You Can Do Anything. (Not You .... God!)

Four Horns and Four Craftsmen

Zechariah 1:18–21 (NIV),

¹⁸ Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns. ¹⁹ I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these?” He answered me, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.” ²⁰ Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. ²¹ I asked, “What are these coming to do?” He answered, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise their head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people.”

In this vision Zechariah sees four horns that are interpreted by the angel as those which scattered Israel; and the arrival of four craftsman that come and throw down these horns.  The horns are symbols of strength, usually military strength or kingdoms.  "The four craftsmen come to overthrow the power of the nations. This is symbolic of God’s judgment coming on the nations that have persecuted His people, a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that He would curse those who cursed Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:3)." [1]  The number 4 has a unique biblical meaning. Essentially is speaks of God's works.  So the meaning of the four horns and the four craftsman are that all are ultimately ordained by God. For a correct understanding of what I mean by "ordain" click HERE. 

There is much debate over who these four are.  One of the helpful notes is offered by The Believer's Bible Commentary:

"As the “horn” often represents a Gentile king (cf. Dan. 7:24; Rev. 17:12), the “four horns” allude either to the four empires spoken of by Daniel—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (cf. Dan 2:31–45; 7:3–28) or to the earlier powers of Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and Medo-Persia." [2] 

Who are the four craftsmen?  They certainly are four nations ordained to deal with the oppressors of Israel.  Historically, from our vantage point they appear to be Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and ultimately Christ.[3]  Why do I believe that the last "craftsman" to vindicate God's people is Christ?  I take that from another prophecy -- the prophecy of Daniel.  In Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel prophecies 5 coming kingdoms including the Babylonian captivity.  The fifth kingdom is the Kingdom of God.

““In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:44, NIV)

So Zechariah's prophecy ends up looking like this: 

THE HORNS	THE CRAFTSMAN
Babylon	Medo-Persian
Medo-Persia	Greece
Greece	Rome
Rome	Christ

  

Christ, then is the ultimate "Craftsman."   The carpenter's son from Galilee is destined to establish a Kingdom.  A Kingdom with no end.

So quite clearly the main point is that those whom God ordains to bring judgment on His people; He also ordains to bring into judgment those He ordained to scourge His people!   As noted in Isaiah 10:5,12 (NIV),

⁵ “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! ¹² When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.

John Calvin eloquently discussed this work of God in the mammoth work: Institutes of Christian Religion. You can read his chapter on this HERE. However the essence of this Vision is summarized well in this statement: "This is symbolic of God’s judgment coming on the nations that have persecuted His people, a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that He would curse those who cursed Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:3)." [4]

The Abrahamic Covenant will stand the test of time.  Ultimately, as noted above, Christ will come and deal with all the enemies of His covenant people.  "When God has work to do he will raise up some to do it and others to defend it and protect those that are employed in the doing of it." [5]  As Job said of God, ““I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2, NIV). 

Of Jesus Christ, the writer to the Hebrews said,   “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14–15, NIV).

Father, I am reminded that we do not put our trust in chariots, nor in horses.  Father we don't put our trust in human kingdoms and earthly kings.  Father, Your Son and our Redeemer is the One who will fulfill this prophecy. He will bring judgment on the seed of the Serpent.  He will vindicate the seed of the woman.  He will do it in a way that even uses these wicked people to serve His purposes. He will do it in a way that in no way renders Him impeachable.  We await the One who has come and is coming to make all things new and right.  Until then, Father, grant the grace of Your Spirit that we would be sustained, encouraged and patient.  These are wicked days.  Your Church is under great assault.  But vengeance is Yours.  In that we rest for we know that all this is for the glory of Your Son and the eternal joy of Your people. Amen.

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1. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Zec 1:21). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 1:18). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1800). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Zec 1:21). Nashville: T. Nelson.

5. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (1570). Peabody: Hendrickson.

I Will Return ... My Temple Shall Be Rebuilt.

The Man Among the Myrtle Trees - Part 2

Previously we grasped the sense of this first of eight visions in a earlier Blog.  The entire vision is found in  Zechariah 1:7–17.  The message of this vision is that "What appears to be an anomaly: nations at peace; Israel in a state of unrest, is going to be reversed. God is going to return mercy to His people; rebuild His House; and pour out blessing on His Nation."

