A Fammine For the Word

Amos 8:11-14

About 750 B.C., an obscure farmer and shepherd was called by God to be a prophet.... The man’s name was Amos. His mission: to warn Israel of God’s coming judgment if they did not repent! Sadly, the nation did not heed the call to repent.... As a result, they were led into Assyrian captivity. Part of Amos’ prophecy that was fulfilled concerned an unusual famine that would come upon the people: A Famine For The Word Of God! - Amo 8:11-14‘"Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "when I will send a famine on the land-- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it. "In that day the lovely virgins and the young men shall faint for thirst. Those who swear by the Guilt of Samaria, and say, 'As your god lives, O Dan,' and, 'As the Way of Beersheba lives,' they shall fall, and never rise again."’Today, there is also a famine for the Word of God.... Different in some ways, yet similar in other ways, and producing similar results!

In our study today, we will compare the present-day famine with the one foretold by Amos... In the present day famine, how different is it? The present famine for the Word of God was not sent by God. On the contrary, it is evident God has provided for a “feast”, not a “famine”! We enjoy an abundance of Bibles. Never before in the history of mankind has the world enjoyed such free access to God’s Word. Indeed, today’s famine for the Word of God is self-imposed! Despite such access to the Bible, the following “Diary Of The Bible” illustrates what is often so true:

January: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks. I’m now forgotten.

February: My owner used me for a few minutes last week. He had an argument and was checking references.

March: Grandpa visited us. He kept me on his lap for an hour, reading 1 Cor 13.

April: I had a busy day. My owner was appointed a leader of something and used me. I got to go to church the first time this year...Easter Sunday.

May: I have a few grass stains on my pages. Had some early spring flowers pressed in me.

June: I look like a scrap book. They have stuffed me full of clippings. One of the girls got married.

July: They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we’re off on a vacation. I wish I could stay at home, as I will have to stay in this thing for a month.

August: Still in the suitcase.

September: Back home again, and in my old place. I have lots of company. Two “True Stories” and four “Funny Books” are on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they are.

October: They used me a little today. One of them is sick. Right now I’m all shined up and in the center of the table...I think the preacher is coming.

November: Back in my old place.

December: They are getting ready for Christmas. I’ll be covered under wrapping papers and packages.

Why is there this present-day famine for the Word of God? The answer may be found as we compare this famine with the one foretold by Amos and notice how similar it is. The present famine is the result of similar causes, such as, material luxury. In Amos’ day, this became the cause of pride which God hated - Amo 6:1-8‘"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! Pass over to Calneh, and see, and from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Or is their territory greater than your territory, O you who put far away the day of disaster and bring near the seat of violence? "Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away." The Lord GOD has sworn by himself, declares the LORD, the God of hosts: "I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds, and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it."’

Their luxury prompted them to “put far off the day of doom” in their minds (i.e., they did not want to think about the future). God had warned Israel that it might cause some to forget God - Deu 8:11-14‘"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery,”, 17“Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'”Likewise, Jesus warned that riches could choke those who had received the Word- Lk 8:14“And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”

Today, many in their search for wealth forget about God. Others have so filled their time enjoying their luxuries, they have no time for the Word of God. For example, consider the moral corruption around us. Consider how corrupt the people had become in the days of Amos - Amo 2:6-7“Thus says the LORD: "For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals-- those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned;”Who can deny that immorality is having its effect on the church today?The world’s standards often become the standards of those in the church. When this happens, people will not want to feed upon the Word of God. If they did, it would make them very uncomfortable, because of its ability to reveal our true selves - He 4:12-13“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Consider religious corruption, even within the church. The people of Israel couldn’t wait for religious days to be over - Amo 8:4-10“Hear this, you who trample on the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end, saying, "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances, that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and sell the chaff of the wheat?" The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. Shall not the land tremble on this account, and everyone mourn who dwells in it, and all of it rise like the Nile, and be tossed about and sink again, like the Nile of Egypt?" "And on that day," declares the Lord GOD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.”Today, many people can’t wait for services to be over so they can work or play. If they are unwilling to spend time in sincere worship it is easy to see why they won’t take time to feed daily on God’s word!

Dare To Be a Daniel - Cont.

Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10

Having laid out the character and principles of Daniel from our text we will continue this lesson in a second part noting some lessons we can learn and apply to our Christian walk.

People admire persons of principle. Outwardly they may ridicule them, but inwardly they wish they had the same intestinal fortitude. And when they need someone that can be trusted, and depended upon to carry through with an assigned task, who do you think they will turn to? God also admires individuals who will stand by their principles, and by their words – Psa 15:1-5 “O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”

Our society is in great need of people with principle. Those who “Dare To Be A Daniel”, and demonstrate by example the value of being led by “principle” rather than by “price”, are not only highly valued by God but also by their fellow man.

