Comments for September 19

v.3 - God also slew Onan, for refusing to perform the duty of the surviving brother and raise up seed to Er, but that is not recorded here. One wonders why God chose to record one here and not the other. Gen 38:2-10

v.7 Achar is Achan who was the reason for the defeat of Israel at Ai on their first attempt to take it.
v.15 And so we see where David fits into the scheme of things.

:1-2 Sons of Israel
:3-17 Sons of Judah right up to the time of David
:18-20 Sons of Caleb the son of Hezron
:21-24 Other sons of Hezron
:25-55 Sons to Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron and their sons

Having dealt with other sons of Abraham - Ishmael and Esau we now return to the children of the promise. However the focus is on Judah because the purpose of these genealogies is to show the line of the kings of Judah.

chs 1 and 2 - GROWING
"Cush was the father of Nimrod, who grew to be a mighty warrior on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD, that is what it is said, 'like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.'" So says Genesis 10 v 8 - 9 and it is echoed in 1 Chronicles 1 v 10.
The point I want to make from this is that Nimrod did not begin to be a mighty warrior before the LORD. We do not even know if he had a gift in that area, but what we do know is that he grew to be a mighty hunter and warrior. It was a skill that Nimrod developed through practice, patience and perseverance. It also appears that his motivation to be a mighty warrior was to please the LORD.
When we look around us we will always be able to see someone who is better than us in nearly everything we do. That can be depressing. However, we can take the lesson from the life of Nimrod and have his attitude as our one. When we see a need or an area of service to the LORD we can devote ourselves to, no matter how good or bad we are at it, let us persevere at it and grow in it. Practice makes perfect. So set your mind to it and grow in the power of the LORD.

Just a passing comment, it seems, that Judah married a daughter of Canaan. But Abraham had been concerned that Isaac did not marry a Canaanite Gen 24:3.

2:4 The moral issue of raising seed to the dead brother and Judah's behaviour towards Tamar is not mentioned. Moral judgements are rarely given on issues in Chronicles

V.15 David here is listed as Jesse's seventh son; in 1Sam 16:10, 1Sam 17:12 we are told that Jesse had eight sons, we have to presume that one died at an early age, seeing in both cases David is the youngest listed.

In verse 11 of 1Chron 2:11 Boaz is born to Salma, or Salmon.  Salmon married Rahab the harlot
(Ruth 4:21 and Matt 1:5).  I'm sure that when he was young, little Boaz would constantly ask his mother about the way Jericho's walls fell down, and how her house stood firm.  He would also be well aware of how his mother's life had changed after she had hid the spies.  When therefore Boaz grew up, he would have been of all men the least racially prejudiced, because his mother was a Gentile.  It's easy to see then that when he was told about the foreign girl working in his field, and the way in which she had espoused the Jewish faith, that he wanted to marry her.

V.17 There is some confusion from the text whether Jether was an Ishmaelite or an Israelite (2Sam 17:25). David's sister Abigail was married to Jether.  Whatever his origin, he was considered part of Israel.   David, obviously, had no compunction in appointing Amasa, Jether's son, to command of his army, regardless of his heritage (2Sam 19:13). 

Also, consider the case of Uriah the Hittite.  Whether he was a Hittite mercenary or just of Hittite ancestry does not really matter.  He was an officer in David's army and, in fact, was cited as one of David's elite warriors (2Sam 23:39).  Moreover, Uriah was married to a granddaughter of a priest of Israel.  How's that for national acceptance! 

Although Israel did not actively proselytise, it was willing to accept a confession of faith to Judaism from outsiders on occasion.  That the royal line of David and Jesus was established through outsiders, such as Rahab and Ruth, underscores Yahweh's commitment to include the Gentiles in His plan of salvation (Isa 11:10).

2:16 The detailed relationship between David and three of his mighty men can be seen clearly here.

2:19;50 If one only uses the King James Version, these two verses appear to make contrary statements; Verse 19 says Caleb was the father of Hur, while in verse 50 it is recorded that Caleb was the son Hur. If we go to other translations such as the N.K.J.V. or the N.I.V. the fiftieth verse begins, "These are the descendants of Caleb" first listing Hur as his son.

