Comments for June 22

v. 11 - Whilst Hannah was responsible for the child of this vow only until he was grown, whereupon he would acquire responsibility for himself, she still made this vow with God to give him to God 'all the days of his life' and God accepted it, knowing the future mind of Samuel, so responding to Hannah's plea - v.19.

The book is in four parts:
I The story of Samuel to the death of Eli, 1:1 - 4:22
2 From the taking of the ark to the demand for a king 5.1 - 8:22
3 The reign of Saul to the call of David, 9.1 - 15:35
4 From the call of David to the death of Saul, 16:1 - 31:13

1 v.1 That the area of 'Mount Ephraim' compassed a large area is seen from the following passages which show the names of a number of cities in the area and another mountain. Timnathserah Joshua 19:50 Shechem Joshua 20:7 Bethel Judges 4:5 Shamir Judges 10:1 Ramathaimzophim here Mount Zemaraim 2 Chronicles 13:4

v.6 - Peninnah is here described as her adversary, and you might expect this to be a word like Satan, but in fact the word used is only translated adversary here. Its normal translation is distress, trouble or affliction. So it was more of the 'thorn in the side' than that of a determined effort.

1:9 The word 'seat' is actually the Hebrew word for throne. That Eli 'sat' contrasts the work of the priest who 'stood daily ministering' (Hebrews 10:11)

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
How often had Hannah prayed for a child in the past? Why wasn't her prayer answered before? What was different about this prayer?
There were three things that may have made this prayer so different to many of the others she could have prayed. These are the things that could have made her prayer more powerful.

1. She wept much and prayed to the Lord. In the New Testament we read about someone who prayed with himself. Hannah's prayer was intimate with the Lord, personal and between her and God alone.
2. She made a vow that the baby she prayed for would be dedicated to God for the rest of his life.
3. She prayed in her heart and poured out her soul to the Lord. Sometimes when we pray we only speak words - the words we feel we should say. I believe a more powerful prayer is one from the heart when we, like Hannah, can pour out our souls to the Lord.

God heard Hannah's prayer and gave her the son she had prayed for. We can learn from Hannah's prayer. We can make our prayers heartfelt. We can forget what others might think about our prayers and pray between us and God alone. Let us pour out our soul to the Lord and our prayers will be effective too.

:11 Hannah's vow was the Nazarite vow 'no razor …' quotes Numbers 6:5. Her response to Eli (1:15) 'Neither wine nor strong drink' quotes Numbers 6:3.

1:11 Just to make the point more clear. Hannah made the Nazarite vow before she had conceived the child, and it was a life long vow. She committed herself to giving up her son for the whole of her life.

V.22 Men only were obliged to attend the feasts. (Exo 23:17) But Hannah, like other pious women, was in the habit of going, only she deemed it more prudent and becoming to defer her next journey till her son's age would enable her to fulfil her vow.

V.2 A barren woman was considered somewhat in the same vein as a leper - outcast and cursed.  She became the object of taunts and an in your face boastful attitude from wives who had children.  Such was the case of Hannah and Peninnah. 

V.6 Peninnah constantly rubbed salt in Hannah's wounds.  The term adversary (KJV) is translated from the Hebrew word tsarah which means trouble, but which can also connote a (female) rival.  And it is this very sense of rivalry that wives had with each other in the matter of producing children.  Consider the similar outcome of rivalry that Sarah suffered for thirteen years at the hand of Hagar, and later Ishmael (Gen 16:3,4; 21:9).

In 1Sam 1:18 Hannah so much trusted in God that she "was no more sad". It was some time later that she conceived.  This demonstrates what real faith in God can do.  "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut 33:27) With those Arms underneath us, we too should be "no more sad".

V.28 The intensity of Hannah's devotion is readily perceived in the prayer which was on her lips that day.

God had a very special purpose with David. He was going to be the Psalmist of Israel in order that he might give spiritual fuel and encouragement to Jesus in his trials and tribulations. God needed to supply Jesus with thoughts to tide him through the agony of the cross, his rejection, and his betrayal. He needed someone to come as close as possible to Jesus in his spiritual understanding and faith, so that he could write it all down for the benefit of the Christ.

This was, ultimately, David's purpose, and we can marvel at the foresight of God in preparing him for this role. Above all odds, the prostitute Rahab had been provoked to develop faith in the LORD God of Israel. She had born Boaz, whose righteous attitude obviously stemmed from this woman. It took the deaths of three men to bring Ruth back to Israel and to a marriage with this man, all of course in the plan of God. It took the probable closing up of Ruth's womb to make sure she had no children by Mahlon and needed to marry again (Ruth 4:13). All this resulted in a family line full of faith from which David emerged, a man with abnormally great desire to serve God.

Here in the story of Hannah we find the same again. Her womb is shut up by the LORD (1Sam 1:6) thus developing her need to trust in Him through all the provocations of her rival. Her developed faith, and her desperate circumstances, are all in the purpose of God in order to bring about a man devoted entirely to His service. This man, Samuel, was going to prepare the way for David and ultimately become his tutor in the ways of the LORD. God was providing the bedrock for David so that he in turn could provide for Jesus, and He was doing it through Hannah's suffering!

Our every faithful action, and our every affliction, will later be seen to have benefited the plan of God. The faith we develop through trails and pain will affect others, sometimes far more than we think. It is very hard for us to see where afflictions will lead at the time, but lead somewhere they will! The apostle Paul said on numerous occasions that the Church was born out of his suffering. This is the pattern to which we must all conform. The subject tackled in this chapter is a very painful one, since there are many people to whom childbearing is difficult or impossible. Yet, by Hannah's example we can see that there is a purpose in it. For this reason, let not the barren or unmarried say "I am a dry tree", but rather rejoice that the LORD is making you a Spiritual parent by faith, "Sing, O barren, you who have not borne... for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married" (Isa 54:1).

1:3      The ark was set up in Shiloh in the days of Joshua – Josh 18:1.  This was the first permanent resting place for the ark and it was God’s choice of location Jer 7:12.

"Elkanah" (511) means "God has obtained" and according to Smith's Bible Dictionary means "God provided" and it was a special son, Samuel, whom God provided.  "Peninnah" (6444) means "a pearl (as round), ruby" and according to Smith's means "coral, pearl" from the root "pen" (6434) meaning "to turn, an angle, corner" and thus Peninnah was perhaps a lovely pearl in some respects but not being favoured and perhaps feeling trapped in a marriage where she didn't receive full love, she turned on Hannah and cornered her with verbal/emotional abuse. "Hannah" (2584) means "favoured" and according to Smith's means "grace". "Samuel" (8050) according to some sources means "heard of God" as God heard Hannah's prayers and later listened to Samuel's. According to Brown-Driver-Briggs "Samuel" (8050) means "his name is El".

