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Monthly Archives: December 2020
Joining: In a Time of Distancing
By social distancing, we are to join together in the art of separating. There is pain and loss in living this tension, but also much to learn as we anticipate a new way of being in a post-Covid world.
New Kingdom life in troubled times
Through engaging with Jesus and his Beatitudes we can experience his solidarity of relationship with us, offering his blessings as we acknowledge our current poverty of spirit, and guiding us through our mourning and self-emptying.
Ep 186: Is there a war on Christmas?
Reflecting on the most popular and contested festival of the world
Christians working together for climate
The winds are shifting, and the climate conversation is once again back on the agenda. At the same time, Covid and the unfolding climate crisis have taken poverty to another level, both nationally and globally. In response, Tearfund has launched a new campaign to raise a united Christian voice to our political leaders.
Put God First: Why Study the Book of Haggai Part 01
Among the returnees were an older man named Haggai and a younger man Zerubbabel. Just as there were three deportations to Babylon, so there were three returns from Babylon:
Return One: Haggai and Zerubbabel (536 BC);
Return Two: Ezra (457 BC);
Return Three: Nehemiah (444 BC).
As Cyrus encouraged, the returning Jews set about to rebuild the ruined temple of Solomon. The mere attempt of bringing back the sacred precincts stirred up furious opposition from the non-Israelite neighbours, leading to a decree to cease building. The temple languished for about 16 years while the Jews in Judah sought to recreate pre-exilic life.
However, there were more setbacks. In addition to opposition from the neighbouring Samaritans, the work was hard, the hostility great, land was desolate, and discouragement set in. After all, Babylon was a thriving metropolis will many amenities. Judah, again in their ancestral home, was a shell of its former glory. The Judeans wondered if there was any point to rebuilding at all.
Then, like a bolt from the blue, came the mature-age prophet Haggai. In a series of four messages given over a period of four months, he stirred the people to go back to work, finish the temple, and return to holiness. Their failure to do these things was the prime reason the blessing of God had not fallen upon them. Put God first and your own needs will be wonderfully met (Matthew 6:33).
The Book of Haggai is only 38 verses, the second shortest prophecy after Obadiah, and one of three post-exilic prophetic books, along with Zechariah and Malachi. It was probably the first time Judah had a prophetic word since the exile to Babylon decades before. Yet, within its verses are powerful promises and prophetic insights.
HEBREW NAME OF HAGGAI
Haggay, which could either mean ‘festival’ from the word hag or holiday. An alternative is haggiah, speaking of the festival of Jehovah.
AUTHOR OF HAGGAI
Haggai the prophet was probably in his 70s when he fulfilled his four-month prophetic call. As mentioned, he came with Zerubbabel in the first return from Babylon, just after Cyrus’ decree. Haggai is mentioned nine times in his book and twice in Ezra, though they were not contemporaries (5:1; 6:14).
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN HAGGA
Jesus is the ‘desire of all nations’ (2:7)
THEME OF THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
Put God first and all your needs will be met, with manifold blessings. When the Judean remnant put the building of God’s house first, the Lord promised blessings and even greater glory than the temple of Solomon, which was indisputably a grand edifice.
KEY VERSES OF HAGGAI
2:6-9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
TO BE CONTINUED
UNDERSTAND THE TIMES: What to Watch
What to Watch
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do … – 1 Chronicles 12:32
First, let’s get straight to the point. Our world is in great flux, we live in prophetically significant times, and, more than ever, we need to understand God’s prophetic purposes. Related to this is the goal of ‘understanding the times’ – current events and trends. Here’s a couple of good reasons:
1. Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8): This is the only homework assignment Christ ever gave the Church; and there is no ‘Plan B.’ Since we are called to go into ‘all the world,’ it only makes sense that we know something about this world God called us to. It is our playground and harvest field.
2. Divine Direction: From the above verse in 1 Chronicles 12, when you ‘understand the times,’ not just what is happening, but why, then God will download to you what you need to do (Romans 12:1-2).
This is one of the key reasons we offer this service, the Issachar Teaching eLetter, to help you understand the times. If you want to make supremely wise decisions, find freedom from fear, prosper in crisis, and live victoriously, you will need to understand the times (UTT) and flow God’s prophetic purposes.
With these points in mind, what should you watch in the days ahead? Discernment and the appropriate action will make a powerful difference.
