenant (Jer 11:3) brought blessing to its observer, but curses and exile to its breakers; V13 Judah had as many gods as cities (Jer 2:28).

      5. Jer 11:14 - "pray not thou for this people" (Jer 7:16;John 17:9) as their corruption was so deep rooted.

      6. Jer 11:15 - quotes Prov 2:14; "my beloved" refers to Jerusalem (Jer 11:13).

      7. Jer 11:16-17 - God planted a beautiful olive tree upon the mountains of Israel, but it was broken down and burnt "for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah" (Rom 11:17-21); as Michael Parry notes in his 2009 comments, when Yahweh's people were no longer attached to Him they would no longer bear good fruit (Psa 52:8;Luke 3:8,9;Gal 5:22-26;John 15:4-6;Gal 5:19-21;Matt 21:18-21).

   D. Fourth Sermon - Judah's Breach of the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1 to 12:17):

      8. Jer 11:18-19 - Jeremiah speaks to natural Israel of knowing, echoing Christ who spoke to each of the seven churches (Rev 1:1;Rev 2:2,9,13,19;Rev 3:1,8,15), and being like a lamb brought to the slaughter is about Jeremiah (who they wanted to kill) and is similarly echoed in referrence to Christ (Isa 53:7-8); V19 (NIV) "destroy...its fruit" means kill Jeremiah's relatives too so he is no longer remembered - just as they tried to destroy followers of Christ so Christ would no longer be remembered.

      9. Jer 11:20 - Jeremiah prays to God for vengeance (God had previously Jer 11:14 told Jeremiah not to pray for this people).

      10. Jer 11:21-23 - V21 God notes the men of "Anathoth<6068>" are saying (NIV) "...Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord or you will die by our hands" (Luke 4:24) and thus, like Christ, Jeremiah is rejected by his own brethren; VS 21-23 Anathoth the city of Levites where they changed over to Baal worship (Jer 1:1,16-19), and was home to the priestly class of Abiathar, close friend of David (1Sam 22:20-23), but despised by Solomon in favor of the younger rival house of Zadok (1Kin 2:26,27,35); Jeremiah, bred of the Anathoth priesthood had spoken against the unfaithful priests (2Kin 23:8;Jer 10:21;Jer 8:1;Matt 13:57); VS 21-23 God answers Jeremiah's call for vengeance in the affirmative - the men of Anathoth seem to have perpetuated the enmity of Abiathar against "Zadok<6659>" (1Kin 1:5-8,32-34;1Kin 2:26-27) which may echo the enmity of the priests against Christ (Heb 7:2,11-24); VS 21-23 the people from Jeremiah's hometown, Anathoth, sought to kill him, but God instructed Jeremiah to buy some land in Anathoth (Jer 32:6-15) which indicates a time of restoration for the city

(which already happened in part as we read in Nehemiah's record of those who returned Neh 7:27;Neh 11:32), and for Jeremiah (which will happen when Christ returns Heb 11:1-2,32-40).

11:10    The fathers were to teach the children God’s laws – Deut 6:7– but the fathers were teaching error instead of truth. The lesson is clear for us. Our instruction must always be right and true. Doubtless those spoken of here would recount what Moses said but their lives demonstrated that they did not believe what they were saying.

11:17     When God says that He planted Israel he is reminding them of what He has done for them as he says in Jer 2:21

11:21-23     Jere was being persecuted by his own family at this time. God is giving words of encouragement. In speaking of “the men of Anathoth” He is speaking of Jeremiah’s own family.

11:4-5 God had made a covenant with the patriarchs  - starting with Abraham. For this reason He will keep His word and Israel will be His people and they will worship Him faithfully.  His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the driving force which guarantees that God will keep His word.

11:10  Israel’s problem was not that the did not know what God wanted of them. It was not a lack of understanding. It was not even that they lapsed from His laws from time to time. They had set their hearts to totally ignore what he said. When we doubt our position before God we should reflect on how we view His words.  Surely, no matter what we do or think we are never like Israel.

11:1 there are a number of different ways in which we might divide Jeremiah into sections. One is the recurring phrase “The word that came to Jeremiah” of which there are seven occasions  7:1, 11:1, 25:1, 30:1, 32:1, 40:1 and 44:1.This division might help in our seeking for a structure in the prophecy of Jeremiah which certainly is not recorded in chronological order.

