Category: prophecy

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #3

Thursday, November 14, 2024

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:…” (Psalm 124:2,3 KJV).

Where is true victory for Israel?

“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). “And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:25). “The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;…” (Deuteronomy 1:30).

“And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners. And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah” (Numbers 21:1-3).

“And the LORD said unto me [Moses], Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land. Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people” (Deuteronomy 2:31-33; cf. Numbers 21:21-26).

“And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land” (Numbers 21:33-35; cf. Deuteronomy 3:1-3).

There is more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #2

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:…” (Psalm 124:2,3 KJV).

Where is true victory for Israel?

Many cross-references should come to mind when pondering today’s Scripture. For example, the nation Israel had been helpless in captivity for centuries before the LORD God used 10 plagues to gradually destroy Egypt. Although Pharaoh reluctantly released the Jewish people, he and his armies pursued them across the Red Sea before the LORD intervened and drowned those Egyptian troops.

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea” (Exodus 15:1-4).

Of course, another occasion of miraculous deliverance came when Israel griped about not having potable water in the wilderness. God furnished them with drink from the rock, but enemies arose in an attempt to steal that water. The Amalekites started a war—but God ensured Israel won. “So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Exodus 17:10-13).

Yet, there is more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #1

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:…” (Psalm 124:2,3 KJV).

Where is true victory for Israel?

Everyone enjoys winning, yet, here is what we must remember. Whether a political election, a sports competition, or a war, someone has to lose at some point. Victory is most gratifying after an extended, hard-fought battle—especially when it looked so grim or hopeless because of a history of failure (loss, disappointment, misfortune). In today’s Scripture, the nation Israel actually finds itself in a similar predicament.

King David writes Psalm 124 as follows: “A Song of degrees of David. [1] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; [2] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: [3] Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: [4] Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: [5] Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. [6] Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. [7] Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. [8] Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

Observe how the Psalm starts with parallelism: “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us.” This repetition of today’s Scripture underscores or emphasizes where Israel’s triumph resides. Read Psalm 124 again and notice the rephrasing: “Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth…. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” The only means whereby we recognize the significance of these comments is to search the Scriptures to see how Israel had to learn this “the hard way….”

David’s Two Wives #5

Sunday, November 10, 2024

“So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite” (2 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

Why did David have two wives? Did the LORD endorse such polygamy?

Though David’s first wife Michal was married off to another man, David demanded she be returned to him after the Philistines slew King Saul in battle (see 1 Samuel 31:1-13 and 2 Samuel 3:13-16). David was anointed Israel’s new monarch, Saul’s successor, in 2 Samuel chapter 5—which corresponds to Jesus Christ’s Millennial Reign in the ages to come. In dozens upon dozens of ways, David symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ. As touching today’s Scripture, both men are married to one woman, then to two women, before the relationship to the original woman is restored.

Let us tie it all together now in one succinct narrative. David’s marriage to Michal was dissolved due to sin; she was taken from him and given to another man. Likewise, the LORD’S nation (Israel) was stolen from Him and given to another man (heathen gods or pagan idols). David subsequently married two women, Ahinoam and Abigail, and Michal later rejoined him once he became king. After David’s idolatrous son Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms or two nations, Israel and Judah (two women or wives). Yet, the New Covenant will reconcile Israel and Judah to each other, and reunite them to the Lord Jesus Christ (JEHOVAH God). In that day of His Second Coming, He will reign as their King—and there will be one wife, one nation, one kingdom (Michal’s return), serving one God (no more idols).

We can see how sin complicates life, whether short-term or long-term. Again, polygamy or polyandry was never God’s intention, but we live in a fallen world. David’s marital situations were not easy or justifiable, yet the Holy Spirit placed them into the record of Scripture forever to illustrate how the LORD God would have a similar relationship with Israel: one wife (one kingdom/nation), then two wives (divided kingdoms/nations), with the original wife finally returning (united kingdom/nation). In fact, in various ways David is most unlike Christ too, for, as his influence grew, King David kept multiplying wives as per eastern custom (2 Samuel 5:12,13; 1 Chronicles 3:1-9). Again, the Bible tells the truth—even about its heroes!

David’s Two Wives #4

Saturday, November 9, 2024

“So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite” (2 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

Why did David have two wives? Did the LORD endorse such polygamy?

Once JEHOVAH God called Israel out of Egypt, the nation became His wife. “Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:…” (Jeremiah 31:32). We know this “covenant” as “The Law of Moses,” or “The Old Covenant.”

It can be found in Exodus 19:4-6: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 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: 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.” This covenant was ratified in chapter 24, with the sprinkling of animal blood. “…All the words which the LORD hath said will we do” (Exodus 24:3). Of course, we know Israel was a group of sinners (idolaters), and failed miserably to keep the Law. “The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD” (Hosea 1:2).

