The Nature of the Prophetic is a wonderful powerful insight into how the prophetic should function in the body of Christ. The simplicity of how it is written and explained is very encouraging. I have given it to a few people in our Church and they have been very encouraged by it, and even enpowered to touch something deeper in the Lord because of what they have read. The journey that we are in as Christians can only benefit by books like this and I congratulate you Sally on a well written and inspiring book. Blessings. Pastor Len Cutting
Category Archives: Prophecy
Comment on The Nature of The Prophetic by Kellie Tankard
The Nature of the Prophetic is an incredible book which throughout really reflects and captures the heart of the father.
Such wisdom and insight into how to live a prophetic lifestyle. It’s a practical guide that empowers and challenges you to grow and deepen your relationship with the God.
Whether you are just beginning to explore the prophetic or been on the journey for some time, this book will inspire you to develop your gift and give you the keys to grasp the intention of God not only for others but for yourself!!!!
Issues Facing the Church: A Common Act No One Talks About – Part 01
It is a most common practice that stretches back to millennia. Yet, when a high-profile television personality was caught doing it on Zoom – not realising the camera was still ‘On’ – he was sent home in disgrace to have some ‘personal time.’ Many people, including Christians, want to ask about this subject but are afraid to ask. How do we handle it from a Biblical perspective?
The ‘subject’ is masturbation, also known as ‘self-stimulation.’
Before we address the issue itself, be assured that it will be handled in a pastoral manner. The goal is to help, not hurt nor condemn, people along the way. No doubt, some who read this article are engaged, casually or regularly, in this practice.
It’s time to have a much needed chat. What are we to make of it?
First, by definition, masturbation (from now on referred to as SS – ‘self-stimulation’) is ‘stimulation of the genitals by hand for sexual pleasure,’ in order to reach a climax – ejaculation or orgasm – without the involvement of their spouse or partner. It is a form of solo-sex. It is mostly done by men but woman can do it, too.
What do we know about this practice? It is a very widespread, involving young and old, single and married, Christian and non-Christian. The fact that people are delaying marriage in our sex-saturated popular culture – with plenty of visuals – means that SS is being done at record levels. With 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns, one can imagine that possibilities.
SS provides a quick and easy ‘release’ if one is feeling aroused but does not have a sexual partner available. It is even considered ‘safe-sex:’ you cannot get someone pregnant or contract STDs (sexually-transmitted diseases) by SS. Furthermore, on the surface, it appears that the Bible is silent about it.
The one Bible story that seems to refer to it involves Onan and Tamar in Genesis 38:9. His older brother, Er, who married to Tamar first, was so wickedness that the Lord slew him. As was the prevailing custom at the time, when a man died childless, his brother married the widow and the first child born was dedicated to the deceased. It is called Levirate marriage and described in more detail in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. It was a form of familial social welfare. Onan did not want to ‘do his duty’ so he spilt his seed en route to Tamar. As a result, the Lord slew him, too — Genesis 38:10.
In times gone by, preachers used this story to scare the daylights out of people if they practiced SS – or even contemplated doing so. Some referred to SS as ‘onanism.’
Yet, in all honesty, the reason Onan was judged was his failure to fulfil the mandate.
Does this mean that it is okay to practice SS? Let us consider the following:
1. Human sexuality, as the Bible and particularly the New Testament teaches, is an expression of physical love to our spouse. The command that husbands ‘love their wives’ (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19) includes all areas of being: mental, spiritually, emotional, and physical. The idea is that the couple seeks to fulfil each others sexual needs, not just their own.
2. On the surface, SS seems similar to sexual intercourse but is actually very different. It strives to fulfil one’s own need without any reference to another. The accent mark of SS is ‘self.’ We are made in the image of God, Who loves and seeks the welfare of the ones He love. With SS, love has nothing to do with it; it is a self-centred mechanical solo act.
3. Unfortunately, SS often involves lust, either mentally or in visual form like pornography. The Sermon on the Mount teaches that lusting after someone, who is not your spouse, is the same as if they committed the illicit physical sexual act, be it adultery or fornication — Matthew 5:27-28. Please consider.