Understand – We are at war culturally: No, it is not a military engagement we’re talking about, but it is still a war. First, it is a ‘culture war,’ where secular humanism / social progressivism / cultural Marxism are warring against western traditional values, mainly based on Judaeo-Christianity. Just as Mao Zedong had a ‘long march’ in the 1930s which hardened and strengthened his communist followers, the Left has had a decades old ‘long march’ through the institutions of culture: academia, judiciary, media, politics, etc. That’s why so many organs of culture today are left-leaning or even far left. Imagine: Ronald Reagan fought ‘communism’ in Hollywood during the 1940s! This war is increasing in ferocity, with cancel-culture, politics of personal destruction, and heightened vitriol. Parallel to this, and interfaced somewhat, is globalism vs. nationalism, the former desiring if possible a one-world government.
Understand – We are at war spiritually: The culture war pails in comparison to the spiritual war. To understand this, look no further than the Bible itself. Whether it is the conflict with the Prince of Persia in the Book of Daniel (10:13, 20), the spiritual clash in the Book of Revelation, or the exhortation to put on the whole armour of God in Ephesians 6, it is vital that you understand why we face some irrational and crazy situations we have today. We cannot afford to be asleep at the wheel. Positive Note: When you understand the nature of a problem, you are halfway towards the solution. Also, Christ in you, the hope of glory, is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Even a Gideon’s small army, teamed up with the living God, is more than able to defeat the enemy, no matter how large or strong (1 Samuel 14:6).
Don’t be surprised there needs to be much prayer, as these wars have been going on for a long times – and the stakes are high. Yet it is the informed, Spirit-filled, prophetically awake and alive church that hold the key to revival. Remember, the Philistines were no mortal threat to Israel while Samuel was in charge – bringing his people to repentance, righteous works, and faith (1 Samuel 7:13). Only when that spirit of revival faded out did the Philistine emerge again on the scene.
Shaking: Anyone who has been following this service called Issachar, or attending one of our ‘Understanding the Times Meetings’ will know this is one of the key planks to understanding the present and future. Haggai 2:6, reiterated and expanded in Hebrews 12:25-29,speaks of a time of universal shaking. The greatest of all will happen at the very end of the age, when even the powers of the heavens shall be shaken (Matthew 24:29).
In the meantime, there are the ‘foreshocks,’ compared to the ‘aftershocks’ of a major earthquake, that we have spoken about in previous messages. The 20th Century was the shakiest in history: Sinking of the Titanic, World War I, Spanish flu pandemic, Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. The 21st Century has had some big terror attacks, natural disasters, economic uncertainty, and civil unrest.
Then there is the craziest year of our lives, 2020: Pandemic, recession, riots, American electoral unrest, where is it all taking us?
Positive side: If you hear and do the words of Jesus, you are building your life on the rock and you will withstand all of life’s storms (Matthew 7:24-25). Also, handled carefully and prayerfully, shaking can lead to a spiritual awakening.
Deception: This is also prophesied in Scripture involving end-times living (Matthew 24:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), gaslighting, double-speak, smoke and mirrors, the putative issue is not the issue at all. What you see is not what you get. The hothouse of deceptions breeds fraud, of which we have seen a lot in 2020
Remember, to stay free an safe from deception, remember the sources of God’s truth:
1. Jesus (John 14:6);
2. The Holy Spirit (John 16:13);
3. The Scriptures (John 17:17).
Some other points to watch:
1. Battle: It is not over until it’s over. Keep fighting unto victory.
2. Illusions: What you see is not what you get. Don’t be fooled by an image-driven but illusory world. Discern reality from God’s view, identify fraud, and reject it.
3. Issue: Noisy leftists will focus on an issue, like race or the environment, but remember: the issue is never the issue. It is something bigger, like global socialism.
4. Press in: God is calling us to pray for revival, keep praising and keep trusting God, no matter what.
5. Perseverance: As Churchill said at the height of WW2, ‘Never, never, never, ever, give up.’ That advice is as pertinent today as it was in the 1940s.
Keep these points in mind, focus on God, be ever-praising and thanking Him, and you will position yourself for a brighter future (Proverbs 4:18).
The Sixth Commandment Part 01
Thou shalt not kill.
It is simple and straight-to-the-point: You shall not kill. This commandment is found in Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; and reiterated and amplified in Matthew 5:21. Though brief, this commandment is very profound and speaks about the nature of God, the value of human life, and of a great evil that can destroy body and soul.
As we continue our series on the Ten Commandments, we focus on the sixth command. Of course, we need to do a word study. The Hebrew word in Exodus for ‘kill’ is רָצַח (ratsach) which means to ’murder,’ ‘assassinate,’ ‘avenge,’ and ‘slay’ in a premeditated fashion.[1] So we can safely say that the sixth commandment means You shall not murder.