But having purpose and principle is not all...another element for true success is needed. What that element is can be seen when we observe that Daniel was a man of purity. His opponents could not find any fault. He was faultless when it came to management of his business affairs - Dan 6:1-4 “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.” This would help to explain his rise to positions of great responsibility and power. Of course, his purity in business affairs was related to his overall purpose to please God first and the fact that as a man of principle he could be trusted.

The Christian is also to maintain purity of conduct. Whether young or old - 1 Ti 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”; Ti 2:6-8 “Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Whether slave or free - Ti 2:9-10 “Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” People who maintain purity in their dealings with others are often given positions of great responsibility and privilege, because they can be trusted to use them wisely.

Yes, Daniel was a man of purpose, principle, and purity (and how the world needs more like him!). But the element that likely tied all these together in such a way to receive blessings from God and favor from man is the fact that Daniel was a man of prayer. What follows is just a glimpse of his “prayer life”. - Dan 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” He knelt in prayer, a demonstration of his humility. He prayed three times daily, a demonstration of his continual dependence upon God. He gave thanks in the midst of persecution, a demonstration of his gratitude and the fact that he had not lost sight of God’s blessings. His prayers were a “custom since early days”, demonstrating his persistence and faithfulness in his service to God -- Is it not likely that his “custom” to pray so diligently helped him to remain a man of purpose, principle and purity, despite his rise to power and preeminence over the empire?

Christians would do well to follow Daniel’s example. “Let us learn the lesson that the finest of God’s servants must maintain regular and fixed prayer habits in order to continue steadfast in devotion to the Lord.” (Strauss). As Christians, we too are to pray often - 1 Th 5:17-18 “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”; Co 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” If our efforts to live purposeful, principled, and pure lives are not what they should be, could an undisciplined “prayer life” be the reason? Are we willing to “Dare To Be A Daniel” in regards to prayer?

There is a false assumption that to “get ahead” in this world one must conform to the sinful practices of the world. But even today there are many Christians who demonstrate that when one “dares to be a Daniel” they can succeed in the affairs of men without selling their souls to the world. How about you? Will you “Dare To Be A Daniel” by becoming a person of Purpose, Principle, Purity, and Prayer?

Dare To Be a Daniel

Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10

The Bible is filled with accounts of many godly men and women who are worthy of our emulation. One such person is Daniel, a man who obtained preeminence and power in his lifetime:

He started out preeminent among the children of Israel - Dan 1:3-6 “Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.”

He gained preeminence among the wise of men of Babylon - Dan 1:17-20 “As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.”

He was given power over all of Babylon - Dan 2:48-49 “Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king's court.”; 5:29 “Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

He received similar power over the Medo-Persian empire - Dan 6:1-3 “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”, 28 “So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”

How was Daniel able to reach these positions of power and influence without compromising his position as a godly man? A close look at the book of Daniel reveals his secret, and shows how we too can be successful without selling our souls.

First, we notice that even as a young teen-ager Daniel was a man of purpose. “Daniel purposed in his heart” - Dan 1:8 “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” A young boy in a strange land, Daniel was immediately faced with a challenge to violate God’s law by eating the king’s food. Despite his youth and the obvious pressures to conform, Daniel “purposed in his heart” to uphold the law of God, no matter the cost. Because of his willingness to put God first, God granted Daniel favor in the sight of others - Dan 1:9 “And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,” How God did this is not explained, but it happened in the case of Joseph also - see Gen 39:1-4; 21-23. By putting God first, God blessed Joseph in such a way that favorably impressed others.

Every child of God needs to be a person of purpose. No one respects a “wishy-washy” person, someone with no direction in their lives. Whereas a person with a strong sense of purpose often breeds respect and admiration in others. What should be the “purpose” of the Christian? Jesus makes it clear in Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” For example, to seek the will of God and fulfill it in our lives, no matter the circumstances. As Jesus promised, this will guarantee God’s favor toward us and in turn likely gain us favor in the eyes of those around us. Will you “dare to be a Daniel” and be a person with a purpose like he had? No matter how young or old one may be, it is never too early or too late to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”!

Throughout his life, Daniel not only had a strong sense of purpose, but Daniel was a man of principle. He refused to compromise his convictions. As a young man, by refusing to eat the king’s meat or drink his wine - Dan 1:8 “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” As an old man, by refusing the gifts of Belshazzar - Dan 5:13-17 “Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, "You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom." Then Daniel answered and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.” He refused to compromise his convictions under the threat of persecution, by refusing to obey the decree of Darius - Dan 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

Having laid out the character and principles of Daniel from our text we will continue this lesson in a second part noting some lessons we can learn and apply to our Christian walk.

Remember Shiloh!

Jeremiah 7:1-15

In the days of Jeremiah (ca. 600 B.C.), the people of Judah faced difficult times.... The northern kingdom of Israel was history, taken into Assyrian captivity. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had defeated Assyria, and was making his way into Judah. The people of Judah had developed a false trust.... One condemned by the Lord through His prophet Jeremiah. One which we do well to remember and avoid today.

