Judgments on the Nations (The Philistines)

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 47:1-7

 

John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

(ESV)

 

I recently had a fall out in my yard resulting in my breaking a bone in my hand because I tried to catch myself when I fell. The bone took eight weeks to heal and during those eight weeks, I was in a splint and under doctor's orders not to grip, pull, or push anything. These orders from the doctor were not difficult to follow for when I attempted to do such things, the pain reminded me of my broken bone. The failure of Israel to remove the Philistines from the Promised Land caused them to become a source of pain like a broken bone in one’s hand (Joshua 13:1-3). However, God is merciful with a day of reckoning coming to the Philistines with Jeremiah 47:1-7 providing a warning.

 

In Jeremiah 47:1-7, God provides a warning to the Philistines about destruction coming from the north. Like a similar warning given to Egypt, this passage provides details about the warning given to nations through another Word of the Lord coming from Jeremiah in Jeremiah 25:15-38. This Word comes to Jeremiah before Pharaoh strikes down Gaza (Jeremiah 47:1). The warning begins by telling the Philistines waters are rising from the north that will become a rising torrent (Jeremiah 47:2). The passage uses symbolic language and means an army from the north will attack the Philistines. Men will wail at the sound of the advancing army with fathers so feeble that they will not look back at their children (Jeremiah 47:3). These men are feeble because the day of the Philistine destruction, or their day of reckoning, has come (Jeremiah 47:4). Such is the fate of those opposing Israel.

 

The Word of the Lord then says baldness has come upon Gaza with Ashkelon perishing asking how long they will gnash themselves (Jeremiah 47:5). This is symbolic of Gaza becoming baren and the destruction of Ashkelon. The Word from the Lord ends by asking how long till the sword of the Lord’s wrath against the Philistines will be silenced, answering that the sword cannot be silent because it was given a charge from the Lord and must fulfill its duty (Jeremiah 47:6-7).

 

The Philistines have been an ongoing problem for Israel. Goliath was a Philistine who taunted the army of Israel until David, a small shepherd boy defeated him with a slingshot and five rocks (1 Samuel 17). Before Israel’s encounter with Goliath, the Philistines sent Delilah to discover Samson’s source of strength (Judges 16:1-22). Before the warning of Jeremiah 47:1-7 to the Philistines, the Lord gave a Word to the Philistines, along with other nations, regarding his coming wrath (Jeremiah 25:15-38). While the Philistines have been an ongoing problem for Israel, this word of the Lord was also a Word of comfort to Israel that God would deliver Israel from the ongoing problem of the Philistines.

 

Christians live in a secular world of ungodliness with ungodly people persecuting believers in Christ. This should not come as a surprise because Jesus promised his followers that they would suffer tribulation, but Jesus also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Christians also have the promise of Jesus’ return to take his children home a Word bringing comfort to believers in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Living in a secular world as a Christian can feel like living in exile, but even in exile, we can be assured God’s plans for His people are for our good and not our destruction (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

However, these promises apply only to those choosing to make Jesus their Savior. If you have not done so, 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.

 

As Christians, there is much to encourage us and give us hope. The greatest encouragement is eternity with Christ. My prayer is that God would challenge and encourage everyone that reads this post. 

Dare to be Different

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 12:9-21

 

Romans 12:9

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

(ESV)

 

We live in a secular world where people practice evil like condoning abortion or the killing of innocent life. It is a world dominated by division with each side pridefully believing their beliefs are supreme with many unopposed to violence to advance their beliefs. It is a world where governments and individuals have no concept of living within their means financially, mounting up debt with a day of reckoning coming evidenced by increasing inflation. People seek answers but cannot find them in the government or the world economic system. Sadly, the Church should provide answers through Christ by spreading the Gospel but instead compromise with the world to attract membership and contributions, acting in a consumeristic manner instead of the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). It is time for Christians to take the lead and dare to be different from the world by living according to Godly principles (Romans 12:2).

 

A Christian is to practice genuine love, abhor evil, and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Genuine love when practiced between believers in Christ is brotherly affection that outdoes others in showing love and practiced without slothfulness but with a fervency of spirit (Romans 12:10-11). Christians daring to be different from the world rejoice in hope, have patience when facing tribulation, and have a foundation of consistency in prayer (Romans 12:12). Christians daring to be different also contribute to the needs of other believers and show hospitality (Acts 2:42, 44-45; Romans 12:13).

