Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 11(Concluded)

This is a series of articles from Precious Seed. It’s simple to read, but it’s challenging and shows forth that Scripture is ever relevant! J Hope some benefit is derived in the reading, and may our hearts be humbled to receive instruction and guidance, and with the reception of instruction, may our hearts ever continue to be little in our own eyes, and not seek to exalt ourselves, but that greater Christlikeness may be manifest for His glory, may we give Him thanks for all that He is teaching us.

 http://www.preciousseed.org/article_detail.cfm?articleID=1809

Shalom.

'The words of a talebearer are as wounds [dainty morsels], and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly'. Prov. 18. 8.

This little proverb is so important that it is stated twice, here and in Proverbs 26. 22. It warns us of the pleasure and problem of gossip; the pleasure lies in the telling and the hearing of the gossip; the problem is in the effect it has upon us.

The word for ‘talebearer’ here is the same as ‘whisperer’ in 16. 28. This is someone who murmurs and whispers about other people behind their backs. Gossips never share their secrets in front of the person about whom they are speaking. They are always busy behind the scenes, with a brief word, a nudge, a ‘Did you know?’ or a ‘Have you heard?’ They usually speak in those whispering, low tones, as though they don’t want anyone to overhear them, when really they would like everybody but their subject to hear their tidbits of news. The trouble is, what gossips have to share is likened to ‘dainty morsels’. The description comes from the verb to devour, swallow, and gobble up. Listening to gossip, and spreading it, is as easy and as pleasurable as sucking sweets or eating pastries. And turning away from it is as hard as saying ‘No’ to the most gorgeous pudding one ever saw.

The problem of gossip is what it does to people. In Proverbs 16. 28 the gossip divides the best of friends. In chapter 26 and verse 20 the gossip causes strife. This is because the sweet tidbit of news goes down ‘to the innermost parts of the belly’. This is a phrase that means the very inner chambers of the heart of a man or woman, Prov. 20. 27. The problem with gossip is that it influences our thoughts and our opinions without us knowing it. Once accepted, it is hard to reject. We may never think so well of the person about whom the gossip speaks, even though we may do our best to do otherwise. Gossip may be delicious to hear and to mull over; but it is a powerful destroyer of relationships and opinions.

God hates gossip and gossips. It would be good if we could determine never to listen to gossip and never to engage in it or pass on anything we hear. Pleasant words and pleasant speech are life and health to the body, Prov.4.22. Though the exhortation ‘speak not evil one of another, brethren’ may refer to speech in a wider sense, it is still true of gossip too. There has been many a man, woman, reputation or life destroyed by malicious talk. Do not engage in it. If you know or hear of anything bad about a brother or sister, talk to the Lord about it, and not to anyone else.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 10

‘For him that is joined to all living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion’. Eccles. 9. 4.

To understand where Solomon is coming from in the Ecclesiastes is to realize that he is speaking only of those things that are, ‘under the sun’. In other words God has allowed the wisest man that ever lived to record for us his wisest wisdom as that man and not as a divinely inspired individual. He is inspired of course but writes only as the wisest of men with men’s wisdom about the things he had come to see while living in this world. To grasp this will save you from a lot of the pitfalls this Old Testament book strews across your pathway and the confusions that can result.

Having said this we must account that God has a deep interest in what he thought and has provided it in scripture in order to provoke us to think about what the wisest man considered important and how he saw things. We would be foolish to ignore such a provision!

In these few verses, 4 to 7 of chapter 9, Solomon waxes wise regarding ‘being alive’ and ‘making that life count for something’ rather than ‘being dead’ and having therefore, ‘done with all the things of this life,’ see verse 5. To stress the point he leads us to consider the contrast between a living dog and a dead lion. For all that the lion possesses in reputation, fierceness, aggression and strength the very fact that he is a ‘dead’ lion immediately nullifies his assets! At least a living dog, although far inferior to the lion, can still bark, bite and harass an enemy or would-be thief. This is only because it possesses life - it is alive!

There are several things spiritually that we can learn from this simple but profound principle so ably illustrated by Solomon here. Firstly, as believers we can live in such a way that we are dead spiritually and as such our testimony is clearly wiped out. We will never be effective and fruitful Christians. What we need to be is ‘alive as believers’. No more pretending or minimal commitment. It is all or nothing as far as Christ is concerned and we need to grasp that! Secondly, the life you have as a believer needs to be your life not that which is conformity to what others seem to expect of you. Truly, as a believer you need to ‘get a life’ and that life needs to be what you have developed with the Lord as you have learnt it from Him.

So here’s to being a ‘living dog’ rather than a ‘dead lion’. We have a life that’s well worth living so let’s ‘live it to the full’

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 9

Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31. 30

The NIV translates the first part of this proverb as, ‘Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting’. ‘Beauty is only skin-deep’ may be the wisdom of the world, but it confirms what God says and is true, none-the-less. After all, there’s many a man who has married for a beautiful face but found an awful woman. No matter how stunning a woman may look, ‘it is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house’, Prov. 21. 9.

God confirms one of our weaknesses as human beings when He says, ‘Man looketh on the outward’. We are often and easily blinded by either the presence or the absence of physical beauty; God, however, looks on the heart.

The wisdom of this proverb should be considered by both male and female alike. God’s advice to men looking for a wife is to be careful of the fleeting, outward beauty of face and figure unless that beauty is matched with an inward spiritual attractiveness that will last the test of time and may even deepen over the years. There are many deeply spiritual women around that men do not even see because they may not be physically as attractive as men want. One would think that a spiritual man would be interested in spiritual values. Sadly, that is not always the case, and Christian women can be forgiven for thinking that made-up faces, ostentatious jewellery and high fashion are important. No, no. It is the woman who fears the Lord who should be highly prized amongst God’s people.

God’s advice to women, too, is straightforward; cultivate a beautiful relationship with God. Spiritual beauties are more important than physical ones. Who is it who gains God’s approbation? It is women who ‘adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but . . . with good works’, 1 Tim. 2. 9-10. The attraction God, and godly men, should look for is ‘not that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold’, but instead ‘the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price’, 1 Pet. 3. 3-4. The model wife, according to Proverbs chapter 31, is not the one who could step out of the pages of Vogue, but is rather the one who is faithful to her husband, cares for her children, is a wonderful home-maker, hospitable, compassionate, hard-working, an example to others, admired by all and honoured by God. Her beauty is inward, not necessarily outward. She fears God and seeks His approval more than that of men. She is the one whom you ought to aim to be, or to marry. Her value is far above that of precious stones.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 8

A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15. 1

The natural thing to do when someone is angry with you is to reply in anger: yet how often we regret the words once they are out of our mouths. The tongue, despite being such a small part of the body, has an influence very much inverse to its size. How many wars, conflicts, divorces, suicides, divisions and distresses have been caused by angry words and unruly tongues!

One writer has said, ‘We yield to irritation, retort upon our neighbour, have recourse to self-justification, insist upon the last word, say all that we could say . . . neither party gives up an atom of the will. Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints, and what a fire is kindled’. It is almost as though we would rather lose a friend than lose face.

How happy must he be who never regrets the swift retort, the angry response, the sarcastic dig, the instinctive bite of the tongue. The sign of a wise person is not his or her business acumen, nor is it extensive knowledge of a subject. It is the ability to control the tongue. The ‘soft answer’ which turns away wrath - the kind reply or the gentle comment, in other words – is like water that quenches a flame, defusing a potential row. ‘Grievous words’, however – the nasty, unkind reaction – are like oil that causes a fire to blaze all the more.

We, who in this modern world claim Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Saviour are encouraged to be compassionate and understanding to one another, ‘not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but [on the contrary] blessing’, 1 Pet. 3. 9. After all, our Lord is our great Example in this, for when He was reviled, He ‘reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously’, 1 Pet. 2. 23. Think before you reply; it will make all the difference. It is far better to walk away from an altercation regretting what the other person said, rather than regretting what you said.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 7

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, Prov. 11. 15.

A friend of mine, with his wife, moved to Bath a while ago. John had emigrated from Botswana to the UK to read for a post-graduate degree in Bath University. He had been a primary school teacher for several years, and had taught our children when we were resident in Botswana. His wife is a qualified pharmacist, who had run single-handedly a pharmacy in Francistown. Both were mature, had been married to each other for twenty years and had put aside money to fund John’s post-graduate degree.