The name Samuel in Hebrew is (transliterated) Shemuel.  Some have suggested that his name means heard of God.  That is done by using the past participle shama which means heard.  That meaning caters to the prayerful longing of Hannah.  But a more likely definition of Shemuel is Name is God (shem = name; and el = God).  This would highlight Samuel's Nazarite association more plainly.  Having been totally dedicated to God's service for life, he would indeed have borne the name of Yahweh. 

1:3,  The feast in Shiloh each year must have been the same annual feast mentioned in Judg 21:19

PUTTING GOD FIRST
 
What sort of priorities do we have each morning? For some of us mornings are a time of rushing. We need to shower, get dressed, and eat breakfast, all in fifteen minutes before we rush out the door to go to work. For others we may rush around getting kids ready for school. Perhaps the problem is that we stay up too late at night and rise too late in the morning. It is important to start the day out right.
 
Take a look at the way Elkanah and his family began their morning. "Early the next morning they arose and worshipped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah." (1Sam 1:19) For Elkanah and his family, worship was a priority. It was something to do first thing in the morning. Worship was not something to be left until later in the day - if they got around to it. It was an essential part of living and it was important to them that God received the first and best part of the day.
 
Our days should also begin with worship. A prayer before or as we get out of bed; time spent in Bible reading or study; the singing of praise to the Lord; or a quiet time of meditation with God. These are all ways we can start the day with God. I know for myself that if I miss a morning devotion it can often take until bed time to catch up. So let's follow Elkanah's example and put God first this morning and every morning.

1:12 We see here how focused Hannah was, she put all her heart into her prayer. She forgot that she was in a public place; and that others could see her. Not allowing her surroundings to detract her, she continued with an earnest desire long in prayer, beseeching God to grant the request that she had made.

1:18     In saying ‘so the woman left  …’ carries a wealth of pathos. She had spoken to her husband who was no help to her. She spoke to the priest and was comforted by the answer she received. So he did nothing either. Truly the child was to be the ‘seed of the woman’ and she implicitly believed the words of the priest.

1:11 Hannah’s request ‘look on the affliction of thine handmaid’ is echoed by Mary, the mother of Jesus – Luke 1:48

The books of Samuel 1 and Samuel 2 were originally the first two (of four) books of Kings.  Actually, the books of Samuel were just one book until they were later divided for no productive reason.  These books are a natural, historical follow-on to the book of Judges.

V.1 Elkanah was a Levite from the Kohathite line (1Chron 6:27).  His name means provided of God.

V.2 Hannah means grace, while Peninnah means coral or pearl.

V.24 The KJV mistakenly has three bullocks, which modern versions have corrected to a three-year-old bull (ESV).  There is mention of only one bullock in v.25.

1Sam 1:24-25 - perhaps we have an echo of Christ's 3 year ministry culminating with a sacrifice along with flour, wine and mention of "Eli" (5941) which means "ascension, lofty".

1:20,27 It is all too easy when we have made a request to God that we simply accept the answer to the prayer and then get on with our lives, possibly forgetting any obligations we have to Him. Not so Hannah. Even a few years later she kept her vow by giving Samuel to Eli.

1:12-13     Eli presents a classical example of the dangers of judging according to what we see without making a full enquiry.  Eli, to his credit, accepted the rebuke for his hasty judgment. How would we fare in such situations?

1:9    We find Eli sitting again. In 1Sam 3:10 It seems that the record is making the point that Eli was inactive whilst the Lord "stood".

1:4     The law – Deut 21:15 - requires that no special treatment should be given to one wife over another with respect to inheritance. So was Elkanah justified in the way he differentiated between his two wives?

1:14    in saying that she had drunk neither wine nor strong drink - quoting Num 6:3 it is as if Hannah a Nazarite vow.

1:18 That Hannah left “no more sad” shows that Hannah was a woman of faith. She still had not child – just a promise that he hope would be fulfilled

Judging Others

It's quite easy to judge someone without knowing them, isn't it? To simply judge on their appearance or an action without knowing the full story. Here we have the example of Eli, looking upon Hannah and assuming she's drunk. Little did he know she was a woman of faith, pouring out her soul before the LORD. How often have we seen someone act strangely in our own ecclesia and jump to dangerous conclusions? We must be careful before we begin casting blame. Also, we should follow the example of Hannah, if we are blamed of shameful behaviour, to explain ourselves fully to resolve the issue quickly. So let us not cast blame on one another, but follow the example of Hannah and make sure that we are behaving correctly in the sight of God first and foremost and then explain our actions to one another if questioned. 

Great Joy

It must have been quite uplifting for Eli to witness Hannah pouring out her soul to the LORD, and then to see her, possibly years later, with the very son she had been praying for on that day and fulfilling her promise. The chapter concludes with verse 28, saying they worshipped the LORD there (I'm using the New King James - other versions have 'he worshipped the LORD there', which could possibly be Eli?). Just imagine the situation for a moment - how one encouragement of faith from Eli supported Hannah during her trial. Eli probably would have forgotten Hannah completely and his words to her in the time she was raising Samuel in preparation of giving him over to God. But then he meets her again and sees her fulfil her promise - her prayers now answered. What a beautiful moment of joy! It is just such a shame that he failed in regards to disciplining his sons.  

So let us, therefore, take heed to this example and encourage one another daily. You may not realise it, but one sentence of encouragement to a fellow believer during a time of trial may be life changing! Let us also thank God for answered prayers and the faith of others. 

1:28 On lending Samuel to the Lord Hannah would experience the blessing spoken of later inProv 19:17        

1:14        One wonders whether Eli, knowing the wickedness of his sons, thought that Hannah was the sort of woman who would have frequented the tabernacle to satisfy their evil desires. Rather, we may conclude, she was there because of the behaviour of Eli’s sons. She wanted to make a difference. Her requests was not a selfish one. Rather it was because she saw a need in Israel.

1:8       I suppose Elkanah really did not appreciate the sorrow his wife had because she had no children. A well-meaning comment, no doubt. However I suspect it was not really appreciated by Hannah. A lesson for us. Well-meaning comments are not always useful. We should consider carefully what we say in times of stress.

1:10       Elkanah was no help to Hannah so she turned to the only real help there was – she prayed to God. Maybe the lesson for us is that we should not wait until we are desperate before praying.

1Sam 1:24
“And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks…”

According to the Septuagint, this verse found in 1Kin 1:24, Hannah brought one calf of three years old. “And she went up with him to Selom with a calf of three years old…” She offered one three year old bull, but according to the Masoretic Text, she offered three bulls (cf. 1Sam 1:25)!

Emanuel Tov, Biblical Archaeology Review, Editor-in-chief of the DSS publication, writes:

“When the infant Samuel had been weaned and his mother, Hannah, finally came to Shiloh with her son, she also brought with her an offering for the Lord that is described in two ways in our textual sources. According to the Masoretic Text, she brought 'three bulls,' but according to the Septuagint and a Qumran scroll (4QSama from 50–25 B.C.E.) she brought one 'three-year-old bull.'