What about the details in this vision, though?  What is there to learn from them?  There's a:

1. Man mounted on a red horse.
2. There are myrtle trees -- in a ravine.
3. Behind the man on the red horse are three other horses: red (speckled (Hebrew: sarōq, i.e., bay, speckled, fox-colored; hence, sorrel) is a mixture of the other colors), brown, and white.

The man on the red horse is identified for us in verse 11 as the Angel of the LORD. This is clearly a Christophany -- a pre-incarnate appearance of the Second Person of the Trinity: the Son of God.

The myrtle trees were ornamental plants or shrubs that were native to Syria—their appearance in the scene would link the vision to Israel’s past exile in Babylon." [1]  That they are seen in a ravine may speak of the suppressed condition of the nation at that time. 

The three horses behind the Christophany are angels sent to patrol the earth, observing the activities of mankind and acting as agents of God's providence.  Some might speculate as the colors of these horses, but there is little evidence that we can do that with certainty.

They significance of all this is clear.  We read, “Then the angel of the Lord said, “Lord Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?”” (Zechariah 1:12, NIV).  This is the amazing, intercessory ministry of Christ for His people.   Note:

"The angel of the Lord was moved to intercede for the people of Judah. He desired the completion of the process of restoration which required the reconstruction of the temple, Jerusalem, and the other towns of Judah . . . Through intercession suggestive of our Lord's high priestly prayer as our Mediator (John 17), the angel of the lord prayed that in the mercy of God this situation would be rectified." [2]

As this is the appearance of the Christ, and he says “I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt" (v16),” then surely He is referring to His Advent, when He comes incarnate to Jerusalem and promises to “. . .  build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18, NIV).  The Apostles clearly understood that the promise of Jesus Christ to rebuild the Temple was occuring as the Gospel was going from Jerusalem to the salvation of the Gentiles (see Acts 15:12-17).  

What is this "surveyors line"?  ("and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem" [3]). "The “surveyor’s line” (v. 16) is a measuring line and indicates Jerusalem’s expansion." [4]  Notice Jeremiah 31:38–40 (NIV),

³⁸ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when this city will be rebuilt for me from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. ³⁹ The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah. ⁴⁰ The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the Lord. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished.”

What city will never be uprooted again?   Jerusalem?  No!  But a heavenly Jerusalem will never be overcome.  This is speaking of a time, not when a physical temple is built, but a spiritual, organic, universal Temple is built that will endure for eternity.  In compressed, telescopic reality, Zechariah is foretelling the coming of the Lord and that comfort that He will rebuild the Temple -- the Church, His People.  "The temple Zechariah encouraged his people to build was itself prophetic. It pointed toward realities that ultimately found their full realization in the coming of Christ, because the temple was the place that confirmed God’s relationship with his people." [5]

I thank you Father that Your promise to Zechariah is an ongoing reality.  Today, with unspeakable joy we witness the re-building of Your Temple.  Rather than stone bricks, it's made of hearts of flesh. Rather than built by might and power, it is being built by the almighty power of Your Spirit.  Rather than located in a city in the Middle East, it extends to every nation, every tongue, every tribe.  Your Church is glorious, not because of its essence, but because Your Son, died and shed His blood to bring it into being.  I thank You that this is a City that will never be demolished.  The gates of Hell will never prevail.  Your glorious, radiant, blood-bought Church will endure to bring You glory for ever and ever.  May Christ be praised.   Thank you for the privilege to be part of the establishment of Your Kingdom.  I am totally unnecessary and totally useless.  So grant the grace to serve in the strength You give, that we might see Your kingdom extend to all the nations, until all the kingdoms of this world, become the Kingdom of our God and Savior.  Amen and amen!

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1796). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/II. A Series of Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8)/A. The First Vision: The Horseman Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7-17), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Zec 1:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 1:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

5. Williams, M. (2012). How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture (155). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Words of Comfort, Words of Kindness, From the Lord of Hosts.

The Man Among the Myrtle Trees - Part 1

Zechariah receives 8 visions.  They all came in one night. ("Since the date notice—the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month Shebat (January-February), in the second year of Darius (519 B.C.)—accompanies the first vision, and the next time reference is not until 7:1, it is assumed that all eight visions came one after another on a single night (v. 8)." [1]  They do form a unity of revelation. There is an overall message.   The first vision in Zechariah 1:7–17 is important to setting the unit of thought. This is the vision of the man among the myrtle trees.