We read of that false trust and how the LORD responded to it in Jer 7:1-15... The false trust of Judah was trusting in the temple to excuse their failure to fully serve the Lord - Jer 7:1-7. Jeremiah was commission to preach in the temple - Jer 7:1-2 “The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD.” Calling for repentance when the city was in danger of being destroyed by Babylonian forces - Jer 7:3 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.” Their trust was in the fact that the temple was in Jerusalem.

1) Their attitude: “We are safe; surely the Lord will not allow His temple to be destroyed!”

2) As implied by the threefold statement “The temple of the Lord...!” - Jer 7:4 “Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'”

The Lord required more than rituals involving temple worship and outward piety:

1) Repentance and service was to be done “thoroughly” (truly, NASB) - Jer 7:5a ‘"For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds,”

2) Affecting their individual and daily dealings with people - Jer 7:5b-6 “if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm,”

Such true service would spare them from Babylonian captivity - Jer 7:7 “then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.” The false trust of Judah was trusting in the temple to excuse their obvious sins - Jer 7:8-11. Again, theirs was a false trust - Jer 7:8 ‘"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail.” Blatantly transgressing the Law - Jer 7:9 “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known,” Then going to the temple, believing that such excused their conduct - Jer 7:10 “and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'--only to go on doing all these abominations?” Yet the Lord could see through their hypocrisy - Jer 7:11 “Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD.”

The Lord’s response to the folly of such a false trust was: “Remember Shiloh!” - Jer 7:12 “Go now to my place that was in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel.” The place where the tabernacle had once been - Josh 18:1 “Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them.” Where the ark of the covenant had been captured by the Philistines - 1 Sam 4:10-11. God would do likewise with Jerusalem and the temple - Jer 7:13-15, because of their failure to heed His prophets - Jer 7:13 “And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and when I spoke to you persistently you did not listen, and when I called you, you did not answer,”. What happened at Shiloh would happen at Jerusalem - Jer 7:14 “therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name, and in which you trust, and to the place that I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh.” They would be taken into captivity, just like Ephraim (Israel) - Jer 7:15 “And I will cast you out of my sight, as I cast out all your kinsmen, all the offspring of Ephraim.”; and 52:12-30.

In 1 Co 10:11-12, we’re told that God’s dealings with Israel were written for our admonition. With the very real danger of falling, what application can we draw from our text in Jeremiah? Perhaps one about the false trust some Christians have. Let’s first look at trusting in the church. Could we have a false trust as “members” of the church which Christ built? Like the Jews who cried “The Temple of the Lord...” There may be those who cry “The Church of Christ...” Acting (and perhaps believing) that membership excuses negligence and inactive service with an attitude based on faulty reasoning? For example, the church will be saved, I am a “member”, so I will be saved. As long as I am a “member”, I can get by. Yet remember the parable of the tares - Mt 13:41-43 “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.” One may be in the kingdom (church) now, but cast out of the kingdom (church) at the last day. Salvation is dependent on individual allegiance, not group association! - Jn 15:2 “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Then there are those that disregard the consequences of sinful actions. Like the Jews who disobeyed God, then claimed exemption? Such as, living in the world, then going to “church”? Engaging in immorality, worldliness, but being a “faithful member”? God has not changed! His grace demands holy living - Ti 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” Despise His grace, expect His wrath! - He 10:26-31 “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Salvation is dependent upon God’s grace, not church ritual!

The Lord’s response to the folly of such a false trust: “Remember Sardis!” - Re 3:1-6 ‘"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'” They had “a living name”, but that did not free them from the threat of condemnation - Re 3:1-3. As always, salvation was based on individual consecration - Re 3:4-6,

To the folly of such a false trust: “Remember Laodicea!” - Re 3:14-22. They had become “lukewarm” - Re 3:14-15 ‘"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” They were in danger of expulsion because of worldliness - Re 3:16-17 “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” They were in need of rebuke and chastening - Re 3:18-22 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

Like the Jews whose salvation from destruction depended upon wholehearted service to God, so our salvation depends on complete and faithful obedience to the will of Christ! We must avoid the fallacy of “virtue by association”, and remember that God has promised to do to us just as He did to Israel if we are not faithful - Ro 11:19-22 “Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”

Ask For The Old Paths - Cont.

Jeremiah 6:16

Having examined the text and looking at the paths that Jesus offers, in our previous portion of this lesson, there are man made “pathways” that would lead us astray. Such as the doctrines of men - Mt 15:9 “in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"’ Such as the philosophies of men - Co 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Often packaged as “new!” and “improved!”, such doctrines and philosophies fail to deliver what only the Lord truly offers (“rest for your souls”).