I believe that Hannah probably offered only a single bull (as in the Septuagint and 4QSama); supporting this choice is the next verse in the Masoretic Text which speaks about 'the bull.' I believe the Masoretic Text was textually corrupted when the continuous writing (without spaces between words) of the original words prm/shlshh (literally: “bulls three”) underlying the Septuagint was divided wrongly to pr mshlsh ('three-year-old bull').^*

The evidence of the Septuagint, being in Greek, always depends on a reconstruction into Hebrew, and consequently the Qumran scroll here helps us in deciding between the various options. Incidentally an offering of a 'three-year-old bull' is mentioned in Gen 15:9. It shows that a Hebrew text underlying the Septuagint once existed in which Hannah brought only one three-year-old bull.”

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-versions-and-translations/the-original-bible-and-the-dead-sea-scrolls/

1:7 Hannah’s distress seems to have been worse when she went to Shiloh. Going to worship God should have been a time of Joy, not sorrow. The behaviour of the two sons of Eli possibly contributed to her sorrow. Are we a positive or negative influence when we meet with our fellow believers?

1:7 Hannah’s distress seems to have been worse when she went to Shiloh. Going to worship God should have been a time of Joy, not sorrow. The behaviour of the two sons of Eli possibly contributed to her sorrow. Are we a positive or negative influence when we meet with our fellow believers?

1:5 One supposes that Hannah and Elkanah were unaware of God’s involvement in her barrenness. However it was of God so that a godly couple could be blessed with a child that they would give to the Lord. How often are we in a position where God is willing to use us for His purpose?

1:15 Hannah could easily have just claimed that she was not drunk. However the words she used to speak to Eli demonstrate that she told Eli that she had made a Nazarite vow. Doubtless Eli recognised the significance of what Hannah said.

1:5 The having of more than one wife in Israel was allowed but controlled by God. Preference was not to be shown to one wife above the other – Exo 21:10

1:4,5 Elkanah would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her

Peninnah does not seem overly loved by Elkanah, unlike Hannah. Could it be that Peninnah was originally Hannah's handmaid and because of Hannah's barrenness became a wife to Elkanah to have children? Similar to Sarah and Hagar.

1:9 the seat beside the doorpost of the LORD

In the wilderness journey there was no doorpost to the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle had become a more permanent fixture, complete with a door, when in Shiloh

46 v.3,4 - Continuing from the above comment on 1Sam.1, here we have the situation that each member of the house of Jacob found himself in - being cared for by God from the cradle to the grave, being carried and delivered. As spiritual Israel, and having a much closer and better covenant through baptism and founded on love, how much more this surely applies to us. Let us praise God for it and take comfort and exhortation to do better. Psa.22:9,10.

46 v.1-4 - Yahweh contrasts the way in which He, the God carried Israel with the way in which the nations carried their gods. This highlights the futility of idol worship. Whereas Yahweh saves His people the people have to 'save' their idols.

47 Remember that this description of the demise of the glory of Babylon was spoken by the prophet before Babylon had grown to be a powerful nation. At the time that Isaiah spoke Assyria was still the most powerful nation in the Middle East.

47:3 - Each time we read this type of phrase (Exo.32:25, Isa.20:4, Mic.1:11, Nah.3:5, Rev.3:18, 16:15), we are reminded of the fall of mankind to sin in Genesis and of the fact that nakedness and shame are only related because of our nature. Without our nature, before sin entered the world, nakedness was beautiful - we had nothing to be ashamed of, as there was no sin. Instead of returning to this state, however, it seems that the chosen will be clothed with the white robes of righteousness. (Rev. 3:5,18, 4:4)

46:13 The placing of salvation in Zion will, of course, be ultimately fulfilled when the lord Jesus returns. It is echoed in Joel 2:28-32 in the prophecy of the work of the preaching of the gospel as quoted in Acts 2:17.

47:7 Just as Babylon boasted herself as 'a lady for ever' the harlot of Revelation 18:7 makes the same claim. False religion makes a show of using Scripture but mis uses it because it does not know or understand what it says.

Isa 46 - WHO CARRIES WHO?
Having a god is supposed to be a benefit to the person who claims they belong to the god or who claims that the god belongs to them. A god is supposed to give you extra strength, extra powers, and security. But in days long ago and even today in cultures other than our own, people made gods out of wood and stone, silver and gold. They made gods that couldn't see, hear, walk or even speak at all. Instead of giving them extra strength, the gods were a burden on the people with having to carry them everywhere. Instead of giving them extra power their god used up the power of a horse and chariot as they transported it into battle. And instead of giving them security they had to guard their god to make sure no one stole it.
Today's gods are no different. Cars break down, TV's go on the blink and don't provide any extra strength (in mind or body), banks close and go bankrupt with our money, we get tied up in our jobs and computers take our minds into captivity. Also, nearly all of those gods are a risk to our security - we have to secure them or they get stolen.
There is only one God who will carry us without us having to carry Him. He is our strength, power and security. He is the God of the Bible. Make sure He is your God today

46:10 In saying that He declares the end from the beginning God is not simply saying that he prophesies future events - great though that is. Rather he is saying because he can speak about the future with certainty we can be sure that he will keep His word.

47:14 The inability of the astrologers to 'deliver themselves from the power of the flame' contrasts markedly with the way that God's servants were not to fear the flame. (Isaiah 43:2)

46:11  This assurance of God that He will bring to pass the things that he has purposed is a great comfort to us. It is this assertion that Abraham believed ( Rom 4:21) and if we share Abraham's faith we will have the same confidence.

47:6 The heavily laid yoke quotes the curse of Deut 28:48

Isa 46:3-13 again reminds us that it is God who blesses Israel. None are like Him.  Then Isa 47 is about the coming downfall of Babylon. How true are the psalmist’s words, (Psa 127:1)  “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it”!

46:4 So Isaiah, speaking the words of God, assures Israel – and us by implication – that He will care for us. The evidence? His working with the nations and keeping His word of prophecy.

47:5  And so, even though Babylon has not yet become a powerful nation, her demise is spoken of. One wonders what Hezekiah thought of all this given that he had shown his treasures to the ambassadors from Babylon. 2Chron 32:31

46:1,2 Isaiah contrasts the relationship of Babylon with its idolatrous gods to that of Yahweh, the living God, with His nation Israel. When Babylon was deposed by the Persians, they carried their gods Bel and Nebo, on beasts, into captivity.  In reversal, the all-powerful, ageless God of Israel promises to carry His people and deliver them (46:3,4).   

47:1 The virgin daughter of Babylon sitting in the dust contrasts with the way in which Zion is to shake herself from the dust – Isa 52:2

47:7 The words of Isaiah here speaking of Babylon being ‘a lady for ever’ is used later by Zephaniah – 2:15 – to speak of the Assyrians who were on the decline in the time of the prophet Zephaniah.

