THE LORD SPOKE (July 5)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 31-32

Even a superficial glance at the archaeological record of the Assyrians' military machine will convince you quickly that they were ruthless, very violent, and extremely cruel. It's no wonder that Jonah did more than hesitate when God directed him to go to them with a message of condemnation and judgment. So, when our text says that Sennacherib invaded Judah (II Chron. 32:1) and "intended to make war on Jerusalem" (II Chron. 32:2), it's easy to understand Hezekiah's precarious position. The parallel passage in II Kings supplies several extra details but the basic information is here too.

Sennacherib's total war approach included:

• over-powering military force - 185,000 troops in this case
• a public information campaign to recount previous military exploits that were intended to terrorize the local population (= ancient version of CNN's coverage of news in the Middle East)
• learning Hebrew to get his message out more effectively to the common people
• memorizing verses of Scripture ("every man under his own vine and fig tree") to provide a "biblical basis" for what he planned to do
• learning some Judean doctrine to give a theological twist to his demands (use of "Jehovah" and references to Hezekiah's treatment of the altars and high places)

Hezekiah's actions are very clearly spelled out here too. First, he did everything humanly possible to prepare to meet the threat (II Chron. 32:3-5), including:

• significant work on the water sources to guarantee a steady supply under siege
• extensive repairs and reinforcement of the walls, towers, and other defensive positions
• provision of ample military hardware

Secondly, he went to the Temple and placed everything before the Lord, recognized his own inability to deal with the problem, and asked for God's help (II Kings 19:14-19).

Thirdly, he encouraged the people to trust the Lord (II Chron. 32:6-8) for the outcome

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of the flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.

God did respond decisively through the Prophet Isaiah (II Kings 19:20-34) promising that, under no circumstances, would Sennacherib enter Jerusalem. In fact, He "took care of them on every side" (II Chron. 32:22). Lord Byron said it well in his poem, The Destruction of Sennacherib (1815):

And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!

Are you in need of that sort of divine solution to some problem you're facing today? The way forward is laid out clearly here: (1) do everything possible that God has equipped you to do yourself, (2) go to the Lord for His provision, and (3) believe that He will answer your prayer and encourage others to trust Him to do so.


New Testament: I Thessalonians 4

The Thessalonians had a problem. Expecting, as they should, the any-moment-return of the Lord, some of their number had died before it came. This led some others to question what would happen to the dead ones when Christ did come back. Would they miss out on that great event?

Speaking of the dead as “those who fall asleep” (I Thess. 4:13), Paul carefully lays down a chronology of end-time events, in answer to their questions. He concludes that “we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep” (I Thess. 4:15). Sleep is an apt metaphor for the death of a Christian because the certainty of resurrection removes the fear of the unknown. Death is not final. This truth also gives us hope so that we do not grieve like others who do not have this assurance (I Thess. 4:13).

Christ’s teaching on this was not recorded for us in the Gospels but Paul attributes this order of events directly to “the Lord’s own word” (I Thess. 4:15). This must have come either as a direct revelation to Paul himself or as some teaching of Christ that was passed down orally.

First, there will be that moment of the RETURN of Christ. It will be “from heaven”, “in the clouds”, “in the air”. Specifically, it will not be to the earth. That comes later. The souls of believers who have already died will come back with Him (I Thess. 4:14) for the RESURRECTION of their bodies. Then, and not before, those believers who are still alive will be snatched up in the RAPTURE. We will rise to the clouds for that glorious REUNION. The souls and resurrected bodies of the dead in Christ will be reunited. The dead in Christ and we who remain alive until that moment will be reunited. But most importantly, we will all be reunited with our Lord who bought us. The RESULT will be that from that moment we will be with Him forever (I Thess. 4:17).

That is, indeed, cause for encouragement and great comfort. And so “we wait for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Tit. 2:13). We do not wait to go through the Tribulation first - how could that be a “blessed hope”? The church is nowhere present in Revelation 6-19. She will be gone by that time, taken up into the presence of the Lord, only to return with Him to rule (Rev. 19:11-21).

THE LORD SPOKE (July 4)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 29-30

Why is King Hezekiah of the southern kingdom sending couriers from town to town in the northern kingdom (II Chron. 30:5,6,10)? Because this occasion takes place in 715 BC, about seven years after the destruction of Samaria and the fall of the northern kingdom in 722 BC. There is no more northern kingdom. All but a tiny handful of the inhabitants were killed, fled to Judah, or were taken into captivity by the Assyrians. In an attempt to reunite the people in the worship of Jehovah from Jerusalem, Hezekiah cleansed the Temple and reestablished the celebration of Passover. The fact that this annual festival hadn't been observed nationally for some time (II Chron. 30:5) is further indication of the low spiritual state of the union.

State of the union? There wasn't much union there at all. Some of those invited "scorned and ridiculed" (II Chron. 30:10) the very invitation. Even some of those who did accept the invitation to come didn't follow the required cleansing procedure before participating in the Passover (II Chron. 30:18) which, by the way, was being celebrated out-of-season because the priests themselves were not ready at the right time. Yet, "the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind" (vs. 12) and some "humbled themselves" and pursued the opportunity to return to Judah and to Jehovah (II Chron. 30:11).

There would have been ample reason to not celebrate the festival at this time. "But Hezekiah prayed for them saying, 'May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God.'" (II Chron. 30:19). This is not just a wishy-washy prayer like, "I know what the rules are, but so what - I'm being sincere." And it wasn't a rush job. The week-long festival was repeated for a second week (II Chron. 30:21-23). In fact, they were doing exactly what God had told Solomon they must do back at the original dedication of the Temple (see II Chronicles 7:14):

• humble themselves (II Chron. 30:11)
• pray (II Chron. 30:27)
• seek God's face (II Chron. 30:19-20)
• turn from their wicked ways (II Chron. 30:14; 31:1).

And, God did just what He promised He would do:

• He heard from heaven (II Chron. 30:20, 27)
• He forgave their sins (II Chron. 30:8-9, 18-19)
• and He healed their land (II Chron. 30:20 and the chapters that follow).

Aren't you glad that "the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate[?] He will not turn his face from you if you return to him" (II Chron. 30:9). Now is always a good time to set things right with God.


New Testament: I Thessalonians 3

Absence may make the heart grow fonder but it also makes the worry bump grow bigger. Not being there and unable to affect what might or might not be happening, we grow apprehensive and begin to imagine all sorts of scenarios. Reasonable or not, we create a mental image that begins to feed on itself and gnaw away at us.

The Apostle Paul was no different. It wasn’t all imagination either. After all, the Tempter was out to destroy his work all the time (I Thess. 3:5). He had reason for concern - many had fallen by the wayside or abandoned their faith entirely. He was concerned that his work at Thessalonica might be undone.

More than anywhere else, Paul engages a series of couplets in this chapter which serve to tell the story:

• vs. 2a - “our brother and God’s fellow worker” - Paul was unable to go himself, but he sent his reliable companion, Timothy, to find out what was happening and to provide assistance.
• vs. 2b - “to strengthen and encourage you” - The Greek word here is used for a buttress that is built onto a building to reinforce and provide support.
• vs. 6a - “your faith and love” - Timothy had been able to return with a glowing report. Though there may have been cause for concern, given the expected trials, the Thessalonians had stood firm in the Lord.
• vs. 6b - “pleasant memories...and long[ing] to see” - Much to Paul’s relief, the Thessalonians reciprocated his own feelings toward them.
• vs. 7 - “distress and persecution” - Paul had himself been through the wringer but was able to take encouragement from the experience of the Thessalonians.
• vs. 10 - “night and day” - Unceasingly, he continued to uphold them in prayer, knowing that the Evil One was still lurking about.
• vs. 11 - “God and Father” - His faith was in the Lord. It had been previously too but how prone we are to forget and start imagining things again.
• vs. 12 - “make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else” - This double couplet says it all. The spiritual vitality of the brothers there would go beyond all the boundaries and have an affect on ever-widening circles.
• vs. 13 - “blameless and holy” - That’s the key but how can it be? Blameless? Holy? Only through the mighty strengthening of Him who loves us more than words can tell.