To ensure that we are not led astray, we need to set up signpost, making landmarks. This was the solution for Israel to set up road marks which would direct them back to the right way - Jer 31:21 ‘"Set up road markers for yourself; make yourself guideposts; consider well the highway, the road by which you went. Return, O virgin Israel, return to these your cities.” For them, these ‘signposts’ and ‘landmarks’ was the Law of Moses to which they were not to add or take way - Deu 4:1-2 ‘"And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” Which they were to teach to every generation - Deu 4:9 ‘"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children”

This is the same solution for us today. To set up road marks which lead us to the right way. For us, these ‘signposts’ and ‘landmarks’ are found in:

1) The apostles’ doctrine, received as God’s Word - Ac 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”; 1 Co 14:37 “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.”; 1 Th 2:13 “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

2) For they contain the doctrine of Christ, without which we cannot have God - 2 Jn 9 “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

Do you desire to have rest for your soul...? Freedom from sin, freedom from guilt? With inner peace and tranquility in the midst of outward turmoil? The path to such rest is an old path.... Found only in Him who lived and died for our sins nearly 2000 years ago. Whose doctrine has been faithfully preserved by His apostles in the New Testament.

If you are stumbling around in life, then “ask for the old paths” that will lead you back to God...!

Ask For The Old Paths

Jeremiah 6:16

The Old Testament is filled with many lessons for the Christians.... It was written for our learning - Ro 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” It was written for our admonition - 1 Co 10:11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” One such lesson is that found in the days of Jeremiah during a time of religious and social turmoil. The nation of Israel was being pulled in many directions. The Lord wanted to offer them rest for their souls - Jer 6:16 “Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”

Using the imagery of travelers who have lost their way, the Lord calls for them to ask for the old paths. The Lord makes His plea, “Stand in the ways and see” - Jer 6:16. There is not just one path. There are many directions one might follow. “Ask for the old paths” - Jer 6:16. The ‘old way’ is often the best way. Such is certainly the case here. “Where the good way is” - Jer 6:16. Not all paths lead to the ‘good way’. In this case, the old paths led back to the Law of Moses - Jer 7:22-24 “For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.”

Jesus makes a similar plea. To strive to enter the right path - Lk 13:24 ‘"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” With a gate that is narrow, and not easily entered; where there is only one way to the Father - Jn 14:6 “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”; Ac 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."’ For there are other, broad, ways that one might follow - Mt 7:13 ‘"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” A way that many follow. A way that leads to destruction. Yet the way Jesus offers is a ‘good way’. One that likewise offers rest for our souls - Mt 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” In this case, the way leads back to the words of Jesus - Mt 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

The words of Jesus are relatively “old” by today’s standards. What happened to Israel appears to be the case with many today. As described in Jer 18:15 “But my people have forgotten me; they make offerings to false gods; they made them stumble in their ways, in the ancient roads, and to walk into side roads, not the highway,”, they had stumbled from the ancient paths, to walk in other pathways. Why? Because they had forgotten God, “But my people have forgotten me” - Jer 18:15. Though God had revealed Himself and His will long before He had established a “highway” for them to follow, instead, they had turned into many of the side “pathways”.

God’s people face similar dangers today. Jesus established a “highway” for us to follow by His words, doctrine, commandments (‘learn from Me’) - Mt 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Communicated through His apostles - Mt 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."’ Aided by the Holy Spirit - Jn 16:12-13 ‘"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Which the early disciples were careful to follow - Ac 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Which the Christians were commanded to follow - 2 Th 2:15 “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”; 3:6 “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.” Yet there are man made “pathways” that would lead us astray. Such as the doctrines of men. We will examine this in the continuation of this lesson.

Two Great Evils - Cont.

Jeremiah 2:12-13

“Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

We will continue this lesson by asking some questions that apply to our Christian life and if neglected can lead us into evil also.

Dare we forget our God? Who through Jesus and His Spirit offers to us in this life:

1) A fountain springing up into everlasting life? - Jn 4:14 “The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."’

2) Rivers of living water flowing from our hearts? - Jn 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

Who through Jesus and His Spirit promises to us after this life:

1) To lead us to living fountains of water? - Re 7:17 “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

2) A pure river of water of life, proceeding from the throne of God? - Re 22:1 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

-- We face a very real possibility of departing from the living God! - He 3:12-14 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”

Forsaking our fountain of living water occurs when we substitute with it “broken cisterns” that promise but do not deliver.

Consider what Judah had done, hewing cisterns that hold no water. Israel had her broken cisterns; false gods like Baal and false prophets who spoke in the name of Baal - Jer 2:8 “The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.” Israel had a false sense of prosperity, of which God forewarned - Deu 8:11-17 ‘"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'”; Jer 2:6 “They did not say, 'Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?'” -- Israel foolishly left God for what were poor substitutes!