2:1 The order in which the sons of Jacob is given is not the order of birth. Though Reuben who was the firstborn is first in the list. The sons of Leah are listed first – Gen 35:23. The sons of the two concubines are next listed – though Rachel’s sons are mixed in with them.

2:6 The ‘Zimri’ here is actually the ‘Zabdi’ of Josh 7:1

Of particular importance:

Vs.1,2 Israel’s tribal leaders are listed.

Vs.3-15 The line of Judah down to David.

V.16 The three sons of Zeruiah were always called the sons of Zeruiah (e.g. 2Sam 3:39).  There is never any mention of their father in scripture.

A warrior family

We see in v13-17 the family of Jesse. Note that Abishai, Joab and Asahel are part of that family. They are Jesse's grandsons, and all of them "mighty men" in David's army. Likewise Amasa, who became the general over Israel's army under Absalom. So Jesse's family was a mighty family of warlike tendency. And this explains something strange in the account of David and Goliath, where Saul asks "who's son is he?" (1Sam 17:55-58) even though he already knew David and had him as his music player. The fact is, Saul was hugely afraid of anyone who could usurp his throne, and was enquiring as to whether David's family was strong enough to do this. This is why, when these fears had fully taken hold of Saul, he referred to David as "the son of Jesse" (1Sam 20:27-31).

2:34-35 Just a note that we should be aware that we are reading of mixed marriages. Whilst no comment is made here – because this is genealogical data – we should not assume that the relationships are acceptable to God.

1Chron 2:1-2 - Israel's sons may reflect attributes associated with Christ. For example: Benjamin [(1144) means "son of the right hand" - just as Christ is at the right hand of God], Issachar [(3485) means "he will bring a reward" - just as Christ will bring the reward of his Father's heavenly kingdom to earth], Judah [(3063) means "celebrated, praised" - Christ's name is and will be celebrated throughout the world], Dan [(1835) means "judge, a judge" - Christ will judge the living and the dead upon his return], Joseph [(3130) means "let him add, Jehovah has added" - Christ is the firstborn of the new creation, others following him will be added to that new creation], Levi [(3878) means "attached, joined to" - Christ is attached to his Father just as we are to be one with Christ (John 10:30;17:21-23)], Simeon [(8095) means "hearing" - just as he listened to the Words of his Father, Christ hears our prayers and intercedes on our behalf], Zebulun [(2074) means "habitation, exalted" - Christ and those who are in him will praise him in the kingdom of God on earth], Naphtali [(5321) means "my wrestling, wrestling" - Christ had to wrestle with his nature but overcame it], Gad [(1410) means "troop" - Christ had angels ministering to him and will be with the saints], Asher [(836) means "happy" - sorrow sighing shall flee away in the kingdom age], Reuben [(7205) means "behold a son"].

1Chron 2:1-2 Starting with chapter two, for seven chapters, we have genealogies of only 10 of the 12 sons of Israel (i.e. from 1Chron 2:1 to “1Chron 8:40).  There does not appear to be any reference to a genealogy for Zebulun and Dan.

Why might this be?  1Chron 9:1 tells us that “all Israel were reckoned by their genealogies and written in the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah”.  Yet genealogies for Dan and Zebulun do not appear in the record.  Fifty thousand of the tribe of Zebulun (1Chron 12:33) and twenty eight thousand six hundred of the tribe of Dan (1Chron 12:35) came to Hebron to support and protect David from Saul.

The only genealogical reference to Dan and Zebulun is to be found in 1Chron 27:22 where we are told the name of the father of each prince in a list of princes of the tribes of Israel.  For our salvation, we do not need to know why they are not reckoned but it reminds us that some are written in the book of life and some are not (Mal 3:16).

2:4  In introducing Tamar and her two sons to Judah we are being reminded of two people who figure significantly in the purpose of God.

2:55    The explanation that is provided – “the father of the house of Rechab” provides background information for the events associated with the Rechabites in Jer 35:2

2:5-7   We do well to note the genealogy that leads to Achar (Achan). We will see this replicated in Josh 7:1.

2:13-14          Many of the men had more than one son. However it is only the sons of Jesse whose birth order is specified. Abe an indication that we are to realise that God chose the youngest of Jesse’s sons to be king.

2:7   Of all the people listed I this chapter it is only Achar (Achan) has anything mentioned about his activities in his life. But what a thing to have said about him!

