Category: earthly kingdom / Millennial Reign of Christ

What Child Is This? #3

Friday, December 1, 2023

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20,21 KJV).

The third verse of the classic Christmas carol highlights today’s Scripture.

“So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.”

While commonly assumed the wise men came to visit Baby Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem, a careful study of Matthew chapter 2 shows us that they met Jesus in Joseph’s house in Nazareth, when He was as much as two years old (verse 16). The Bible never specifies “three” wise men or three “kings,” either. Regardless of their number, these wise men, Gentiles from the East, came to Jerusalem looking for Israel’s King. Upon hearing the wise men, King Herod and all of Jerusalem were “troubled” (verse 3). Israel should be ready to receive her Messiah-King, but she is not. Gentiles are seeking Israel’s King, and they, the Gentiles, are ready! How odd!

The wise men learn that Israel’s Messiah was born in Bethlehem-Judah (verses 4-6), but a “star” (angel) leads them to Nazareth (verses 7-10). Verse 11: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Jesus is a King, so the wise men have brought gold to Him. They have brought Him frankincense because He is a Priest. Myrrh has been brought to Him because He is a Prophet. Gentiles treat Israel’s King with more respect than Israel does!

Nothing has changed today. Some reject Jesus Christ while others accept Him. The songwriter, as does this author, urges people to accept Him!

A Whale of a Tale? #14

Monday, November 20, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

Overall, Bible deriders are not interested in meaningful dialog or establishing truth. Instead, they are just determined to rid themselves of Scripture. If they can find fault with it, they can dismiss it and ignore its claims against them. They want to discredit its testimony, for they prefer not to face accountability. If the Bible is wrong about “great fish” and “whale,” they assume it is wrong when it speaks against them and their sin. Anything to soften the Bible appeals to them. That is sin nature at its very best, friends!

The translators of our English (King James) Bible knew our language well—plus the source languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Consequently, we should be thankful for their work. They took God’s words and handled them with the utmost respect when transferring them into English. We need not (and should not) grow upset with these men if they were more familiar with our language than we are, or that the English Bible utilizes our language in ways we are too immature to appreciate or comprehend. Jonah’s animal was a “fish” (aquatic creature—Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2:1, and Jonah 2:10), a “whale” (a large aquatic creature—today’s Scripture), and a “great fish” (a large aquatic creature—Jonah 1:17). All of these are acceptable translations. The only error exists in the minds of people who value human wisdom over Divine wisdom. They do not intimidate us into joining their camp of endless skepticism.

Finally, Jonah’s inclusion goes far beyond a neat story to tell little old ladies and small children in Sunday School. The Prophet Jonah represents his stubborn nation, Israel, miserably failing to reach the Gentiles with the Word of God. Still, Jonah was converted by means of a storm and death—and he eventually went to and evangelized Nineveh! Likewise, in the ages to come, wayward Israel will be turned around to serve as God’s channel of salvation and blessing to the world (Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20)! 🙂

Emulation #3

Friday, November 3, 2023

“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them” (Romans 11:14 KJV).

What is “emulation?”

The primary role of the Apostle Paul was to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to the whole world: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). His secondary purpose was a provoking ministry to Israel during the Acts period (see Romans 11:11-14, the context of today’s Scripture). With national Israel temporarily losing her status before God in Acts chapter 7, lost Jews needed to hear updated information concerning what the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was doing.

Therefore, as Paul traveled around the Roman Empire, he visited synagogues (Jewish places of worship) or preached to any lost Jews to announce the change in program (Acts 9:20-22; 13:5,14-52; 14:1-3; 17:1-4,10-11; 18:4-8,19-21; 19:8-9; 28:17-31). “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you [Israel]: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28).

In speaking these words, Paul was indicting Israel for unbelief, for if they refused to trust his Gospel, then they were just as rebellious as their brethren in the land of Palestine who had rejected the Gospel of the Kingdom under Jesus’ earthly ministry and Peter’s ministry in early Acts. If they were to have a relationship with the God of the Bible, they must approach God the way Gentiles are coming, and this is most unflattering to these Jewish people….