Regarding ratsach, it is one of 7 Hebrew words for killing. When it comes to proactive, premeditated murder, this is the most active word that is used.
In Hebrew and in English, there is a distinction between ‘killing’ and ‘murder.’ The former can include killing the enemy in a ‘just war,’ killing in self-defence, and for those who believe in capital punishment, this is state-sanctioned killing as a form of justice. Also, there is involuntary manslaughter (e.g. a person unexpectedly walks in front of a moving car) that is unfortunate but not considered as ratsach. The Torah provided sanctuary for the unintentional killer called a ‘city of refuge.’ On the other hand, murder has no moral, legal, or ethical justification and is to be strongly punished.
God explained to Noah about the connection between the value of man and the depravity of murder. The Lord said in Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. This is coming straight from the mouth of God. Blood represents life and the shedding thereof is death. It is such a serious crime that it calls for capital punishment: when you wantonly shed someone’s blood, you shall be slain in justice. Why? Because men and women are made in the image of God. When we bear this truth in mind, our treatment of others will improve manifold.
The first murder was particularly heinous because Cain, the first-born on the planet, slew his brother Abel out of bald-faced jealousy, since the latter’s offering was accepted by God and Cain’s was not (Genesis 4:8-11) After the murder, God gave Cain a mark so that no one would slay him (talk about mercy in the face of sin – we have no record of Cain repenting).
Biblical evidence is strong that God values the sanctity of life. We not only have the injunction of Genesis 9:6, and also the wise words of Proverb 6:17: Of the seven things God hates and considers an abomination, includes ‘ … hands that shed innocent blood.’
Consider the following offences in the Law of Moses which are capital crimes:
• Fatal blow: Striking a man so that he dies – Exodus 21:12.
• Assaulting parents: Physically assaulting one’s parents – we are called to honour them, not hit them – Exodus 21:15.
• Kidnapping: Those who kidnaps a person and sell them into slavery, as well as the person who possesses them, shall be put to death – Exodus 21:16.
• Cursing parents: Whoever curses father and mother shall be executed – Exodus 21:17. This is the second verse within three that exact a high price for dishonouring parents. God takes the parental-child relationship very seriously, since they mirror His relationship with His people We call Him the Heavenly Father.
• Fatal blow, again: Striking to the point of death a slave, and they die immediately, their death shall be avenged – Exodus 21:20.
• Harming pregnant women and the unborn: If men are fighting, one strikes a pregnant woman, the child comes out and there is no harm, then there is only a fine. But if harm comes, then ‘then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe’ – Exodus 21:22-25. How do you think these verses affect today’s abortion debate?
• Dangerous beast: The owner of an ox with a track record of assault kills another man, both the ox and owner shall be put to death – Exodus 21:28-29.
We can say more … but God values life and hates murder. Next time, we will look at the sixth commandment from a New Testament Perspective.
TO BE CONTINUED
[1] “H7523 – ratsach – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 3 Dec, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7523&t=KJV
Issues Facing the Church: A Common Act No One Talks About Part 02
The Way Forward
Last month we looked at the topic no one talks about, yet is ever-common, called masturbation or self-stimulation (from now on referred to as SS). We looked at the topic from every angle. Yes, it is correct that the Bible does not explicitly mention the practice, so hence there is no blanket commendation or condemnation. It provides a temporary release of energy and there is no danger of catching sexually transmitted diseases.
Do you do SS or know someone who does? If so, it is up to you, and you alone, to decide whether you want to continue this practice. If you are of the conviction that this is not good for you? Are guilt and lust part of your experience? Despite its addictive side, do you want to break free?
Remember that human effort is normally not enough. After all, it’s not only your actions that have to change, but also your thinking. It must be a holistic effort. Lust in the heart has to be conquered in order to control your actions of your hands. Like in many things, we need God’s help. And, if necessary, confide in a trusted person who can pray and keep you accountable.
Martin Luther was credited with this quote: I can’t stop the birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from nesting in my hair. Our world is sinful, seductive, and visually stimulating, ever-beckoning to its dark sensuous ways. Proverbs 7:26: For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
The following Scriptural practices can help. They can help you overcome in this area, and in any area, which has control over your life. Seek pastoral or mature Christian advice. Some practical tips include:
1. The Word: Psalm 119:9,11: When you hide God’s word in your heart, you won’t sin against Him. Take a few of the many scripture promises, meditate, memorise, then confess them aloud before the Lord.