 

Instead of cursing those bringing persecution for their faith, Christians dare to be different by blessing them (Romans 12:14). Christians daring to be different show empathy by weeping with those that weep and rejoicing with those that rejoice (Romans 12:15). Christians daring to be different live harmoniously with one another and do not ignore but associate with the lowly, and void  of prideful wisdom (Romans 12:16). Christians dare to be different by not vengefully returning evil for evil but are thoughtful to act honorably in the sight of all (Romans 12:17). When possible, Christians live peaceably with others and avoid avenging themselves but instead leave vengeance to the Lord (Romans 12:18-19). On the contrary, Christians daring to be different will feed and provide water for their enemies, convicting them by showing them the love of God (Romans 12:20). In summation, a Christian daring to be different is not overcome with evil and instead overcomes evil with good (Romans 12:21).

 

Romans 12:9-21 provides a list of guidelines for genuine Christian living beginning with a foundation of genuine love, abhorring evil, and embracing that which is good. Genuine love, however, goes beyond just loving one another with brotherly affection but also includes loving those who persecute us and not cursing them (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14). Genuine love is also void of pride and willing to love the lowly (Romans 12:16). In response to a question from a lawyer asking who his neighbor was, the Lord answered with the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The context of this parable is a lack of love between Jews and Samaritans. The lawyer would have felt conviction by the story as it illustrates how a Samaritan hated by Jews would extend love and compassion towards an injured Jew. Genuine love is also void of vengeance not repaying evil with evil but attempting to live peaceably with all whenever possible (Romans 12:18-21).  

 

If there is to be a revival in our land, The Church must,

 

1)      Learn to love one another within the Church for that is how the world will view us as disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35).

2)      Remember to love the sinner while hating the sin. Jesus did not die for those who live in obedience to the law for sinners (Romans 5:8) with salvation not based upon one's efforts but on what Jesus did on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also must remember that we are all sinners in need of a savior (Romans 3:23). Revival will occur when the Church reaches out to sinners without being judgmental and instead pointing them to a loving Heavenly Father who sent his only son to die for their sins without condemnation (John 3:16-17).           

3)      Pray for government leaders (Romans 13:1-7). While these leaders may not lead in a Godly manner, God has appointed them (Romans 13:1-7). Similar to loving the sinner while hating the sin, the Church should take a stand against government policies that violate biblical principles but pray for leaders supporting these principles for like us, they are sinners needing a savior. Pray for leaders and condemn their ungodly policies.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to make Jesus your savior, I invite 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.

 

When one decides to live for Christ, they are deciding to live a life that does not conform to this world and instead a transformed life that glorifies God (Romans 12:2). The Christian life is a life that dares to be different so the world can see the benefits of living for Christ. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post to dare to be different.

Judgments on the Nations (Egypt)

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 46:1-28

 

Jeremiah 46:27-28

“But fear not, O Jacob my servant,
    nor be dismayed, O Israel,
for behold, I will save you from far away,
    and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
    and none shall make him afraid.
28 Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
declares the Lord,
    for I am with you.
I will make a full end of all the nations
    to which I have driven you,
    but of you I will not make a full end.
I will discipline you in just measure,
    and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”

(ESV)

 

Believers in Christ should be familiar with feelings of exile as we are ambassadors in a foreign land (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Church is a steward of the Gospel with the mission of declaring the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). While the news of the Gospel is good news, it is not news all accept, resulting in the persecution of Christians creating a sense of exile. In Jeremiah 46:1-28, scripture provides a contrast between the judgment or wrath of God and His discipline of His children.  

 

Jeremiah 46 is the beginning of several words from the Lord regarding God’s judgment of the nations, beginning with Egypt (Jeremiah 46:1). This is why God warned the people of Israel remaining in the land not to go to Egypt but to stay in Israel & Judah (Jeremiah 42:10-16). This section of scripture is in three sections.

 

1)      A call to battle (Jeremiah 46:2-12) – Even though the defeat of Egypt is certain, God calls the army of Egypt to battle. While the resulting defeat is certain, God does not want Egypt to be able to say God did not give them a warning before calling them to battle. The army of Egypt prepares for battle as instructed but the result will be their imminent defeat.

2)      A warning about the coming invasion by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (Jeremiah 46:13-24) – The Lord continues with details about who will attack. The Lord warns Egypt of the immanent defeat of their army at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in Egypt going into exile to a people from the north.

3)      A promise to Israel (Jeremiah 46:25-28) – As God pours out his wrath and judgment on Egypt, the people in exile might of begun believing they would also suffer the same wrath and judgment. However, God ends this passage with a promise their exile is temporary with God not leaving them, and that they will return to their land.