46:2, Whereas the animals were unable to carry the burden of the idols that the Babylonians worshipped God had the strength to carry them into captivity which he did by the hand of Cyrus mentioned in Isa 45:1

46:1 Bel is an epithet for Baal, and thus, Bel was the god Baal of Babylon.  Nebo was the Babylonian god of learning (science and letters).  Babylonian kings would often have this name (Nebo or Nebu) incorporated in their own.  For example, Nebuchadnezzar means May Nebo protect the crown.

46:6 That Babylonian gods were made of gold is significant. In Daniel’s image, Babylon is depicted as the head of gold (Dan 2:32); and Nebuchadnezzar in particular (Dan 2:38). 

47:1 The phrase O virgin daughter of Babylon sounds like it is ascribing virtue and purity to Babylon.  However, the phrase is showing that, as a virgin is a woman who has not yet been caught (by an eligible man), Babylon is a city and empire that has not yet been captured (by an eligible conqueror – Cyrus).

47:2,3 There are several figurative ideas in these two verses:

- Take the millstones, and grind meal (KJV) is an allusion to slavery.  The most menial of women (slaves) did the grinding in the Ancient Near East.  Compare the picture of Job’s wife (Job 31:10).

-uncover thy locks (KJV) is better translated put off your veil (ESV).  This is an immodest act.

- make bare the leg, uncover the thigh (KJV) is rendered strip off your robe, uncover your legs (ESV). This act is shameful and debasing. 

-Thy nakedness shall be uncovered.  The act of uncovering nakedness is a euphemism for sinful sexual intercourse (See Lev 18:6 etc.).  In this case, Babylon, when defeated, would be like a violated woman (who, then, will no longer be a royal virgin as per 47:1).

46:6-7 The description of the way in which idol worshippers make their idol and then worship it, taking it around because it has no power to move itself might seem so distant from our own lives that we dismiss their folly as something we would never do. However how many things do we have in our lives which cannot deliver us which we carry round and lavish our wealth on?

47:9The way in which Babylon is to be destroyed in one day for her sorceries is quoted – Rev 18:8  to speak of the overthrow of the latter day Babylon.

46:9  This, like the other times that God asserts His uniqueness as a God, is not simply to prove that there is not a trinity. Rather, against the background of Israel seeking to false gods, He makes this assertion so that Israel might fully appreciate the folly of their idol worship.

47:10-11        It is clear that Babylon was to be overthrown because of her self centred pride. However this still stands as a warning to us as individuals. Arrogance and pride are two things that our Father will not tolerate. The way in which Babylon was to be treated stands as a warning to us.

Who or what are Bel and Nebo?

In Isa 46:1-2 we read about Bel and Nebo. I've always assumed these were the names of idols. The strange thing is that the Bible says virtually nothing about them, whereas for other idols (say Baal) it is very vocal. This has led me to question what, or who, Bel and Nebo are, and I'm afraid I have only questions and no answers. It appears to be a reference to 1Chron 5:3-9.

47:13   The multitude of those to whom Israel turned for a glimpse of their future clearly could not give them advice. Maybe even they gave conflicting advice. As such rather than being a help they became a weariness. When there are conflicting words of advice to whom one does one listen? Likewise we often have conflicting objectives in our lives. Focus on Godly activities and shun the multitude of Godless activities and peace and tranquillity will follow. 

GOD IS WITH YOU

As a young man, doing my engineering apprenticeship, I was observed by the owner of the company to be a Christian. One day as we were talking, he told me that the he too, believed in God, but that as you get older, you need God less and less. Even now I still have a few years to go before I get to the age he was then, but my experience has shown me the opposite. The older I have become, the more I realise how much I need God.

I am hoping my story of God's involvement in my life will be a lot like the involvement God declares he had with his people Israel. He said, "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all of you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you." (Isa 46:3-4).

I need him and I am glad he is with me both since my conception, now, and until I am an old grey man. Let's be confident of God's strength in our lives and allow him to be the strength we need him to be.

47:1-5  The destruction of Babylon by Cyrus was because Yahweh was Israel’s redeemer. We should remember that whatever is happening around us and no matter how perplexed we might be when thinking about world events that all is happening to bring about the salvation of Israel – God’s people.

1. Isa 46:1-2,7 - contrast between Yahweh and the helpless idols of Babylon, "Bel<1078>" and "Nebo<5051>".

2. Isa 46:3-4 - in contrast to the useless idols of Babylon, God carried Israel from the very beginning, and will deliver her.

3. Isa 46:5 - no one is equal to God; certainly the idols are not equal to God; but even Christ is not equal to God [John 14:28; (NIV) Phil 2:5-10;1Tim 2:5;Heb 4:15;James 1:13-15;Mark 10:18;Mark 6:4-5;Luke 22:42).

4. Isa 46:6-7 - V6 idol making 101; V7 idol worshipping for dummies.

5. Isa 46:9-10 - there is none like God; only God makes known the end from the beginning.

6. Isa 46:11 - Cyrus appears to be the prophetic ravenous bird from the east; God summoning from a far off land to fulfill his purpose.

7. Isa 46:12 - God trying to get the unrighteous to listen.

8. Isa 46:13 - "...'my righteousness<6666>' it shall not be far off, and my 'salvation<8668>' shall not 'tarry<309> (2Pet 3:9)': and I will place salvation in 'Zion<6726>' for 'Israel<3478>' my 'glory<8597>'."

9. Isa 47:1 - there will be no throne for Babylon; as an aside, Assyria at times ruled Babylon before Babylon destroyed Nineveh in BC 606.

10. Isa 47:2 - Babylon reduced to a lowly state.

11. Isa 47:3-4 - Babylon was to be put to shame, servitude, and ultimate destruction Isa 13:17-22  (and ditto for the Babylon of Rome Rev 17:3-9,14,18;Rev 18:12-18); V4 the redeemer is the Holy One of Israel (Isa 54:5).

12. Isa 47:5,7 - Babylon is not to be called a lady of kingdoms forever; the Babylon of Rome considers herself the spouse of Jesus and her high priest the vicar of Christ (who they believe to be God 2Thess 2:3-11) on earth; V7 Babylon wouldn't remember the latter end and neither will the Babylon of Rome; V7 if God had never spoken to Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar would not have been so culpable, and the modern Babylon of Rome has been spoken to through scripture as well (1Tim 4:1-3;Matt 23:8-9;2John 1:7-10; 1Tim 2:5;1John 2:18,22;2Pet 2:1-3;1Tim 6:3-5;2Tim 2:16-18 believing people have already been resurrected to heaven John 3:13).

13. Isa 47:6 - God was angry with His people Israel but Babylon (a minority view, is this refers to the cruel Assyrians who at one time ruled Babylon) showed them no mercy (nor would the Babylon of Rome show God's people any mercy Rev 17:4-6,9).

14. Isa 47:8 - perhaps echoes the attitude of the Babylon of Rome (Rev 18:7); V8 given to "pleasures<5719>", decadence and luxury just as the modern Babylon of Rome and "beliefs" of the last days (2Tim 3:1-5).