2:19     In telling us “when Azub was dead” we appreciate that Caleb only had one wife at a time, fulfilling the Divine principle set out in Genesis.

2:4-14  This is a comprehensive genealogy from Judah to David. A shorter version is found in Ruth 4:18-22. It is that shortened version we find in the ancestry of Jesus – Matt 1:3-6. Here we have the definitive list. Ruth, however, is the basis for the ancestry of Jesus as that is the list quoted. This should help us to be aware that Ruth is the relevant list to consider in the ancestry of Jesu at this point in the list.

2:10   Nahshon was the head of the tribe of Judah at the beginning of the wilderness journey – Num 1:7. We can use this information along with various time periods to conclude that the events of the book of Ruth took place near the beginning of the time of the Judges.

2:3 Here we have another departure from birth order. Judah was not the firstborn. However he was the one through whom Messiah would eventually come. So maybe this is why he is dealt with first.

1 Chronicles 1-9 can seem to be difficult chapters to read and understand.

Brother Tony Benson’s book – Family Trees of the Tribes of Israel, by using family trees and explanations highlights much that is in the genealogies in this section of the book.

Copies can be ordered from Peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk. Cost £5.50 plus postage.

1 Chronicles 1-9 can seem to be difficult chapters to read and understand.

Brother Tony Benson’s book – Family Trees of the Tribes of Israel published by The Testimony, by using family trees and explanations highlights much that is in the genealogies in this section of the book.

Copies can be ordered from Peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk. Cost £5.50 plus postage.

2:3-4 The details of Tamar and Judah because Judah would not give his son to Tamar to raise seed to his dead brother is given in Gen 38:6-26 – commented on here in 1 Chronicles indicates that long before the giving of the law of Moses laws that would later be incorporated into that law were in force and as such must have been ordained by God. It would be one of the “commandments” that Abraham was teaching his family and servants –Gen 18:19. Our God never changes. His laws on behaviour have not changed. A wonderful consolation in the current world of changing values.

1 Chronicles 1-9 can seem to be difficult chapters to read and understand.

Brother Tony Benson’s book – Family Trees of the Tribes of Israel, by using family trees and explanations highlights much that is in the genealogies in this section of the book.

Copies can be ordered from Peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk. Cost £5.50 plus postage.

2:1 listing the sons of Israel follows what could easily be seen as a digression when  1:1-34 Isaac is mentioned and then the descendants of Esau are listed. Again the record is designed to allow for the easy flow on to David in   3.

2:1 listing the sons of Israel follows what could easily be seen as a digression when1:34-35 Isaac is mentioned and then the descendants of Esau are listed. Again the record is designed to allow for the easy flow on to David in  chapter  3.

2:17  Amasa figured significantly amongst David’s mighty men. However he was the son of a Ishmaelite, not an Israelite. We do well to note the number of men associated with David who were gentiles.

v.5 - There is a demonstration here of what an apt figure the vine is for the believer. It has no use in itself, only in its works and its fruits. We should learn a great lesson from this. We never want Jer 3:16 to be levelled against us.

This chapter is a continuation of the discourse to the elders who are sitting before Ezekiel.
Israel is the vine. Unless the vine brought forth fruit it was useless. The wood could not be used for anything profitable. Israel were 'an empty vine' and so were of no value to God.
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches -John 15 - unless we bring forth fruit we will be cut down.

15:3 The question as to whether the vine would be used for making useful items raises an important issue. The vine is only useful for the fruit it produces. It is of no use for anything else. Likewise we are only of use to the Father for the fruit we produce. We have no intrinsic value.

:2 'more than any tree' raises an interesting issue for the Jews to consider. They were so exclusive and thought of themselves so highly - after all were they not a special people? (Exodus 19:5). However they seem to have forgotten that they had not been chosen for their righteousness (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). It was so easy for Israel to become arrogant. We can fall into the same trap.