Emulation #2

Thursday, November 2, 2023

“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them” (Romans 11:14 KJV).

What is “emulation?”

Consider Romans 15:8-12: “[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: [9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written [Psalm 18:49], For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. [10] And again he saith [Deuteronomy 32:43], Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. [11] And again [Psalm 117:1], Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. [12] And again, Esaias saith [Isaiah 11:10], There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.”

In the above passage, Paul quoted assorted Old Testament verses which you would do well to read (Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10). Regarding each verse, Israel has risen to kingdom glory, and the nations or Gentiles are attracted to God’s light in Israel. You may also see Isaiah 60:1-3, Zechariah 8:20-23, and Matthew 5:13-16. God would use converted Israel to minister to the world. Christ’s earthly ministry was thus to Israel, as Romans 15:8 already stated: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [covenants] made unto the fathers:….” Gentile salvation—the salvation of the nations—was no secret in time past.

What was a secret in prophecy was God’s salvation and blessing going to the world without converted Israel. This is mystery, Paul’s ministry and message, as found in today’s Scripture and its context: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:….” It is in this setting that “emulation” is used….

ARCHIVED: “Should Christians observe All Souls’ Day?”

Palsy #7

Friday, October 20, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Once Christ pronounced the man forgiven of his sins, unbelieving Israel regarded it as blasphemy (speaking against, talking evil about, disrespecting God). “This man blasphemeth” (Matthew 9:3). “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:7). “Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” (Luke 5:21). Such reactions proved they really had no concept of Messiah or His purpose. Consequently, He demonstrated He could forgive sins. Before their very eyes, He restored the paralytic to health—and they could not deny it! As it was stated at His incarnation, “…[T]hou shalt call his name JESUS [‘JEHOVAH-Saviour’]: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:25).

The other paralytic the Lord Jesus healed was the servant of a (Gentile) Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Here, the Lord showed He had the Gentiles in mind during His earthly ministry. He aimed to convert Israel so that He could then reach those Gentiles through redeemed Israel. Unfortunately, while the Gentiles were willing to accept and believe Messiah, Israel was not!

Regarding the Apostle Peter healing paralytic Aeneas in Acts 9:32-35, this miracle was performed in conjunction with the start of Paul’s ministry earlier in the chapter. Though Paul’s Gentile apostleship is in effect, it will not go on forever. At some point, our mystery program will close so God can continue the prophetic program and raise Israel to kingdom glory (as symbolized with Aeneas). Aeneas had suffered palsy eight years. Eight in Scripture is the number of new beginnings (seven signifying perfection or completion). When Messiah Jesus comes back, Israel’s national spiritual palsy will be cured (Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23).

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice [be of good cheer!] for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy” (Isaiah 65:17,18).

Palsy #6

Thursday, October 19, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Jesus’ healing miracles were intended to validate, authenticate, or substantiate the Gospel of the Kingdom He was preaching: “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:4-6). See how this compares to Matthew 11:1-6 and Luke 7:18-23.

In the case of paralytics—such as Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24)—Christ was proving He could restore Israel to spiritual mobility by correcting (forgiving) their sin problem. Though disabled, by His power they would (and will) walk in His statutes under the New Covenant, serving as His earthly people throughout the endless ages to come (Ezekiel 11:19,20; Ezekiel 36:26,27). In Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24), Jesus’ title is “the Son of man,” which not only underscores His humanity but also His earthly authority. He has the right to reign in the Earth for God’s glory (what Adam failed to do in Genesis chapter 3!).

Observe Daniel 7:13,14: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Yet, during His earthly ministry, Israel doubted Jesus really was whom He claimed to be….

Palsy #4

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

“Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20). This healing of the paralytic is performed in conjunction with the forgiveness of sins of a certain “son” or a “man.” Who does this cured person represent?