Are we hewing broken cisterns today...? We can be guilty of going after false gods today - Ep 5:5 “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”; Co 3:5 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Such as materialism and immorality, which is a form of idolatry. We can be guilty of heeding false prophets (teachers) - 2 Pe 2:1-3 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” False teachers who have lead us into denominationalism or sectarianism contrary to Jesus' prayer and the unity of the Spirit - Jn 17:20-21 ‘"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”; Ep 4:3-6 “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Others who offer false hopes: e.g., new agers, false religions, get rich quick schemers. We can be guilty of a false sense of prosperity - Re 3:17-18 “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” We can be guilty of believing we are spiritually secure when in reality we are in grave danger of falling - 1 Co 10:12 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” -- We can be guilty of leaving God for a poor substitute of true religion!

Adam Clarke, in his commentary, describes the two evils committed by Israel this way... “First, they forsook God, the Fountain of life, light, prosperity, and happiness.” “Secondly, they hewed out broken cisterns; they joined themselves to idols, from whom they could receive neither temporal nor spiritual good! Their conduct was the excess of folly and blindness.”

How much more would it be an excess of folly and blindness for us today.... To forsake God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, by neglecting our devotion and obedience to the Word of God! To spend more time drinking from “broken cisterns” (teachings and traditions of men), than from the fountain of living water (the living Word of God). May the unfortunate example of Judah serve as a warning as to where we get our “water”, and may we ever be open to the wonderful invitation extended at the end of the book of Revelation:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Re 22:17)

Are you drinking from “the water of life”, or from “broken cisterns that can hold no water”...?

Two Great Evils

Jeremiah 2:13

About 600 years before Christ, the nation of Judah was facing difficult times.... The northern kingdom of Israel was history, taken into Assyrian captivity. Manasseh and his son Amnon, very wicked kings, had led the nation into idolatry. Young Josiah, son and grandson of such kings, struggled to do what was right. In the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign, God called a young priest to be His prophet.... His name was Jeremiah - Jer 1:1-2 "The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.", 4-5 "Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."' A young man himself (about 20), he was hesitant to speak - Jer 1:6 "Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."' God did not accept his youth as an excuse - Jer 1:7-8 "But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD."' In his first assignment as God's prophet, Jeremiah was sent with a message to Jerusalem, recalling their past faithfulness - Jer 2:1-3 "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest. All who ate of it incurred guilt; disaster came upon them, declares the LORD."' Jeremiah was sent with a message to the house of Jacob and all the families of the house of Israel, bemoaning their apostasy into idolatry - Jer 2:4-11 "Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? They did not say, 'Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?' And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit. "Therefore I still contend with you, declares the LORD, and with your children's children I will contend. For cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see, or send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has been such a thing. Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit." Calling for the heavens to look on in astonishment and great fear, as God accused His people of committing two great evils... - Jer 2:12-13 "Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

Forsaking their God, the fountain of living waters:

1) "living water" was used to denote springs, fountains, running streams

2) As opposed to stale and stagnant water

Hewing for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water:

1) Cisterns were tanks for rain water, hewn (cut) out of stone

2) At best, they could only offer stagnant water

3) Broken with cracks, they could not even retain water

Could we be guilty of similar evils today? To God's dismay and our own peril, very much so! To see how, let's examine closer the "Two Great Evils" spoken of in Jer 2:13.

Forsaking the fountain of living waters Israel forsook her fountain. God was Israel's fountain of living waters. Who delivered her from Egyptian bondage - Jer 2:6. Who led her through the wilderness wanderings - Jer 2:6. Who brought her into the land of milk and honey - Jer 2:7. Israel forgot her God. Beginning with her own priests and rulers - Jer 2:8. From one generation to the next - Jer 2:9. Unlike other nations that were true to their gods - Jer 2:10-11a -- Israel had changed their Glory (God) into that which did not profit! - Jer 2:11b

Dare we forsake our fountain...? We have our fountain of living waters. Of which Jesus promised during His ministry:

1) To the Samaritan woman - Jn 4:13-14 "Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."'

2) To all who believe in Him - Jn 7:37-39 "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Of which Jesus later revealed to the apostle John:

1) Regarding our state between death and the resurrection - Re 7:13-17 "Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."'

2) Regarding our eternal destiny in the New Jerusalem - Re 22:1 "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb."

Could we be guilty of similar evils today? To God's dismay and our own peril, very much so! To see how, let's examine closer the "Two Great Evils" spoken of in Jer 2:13. In that there are more lessons and questions to ask ourselves from our primary text of Jeremiah 2:13. We will continue looking into these in our next lesson.

The Stability Of Your Times – Cont.

