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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 22; Jeremiah 25; Romans 13, 14) for August 4th
Episode 981
In the 22nd chapter of 2nd Samuel we have David's song of deliverance. How similar it is to that of Moses' song in Deuteronomy 32. The focus is on Yahweh's steadfast love; His capacity to, and willingness to, always deliver His faithful servants. Another important theme is God's enduring and Rock-like persistent protection and power exercised consistently on the behalf of His children. The Almighty Father and our Sovereign's will shall be accomplished in the earth, unhindered.
Jeremiah 25 clearly tells us that the fourth year of Jehoiakim was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. We are told later in Jeremiah's writings that this was the year when the king of Judah burned the Bible that the Omnipotent revealed His purpose to the potentate, Nebuchadnezzar, who presided over the kingdom of men. How important it is for us to appreciate that the fulfilling of God's purpose is not dependent upon our faithfulness. If we fail God will choose another. When king Zedekiah rejected the Almighty the Omnipotent Sovereign selected to reveal His Will to a Gentile monarch: Nebuchadnezzar. When Israel failed Yahweh in His mercy offered salvation to the Gentiles. He can just as easily reject us for failing to honour God: Romans 11 verses 11-36. Those verses also establish that once the fulness of the Gentiles is reached Israel will again be regrafted into their own olive tree. Details of the Almighty's kingdom plan were revealed to Babylon's mighty ruler in Daniel 2. The 25th chapter of Jeremiah records the punishment to be inflicted on guilty Judah as Yahweh's indignation was poured out.
Chapter 13 of Romans developed the extension of peaceful living by explaining the purpose and practices needed in an orderly society. This chapter teaches the disciple of Christ that he/she is subject to the rulers and magistrate God had appointed. Deterrents and disciplinary measures are essential for the preservation of peace. Paul tells the disciple how to recognise our place and demeanour in such a God ordained ordered society. We will conform to society's laws unless they are in conflict with God's principles: Acts 5 verses 27-29.
Chapter 14 turns its focus from living peacefully in a broad society ordered by divine discipline to the disciple's need to fix his mind on walking in harmony and fellowship with his fellow disciples. We must avoid judging our fellow believers, and rather recognising that it is to our Lord Jesus Christ; and he alone to whom we must give account We will either stand, or fall for our own doings and not to worry too much about what anyone else does. Peripheral matters must never become a focus or basis for comparing ourselves with others. The Apostle Paul lays down the important principle designed to keep matters of conscience in perspective, that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in a spirit of holiness" verse 17.
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Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago