Month: November 2020

How Shall I Know?

On By TimIn Disbelief, Luke 01Leave a comment

Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years.”

Luke 1:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is Zechariah’s response to the angel that visited him while he was burning incense in the temple before the Lord. The angel came with good tidings of a promised newborn son. He and his wife were childless and well advanced in years. Yet the angel declared a boy would be born. He named the child and said he would have the power of Elijah.

Zechariah’s response wasn’t to believe what he was told. In fact, his response doesn’t seem quite shocking at all to modern ears. It is the same objection that many of us would offer.

“Prove it to me.”

“I need evidence.”

“Something more than your words is necessary.”

It’s the simple communication of truth from one person to another. In our case, an angel that has true information was tasked to relay it to Zechariah. He needed something more. Paul spoke of the human impediment at work here.

Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of this world foolish? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:20–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In all of the questions Paul asks, he is mocking the wisdom of the world. Technology advances, people compose great written works, wise men debate novel ideas. Yet in none of these is revealed the only truth that matters… To know God and to be saved.

Our friend Zechariah wanted something more. What was told to Him didn’t match what he knew. Older couples were well past the child-bearing years. Zechariah knew this messenger was different than a mere human.

Paul says the Israeli seeks something more… A sign. The Greek needs the wisdom that often arises from the debate of ideas. It’s always something more.

God conveys ideas to us. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. The just shall live by faith.

It pleased God through the foolishness of proclamation (preaching) to save those who believe it. It’s as simple as that. Believe what is said.

Zechariah’s response revealed he didn’t really believe. Yet Zechariah already had his sign.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Luke 1:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He was alone, and no other person was permitted to enter the place where he was. We know the angel appeared to him. It wasn’t there when he walked in.

Zechariah didn’t believe the proclamation, it cost him something. He regarded what he was told foolishly. He was a witness to it being all true. His wife conceived. A son was born to him.

If someone were to say to you, “Jesus died for you.” Would your response be to treat the statement with folly or would you want to know more?

The disposition of your soul depends on your response.

Another Subtle Rapture Hint

On By TimIn Jesus, Last Days, Rapture, Revelation 03Leave a comment

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s hard to read this verse and not perceive the sudden urgency. Listen! Behold! Jesus is saying, “Take notice, this is important.”

Most times this is taught it is usually about how the time of salvation is now. It could be, and it can lend itself that way.

If you’ve read much here, there is a post that talks about this very verse. You can read that for some background.

What comes to my attention is not only the urgency of the time but what happens when one avails themselves of the Savior at that moment. He comes in to dine with them. That is what stands out… This invitation to dinner.

But while they went to buy some, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This portion of Matthew is known as the parable of the Ten Virgins. It is written about yet future events. Note two elements, a meal, and a door. In reading the entire parable, the idea of the urgency of the hour is also apparent.

One also notes that the Bridegroom comes to retrieve the party not unexpectedly. They all knew He was coming for them. Some were prepared and some were not.

The oil in the lamps of these virgins is integral to what happens to them. The ones who are prepared have oil. The ones who don’t aren’t. In Scripture, oil typifies the Holy Spirit. Those who are saved have that oil and are prepared for the sudden appearance of the bridegroom. Those who do not have the Spirit are not prepared.

I would be remiss to point out that all of these virgins appear to have the same knowledge. That the Bridegroom is appearing suddenly and it is necessary to be prepared beforehand. Those not prepared have no place at the banquet as the door will be shut.

It’s just like Jesus’ words to the Laodicean church at the end of the age. He stands outside at the door and knocks. Anyone willing can enter in and dine with Him. The appeal is to the individual (any man) there.

We live in that time where each of us needs to be prepared. Really. Things will happen so fast, delaying your own reconciliation with God could prove detrimental. Who knows when the door shuts?

Do you know that the Bible says all have sinned?

None of us escapes that truth. The problem is by the time we find out God’s righteous requirement to have that fellowship with Him, we know we’ve missed the mark of perfection. That’s what sin means… To miss the mark. Think of an archer that shoots at a target and misses. A miss brings the penalty of death and you cannot greet the king.

A do-over doesn’t change the missed mark. In fact, there are no amount of do-overs that can correct the one error. That’s our predicament.

We cannot reach God.

Do you know how God fixed that?

He sent His Son to die… Taking the penalty. That Son is Jesus Christ. He died to take the penalty due for the miss you’ve had in the past… All of them.

Jesus fixed it. If you believe that and confess that you can enter the presence of the King and fellowship with Him.

It’s easy. If you need to chat about it, message me.

The Reward for the Believer

On By TimIn Last Days, Malachi 03, Prophecy, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

Malachi 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the apocalyptic portions of the book of Malachi, we find a hidden hint of mystery. As the context speaks of the advent of the Messiah, and who can stand in that day… We know this is of what is called the end days.

There is a some-2,000-year gap in the midst of those end days. I like to think of it as a respite. It has stretched the culmination of them (times of the Gentiles) for millennia, maybe more. But I doubt that.

Our verse above transitions the focus from judgment to the disposition of the believer. Watch as to what is in store for them.

They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Malachi 3:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He calls those who believed His jewels. Another translation says His treasured possession. If you believe… That’s you. That is who you are. It’s not by anything you have done. It is his He Who considers you thusly.

But wait, there’s more! Just like the unbelievable commercials always promising more to entice. God promises more for the believer (that’s us) in those end days. Those will be spared.

One may ask, “Spared from what?”

To answer that, we must read a bit ahead.

Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven; all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is being spared from what other texts call the indignation, the day of wrath, or Jacob’s Trouble. It is the judgment poured out onto the world because of Israel. Believers are spared this as sons. Which takes us to what is hidden.