Given, then, that they were a mature, professional couple, who intended to settle in Bath for post-graduate studies and had funds available, one could be forgiven for thinking that finding a flat would not be difficult. Try it. Some estate agents would hardly give them the time of day as, wishing to be sensible in their use of funds; they did not want to rent a sumptuous apartment. Others refused even to consider them as John was a student and, ‘We don’t rent to students’, or because they were self-funding and had no guaranteed income. Whatever happened to self-help and independence these days? Happily, one estate agent was willing to rent to them, providing they could get good references.

Was I prepared to give them a reference? Of course I was. I had the highest opinion possible of them and was even prepared to stand surety for them, guaranteeing payment of the rent if necessary. I am sure you would have done the same. To stand surety for a friend is one thing: however, to stand surety for a total stranger is another. Would I give a good reference and be willing to bail out a total stranger should the need arise? Probably not. The proverb above tells us that one who is willing to stand as guarantee for a stranger may get into trouble – may ‘smart for it’. We would think twice about that. Yet Christ Himself stood surety for sinners when we were not just strangers to Him, we were even enemies. He suffered on the cross, ‘the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God’. He took upon Himself sins He had not committed and bore the punishment for them, so that all who come to Him in repentance and faith might be forgiven and have peace with God. You might say that was foolhardy. He certainly smarted for it, but He did so knowingly and willingly. His death for sinners, rather than showing folly in standing for them, shows His great love, for ‘God commendeth his love toward us in that, whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’.

‘What love to Thee we owe, our God, for all Thy grace’.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 6

Better a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Prov 15.17

Which of us has not preferred a simple meal with good companions to a feast with those with whom we do not get on? The force of this proverb is that a happy loving relationship, though it may not be wealthy, is more desirable to wealth and ostentation where there is hatred.

One doesn’t have to be wealthy to be happy, though no doubt many would like to be better off than they are. Riches do not bring happiness; in fact, neither do they bring lasting love and companions, as the prodigal son himself discovered. Only the other day there was a report of a lottery winner who had turned to drugs. The man, who was 38 years old at the time and his 36-year-old wife, had won £5.4 million. Yet, young and wealthy though he had become, he turned to drugs to cope with the pressures of becoming a millionaire overnight. The stresses led to his wife walking out on him and his two young children having to move schools. Magistrates in Sheffield gave him a two-year conditional discharge and two weeks to pay £50.00 costs. His lawyer said, ‘If he still lived on the council estate like an ordinary family with 2.4 children, he would not have received the same media attention that he has today. His life has been made intensely difficult’. How devastated his wife must have felt when family life, love and companionship were replaced with wealth and stress; and who could blame her is she wished the old days back again?

The word of God, from which this proverb is taken, is far from being out of date as a commentary on society and a source of wisdom for us today. In fact, it is extremely relevant, for though our circumstances and cultures may change, the heart of man is essentially the same. After all, were we to paraphrase the proverb and say, ‘A ploughman’s lunch with friends is better than a Sunday roast with our enemies’ who could disagree? Let us be thankful with what we have, though it be little.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 5

‘I have escaped by the skin of my teeth’, Job 19. 20

The English idiom ‘escaped by the skin of one’s teeth’ is derived from this graphic expression in the book of Job. One of the main themes of the book is the problem of suffering. At the beginning of the book we find Job well blessed, with a large family, considerable wealth and great prospects. In the first and second chapters of the book, however, Job faces desperate grief as all his children die and he loses everything, including his health. Even his wife advises him to ‘curse God and die’. Job, however, remains resolute. In the face of bereavement, he bows his head and says, ‘the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’, and in response to the loss of everything he affirms, ‘though he slay me, yet will I trust him’. In doing so he shows us that suffering is sometimes brought upon us to prove that our faith is real and that we are not fair-weather believers, loving God only when everything is well with us. Sometimes suffering comes, too, so that our response of ‘faith-come what- may’ brings glory to God. In the end, God restores all to Job, and more besides.

To ‘escape by the skin of one’s teeth’ has been used for centuries to mean ‘to have a narrow escape’. Whether this is what the original Bible expression actually means is open to debate. It is, however, used in situations where survival or rescue is achieved at the last minute, or only just. Perhaps someone misses a flight that subsequently crashes, or climbs out of the wreckage of a write-off. It could also be used of someone who leaves it to the very last minute to get right with God, and yet succeeds in doing so. When a man or woman, who has lived a life without God, repents just before they die and rests all hope of peace with God in the death of Christ on the cross, it can be said of them that they were saved by the skin of their teeth. This is simply because the Bible always tells us to get right with God the moment we believe He is speaking to us, calling us to faith in Him and warns us not to leave it until tomorrow. We do not know whether we will see tomorrow. ‘Now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation’, 2 Cor. 6. 2.

Two thieves were crucified with the Lord Jesus. One believed and trusted in Christ at the last moment. His experience shows that God can still receive a sinner who repents last minute, while there is yet life and consciousness, and asks to be saved from God’s judgement on sin; but only one was saved, so that no one should presume that such vital matters as gaining peace with God should be left to the last moment. Don’t bank on a death-bed conversion, will you? You may not be given one. If God is calling you, come now.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 4

As a door turns upon its hinges, so does a sluggard upon his bed, Prov. 26. 14.

The sluggard in the Bible is a tragic-comic character, one who is lazy to the point of ridicule and full of excuses, many of them feeble. ‘I can’t plough today because it is too cold. I can’t go outside because there may be a lion in the streets, or I may be murdered on the way to work’, Prov. 20. 4;22. 13. He is bone idle, preferring indolence to hard work. ‘Just a little slumber, a little sleep, a little folding of the hands to sleep’, Prov. 6. 10. He buries his hand in a dish of food but is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth, Prov. 26. 15. He is irresponsible, easily diverted, an unreliable messenger, the sort of person you would not trust with an important errand. ‘As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him’, Prov. 10. 26.

The picture of the slothful, lazy person turning upon his bed like a door on its hinges and unable to get up is comical. It reminds us that with some lazy people there can be a lot of activity but no progress –tossing and turning on a bed but not getting anywhere, for instance. Yet the picture is not only of one who is too idle to do anything. It is more of one who is full of excuses and reasons why a task should be done tomorrow, not today. The resulting failure in business or in private life comes gradually little by little. In this way the sluggard is the poorer because of wasted opportunities, lack of drive and purpose.

The example of the sluggard is given to remind us not to put off important things in life just because we can’t be bothered. How often, for instance, have we been meaning to put things right with someone but have neglected to do so, to write that letter to a friend, to pick up that phone, yet the weeks go by? More importantly, for how long have you been meaning to put things right with God and you still haven’t? ‘Oh, tomorrow will do’, ‘I haven’t time just now’. Well? Will you be finally caught unprepared to meet God because of feeble excuses and lack of drive? The old saying ‘procrastination is the thief of time’ is quite true, but time is not all it deprives us of.

‘I went by the field of the slothful …. And lo, it was all overgrown with thorns; and nettles had covered the face thereof and the stone wall was broken down, then I saw and considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction’, Prov. 24. 30-31; if that field is a picture of your spiritual life, fruitfulness and relationship with God, Isa. 5. 1-7 what does it look like today?

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 3

‘Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth; a stranger and not thine own lips’, Prov. 27. 2.

There is surely nothing more insufferable than having to listen to someone who is full of himself. The most unpopular person is not necessarily the one with whom we disagree or have little in common. It is the one who does nothing but talks about himself and tell the whole world how great he is. Humility becomes us: pride and vanity demean.

But it must not be a false humility. That is easily detected and just as unacceptable. And it is possible to praise ourselves in a variety of different ways. Name-dropping is one of them, when we casually but deliberately try to raise our standing by mentioning who we know or where we have been. A sense of self-worth can also be shown by a desire to put ourselves in important positions, or to sit at ‘the top table’. It was the Lord who said it is better to take a humble seat at a dinner and to be invited to ‘come up higher’ than to sit at the top table and be sent down.