Isaiah 33:5-6

But what is the key to this treasure of wisdom, knowledge and salvation from the Lord which is “the stability of your times”? In our text (Isa 33:6) we find the key to this stability. It is “the fear of the Lord.” Note the NIV: “the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure”. As noted elsewhere, the fear of the Lord is essential. To having wisdom and knowledge:
1) It is “the beginning of knowledge” - Pro 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
2) It is “the beginning of wisdom” - Pro 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
To receiving salvation:
1) It is necessary to be accepted by God - Ac 10:34-35 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
2) The message of salvation is given to those who have it - Ac 13:26 ‘"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.”
3) It is necessary for spiritual growth - Ph 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

Why is the fear of the Lord necessary? “...by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” - Pro 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.” A reverence for God and His righteous judgments is an effective motivation. By departing from evil, we turn to God! “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence...a place of refuge” - Pro 14:26 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” When we turn to God, the fear of the Lord becomes a source of great blessings! Such as wisdom, knowledge, salvation, confidence, refuge; indeed “the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life”! - Pro 14:27 “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

The essence of our study is this.... Those who lack stability in troubled times do so because they lack the wisdom, knowledge, and salvation of the Lord. They lack these things because they do not have the fear of the Lord! A proper fear of the Lord would prompt them to turn from evil and turn to God.... Where they would find His knowledge, wisdom, and salvation. Which in turn would provide “The Stability Of Your Times”!
With such stability, we can rightly say along with the writer to the Hebrews:
“The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (He 13:6)
Won’t you let the Lord provide you with the stability you need for these troubled times?

God has not promised, But God has promised,
Skies always blue Strength for the day,
Flower-strewn pathways, Rest for the labor,
All our lives through; Light for the way;

God has not promised, Yes, God has promised,
Sun without rain, Grace for the trials,
Joy without sorrow, Help from above,
Peace without pain. Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
-- Annie Johnson Flint

The Sability of Your Times

Isaiah 33:5-6

In the days of Isaiah (ca. 700 B.C.), the kingdom of Judah was facing perilous times.... Assyria was advancing from the north, conquering kingdom after kingdom. Even the northern kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity. As Assyria drew new to Jerusalem, the people were undecided as to where to turn.... Some advocated they give themselves up to the Assyrians. Others looked to the south, believing an alliance with Egypt would save them. Isaiah was sent by God to warn the people to do neither.... The key to their salvation was to trust in the Lord, not men. The Lord would provide the stability they needed, when all seemed lost. In Isa 33:5-6 (“The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure.”) we find one such exhortation to put their trust in the Lord.... The NKJV speaks of wisdom and knowledge as “the stability of your times”; of course it is the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord spoken of here. Note other translations:

1) “He shall be the stability of your times” (NASB)

2) “He shall be the sure foundation of your times” (NIV)

Though removed from the days of Isaiah by thousands of years the counsel given by him still rings true! In troubled times, the Lord provides “the stability of your times”!

To illustrate how this is true even today, let’s begin by noticing the unstable condition of our times and the effect such instability can have on people... In the unstable conditions of today we face many disturbing things in life …. Many are common in every age - Job 14:1 ‘"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.” We still deal with sickness, death and natural disasters. Some may be peculiar to our day and age. Threats of Terrorism, nuclear holocaust, environmental pollution, inflation, recession, unemployment, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, road rage, drive-by shootings and the list could go on and on.

The affect of such things can create, for some, anxiety and fear. Others react with depression (our age has been called the “age of anxiety” and the “age of the neurosis”). Even Christians can be affected. They may murmur or complain or they may simply exist in a state of “joylessness”. Yet some are not disturbed by such things even though they experience the same things which devastate others. They face the same financial crises, diseases, uncertainties, etc. Somehow they still find cause for great joy and stability in their lives! Why the different reaction? Is there some source of strength that some have found that others have not? I believe there is; it is the LORD who provides stability for troubled times! From our text (Isa 33:6) we learn how the Lord provides stability...

The stability provided by the Lord comes through wisdom and knowledge. “Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times” (NKJV). Such wisdom and knowledge can help us face life by guiding and protecting one from the pitfalls of life - Pro 2:6-22 “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.”; by providing comfort and confidence in times of turmoil - Pro 3:21-26 “My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” -- God is willing to provide such wisdom to those willing to look to Him! - Ja 1:5-8 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

The stability provided by the Lord comes through salvation, “the strength of salvation” (NKJV). The salvation of the Lord can help us face death. If we know the Lord will save us in eternity, we can better face the adverse circumstances of this life. Consider the example of Paul:

1) He had a strong hope - 2 Co 5:1 “For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”, 5-8 “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

2) His attitude as a result of that hope - 2 Co 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”; Ro 8:31-39 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Yes, the wisdom, knowledge, and salvation found only in the Lord provides the stability we need for our times! Wisdom and knowledge providing stability in facing life, salvation providing stability to face death. Together they provide great “wealth” (NASB), a “rich store” (NIV).