“During the night I had a vision, and there before me was a man mounted on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses.” (Zechariah 1:8, NIV).  Who were these myrtle trees?  Who were the horses?  A man (The Angel of the Lord) standing in the grove of myrtle trees explained to Zechariah: "They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth" (v10). They report to the Angel of the Lord what is going on around the world.  "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace" (v11).  How is it possible that the whole world is at peace when God's people are in such disarray?

The Angel of the Lord asks the Lord Almighty, "How long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah,a which you have been angry with these seventy years?" (v12) So with kind and comforting words, the Lord Almighty said,

 “Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’ “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty. “Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’ ”” (Zechariah 1:14–17, NIV)

What appears to be an anomaly: nations at peace; Israel in a state of unrest, is going to be reversed. God is going to return mercy to His people; rebuild His House; and pour out blessing on His Nation. While evil seems to prosper, God's heart is attuned to His people. "“Although God's covenant people are troubled while the oppressing nations are at ease, God is "jealous" for his people and will restore them, their towns, and the temple." [2]

There is a lot more here to consider next, however, it is good to recognize that "the distinctive features of comfort for Israel in this first vision are: (1) the presence of the Angel of Jehovah in the midst of degraded and depressed Israel; (2) His loving and yearning intercession for them; (3) the promises of future blessings." [2] 

The Psalmist wrote: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.” (Psalm 85:8, NIV).  

Father, what nourishment to my soul to hear words of peace at the start of this day. Unlike Zechariah's day, the nations are in uproar.  Today there is fear and futility everywhere.  And what mercy to hear words of comfort for You today.  “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37–39, NIV).  Grant to me and all who love You, this resounding confidence that You are ever committed to Your people and nothing can separate us from Your love.  May this confidence breed holiness.  May this peace erupt in Christ-exalting perseverance in our walk with You.  “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, NIV)

 

 

 

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1. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 1:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/II. A Series of Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8)/A. The First Vision: The Horseman Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7-17), Book Version: 4.0.2

Learn Your Lessons Well

Zechariah 1:2–6 (NIV),

² “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. ³ Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. ⁴ Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. ⁵ Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? ⁶ But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? “Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ ”

We often hear that experience is a good teacher.  No so!  Only evaluated experience where lessons are learned and applied is a good teacher. God gives Israel a history lesson.  Their fathers did not heed God's call and they suffered for it.   The remedy was simple: "Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty, "and I will return to you."  "Spiritual problems are always easily solved; just do what God wants!" [1]

God cannot tolerate sin; and the point is clear: Don't do what your relatives did!  But note the Good News: "The divine wrath (v.2) is followed by the availability of divine grace (v.3)." [2] ""Then they repented" ("came to themselves," "changed their minds") is apparently a reference to what happened to the preexilic forefathers and/or to their offspring during the Exile and immediately afterward (cf. Ezra 9-10; Dan 9:1-19)." [2]

Zechariah's message is from the King. It is staggering to consider that the King of all kings is extending grace to His people. The LORD Almighty (or LORD of Hosts) is "a divine title used extensively by the postexilic prophets Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi. It has military connotations (God as leader of Israel’s armies, 1 Sam. 17:45), but it also highlights God’s sovereign kingship over all creation." [3]

The Broadway musical, Godspell's song: Learn Your Lessons Well included these lyrics:

First ya gotta read 'em then ya gotta heed 'em
Ya never know when you're gonna need 'em
Just as old Elijah said to Jezebel
You better start to learn your lessons well!

Heavenly Father, I don't learn my lessons well.  How discouraging I can become when I repeat the same old sins.  Like a sideshow at the fair, they just keep popping up.  I am so grateful for grace, this morning.  Grace always follows wrath.  Grace always follows Your displeasure.  All doubt is diminished when we hear, "Confess .... and I will forgive."  Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. Thank you, Father, for Your Son and my Savior, who is full of grace and truth.  Who forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases, who redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion, who satisfies my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:3–5, NIV)

 

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1795). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/I. The Introduction to the Entire Book (1:14)/B. A Call to Repentance (1:2-4), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Zec 1:3). Nashville: T. Nelson.