Eventually, due to King Solomon’s idolatry, the 12 tribes of Israel split into 10 northern tribes and two southern tribes (see 1 Kings 11:1-13). Two nations and two kingdoms resulted—Israel (north) and Judah (south). The New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:31 reverses this, with Israel and Judah reunited and brought under one King (Jesus Christ, whose shed blood redeems them from the curse of the disobeyed Moses’ Law and sanctifies them unto the righteousness of Messiah’s Law). Also see Hosea 2:1-23; Ezekiel 37:15-28; John 10:14-16; John 11:51,52; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-22.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Note the Horizon! #15

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

For three years, Jesus Christ preached repentance (change in mind) to Israel because God’s earthly kingdom was at hand. Alas, most of the nation was uninterested. Luke chapter 13: “[6] He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. [7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”

Israel received a one-year extension to believe, a renewed opportunity for repentance (verse 8)—the first seven chapters of Acts. As they blasphemed against the Son of Man and crucified Him, so they spoke against the Holy Ghost and stoned His prophet Stephen. By Acts chapter 7, wrath could no longer be delayed—as far as the prophetic program was concerned. In Acts chapter 9, the mystery program began: Jesus Christ poured out grace, mercy, and peace on Saul of Tarsus, His chief enemy in the Earth (see 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Read Peter’s words in 2 Peter chapter 3: “[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…. [15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

As God was gracious, merciful, and peaceful to save Saul/Paul, so Saul/Paul is a pattern of God’s longsuffering, His attitude toward sinful mankind even now….

Note the Horizon! #14

Monday, October 21, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

What the God of the Bible is currently doing is but temporary. As He has not always done it, so He will not always do it. To the absolute shame of Christendom, most church members understand this to the same degree as those outside of church do—not at all! Christian and non-Christian alike never cease to ask such juvenile questions as, “Where is God’s wrath against sin? Was not Jesus allegedly coming back 2,000 years ago? Where is He then?” The Bible already answered these concerns, for the Apostle Peter was facing the same mockers (at that time, Christ had been gone only about 30 years).

Second Peter chapter 3: “[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. [5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: [7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Peter replies to the scoffers who doubt Jesus’ return was ever real, those who are deliberately ignorant of the Scriptures and keep delighting in their sin as though they have escaped justice. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ Himself, and others had long foretold of God’s impending judgment against sinners (Matthew 3:7-12; Matthew 13:38-42; Matthew 21:44; Luke 3:7-9,15-17; Luke 20:18; Acts 2:19,20,34-36; Acts 7:55,56; cf. Psalm 110:1). Where is this Divine wrath, Peter? Let us see if Peter offers a valid explanation….

Note the Horizon! #11

Friday, October 18, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

Ephesians chapter 2: “[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

In the prophetic program, whether before or after our Dispensation of Grace, there is a difference between Jew and Gentile. However, in Paul’s ministry, our mystery program, this distinction concerning “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” has been removed. All believers in Paul’s Gospel (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day;” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) are one Church the Body of Christ. As God has an earthly people (Israel), so He has an heavenly people (us). Ephesians 1:8-10: “Wherein he [Father God] hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 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:….”

Let us see how Pauline revelation fits with the Bible overall….

Note the Horizon! #10

Thursday, October 17, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

As God was unfolding prophecy, He was also withholding mystery… for the best way to overcome Satan is to keep a secret! For which reason, the Bible explains in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

“Mystery” in the above passage is defined as “the hidden wisdom.” Ephesians 3:5,9 adds, “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;… the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:….” Please make sure you appreciate how the events of Calvary were not a secret. For centuries prior to Paul, God through His prophets foretold various aspects of how Jesus would die. Christ Himself made frequent references to His crucifixion (Matthew 16:21-25; Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 9:31,32; Luke 18:31-34). Yet, the full scope of Christ’s finished crosswork—all that it would accomplish—was God’s secret!

In Ephesians chapter 3, verses 4-9, we read of “the fellowship of the mystery,” how “that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:….” This is the formation of the Church the Body of Christ, the group of believers God kept secret. It was totally unknown to the Old Testament prophets that God would take believing Gentiles and believing Jews and create one agency, the Body of Christ, an entity separate and distinct from the nation Israel. Isolating the Body of Christ from other churches in Scripture is critical to Bible understanding….

An Inescapable Testimony #10

Sunday, October 6, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Dear Christian friends, try as hard as we might, it is not our job to convince anyone of anything. We can (and should) offer them evidence, but we cannot force them to believe it. Indeed, Satan uses works-religion (self-righteousness) to blind them to the Gospel of Grace, yet God’s light shines through even the thickest spiritual veil (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

The entrance of God’s words gives spiritual light (Psalm 119:130), but hearers usually decide to hide in the darkness (just as critters dwelling underneath a rock scatter when you overturn it!). “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed as wrong]” (John 3:19,20).

Just because we do not see immediate results does not automatically mean we failed in ministry. What matters most is whether or not we gave them anything worthwhile to think about. Did we offer them sound Bible doctrine to correct their errors and escape their snare? Or, did we give them just another religious system in which to be in bondage (nothing better than what they already have!)?

Several obstacles must be overcome if one is to accept the truth. Emotional turmoil, loss of pride and ego, becoming an outcast from social circles, are surely to be faced—among other traumatic consequences. Therefore, quick conversion is rare. People are hesitant to leave trinkets and take up treasures because they have grown accustomed to those trinkets (and daily interact with similar people, who would ostracize them, so instant relinquishment is quite costly).

Provided we at least give them 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day”), and they still wind up at the Great White Throne Judgment, it is an inescapable testimony that they heard a pure Gospel of Grace from us!

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