An old but wise man once commented, ‘Praise is a handsome garment. But though you may wear it, another must put it on you, or else it will never sit well on you … praise is a rich treasure, but it will never make you rich unless someone else speaks it about you’. When speaking of himself, John the Baptist said he was only a voice, and that he was unworthy even to unloose the latchet of Christ’s sandals, a task which was done in those days by the lowliest slave. Yet Christ said of John that he was the greatest of all that had been born of women, Matt. 11. 11.

Self-praise stems from vanity. It is easy for us to look down on others and think how much more superior we are in terms of gift and talent. The proper attitude is for each one of us to esteem others better than ourselves, Phil. 2. 3. It is easy, too, for us to see others’ failures and think we will never be like them. Yet it takes a humble and careful man to say, as another once said, ‘There, but for the grace of God, go I’. And if the poet was right when he said, ‘O that God the gift would gi’e us, to see ourselves as others see us’, how much more important it is for us to see ourselves as God sees us. In His presence we cannot but be humbled as we see what we really are. It is good to remember that a person actually only is what they are in quiet before God, not what they appear to be in public before men. The proud Pharisee was full of himself when he said,‘I thank thee I am not as other men . . . I fast, I give, I . . .’ If, however, we pray as the humble publican, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner’, we shall have praise from God, for ‘he that humbleth himself shall be exalted, but he that exalteth himself shall be made low’, Luke 18. 9-14.

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 2

‘If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty give him water to drink. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee’, Prov. 25. 21-22.

'Heaping coals of fire’ upon an opponent’s head has become a proverbial expression in English and remains in common use even today. The thought behind the proverb is that if we repay evil with good we shall awaken the conscience of our enemy and make him feel uncomfortable. The ‘coals of fire’ are the pangs of conscience that are ignited when someone feels bad about what they have done to us.

The natural tendency is for us to ‘give as good as we get.’ Yet this instinctive response does little to defuse the situation and invariably brings more trouble. It also reveals a vindictive, spiteful side to our character. Showing kindness to those who oppose us, on the other hand, is a fundamental principle of the Christian faith.

Two results stem for such generous behaviour to our enemies. In the first place, we will do our enemy good, for we will bring him/her to see the unworthiness of his/her behaviour and to feel embarrassed about it. Kindness at our hands, so unexpected in response to the unkindness we had been shown, teaches a lesson neither violence nor vituperation ever could. The second result is that God will reward us. He sees our generous behaviour and will reward us for it, even if others will not.

When we show kindness to our enemies we imitate God Himself, for when we were at enmity with God, and perhaps still are, when we opposed Him, disregarded Him and disobeyed Him, yet still He sent His Son to die upon the cross, ‘the just for the unjust to bring us to God’. He responded in love to us, despite our enmity to Him. ‘When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son’, Rom 5. 10. Christ set us an example for, ‘when he was reviled, [he] reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously’, 1 Pet. 2. 23. He will never ask us to do what He was not willing to do Himself. Kindness and grace shown in response to unkindness is ‘the noblest of all actions as it succeeds in saving the enemy while it destroys his enmity’. Have you responded to God’s love? Have you mirrored it in your actions to others?

It is easy for us to ‘bite and devour one another’. Gal. 5. 15. Everyone does it. But the apostle Paul, in quoting this proverb in Romans 12. 20, adds, ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’. Are you big enough to do that?

Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Part 1

This is a series of articles from Precious Seed. It’s simple to read, but it’s challenging and shows forth that Scripture is ever relevant! J Hope some benefit is derived in the reading, and may our hearts be humbled to receive instruction and guidance, and with the reception of instruction, may our hearts ever continue to be little in our own eyes, and not seek to exalt ourselves, but that greater Christlikeness may be manifest for His glory, may we also give Him thanks for all that He is teaching us.

Shalom.

Can a man take fire unto his bosom and not be burned? Proverbs 6. 27

Surely no one would be so daft as to pick up a handful of burning coals from the embers of a fire and place them on one’s chest. To do such a thing would be to invite severe burns and possible death. The average sensible person would see the likely consequences of such an action and not do it. Yet when it comes to sexual immorality, which is the theme of this proverb, many fail to be as sensible. They see an opportunity, take it, and wonder what went wrong when everything around them begins to disintegrate.

Adultery is both a cheap and an expensive act. It is cheap in so far as it is an unworthy act for all involved and it cheapens those who engage in it; yet at the same time it is expensive, for the consequences are enormous. God specifically condemns promiscuous living, too, though many today think nothing of having several ‘partners’ over a period of time.

‘Having an affair’, as adultery is euphemistically described because it sounds less harsh, is not simply a physical act. Sexual union with someone other than one’s marriage partner carries with it tremendous moral and spiritual consequences, as well as social and personal ones. Part of the whole scenario of adultery is the deceit and betrayal that are inevitable; the secret meetings, the illicit contact, the web of lies and intrigues necessary to keep others from discovering the relationship. No matter how irreligious a person may be, few relationships survive adultery. To be betrayed in this way is intensely personal and, when the adultery is discovered, the results are invariably devastating: recrimination, guilt, the break-up of the marriage, divorce and distress to any children, opprobrium from others, loss of trust of colleagues and friends, loss of face and loss of self-respect. The poet, in cynical voice, wrote ‘Do not adultery commit; advantage rarely comes of it’. The Bible, quite simply, tells us it is disastrous.

No true believer should ever set out deliberately to commit adultery or to be promiscuous. That is why this proverb is so pertinent. It tells us not to toy with temptation, because of what it may lead to. Do you lust after another man’s wife? Are you spending too much time with someone else’s husband? Avoid that person – don’t get drawn like a moth into the flame. Don’t read books or magazines, or watch television programs or films that glorify such sins. These things compromise our spiritual immune systems and lower our standards. Don’t take fire into your bosom: if you do, you will be burned. Fill your mind with the word of God; plead with God for His strength to overcome sin; and don’t give place to the devil.

Abraham, The Friend of God

Romans 15.4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Have been thinking about Abraham, and its indeed beautiful to examine. Many things can be gleaned, as we read the article, may our hearts be drawn to behold our Lord more, and verily, may our faith increase moment by moment. :)

While you may enjoy the alliteration, its hoped it may not just end there, may the thoughts here be of nourishment and impetus for further study, the thoughts can be used and developed in worshiping Him more daily(not only on Sundays yeah!).

The article is written by brother JB Hewitt. Two of his books are available from Gospel Tract Publications for those interested. :) 

http://www.gospeltractpublications.co.uk/shop/

Again, hope it encourages and challenges us! 

Shalom

"It is interesting to study Abraham's life of faith, a man tested by God, in Genesis, in the following way:

His Public History, chapters 12 to 14-Faith Travelling and Trusting. His Personal History, chapters 15 to 21-Faith's Training and Tryst. His Prophetic History, chapters 22 to 25-Faith Tested and Triumphant.

There are fourteen chapters in Genesis devoted to his life and each stage ends with a Millenial picture.

Another Approach-After These Things

The Call Given and Accepted-The Venture of Faith-Chapters 14 to 24. The Covenant Made and Confirmed-The Value of Faith-Chapters 15 to 21. The Challenge Met and Rewarded-The Victory of Faith-Chapters 22 to 25.

Genesis 22.

1. A Man Tested by God, w. 1-2

Life is a succession of tests, for character is only possible through discipline. This is the crowning event in his life. Previous tests were preparatory and secondary. God tested his Obedience, 12. 1-4-leave his native land and kindred. God tested his Motives, 13. 8-he gives up the Vale of Jordan. God tested his Interests, 14-the riches of Sodom. God tested his Faith, 15. 2-4-will he believe God? God tested his Patience, 17. 17-18-will he wait God's time? God tested his Love, 22-does he prefer God to Isaac?

The Challenge of Faith, v. 1.-'God did test Abraham'. Here is divine action and divine intention. God tests to bring out the good; the devil tempts us to bring out the evil, James 1. 12-15. Our spiritual life is refined in and by circumstances. God sits as a refiner and purifier of silver, Mai. 3.3. The test was meant to prove how much Abraham trusted God and believed His promise. Abraham's future was wrapped up in Isaac. Note the time: after 25 years of waiting, and after Isaac had brought much enjoyment and pleasure to his father.