God remembers, God blesses and God has a plan!

Today I start a new study in the Old Testament book of Zechariah.  Some refer to Zechariah as the "prophet of Advent." He includes in his prophecy more about the coming Christ than any other minor prophet. He makes frequent mention of both the First and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Zechariah was born during the 700 years of Israel's captivity in Babylon, about 500 years before the birth of Christ. He was a younger colleague of Haggai.  He was in Babylon, prophesying to his own people, Israel. His main role was to encourage the Israelites to keep building the Temple back in Jerusalem.  He does this by encouraging the people that God has a longterm future plan for His people.   As Zechariah looks into the future the time is telescoped as we see future snapshots of what God is going to do.

The New Testament writers frequently refer to this Old Testament book.  Here's how the book opens in Zechariah 1:1 (NIV),

¹ In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:

It is October - November 520 years before Christ's birth. Usually, in the Old Testament, Israel's history was related to their current king.  With no king and to set the context within the historical timeline, Zechariah helps us understand where they are in terms of the reign of Darius.  Darius was a Persian king who reigned from 522-485 B.C.  "Darius continued Cyrus the Great’s policy of restoring the Jewish people to their homeland. In 520 B.C., Darius’ second year as king (Hag. 1:1; Zech. 1:1), the Jews resumed work on the still unfinished Temple in Jerusalem. Darius assisted with the project by ordering it to continue and even sending a generous subsidy to help restore worship in the Temple (Ezra 6:1–12). [1]

That phrase, "the word of the LORD came to the prophet" is a technical phrase meaning that Zechariah received a prophetic word of revelation from God. "This so-called word-event formula occurs approximately thirty times in Jeremiah and fifty times in Ezekiel." [2]  Zechariah's lineage connects him to the priesthood.   

"... Came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo." "Zechariah means “Jehovah remembers”; Berechiah means “Jehovah blesses”; and Iddo means “the appointed time”. Together, the three names afford a suggestion concerning the nature of the prophecy—Jehovah remembers and blesses Israel and at the appointed time sends the messages she needs." [3] 

About 50,000 Israelites had landed in Jerusalem and the surrounding area, about this time.  Work had started on rebuilding the Temple and commencing sacrifices.  But the work had halted.  The people were discouraged.  God sent them a "good cop / bad cop."    Malachi's prophecy was convicting and correcting.  Zechariah's approach was to show them God's grand purposes both now and in the future. Zechariah's goal was to paint the glory of God in a manner that would instill, incite and invigorate God's people.

God remembers, God blesses and God has a plan!  

Father we are quick to point fingers at those Israelites who stalled in their work of rebuilding the Temple.  To us it seems that had it all, even a pagan king was on their side.  But I know what it is to coast.   I know what it is to want to 'chuck it' when things get hard.  It's not hard to identify with discouragement and despair.  Sometimes I need a Malachi to come and give me a big massive kick in the derrière. But sometimes I need a Zechariah who will paint a picture in the midst of the slough of something bigger, grander, more glorious.  Thank you for this early reminder that in the middle of all that's difficult; when life halts and hangs up with hopelessness, You come along and remind us that You see, You care, You bless and You have a plan.  It is not just Israel who can hear you say, "“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). And the greatest plan to give hope and energy is the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom it is said, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV).  Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen!

 

  

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1. Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. 1995 (R. F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison & Thomas Nelson Publishers, Ed.). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/I. The Introduction to the Entire Book (1:14)/A. The Date and the Author's Name (1:1), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1794). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Friends Are Friends Forever

3 John 13–14 (NIV),

¹³ I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. ¹⁴ I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

Twice in this closing, John uses the word "friends".  He uses the Greek word φίλος [fee·los] that we are familiar with.  The ESV Study notes point out that this is "an unusual term for fellow believers; but see John 15:15. every one of them. Lit., “by name.” John’s pastoral care is not remote and bureaucratic but personal, as Jesus commended and modeled (John 10:3, 14)." [1]

These major points are important.   In place of "beloved" or “children of your elect sister” or brothers and sister, or even saints, John, like his Savior calls them friends.  This would be, in my opinion, the ideal characteristic of a believing, evangelical church.  Friends!  It speaks of close, personal and sincere fellowship.   It would make a resounding statement to the world. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” (John 13:35, NIV).