But what is the key to this treasure of wisdom, knowledge and salvation from the Lord which is “the stability of your times”? We will look into the answer to this question in next weeks continuation.

Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth

Note: There times when a lesson is longer than two pages. This is because there is no place to break it into two lessons. Such is the case with this lesson - JMN.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

In Ecclesiastes we find the perspective of one who searched for the meaning of life.... The "Preacher" (Solomon) examined wisdom, riches, and pleasure. He shared the fruits of his search: what he saw as vanity, and what was good. To those who are young, he offered the following exhortations:

Rejoice in your youth - Ecc 11:9 “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Remove sorrow and evil from your youth - Ecc 11:10 “Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”

Remember God in your youth - Ecc 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,”

Reflect upon what is coming - Ecc 12:1 “before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";”

I doubt that many young people would take issue with the first exhortation.... They gladly rejoice in their youth. They are happy to let their hearts cheer them, to walk in the ways of their hearts and in the sight of their eyes. But the remaining exhortations...?. To remove sorrow and evil, remember God, reflect upon what is to come?. Doesn't that take the joy out of youth? Not really, and there are several good reasons why we need to “Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth”... Youth has no guarantee of the future. Death is no respecter of persons. Death frequently strikes those who believe they are invincible from accidents, disease and/or war. In the course of my youth, I saw it happen time and again. Terry King (17) died of liver cancer. Tim Heffer (15) dropped dead of a heart attack. Karen Shower’s college roommate did not wake up one morning; her bodily functions simply stopped! Two college classmates (20) were killed in car wrecks. Not to be morbid, nor to scare, but to face reality. No one is promised the future. Life is truly just a vapor - Ja 4:14-17 “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” -- As a recent bumper sticker put it: “Many who plan to repent at the 11th hour, die at 10:30”

THE LORD IS COMING... He is coming in judgment - 2 Pe 3:7 “But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”, 9-11 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,”; 2 Th 1:7-9 “and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” There will be youths at that time who will not have the benefit of a long life; who will not have the time to change. -- Therefore, we ought to prepare for the future (which is a sign of maturity).

Even if one is blessed to live a long life, with plenty of time to change, there is another reason to “Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth”... Misspent youth can curse your future. You reap what you sow. An important principle of life to remember - Ga 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” What you do while young can permanently affect your future. Not just your future in eternity, but your future in this life!

There is danger in the sowing of “wild oats”. Sowing the seeds of rebellion. Young people are often inclined to rebel against all forms of authority (parents, teachers, police, etc.). Yet God has ordained that we submit to authority - Ro 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”; 1 Pe 2:13-14 “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” Rebellion against authority has caused many young people to spend years in prison.

Sowing the seeds of lying. Many young people don’t think about the fact that once you are caught in a lie, your credibility is shattered. Your word means nothing, you can no longer be trusted. This has adverse affects on your relationships and your employment

Sowing the seeds of stealing. Shoplifting and other such crimes are rampant among many young people. If caught, others will be suspicious and you will not be given positions of fiscal responsibility.

Sowing the seeds of fornication. Sex among young people is very popular. Yet many do not consider the "high price": sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, AIDS, unwanted pregnancy (often compounded by abortion), or forced marriages, which often lead to divorce.

Sowing the seeds of using drugs. Drugs have great potential for ruining our lives. What’s so bad about drugs? Some are illegal, and their use violates Ro 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Many are addictive, and their use violates 1 Co 6:12 ‘"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.” Others are destructive to the body, and their use violates 1 Co 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

It has been said that “Most men spend the first half of their lives making the second half miserable.” (La Bruyere) That is why you need to “Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth.” When you do, then the following can be true; well spent youth can bless your future. Compare the foolish and the wise child.

The foolish child. Doesn’t remember God in his youth. Won't listen to the advice of others. Has to learn for himself. Invariably makes a mess out of his life (in health, marriage, or career). Spends a good portion of life undoing foolish actions of youth. Suffers from the consequences of his actions.

The wise child. Remembers God in his youth. Follows God's advice, and that of others. Learns from the mistakes of others. Begins life with a solid foundation and good head start. Able to accomplish more good in life. Will enjoy pleasurable memories, not bemoan his past

-- What a difference in the quality of life there can be when one makes the right

choices while young!

The wise child will show their wisdom. By learning to respect authority now (beginning with parents) - Ep 6:1-3 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."’ By learning to control your body (as did Paul) - 1 Co 9:27 “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” By obeying the gospel - Ga 3:26-27 “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” By growing spiritually, bearing the fruit of the Spirit - Ga 5:22-24 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Thus becoming an example of the believers - 1 Ti 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

-- This is what is involved in remembering God while young

No one can be “forced” to remember God in their youth.... We can only point out the dangers when one does not. We can remind you of the benefits when one does -- I hope this lesson will encourage the young person to make the right choice. But one thing is certain: God will remember...! God will bring you into judgment for all that you do - Ecc 11:9 “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” Which is why one should “Fear God and keep His commandments” - Ecc 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” You only live once...will you make the right choice to “Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth”?