THE LORD SPOKE (June 4)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Kings 18-19

What a refreshing breeze comes in these chapters. After a long stagnation with putrid air, King Hezekiah lets us breathe again. "He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him." ( II Kings 18:6). Take a look at what is said about Hezekiah's actions:

• "he did what was right" (18:3)
• he tore down the things that constituted an entrapment to sin (18:4)
• he "trusted in the Lord" (18:5)
• he didn't quit, even when the going got tough (18:6)
• he rebelled against those things that hurt the people of God (18:8)
• he pursued and defeated the enemy in every corner (18:8)

Note the results! "There was no one like him" (18:5) and "he was successful in whatever he undertook" (18:7). Then Hezekiah came up against a formidable enemy. The Assyrians had completely smashed the Northern Kingdom and every one else in the region (18:34). Now it was Judah's turn. Sennacherib did his homework before doing his evil:

• he studied well the battlefield and knew his enemy (18:20-22)
• he had a clear military strategy (18:17, 23-25)
• he learned Hebrew (18:26)
• he memorized some Bible verses to "support" his cause (18:31)
• he studied O.T. theology to find an argument for his case (18:22, 25; e.g. use of "Jehovah")
• he knew his Bible geography (18:32) but twisted it to fit his plan

What did Hezekiah do in response? He went straight to the Lord (19:1) and laid it out before Him. He humbled himself and led the leadership and the people to do the same (19:4-5). He sought advice from a spiritual leader (19:2, 5-7). And he prayed (19:15-19). And such a prayer it was! Then, he waited - the hardest part of all.

The Lord spoke! His word came mightily through Isaiah (19:21-34; c.f. Isa. 10:5-34). In a roaring rebuke of the Assyrian pride, God promises that Sennacherib would depart without firing a shot. It's as if He says, "just watch what I can do".

"And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword hath melted like snow in a glance from the Lord!" (Lord Byron, The Destruction of Sennacherib - 1815). How would you like to write the postcards to 185,000 widows and mothers? "Whoops, I lost my whole army!" Sennacherib crept back to Assyria with his tail between his legs, but that's not all. A short while later his own sons assassinated him (19:37). And it all started with one man who "held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him".


New Testament: II Corinthians 6

Sometimes you wonder if it’s worth it. Paul had poured himself into the ministry at Corinth in every way (see I Cor. 6:4-10 and go back to 4:8-12 also). The response had been more than disappointing. It was downright depressing and would have crushed Paul had he not retained constant trust in the Lord as an anchor for his soul.

There were some external difficulties along the way (beatings, imprisonments, and riots) but the harder issues had been the people’s response to him (dishonor, bad reports, and doubting or questioning his motives). What Paul found harder yet was the lack of response! He could handle hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger but not a lack of affection and being ignored.

Summing it up, Paul’s analysis of the Corinthian problem was that they were “receiving God’s grace in vain” (I Cor. 6:1). How can that be? How can someone turn the grace of God into emptiness? By living for yourself! By so mixing with the world that your relationship with Christ is compromised (I Cor. 6:14-15). By so dirtying your temple that God refuses to walk there (I Cor. 6:16-18).

So what’s the answer? It spills over into the next chapter:

Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (II Cor. 7:1)

How do you “perfect holiness”? Go back to chapter six:

• by not being yoked together with unbelievers
• by avoiding all forms of wickedness
• by walking in the light of God’s word and avoiding the darkness of sinful practices
• by avoiding any and every unclean thing
• by separating yourself from those who do such things

If you try to do that in your own strength, you’ll fail. That was the problem of the Corinthians - they were making up their own solutions rather than listening to Paul’s advice and following God’s Word.