4. SS can be very addictive and a difficult habit to break. The more we feed the lust, the more it grows, and the more entrenched the habit becomes. It is the opposite of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which includes ‘self-control’ — Galatians 5:22. In other words, SS does not eliminate the lust problem; it exacerbates it.
5. A sad by-product of SS is a feeling of guilt after the climax, something that doesn’t happen with Biblically ordained sex. The person knows that something is wrong, even if they don’t know why.
6. Finally, there could come a time when SS is simply no longer satisfying, and the person reaches out for more. The danger is that it could lead to other sexual expressions that are condemned in Scripture, like 3D fornication or prostitution.
7. In summary, the Bible does not directly talk about SS, but it does deal with lust, lack of self-control, and guilt. These factors make SS a troublesome proposition.
Sometimes, it is possible to have a ‘release’ without any touching and any lustful thoughts. These are called nocturnal emissions or ‘wet dreams.’
Human sexuality is a wonderful gift from Almighty God but it has to be on His terms, not ours. Think of it like electricity: handled correctly, it harnesses beneficial power. Mishandled, it can be deadly.
Now that we have spoken about the problem, in our next article, we will look at tips to lead us to a fulfilling solution. TO BE CONTINUED
The Fifth Commandment: Honour Your Father & Mother
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee — Exodus 20:12 (KJV)
The 10 Commandments are like 10 rules for life – a good, Godly, blessed life. We have learned that the first four commandments are about God: have no other gods in your life. Do not worship idols. Do not use God’s name in vain. Keep the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord.
The next six commandments are related to our conduct with people. Number five is special: honour your father and your mother. It is very simple: righteous people honour their parents; unrighteous people do not. There is blessing for compliance and curses for failure:
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it — Proverbs 30:17 (KJV)
The word for ‘honour’ is kabad כָּבַד, related to the word for ‘glory,’ which means heavy. Some other meanings include ‘to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant, glory, honour’[1]
How Do You Honour Your Parents?
Practically speaking, how do you honour your parents? Obedience and respect are good places to start. But what if they are not Christians? The commandment does not give exemptions because of their religious affiliation. My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother – Proverbs 6:20 (KJV)
We honour parents by caring, sharing, and cooperating with them. When they have a need, we meet it if we can. When they age, we continue to provide care where possible.
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God — 1 Timothy 5:4 (ESV)
At the same time, Jesus condemned those who used religious precepts to deprive their parents of what they needed. Such dishonour brings a curse. — Matthew 15:4-6.
In fact, parents are the closest thing to God in your life. They beget, nurture, feed, care, love unconditionally. Sound familiar? That’s what God does. It’s part of the reason Jesus wants us to refer to Almighty God as ‘Heavenly Father.’ That’s why treatment of parents is a litmus test on how we treat God. If you honour the parents you can see, then you’ll honour the Father whom you can’t see.
Remember that the Fifth Commandment is the first to offer a promise: if you honour father and mother, … That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth — Ephesians 6:3b (KJV). Think about it: longevity is not pegged to vitamins, exercise, or diet – but to the fear of the Lord and walking in wisdom (Proverbs 3:2; 16; 4:10; 14:27; 19:23; 22:4), watching your words (Psalm 34:12-13), and honouring your parents.
Scriptural Examples of Honouring Parents
The Scripture is replete with examples of people honouring their father and mother.
Joseph: He put his ageing father and brothers in the best of the land of Egypt where they could tend their flocks and live their lives securely — Genesis 47:12
David: Though he was the youngest son, it was David that looked after his father Jesse and his mother. While fleeing from king Saul and his murderous intentions, he took his parents to the king of Moab and left them in his care while he was on the run — 1 Samuel 22:3-4. Why Moab? Because his great-grandmother was Ruth the Moabitess.
Solomon: Now king of Israel, honoured his mother Bathsheba by bowing to her. The he gave her an honoured seat next his throne – 1 Kings 2:19-20
Sons of Jonadab: Though he was probably deceased, the children of Jonadab refrained from drinking wine because their father commanded them not to. They obeyed him even when he was not around — Jeremiah 35:8.
