The Plot to Kill Jesus

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 11:45-57

 

John 11:53-54

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. ⁵⁴ Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

(NKJV)

 

I urge everyone reading this post to continue praying both for Israel and the United States regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran. A nuclear-armed Iran not only represents a threat to Israel but to every other country in the world because it will not hesitate to use these weapons against anyone threatening it. Pray for God’s protection of Israel and other nations threatened by Iran, and that those in power in Iran, who would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons, are removed from power.

 

Jesus has just performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the grave which has caused many Jews to believe in Him (John 11:45). However, not all the Jews seeing what Jesus did believe and instead go to the chief priests and Pharisees with the news (John 11:46). This news disturbs the chief priests and Pharisees with them convening a council out of fear that left unchecked, everyone would believe in Jesus, with the Romans intervening (John 11:47-48).

 

At the council, Caiaphas, the high priest, stood up and told those at the council they knew nothing at all (John 11:49). Caiaphas continued, saying it was expedient for one man to die for the people and not that the whole nation perish (John 11:50). Caiaphas did not say this of his authority as high priest, but it was a prophesy as high priest that Jesus would die for Israel, but not just Israel, all the children of God scattered abroad (John 11:51-52).

 

From this time forward, those in the council conspired to put Jesus to death, with Jesus no longer walking openly among the Jews but staying with His disciples in Ephraim (John 11:53-54). The time of the Passover was coming near and many Jews made the journey to Jerusalem to purify themselves (John 11:55). Those seeking to kill Jesus spoke among themselves, wondering if Jesus would even show up for the feast (John 11:56). Just in case Jesus did not show up, the chief priests and Pharisees issued a command that anyone knowing where Jesus was should report it so they could seize Him (John 11:57).

 

The signs and wonders performed by Jesus are causing many Jews to believe in Him, threatening the positions of the chief priests and Pharisees (John 11:47-48). The miracle that has brought this to the forefront was the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). This threat was so serious to the chief priests and Pharisees that they felt it necessary to convene a council. However, an interesting thing happened at this council. a word of prophecy from Caiaphas that Jesus would die for Israel and the people of God in other nations (John 11:49-52). While this may seem out of place in a Biblical account of the plot to kill Jesus, it is here to remind us of what is really occurring here. Based upon Caiaphas’ later handing Jesus over to the Romans for crucifixion, it is safe to presume he had no idea what he was saying or even that it was a prophecy, but God did use him to speak truth. The stage is now set for a confrontation at Passover.

 

Jesus commanded those in the Church to love one another and that this love for each other is what separates the Church from the world (John 13:34-35). However, a look at Church history with its splits and divisions over non-essential doctrine reveals the failure of the Church to heed this commandment from the Lord. Non-believers, seeing these divisions, see nothing different from what they experience in the world and thus have no reason to be attracted to becoming part of the Church by accepting Jesus as their savior. This is why many Churches feel the need to attract people through glitzy worship that more resembles a rock concert than worship of the Lord, or even worse, watering down the message of truth. This is precisely what Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. The attraction of people to the Gospel must remain in lifting up Jesus (John 12:32), and boldly declaring the truth of the Gospel. While it is unrealistic to believe a group of people like the Church will agree on everything, we must unite behind the mission of declaring the Gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Working in this unity of purpose, the members of the Church can have love for one another and show the world what they need, a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and believe that Jesus came to die for your sins and give you a personal relationship with God, I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision, especially anyone who has been praying for you, or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Help, Safety, and Guidance

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 3-5

 

Psalm 4:7-8

You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
⁸ I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

(NKJV)

 

We live in a troubled world full of war, natural disasters, ungodly behavior, violence in the street, and persecution of Christians who dare take a stand on God’s Word against such things. However, these are also great times to live for Christ because the harvest fields are ripe with people seeking answers, answers that are found in Christ and the truth of his word (Matthew 9:37-38). In Psalm 3-5 David provides guidance on how we can find help, safety, and guidance from God in these troubled times.

 

David wrote Psalm 3 during the time he fled from Absalom, his son. The psalm begins with a lament from David of how those troubling him have increased, with many saying there is no help for David in God (Psalm 3:1-2). David tells the Lord that He is a shield for him, his glory and the one lifting up his head (Psalm 3:3). David cried out to the Lord with his voice and the Lord heard him from His holy hill (Psalm 3:4). Because the Lord heard him, David could lay down to sleep and awaken with the Lord sustaining him (Psalm 3:5). David has no fear of the ten thousands of people who are against him, knowing the Lord will arise to save him and strike down his enemies (Psalm 3:6-7). Salvation belongs to the Lord, and His blessing is upon His people (Psalm 3:8).