The Command of God, v. 2. In verse 1 Abraham is in communion with God, conversed with God and concentrated on what God would say to him. The command - 'Take now thy son', v. 2. be thou thyself the priest, offer him up. The demand touched a tender spot in Abraham's heart. To part with Isaac thus, must have been a fearful wrench. God wanted the best-He still does: 'My son give me thine heart', Prov. God is still after the good in us; God wanted the dearest possession in his life, Rom. 12. 1. The command was Shattering-whom thou lovest, Luke 14. 26. The command was Severe-offer him there, Heb. 9. 14. The command meant Surrender-carry out the sacrifice himself, Lev. 9. 1-3, Matt. 26. 39. God gives the command and makes the choice of the mountain, Acts 2. 23.

2. A Man True to God, vv. 3-4

Abraham's consecration is seen in the words 'rose up early'. He did not falter, Rom. 12. 1. His obedience was prompt and complete. Rose, saddled, took Isaac. He was not asked to submit passively, but to take part actively in this sacrifice. All was contrary to the law of reason, but clear to faith.

His act was deliberate-he prepared the wood beforehand, Acts 2. 23. 

He was determined-young men left behind in case they hindered, v. 5. 

He had decided to obey God-an act of faith, Heb. 11. 19. 

There was no doubt or delay-no reluctance or hesitation, Psa. 119. 60.

He believed God would look after everything.

The direction and discipline of faith, vv. 3-4-He accepted and obeyed the word of the Lord, Gen. 12. 4; Heb. 11. 8.

He kept the secret to himself, what brave endurance. What God desired was not Isaac's life, but Abraham's loyalty. God tests to purify, to beautify and bring us to maturity.

3. A man travelling for God, w. 5-6

His faith was strong 'Abide ye here'. He was controlled by God; would have preferred to act alone.

His faith was sustained. He was going to worship, not slaughter.

His faith was sure. Isaac would come back with him. He had absolute confidence in God. Three days travelling time, and opportunity to thoroughly enter into what he was doing.

His faith was sublime. In the crisis he took the fire and the wood, unreserved surrender to God. Our devotion is expressed in doing what God tells us to do, loyalty to God in our present circumstances, John 14. 15, 23.

4. A man trusting in God, vv. 7-9

Co-operation and calmness, 'both of them together', 2 Cor. 5. 19. The silence is broken by the concern of Isaac, 'Where is the lamb'. Confidence in Isaac: Abraham could not find courage in his heart to disclose the secret, but felt God would give Isaac courage to accept His will.

Abraham trusted God for peace of mind on the way.

Abraham trusted God for protection as he travelled.

Abraham trusted God for provision of a lamb.

Abraham trusted God for power to raise his son, Heb. 11. 19.

He knew the sympathy of God on the way, Rom. 8. 28.

He achieved strength from God in the crisis.

His faith is calm and God will provide, Gen. 3. 21; John 1. 29.

His faith is content to go on trusting: went together.

His faith is committed to surrender: bound Isaac.

The path to God is never the same as the path of God. We understand God, not his path. God understands all-so trust.

Isaac's Submission He submitted to be burdened, v. 6. It was the cross of sacrifice, the symbol of death. What a picture of the only begotten Son of God, taking the burden of our sin, in obedience to a loving Father, Rom. 8. 32; Isa. 53. 6-10.

He was Bound He himself was to be the burnt offering. Love and devotion were cords that bound the Son of God to the altar of Calvary, Psa. 40. 8; John 10. 17.

The Fire The holy testing character of God, Isa. 33. 11; Heb. 12. 29.

The Knife The Justice of God, 'Awake, 0 sword', Zech. 13. 7. Who can tell the anguish of heart of God when he gave His Son to the death of the cross. God spared Abraham's son, but not His own, Rom. 8. 32; Heb. 9. 14.

The Altar It was prepared by the father. In eternity God in his own heart and mind prepared the altar for Christ. He was the Lamb foreordained before the foundation of the world, 1 Pet. 1. 20. The cords that bound Isaac to the altar are typical of the nails which bound Christ to the cross. Not the nails, but love bound the Saviour. It was the love of the Father to the Son, the love of the Son to the Father, and the love of both to man, sacrificial love to save.

5. A man taught of God w. 10-12

Complete consecration, v. 10. Abraham would do anything for God. Like Job, he trusted God in this crisis, Job 13, 15, 16. He learnt the reality of God's presence, v. 11a. He learnt to be sensitive to God's voice, 'Here am I'. He learnt the urgency of divine intervention, v. 12a. He learnt the sweetness of divine commendation, v. 12b. He gave a demonstration of his faith in God, James 2.21. His works were the evidence of the existence of the faith by which he was justified.

He was a worshipper of the true God and a believer in God. He learnt how rich is the divine provision, v. 13.

6. A man triumphant for God, vv. 13-14

The alluring sight. Lifted eyes, behold a ram, v. 13, possibly the ram was there all the time but Abraham had not noticed it. We need to turn and look. Like Moses, Exod. 3. 3; Mary, John 20. 14; John, Rev. 1. 12. 

The appropriate sacrifice. He took the ram and offered it. 

It was available, caught-Christ was caught up in the great redemptive purpose of God, Luke 12. 50.

It was appropriated, he took the ram, caught by its horns. The Lord was bound to the cross by the strength of His love.

It was acceptable, burnt offering in the stead of his son.

The Lord was offered in our stead, i.e. instead of us. We are brought into union with God by identification with the One who died in our stead.

3. The assured satisfaction, v. 14. Jehovah-jireh-Jehovah will see or provide. Calvary is the place of divine provision, John 1. 29; Rom. 8. 3; Isa. 53. 4. As God provided the ram for sacrifice in Isaac's place: so He provided the Lamb for the world, John 1. 29. rv 'He shall be seen', or 'The Lord will see to it'. A testimony to the reality of God's presence and provision. The place became sanctified to Abraham and a very holy and blessed memory, Psa. 65. 4. In the Mount where Satan aspired to be, Isa. 14. 13, Christ is seen as Saviour, Mediator, Intercessor and Priest, 'Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious'.

Abraham triumphed over the fear of Death, Heb. 11. 17-19.

Abraham triumphed over the fear of Want, v. 14; Isa. 50. 7.

Abraham triumphed over the fear of Defeat, Rom. 4. 20-21.

Abraham triumphed over the fear of Loneliness, vv. 5. 15.

7. His testimony from God, vv. 15-18

Here is the cheer and compensation of faith, v. 15, 'angel called'.

The pledge of blessing, v. 16. 'By myself have I sworn', Isa. 45. 23.

The secret of blessing, 'Thou hast not withheld thy son', Heb. 6. 13.

The range of blessing, 'Fourfold', as in Gen. 12. 1-3.

Personal blessing, (I will bless thee').

Domestic blessing, 'Multiply they seed'.

National blessing, 'Thy seed'.

Universal blessing, 'All nations blessed', Isa. 41. 5.

Personal-Fulfilled in his justification, John 8. 56. In his relationship. Devotion to God always brings blessing.

Multiply-Partial fulfilment in the increase of Israelites finally in the multitude of the redeemed, Exod. 1. 7; Rev. 7. 9. 

Victory-In the gate of thine enemies. A new promise will finally be true when the enemies of the Lord are put under His feet, Psa. 110. 1; 1 Cor. 15. 25. 

8. The tranquility of Abraham, v. 19a. His returnAbraham had proved that God was true and, having both accepted and fulfilled God's will, he was filled with joy and peace. Taking God at His word was the foundation of his peace, restfulness, strength and joy.

Would he return to tell Sarah of the wonderful provision of God on the mount, and the wonderful peace on the journey there? God provided His own sacrifice, v. 8. and the mount received a new name Jehovah-jireh-the Lord will see to it. Abraham lived in close fellowship with God, his faith grew strong, his love grew deep. His hope grew high. It is still true for every saint dedicated to God on his 'Moriah'. His rest, v. 19, at Beersheba meaning 'the well of the oath'. He had a source of living water. After Moriah, John 3. 14, 'the living water', John 4. 14, 7. 38. We dwell where the Holy Spirit dwells, abiding in Christ, John 15. 4, and are taught like Abraham, John 6. 45. Blessed by God, 1 Cor. 6. 19; Rom 8. 4.