15:7 In saying He will set His face against Israel we can conclude that this was because they were involved in false worship (Lev 20:3-6)

Paul, in the letter to the Romans, uses a different approach. He speaks of Israel as the olive tree. Some of the branches of this olive tree were broken off, and we, wild by nature, have been grafted into the Israel olive tree, but we rejoice when the apostle looks to the future and says concerning the branches that have been broken off, "if they abide not still in unbelief, (they) shall be grafted in: for God is able to gaff them in again"  Rom 11:23

V.6-8 This parable was applied in four ways: (1) The LORD would give up people to fire, famine, sword, and exile (Matt 21:33-41). (2) He would set His face against His people because of sin (Psa 34:16). (3) His chastisement was purposeful; His aim was to rescue His people from idolatry, to cause them to know that He is the LORD, the creator, and the redeemer. (4) He would make Israel's land utterly desolate (Eze 14:13)

V.6 Yahweh talks about the destruction of Jerusalem in terms of the metaphor of the vine.  The vine, of course, was symbolic of Israel whose only function was to produce fruit for Yahweh. 

Grapes were summer fruit, being ready to be picked August/September.  Yahweh showed Amos a basket of summer fruit and declared Israel ended (Amos 8:1,2).  In 586 BC, Zedekiah was captured; Jerusalem was burned; and the temple destroyed.  This occurred in August, the time of summer fruit.

The vine is often a symbol of Israel (see Psa 80:8-16 and Isa 5:1-7 etc). So the Lord in today’s chapter tells Ezekiel to speak of the vine.  Even when it is alive, and bearing fruit, the wood of the vine was not able to be used for carpentry. How much more when the vine is dead?  This is a very powerful message of Israel, soon to be deported from their land.

15:4  In asking ‘is it fit for any work?’ Ezekiel is moved to ask a very pertinent question about the vine tree. It is only of any use in providing fruit. The wood is of no value for anything except to be burned. This is true of man. His only value is to be found in bringing fruit to the glory of God - John 15

V.2 Israel, like its symbol the vine, had but only one use - to bear fruit, for Yahweh.  We too, as servants of Yahweh, have no other vocation but to bear fruit (Rom 7:4). 

And, unless we think of ourselves as more important than we should, let us remember the words of our Lord: So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do (Luke 17:10) (KJV).

15:6 So because Judah was not bringing fruit to God captivity was coming. This is the stark message of the prophet in this chapter. The truth of what Ezekiel was speaking of was confirmed in that already Jehoiachin had gone into captivity. Remember Ezekiel’s prophecy is dated in terms of Jehoiachin’s captivity.

15:8 The land being ‘desolate’ is a fulfilment of the curse of Lev 26:34

V.6 Yahweh's people did not bring forth acceptable fruit, and so He destroyed them. The figure of the unproductive vine being burned is used.  The same figure is used of those who do not bring forth good fruit in the Name of Christ (Matt 7:19).

15:5 Israel were only of any value to God as His subjects who could praise him – that is, in the figure of the vine, they could bring forth fruit. This is exactly our position, we have nothing else to offer Him.

V.2 Israel was once Yahweh’s choice vine, but it turned into a corrupt plant (Jer 2:21). Yahweh, in His anger, wrought punishment on Israel for its disobedience (Jer 6:9; 8:13).

15:7 The dire situation of the nation is seen in the way that fleeing a ‘fire’ is no guarantee of deliverance.

15:7  In a very specific way Ezekiel draws upon Lev 26:17 to warn that God has set His face against Israel and is continuing what Jeremiah had said before –Jer 21:10, 44:11

15:5  In that the vine was to be “burned with fire” describes what would literally happen to the city of Jerusalem. However the force of the point is that Israel were only of any value to God in glorifying Him – by producing fruit. But a dead tree produces nothing.

15:7 On three occasions Ezekiel tells Israel that God would “set his face” against them – twice in this verse and once earlier – Eze 14:8

1. Eze 15:2 - it seems this was a wild uncultivated unfruitful vine as it is compared with (and no better than) the trees in the forest - (started out good but it became a strange corrupt wild vine Jer 2:21).

2. Eze 15:3-5 - the wood of the vine was only good for burning.

3. Eze 15:6 - unfruitful Jerusalem would be burned too.

4. Eze 15:8 - Israel committed a trespass (Num 5:12 the adulterous woman's trespass perhaps ties in with the metaphor of Ezekiel 16).

If you planted a vine, what would you want from it?