 

Theologians also believe Psalm 4 to have been written during the time of Absalom’s rebellion. It begins with a plea from David for the Lord to hear him when he calls knowing God has relieved him in his distress, asking God to have mercy on him and hear his prayer (Psalm 4:1). He then asks those opposing him how long they will turn David’s glory into shame, loving worthlessness, and seeking falsehood (Psalm 4:2). David knows the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly with the Lord hearing him when he calls (Psalm 4:3). David then offers the instruction to be angry and not to sin and to be still while meditating within their hearts on their bed, offering the sacrifices of righteousness while putting their trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:4-5). Many are asking who will show them any good with David asking the Lord to show the light of His countenance upon them (Psalm 4:6). The Lord has put gladness in the heart of David that is greater than when their grain and wine increased so he will lie down in peace and sleep knowing the Lord will make him dwell in safety (Psalm 4:7-8).

 

In Psalm 5, David offers a prayer for guidance that could apply to any time when he was in trouble. It begins with David asking the Lord to hear his words and meditation for it is to the Lord, his King and God, who will direct his prayers in the morning (Psalm 5:1-3). David knows the Lord God takes no pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil live with Him. The boastful shall not stand in His sight, nor shall the workers of iniquity. The Lord will also destroy those speaking falsehood, and He abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful men (Psalm 5:4-6). David comes to the house of the Lord because of His mercy and in fear worships Him, asking the Lord to lead him in righteousness (Psalm 5:7-8). David says there is no faithfulness in the mouth of his enemies and asks the Lord to pronounce them guilty because of their rebellion (Psalm 5:9-10). May all those placing their trust in God rejoice and shout for joy because the Lord defends them with the Lord blessing the righteous and surrounding them as a shield (Psalm 5:11-12).

 

These are all psalms of David, which he wrote at various times in his life. Psalm 3 was written during a time in David’s life when he fled from Absalom, his son (2 Samuel 15). It is a Psalm of one crying out to God during a time of great trouble in his life. This psalm concludes with David finding peace and even sleeping in peace (Psalm 3:5).

 

Theologians believe the same circumstances surround the writing of Psalms 3 and 4, with Psalm 4 a lament expressing trust in God amid distress. Whereas Psalm 3 expresses the Lord’s help in times of trouble that result in one having God’s peace in troubled times (Psalm 3:5), Psalm 4 is a declaration by David of trust in God. This trust in God has resulted in David having gladness in his heart that even exceeds the gladness of when their grain and wine increased. Again, David declares that this trust has resulted in peace and the ability to sleep in safety (Psalm 4:7-8).

 

Psalm 5 is a prayer of David for guidance in the face of attacks by his enemies (Psalm 5:8). This psalm could have had application to the time when David battled the rebellion of His son Absalom (2 Samuel 15). It also has an application for other times of distress for David. The takeaway from this Psalm is David’s willingness to seek guidance from God and not to lean on his own understanding, something his son Solomon might have observed (Proverbs 3:5). The question we should ask in reading this Psalm is Whom I go to for guidance during times of trouble in my life.

 

Troubling times are not something unique for David and are something Jesus warned us about, but with the reminder, Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). Psalms 3-5 serve to remind us that the Lord is there to help us in troubled time as the overcomer of sin and death through His death, burial, and resurrection. We can also trust the Lord to guide us in troubled times as a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). Know that the Lord provides help, safety, and guidance through life as our good shepherd (Psalm 23).

 

One learning to trust in God for help, safety, and guidance in times of trouble begins with trusting in God to take care of their greatest problem, sin in their lives. If you have never taken this first step, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Death, the Last Enemy

 Written by: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 11:28-44

 

John 11:43-44

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” ⁴⁴ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

(NKJV)

 

Death is hard for us to deal with because we were not created to die, with death entering the world due to the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:16-17). First, Adam and Eve experienced spiritual death or separation from God and would later experience physical death. Remission from sins comes through the shedding of blood, with Jesus shedding His blood as the Lamb of God who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), providing salvation for all choosing to accept it (Hebrews 9:11-12, 22). The mission of the Church is to declare this message to the world.

