THE WISDOM OF THE PLOUGH MAN
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Text: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22.
Comment: The word exhort means, “to urge strongly …to do the right thing; to give warnings or advice; (to) make urgent appeals”. After St. Paul had been stoned at Lystra and abandoned by his persecutors who thought he was dead, he revived when the believers stood round him. He then visited Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch and other cities and towns in Asia Minor to encourage the disciples with the word of God. On their return from Jerusalem where a doctrinal issue on circumcision was settled, he travelled again to Antioch, now in modern Syria. It was there Paul told Barnabas “…Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” (Acts 15:36) By then the converts had seen for themselves the near-death situation Apostle Paul suffered and how despite that, he had continued the work without looking back. Incidentally, Paul reasoned that they should not go along with John Mark who had abandoned them at Pamphylia, and did not continue with them in the work. (Acts 15:38; 13:13) The point of Apostle Paul was, why should he trust John Mark not to disappoint again? However, the two apostles had to travel to different directions. - Acts 15:37-41.
What was most important however was that the exhortations to the various congregations were vital as they needed strength to withstand the fiery trials that met them after their conversion. In his second letter to Timothy St. Paul spoke of one of his disciples who had deserted him saying, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” (2 Timothy 4:10) He therefore exhorted us saying, “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” - Hebrews 3:14.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Text: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” - 2 Timothy 3:1, 2.
Comment: The last days would be known by signs. In the book of Daniel, the signs given were that “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10) St. Paul's account lists some of the vices that would make this age dangerous or perilous, as stated in the text. He added in subsequent verses that people would lack “natural affection”, would be “despisers of those that are good”, and “highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”. He urged us as Christians to “turn away” from such people so as not to be corrupted by evil communication and learn their ways. – 2 Timothy 3:3-5.
The exhortation St. Paul gave Timothy to follow what he had learnt from him by precept and example also applies to us. He stated, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” - 2 Timothy 3:10-13.
He added: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 3:14, 15.
Friday, July3, 2015
Text: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” - Luke 21:25, 26.
Comment: That we are now in the days spoken of by Bible prophecy, there is no doubt. The three elements, with which the devil rules the world – politics, religion and commerce - are in turmoil and the fear of the present, and even greater anxiety about the future, rules the hearts of men. The world is beset, on an unprecedented scale, by wars, famine, accidents, (on sea, land and air) terrorism, greed, armed robbery, kidnapping, (either for political reasons, money or ritual purposes) oppression, injustice embezzlement, etc. These have created problems such as loneliness, anxiety, guilt, anger, depression, low self-esteem, fear of death, bereavement; marital instability, widowhood, single parenthood, unruliness, ill-health, unemployment, high death rate, etc .
But armed with the understanding that the last days are a period of distress and perplexity, those in the way of God should hold fast and be determined that “nothing shall separate us from the love of God”. (Romans 8:35-39) Our Lord Jesus Christ told the apostles, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
That was why our he directed that, in the face of trials and temptations,Christians should read the Bible constantly and understand its fulfilment in order to build our faith in him and forge ahead in the race of salvation. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” - Luke 21:34-36.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Text:. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them…” - 2 Peter 2:20-22.
Comment: St. Peter in his general epistle gave this firm warning to all Christians so that they would be aware of the danger of backsliding. He said that those who went back into a life of sin after they had known the truth, would suffer a worse fate than when they had not known the truth at all. “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22) Let us recall that when Christ stated that he came so that “they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind”, some of the Pharisees asked “Are we blind also?” Jesus had to tell them, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (John 9:39-41) Therefore, those who have known the way of light shall face greater peril for flouting the Lord's commands than those who had not had the opportunity of knowing the truth. - Luke 12:47, 48.
It should be noted that no one can claim ignorance of the basic laws God wants His people to keep, because the lawsare already written in the hearts of men, in the sense of knowing right from wrong. (Romans 1:19, 20; 2:14,15) But those who had the benefit of receiving more enlightenment but are still perverse in their ways, will face greater punishment.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” wrote St. Paul in1 Corinthians 15:58.
IT PAYS TO DO GOOD
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Text: “For he hath said, Itprofiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” - Job 34:9.
Comment: Some people think that it is vain to be good, that there is no benefit in helping other people for God's sake, when there is no hope of reward from the person or persons concerned. On the basis of this philosophy, quite a number of people live only to satisfy their personal interests or desires. They do not bother how their actions or pursuit of personal interests affect others. They have no fear of God and will do nothing for which they will not get immediate reward or benefit. However, evil does not pay in the end; but it is highly rewarding to do good. It was Elihu who stated, “Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.” (Job 34:10, 11) “Trust in the LORD, and do good”, exhorted David the prophet, “so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” – Psalm 37:3.