If we are Bible students, this title “son” should remind us of verses such as Exodus 4:22,23: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” Also, Hosea 11:1: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” Israel is God’s son-nation in the Earth. As a son works with his father in the family business, so Israel was to accomplish God’s will in the Earth.

Alas, like all descendants of Adam, the Israelites had a sin problem—a sin problem that spiritually incapacitated them. Sin is a spiritual disease: it disables the spiritual body just like physical disease immobilizes the physical body. How can they possibly serve Him in the Earth? This is the lesson to be learned with the healing of the paralytics in the Bible. If Israel is to function as God’s kingdom of priests in the Earth, He must address their spiritual infirmity. Like the man afflicted with physical palsy, they are spiritually bedridden, for spiritual palsy has stricken them! They can do nothing for Him, and they are just as powerless to do anything for themselves.

Like Pharaoh kept Israel in bondage, so sin enslaves them. In both cases, the LORD must intervene to liberate them. Christ healing the man sick of the palsy (paralytic) represents God’s restoring Israel to service (spiritual mobility)….

Palsy #3

Monday, October 16, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Let us recall how the name “palsy” is actually an altered form of the word “paralysis.” Whereas modern English speakers rarely use “palsy” alone, it is still found in the titles of medical conditions such as “Bell’s palsy” (facial paralysis) and “cerebral palsy” (paralysis due to an abnormal or damaged brain). These are examples of muscle weakness disrupting or preventing mobility and/or movement.

Going back to Matthew 9:1-8: “[1] And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. [2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. [3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. [4] And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? [5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? [6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. [7] And he arose, and departed to his house. [8] But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

Also recorded in Mark 2:1-12 (additional details) and Luke 5:17-26 (even more details), Christ Jesus’ healing of this bedridden paralytic is connected to a “son” or a “man” whose sins are forgiven. “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20). Herein is the key to unlocking the riddle of palsy in Scripture….

Palsy #2

Sunday, October 15, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Let us read today’s Scripture in its context: “[17] From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…. [23] And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [24] And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

Another verse helpful in this regard is Luke 8:1: “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,….” The Lord’s earthly ministry involved the preaching of a kingdom, God’s kingdom—the Gospel (“Good News”) of the Kingdom. In addition to a verbal message or a proclamation of words (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand;” Matthew 4:17), there was a physical or visual confirmation of the message. If God’s kingdom were really near—“at hand,” or within Israel’s grasp—there would be not just words but sights to see and sounds to hear.

“For the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22). What could signify, or serve as a sign, to Israel’s people that their long-promised Messiah or Saviour had come to reign and fulfill the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and Isaiah 9:6,7? How could Jesus “shew” (cause to be seen, demonstrate) the Glad Tidings (Good News or Gospel) of the Kingdom? What credentials could He offer to validate His identity and work? Why, His miracle-working would serve this purpose, and His curing of palsy would impart Father God’s revelation to Israel….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #10

Thursday, October 12, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Recall Isaiah 49:24-26, how the LORD will serve as Israel’s Saviour and Redeemer. Also, remember Jeremiah 31:11, the LORD redeeming and ransoming Israel from “the hand of him that was stronger than he.” This looks to Jesus’ Second Coming. With Israel freed from Satan, sin, and even oppressive Gentile armies and governments, the nation can be filled with God’s life.

For example, consider how Israel’s sin debt will be cleared when the New Covenant, based on Christ’s shed blood, is ratified (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-22). One blessing of the New Covenant is Father God filling the redeemed Jewish people—His kingdom of priests (see 1 Peter 2:9,10; Revelation 1:5,6; Revelation 5:9,10)—with the indwelling Holy Spirit. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:26-28). “And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD” (Ezekiel 37:14).

Israel’s believing remnant (trusting Jesus as Messiah) serves in the Promised Land, becoming God’s channel of salvation and blessing to the world (see Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20). In that day, God Himself will have solved Israel’s devil problem!