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August 18

Yesterday --- Contribute --- Tomorrow

Reading 1 - 1Kings 13

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v.1-10 - When we see these little incidents recorded, here of a man of God who was clearly of significance but who is not even named, it makes us realise how selective the message is. The significance of this observation is that we should take note of every single word of scripture, as it is recorded in the greatest brevity, and must be studied to be of the greatest relevance to us. 2Tim2:15
Peter Cresswell
2002
v.1-6 - We have here an example of the incidents which would allow the people to test the prophets. At least part of what this prophet said took place immmediately after he has spoken it, and the miracle of the disbaling of Jeroboam's arm and its re-enabling were instant too.
Peter Cresswell
2002
Jeroboam was an evil king. Even though he had a direct message from a prophet sent to speak with him (13:1) he disregarded the message and sought to pursue his own plans (13:33)
Peter Forbes

13:11 The 'old prophet' appears as a sad and inadequate old man perhaps seeking some revival of his former status by persuading the 'man of God' to share his meal. His subsequent actions show proper remorse and perhaps it can be said that God used his attempts to relive former glories to teach the lesson of obedience, to how severely God looked on the events associated with Bethel, and perhaps remind us older ones that we do get to an end of our former duties and have to ‘let go’ rather than pretend we can still do what once we did.

13:20 It is a little surprising to think of a prophet whose word is not of God later being used by God. The Heb. Phrase for ‘the prophet that brought him back’ occurs also in v23 where clearly it refers to 'he whom God has brought back' (that is to Bethel). Therefore the 'old prophet' of v11 (and who died in v18) is a false prophet and here the word of YHVH comes now to 'he who has been brought back' (the prophet of v1) and it is YHVH who speaks to him in v21. So, v26 'which he spake unto him'. The evil consisted in eating in idolatrous Bethel (v2) and in accepting as revelation that contrary to his own without asking God for confirmation. There are lessons here for us. Paraphrase, (As they sat at meat, the word of YHVH came to the prophet who had been brought back [to Bethel] and said to him, because you have disobeyed...')
Derek Palmer

Reading 2 - Jeremiah 39

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v. 10 - by this action Nebuzaradan provided an interesting result - the poor of the people inherited the land, at least temporarily, each under their own vine, as it were. So even in this turmoil, and after 18 months of war (v.1,2) there is the plan of God shining forth in type. ch.40:7 2Kings 25:12 Eze.33:24. Reminiscent of the words of James in ch.2:5, and of the beatitudes of Jesus in Matt 5:1-12.
Peter Cresswell
2002
v.12-14 - How Jeremiah must have rejoiced at this change in his fortunes. He had been in the worst of circumstances for so much of his later life. This was an oasis in the desert, as it were.
Peter Cresswell
2002
39:6 In the description of what happened to Zedekiah that he saw his sons slain and then was blinded before being taken to Babylon we see how the words of Ezekiel (12:13) in Babylon were fulfilled.
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - Mark 13

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v.9 clearly speaks of times like those of Paul before Agraippa and Felix and Festus etc., but, given the obvious relevance of these verses to current events to take place before the return of Jesus, should we be expecting this type of treatment ourselves? If so, are we ready to give an answer for those things which we believe? 1Pet.3:15
Peter Cresswell
2002
Whereas we might think that this prophecy was given to show the disciples when Jerusalem was going to be overthrown by the Romans Jesus' focus is more personal. He is concerned to warn the disciples about the perils that would befall them at this time. Notice these words.
:5 take heed
:7 be ye not troubled
:9 take heed
:23 take heed
:33 take heed
:35 watch
:37 watch
Jesus' prime focus was to prepare his disciples for that terrible time rather than to tell them when it would be. Likewise we should view the prophecies about the events surrounding the return of Jesus as providing us with comfort and encouragement rather than try to work out in advance exactly what will happen, and then fall out with our brothers and sisters when they disagree with our interpretation.
Peter Forbes