Category: God’s goodness

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #6

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

By the time of today’s Scripture, Israel’s northern 10 tribes have already been taken away into Assyrian Captivity. This was the fifth and final phase of chastisement or punishment stipulated in the Law of Moses (cf. Leviticus 26:27-39). No longer would the LORD God permit these Jews to pollute His land with their pagan idols (see 2 Kings 17:6-23). That was now over a century prior to Jeremiah writing chapter 25. Currently, the Prophet is warning the southern two tribes—collectively called “Judah”—of their looming deportation. Their pagan idolatry will result in them being removed to Babylon!

Keep reading in Jeremiah chapter 25: “[9] Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. [10] Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

“[11] And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. [12] And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. [13] And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.”

Not only will the LORD God take vengeance on idolatrous Jews, He will use Babylon to attack, conquer, and punish all (idolatrous) nations. Then, He will punish idolatrous Babylon….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain Matthew 10:41-42?”

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #5

Monday, April 27, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

Read these other verses from Jeremiah: “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:…” (5:21). “And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers” (7:13,25,26).

“For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice. Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do: but they did them not” (11:7,8). “But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction” (17:23). “To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;…” (26:5).

“Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD” (29:19). “And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction” (32:33). You may also see 35:14,15 and 44:5. Indeed, the warnings have gone unheeded… for 900 years….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What did Paul mean, he ‘robbed other churches?’”

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #4

Sunday, April 26, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

Although the God of the Bible is regularly charged with being “hasty in meting out punishment and eager to pour out wrath,” the Scriptures actually portray Him as the opposite: He is longsuffering, patient in His dealings with sinners. For many centuries, He sent innumerable messengers to warn His people Israel to turn around and quit their wickedness.

Read 2 Chronicles chapter 36: “[14] Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. [15] And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: [16] But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.”

The LORD God was willing to let the Jews remain in His land—provided they abandon their pagan idolatry (returning to the Mosaic Law). He commissioned preachers to call them to repentance, a change in mind, that they walk in His ways. What happened? Did they heed those admonitions? No. They “mocked” (ridiculed) His messengers! They “despised” (hated) His words! They “misused” (abused) His prophets! It was not accidental; it was deliberate. When He spoke to them, not only did they not listen, they also made no effort whatsoever to hear Him! Instead of leaning their ear toward Him, they ignored Him time and time again. This is a major theme of the Book of Jeremiah. For example, notice Jeremiah 7:24: “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.”

Let us see the many other verses that demonstrate God’s incomprehensible longsuffering and man’s obstinate sinfulness….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Who is ‘Jeshurun?’”

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #3

Saturday, April 25, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

The First Commandment of the Mosaic Law is: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:1-3). Over 1,500 years later, the Lord Jesus is asked: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Matthew chapter 22: “[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.”

Coming up through the centuries following Israel receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, it is unmistakable that she completely disregards that covenant. Her chief sin is violating the First Commandment, this resulting in her breaking the other nine. The LORD had given Moses prophetic insight, seeing Israel’s idolatry long after his decease.

Deuteronomy chapter 32: “[5] They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation…. [15] But Jeshurun [Israel] waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. [16] They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. [17] They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. [18] Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee…. [21] They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities [idols]: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”

Between Moses’ time and Jeremiah’s time, God has commissioned preachers to call Israel back to Him. They have been overlooked….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Who is a ‘Christian?’”

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #2

Friday, April 24, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

The Old Covenant—also known as the Mosaic Law—was God’s agreement with the nation Israel. Since they insisted on being His people if they obeyed Him, He, in turn, gave them an extensive list of rules and regulations for them to follow. This was not because He knew they could “measure up” to His righteous standards—He knew they could not. Rather, He had to prove to them they could not measure up.

Read Exodus 19:3-6: “[3] And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; [4] Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. [5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

Now, continue with verses 7 and 8: “[7] And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. [8] And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.” The Israelites actually believed they could do “all that the LORD hath spoken!” Meeting such strict demands was just as impossible for the sinner then as it is today, but sin deceived Israel and, at Mount Sinai, God’s grace (His efforts) was cast aside in favor of man’s efforts (religion).