Jesus: He is the template of righteous obedience to the commands of God. As a 12 year old, He was at the temple speaking to the chief priests. When he parents came to get him, the Scripture says he returned with them to Nazareth and ‘was subject unto them …’ — Luke 2:51.
Care from the Cross: Jesus’ care for His mother was evident even while He suffered on the cross. While his mother Mary and John the beloved disciple were watching, He commended John to Mary and Mary to John. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home — John 19:25-27. Though Mary had other sons, it was the Son who honoured her.
One of the fundamental precepts of Scripture is the law of sowing and reaping. If you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly, if you sow abundantly, you will reap abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:6). Here is another incentive for obeying the Fifth Commandment: if you honour your parents now, when your turn comes you, your children will honour you. The opposite is also true.
Come to think of it, honouring your parents is not just the right thing to do, it is a blessed thing, too.
[1] “H3513 – kabad – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 5 Nov, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3513&t=KJV
The Day of the Lord – Amplified: Why Study the Book of Zephaniah Part 02
In Part 01, we learned that Zephaniah, the ‘hidden one,’ lived near the end of the kingdom of Judah, especially, after the evil reigns of kings Manasseh and Amon. He inspired king Josiah and the prophet Jeremiah, and Jesus Christ quoted him (1:3 cf Matthew 13:41; 1:15 cf Matthew 24:29). His is the most concise, comprehensive description of the key period known as the ‘day of the Lord’ (1:14-15). Just as Zephaniah was ‘hidden’ from the evil designs of Manasseh, so the meek who seek the Lord may be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger (2:3).
In order to encourage serious study of Zephaniah and other books of the Bible, we offer this concise background information.
SUMMARY OF ZEPHANIAH
Judah and Jerusalem in the days of good king Josiah are the immediate objects of Zephaniah’s prophecy. By this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had already been deported a century earlier in 722 BC. Zephaniah’s ministry may have spawned king Josiah’s reformation, where he destroyed the altars of Baal, burning the bones of false prophets, getting rid of the incense altars, breaking down the images of Ashera. Later, when Hilkiah found the Book of the Law (most probably Deuteronomy) in the temple, a second reformation commenced. Most probably the young Jeremiah was also greatly influenced by the older prophet.
The Day of the Lord is mentioned or alluded to 23 times. What is the Day of the Lord? It is the time of judgement, return, and restoration; the tribulation followed by the Millennium. It is when God’s righteous anger finally spills out after showing legendary patience. While people don’t like the idea of God being angry, it comes after a long wait and is righteously executed. Jesus, who is the Son of God and image of God, showed this same anger when He cleansed the temple (John 2:14-17).
1. Judah would be judged, Day of Judgement for God’s people comes first 1 Peter 4:17 – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2. Followed by the judgement of the nearby nations – he prophesied the downfall of Assyria and Nineveh fell in 612 BC. (Zephaniah 2; Rev 4-15);
3. Jerusalem & the whole world will be judged (3:1-8 cf Revelation 20).
DISTINCTIVE OF ZEPHANIAH
1. Gives his genealogy, though we know nothing else about him;
2. Most concise and extensive description of the Day of the Lord;
3. God’s people are recipients of strong warnings and promises of restoration;
4. Coverage of faithful remnant (3:9-20) restored when God comes;
5. Sets template of wrath against the wicked and salvation for the just, a clear New Testament theme;
6. Parallels the Book of Revelation: Both speak of God’s people judged first; then the judgement of the nations; finally, what we know as the Last Judgement (3:1-8 cf Revelation 20).
7. Of the 400 Old Testament allusions (rather than direct quotes) in Revelation, it is possible that Zephaniah comes closest to it.