 

After Martha had talked with Jesus, she went on her way and secretly told Mary Jesus wanted to see her (John 11:28 ). Mary immediately got up to come to Jesus (John 11:29). Jesus was still at the place where he met with Martha and had not yet come into town (John 11:30). When the Jews comforting Mary saw her leave, they assumed she was leaving for the tomb of Lazarus to mourn there (John 11:31). When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32).

 

When Jesus saw Mary and the Jews with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. Jesus then asked where they had buried Lazarus, and they took Him to the tomb (John 1:33-34). Jesus wept, and the Jews said how much Jesus loved Lazarus (John 11:35-36). However, some of the Jews wondered why Jesus, who opened the eyes of the blind, was not there to keep Lazarus from dying (John 11:37).

 

Jesus again groaned in Himself and came to the tomb which was a cave with a stone laying against it (John 11:38). Jesus then told them to remove the stone to which Martha said, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” (John 11:39). Jesus then reminded Martha that he had said that if she believed, she would see the glory of God (John 11:40). After they removed the stone, Jesus prayed to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him, also saying the Father always hears Him. Jesus said this to benefit those standing around the tomb so they would know God the Father sent Jesus (John 11:41-42). Jesus tells Lazarus to come out of the grave, which he does, still bound in the grave clothes. Jesus tells them to remove the grave clothes so Lazarus can go free (John 11:43-44).

 

During Jesus’ ministry, the people had become accustomed to seeing Jesus quickly respond to one in need, bringing healing and deliverance. However, this time Jesus delayed coming, arriving after Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. Martha, Mary, and some of the Jews gathered to bring them comfort wondered why Jesus delayed his coming. However, when Jesus asked Lazarus to come out of the grave and he did, Jesus showed them He can not only heal but also deliver from the grave. Soon some of these people will see Jesus after He has risen from the grave, demonstrating his complete mastery of sin and death (Acts 2:22-24; 1 Corinthians 15:56). The magnitude of this miracle, which caused many to believe and follow Jesus, would become the focal point in the Jewish leaders seeking to kill Jesus. The time of Jesus’ crucifixion is near, and the world is about to receive a path to salvation and reconciliation with God, lost by Adam’s sin in the garden, fulfilling the promise of Genesis 3:15.

 

Before departing to be with His Father, Jesus gave the Church a simple mission: to take the news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, like Adam and Eve, who received one simple command from God, not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17), the Church has deviated from its mission. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy of a time when people would reject the sound doctrine of the Gospel and seek messengers that tickle their itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The world is full of Churches that are large and have the appearance of spreading the Gospel as commissioned by Jesus, but a closer look at what happens in these churches reveals something else. These Churches entertain their congregations with musical performances and a message designed to make them feel good, with the Gospel only mentioned, when necessary, at Christmas and Easter. Please join me in praying for a revival in the Church and a return to lifting up Jesus so men and women are drawn into a relationship with Him (John 12:32). Pray that the worship would not be with a purpose of entertaining but instead to draw people’s hearts to God and their minds to focusing on God and how much He loves them. Pray the message is Bible based, challenging people to confess their heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and to live according to the word of God.

 

Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and if you believe in your heart that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the grave, but have not made a public confession of this belief, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

The Way of the Righteous and Messiah’s Triumph

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 1, 2

 

Psalm 1:6

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

(NKJV)

 

This is the first post in our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Psalms. Music is an important part of the culture of nations, with each nation having musical influences from its culture and history. The Jews and Israel are not an exception with the Book of Psalms, the musical book of the Bible, its largest book. While the tunes these psalms might have been sung to are gone, the truths found in these words have brought, and continue to bring, comfort and encouragement to people. My prayer is that as readers study these psalms, they will find joy, be challenged, and draw closer in their relationship with God.

 

The book begins with Psalm 1:1, reminding us that a man who does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the path of sinners, or does not sit on the seat of the scornful is blessed. This blessed man finds his joy in the law of the Lord and meditates on God’s law or Word, day and night (Psalm 1:2). This man is compared to a tree planted by rivers of water that is fruitful and does not wither an illustration showing that whatever this man does will prosper (Psalm 1:3). In contrast, the ungodly do not share in this mans stability but are like chaff, driven away by the wind (Psalm 1:4). Because of this, the ungodly will not be able to stand in judgment or in the congregation of the righteous (Psalm 1:5) The Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly will perish (Psalms 1:6).

 

Psalm 2 begins with the question of why the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing (Psalm 2:1). The nations and rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed, desiring to break their bonds in pieces and cast their cords from them (Psalm 2:2-3). The Lord who sits in the heavens shall laugh and hold them in derision (Psalm 2:4). The Lord shall speak to them out of His wrath and distress them with His displeasure, setting His king up on His holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:5-6).