The solution? “Open wide your heart to God’s grace” (II Cor. 6:13). Commit your way to Him. Trust and obey!

THE LORD SPOKE (September 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 21-23

Does archaeology prove the Bible? There have been many articles and even whole books written on that subject in the last century. This chapter actually touches on several points addressed by modern archaeology but here are two of them of recent interest:

Hezekiah’s Defenses of Jerusalem
Is. 22:10 - “you counted the houses in Jerusalem and tore down houses to strengthen the wall”

Several other details of Hezekiah’s Jerusalem are also given in this passage but one interesting archaeological find was a house from the 8th century BC which was torn down in order to build “The Broad Wall” right over the top of it - a direct illustration of Isaiah 22:10!

Shevna, the Royal Steward
Is. 22:16 - “hewing your grave on the height and chiseling your resting place in the rock”

This tomb was first discovered in 1870 but its inscription was only deciphered a hundred years later. It’s located on the Mount of Olives (“the height” of Is. 22:16) but the inscription itself is today found in the British Museum. It refers to a palace administrator from the days of Hezekiah, probably named “[Shevna]yahu”. The tomb was found empty, no doubt because the inscription announced, “There is no silver and no gold here...cursed be the man who will open this!” Nothing like inviting the thieves to take a look!

So, does archaeology prove the Bible? In the first place, the Bible doesn’t need to be proven. Being God’s Word it is true [period]. However, it may be said, and amply illustrated, that archaeology...

1. illustrates and illuminates the Bible (e.g. in determining biblical dates, aiding in the interpretation of obscure texts, providing information concerning customs and cultures of Bible times, etc.)
2. supplements the information given in the Bible (e.g. by supplying details missing in the biblical account, providing information not found in the Bible at all, etc.)
3. regularly authenticates the Bible (e.g. it has destroyed false theories and many times demonstrated the accuracy of the Bible)

The famous quote from archaeologist Nelson Glueck (Rivers in the Desert, p. 31) is now half a century old but nothing has turned up in the meantime to change the truth of his words:

It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible.

In spite of all the recent and greatly multiplied archaeological explorations of the past fifty years, that statement is still true.


Psalm 19-20

To please God is the highest of aspirations. David closes Psalm 19 with that prayer. He longs that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart would put a smile on the face of God. When God thinks of you, what is His response? Is He pleased with what He sees? Does He smile?

David’s request comes at the end (and is the result) of an extended declaration of God’s means of revealing Himself. The two halves of the psalm speak to the two types of divine revelation. General revelation is that which is known to all men by means of the creation (Ps. 19:1-6). Special revelation is the written content of Scripture in which He has spoken to us in words (Ps. 19:7-11).

General revelation cannot be hidden for “there is no speech or language where [its] voice is not heard” (Ps. 19:3). All men everywhere may see and hear that word from God and are therefore held accountable. All of creation declares that there is a God and that He is its powerful Maker (see Rom. 1:20). Any man who says otherwise is a liar and falls under just condemnation. (Kinda puts our educational system in a bad light, doesn’t it?)

As clear and as valuable as it is, general revelation has its limitations. Its vocabulary is colorful, awe-inspiring, and has over-powering weight on ontological and teleological questions. But it is limited; it can’t give all the necessary details.

That’s where special revelation comes in. God has spoken through recorded laws, statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances to give us a clear and sufficient understanding of Himself. His plan and His requirements for us are revealed in words that revive the soul, give joy to the heart, and bring light to the eyes. They are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.

When heard and obeyed, those words bring forgiveness, wisdom, and direction in life. They give life itself. Does it not bring you also to your knees, whispering...

May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing in your sight
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.