2. The Cross of Jesus: Religion, good works, education, cannot overcome the lust-sin issue. Only the gospel of Christ, with the cross at its centre, can hit a death blow. Romans 6 is your declaration of independence from the sin dominated sex-saturated self-life. You are encouraged to focus on verses 6-14 especially. Again, read, meditate, memorise, and confess.
3. The Holy Spirit: Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). The Holy Spirit is able to put to death the deeds and thoughts of the flesh, which includes lust (Romans 8:13). Remember the injunction of Jude 20 to build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. Prayer in the Spirit is powerful and edifying – while you are doing Spirit-prayer, it is virtually impossible to practice the bad habit you eagerly want to break.
4. Quality Christian music: Listening to anointed music has a great effect on causing lusts to flee.
5. Praise and worship: Again, if you know how to offer heartfelt praise to God, and you are in a place where others do the same, it also can keep the ‘birds of lust’ from nesting in your hair and head.
In overcoming habits and sins, one of the redemptive features is the more we work with God, His Word and Spirit, the stronger we will become. As Revelation 21:7 promises: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Beyond Covid-19 Part 06: What Else is God Saying? Prudence
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going — Proverbs 14:15
With Covid-19 (and lockdowns, recession, riots, and election chaos) dominating our year, it was fitting and proper to ask if there was a word from the Lord. We have spent much of the year looking at this very topic, with things like prosperity in crisis, be strong in the Lord, prophetic time and signs, and courage.
To these we add another wonderful word: prudence. Those who exercise this quality are called prudent. The word ‘prudence’ is used 3 times in the Bible, and ‘prudent’ 24 times. It comes from the Hebrew wordaruwn, meaning ‘subtle, shrewd, sensible, demonstrating preparation and care for the future.’
1. When the British mandatory officials withdraw their troops – which was a imminent – there would be an all-out war with the Arabs;
2. The pipeline from the coast that supplied water to Jerusalem, where 100,000 Jews lived, would be cut off immediately. They had a matter of months to do something about this.
Once the British Mandate ended on 14 May 1948, the pipeline to Jewish Jerusalem was immediately cut. Yet the Jews in Jerusalem did not submit and surrender, nor did they die for lack of water. What happened?
Over the previous months, the Jews in Jerusalem cleaned out the old, ancient cisterns, which are used to store rain water. They fixed them up and then quietly filled them to the brim. British authorities probably noticed the above-average usage of water in the Jerusalem area but did not inquire further. Thus, when the pipeline was cut – right on schedule – Jerusalem’s Jews were prepared.
With such uncertain times, it is prudent to take extra care in the case of shortages.
1. Petty cash: Have some available when necessary.
2. Savings: You should have several months of income in savings, just in case the ‘rainy day’ comes, like the loss of a job, or unexpected pregnancy.
3. Practice good financial practices: Too many people are financially vulnerable and are only one pay check away from bankruptcy. This is not nice or necessary. Learn principles of budgeting, fiscal discipline, living within your means, minimalizing and retiring debt, and the like. That’s prudence.
4. Food: It never hurts to have an ample supply in storage of non-perishable food stuffs that you use on a regular basis in storage.
5. First-aid kit: Always a good idea, for the home and car.
6. Medication: Have an extra supply of these, and include immune-enhancing vitamin supplementation (Vitamin C, D, B vitamins and Zinc).
7. Batteries, flashlight, candles: Have plenty in hand.
8. Radio: A battery operated version is a great idea, especially if there is a temporary energy blackout.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the countries that handled it very well was South Korea, despite its proximity to China. This nation practiced what we call ‘containment’ and avoided mass lockdowns. When numbers were rising, they moved the schools to online but businesses remained open (unless there was a localised outbreak). They implemented aggressive rapid testing, contact tracing, and tracking the virus even before symptoms appeared. If people were tested and isolated, they were offered financial help so they did not suffer. They were able to wisely service their people without damaging the economy.
South Korea’s upper hand in the crisis came because of prudence and learning lessons from the past. During the MERS outbreak (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), South Korea had the highest number of cases after Saudi Arabia, the epidemic epi-centre. Its prudence came from the lessons learned during MERS, both the successes and failures.
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall — 1 Corinthians 10:11-12
That’s why we have a Bible. Learn from the Bible characters, their wise moves and foolish choices (that includes heroes like King David). Emulating successes and avoiding failures is a very prudent thing to do.