Secondly, this points out John`s relationship to this church.  Friends!  A modern expression of church leadership paints images of a precise CEO, or some might think of an entrepreneurial visionary. Some modern allusions to church pastoral ministry include everything from the detailed seminary professor to insightful, therapeutic counselor.  But John just sees himself as a friend.  When we see and call each other `friends` it speaks of warmth, camaraderie, intimacy, trust and respect.

• John 15:13 (NIV), ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
• John 15:15 (NIV), ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
• Proverbs 17:17 (NIV), ¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
• Proverbs 18:24 (NIV), ²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
• Proverbs 27:6 (NIV), ⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

"The lowest in the church of Christ should be greeted. And those may well salute and greet one another on earth who hope to live together in heaven. And the apostle who had lain in Christ’s bosom lays Christ’s friends in his heart." [2]

Father, the insight of Matthew Henry is profound.  We who will live together in unfettered bliss, in eternity, ought to be able to live here on earth in genuine friendship. Sadly that is not the case. Pride, selfish ambition, competitiveness, disrespect, etc. etc. impair and often ruin friendships. This epistle has been challenging.  It is small but its ballistics are precise.  I am corrected and instructed in righteousness. I pray today for a friendliness that invites friendships.  I pray for my Church.  I pray that it would resound in hospitable, warm, friendships.  But Lord I pray mostly for myself.  This is a strange journey - one I am not accustomed to.  Work in my life that Spirit-led change that helps me to understand what needs to occur in me, that I might be a friend.  Grant what you command, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2446). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:3 John/Exposition of 3 John/VI. Personal Remarks and Farewell Greetings (13-15), Book Version: 4.0.2

2. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (2459). Peabody: Hendrickson.

THE ROLE OF THE LAW IN OUR SANCTIFICATION

by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Dennis E. Johnson, Dennis E.

If we live by faith in Jesus Christ rather than by faith in ourselves and our works, we’ll know the joy that protects us from accusation and we’ll live in the love that will constrain true obedience. Since we no longer view the law as the means to obtain righteousness, since it no longer has the power to either harm or threaten us, we may now use it as it’s meant to be used. We will be free to delight in the law because we are freed from the power of the law to curse us. 

All of the wonderful obligations of the law will then help us on our way toward godly living and sanctification. Since we cannot be made any more perfect in God’s eyes than we already are, we are now free to make the law serve us. It will serve us by making us more thankful for Christ when we see how we fail to obey it, and it will serve us by showing us how to love God and our neighbor as we long to. Rather than viewing the law as our enemy, we’ll learn to say along with our Savior, “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart” (Ps. 40: 8). From this position of security and rest in God, the psalmist wrote: 

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Ps. 19: 7– 11) 

When the law is kept where it belongs —as a means to draw us to Christ and to show us how to love—it is delightful and causes us to rejoice. When it goes beyond this and attacks our conscience, we must silence its threatenings by remembering the gospel and putting the law back in its place. The law is a light on our path, but it is not the path, and it cannot impel us toward holiness nor make us love God." [1]

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1.  Fitzpatrick, Elyse M.; Johnson, Dennis E. (2009-06-23). Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ (Kindle Locations 1902-1919). Crossway. Kindle Edition. 

Imitation Is The Highest Form of Flattery or A Recipe for Disaster!

3 John 11–12 (NIV),

¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. ¹² Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

"Again one of John’s syllogisms is applied to Diotrephes in contradistinction to Demetrius a real believer, and probably another bishop in the congregation or community." [1]  Briefly, this is what is being said:

Imitate good - good is from God

Imitate Demetrius - Truth commends Demetrius

Don't imitate evil - evil doesn't know God

Don't imitate Diotrephes - Truth does not commend him

Who is this Demetrius.  Well we don't know.  He is spoken of as if Gaius will certainly know him, though.  He is commended and it is inferred that Gaius should follow his example as opposed to Diotrephes.   "Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." "'Not seen' is in the perfect tense in the original, and emphasizes the negative certainty of the action here, “… has never really seen God at all."[1] The inference, again, is that Diotrephes is not a Christian, truly, or certainly not acting consistent with Chrisitianity.