 

The Lord shall decree and say to them, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” (Psalm 2:7). The Lord invites them to ask of Him and that He will give them the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth for a possession (Psalm 2:8). Israel shall break the nations with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel (Psalm 2:9). The Lord commands the kings to be wise and for the judges of the earth to be instructed (Psalm 2:10). The people are to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11). The psalm concludes by saying those who place their trust in the Lord shall be blessed (Psalm 2:12).  

 

God’s people have the promises of scripture, a promise of eternal life in the presence of the Lord, but live in a fallen world among the ungodly. Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous and the end of the ungodly. The picture of a tree planted by waters that bears fruit and does not wither is a picture of a man who lives righteously following the word of God. While this man will experience trouble in life, his life is grounded in the word of God and prospers, but the ungodly shall perish.

 

Psalm 2 praises the Messiah’s triumph and Kingdom. Unlike the psalmist, we know the Messiah is Jesus Christ, who will return in triumph on a white horse, with the armies of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16). Satan will be bound for 1000 years with Jesus reigning for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-6). This is the end of the fallen world with its troubles and the beginning of the world as God created it to be, a world ruled by the righteousness of God. I want to encourage everyone reading this with these words of hope (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).

 

The Christian life is a life of faith and not a life free from trouble, as Jesus reminded His disciples (John 16:33), but in our ungodly world, it can appear that the ungodly live lives free of trouble (Psalm 73:1-16).  However, the psalmist of Psalm 73 went into the sanctuary of God and, in God’s presence, was reminded of the end of the wicked and the promises of God to those living for Him (Psalm 73:17-28). Jesus tells us not to worry because he is there to provide for our needs (Luke 12:22-34). Psalms 1, 2 remind us of the rewards in store for those living for God and the end for those living ungodly lives in this world.

 

So, how does one inherit the rewards of the righteous? First we must remember we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that our righteousness is as a filthy rags to the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). While the penalty for sin is death, we have the promise of the gift of eternal life from the Lord by believing (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). This is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not our works and received through belief in one’s heart that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead to forgive us of our sins (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never made this profession, I invite you to do so by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Death and Jesus, the Resurrection and Life

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 11:1-27

 

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

(NKJV)

This is the first of two postings covering the account in John’s gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave. John’s gospel is the only one recording this miracle, but it does not diminish its importance in scripture. In this passage, Jesus declares He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), something He will demonstrate when he calls Lazarus from the grave (John 11:43-44). Jesus Himself would soon resurrect from the grave, with belief in His resurrection foundational to one having salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

 

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is sick and close to death, so his sisters sent messengers to Jesus, asking Him to come and heal their brother (John 11:1-3). Upon hearing the news, Jesus says the sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God so the Son of God may be glorified through it (John 11:4). Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, but upon hearing Lazarus was sick, remained where He was for two more days (John 11:5-6). Jesus then tells His disciples He wants to go to Judea again (John 11:7).

 

Out of concern, the disciples remind Jesus that the last time He was in Judea, they wanted to stone Him (John 10:31-42, 11:8). Jesus replies by telling the disciples there are twelve hours in the day where one can walk and not stumble for he sees the light of this world (John 11:9). However, one walking in the night without the light stumbles because the light is not in him. Jesus is not going to Judea to His death yet, for it is not the time, but instead Jesus is going to awaken Lazarus from death (John 11:10-11). The disciples mistakenly believed Jesus was speaking of physical sleep for Lazarus, which would lead to his healing, but Jesus speaks of his physical death (John 11:12-13). Jesus then plainly told them Lazarus was dead and that He was glad He was not there to heal him so that they may believe (John 11:14-15). Thomas believed they were all going to die with Jesus because of the threats against Him in Judea (John 11:16).

 

Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus and the disciples discover Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days (John 11:17). Jesus’ disciples were correct in their concern for Jesus because Jerusalem is only two miles away from Jerusalem (John 11:18). Perhaps adding to this concern is the fact that many Jews joined the women around Mary and Martha who were giving them comfort (John 11:19).

 

When Martha heard Jesus had arrived, she went to Him complaining that if Jesus had come when summoned, her brother would not have died, but adds that she knew that God would give Jesus whatever he asked (John 11:20-22). Jesus then assures Martha that her brother would rise again (John 11:23). Martha tells Jesus she believes her brother will rise in the resurrection at the last day (John 11:24). Jesus’ response to Martha tells her that He is the resurrection and the life with anyone believing in Him having eternal life (John 3:16, 11:25-26). Jesus then asks Martha if she believes this, with Martha confessing her belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world (John 11:27).