The point here is that a vine is good for making grapes. That's what a vine exists for, and nothing else. Just making grapes. If it makes grapes everyone's happy; the vine has produced fruit as it was intended to do. On the other hand, what if the vine decided to stop producing grapes, thinking instead that it's master wanted the wood of it's branches? How would that master feel? God is placing himself into the character of a vineyard owner to allow others to comprehend the ridiculousness of the situation. God had not chosen Abraham and his descendants because of strength, wit, power, wealth or any other trait so valued among the nations. He had chosen Abraham's descendants because this stock could be obedient like Abraham, which given the right nurturing, would bring forth the fruit of Godliness. If they gave up on that, what good were they? Not much!

Q: If you are chosen by God, does this same principle apply to you too?

Q: How do you spend most of your time - in activity leading to fruit - or in trying to be like other trees?

VINE WOOD

"Son of man, how is the wood of a vine better than that on any of the trees of the forest?" (Eze 15:1). The answer we are given is that it is no better. The only thing it is useful for is to be burnt, and even that is pitiful compared to other woods. This question, of course, was about Israel. They were like the useless woody branches of a vine, trimmed off and good for nothing.

The interesting thing is that Jesus also describes us as vine branches. Are we as useless as the vine branches described by Ezekiel? We could be.

The one use a vine branch has is when it bears fruit. Obviously the Israelites were not producing any fruit for God. What about us? Are the vine branches that we represent likely to be cut off because they bear no fruit? Are we barren and dry, or are we fruitful, producing the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives and bringing others to know their Saviour?

If we are vine branches, fruitfulness is the only way to become useful. It is no use trying to be useful in any other way. So let's be obedient to God, and bear fruit for Him, and become a growing, fruitful branch of the true vine.

15:2-4 That the inhabitants of Jerusalem will be burnt with fire draws on what Ezekiel had done with the hairs of his beard – Eze 5:2-4

15:2    We have already commented how that the vine is of no use except for producing fruit as a lesson to Israel not to think of themselves too highly. What is true of Israel is true of us also. We are of no value to God unless we produce fruit to His name.

15:2        In previous years we have commented on Israel’s tendency to be self-satisfied with their privileged status. However what was true for Israel can be true for ourselves also. We may feel that being one of God’s children makes us better than others. Rather it should humble us to realise that out of all of humanity we are amongst those who have a special relationship with Him.

15:2   Israel is the “vine” the other nations are other trees. The parable is to teach that there was no inherent value in Israel. In fact God loved them and wanted to save them because He had made promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Not because of any virtue in the nation.

15:2 We are the branches of the vine – John 15:5– so we need to appreciate that we are of no value unless we bring fruit to the glory of God.

15:7-8 the three quotations from Lev 26 highlighted in previous posts highlights the way in which God was continually reminding Israel of what he had said. It is all too easy to forget God’s word. Therefore regular reading, even of scripture we are familiar with is crucial.

15:7  Twice in this verse God says he will set His face against people.  Either side of that comment by God is the statement which indicates that those being punished will seek to avoid the punishment but will not succeed.

15:2-4  Many trees can be used in various ways. For house building, making furniture or even for making paper. However the vine tree is different. Its only value is in the fruit it produces. The wood is of little value except as firewood.

So likewise the sons of Adam, showing his qualities, is of little value to the Creator. The value that can come from the sons of Adam is in the fruit that they bring for God.

Jesus, among others, teaches this – John 15:1-2. What are we doing to produce fruit for God?

15:1-5  God chose the vine to represent Israel because unless a vine brings fruit it is of no value except to provide firewood. Israel did not produce fruit – faithful worship – so were going to finally be taken captive. Jesus uses the same imagery – John 15 – a chapter we do well to read in this context.

15:8 The land of Israel was God’s land. It was His delight. However He was willing to spoil it and make it unlovely simply because His people had turned away from Him.