15. Isa 47:9,12-13 - Babylonian "sorceries" not unlike the those of the Babylon of Rome (2Thess 2:9-11).

16. Isa 47:11 - calamity would come upon Babylon and will also befall the Babylon of Rome as refered to in Revelations chapts 17 and 18.

46:4,7  Notice the contrast! God carries His children but those who worship false gods have to carry them!

47:8     The claim God makes that He is the only God restates what He has already said in IIsa 45:5 How often do we need reminding that our God is the creator of everything!

47:11  These words of judgment against Babylon draw on the words Isaiah had already spoken – Isa 21:7-9

47:14-15        One might have thought that long standing trading partners might have been willing to be involved in delivering Judah from the Assyrians. But no. They were only interested for what they could obtain. They were not willing to risk their own position to help Jerusalem. Here is an object lesson for us. Just because people with whom we interact seem friendly and helpful we should not presume that they will be there to help in times of trouble. The wonderful thing is that our Father will always be there for us if we call on Him.

47:9,12 the word translated “sorceries” <3785> is also found in the contemporary prophet – Mic 5:12. Both prophets are addressing the same problem in Judah at the same time.

46:12 In calling the “stout hearted” to “hearken” God is using a word that He often uses with reference to giving attention to His word, for example Deuteronomy 4:1. Where hearkening will bring life.

46:1-7 Consider the contrast. The idols were a weight to the weary beasts that carried them. By contrast God carried Israel and will do even when they have no strength.

The idols in this life are a burdens we carry them around with us. Maybe the habit of carrying them is burdensome as we age but we find it difficult to put them down. By contrast our heavenly father is not wearied carrying us.

The challenge is to abandon our idols before we become too reliant on them and trust in the God who will carry us, giving us blessings.

47:1  It is truly amazing that Isa was inspired to speak of the fall of Babylon so clearly throughout his book – written before Babylon had even arisen as a powerful world power. Isa 13 & 14 start the picture of the desolation of Babylon.

47:12-13  The oneness of Yahweh is seen here in contrast with the way that the Chaldeans had many gods – though none of them could save them! In fact the fact that they had many different gods wearied them. Why was that? Doubtless because they went to one god then to another as they were in difficulty – as if they did not know which god was going to save them.

47:10 Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray

This verse aptly describes humanism:

1. Secure in your wickedness - sin redefined

2. No one sees me - there is no one higher than humans

3. Human wisdom and knowledge is the only reference points

4. There is no God -  there is no one besides me

3 v. 4 - We need to make sure of the purity of our own garments, so that we may be amongst those few that walk with God in white, even if those around us fail to do so. This is very important aspect of working out our own salvation. If we have people around us that are dragging us down to a lower spiritual lifestyle, then we should notice that and readjust our lives back to where we know they should be. Matt.10:11, Luke 20:35, 21:26, 2Thess.1:5.

3 v.4 - 'a few .. in Sardis' The encouragement is that the lord will have regard to even a few faithful brethren and sisters even if they are in the midst of a spiritually dead environment. This is rather like the way in which Yahweh delivered Lot [Genesis 19:16] even though only a handful were concerned about the evil of Sodom.

4 v.1 - The fact that the Father is willing to show us 'things that will be hereafter' is a wonderful privilege. It places us in the same position as Abraham when Yahweh was about to destroy Sodom. [Genesis 18:17] where He said that he would not hide the matter from Abraham because He knew that he would command his children to observe His commandments.

ch 3

The prophecy in Isaiah speaks of the way in which Gentiles will bless the Jews in the kingdom. This blessing is here ascribed to the glorified saints also.

ch 4

Ezekiel 1 speaks of the glorified Jesus. Exodus 28 describes the breastplate. We must, therefore, see a link between the risen Christ and the breastplate of judgment.

"WAKE UP!"

In the parable of the ten virgins we find that while they were waiting for the bridegroom to come, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. When the bridegroom arrived at midnight they all woke up. The point I want to emphasise is that they all slept - not just some of them. If this speaks to those of us waiting for Jesus to return, then we need to watch ourselves that we don't fall into too deep a sleep.

Jesus found one of his churches asleep too. Some of the people in that church were so soundly asleep that they were about to die! His message to them was this: "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die." (Revelation 3 v 2). We all need that wake up call occasionally because there is no way we can prepare for the return of Jesus if we are sleeping. Jesus told Peter, James and John that the best way to stay awake was to watch and pray. (Mark 14 v 38). So let's wake up from our sleep, exercise our sleepy spiritual muscles, watch ourselves so that we don't fall asleep again, watch for the signs of the return of Jesus, and pray that we will not fall into temptation.

This is your wake up call. Wake Up! Overcome your sleep and be ready for Jesus when he comes.

3:16 'Spue thee out …' quotes Leviticus 18:25. So just as the land would spue Israel out if they were unfaithful we are liable to be rejected and barred from the kingdom.

4:11 Do we share the sentiments of the four and twenty elders creatures?

Rev 4:3. The jasper and the sardine stones identify the one sitting on the throne. The jasper is a clear, sky-blue stone, which would be the divine nature of Christ. The sardine stone is flesh colored, which shows the nature of Christ, being a decadence of Adam.

3:4 In saying thou has a few names even in Sardis we hear again of brethren being called names as they are so called in , Acts 1:15. So, I conclude, this was a normal way of speaking of brethren and sisters.

4:1 Whilst John was shown many things in the Revelation there are only two occasions - here and Rev 21:9 where he is told I will shew thee so isn't it fitting that the culmination is the bride, the lamb's wife?

3:1-4 The ecclesia at Sardis came in for criticism.  However, there were a few faithful members of that ecclesia.  The profile of Sardis is not unlike that of many ecclesias today.  The faithful did not run away and form a new ecclesia, but stayed and acted as watchmen (Eze 33).  We must follow this example.  It is wrong to withdraw ourselves and form another ecclesia just because it is not living up to our standards.  This is judgemental and divisive.  We must stay and try to help our spiritually weak brethren.  

3:1 We might think the comment ‘I know thy works’ might cause concern in the minds of the brethren and sisters in Sardis. How do we fare? Have we just got a name or do our actions justify the ‘name’

4:3  Jasper and sardius are the first and last stone listed in the stones of the breastplate – Exo 39:10-13

4:3 The rainbow was given as a token of God's covenant with mankind (Gen 9:11-16). It is seen in the sky when the sun's rays are seen through the rain, midst, or spray. The rainbow is used as a symbol of God's purpose to establish peace on earth. Within the rainbow are seven main colours, seven, of course is the number of completeness. The rainbow is a complete symbol of the time when there will be manifested "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and goodwill towards men" (Luke 2:14). The rainbow was given to Noah as a symbol of God's everlasting covenant with all flesh that is upon the earth.