J. Hampton Keathley III writes, "This is a constant theme of the Bible. Other than the raw power of the Word itself, nothing is so determinative for spiritual change in the lives of others as one’s own example. This truth is strongly taught in 1 Thessalonians 2:1ff where Paul recalls his manner of life and that of his team to the Thessalonians." [2]

This begs an important question: If it is clear that Diotrephes is not even a Christian, why is he holding a place of influence in the Church?  If Demetrius and Diotrephes are leaders in the church, the necessity of regeneration and a good reputation are critical.  Thus Paul could require that “... the overseer is to be above reproach . . .” (1 Timothy 3:2a, NIV).  This does not mean perfection, but it does mean accountability, transparency and repentance when necessary.

Father, this imitation thing is huge.  Almost unconsciously it seems that we like to imitate others.  In the day when celebrities are in our homes and in our faces constantly, we are inundated with potential role models. As adults children are constantly looking to us this way.  Even in the Church celebrity pastors, preachers, authors are all around.  I can see Father that some forms of imitation are good.  I thank you for men in my life who, in part, exemplify godliness and maturity.  I thank you for giving me a father that did that.  My concern today is me, Father.  Can my children, my brothers and sisters truly say, "I imitate Jim?"  I fear not.  I have a heart that continually wonders.  I have a passion that is continually self-centered. I, too often would rather be alone and independent.  What despair!  And I have a Savior who is more than a good example.  He is the One who breaks the power of cancelled sin.  He is the One who freely offers forgiveness and hope.  He is the One who breaks into my sin and freely grants me His righteousness. Oh the love that draws me to this One who is my all-in-all.   What grace!   

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!

Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!

Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span

  At Calvary!

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2645). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-1-example-others-imitate

Are You A Pugnacious Pastor or Church Leader?

3 John 9–10 (NIV),

⁹ I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. ¹⁰ So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

This letter of Paul's that he references is not known to us.  Diotrephes appears to be a church leader in the same church as Gaius, or at least a church near and known to Gaius. Apparently he is a man that loves first place.  He is a man that is spreading false rumors. He refuses to to welcome true believers. When people do extend a welcome to others, he puts them out of the church.  

John promises to deal with him when he comes to visit.  Who is this guy?  Obviously this was a man of some prominence and influence.  Was he a fellow elder?  We are not sure.  If John wrote a letter on hospitality and Diotrephes ditched the letter, then this might make perfect sense.  The point is that he was opposed to Apostolic authority and acting as an authority unto himself.  

All we can be certain of is this: Diotrephes loves himself more than anyone else.  He loves to have first place, preeminence.  The Greek word philoprōteuō means literally, “to love first place.” He is unwilling to submit to others.  Every church can have such an individual.  "Diotrephes was clearly abusing his position of authority. For some reason he was jealous of the apostles and refused to allow them in his church. Instead of following the command for a pastor to be hospitable and “not quarrelsome” (2 Timothy 3:2–3), Diotrephes was inhospitable and pugnacious. Instead of seeking to be the servant of all (Mark 9:35), Diotrephes loved to be in charge." [1]

If Diotrephes was a fellow-elder then the exhortation of Peter is very relevant.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3, NIV).

Father I am reminded that he who wants to be great must be a servant to all.  Keep me free from self-centered, selfish ambition that runs steam-roller over others.  Keep me from wanting to have the last word.  Keep me from conversation that I twist and turn so that it's all about me.  Keep me from the spirit of Diotrephes.  What a cancer in the body of Christ?   Oh Father that we would all put the interests of others before ourselves. Father that we would see others as more important than ourselves.  Our Savior gave up His rightful place and entered into humanity as a servant.  He served me by taking my sin on Himself.  He gave me, freely, His righteousness.  He died so that I would no longer live to myself, but for Him.  Grant, by the Holy Spirit, the will and the power to serve and not be served, Father.  Forgive me, for deep within my soul is a desire to be liked; a desire to be honored; and a desire to be affirmed.  Kill it with Your Spirit's power, this day.  For the sake of Jesus.  Amen.