Do we ever think how our heavenly Father feels about our group of believers when one or more is not following His ways and being troublesome to those who are fond of sound doctrine and teaching?

v.27 - Jesus does not condemn this woman, but he doesn't support her either. He makes the point that whilst Mary was to be called blessed (Luke 1:42-48), the real blessing was on those that turned to him and believed. Luke 6:47-48, 8:21, Psa.1:1-3, 112:1, 119:1-6

11:20 the finger of God Exodus 8:19

The request of the disciples that Jesus might teach them to pray is a consequence of their inability to cast out the devil and Jesus' comment Matthew 17:21 that prayer and fasting were required to do the mighty work that Jesus was doing.
v.15 He casteth out devils by Beelzebub - A charge levelled at Jesus a number of times. Below is a list of the occasions where Beelzebub is said to be the God that Jesus is invoking. Matthew 10:25 12:24 Mark 3:22 Luke 11:15
It is difficult to be sure which of the accounts relate to the same times. However we can be sure that there are at least three times when this accusation is made and that Luke 11 is the last time.
The logic of Jesus' argument is unassailable. 'by whom do your sons cast them out'
v.30 Jonah was a prophet from Galilee for Gath Hepher is a village in the Galilee.

As well as drawing on the Sermon On The Mount - as commented on in the March comments - Jesus uses language in this section which he later uses in his teaching to the scribes in the last week of his life and also when speaking privately to his disciples

:15-20 Jesus is accused of casting out devils by Beelzebub. Now it is evident that the Jewish leaders did not see God working in Jesus so the quotation 'finger of God' from Exodus 8:19 - the words of the magicians who could not match Moses' miracles - is a severe reproof of the leaders. Jesus is saying that these critical leaders are less perceptive than the Egyptian magicians.

What does Jesus mean when he talks about the strong man who guards his house? It appears to have no relevance to the context?

The preceding verse has Jesus using the phrase "the kingdom of God has come upon you" (v20) to describe his presence with them. He used the same phrase when he sent out the twelve and the seventy two: "the kingdom of God has come near you. But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city" (10v11-12). You might be able to see that his is exactly the same context as our chapter, verses 29-32.

So from this you can tell what the context of Jesus's words was: the kingdom of God passing by the Pharisees, even though it had come so near them. Because of this they would be judged more harshly than Sodom and Gomorrah or Nineveh. So what about the strong man? This was telling them which attitude had made them pass by the kingdom of God. The reason was in verse 22 "the armour in which the man trusted". Jesus is the stronger man. He is coming, either to save or to judge. Those who trust in their own armour see no need to bow the knee to him. This is why Jesus says what he does in v23. Those who don't put their trust in him, are in fact against him. The only way given for salvation is Christ, and not the law. The law isn't strong enough. Jesus is.

Jesus illustrates exactly the same point with the eye of the body in v34-35. If the light within you is counterfeit, it won't do you any good, but worse still - it will stop you searching for the true light! What a wretched situation those scribes and Pharisees were in, who had the light in front of them, yet preferred the darkness, believing it to be light! (John 1v5, 3v19).

11:27,37  Notice that on these two occasions whilst Jesus is speaking he is interrupted by someone who thought they had something more pressing to say!

V.9-10 The words of this exhortation are arranged in a rising scale of intensity.

11:51  The blood of Zacharias refers to the events recorded in 2Chron 24:20. Abel being, chronologically the first murder, Zachariah chronologically the last recorded murder in the Old testament.

V.2 Jesus said: When ye pray, say: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come (KJV). Do we pray for Jesus to return and set up the kingdom - today!?

Or do we say, subconsciously: Could you please hold off Lord, I'm kind of busy at the moment.  That attitude is dangerous, because while we are busy we might miss the call - that would be a huge oops! (Mark 13:13). 

If we are eagerly waiting for, and expecting, the kingdom, we will not be taken unawares like a thief coming in the night (2Pet 3:10).  If that is our hope and desire, then we will miss nothing, including being in the kingdom (Matt 6:21).

PERSEVERANCE (v.9-10)

Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough, you are sure to wake up somebody. :)

11:23 Jesus makes it clear – we cannot sit on the fence. Men are either ‘for’ or ‘against’ him. Apathy is, therefore, the same as opposition.

11:32 Jesus is presented as ‘greater than Jonah’. There are a number of ways in which he was ‘greater than Jonah’. One is that he was willing to preach to sinners, Jonah preferred not to. Jonah knew that God was gracious – Jon 4:2 and so did not want to preach to Nineveh. Jesus, knowing the God was gracious, preached to sinners.

Vs.27,28 The Catholic Church elevates Mary to an exalted status above the Bible.  Jesus puts the Word of God (the Bible), and obedience to it, greater than Mary.  Who are you going to believe?