SLEEPING ON THE JOB
 
Sometimes we need the wake up call. Driving along a lonely highway at night we can get drowsy and the flash of light, a near miss, or the toot of a horn will give us the wake up call we need to refocus our attention and complete our journey in safety. In a relationship the wake up call to our lethargy can come in the drastic action of someone close to us that makes us aware of a situation and gives us the motivation to act to repair the damage.
 
At times  the wake up call is needed when we find ourselves sleep walking through our religious commitments. Attending classes, reading the Bible, praying at routine times, and the small chat after church, can all begin to seem monotonous as the routine continues week after week and even year after year. But just as we cannot afford to let ourselves sleep behind the wheel of a car or have our marriage break up because of inattention, so the results spell disaster if we fall into spiritual sleep.
 
Jesus said this: "But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you." (Rev 3:3) Sleeping on the job for Christ means a broken relationship with him and loss of life. So let's take his advice and "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die ... He who overcomes will ... be dressed in white. I will never blot his name out of the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels." (v.2,5)

Continuing from yesterday the idea of themes in the letters:

The letter to Sardis has Jesus with the Spirit of God, alluding back to Isa 11:1-5 - he has the abilities to discern people's hearts, so that he is able to see what others don't, and to reward them accordingly.

The letter to Philadelphia says Jesus is "holy & true" & has the key of David - these ideas tie in to the idea of the people set apart as the temple of God/the new Jerusalem, who are kings & priests with Jesus, & have his name.

The letter to Laodicea introduces the idea of the supremacy of Jesus, which those who love him will become part of, but those who reject him are cast away from his presence.

3:20 The knocking at the door and opening of the same alludes to the bride’s response to the groom in Song 5:2

3:19    In saying that God chastens those He loves attention is being drawn to Prov 3:11

COLD OR HOT - A TEST

How would you rate your enthusiasm for the Lord? We could probably break our lives down into sections as we consider this, and give ourselves a score out of ten for each section.

1. How keen are we to read the Bible each day?
2. How much of our day do we spend in praise?
3. What priority do we put on regular prayer?
4. Do we go out of our way to reach others for Christ?
5. Do we spend time encouraging other believers?
6. Do we make attending meetings with other believers a priority?
7. Are we committed to personally growing in the Lord?
8. Do we value God above other relationships, circumstance and passions in our lives?
9. Are we determined to learn the truth that God wants us to know?
10. Does being a Christian make a difference in every area of our lives?

If we give each question a score from 1 to 10, then we can easily see whether we need to improve in certain areas. In any score less than 10, we have room for improvement. We need to strive for the best and grow our enthusiasm to 100%.

Jesus said to the believers in Laodicea, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were one or the other." (Rev 3:15)

Let's aim to be hot for Jesus.

3:10 ‘the word of my patience’ might seem a strange way to speak but we see it speaks of the commandments of Jesus – Rev 14:12. So we remember that serving God is not designed to be something that is quickly and easily developed. Rather it is something that is achieved over a period of time.

There are several different ways to understand many of the symbols in Scripture, but Rev 3:17,18 presents us with few problems. The ecclesia at Laodicea was lukewarm. It was not very keen (hot) or very refreshing (cold). It satisfied neither appetite, and was ready to be discarded by Christ. The members (no doubt representing other ecclesias around the world in John’s days), thought they had no needs. They were rich and increased in goods. So the Lord counselled them to buy of Him tried gold, white raiment, and eyesalve. These commodities probably represent tried faith; pure clothing (as in the atonement); and open eyes for spiritual discernment.  We all need these, don’t we?

3:1 The seven spirits have already been seen in 1:4.  There is only one Spirit (Eph 4:4).  Seven is an adjective denoting completeness.  And so, the seven spirits are showing several different parts that complete a whole (just like the seven different colours of the spectrum, which when combined, form white light).  The one Spirit, therefore, is the culmination of all true spirits in Christ.  The saints who will be with Jesus in the Kingdom are these spirits.  Eventually, the multitude of sanctified ones will be manifested as one with Jesus and His Father (1Cor 15:28).  

3:2 The elders (leaders) of the ecclesia at Sardis are told to strengthen the things which remain.  The spiritual standards of the ecclesia were slipping and, if not rectified, the ecclesia would die as a spiritual entity.  The onus for spiritual success of any ecclesia is on its leadership (1Pet 5:1-3).

3:9 Satan means adversary.  Satan should not be capitalised to make it a personal noun. This is a liberty taken by the translators, as the Greek text has no capitals.  And so, the synagogue of Satan simply means the synagogue of the adversary (See also 2:9). 

This adversary was a community of Jews who still adhered to the Law of Moses instead of completely to the Commands of Christ.  These Judaizers tried to force other followers of Jesus to follow the Law, and be circumcised, for example.  But Jesus fulfilled the Law, and so these rituals etc. were not necessary.  Jesus wanted liberated spiritual followers not prisoners of the Law (Rom 2:28,29).

3:15 Nobody can be indifferent to the Truth.  Either one is a (complete) follower of Jesus, or one is not.  There are no half-measures.  Eternal life depends upon full commitment. 

4:3 We, on earth, see only half a rainbow, but a rainbow seen from the heavens is a complete circle.  Jesus is the Sun of righteousness (Mal 4:2).  He is pure light. The seven (diverse) colours of the (complete) rainbow combine to make white (pure) light.  The immortalised saints are represented by the rainbow (See note on 3:1).

4:4 The twenty-four thrones (ESV) are positions of authority, and the twenty-four elders (ESV) are those in authority. This symbolism refers to the restored order that was extant under David’s leadership (Consider1Chron 24:4; 25:1,31).  Remember, that in the Kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne of David (Luke 1:32,33).

4:6-8 The four living creatures correspond to the four living creatures of Ezekiel's vision (Eze 1).  Each beast corresponds to one of the Major Prophets and to one of the gospel accounts (See my note on Ezekiel Ch.1, for Sept. 5). 

True followers believe in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, which understanding is contained in the accounts of the prophets and the gospels.  Therefore, the eyes on the living creatures represent the redeemed saints who will forever worship Yahweh.

3:12 The ‘name of the city’ is the New Jerusalem. But notice God has changed names before Abram became Abraham because of the purpose of God. God’s plan was enshrined in his name. Likewise ourselves. The name change will come when Christ returns but do our lives now show that we deserve the name change?

3:1   The recurring ‘I know thy works’ should make us very reflective of our actions. It is not easy to realise all the time that the God who made us and called us to the kingdom of His son whom we cannot see can see us at all times.

3:7     The way that Jesus introduces himself here as ‘one that is true’ echoes the ‘faithful’ of Rev 1:5

4:3     Developing a point made previously the “jasper” was the last stone spoken of in the breastplate and “sardine” stone was the first stone listed in the order of stones in the breastplate – Exo 39:10, 13 In this we see the first and the last – but the first is last and the last first.

3:1     The way in which Jesus describes himself here echoes the description of Jesus in Rev 1:4

Rev 3:14-16.