Finding Joy in the Vanity of Life - Cont.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

Many people have come to the same conclusion and fallen into despair and despondency. Yet the Preacher would have us learn and know how to find true joy in life. The joy of life as the Preacher experienced. His heart rejoiced in labor - Ecc 2:10 “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.”

The reward of his labor was the joy in doing it - Ecc 2:10.

The Preacher’s observations:

Nothing is better than to enjoy simple things and what you do - Ecc 2:24 “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,”

The ability to enjoy what you have and what you do comes from God - Ecc 2:24-25 “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?”

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the man good in His sight - Ecc 2:26 “For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The wicked may acquire many things, but it will eventually be given to the good - Ecc 2:26 “but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God.”

Man should rejoice and do good - Ecc 3:12 “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;”

Every man should enjoy the good in their labor, which is a gift from God - Ecc 3:13 “also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.”

The joy in one’s work is his heritage, not what may happen after he is gone - Ecc 3:22 “So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?”

Again, this is one’s heritage, and it is a gift from God - Ecc 5:18-20 “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.”

So in the day of prosperity rejoice, and in the day of adversity contemplate - Ecc 7:14 “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

Thus he commends enjoyment of the fruit of one's labor - Ecc 8:15 “And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.”

The Preacher’s conclusion is:

Eat and drink with a merry heart - Ecc 9:7 “Go, eat your bread in joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Express your joy in how you live - Ecc 9:8 “Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.”

Live joyfully with your wife whom you love - Ecc 9:9 “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”

Enjoy your youth, yet remember you will be accountable - Ecc 11:9 “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Therefore remove sorrow and put away evil, for youth is short-lived - Ecc 11:10 “Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth - Ecc 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";”

Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is your reason for living - Ecc 12:13 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Life “under the sun” is vanity... Without God, there is no meaning in life. Without God, you will not be able to truly enjoy your time on earth. Life “under the sun” can be filled with joyful experiences and joyful memories.... With God to guide us in keeping our priorities in life straight. With God to bless us with the wisdom and ability to enjoy what good there is in life. To find joy in the vanity of life, remember your Creator, fear God, and keep His commandments. Today, that especially means to pay heed to His Son and our Savior... - He 1:1-4 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

Finding Joy in the Vanity of Life

Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

“What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.”

An intriguing book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes.... Attributed by many to Solomon - Ecc 1:1 “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”, 12 “I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.” Describing his search for meaning in life - Ecc 1:13 “And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven (or under the sun). It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.” His search pertains to life “under the sun”.... A phrase used 29 times in 27 verses suggesting a look at life from mostly a worldly point of view - Ecc 1:3 “What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” His message may seem to be rather negative.... A major theme is the vanity of life (vanity used 35 times in 29 verses) – see Ecc 1:2,14. Yet he mentions such words as joy (3), enjoy (3), enjoyment (2), rejoice (4), joyfully (1). In fact, this book provides counsel on how to get the most out of life...to find joy in a life that is vanity! (cf. Ecc 2:22-24)

To find such joy, one must first face the reality of the vanity of life. The Preacher’s experience:

The vanity of pleasure - Ecc 2:1 “I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself." But behold, this also was vanity.”

The vanity of industry (labor) - Ecc 2:11 “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”, 22-23 “What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.”; 4:4 “Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The vanity of human wisdom - Ecc 2:15 “Then I said in my heart, "What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?" And I said in my heart that this also is vanity.”

The vanity of all life - Ecc 2:17 “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The vanity of leaving an inheritance - Ecc 2:18-21 “I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.”

The Preachers observations:

The vanity of earthly existence - Ecc 3:19-21 “For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?”

The vanity of acquiring riches over family - Ecc 4:7-8 “Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.”

The vanity of political popularity - Ecc 4:16 “There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The vanity of many dreams and many words - Ecc 5:7 “For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”

The vanity of loving abundance - Ecc 5:10 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”

The vanity of wealth without the gift of God to enjoy it - Ecc 6:2 “a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”

The vanity of wandering desire - Ecc 6:9 “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”

The vanity of foolish laughter - Ecc 7:6 “For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.”

The vanity of injustice in this life - Ecc 8:14 “There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.”

The vanity of the days of darkness - Ecc 11:8 “So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.”

The vanity of childhood and youth - Ecc 11:10 “Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.”

The Preacher’s conclusion:

As stated in the Prologue - Ecc 1:2 “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Prior to describing his search for meaning - Ecc 1:14 “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”

Many people have come to the same conclusion and fallen into despair and despondency. Yet the Preacher would have us learn and know how to find true joy in life. The joy of life as the Preacher experienced. In our next part of this lesson we will examine how the Preacher found true joy in life.