9. The tidings for Abraham, w. 20-24He was told the good news of the line of promise, v. 20; then of Rebekah who became Isaac's bride, ch. 24. His obedience to God took its supreme climb, proving his supreme love, and entered on its supreme reward. The heavenly Isaac knew from eternity He would make the supreme sacrifice on Calvary, Phil. 2. 5.

No angel intervened, and He has the supreme honour of being higher than the highest, Eph. 1. 21-22; Phil. 2. 9-11.

10. Faith

F-Faced with a severe test from God, vv. 1-2.

A- Acquiesed with the demands of God, vv. 3-4.

I -Implicit obedience to the call of God, w. 5-6

T-Trusted in the provision and power of God, Heb. 11. 17-19.

H-Honoured by the blessing of God, vv. 15-18.

11. Ten pictures of Calvary

The indication of Calvary-take thy son, v. 2; Rom. 8, 3,

The preparation of Calvary-offer him there, v. 2b.

The transaction of Calvary-burnt offering, v. 2e; Hph. 5. 2.

The revelation of Calvary-place afar off, v. 4; 1 Pet. 1. 18-19.

The isolation of Calvary-Father and son only, v. 5; Rom. 8. 32.

The affliction of Calvary-fire, knife, v. 6; Isa. 53. 6.

The provision of Calvary-Himself a lamb, v. 8; John 1. 29.

The consecration of Calvary-laid, bound, John 19. 17; Mark 15. 1.

The substitution of Calvary-ram offered, Gal. 2. 20.

The vindication of Calvary-blessings, multiply, vv. 16-17; Isa. 52. "

Hymns

The first hymn is among my many favourites :) Hope it encourages you, it encompasses praising, trusting, praying, watching, working, grounded upon the utter immutability of His faithfulness!
As we look back at life and recollect His testimony of wondrous grace, its often a wonder that WE are so forgetful, may me not be so, but press on in deeper understanding and appreciation of who He is and render the praise that is due to Him, and may remember that our ALL belongs to Him, not some compartment of self, but all. Gal 2.20. The hymn can be sung to "Praise my soul the king of heaven", however it can be better sung to that tune, albeit with a slight variation, sorry, i cant remember that tune's name right now. :(

The second hymn is also about trusting, and relishing that He worketh all things well :). It can be sung to the tune of  "Midst the darkness storm and sorrow, one bright gleam i see" i.e. 8.5.8.5. D.

Bottom line, hope it encourages and spurs us in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
:)

1)
"Praise the Lord, and leave tomorrow,
In thy loving Father's hands;
Burden not thyself with sorrow,
For secure the promise stands:
He is faithful!
Leave thy troubles in His hands.

Trust today, and leave tomorrow,
Each day has enough of care;
Therefore, whatsoe'er thy burden,
God will give thee strength to bear.
He is faithful!
Cast on Him thine every care.

Pray today, and let tomorrow,
Bring with it whate'er it may;
Hear thy loving Father promise,
Strength according to thy day.
He if faithful!
Trust Him, therefore, come what may.

Watch today, and leave tomorrow,
For tomorrow may not come;
For today thy loving Saviour,
May appear to take thee home.
He is faithful!
Look for Him, the coming One.

Work today, and leave tomorrow;
All around there's urgent need;
All around there's sin and sorrow;
Broadcast, daily sow thy seed.
God is faithful!
He shall bless thy work indeed.

Thus by trusting, watching, praying,
Each day, as our time rolls on,
We shall find the promised blessing,
Daily strength till Jesus come.
He is faithful!
He will come to take us home."

:)

2)
"Precious thought - my Father knoweth!
In His love i rest;
For whate'er my Father doeth,
Must be always best;
Well I know the heart that planneth,
Naught but good for me;
Joy and sorrow interwoven,
Love in all i see.

Precious thought - my Father knoweth!
Careth for His child;
Bids me nestle closer to Him,
When the storms beat wild;
Though my earthly hopes are shattered,
And the tear-drops fall,
Yet He is Himself my solace,
Yea, my all in all.

O to trust Him then more fully!
Just to simply move,
In the conscious calm enjoyment,
Of the Father's love;
Knowing that life's chequered pathway,
Leadeth to His rest;
Satisfied the way He taketh,
Must be always best."

:)

Hymn

"Father, i know that all my life,
Is portioned out for me,
And changes that will surely come,
I do not fear to see:
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I ask Thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
To wipe the weeping eyes;
A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will,
That hurries to and fro;
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be grateful as a child,
And guided where to go.

Wherever in the world i am,
In whatsoe'er estate,
I have fellowship with hearts,
To keep and cultivate;
A work of lowly love to do,
For Him on whom I wait.

I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

In service which Thy will appoints
There are no bonds for me;
My inmost heart is taught the truth,
That makes Thy children free;
A life of self-renouncing love,
Is a life of liberty."

:)!

-Hymn 518 from the Gospel Hymn Book-

The glory of sanctified love

Be ye warned! Long post ahead! :)

The words below are from a book I read some time ago, at that time I realized it was precious advice, for it encourages scriptural principles, principles on what you ask? Courtship.

The title of the book is “Love’s Most Excellent Way”.

If you’re interested, I can lend to you, after I read it yeah, currently re-reading it.

Below is an excerpt from it:

“How to prepare and keep fit.

People are too apt to think of love-relations as involving merely and entirely the emotions. Volition plays a great part: so does the intellect. The whole being loves, body and soul and spirit, mind, will and heart. The conscience also is brought into line with the others, and directs, and records. The tenderer the heart, the stronger the love; the more sensitive the conscience the sweeter the affection. The moment emotion floods out volition and intellect, love and respect are lessened. When conscience ceases to control, emotion runs to lust, and illicit desire gains a ready entrance. The end of preparation, therefore, is twofold:

a) To bring the whole being into consonant action, and

b) To eliminate every possibility of intrusion by that which is unholy and ugly.

These are really alternatives, the success of the former ensuring the success of the latter, failure in the one spelling disaster in the other. A moment’s consideration of the task before us will reveal what is demanded of us, for to love well and truly is a duty that is incumbent upon those whose profession is that theirs is love “in the Lord”. Too frequently are the young lovers, whose seriousness is commendable, turned aside by the teasing of well-meaning but injudicious elders. Christian love is the purest of all. We are exhorted to love with a pure heart, fervently; to love without dissimulation. It therefore behoves all, young and old alike, to rescue this precious gift from the rubbish heap of passion and indifference to the best, and place it again in the glorious sunlight of New Testament teaching and Christ-like devotion. This must be done by deliberate choice, by intelligent forethought, by studied effort, by consecrated zeal. For many it will mean taking courage in both hands, and, under the compulsion of the Spirit, regulating the life, in its multifarious demands and duties, so as to realise what is noblest, best, and purest. The baser part (the old man) of us must be discouraged; living according to the Word must be cultivated. Not merely must we discipline that which is contrary & contradictory to the best and bring it into subjection, we must also encourage and stimulate that which is high and good. Upon the young man’s choice and his determination to continue depend his future happiness, for

“To every man there openneth

A way, and ways, and a way.

And the high soul climbs the high way,

And the low soul gropes the low.

And every man decideth

The way his soul shall go.” –Oxenham

There is a high way, ennobling for all who choose to walk therein-the pathway of the just (the noble, the pure, the good), that shineth increasingly unto the full-orbed day. There is a low way, coarsened and defiling, the end whereof is death. The one is a climb to rarer joys and visions, to an exhilaration beyond words to describe; the other is a groping darkness and thickens and deepens.

Consider the following as aids to the conserving, strengthening, and developing of love-ties.