 

Lazarus is sick unto death, with Jesus approached by his sisters, Mary and Martha, seeking for Him to come and heal him. Instead of immediately going to him, Jesus delays and does not arrive until after Lazarus has been in the grave for four days. Unfortunately, Martha does not understand this with her first words to Jesus telling Him that if He had come sooner, her brother would not have died (John 11:21). Even when Jesus told her that her brother would live again, she believed Jesus was referring to the resurrection in the last day perhaps a reference to Jesus discourse with the Sadducees (Matthew 22:23-32). While Lazarus will resurrect from the dead at the rapture when the dead in Christ will rise (1 Thessalonians 4:16), Jesus is speaking of His intention to raise Lazarus from the grave. Jesus is not showing a lack of concern for his friend Lazarus, but has a greater miracle in mind so that the disciples might believe He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:15, 25).

 

We know the past, but since we do not live there, we can do nothing about it. We also do not know the future and only have today, so we must trust God for Tomorrow (Matthew 6:31-34). However, the pressures of our pressing needs and concerns can make us impatient when God delays in answering our prayers. This causes us to react like Martha instead of waiting on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). As we will see in the next posting from the Gospel of John, Lazarus does come out of the grave with news of his resurrection causing quite a stir in the community especially the religious leaders (John 11:38-48).

 

Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and if you believe in your heart that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the grave, but have not made a public confession of this belief, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Restoration: The Temple and Worship

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 40-48

 

Ezekiel 48:35

All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.

(NKJV)

 

Chapters 40 through 48 of Ezekiel provide details of the restoration of the temple, worship of God, the feasts, and the division of the land for the returning exiles. The importance of providing these at the end of the book is so that the returning exiles can have assurance of their complete restoration, with them seeing the temple, worshipping God, celebrating the feasts, and having an inheritance in the land. Under the New Covenant, we no longer need a temple because the temple of God is within us (1 Corinthians 3:16), but we still need reminders of this fact lest we drift from the truth of the Gospel.

 

The remaining chapters in Ezekiel provide details for what needs to be done once the exiles return to the land so the people can return to obedience to God and its blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-15). Instead of a verse-by-verse observation, I am going to provide a chapter-by-chapter summary with a link to the details in the scripture.

·         Chapter 40 – A new city and temple, eastern gateway, outer court, northern gateway. Southern gateway, gateways of the inner court, sacrifice preparation, chambers for singers and priests, Inner court, and vestibule.

·         Chapter 41 – Sanctuary dimensions, side chambers on the wall, building at the western end, the temple area.

·         Chapter 42 – Chambers for the priests, outer dimensions of the temple.

·         Chapter 43 – The temple, the Lord’s dwelling place, dimensions of the altar, consecration of the altar.

·         Chapter 44 – The east gate and the prince, those admitted to the temple, laws governing the priests.

·         Chapter 45 – The Holy district, properties of the city and the prince, laws governing the prince, keeping the feasts.

·         Chapter 46 – The manner of worship, the prince and inheritance laws, how the offerings were prepared.

·         Chapter 47 – The healing waters and trees, borders of the land.

·         Chapter 48 – Division of the land, the gates of the city and its name.

 

While returning to the land of Israel was important to the exiles, God knew they would also need to know that God’s presence with them was also restored with the rebuilding of the Temple. Worship of God must also be restored with the resumption of the feasts. These restorations will let Israel know they are forgiven by God of their iniquities and sins and that God is with them. The sins of Israel and Judah were atrocious and caused them to fall under the curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68. This opens Israel up to experiencing the blessings of obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-15), but this obedience would be short-lived because they would reject Jesus, their Messiah, leading to a long exile from 70 AD to 1948 AD. This disobedience led to the destruction of this restored temple in 70 AD, with a third temple to be built in the last days, an unnecessary temple.