11:5 the oath referred to was made to Isaac and his father Abraham previously – Gen 26:3. Whilst the “oath” was given many years earlier Jeremiah was inspired to remind his hearers of it. It does not matter how long it was since God made the oath. His continued existence and character mean those promises to the patriarchs will be fulfilled.

If we ever wonder how current events will end we should look at the overall picture of our Father’s plan and take comfort in His promises.. 

11:4-5 God through the prophet Jeremiah is appealing to the nation to listen to His words so that he can fulfil His promise that he has made to them!

We might read this and just pass on without thinking too much about what God said. But stop for a moment. The Creator is pleading with His people that they might repent so he can bless them.

As we read elsewhere, God does not take pleasure in the death of men Eze 33:11. Rather He is looking for repentance so that He can forgive – John 3:16

11:13  Do we think that God is exaggerating when he speaks of the number of gods and altars that the nation have?

The answer has to be that He is not exaggerating at all.  In like manner we should look at ourselves and identify what we feel that we cannot live without. Doubtless there are things in our lives that can easily get in the way of our worship and commitment to our Father.

BIBLE MARKING: "...Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more." Jer 11:19 ------> "They have said, 'Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.'" Psa 83:4

If anyone outside the Truth ever asks: "why does God allow violence toward His people?" Show them v12. For here we learn that the People would turn to their idols in hopes they might be saved, God seeing this, deliberately stopped from such event from happening as not to give life to the idol statues. It was not a petty abuse of power, it was a lesson that they, and we, need to learn very quickly if we want to stand beside Christ on that day 1Cor 8:4

v. 5 - Notice that the servants, in making their excuses about attending the wedding (of Christ and the bride) actually state the nature of their idolatry. His farm ... his merchandise. We must be careful that we do not love the things of this life so much that when we are called to that wedding, we do not make light of it and return to the things in which we have become accustomed to put our trust. Gen.19:14, 25:3, Matt.13:22, Acts 24:25.

v.19 - Jesus asks them to 'show me the tribute money' and the record says 'they' brought it. The Pharisees were so antagonistic to the Roman state they would not be carrying the tribute money. The Herodians were so willing to bow to Rome that they would be the ones who produced the money. But think about it. Rampant patriots of Rome working together with vigorous opponents to the Roman occupation.

22:12-15 The parable - spoken against the leaders - left them speechless as the man in the parable. So they sought to trap Jesus in his own words! See the way of the flesh. Because they had no answer, rather than acknowledge that Jesus was a teacher sent from God they sought to undermine his teaching by trapping him in his teaching.

:31 In saying that at the bush Exo 3:1-6 God spoke ' unto you' we see a most powerful testimony that even though in the first instance Scripture was written or spoken many years ago it has a lasting and all embracing relevance. The same point is taught in Romans 4:23-24.

In 21v43 Jesus told the Jews how the vineyard was to be taken away and given to "another nation bearing the fruits of it". Here in the parable of the wedding feast he reinforces what he has just said, in the hope of gaining their repentance. V3-4, the sending of the servants relates to the prophecy of Jeremiah in 7v13 "but you did not listen". Jer 7v15 "and I will cast you out of my sight" relates to the parable v7, and Jesus' own words in Matt 23v37. This should have been such a clear warning to the scribes and Pharisees, if they had known their old testament. But instead of repenting, they were angry with Jesus and plotted against him v15. Is it possible for us also to be this blind?

22:42 Whilst Jesus was under attack all day he did not simply defend himself. When he had silenced his critics he appeals to them with a question from Scripture.

V.7  "burned up their city" Jerusalem, once "the city of the Great King" Psa 48:2, and even up almost to this time Matt 5:35; but now it is "their city"  just as the Lord, a day or two after this , said of the temple, "Behold your house is left unto you desolate" Matt 23:38  

V.36-40 - this second greatest commandment begs the question, who is our neighbour? In Luke 10:36 Jesus answers the question. Race and distance has nothing to do with who is our neighbour.

22:7 Notice it is 'their' city that is burnt up. In Matt 23:38it is 'your’ city that will be desolate. Even though Jerusalem had been 'the city of the great king' (Psa 48:2) God now no longer viewed it as His city.

Vs.2-7 Jesus came, initially, to save His people Israel (Matt 15:24).  However, the Jews rejected Jesus' invitation to join Him in His marriage feast.  They would be punished and their city burned (Jerusalem 70 AD). 

Vs.9,10 And so, Jesus opened His invitation to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).  They would be gathered from all over.  As guests to the wedding they would have been given a wedding garment.  It was up to them to put it on. 