1. There must be an atmosphere – an element of personal and sincere prayer. Prayer is not a mere corrective exercise; it is a directive one too: it not only prevents; it propels. Its practice prevents love from running to mere sentimentality, and quickens it in its noblest resolves. The tragic shipwrecks and heartrending lapses of young people are, to a great extent, due to its neglect. As our love relationships are those which most nearly and completely touch our lives at all points, surely it is wise to have them sanctified in prayer, and made tender and strong by the grace which is ours in communion with God. The Christian lover on his knees is wiser, and sees further, than the keenest of philosophers on the tiptoe of his own intellect. Love operates most subtly through the channel of fellowship with God. His light burns up all the impure dross, and burnishes the pure gold of love until its very brilliance is that of the subdued light of eternity. Such devotion to God lightens the love-affair with glory-beams of heaven. Heaven is where love dwells; and prayer in the Spirit brings heaven to earth, and lifts earth to heaven. Therefore let the voice rise like a fountain night and day in this godly exercise of heart-preparation. In it the being can be poured out before God and all wandering thoughts brought into captivity.

a. Pray alone.

This devotional exercise is the finest spiritual deterrent for sin known. He cannot fail in any phase of his life who prays. It is the antipathy to fainting. Pray definitely and sincerely that you may be able to travel the more excellent way, the greatest way. (1 Cor 13). Pray for your loved one: she or he will love you more for it. Each will realise and appreciate the value of spiritual intercourse and fellowship. Amidst the other businesses of life make time for this practice. You cannot afford to lose it: you lose it at your own peril and at that of another whose life is too closely bound to yours for you to entertain such a though for a minute. Solitariness will help to sift out the ugly and undesirable things. Have special prayer periods with your partner, during which let God search the chambers of the heart whether there be any way that grieves Him in you (Psa 139). Never (where possible) be in your loved one’s company without preparing the way by prayer. It may but a momentary lisping, but it will reach the heart of God, and will illumine and inspire your soul. The writer has found the following way a most blessed one. On the evening before and during the day on which he hoped to be with his loved one, several minutes were spent in prayer several times for a tender experience of grace in the evening. Never has God failed. Such expectations of joy were reinforced by prayers as sincere at the other end. Courtship thus formed and sustained cannot fail to be blessed of God. Pray often, both audibly in secret and silently in the heart when occasion presents itself, and God will reward you openly. I cannot too strongly recommend this rule for success. It may be costly, but surely the recompense far outweighs the expenditure of tie and effort. Pray knowingly and sympathetically. Get to know the needs – (spiritual the most important) – of your partner, and spread your desires before the Heavenly Lover. Having done so, the atmosphere of your meeting will be surcharged with grace and the presence of God. Your prayers will thereafter be constantly mingled with thanks.

b. Pray not only for but with your loved one.

The late Dr. Wilbur Chapman of America writes, “the home that is fortifies by prayer cannot drift far towards the world. To ensure this, it is necessary not only to pray for but with the children.” The same counsel is admirable for young Christian lovers. In order to the accomplishment of this duty the young man will require much grace. It is difficult to begin. Nobody knows you better than she does, and it may be necessary for both to confess shortcomings and failures. That is no easy task. A vision of the blessing and glory beyond the task will almost assuredly nerve the faint endeavour, and the grace of God will undoubtedly strengthen the Spirit-begotten desire. Failure here may bring a lifelong regret, the damage of which may be irreparable to both concerned. Why postpone this solemn joy to later days? Why not let your courtship be a foretaste of your wedlock? (Amen! - my comments  ) In spirit you must be married long ere the actual legal event consummates your bliss. What delight, then, can surpass that which enters and thrills the being as the spirit of thanksgiving and prayer drives to the knees and raises the heart in gratitude and praise to God? If you fail to do so now, whenever the opportunity presents itself, when you have the desire later your courage may fail, unless you are willing to make a complete confession of accumulated neglect. Remember your influence is incalculable, and that may be exerted either for good or for evil: it is so far-reaching that it may involve not only two lives but others also. Preparation for home-life begins here. And what holy love floods the soul of that couple which can be simple, devoted, and sincere enough to take the scriptures and its truth and apply it into their courtship.

The pathway to the highest always abounds with dangers. The highest may be seemingly inaccessible, but is beyond the mists and the storm-clouds; it is bathed in undisturbed peace-light. If you will scale, then every power must be concentrated on the effort. But, oh, the joy! On the summit of the hill of love you may bask in the genial sunshine, you ay inhale the rare, pure, invigorating air, until the whole soul is lifted out of itself in exuberant joy. It is the vision splendid of a land afar off. And yet its borders can be immediately crossed and the ascent begun as soon as you are willing.

2. Consecrated love must always be happy love. Consecrated couples have always rejoiced in each other. Young people are, however, in the majority of cases, afraid of this word, and think it as a harsh discipline of life. Charles M. Alexander and his wife chose for their life-motto “Each for the other and both for God.” The writer is acquainted with a home (not the only one) where the motto “God first” is never forgotten, and where the most minute detail of domestic business is considered in the light of God’s glory. Rupture and annoyance in such homes are impossible. What is practicable in the wedded state is none the less practicable in courtship, where the seed of all future joys is sown. Give your love to God, and He will give it back intensified and deepened.

a. Let both lovers be actively engaged in Christian service. The question may be asked, “And what has this got to do with courtship?” A great deal. Such activity gives common interests and forms another bond of union – a golden chain of fellowship which strengthens as service widens. Such service can and should form material for conversation and discussion, and if both hearts are set on pleasing God and following Christ, both spirits will be melted and fused together at the simple and tender narration of God’s dealings in personal service. Incidentally such a habit will prevent the foul crop of dangers which readily grows from wandering thoughts. This service need not be great, but ought to demonstrate the direction of the life. Service for God towards men impresses and softens the heart, and makes it keen and sensitive to external influences. Hearts that are inspired with the same love, impulse by the same motive, and moving in that same direction cannot but be bound strongly together. The common love that thrills the lives of all truly devoted Christian workers must surge with a beautiful and suffused glory through two souls that have already been wedded together. The work engaged in lays to hand – Sunday school work, tract distribution, wayside witnessing, factory testimony, and home ministry, anything in which God can be glorified. Reports of work, special difficulties encountered, victories gained, encouragements received, and blessings granted, failures experienced, all can form topics for conversation once a week at least. Only those who have tried can really appreciate the sterling love-value of being “workers together with God.” There He indeed commands His blessing; here also lies a fruitful field for prayer together, in the exercise of which there is realised and appreciated the promise of the great Master-Worker: “if two of you be agreed (be in symphonic unison” – the music of two hearts!) as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father, who is in heaven, for where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst” (Matt 18.12-20). Surely there is no higher joy for Christian couple in the delightful prayer of consecration and thankfulness of praise than that of enjoying the gracious presence of the Lord Himself.

b. For such work both lovers must be kept fir. The Word of God is our great strengthening source – our food. But in courtship lovers wish to grow on similar line to a certain legitimate extent. The Christian families from which there come the most consistent testimonies in life and character are those which have a well-arranged plan of Bible-study in which all the members are interested. One has happy memories of the exceeding joy of those home days where human influence through family ties was incalculable, irresistible, yea, imperishable. The very language of the Scripture from the lips and voices so well-known reverberates through the chambers of the soul to-day with a music that is sweeter than ever before. Impressions then made are, in a little measure ate least, showing themselves in expressions of Christian faith. Physical family resemblances are not as precious as are those spiritual family likenesses, in thought, in word, in action. Young man, Christian brother, you are preparing for the most noble responsibility on earth given to man – “to command your children after you,” and tragic failure will dog your footsteps, will ambush you in all you do, unless your life is built squarely and solidly on the Word of God. Cross ideals between you and your partner will sadden life, and thwart you from the best. Divergent courses of growth in spiritual matters will tend to spiritual unlikeness. In your courtship it is neither convenient nor is it advisable to be continually together. Many evenings may be spent apart. Therefore have a definite system of Scripture reading either as a morning or evening portion, on which both can meditate and in spirit commune. The writer has found the daily reading and comments in The Life of Faith admirably adapted to this purpose, and with delightful results. The portions are read in the morning, and a short prayer for blessing on each reader sanctifies the exercise and deepens trust in God, for often at the end of the week each has been aware of the tender influence that has been exerted by the common devotions of the mornings previous.

c. Consecrate your love-life, in its entirety, to the Lord. The God of peace can consecrate you through and through (1 Thess 5.23). Let nothing grow in the sacred garden-pot of your courtship which cannot bear the light of His countenance. Bring every detail of it into the sunlight of His presence. Open the windows and doors of the chambers of the treasure palace of your love to the cleansing and invigorating wind of His Spirit, so that the dust-particles of selfish desire and unwarranted lust may be dislodged and blown out. Consecrated love will have three outstanding qualities.