4:9-11  In figure all creation is seen glorifying God. John had been transported, in spirit, to a vision of the kingdom of God when God’s plan will be complete. 

Rev 4:2-5;Rev 19:1-7 - the 24 elders along with other similarities in both passages.

Rev 4:6;Rev 15:2 - sea of glass in both passages.  Rev 22:1 - "a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the lamb."

Rev 3:2 Our faith has the potential to grow, but have you considered it also has the potential to wither and die? It's analogous to a plant that needs nurture, watering and pruning. Have we been receiving the pure water of the word? Have we allowed God to prune us by submitting to Him in adversity? Have we placed ourselves among nurturing brothers and sisters?

3:11    In saying “I come quickly” Jesus is not saying “soon” as if he is  giving a time frame by which the date of his return can be calculated. “Quickly” is describing the method of his return. When he returns there will be no delay.

Rev 3:15,16

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot… So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

What is the greatest challenge the ecclesia faces today as we witness turmoil and tumult engulf a large portion of our world? Since the rise to prominence of a radical Islamic group known by the acronyms ISIS or ISIL, Christians who would not convert to their radical beliefs were brutally slaughtered and continue to be slaughtered by the thousands. So, while this may lead us to think that persecution is the greatest challenge we may face, it is not persecution, but prosperity that results in lukewarmness (v. 17).

We live in a consumer-oriented, materialistic, hedonistic society bent on pleasing self. Compared to some portions of the world, most of us are accustomed to very high levels of luxury by way of our comforts, pleasures, and securities. We have this mistaken notion that happiness comes from accomplishments, recognitions, material possessions, and the like. These are notions we must reject. Scripture clearly teaches that the real issues of life are spiritual and are really matters of the heart, the inner man, and spiritual life in all its various aspects (cf. Exo 9:14; Prov 4:23). Like the human heart, our spiritual life is central and vital to our existence.

The letter to the Laodiceans lacks commendation because they were lukewarm. They were “neither cold nor hot.” Why would Jesus prefer hot or cold, each with their own positive characteristics, if traditionally it is understood to be metaphorical of their lack of spiritual fervour and half-hearted commitment to Christ? Cold and hot have negative characteristics too. Spiritually speaking, “cold” refers to those totally indifferent to the Word; “hot” refers to the preachers who are hot on fire, the over-zealous who preach “hell-fire and brimstone” and consider themselves full of holy zeal.  While these preach from the Bible, there is no truth in them, and their heart is not in the Word.  

However, Christ is not addressing the hot or cold, he is addressing the true believers who took on his name and became half-hearted and lukewarm. These are the ones that received his condemnation. Imagine how loathsome, insulting, and nauseating such are to Christ that they make him want to vomit! Christ would rather have us cold or hot, to be out-and-out against him, then pretend to love and follow him. Lukewarmness has caused more harm to us than any drug pusher ever could. G. Campbell Morgan wrote in A First Century Message to Twentieth Century Christians, p. 215: “… He (Christ) loathes the unimpassioned regularity of the man who professes to believe the facts which constitute evangelical faith, and does not yield himself to the great claims lying within these truths. Lukewarmness is the worst form of blasphemy.” I will add that this is also hypocrisy.

The lukewarm are the last to see that they are lukewarm (cf. Mal 1:6,7,11-13). These will find those enthusiastic and hungry for the Word as “odd,” “extreme,” “judgmental” and even “merciless.” They are certain of their salvation by clinging on to God’s grace, and see no need to change. But, God’s grace is extended to only those who love Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength (Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37; Mark 12:30,31; Luke 10:27).

God and Christ look on the heart; they search our innermost being (1Sam 16:7; Jer 17:9,10). We may deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive God and Christ. It is very important to have a right heart because the issues of life - our actions, words, works, and pursuits all proceed from it (cf. Matt 6:21; 12:34; 15:18). What we do in word and deed is first of all a product of what we are inside. When Christ knocks on our door, he knocks on our heart’s door. He does not force his will on us; no, he wants us to open the door to him and let him in (Rev 3:18-22). Christ extends his mercy to the lukewarm in giving them space to repent, but if they refuse to believe and accept that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, to such his grace will not be extended (cf. Rev 2:21,22; Rev 3:17).

4:5      That there were lightnings thunder and voices is like when the law of Moses was given – Exo 19:16

4:9        regularly in Revelation we read of “beasts”. On most occasions the term is simply speaking of living creatures.

4:1      The invitation to be shown things is developed specifically in chapter 6:1,3,5,7 where John is invited to “come and see”

Rev 3:1

“… I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

This is the ultimate oxymoron - two words that are contradictory, yet fit together. In addressing the Sardis ecclesia, Christ let them know their ecclesia was filled with corpses! The ecclesia appeared alive, but was spiritually dead! If they wanted those spiritual embers aflame again, they needed to wake up, be watchful, hold fast, and repent, (vv. 2,3). When Christ returns to this intoxicated and insane generation, may he find us with our lights brightly burning and ready to go out to meet him.

“THIS is a verdict which only a divine discernment could pronounce, but the fact that such a verdict should be applicable to any ecclesia (especially one existing at the end of the first century) is suggestive of grave reflections for all, as intended. A name to live is a reputation for spiritual life. Men are liable to work for a reputation. This is in fact the very inspiration in our age of public life of all sorts, and it is liable to intrude into the realms of divine truth. To have a ‘name to live’ is with some an object of ambition and a motive of effort. That there should be some susceptibility to reputation is legitimate, but it is a dangerous incentive, and should be kept in a very small place. Suppose you succeed in establishing ‘a name to live,’ what then? You have in all likelihood only made a snare for yourselves—for it is a name or reputation with whom? Very likely with those who see on the surface; with those who cannot recognize genuine life; with those whose standing is false; for this is the character of the bulk of mankind, professing or non-professing. If this be the case you are likely to be drawn to the doing of the kind of things that will perpetuate it with them, and thus you will be held in the wrong line of things. Or, if it is otherwise, you will be led to act the part of the hypocrites in the doing of things for the reputation thereof, and not for the inherent character thereof. The best plan is to be on the whole heedless of the name of the thing, and to be bent on the thing itself. What is this? Why to be really alive, whether men know it or not.”

Robert Roberts

“Whatever is not of the truth is defiling before God. Every ‘reasoning,’ lofty conception, and thought not according to the knowledge of God, is polluting, and engenders disobedience and apostasy. The faith is perverted, and the practice marred. Such was the condition of the presbytery in Sardis—defiled by human tradition and dead; a type of all ‘Christendom’ at this day.” Dr. John Thomas, 1861.