 

The temple of God is now within us, with God dwelling in each believer in the person of the Holy Spirit, making the rebuilding of a third temple unnecessary. However, we can experience Gospel amnesia and forget this truth and experience anxiety when trials come, believing we are alone. Jesus frequent command and promise to His followers was not to fear because He is with us to the end of the age (Matthew 6:25-34; 28:20). Unfortunately, many churches today have fallen away from the simple truth of the Gospel that God came to us in the person of Jesus to provide salvation from sins even though He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead a gospel of social justice, self-help, and prosperity are taught which tickle itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The lukewarm Church in Laodicea received a scathing rebuke from the Lord due to its dependence on wealth and prosperity, leaving Jesus outside the door knocking to come in (Revelation 3:14-22). Lord, I repent of the lukewarmness of your Church and pray for revival with the Church returning to its mission of bringing Jesus to people and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to make Jesus your savior or have grown lukewarm or cold in your walk with the Lord, I invite you to either commit your life to the Lord for the first time or rededicate your life to the Lord by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and follow through with baptism as a public confession of your faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.

 

Next Wednesday we will begin a study of the Book of Psalms so please come back. 

The Shepherd Knows His Sheep, but is Rejected

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 10:22-42

 

John 10:27-28

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

(NKJV)

 

Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd who supplies our needs and leads us by still waters and even the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus is the true and good shepherd (John 10:1-21) we can depend upon to meet our needs. Jesus tells a group of Jews surrounding Him that His sheep hear His voice but that they do not hear Him because they are not of his sheep. Not wanting to hear the truth behind their unbelief, these Jews seek to stone Jesus but cannot because Jesus escapes. In the information age where information is abundant, it is important to remain tuned in to the voice of Jesus the good Shepherd to avoid dangerous deception (John 8:32).

 

Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem at Solomon’s porch, surrounded by a group of Jews (John 10:22-23). The purpose of the mob surrounding Jesus is to demand that Jesus tell them plainly if He is the Christ (John 10:24). Jesus reminds them that He has told them and that the works He does in the name of the Father bear witness of Him (John 10:25). Jesus then tells them they do not believe because they are not of His sheep because His sheep hear His voice with Him knowing them and with them following Him (John 10:26-27). Jesus gives His sheep eternal life so they will never perish, and neither will anyone be able to snatch them out of His hand (John 10:28). Jesus and His heavenly Father are one with the God the Father, greater than all (John 10:29-30).

 

Angered by Jesus’ accusations, the Jews take up stones to stone Him, but Jesus confronts them and asks them for which of the good works from the Father they are stoning Him (John 10:31-32). The Jews reply, letting Jesus know they are not stoning Him for some good work but for blasphemy because He made Himself God (John 10:33). Jesus reminds them of Psalm 82:6 which says they are gods (John 10:34). If this is true in Scripture which cannot be broken, how can they say He is blaspheming when He says He is the Son of God (John 10:35-36). Jesus tells them that if He does not do the works of the Father, not to believe Him, but if He does, believe the works even though they do not believe Him, challenging them to believe the Father is in Him and He is in the Father (John 10:37-38). The Jews attempt to seize Jesus again, but this time He escapes (John 10:39). Jesus then went away beyond the Jordan to where John baptized at first, with many coming to Him there and believing (John 10:40-42).

 

Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication and surrounded by Jews demanding that he clearly say whether He is the Christ. They are not seeking to become disciples of Jesus but are looking for something with which to accuse Jesus. This is evident because even though Jesus did not give them a direct response, His statement that He and the Father are one leads to an accusation of Blasphemy (John 10:30-33). Jesus then quotes Psalm 82:6, where scripture tells them they are gods, and then asks them how they who are gods could accuse one sent by the Father of blasphemy for saying He is the Son of God (John 10:34-36). The Jews once again seek to seize Jesus, but He escapes to a region beyond the Jordan where many come to Him and believe (John 10:39-42).

 

To avoid deception, believers must use discernment when choosing who to listen to as teachers of God’s Word. In the mass media, social media, and information age in which we live. To have this discernment, it is vital to check out the purpose behind the one teaching God’s Word. Is the one teaching seeking fame and financial gain through the use of media? In the age in which we live, it can be lucrative for one on TV to accumulate massive wealth through sales of books, DVDs, podcast subscriptions, or contributions to their ministries promising God’s financial blessings if they do (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Is their purpose to find discrepancies in the Bible or possibly to cherry-pick scripture to begin some new cult (Revelation 22:18-19)? If this is their purpose, I advise avoiding their teaching. However, if their purpose is to teach the entirety of truth in the Bible, pointing people to Jesus to draw people to Him (John 12:32), this is a teacher to listen to. A genuine follower of Jesus Christ is like the Bereans who searched the scriptures and sought those teaching the truth of God’s word (Acts 17:10-11).

 

If you believe in your heart that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the grave but have not made a public confession of this belief like the man born blind, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.