Vs.11-13 One person, who was invited, decided not to put his garment on and was unfit to remain at the marriage feast.  He was promptly ejected. 

We all have an invitation to attend Jesus' marriage feast (eternal life).  But we must put on the acceptable clothing (covering).  That garment is Jesus (Gal 3:27).  To ensure that we are properly dressed at all times, we must check to make sure not to soil our garment (Jude 1:23). 

When the king comes in, He will inspect His guests (judgement).  Only those who are wearing the correct garment, which has been kept clean (Rev 3:4), will be allowed to stay.  All others will be ejected.  Out of the many who have received a wedding invitation, some will fail to put on the wedding garment; others will put it on but fail to keep it clean.  After inspection, only a comparative few will be allowed to stay (Matt 22:14).  Let's make sure of where we stand (2Pet 1:10).

22:14 ‘For many are called but few are chosen’ returns to the point that Jesus already made – Matt 20:16. So whilst this parable had been directed against the Jewish leaders Jesus had his disciples in mind as well for that is whom he was speaking to in chapter 20.

22:16-18          The whole event was designed to trap Jesus in his words. They asked a question which they had worked out would trap him whatever answer he gave. Do we ever ask our brethren and sisters questions in order to trap them?

22:23‘The same day’ reminds us that we are still in the day which started in Matt 21:20. This is the longest day recorded in the ministry of Jesus as it does not end until Matt 25:46

Vs.16,17 The Herodians were members of the Jewish aristocracy who followed the principles of Herod Antipas.  This group supported the Roman government.  Their question Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? was designed to trap Jesus into revealing Himself as seditious against Rome.  He did not fall for their ruse but showed that by obeying the laws of the land one was serving Yahweh (see Titus 3:1).

V.23 The Sadducees were the Jewish noble class.  These aristocrats were the richest and most powerful Jewish sect, and held most of the seats in the Great council (Sanhedrin).  From this elite group came Joseph of Arimathea (Matt 27:57-59).  In throwing his lot in with Jesus, Joseph would have been ousted from his position of wealth and power (Matt 19:29).

The Sadducees differed with the Pharisees over the question of resurrection. It was this point that the apostle Paul exploited in his defence (Acts 23:6,8).

The Sadducees and Pharisees did not particularly like each other and differed on many doctrinal points. Each group thought that they were the true leaders of Israel.  

A prominent Pharisee, Nicodemus, broke with his party and supported Christ.  He would have given up much to follow Jesus. It was Nicodemus who accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Jesus’ tomb (John 19:38,39). Although the Sadducees and Pharisees never got on, ironically, it was the fact that two notable members from each party became untied in Christ. They were prepared to become poor and despised to gain the riches in Christ.

22:24The Sadducees use of the word ‘master’ is not in any way a recognition of Jesus’ status. Rather they ascribe to him that status so they can show, they thought, that he did not have the credentials of being a teacher.

In v41-46 the Pharisees gather together to trip Jesus up. We should be in no doubt that Jesus' life was in danger here, because the reason for these questions was to "entangle him" (v15). So they, being enemies of Jesus, should have feared when he quoted Psalm 110 to them. By looking at the Psalm, can you see why?

22:23 It was the Pharisees in Matt 22:15 and now it is the Sadducees who come.  Two groups with significant differences join together against Jesus.

Matt 22:11-13

"... when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment..."

What was this guest's offense that merited him being bound hand and food, and cast "into outer darkness"? By accepting the invitation to the wedding, he ought to have known what was required for acceptance to the wedding. This man's offense was a churlish disrespect to the invitation in not being prepared. This invitation was, "Come to the feast," but the implication was, "Come in a fit state." What are these implied conditions?

Each guest must possess righteousness (1Cor 6:9; Matt 5:20), walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Gal 5:16-26). We accepted the invitation at baptism, but what kind of garment are we wearing? The apostle Paul incessantly exhorts us to walk as "becometh saints."

The lesson of this parable is sobering. It shows mere acceptance of the Gospel will not save us. It shows us there must be a clothing of the inner man, which constitutes the wedding garment for salvation. This fact helps us to rightly estimate the Spirit's invitation as we read in Rev 3:18.

22:34-35       One would like to think that if our arguments were shown to be false that we would change our way of thinking. Not the Jewish leaders. Bring along our legal team to prove us right is the response of the Pharisees. Do we ever resort to legalistic explanations to bolster views which we realise are not actually correct but which we have held for many years?