Some 900 years after Moses, the Prophet Jeremiah reprimands the Jews for not paying attention to God’s preachers. Israel is defiant in her failure to observe God’s rules….

Neither Hearkening Nor Inclining #1

Thursday, April 23, 2020

“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear” (Jeremiah 25:4 KJV).

We will scrutinize today’s Scripture to find out just how stubborn sinners are….

Read it in its context: “[1] The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; [2] The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, [3] From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. 

“[4] And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. [5] They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: [6] And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. [7] Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

“[8] Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, [9] Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.”

The LORD God is not happy with Israel, and it is easy to figure out why….

What Pleases God #5

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Paul’s epistles make four references to God’s “good pleasure.” Ephesians chapter 1: “[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

“[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:….” It delighted Father God to make us the Church the Body of Christ a part of His will for creation! We, a corporate entity, will glorify His Son in the heavenly places!

Philippians chapter 2: “[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Second Thessalonians chapter 1: “[11] Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: [12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Until we get to the heavenly places, it is Father God’s good pleasure to use us now on earth….

What Pleases God #4

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Chapter 1 of Colossians comments on God’s Son, Jesus Christ: “[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Colossians proves crucial in interpreting the creation of Genesis 1:1. When “God created the heaven and the earth,” that “God” was God the Son—the Lord Jesus Christ. He installed within those two realms a hierarchy of governmental offices (“things”), placing creatures to occupy those administrative positions. It “pleased” God the Father to appoint Jesus Christ as the Head of all those governments: all authority, in heaven and on earth, originates from Him. The nation Israel is the group of creatures whom God created to glorify His Son in the earth; the Church the Body of Christ (us!) is the group of creatures whereby God the Son is praised in the heaven.

The latter part of God’s will—His plan for the heavens—is the heart of the Apostle Paul’s ministry and message. Galatians 1:15,16: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:….” If we turn to Paul’s message, we see the ultimate expression of God’s pleasure….

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What Pleases God #3

Monday, November 4, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

The LORD God was “pleased” to bless King David’s house, ensuring that Jesus Christ would be born of his seed and reign over Israel as his heir. “Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever” (2 Samuel 7:29). “Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever” (1 Chronicles 17:27).

While God promised His earthly kingdom to Israel, the nation apostatized (turned from Him), prompting Him to form a believing remnant within the nation. That remnant—the Little Flock—will be the recipient of that earthly kingdom sworn to David and even Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:6). Consequently, the Lord Jesus assured His disciples: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32; cf. Matthew 21:43).

“Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee” (Jonah 1:14). It “pleased” the LORD to generate a storm to judge disobedient Jonah for refusing to preach to Gentiles; here is Israel’s (future) end-time suffering, the consequence of her rejecting her ministry to share God’s Word with the Gentiles. As we read just moments ago, however, it will also “please” God to deliver Israel, bless her, and make her a blessing to all people (Gentiles).

It pleased Father God to make Israel the head of the nations, because it also pleased Him to make Jesus Christ the Head of all creation. Now, we see where we the Church the Body of Christ enter the scene….

What Pleases God #2

Sunday, November 3, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

The Prophet Samuel reminded his ancient Israelite brethren of a historical reality they often disregarded: “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people” (1 Samuel 12:22). JEHOVAH God was delighted to take the nation Israel and set them apart from all the world’s peoples (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 4:1-10). With that special privilege (participation in doing God’s will) came great expectations (chastisement for not doing it). “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2).

Due to religious tradition, most see Him as a grouchy, bloodthirsty monster. However, the God of the Bible is much more than a God of wrath and punishment. When we prefer that He deal with us on the basis of our works (religion!), then, yes, He will be severe. His righteousness means absolute perfection, and His justice demands His righteous standard be met. Sin must be dealt with—a penalty must be meted out!

The God of the Bible takes pleasure in, approves of, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:10 speaks of Christ suffering and dying on Calvary’s cross: “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10). God the Father found value in His Son dying in our place, “the just [righteous] for the unjust [unrighteous]” (1 Peter 3:18). It pleased the Father that His Son be sacrificed for our sins; otherwise, we must pay for those sins by suffering in Hell’s endless flames!! God’s pleasure is that He wants to reveal to us His goodness, not our own. Once we see that, His pleasure can become our pleasure….