 

This passage is the beginning of a declaration by God of wrath and judgment against the nations to which God has scatted His people, but also illustrates a difference between God’s wrath and His discipline. A disciple of Christ is one living a disciplined life for Christ. A disciplined life lived for Christ comes through tribulation God allows to come into one’s life (Romans 5:1-5) and obedience to the Word of God (Psalm 119:105; 1 Peter 1:22; Romans 12:2). However, God’s discipline on His children does not mean they have lost their salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16), but that God loves us as His children and is interested in our welfare (Jeremiah 29:11). We must interpret Jeremiah 29:11 in context, a passage written to Israel while living in exile, under discipline for their disobedience of God. God’s discipline is not something to fear but instead a demonstration of God’s love for His children, helping them grow spiritually. A Child of God should not fear the discipline of God but values it as coming from a God who loves them.

 

The Gospel is all-inclusive, with every person given a choice to either accept the gift of salvation from Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9) or to incur condemnation by the rejection of this gift (John 3:16-18). Those choosing to reject Christ, suffer eternal condemnation and separation from God while those choosing to accept Christ have eternal life. The default position for not making a decision is rejection so one must actively decide to accept Jesus as his or her savior by making a public profession of faith in Jesus as Savior (Romans 10:9-10). I invite those who have never made this decision to do so by praying 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 pray God will challenge and bless everyone reading this post.

Sacrifice, Transformation, and Service

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 12:1-8

 

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world,^[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

(ESV)

 

It has been a while since I have posted to this blog because I fell and broke my hand. The good news is I have had a full recovery and am now ready to continue the study of Romans and Jeremiah. This posting begins our study of the last section of the Book of Romans.

 

In light of the previous 11 chapters of the Book of Romans, this section begins teaching how a believer is to live once they become a believer in Jesus as their savior. Romans 12:1-8 teaches that living for Christ requires sacrifice, transformation, and service.

 

1)      Sacrifice (Romans 12:1) – Even though Jesus sacrificed Himself to pay the death penalty for sin as the gift of God bringing eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16; Romans 6:23), accepting Christ does not come without sacrifice. However, this is not a sacrifice where an animal or someone dies, but a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable to God, the one we worship. Therefore, the sacrifice of one who believes in Christ is not necessarily that one dies for God, even though that does occur, but that one lives for Christ in a manner acceptable to God. This does not mean one becomes perfect upon acceptance of Jesus as Savior, but that one experiences spiritual growth through the spiritual disciplines of prayer (Ephesians 6:18-19), the study of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).

2)      Transformation (Romans 12:2) – One becoming a living sacrifice will experience transformation in his or her life as they transform from conformity to the world and transformation through the renewal of his or her mind. Psalm 119:105 reminds believers that the Word of God guides living a Christ-like life in a fallen world. However, this leads to the question of how a Christ-like life manifests in a fallen world.

3)      Service (Romans 12:3-8) – The answer to the question of how a Christ-like life manifests in a fallen world is in serving Christ. The heading for Romans 12:3-8 according to the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible is gifts of grace. It begins with a reminder to have humility in our service to Christ and not to serve with pride (Romans 12:3). The passage then compares the Church to a body that has many members with differing functions, working together in unity (Romans 12:4-8). Like our human bodies, the body of Christ has many members with diverse talents and abilities that should work together towards the goal of fulfilling the great commission of the church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and then continues a discourse on how these gifts, when working in unity, help the Church function in unity like a healthy body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

 

When one makes a confession of faith in Jesus as their savior (Romans 10:9-10), they are not immediately taken up to Heaven to be with the Lord but left here to carry out God’s mission for the Church to spread the Gospel message (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, God does not leave his children powerless but provided the Holy Spirit to empower them for ministry (Acts 1:8; Acts 2). Not only is the Holy Spirit the one empowering a believer to spread the Gospel message, but He is also the counselor providing an interpretation of Scripture, bringing transformation to believers through loss of conformity to the world and transformation to a Christ-like life. An empowered and transformed believer can serve Christ using the gifts of the Spirit given to him or her by Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

 

The Church of the book of Acts had a reputation of turning their world upside down by spreading the message of the Gospel in their world (Acts 17:6). The early Church accomplished this without the transformative power of the complete canon of Scripture, only having the Old Testament and the teachings of the Apostles which they had not yet put into writing. This should convict the modern Church for it has the tools of the complete canon of Scripture plus technology that can spread the message rapidly around the world, but has failed to use these resources effectively. Instead, the modern Church more resembles the Church of Laodicea, a prideful Church caught up in its wealth, and prosperity, believing it needs nothing, including Christ (Revelation 3:14-22). A better model for the Church to follow is the model of the Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), a Church commended for keeping God’s Word and not denying His name, despite having little strength.

 

The message of the Gospel reminds us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, the Gospel also reminds us that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23) and that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, reminding us that there is no need to make ourselves right with God before receiving Salvation. All that one needs for Salvation is to make a confession of Jesus as Lord of his or her life (Romans 10:9-10). If you have never prayed to confess Jesus as Lord of your life, I invite 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.