22:24-27      This conundrum dreamt up by the Jewish leaders is actually a circular argument. They denied the resurrection and so devised a scenario which created problems for those who though there was a resurrection. However their conundrum ignored other areas of Scripture. We need to be careful that we do not attempt to support our views by raising other issues which violate other parts of Scripture.

WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Any time we read in the Bible, the Old Testament or New, about loving or serving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, or any combination of them, the heart always comes first. The time Jesus was asked, "Which is the greatest commandment in the law?", was no exception. (Matt 22:36) This was his reply: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (v.37)

Why is it significant that the heart comes first? Because it is the most important. God wants us to be emotionally attached to him. He wants us to love him with our emotions first. David was a man who loved God with his emotions. Just think of the emotional content of nearly all his psalms! That's what God wants from us when we love him with all our heart.

How do we do it? the Scriptures tell us: Leap for joy, weep for Jerusalem as you pray for it, be enthusiastic about sharing your faith, rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, build a desire to be with God, let God take your worries, refrain from anger, spend time praising God and telling him that you love him. Maybe you could try writing him a poem or song that expresses your love, thanks or praise. Or maybe writing down how you feel and expressing those emotions to God.

Let us love the Lord our God with all our heart.

Matt 22:14 - "many are called, but few are chosen" - somewhat addressing this are my June 17th 2013 comments in the third reading (1John 3-4).

Matt 22:14 -  additionally, many are called to the Gospel message to which they make merely an outward response, and they must go beyond that to be chosen by God; V14 - also we have Jesus saying those who are obedient to his Father's will are those chosen to be in the family of Christ (Matt 12:46-50); "called<2822>", "chosen<1588>".

22:31   Another example of people being told that what was written in the past and spoken to other people was actually spoken to them can be seen in Heb 4:2. It is all too easy to forget that things written in the past have a direct relevance to us and are not just storied that we might read. 

22:12   The man in the parable was 'speechless' - and so the Pharisees sought to 'entangle Jesus in his talk' :15 but eventually they were indeed speechless - :46.

22:21   In commanding that dues be rendered to whom they are due Jesus sets the basis for Paul’s comment – Rom 13:7

22:10    The “wedding garment” answers to that – Isa 61:10 – that is to be worn by those who have been clothed with salvation. Those, in the parable, who came to the wedding did not recognise their need for salvation provided by God.

22:4    The concept of being “ready” for the marriage is a running theme through the rest of Matthew’s gospel. We se readiness emphasised again 22:8, 24:44, 25:10, On each occasion there was a need for preparedness. These words speak very powerfully to us about our need to make ourselves ready now for the lord’s return

Matt 22:14

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The Hebrews were the first to be invited to the wedding feast of the King’s son, but since they refused the invitation (v. 3), their rejection extended the call to the Gentiles (v. 9). When the King joined his guests, he noticed one without a wedding garment (v. 12). He was without excuse, was rejected and sent from the feast. The parable ends with Christ pronouncing the aphorism that summarizes the parable, “For many are called, but few chosen.”

Call is the invitation that was given through the prophets in Old Testament times to the Hebrews, and then through Christ and his apostles/disciples in New Testament times to both Hebrews and Gentiles. It is a call to repentance and salvation. Those who refused the call were culpable for refusing it. With knowledge comes responsibility.  But, it doesn’t stop there. Christ also showed that it is possible to accept the call and not be saved at all. Let me repeat, our acceptance of the call is no guarantee of salvation. Reading Rom 8:30; 1Cor 1:26,27; 2Tim 1:9 may lead us to believe otherwise, that Christ did it all, we are under grace. Christ shows us this is not the case, so we are misinterpreting these verses. Christ does not teach one thing, and his apostles/disciples another. Christ made it very clear that while accepting the call there were those who never truly embraced what is offered in the call (cf. Matt 15:8; Isa 29:13). In other words, there was no change of character as the Word commands, and they just continued to go through the motion of worshipping while living and acting like they did before; their hearts were not in it! These are rejected.

The chosen, on the other hand, are those who accepted the call, repented and changed both in their thinking and conduct. They grew spiritually, lived a life of holiness in maintaining separateness from the world and worldly minded, they grew in grace and in knowledge. The epistles of Peter are well worth reading over and over again. We will soon realize in striving to be spiritual, that there is no way any of us will just saunter into the Kingdom; we have a lot of work to do because “that which is flesh is flesh” (John 3:6), and not so easily changed. It takes time and a lot of effort. It takes a lot of faith too to conform, but as Peter asked Christ, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).  These are the ones who wear the “wedding garment” and will be chosen.