i. It will be dispositional; that is, it will be the habitual expression and experience of the heart. It is entirely independent of circumstance and emergencies. Dispositional love deepens, widens, intensifies, and is illimitable. It is tender and strong, noble and beautiful. It never fails; it never falters; it never varies in quality, but constantly grows in quantity. It cannot be moved, and knows no jealousy, for it thinketh no evil. It gives no cause for grievances, and regrets only that it is not stronger. It is restful and calm, but is never retrogressive. It is the life, for it absorbs the whole being, and becomes a man’s second self. Who would not long for it, work for it, toil with aching heart and bleeding hands and bruised feet for it if it were so attainable? Yet for the simplest and easiest of actions it is ours if we will. Lay your love and your life with all its unknown potentialities for loving, at the feet of your adorable Lord and Source of love, in the perfect, irrevocable, whole-hearted, undemurring abandon of faith, and the glorious experience is yours. But someone queries: “and what of the difficulties of the upwards way?” Faith and love know them not. They are mere occasions for deeper joy and stronger faith and richer love (Jam 1.2ff), for they are sanctified, as one sings: -

“For the touch of love transfigures

All the road and all the rigours.”

ii. It is sacrificial. No love is worth the name which is not. Such love gives itself and then reckons all that has been given as unworthy. It withholds nothing. It is lavish and unstinted. With it there are no reservations. It rejoices in every occasion of extreme demand upon itself for the joy of another. It pours out its gifts with opulent devotion. Its highest glory is in the utter effacement of self, and selfish pleasure. It rests not on its own satisfaction; that is never its concern. Sacrificial love “seeketh not its own.” When this is mutual, courtship is Divine, for it has caught the spirit of Calvary, and reflects its supremest glory in a love that delighteth in another. Love like this stops at nothing, stoops to anything (not in the base sense however), and surrenders everything for the unspeakable joy of possession of the object, for the object’s sake. Such devoted, dispositional love cannot fail to grow into a friendship-love beyond which there are no reaches. That is the summit glory of love. Man love for love’s sake; many make friends for friendship’s sake; but how few there are who really have passed into the experience of a friendship-love! Built and stablished on close intercourse and constant interchange of kindnesses, this love never wanes. It is remarkable for firmness and constancy, and knows no limit of its sacrifices. Make a friend of your love one; cultivate the noblest devotion in her; cherish her with and affection that will sacrifice all for her sake, and courtship will be astonishingly blessed.

iii. It is reciprocal. It cannot be otherwise. It is as natural for such love to be returned as it is for the mirror to reflect the sunlight. It is infectious, spreads with astounding rapidity, and is always ardent. Like the echo to the voice, it is often sweeter and louder. Reciprocated love moulds and binds until the two are one, as if the hands, the sides, the voices and the minds had been incorporate. They grow together “like a double cherry, seeming parted, yet a union in partition.”

The ideal is high. Is it too high? Can we dare to lower it in the last? Must we confess our inability or our laziness and unwillingness? Are we too selfish to abandon that which merely pleases for that which satisfies body and soul and spirit? Is the mind not noble enough to desire, and the heart not pure enough to aspire to that which, while high, might be the normal experience of all true Christian lovers? The life which Christ gives is abundant, extraordinary, even in this phase of it. In ourselves and by our own efforts it is unattainable; the mountain summit cannot be scaled by sheer determination. We must be lifted there in the power of the Spirit of Christ. Winsome and gracious and tender words are ready on our lips if we are willing from the heart. Oh! The joy of that first experience when, in absolute surrender of all that is dearest, we are able to say,"

“Take my love and let it be,

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee,

Take my love and let me pour,

At Thy feet its treasure store.

Take my all and let me be,

Ever, only, all for Thee.”

Life of Joseph

Hope the article edifies and encourages you in the Lord, apologies for type setting, i just copy and paste directly, without making changes.


The Life of Joseph by Uncle J.J. Stubbs

at Pekan Baru Gospel Hall

(with slight additional points)

A. Joseph & his brethren

B. Joseph & his bride

C. Joseph & his blessing

D. Joseph & his bones

A. Joseph & His brethren

Passages:

i. Gen 45.1-4,13-15,24

• Take note of the mention of ‘Spirit of God’ in connection with Joseph

i. Compare if there’s any mention with other patriarchs

• Pharaoh noticed the differences in Joseph

i. Do others see differences in me?

• How so? Good? Bad? Whom do I reflect?
• Where Joseph was given place, the blessings followed...

i. Imperative to have Christ as the centre of our lives!

ii. Is there something else that I’m preoccupied with that is hindering this centrality?

 NO place

 A place

 THE place

 Gen 42-44 – preparatory, he was testing his brethren, preparing them for the shock of his revelation, testing them to see if they were true men...

i. Are we true men & women of God?

ii. Am I real in my profession?

 Gen 45

i. Consideration for his brethren (vs 1-2)

ii. Commission for his brethren (vs13)

iii. Compassion for his brethren (vs14)

iv. Care for his brethren (vs22)

v. Counsel for his brethren (vs24)

o Is there peace amongst the brethren wherever you may be gathered? How important it is for the saints to be at peace amongst ourselves!!

i. Consideration for his brethren (vs 1-2)

a. Always consider the brethren, don’t gossip or publicly expose another’s fault! It’s indeed a shameful thing when believers take one another to court, but those are the outward manifestations that can be seen, are there hidden things that are brought up behind closed doors? May it not be so… Joseph did not want the Egyptians to know how his brethren had wrongly treated him…

ii. Commission for his brethren (vs13)

a. Joseph went from the pit-prison-palace, and there were stepping stones to the throne.

 Gen 39 (Subjection)

 Gen 40 (Sympathy –helping desire, thinking of others, not self)

 Joseph could have wallowed in self-pity – “why me” “why am I here”... did he? No, he did not... he desired to help others, he didn’t need to help, but he did 

 Gen 43 (Service)

iii. Compassion for his brethren (vs14)

a. 1 Thess 5.26 “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss”

 Did Joseph harbour any ill feelings towards those who had wronged him? Did he show his compassion on a selected few?

 Are we selective in our compassion to the saints?

 Am I a phony i.e. fake? We may not like these questions, but there can be no doubt, they are pertinent ones, for our flesh is prone to manifest if we are not watchful!

iv. Care for his brethren (vs22)

a. Also to be taken note that they dwelt in Goshen, a separated area with nearness and nourishment.

 Are we a separated people? Do we reflect it in our walk? See John 17

v. Counsel for his brethren (vs24)

a. “see that ye fall** not out by the way” **i.e. tremble not or be not agitated, from fear, grief or anger.

 In our walk amidst the saints, how are we faring, are we a quarrelsome people, continually backbiting?

 We have responsibilities before Him, is the journey being hindered by ourselves being used as tools of the enemy?

 Taking a step back as well, there may be truths that need to be put forth, but in what manner is it done?, is it done in a manner that reflects our Lord?

B. Joseph & his bride

Passage:

Gen 41.41-52

4 brides in Genesis:

i. Eve

ii. Rebekah

iii. Rachel

iv. Asenath

 Adam lacked a bride

 Isaac longed for a bride

 Jacob laboured for a bride

 Joseph linked with a bride

 Eve is a picture of the building of the church

 Adam didn’t have to go on a journey in finding a bride

 Adam only gave a part of himself, Christ gave ALL!

 Rebekah pictures the betrothal of the church

 Rachel pictures the beauty of the church

 Asenath pictures the blessing of the church

 Asenath was a Gentile bride

o Joseph may have told her all that he had undergone, the suffering and the glory that followed, perhaps that may have drawn out the love from her heart unto Joseph, and come to know and trust the God in whom Joseph believed as well, for it would seem out of place (considering the whole narrative of Joseph’s life and character) to simply marry someone whom he did not know or loved, Joseph loved her and vice versa.

 How are the relationships between husbands and wives?

• Is there a sacrificial love?

• Is there a selfless love?