OUTLINE OF ZEPHANIAH
Introduction (1:1)
I. Judgment in the Day of the Lord (1:2-3:8)
A. Judgement on the World (1:2-3)
B. Judgement on Judah (1:4-18)
1. Judah’s sins (1:4-9)
2. Warning to Jerusalem (1:10-13)
3. The Great & Notable Day of the Lord (1:14-18)
C. Call to Repentance (2:1-3)
D. Judgement on the Nations (2:4-15)
1. Philistia (2:4-7)
2. Ammon & Moab (2:8-11)
3. Cush (2:12)
4. Assyria (2:13-15)
E. Judgement on Jerusalem (3:1-7)
1. Jerusalem’s sins (3:1-4)
2. God’s Justice and Jerusalem (3:5-7)
F. Judgement on the World (3:8)
II. Restoration & Salvation in the Day of the Lord (3:9-20)
A. Faithful Remnant Restored & Jerusalem Cleansed (3:9-13)
B. Rejoicing People with God in the Midst (3:14-17)
C. Promise of Restoration (3:18-20)
Beyond Covid-19: Is There A Word from the Lord? Part 6 Prosperity During Crisis
We learned in our last article that, ‘Yes,’ it is possible to prosper in the midst of crisis, of which our present world is awash. You can have peace where there is panic and pandemic; joy even where misery reigns; and to be positioned to help others experience the same.
We see this in the life of the patriarch Issac who prospered enormously during a time of drought and famine. How did he do it? It came by obeying the call of God on his life, and then doing the clear word of the Lord. God commanded him to sojourn in the land of Canaan and He would bless him there (Genesis 26:3). Isaac wisely chose to obey God and stay, even though everyone else was fleeing to Egypt.
In addition, Isaac had a strong work ethic. He sowed in the land and reaped 100-fold (Genesis 26:12). He dug and re-dug wells in the otherwise dry Negev wilderness. Wherever he inserted his spade (shovel), the water flowed.
Opposition
All of this is wonderful, but remember, his prosperity stirred up deep envy on the part of the locals in Canaan. How he handled this and powered on in prosperity is an example for us all.
Opposition is a fact of life in a fallen world. When God prospers you, especially in time of crisis, people will not necessarily pat you on the back and congratulate you on your success. Surprisingly, people who you think would be happy for you, like family and friends, can be the worst opponents. Resentment can rise up and manifest in some strange and unsavoury ways.
The Bible illustrates a catalogue of envy, like Rachel to Leah, Jacob’s sons to Jospeh, Balak to Israel, Dathan and Abiram to Moses (Psalm 106:16), Saul to David, chief priests to Jesus, and Diaspora Jews to Paul and the other apostles. This ‘tall-poppy’ syndrome is a manifestation of the carnal nature. As such, it can only be cured by the new birth, the cross of Christ, dying to self, God’s Word in the heart, and fulness of the Holy Spirit.
Isaac’s opponents were the Philistines. First, they were so resentful of him that they expelled him from Gerar, where he lived. Then, they either filled up with dirt the wells of Abraham, or stole the wells that Isaac dug … more than once.
Isaac’s Response to Opposition
Don’t be surprised or discouraged when opposition comes. Not only it is a sign that you are on the right track, but there are practical ways to respond which will leverage you to more victorious outcomes. Just watch Isaac.
Isaac was a textbook case of Biblical meekness, the reward of which is inheriting the land (Psalm 37:9; Matthew 5:5). He did not fight back, seek vindication, or strive in any way.
He wisely knew that to drop his spade and pick up a weapon meant that the opponents had already won. How? By getting him to stop doing what he was called to do. Isaac kept digging (Nehemiah did the same).
When people tell you you can’t, keep digging. When you are criticised for doing what’s right, keep digging. When the bullies bellow, keep digging. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him – Proverbs 16:7. The psalmist learned to be ‘deaf’ and ‘dumb’ in the face of opposition (Psalm 38:13-15). It’s amazing how much of the opposition you miss out on when you take this stance.
The most perfect example of earth-inheriting Biblical meekness was Jesus, especially during His passion and crucifixion. Without resistance, defence, or arguing, He submitted to God to the point of death on the cross. Even from a secular view, the influence of Jesus of Nazareth on the world was incalculable. For believers, it is eternal.