 

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1. Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Diotrephes-in-the-Bible.html#ixzz3GyZIkKsX

Hospitality - A Ministry of Truth

3 John 5–8 (NIV),

⁵ Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. ⁶ They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. ⁷ It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. ⁸ We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

2 John warns about welcoming false teachers.  3 John is an encouragement to Gaius for his hospitality to the right people. "John commends Gaius for receiving traveling Christian teachers with hospitality . . . Those who proclaim the message and those who encourage and support them work together in serving the truth." [1]  These traveling believers were sent out "for the sake of the Name." "Refers to the name of Christ (see 1 John 2:12; 3:23; 5:13). This is a mark of their worth and identifies them with the Christian evangelistic movement of the first century." [2]

"The admonition to send them on their way "in a manner worthy of God" shows the supreme importance assigned to hospitality. The phrase probably means that the traveling brothers were to be recognized as servants of God and supported as such. In such instances, Christians were to provide hospitality as if the Lord himself were being welcomed (cf. John 13:20; Gal 4:14-15; Heb 13:2)." [3]

Of course hospitality was required of all Christians (Matthew 10:10; Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Hebrews 13:2); and not expected from the "pagans" or non-Christians. The Greek word used here ( ἐθνικῶν), usually means Gentiles, but here it means non-Christians.  An interesting point can be made that "such usage indicates that the Christian community (made up of ethnic Jews and Gentiles) had come to see itself as the new Israel." [4]

God’s people have the privilege and responsibility to support God’s workers. But John doesn't leave it there.  He says "so that we may work together for the truth."  There is a role for everyone in the outreach efforts of the Church.  Even those who offer hospitality become partners in this "truth-giving mission."  

Father, hotels, motels, and RVs have all started to take the place of this First Century hospitality. What a blessing, as I recall the many preachers and missionaries that my parents showed the welcome sign to.  Today we live in bigger homes and we have more resources.  Grant Father that there be an openness, a welcome mat placed at the door for all of Your servants to see.  May the Church not lose the passion to welcome strangers into our homes.  What a practical and possible way to serve You and others in the work of Truth.

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1.Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (3 Jn 5). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (3 Jn 7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:3 John/Exposition of 3 John/III. Commendation for Gaius's Hospitality (5-8), Book Version: 4.0.2

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (3 Jn 7). Nashville: T. Nelson. 

What If There Was A Relationship Between Our Spiritual Health and Physical Health?

3 John 1–4 (ESV),

¹ The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. ² Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. ³ For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

It appears that John is writing his friend Gaius -- a friendship that has its bonds "in truth."  "While some have taken the phrase to mean simply “truly” or “really” (Mark 12:32; John 1:47), John’s usage of this phrase elsewhere in these letters where truth takes on such a significant meaning suggests that the elder intended the kind of love that is consistent with the fundamental truths of the faith (cf. v. 4; 1 John 2:21; 3:19)." [1]

John's prayer for his friend is in regard to his life, his health. This is affirmation that these are good things to pray for.  But there is more here. John is aware that Gaius' soul (his spiritual condition) is good.  With this as a basis then, he prays, "I hope the rest of your life is going as well as your spiritual walk."  Would that be true of all of us?  Imagine if God came to us and said, "I'll make you a deal.  I will tailor your health and your life's journey proportionate to your spiritual progress?"   John is aware of Gaius' condition because of reports of travelling brothers who gave testimony to that.

In his second letter, we glean more from the phrase "walking in truth" but suffice to say that "... he walks (Gr peripateō) in the truth, meaning that he lives according to the message of the apostles, rather than just giving mental assent to it." [2]   Gaius is probably a convert of John's for John exclaims: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4, NIV).  This is undoubtedly the joy of every true pastor, mentor, church leader and parent.

Here again we observe the importance of congruency in our lives.  "The importance of doctrinal integrity and truth is evident in John’s affirmation that nothing brings greater joy to him than to know that his children walk in truth." [3]

Father, what if I were to pray today asking you to so direct my day and grant me the health and blessings consistent with my spiritual condition?  What if I heard a voice from Heaven that said, "I hope today goes as well as your soul?"   This is a stunning suggestion.  Thankfully Your grace exceeds the demands of this notion.  Thankfully You do not treat me as I deserve.  Thankfully Your love covers a multitude of my sin.  But Father, I am humbled about how little attention I and my brothers and sisters give toward spiritual health.  If we were to give 1/10th the money, time, interest, investment to our spiritual health as we do to our physical health, there would be revival.  I'm sure. Father, help me today to measure this day on these terms.  Indeed “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV).  “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23, NIV).  May I attend to the work of the Spirit, that my soul might be refreshed and renewed, sin would be mortified and Christ be exalted.  Amen.