• Is there a loving, leading, and labouring (nourishing and cherishing) character being shown forth?

• Is there loving submission?

• Read Eph 5 

• Also, in the marriage, whom do we love most? Yes there is love between one another, but the love for the Lord is primary!! for it’s his love that drives the love towards one another 

 For those courting?

• Is there purity?

• Is there preparation (spiritually) for lives ahead?

• Is there prayer together?

 Consideration:

o Asenath only mentioned here

o Mentioned before the 7 year famine

o After the 7 year famine, no mention

o As we read Revelation 1-3, when we come to chap 4, we notice a change, and we understand that the church has been raptured (as for the reasons on this, if you would like to know further, you can email or we can talk about it God-willing  ), the church WILL NOT GO THROUGH THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION.

o Can we see a parallel between Asenath, the church, the famine, the tribulation?

 A new name was given to Joseph i.e. Zaphnath-paaneah which means ‘revealer of secrets’ or ‘saviour of the world’.

o Apt description if when compared to our Lord, see John 4

 Satisfaction

 Salvation

 Saviour of the world

C. Joseph & his blessings

Passage:

Gen 49. 22-26

i. Joseph as the spreading one (vs22)

ii. Joseph as the suffering & strengthened one (vs23-25)

iii. Joseph as the separate one (vs26)

 What is the secret of our strength?

o Phil 4.13

 Spiritual weakness? Turn to God!!

o See vs 24-25

o Am I cast upon God??

i. Joseph as the spreading one (vs22)

a. Is there an increase in faithfulness and fruitfulness in my life before the Lord?

o What is the secret of fruitfulness? THE WORD OF GOD!!

o Read Jn 15

o Illustration: there was a young boy who was given three presents for his birthday, a cake, a watch, and a bible. The next day someone asked him about the three presents, the boy replied, “one is gone (cake), one going (clock=as in time), but one abideth forever!”

o How much more ought we to be men and women of the Word, diligently searching it out and studying it, and submitting loving unto what He has said!

ii. Joseph as the suffering and strengthened one (vs23-25)

a. There was no retaliation from him

o He didn’t use his bow, his bow abode in strength

o Read 1 Pet 1.11 “searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when It testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”

o With what prospects are we living forth?

o In assembly life, am I a ‘retaliator’?

iii. Joseph as the separate one (vs26)

a. Separate from his brethren in the sense:

o Father’s fondness

o Evil fortune that befell him

o Personal features

o Wonderful future

 In Reuben (vs3-4), we see weakness, forfeited privileges and failure.

o Compared with Joseph we see separateness in character and life

o Joseph was dependable and trustworthy – think of time with Potiphar

 Am I dependable unto the Lord?

 How is my testimony?

• At work?

• At home?

• In school/uni?

 In Simeon & Levi (vs5-7), a wall was broken down, there was anger

o There was anger and we read of division/scattering

 How we need to pray in endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – Eph 4.3

 There is a unity already (no need to ‘manufacture’) if we’re believers, but there must be diligence and strong endeavour to keep it

 We must not take things for granted, even if things are seemingly well in the assembly, pray and pray more, there’s so many things that need prayer, aren’t there? Which leads us to another consideration, how is my prayer life?

 Judah (vs8-12)

o Refer back to Gen 38 and compare with Joseph and the situation was dealt with concerning Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39)

o Read 1 Cor 6.18, 1Tim 6.11, 2 Tim 2.22, Prov 7

o It has been oft said; Joseph left his coat but not his character. 

 Zebulun (vs13)

o We see commerce and think perhaps of Babylon

 Joseph while in Egypt, never lost his faith, the things of the world did not get a hold of him

• We may not be a ‘star’ in the world’s eyes, but may we seek rather to reflect and shine for Him and His glory in this dark world and not muddle ourselves in the things that will pass away.

• We may of course give acknowledgement to these facts, but how is my life really before the Lord; we each have to come before Him, and let His Word search us, and if anything needs removing, may we not tarry. We acknowledge as well that there are believers, and unbelievers, but am I a ‘make-believer’? Is there alignment with what I know and how I walk (at all times)?

 Issachar (vs14-15)

o Wanted an easy time (couching)

o Joseph was busy, but his simplicity and behaviour did not alter

 Bilhah’s & Zilpah’s sons (vs16-21)

o Look back at Gen 37; Joseph brought unto their father their evil report. The word for report is used as slander, infamy, defaming, etc., there are 9 occurrences of the word in the OT, and one may want to look them up.

o They were gossiping.

 What did Joseph do?

• He told his father.

• And so should we, may we not partake of gossip, and be mindful of what we speak, continually.

• Also, Joseph was only 17 then, but he did what was right, and how important it is do what is right from an early age!! 

 

D. Joseph & his bones

Passages:

Gen 50.24-26

Exo 13.19

Josh 24.32

Heb 11.22

 Bones in a way speak of the faithfulness of God

o Ezek 37 – restoration of the nation of Israel

o Jn 19 – no bone shall be broken cp Exo 12.46

o God is faithful to His Word!

 Genesis begins with life and ends with a coffin

 We need to remember that we’re strangers and pilgrims

 Genesis

o Bones are in Egypt

 Exodus

o Bones are in the wilderness

 Joshua

o Bones are in Shechem

 The bones were carried for about 200 years

o God did not want the people to forget the sufferings of Joseph and what was done

o They would see an object lesson as Moses carried the bones along

 If all they carried were as recorded in Numbers 3-4 and the above, which would indeed have been good, but sadly they did not, see Amos 5.26, there was idolatry!

 The carrying of the bones ought to have reminded them of their destiny and where they were headed ultimately, and thus it would prompt a life that would be lived out differently

 In the bones we can see:

• A strange treasure

• A silent teacher

• A solemn testimony

 There can also be seen a parallel between the bones and the Lord’s Supper:

Origin Observation Order

Gospels Acts 2, 20 1 Cor 11

Gen 50 Exo 13.19 Josh 24.32

*Joseph gave commandment concerning his bones

 Moses was VERY BUSY, but yet he kept the command!!

o He had so many things to do, so many things to attend to, did he neglect the command?

 No, he did not

• What about us? How do we treat the Lord’s Supper?

• Once a year, month? As and when I feel like it?

• Is there such a thing as occasional fellowship?

o No, there is not.

• Think about Acts 20.6ff and Paul’s abiding there 7 days, he wanted to break bread with them.

 1 Cor 11.26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.”

o Simple observation

o Specific proclamation – look up the word ‘shew’, its used as proclaiming or preaching, occurs 19x in NT

 Many have come to know our Lord by merely observing the simplicity and sanctity of how the meeting is done and the thoughts uttered.

 There is absolutely no need for theatrics, may our hearts seek to ever maintain the simplicity of the meeting and lovingly obey His commands

o Sweet anticipation

1 Cor 11.23 1 Cor 11.26a 1 Cor 11.26b 1 Cor 11.28-29

The look up The look back The look ahead The look in

Our Authority Our Appreciation Our Anticipation Our Attitude

*worship is neither workshop nor wash-up - 2 Sam 24.24

 Moses could not bring the bones in, though he probably expected to go into Canaan.

o We all desire to be with the Lord, we hope that we may caught up before death passes, but that may not be so, but nevertheless we look and hope with eagerness and with a heart seeking to have that firmer step and resoluteness in Him, that His name may be glorified while we sojourn! 

 Does the breaking of bread speak to us?

o Am I partaking worthily?

o What does worthily encompass?

 Do I want to know?

 Have I heeded 1 Cor 11.28?

• Was it just a quick examination to clear ‘accounts’ 5 mins before the meeting begins on Sunday morning?

o Food for thought as well, where was I 5 mins (yes, it’s understandable that those with families and children may be late, but may we pray that they too may be able to come early (and if they’re indeed late, may we not give them the evil eye!), before the meeting began, and what are my thoughts?

• May we seek to walk moment by moment with our Lord, we have constant communion with our Lord, but how often we neglect our blessed privilege. When we walk in the world, there’s bound to be defilement contracted somewhere, and we need the action of the laver.

• The standard with which we measure is the very Word of God, may it truly show us for what we are, and the closer we cleave unto the Word and our Lord, may we be more like Him!

o 2 Cor 3.18

END