11:16 We remember that ‘the devil departed from him for a season’ – Luke 4:13 - after the forty days temptation in the wilderness. Here is another repeated temptation. If Jesus had succumbed to their temptation it would have been a little like turning the stones into bread – something to satisfy his own need to prove who he was.

V.20 It is interesting to note that the expression finger of God is used, by weather experts, to describe the most intense tornado. This category F5 tornado occurs infrequently (0.1% relative frequency), but with winds of 261-318 mph (416-510 kph) it is capable of incredible damage.

One can imagine the destructive power of this tornado as if it were Yahweh tracing His powerful finger across the land. Compare this imagery with David's request in Psa 144:5: Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains so that they smoke! (ESV).

11:30-31 The two events which Jesus cites are where gentiles respond to the message from God. This is the second time that he has drawn attention to the way in which two gentiles responded to God’s grace. The first time is in Luke 4:25-27

Hang on. Hold the horses! What's going on here? Am I reading this right? Is Jesus really saying "be impudent" (see Strong's definition) when asking things from God? (v8). That, unless you weary Him with your requests, He won't do anything for you? (v7). That God cannot be bothered to get up, like a man who's already in bed? (v7). I don't think so, but it reads like that. However, we won't stop reading there but read on, and in v11 we discover God is not only the friend in v7, but also the father. It depends who you are in the parable, doesn't it? In other words, if He is far from you, you'll have to make strenuous effort to reach Him and you'd better be insistent about it if He doesn't really know you. But if He is in your house, and you're all tucked up with Him like a little child with your Mummy or Daddy, you have only to lean over and ask, and He will do it.

Luke 11:14-22 When Jesus healed the dumb (verse 14) he was accused of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub (verse 15).  Jesus turned this false accusation back on his critics.  Every kingdom divided against itself is bought to desolation and every house divided falls (verse 17). 
The kingdom of Israel had been divided since the death of Solomon (1Kin 11:30-32) and became “a desolation” for 70 years when subject to the king of Babylon (Jere.25:11).  God’s people were a house that in AD70 would again become “desolate” (see, Matt.23:37-38).   We are also reminded of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the kingdom of men, image with feet of iron and clay (Dan 2:34), which will fall when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth.

There were some present that did not recognise the hand of God in the healing miracles of Jesus. Jesus therefore quotes Exo 8:19.  Even the magicians of Egypt recognised “the finger of God” in the plague of lice that came on Egypt. In contrast the Jews did not recognise “the finger of God” in the miraculous works of Jesus.  We must watch and pray and not neglect to see the finger of God at work among the nations today as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:34-36). 

11:33-34     In this area of instructing the disciples Jesus quotes from the sermon on the mount again, using Matt 5:35 and Matt 6:22-23

11:53-54       The Pharisees’ whole approach was to trap Jesus in his words. They did not even just leave him to preach, they harassed him, trying to get him to lose his temper, so they could fault him.

Luke 11:24-26 -

11:23           In Luke 9:50 Jesus seems to be saying exactly the opposite to what he is saying here. However  a consideration of the context in the two places will show the difference between those who are being spoken to.  In 9:50 there were people being positive about Jesus work whereas in 11:23 Jesus’ words are a response to the leaders who were opposing his work.

11:29  Politicians today (and probably in the past as well) are concerned to say things which appeal to their audience. Jesus differed from his contemporaries in that he never said things to please his audience. He always spoke truth even if what he said was unpalatable. Without trying to cause offence we should always be clear and honest in what we say.

11:13  “if ye being evil know how to give good gifts” should help us to realise that we have a God who is so different from us.  So we should not base our expectations of Him on our own flawed behaviour.

11:47  Whilst Jesus reproves the leaders for building the sepulchres of the prophets he will later –Matt 23:37 – liken them to the very sepulchres they build

11:8        This is the only place where the word translated “importunity” <335> is found in Scripture. It has the sense of “impudence” or “shamelessness”. Some might have considered the man’s response as rude and inappropriate. However Jesus uses that word to emphasise the way we plead with God does not – or should not – follow man’s conventions.  The idea is seen in Luke 18:1.

11:2  to a Jew the request that God gave bread day by day would remind them of the provision that God made with the Manna in the wilderness.

11:37    We see here that Jesus was interrupted by the Pharisee who had his own agenda. He wanted to find fault with Jesus which is exactly what happened when Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house.