Reward & Extra Blessing
Despite their opposition, Isaac’s meekness, which was really strength restrained by grace, gave him an open heaven and manifold blessings from God. Despite their bullying, it was his enemies who sued for peace.
Opposition drove Isaac to a wonderful place called Rehoboth, where there is room, fruitfulness, water, and no strife (26:22). Then he ended up in Beersheba, where he made a peace treaty.
All in all, Isaac’s crises turned into God’s multi-faceted opportunity and manifold blessings.
A vital final point: When you are born again, you are a dual citizen: of your homeland and of the kingdom of God. In addition, you are not just part of the global economy, you are connected to God’s economy. Follow the Isaac principles of obedience and Biblical meekness, and you will enjoy prosperity in crisis.
A quick example of God’s economy: Exercise prudence in financial matters, budget, tithe, giving to the poor, live within your means, save for a rainy day, and you will never run dry.
We did a two year round the world, ‘Corrie ten Boom-style’ missionary journey. What does that mean? It was inspired by her book Tramp for the Lord. Wait on God, let the Spirit direct where to go, and trust God for the provision to get there and stay there. Leaving the USA with one-way tickets to Europe and $2,000 spending money, with no fixed address or any regular financial support, God took us around the world for two years and when we returned to the USA, we still had $2,000. That’s God’s economy in action.
Yes, it’s time to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Isaac, and the psalmist, and prosper in crisis.
2020 US Presidential Election: Some Initial Reflections
The United States votes every four years in the presidential elections. Campaigns are becoming increasingly longer and frightfully more costly. Once the voting ceases, however, the country generally knows who’s the winner within hours.
But this is the year 2020 and nothing has been normal. We have had the most serious pandemic since the Spanish flu a century earlier. Countries went into lockdown, affecting the citizenry and the economy. Australia has had its first recession in 30 years. Then there were the American riots and continued social unrest.
1. Opposition: Regardless of what you think of President Donald Trump, you have to admit that he has faced furious opposition, perhaps more than any other president. False dossier, FISA warrants to spy on his campaign, opposition from the media, the Democrats, ‘Never-Trumper’ Republicans, academia, and hostile Hollywood. There was elector meddling, Mueller Probe, Russia hoax, and impeachment. In 2020 the nation was hit with a pandemic, lockdown, economic downturn and riots, all used by his enemies to stop his re-election. The President even caught Covid-19! Now we have a contested election.
2. Meddling: 2020 is not the first time that there has been attempts to meddle with US elections, but this year has been exceptional. The methods of meddling are legion, for they are many: Computer hackers; a hostile media; civil unrest; big tech; Hollywood; the ‘billionaire’s club,’ all coalesce to form a dam of opposition. One of the fears was that mail-in ballots were a recipe for voter fraud, a point President Trump reiterated repeatedly. Now, it appears that one state has more ballots than registered voters. In another every mail-in ballot tabulated votes for the same person, every time. Tampering with people’s ballots is a criminal offence but it appears to be happening anyway. While voter turnout may be higher than normal, the concern is how many of those ballots are legitimate? Remember, voter fraud seriously undermines democracy and the rule of law. Like some third world country, does the United States now impartial election observers to prevent fraud?
3. World interest: Of course, it is normal for the world to take interest in who will win the US presidential election. For decades, as the sole superpower, the United States is considered the leader of the free world. To some extent, the world is affected by what happens out of Washington. Yet, this particular election, and its aftermath, has caught the imagination of the world like no other. Global citizens are watching and many are praying.
4. The most important election: For decades during an election year, people say, ‘This is the most important election of our lifetime.’ One of the clearest things about Election 2020: it really is the most important. Why? It is not just about the candidates involved, but about the worldview on offer. For years, there wasn’t a lot of difference between the two major political parties. In 2020, there is a Grand Canyon-sized difference. One party is leftist globalist, the other right-leaning nationalist; one party is pro-abortion, the other pro-life; one party is motivated by progressivism, identity politics, intersectionality, the other has an America first agenda; one sees America as systemically racist, the other that America is good and exceptional; one party has been influenced by cultural Marxism while the other advocates Judaeo-Christian / Western values.