 

 

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1. The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1981). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2644). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (3 Jn 4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Is There Someone You Call, "My Dear Friend?"

To be honest, I started studying 2 John because it has been neglected in my life.  I also heard a speaker suggest that even Google has neglected it. For example, there was a time when you would search for '2 John' on Google and it would take you to John's Gospel, chapter 2.   I tried. That's changed now.   Anyway, what has been astounding to me in this short letter is the profound expression of the Doctrine of the Church.  

Today, we start a journey into the third letter: 3 John.   This is clearly a companion letter, in John's mind.  He takes the topic of hospitality and gives more instruction on it.  Because of the prevalence of false teachers he combines the dual notions of love with discernment, instead of love and truth -- but its still on his mind.  Let's start at the beginning:  3 John 1–4 (NIV),

¹ The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. ² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Again, as in the previous letter, John salutes the recipients with the term "elder".  (“The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—” (2 John 1, NIV)).   As I noted before, this is significant.  It reflects among many things the development of the early church through the establishment of pastors and elders and the withdrawal of the Apostles.  John, we understand was the last of the Apostles.

Who is Gaius? The NIV translates the phrase "my dear friend."  The ESV employs the word "beloved" which is a good rendering of the Greek word  ἀγαπητός [ag·ap·ay·tos]. "Although the name Gaius occurs elsewhere in the NT (cf. Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1Cor 1:14) and is common enough in the literature of the time, his identity, aside from what is said of him in this letter, is unknown to us. He may have been a member of the church Diotrephes appears to have headed. But whether he held any official position in it is uncertain." [1]

It would appear that John and Gaius are friends and John is writing to him, providing some guidance toward a particular scenario in the church Gaius is part of.  How good it is to have a friend when you are going through difficulty and uncertainty?  How good it is to have a friend, period, today.  I am told that especially men rarely bond to genuine friendships.  We have lots of acquaintances and lots of contacts in our Rolodex -- but few if any "friends."  I preached recently from Romans 16 on the point that friends make great ministry partners. They really do!

Friends are not perfect.  Friends can, and will "let you down."  But there are some important blessings that friends bring to the table.  The Bible speaks of great friendships, David and Jonathon to name one (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:14-17). Friends will tell you the truth when others won't (“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6, NIV).  It was common for Paul to address friends in his letters and show his appreciation to them.  There is an expected loyalty among friends, especially in times of trouble (“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV).  Many times you hear Proverbs 18:24 quoted: 

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

It is a rare find in this world for men to have such a friend.  But there is a Friend whom this can always speak to -- man or woman -- His name is Jesus.  To those who trust Him and put their faith in Him, He becomes a true Friend -- closer than any biological relationship. Kevin DeYoung writes [2]:

"Jesus was a friend of sinners not because he winked at sin, ignored sin, or enjoyed light-hearted revelry with those engaged in immorality. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners and was very pleased to welcome sinners who were open to the gospel, sorry for their sins, and on their way to putting their faith in Him."

Father, I am intrigued by this topic because I am one of the many men who has precious view friends. I am thankful for many men in my life who are a blessing to me.  But there are hardly no friends (in the true sense of the word).  I'm introverted.  I'm a loner.  I am independent.  You made me that way. But that is no excuse.  I know that. I pray for me and all my brothers like me, that You would help us break free from our self-imposed limitations -- our sinful, prideful, self-centered limitations; and in Your grace grant to us at least one good friend.   Thankfully You have done that in the Gospel.  Thankfully, we who are in Christ have a Friend -- a Friend who loves at all times; a Friend who speaks the truth in love; and a Friend who will 'never leave nor forsake us.'  Help us to be a christ-friend to others.   Grant by the power of Your Spirit, as much a this sinner is capable of, a spirit of friendship that reflects the glory of the True Friend, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:3 John/Exposition of 3 John/I. Salutation (1), Book Version: 4.0.2

2. http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2014/03/04/jesus-friend-of-sinners-but-how/