Rev 3:14-18

“… I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot…”

 “A TRIED faith comes forth of tribulation, not of worldly prosperity, which is only calculated to pervert, weaken, and corrupt. The Spirit therefore counselled them to buy a tried faith, which could only be purchased in those days at the cost of ‘much tribulation,’ which ‘worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope that maketh not ashamed.’ To become subject to the tribulation they had only to ‘contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints,’ which would put them in antagonism with the world without, and the lusts of flesh within. They would most likely find themselves stripped of everything, and reduced to an humble dependence on the goodness and bounty of God. To buy a tried faith, then, would be the fruit of zeal, and of a change of mind, and the cause of their justification or investment with the ‘white garments’ of righteousness.

But to arrive at this most desirable anti-Laodicean state, it was necessary that the eyes of their understandings be anointed with the unction of the Spirit, that they might perceive what, with all their piety and wealth, they were perfectly blind to. The Spirit’s eye-salve is the Word of the testimony contained in the writings of the prophets and apostles. If they would work this into their eyes, ‘anoint’ them well with it, they would be brought to see how wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked they really were.” Dr. John Thomas, EUREKA, Vol. 1, pp. 413,414

The apostle Paul wrote in 1Cor 15:34, “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” It is a matter of life and death that we have knowledge according to the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is not confined to the New Testament, otherwise, there would have been no need for the Old (2Tim 3:16).  

All this, of course, comes at a cost, a cost the early ecclesia experienced and recorded in Holy Writ, which Brother Thomas soon learned in his defense for the Truth (cf. 2Tim 3:12) - persecutions coming not just from without (world), but also from within (ecclesia), and so with the saints of God ever since. The tragedy of this Laodicean Age is we prefer to sit on the premises instead of standing on the promises!

Rev 4:6

“… and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts were full of eyes before and behind.”

“THE Four Carpenters, the Four Chariots, the Four Spirits of the heaven, the Four Cherubim of Ezekiel, and the Four Living Ones of the Apocalypse, are all symbolical of the same class of agents—the Eternal Spirit post-resurrectionally corporealised in Jesus and his Brethren, and constituting the aggregate, YAHWEH ELOHIM (Deut 28:58). The manifestation of Deity in the chariots and horses is the last of the symbolical visions granted to Zechariah illustrative of ‘the time of the end.’ They leave him in contemplation of ‘the man whose name is the Branch, sitting and ruling upon the throne as a priest, and bearing the glory’; in other words, he sees the kingdom of David in glorious manifestation, with his descendant occupying the throne; and constituting what the Apocalypse styles ‘the Kingdom of the Lord and of his Anointed.’ This kingdom is the point of convergence whether we take up our position with Zechariah in Jerusalem, or with John in Patmos. The latter does, indeed, tell us a few particulars of what shall transpire at ‘the end, when the Son shall deliver up the kingdom to the Father’ (1Cor 15:24), but with these excepted, the grand development of the Apocalypse, in common with all the prophets, is the kingdom of God.”

Dr. John Thomas, Eureka, Vol. 1, p. 83

Four Chariots: Zech 6:1; Four Carpenters: Zech 1:20; Four Spirits: Zech 6:5; Four Cherubim: Eze 10:14

4:11    We should appreciate that God created everything for His pleasure. The origin of the universe and everything was not a random event. Nor even the one off action of God. He is continually involved in His creation for His pleasure. Ultimately to fill the whole earth with His glory – Hab 2:14

3:8 the “open door” contrasts with the cherubim that blocked access into the Garden of Eden – Gen 3:24

Rev 4:3

“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone…”

Twelve stones were placed on the High Priest’s breastplate of judgment (Exo 28:15,29,30). They represented the 12 sons of Jacob and in Hebrew they read from right to left. Jasper was the last stone on the High Priest’s breastplate of judgment. Jasper was ascribed to the tribe of Benjamin. His name means, “The son of my right hand.” Sardine or Sardius, was the first stone on the breastplate. This stone represented the tribe of Reuben. Reuben means, “Behold a son.” But, here in Rev 4:3, jasper is mentioned first and sardine is mentioned last! Why?

“Jasper is the spirit symbol… The glory and light of the New Jerusalem community are likened to ‘a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal’ (Rev 21:11)… The other gem is named in Hebrew Adm… By the invention of the Masorites, instead of being pronounced adam, it is pronounced odem, and on being translated into the Greek, the Seventy rendered it by sardion, because found about Sardis. It is a carnelian, and so called from its colour having a resemblance to that of flesh—a gem, therefore, fitly symbolical of the Adam element of the one sitting upon the throne.”

EUREKA, by Brother John Thomas, Vol. IIa, p. 18

This verse in referencing Christ is, therefore, fitting that the last stone, jasper, the spirit symbol, is now first, and the first stone, the carnelian, representing the days of his flesh, last.  The Father called him, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17; Luke 3:22; 2Pet 1:17), “the son of the Highest” (Mark 5:7; Luke 1:32), and when Christ was raised from the dead, the “The son of my right hand”  (Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55,56; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1), sits at the right hand of the Father, through whom only we may, someday, become “jasper stones.”

LIVE YOUR GOOD REPUTATION

"These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds, you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (Rev 3:1).

Yes, I know what this is like. You can meet with other believers, do wonderful prayers in public, say the right things, add the right words into your emails and look all righteous, but your heart is not in it. Everyone who looks at you sees a devoted Christian who is an amazing example to everyone. But underneath it's really just a hollow shell. Other things have taken your time and energy, your prayer life is feeling miserable, and you can't seem to hear God speak in your Bible readings. I know what that's like.

But don't throw everything out yet, believing you are just a hypocrite and no good for anything. Jesus carried on. Listen,"Wake up! strengthen what remains and is about to die ... Remember ... what you have received and heard, obey it, and repent." (v.2-3).

Don't choose the easy way out. You are better than that. Instead, pick up your game, wake up, repent, and obey, to become the man or woman of God that your reputation says you are.
 

3:1-4 The letter to Sardis draws on the example of Noah and the Flood:

3:5 Jesus is quoting his own words which are recorded inMatt 10:32.

4:1 Notice it is a “door” not a “window” The activities in “heaven” are private and accessible only by invitation. The privileged are given insights into what God was planning. These things are hidden from the vast majority of the world’s population. This realisation should cause us to be keenly interested in what He is planning.

Today’s readings.. (1Sam 1), (Isa 46), (Rev 3)

 The messages that were sent to the 7 different communities of believers detailed in Ch. 2 & 3 of Revelation are remarkable.  We conclude that these are representative of the various types of communities of believers that have existed ever since that era.   One particular message caught our attention today, the words that were written to Sardis (Rev 3:1).  You “have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” – what a message!   But, the message also includes, “you still have a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments (of righteousness), and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”Rev 3:5.  Of such, Jesus says, “I will confess his name before my father” [ Rev 3:5.   What will Jesus “confess”?  What is a “name”?  We recall the promise God made to King David, “I will make for you a great name, like the names of the great ones of the earth” [2Sam 7:9].  This is “name” in the sense of reputation or fame, as many modern versions translate it.   Quite a number of Scriptures tell us how God made a name for himself, we will soon read an example of this in Isa 63:12-14