The Spiritual Dimension: As a Christian minister, I clearly see that above all these issues is the active spiritual realm. Strongholds of lawlessness, rebellion, hatred, fear, violence, division, deception, cancel-culture, Marxism, Jezebel, and Moloch, are firing up. How can we respond to these challenges?
Prophecy: There have been credible prophetic voices speaking about the outcome of this election. If you believe these prophecies, stand on them … that’s how you can fight the good fight of faith. Paul says1 Timothy 1:18: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.
Prayer: The second thing is prayer: Much individual, group, and mass corporate prayer has been offered during campaign 2020, including prayer marches on Washington, DC. Many Christians overseas are doing the same. One Australian wrote that he has never prayed so much in his entire life as he had for the 2020 US election. Other people in other countries are doing the same. A great exhortation comes from Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Pray for mercy on the United States, God’s will to be done, and a quick resolution of the electoral impasse.
Perseverance: It’s simple. If the battle continues, then keep going. Galatians 6:9 promises we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Revival: If many of us have been praying more than ever, and it is worldwide, think about it … we are preparing for revival 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Remember that effectual fervent prayer is like casting a ballot in heaven, with the blessings raining back on the earth. Ask the LORD that His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven — Matthew 6:9-13.
Comment on The Nature of The Prophetic by Michelle Heather
The Nature of the Prophetic is a great resource and I highly recommend it from the new Christian through to the mature. It’s easy to read, easy to understand and so full of wisdom which brings revelation to Godly character and the empowering of our gifts.
Take Your Rest: The Fourth Commandment Part 05
The Sabbath & the Book of Hebrews
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour,
and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it — Exodus 20:8-11
From Blessing to Burden?
The 10 commandments offer a concise portrait of God’s alpine high standards; they have been a bedrock for western civilisation and a major reason for its blessing. Of all the commandments, the fourth should be greatly celebrated: it is called the Sabbath rest.
Who wouldn’t want a regular day off?
As we have learned in earlier articles, the very commandment that was meant to bestow blessing became a great burden by the 1st Century AD – the time of Jesus. There were so many manmade ‘do’s & don’ts’ on how to keep the Sabbath ‘holy’ that one wonders if they all could be remembered, let alone observed. It drained the joy right out of the day
Jesus cut through the clutter with His statement that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath: the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). For most Christians, we have accepted the concept of ‘Sabbath’ being on the first day of the week, a celebration of the new creation in Christ.
Insights from the Book of Hebrews
In order to have a complete and balanced understanding of the fourth commandment and rest, we need to turn to the Book of Hebrews 3:7-4:12.
Four times in this passage it makes a reference to Psalm 95:7-11, which says Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.
What does this have to do with the rest of Sabbath?
• Weekly Sabbath: A day of rest on Saturday from your normal labour;
• The promised land: When the children of Israel possessed the land of Canaan under Joshua, this was a type of rest. God promised the land to their father Abraham and now it was theirs. Instead of wandering through the wilderness or fighting off the locals, every man could ‘rest’ under his own vine and fig tree (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4). The Israelites have arrived and possessed their ‘rest.’
• Ultimate rest: Making it to heaven, the Kingdom of God, and New Jerusalem, is the final rest. Our life and labours for God lead us to this destination.
Merely having a day off on Saturday or Sunday is not necessarily the rest of God. Jesus’ opponents – Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, scribes, chief priests – all observed Saturday Sabbath, but they in no wise pleased God or prepared themselves for the His rest.
Remember the words of Hebrews 3:7-11, quoting Psalm 95
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.
The Israelites during Moses’ day rested the Sabbath but God says in Verse 11 they shall not enter His rest.
Why couldn’t they enter into His rest? And how can we?
1. Refusal to listen to God’s Word: God is always speaking (Hebrews 1:1-2) but we are not always listening. If you belong to Jesus, He says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27).
2. Hardened heart: Rejecting God’s voice leads to a hardened heart, and that is more deadly to the spirit than hardened arteries to the body. It is a form of blindness and deafness.