The grace of life brought by Jesus Christ requires us to have good thoughts and show goodwill to others in appreciation of the mercies we enjoy from God. (Titus 2:11-14) St. Paul further stated: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful”. (Titus 3:8,14) Works or deeds that could be classified as 'good' in the sight of God must be based on faith, understanding, and good heart condition. “...For whatsoever is not of faith is sin”. –Romans 14:23; Luke 8:15; Ephesians 6:6.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Text: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful”. – Luke 6:35, 36
Comment: If we have opportunity to do good to those who see themselves as our enemies, we should not hesitate to do so. This is not for the purpose of encouraging them to do evil but for them to realise their folly and turn to righteousness. Before making the statement in the text for today, our Saviour had said, “And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.” - Luke 6:33, 34.
There are those who make an outward show of doing good to others whereas their hearts are full of malice and hatred. While they smile to their neighbours and appear to be genuinely solicitous of their welfare, they are in fact scheming to harm them. David, a prophet of God describes these dissemblers in these words: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords…” (Psalm 55:21-23) He thus prayed to be delivered from such people: “Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts”. – Psalms 28:3; Proverbs 23:6-8.
As Christians we should try to accord recognition and commendation to those who do well. Indeed, we should not be unthankful, as such ones will be punished by God if they do not repent. The prophet Solomon says: “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house”. (Proverbs 17:13) We should do good at all times; it pays to do so. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Acts 20:35.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Text: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” - Matthew 11:4, 5.
Comment: The Holy Bible is replete with examples of people who did good works in various ways and were blessed. It was because of his record of good works that Jehoshaphat was spared, though he offended God by supporting the ungodly king Ahab in his war against the Syrians. Jehu the son of Hanani the seer told king Jehoshaphat, “…Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God”. – 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3.
During his days on earth Jesus Christ showed us example of the virtue of doing good, of offering selfless service to people as stated in the Bible text for today. Even in the face of hostility by the wicked Jews, he did good on the Sabbath day. Generally, in the words of Apostle Peter, Jesus Christ “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him”. – Acts 10:38.
We are expected to follow the example of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ by giving help to the poor and needy with the realization that God empowers us to use our gifts for the benefit of others. (1 Corinthians 12:7; John 13:15) Good works attract the mercy of God. Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar, “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” (Daniel 4:27), In the days of the early church, a certain woman named Tabitha who was full of good works, died. Peter prayed for her and by the grace of God, she came back to life. (Acts 9:36-42) Indeed, “the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand”. - Isaiah 32:8.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Text: “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” - Proverbs 28:27.
Comment: Some people know what to do and have the means to do what is good but they are too busy or even careless to do so. To know what is good and fail to do it, is in itself sinful. (James 4:17; Proverbs 3:27, 28) In the world today, people are so stressed up with various problems that they need help and support from one another, more than ever before. Some years ago, a newspaper report quoted the Chief Medical Director of a University Teaching Hospital as saying that most of the patients treated at the hospital that year were suffering from stress. He attributed the stress to socio-economic problems such as unemployment, inadequate food and shelter, delayed salary, polluted environment and chaotic traffic situations in urban centres, problems of housing, feeding, lack of money to pay their children's school fees, and other urban-associated crises.
Our Lord Jesus Christ highlighted the importance of doing good to support the work of God and to help anyone who may be in need, as stated in the parable of the sheep and goats. After being commended and blessed for their good works, the sheep, (the righteous) will reply, “...Lord, when saw we thee anhungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25: 34-40; See also Matthew 10:41, 42) It could be seen that no good done for the sake of God and His work will go unnoticed or unrewarded. – Malachi 3:13-18; Isaiah 49:15; Hebrews 6:10.
Daniel in the Lion’s den
After Daniel had correctly interpreted the strange writing on the wall, predicting the fall of the Babylonian empire by reason of his pride and perverse conduct, Belshazzar, King of Babylon, was killed that very night and Darius the Mede was installed as king, thus marking the beginning of the Medo-Persian empire.
The new rulers were fully aware that Daniel was a prophet of God and thus, had high integrity, wisdom and understanding. He was appointed one of three presidents to supervise the princes who ruled the 120 provinces in the empire “that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage”. The extra-ordinary rise of Daniel the prophet and the fact that his prospects looked even brighter, generated hostility from his colleagues who hatched a sinister plot to destroy him. The extent of their hatred could be seen from the violent manner in which they wanted to crush him. His faith and steadfastness in the face of such treachery and the miracle of his deliverance provide great lessons to the people of God.