Then you will again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the particular translation I use, it’s not really clear. Here’s another.

You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Malachi 3:18 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

What is meant by “You will return?”

The Hebrew word that underlies the English return implies physical movement. We will venture a bit ahead in the text yet again. This is to clarify understanding.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this, says the Lord of Hosts.

Malachi 4:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“You will go out.” And “you will tread down the wicked.” “You will return.”

Isn’t this clear that believers would be physically removed from the indignation and judgment and would then be the ones returning amidst and after that judgment?

If so… Could this be a hint of rapture?

Read the text for yourselves. Don’t believe me. The context is there. As is the subtle language of escape and return.

He Commanded to Bring Her

On By TimIn Esther 1, Husbands, Leadership1 Comment

Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.

Esther 1:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are now introduced to new people. The first is Vashti the queen. She, too, is hosting a reception for the women.

With this introduction, we will take a turn. A bit of the character of the king will be revealed. Remember the character traits here to see if they change later.

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending to the needs of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown, to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.

Esther 1:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It may have been the merriness brought on by the wine, but here the king commanded Vashti be brought to him. It was without any care to her or what she was doing at the moment. He wished to show her off as another part of the splendor of his kingdom.

Many scholars think that king Xerxes called Vashti to make a lewd display of her beauty with the opulent turban. It would be in front of the other males at his feast. (The women were at her’s.)

This is just another in a series of bad decisions that serve as a foundation for the events that unfold in the book of Esther. The king was drunk. As customary, Persians often deliberated and decided important things while drunk. It seems to have happened here, too.

But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath burned within him.

Esther 1:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The queen refused the command. The king’s rash command resulted in his own anger. He failed to take into account the needs of others, perhaps because of the dissipation that alcohol brings. Maybe there was something more profound. One could speculate.

Nevertheless, his addled thinking led him to be embarrassed in front of his guests.

Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood law and judgment). Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia and Media and the king’s closest confidants who met with the king and held the highest rank in the kingdom.

Esther 1:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We meet the king’s advisors. These are the ones that will counsel him. They will turn what happened as a result of his decision into a scandal and blame someone else.

According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus when it was delivered by the eunuchs?”

Esther 1:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let’s see what the law has to say about the matter.

And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she never came.’ This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear of the queen’s act, will say the same thing to all the king’s princes. Then there will be more contempt and wrath.

Esther 1:16–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is nothing here that shows what ought to be done to Vashti in the law. In the patriarchies of old, the queen’s behavior is scandalous. She embarrassed the king. Furthermore, such actions would also upset the male’s leadership in the home. How was a man to be king of his castle?

What is recorded here is a historical lesson that is to teach honor in marriage. Men are to love their wives with due consideration. Our spouses aren’t a possession to be commanded and ordered. We put their needs above ours.

The wrong perpetrated on the king was as a result of his own bad decision. Yet… By his decisions, a new law would be made.

“If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him, and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give her royal position to another woman who is better than she. When the king’s decree that he shall make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly.”

Esther 1:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That ought to really fix things. Make it personal. Vashti would never be permitted to enter the presence of her husband. In other words, divorce for disobedience of command was implemented.

It’s like the law for drinking, people are permitted licentious behavior. More license is added. Remember the laws of Persia cannot be rescinded not even by a decree of the king.

The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according to the word of Memukan. He sent letters to all the king’s provinces, in the script of every province and in the language of every people group, bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule over his own house.

Esther 1:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The decrees of the king were promulgated throughout the kingdom. The kingdom was vast and the resources needed to govern were considerable. The decrees would be translated into the written language of every person. This method will be repeated in the book of Esther.

The law established the man as sovereign of the house.

According to Every Man’s Pleasure

On By TimIn Esther 1, TemperanceLeave a comment

Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes, who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.

Esther 1:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This sets the stage for the things written in Esther. Chronologically, these events happen in the middle of what is written in Ezra. King Xerxes is introduced in Ezra. At the beginning of his reign, there was a letter written to him that portrayed the Jewish people as insubordinate. Keeping that in mind will help to see how the king grew in wisdom despite the intrigue of the adversary to destroy a people.

In the third year of his reign, he prepared a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces were before him.

Esther 1:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We understand that what occurs here happens a few years after what is recorded about the king from the book of Ezra.

He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury of his greatness for many days, one hundred and eighty days.

Esther 1:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This feast lasted for half a year. It was lavish, as the kingdom itself was wealthy. It also showed off the military prowess and conquests of the king. If one remembers the statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in the book of Daniel, this kingdom is represented by silver. The Medo-Persian kingdom was not as grand as the Babylonian kingdom it seized. Yet Xerxes’ reign was exerted over a vast kingdom.

When these days were completed, the king prepared a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least, in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden of the king’s palace where white and blue linen hangings were fastened with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble. The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Esther 1:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After that great feast, a smaller one was prepared. It was much more intimate than the previous one, yet still displayed the splendor and wealth of the kingdom.

For all the opulence on display, some darker things are revealed.

They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king. In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory, because the king had directed all the stewards of his house to serve according to every man’s pleasure.

Esther 1:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Drunkenness was allowed by law. Of course, one may overlook the detail, but it is recorded for us that drinking was permitted as a matter of law. As was conscience. Yet the law permitted and sanctioned immorality.

Think of applying these ideas to your own household. Having a grand party to show of wealth may seem pretentious enough. Sanctioning drunkenness is another.

According to every man’s pleasure is how these were served by law. Of course, the law also allowed for conscience. It also permitted debauchery in the highest places.

Sometimes, a person’s conscience isn’t enough to keep them from succumbing to intoxicants. With no outside influence in the society to align with moral behavior, people are given a license to indulge. This is decadence.