3. Missing out on God: Stubborn spiritual deafness means tempting God, rejecting His grace and miracles, erring in the heart, and ignorance of God’s ways. A person can miss heaven’s best if they persist in this condition.
No amount of Sabbath-keeping will remedy this dire situation. So what is the solution? Faith in God and His gospel is the key to pleasing Him, accessing His kingdom, and entering into His rest. Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Just as faith is commended, doubt and unbelief are condemned. In fact, Hebrews 3:12 speaks of the worse sin of all: the evil heart of unbelief. Any other sin can be atoned by faith in the gospel of Christ, but if you can’t believe, the gospel will not profit you. That’s why we need to mix the word of the gospel with faith (Hebrews 4:2).
Ironically, we are encouraged to labour in order to enter into God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11): This is not talking about hard manual labour. It is referring to effort to draw close to God in faith and to let the atoning work of Christ on the cross be credited to your life.
Faith and rest: Your standing in God is not determined by what you do but what Christ has done. Believe in receive.
In conclusion, regarding the Sabbath, a disobedient hard-heart will preclude you from God’s rest, even if you do observe the Sabbath. But a life of faith will cause you to please God, enter into His rest, and everyday belongs to Him.
The Day of the Lord – Amplified: Why Study the Book of Zephaniah Part 01
INTRODUCTION TO ZEPHANIAH
King Hezekiah was one of Judah’s great and righteous kings. Unfortunately, the next two kings, Manasseh and Amon, with a combined reign of 57 years, did great wickedness in the sight of the Lord. Manasseh, in particular, specialised in evil and tradition says he executed the prophet Isaiah. With his demise there was no prophetic utterances for around 70 years. Judgement was becoming riper by the day.
Amon’s untimely death brought an eight year old Josiah to the throne (640-609 BC). Would he be like his immediate predecessors or harken back to the time of Hezekiah? It was in this period that God raised of Zephaniah to influence Josiah. He outlined the nature of judgement, the Day of the Lord, and the promised restoration of the remnant. Though only three chapters long, Zephaniah teaches us much about the last days.
HEBREW NAME OF ZEPHANIAH
‘Tsephan-yah’ means ‘Yahweh Hides’ or ‘Yahweh Has Hidden’
AUTHOR OF ZEPHANIAH
The great grandson of Hezekiah, of royal seed, familiar with the court, and a Judean aristocrat, Zephaniah lived with great danger. King Manasseh was prepared to sacrifice royalty to the hideous false god Moloch. It could be that Zephaniah was ‘hidden’ during this period, thus experiencing the mercy and preserving power of God.
It is highly possible that Zephaniah was the catalyst for revival in the days of Josiah, who in his 12th year commenced his great work of reform. His works were not enough to stave off ultimate judgement on Judah, which happened by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. Zephaniah warned that judgement would come but would be tempered by the remnant and restoration.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN ZEPHANIAH
(3:17) Mighty in our midst to save and rejoice.
Jesus Christ tied Zephaniah 1:3 to Matthew 13:41 and 1:15 with Matthew 24:29; these are references to the second coming. Though Messiah is not directly mentioned, it should be obvious that He, and He alone, is the one who brings the great judgement and restoration.
THEME OF THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH
Zephaniah, of royal seed, sought to address Jerusalem and Judah after the torrid reigns of Manasseh and Amon. He spoke of judgement as the ‘Day of the Lord,’ which punishes the wicked. For those who repent and are part of the faithful remnant, they will not be judged at all. They will be restored and rewarded.
The most concise description of the Day of the Lord is given in Chapter 1: a day of wrath, trouble, distress, wasteness, desolation, darkness, gloominess, clouds and thick darkness; that’s the bad news. But for the faithful remnant, it will be a time of purifying, worship, righteousness, singing, vindication, fearlessness, God will be in the midst and rejoice over them with joy. Sorrow will be removed and it will be a time of gathering, honour and praise, and restoration.
Josiah and Jeremiah were both influenced by the ministry of Zephaniah.
KEY VERSES OF ZEPHANIAH
1:14-15 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,
2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.
TO BE CONTINUED