11:21-22              The “strong man” represented the Jewish leaders. The “stronger” man was Jesus with the gospel message. The people listening to Jesus had to decide who to follow – in which strong man to place their confidence.

11 We should not be worried when we struggle to pray. The twelve who spent all their time with Jesus who often was in prayer still struggled with prayer. For that reason they sked Jesus to verse :1 asked jess to teach them how to pray.

We learn also that John the Baptist taught his disciples how to pray.

We are far from alone in struggling with prayer.

Notice the prayer which Jesus taught the disciples has God as the central focus followed by our needs. At a very simple level this should be the focus of our prayers.

Solomon voiced a far longer prayer –1Kin 8 – when he dedicated the temple. When we read that prayer  which is recorded in verses :15-53 we will notice how God centered the prayer is and references to the people relate to their needs.

PRAYER REFRESHER

Sometimes prayer becomes quite routine and we need something to shake us up and rejuvenate our prayer life. Here it is. Jesus taught us how to pray, and it's amazing how quickly we (speaking for myself) forget.

"Father, hallowed be your name." (Luke 11:2). He is a Father to us - not just some distant god. Talking to God should be like talking to your Dad. But in our prayers to Him, we must still remember to give Him the reverence and praise He deserves.

"Your kingdom come." Keep the big picture in mind. The more we pray it, the more we will look forward to it, and the more ready we will be for the return of Jesus.

"Give us each day our daily bread." (v.3). We all have needs, and we need to ask God about them. He cares and He will meet our needs. (Remember that needs are different to wants).

"And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us." (v.4). To be righteous means to be forgiven. God wants us to be righteous, so let's ask for forgiveness, while making sure we give the same to each other.

"And lead us not into temptation." (v.4). It is so easy to fall into sin. We need all the help we can get to keep away from it. Ask and it will be given to you. It's important.

So let's refresh our attitude of prayer and prioritise praying for the things that are really important.
 

OUR FATHER

Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, as as he taught them, he told them how they should address God. This is what he said: "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name.'" (Luke 11:2).

So who is God? God is the one of whom we read that He created the heavens and the earth. That means that all the trees, animals, plants, birds, fish, water, winds, mountains and people were created by God. He made the sun and moon. He made the stars also. The whole universe is God's creation. He created our Milky Way and all the other stars that we can see, and the ones we can't see.

Of all his creation God chose mankind to be His special part, giving us the perfect environment to live in, a planet filled with water, food and air to breathe. And if all that wasn't enough, He gave us His love letter to help us get to know who He is and His plan for us. Then, in His love, He provided us with Jesus to die for us so that we could be forgiven and at one with Him even after we fail.

He is awesome! This is the Great God, the King of the Universe - and we can call Him our Father. He loves us individually as his children. What a blessing to be able to call the God of the universe our Father!
 

DIVIDED WE FALL

Balaam knew how to conquer an undefeated army: divide them. By sending in the Moabite girls, he divided Israel between those who were prepared to indulge in immorality, and those who were not, and to divide Israel from God. And Balaam was almost successful.

Rehoboam's kingdom was divided when he parted way with what the people needed, and the kingdom was torn in two. Divide and conquer.

This is the reason we are called to be united in Christ, because divided we will fall.

When Jesus was accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul, he said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls." (Luke 11:17). He was saying that if he were working with the prince of demons, then he was actually working against him, and his kingdom would fall.

He then went on to talk about his followers: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (v.23).

We need to be united with Christ and united together to build up the kingdom of God. We need to get to know the King so that we can know and work for him. United we stand. Let's not let other issues divide us so that the power of his kingdom is lost in this world.
 

11:1 Clearly Jesus engaged in private prayer in open view of his disciples. Do we see private prayer as something that has to be done in private or are we comfortable obviously praying in the company of others?

11:20 The kingdom of God was come inasmuch as Jesus was teaching the principles of the kingdom of God.

11:18-19 The Jewish leaders were unable to find fault with the miracles that Jesus had performed. The evidence was before them. So they sink to ascribing his power to false gods! But notice Jesus’ response. The charge that is made against Jesus must also be true of those of the Jewish authorities who claimed to cast out devils! The logic is irrefutable. Doubtless the leaders realised that