In essence then, there is an outward calling to which we respond by a physical full-immersion baptism, or external washing, and there is an inward calling, or internal washing, which is to become spiritual, “that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6); it is to learn a new way of life (Eph 4). Without the outward calling, though, no one could respond and be saved! Both go hand-in-hand (John 3:5). The call becomes effectual only if there is regeneration (Matt 19:28).

22:5    One wonders what reasons we use to excuse ourselves from gatherings of fellow believers. Are our reasons valid or are they simply excuses because we have what we consider better things to do than spend time with fellow believers around the word of God?

Matt 22

A reader writes: “I often read your comments and they make so much sense…I often think of the days of Noah....it is staggering to think, that out of all the people inhabiting the earth, at the end, only 8 people, God saw fit, to save. Only 8!!  We can sweep the page with all the ‘what, where how and whys, yet nevertheless, it is what an Australian would say, is "mind blowing". There were Bros and Sis there no doubt, but they must have been taking a lot for granted in their daily living, attitude of mind, reasoning, actions, purposes, and so and etc....yet....only ONE Family went in and stepped out of that Ark, ALIVE!  And FILLED, with the grace and compassion of a Loving God… Dear Noah was a wonderful preacher of righteousness....The most valuable and precious thing we are to get, have and keep, is OIL....the valuable, precious Word of our dear God in heaven....so as we think, and do, and live our lives we, who are nothing in His sight, yet, to submit ourselves to the understanding of His Love, trust and care, turning away from all and everything that will distract our hearts and minds to following His pathway, that we know is safe, leads to life, and here it is...."And Few there Be, that Find It"....I think that would make a fit heading for a breathtaking talk and study....”

My reply: I find your email most refreshing and encouraging; thank you very much! When Christ said (Matt 22:1-13) “few,” he meant “few,” but too few of us are willing to accept this and so the fleshly mind rationalizes it that in comparison to the world’s population of over 7 billion, the 50 thousand some Christadelphians represent a “few,” and, indeed, they do! The problem with this is that it is wrong in relation to eternal matters, as evidenced by the parable Christ gave on the “wedding feast.” This parable is about an invitation (Jews first, then Gentiles), about a King who invites certain people to the wedding feast for his son. We may see the significance of the parable, as it relates to rejection and acceptance.

Jesus’ parables have this engaging effect that challenges our imaginations and invites us to re-examine our convictions in matters of eternal importance. We have the invited and it is among the invited that we find rejection and acceptance. “Few are chosen,” has nothing to do with those “without,” but of those “within.” It is from the invited, but then not all will have on the “wedding garment” (vv. 11,12), and Jesus summarizes their rejection (v.  13). The “called” are those invited to the feast; the “chosen,” or “elect” are those from among the called.

The ones sincere about their calling are the ones who “strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Matt 7:13,14,23; Luke 13:24). “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear” (1Pet 4:18,19; cf. Prov 11:31)? Even then, it is only on account of grace extended to them because of their striving to be righteous.

The main lesson Christ teaches us through this unsettling parable is that not only those who were invited to the feast, but refused it, are rejected, but also those who accepted the invitation, only to pay lip service to the calling never having truly embraced Jesus as offered them in that call. Pretty sobering, I would think!

The beauty of the parables of Jesus, though unsettling rather than reassuring, is that they are meant for us to think analytically, to reexamine our convictions about eternal matters. The world, the various denominations, who claim to believe in God, love Jesus, yet at the same time create beliefs contrary to what the Bible says, do not factor in this parable. The fleshly mind does not like the “striving” part, and takes sin lightly while busily emphasizing grace. But, who are the recipients of this grace? Those who are striving, those who desire to be obedient, who praise and glorify God in their thoughts, words, deeds, who feel the pain within themselves when they fail, and in abject repentance turn to the Father through His son.

And, what does the parable of the ten virgins teach us? It teaches that some things cannot be borrowed; some things cannot be lent! Only we, ourselves, can work out our own salvation. We cannot rely on others’ teachings who would have every Christadelphian in the Kingdom. We have to search it out for ourselves diligently and prayerfully comparing Scripture with Scripture even with issues not palatable to us, because we want God’s Truth, not men’s.

Matt 22:14

“For many are called, but few chosen.”