A Collector Who Wished To Honour The Creator
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Posted:Dec 30, 2014 7:21 pm
Last Updated:Jan 3, 2015 12:53 am 3574 Views
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When American sculptor and butterfly collector Herman Strecker died a century ago, he left behind what was at the time the largest and most important collection of butterflies and moths in the Americas.
His collection, some 50,000 specimens strong, now belongs for the most part to the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
One species of giant silk moth from South America stood out in the collection because of its name.
In his book Lepidoptera, Mr. Strecker explained that he did not name this species after some individual who might have rewarded him with a dinner or a loan of money.
(The complete title of Mr. Strecker's book is Lepidoptera, Rhopaloceres and Heteroceres, Indigenous and Exotic; with Descriptions and Coloured Illustrations (1872).)
Rather, he named it after the Creator. That way, this "most wonderful" species would direct the thoughts of those who see it to God. Thus, as a result of Mr. Strecker's wish to honour the Creator, today that silk moth bears the scientific name Copiopteryx jehovah.
However, some of Mr. Strecker's contemporaries objected to his use of Gods name because, as one critic wrote, "the name brings up to serious and contemplative minds everything that is sacred."
To that, Mr. Strecker responded: "If such be the case, then indeed am I happy in my selection, for methinks anything that would lead us to think of the Creator......cannot but be well; and what better than to reflect on sacred things, - on the evidences of the majesty and power of the Supreme Being?"
Therefore, collector Strecker concluded: "That there should be any reasonable objection to the bestowal of the Creator's name on one of the most interesting of His works, I cannot possibly surmise."
Strecker's piety and his reverence for the Creator are noteworthy. Christians today are also careful to use the majestic name of Jehovah in ways that dignify it.
I sure hope you enjoyed this lovely tidbit.
Katidid.
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Have Unshakable Faith In The Kingdom
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Posted:Dec 22, 2014 7:35 pm
Last Updated:Dec 26, 2014 12:19 am 3619 Views
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This is a rather long and deep article and so I pray you will take the extra time to read, study and ponder on its significance.
1Corinthians 3:1-3 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough. In fact, neither are you strong enough now, for you are still fleshly. Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?
Hebrews 5:11-6:2 We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young . But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.
Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God, the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God's Kingdom is the only solution to all our problems.
We find great comfort in the hope that the kingdom provides us.
How strong, though, is your conviction that the Kingdom is a reality that will accomplish its intended purpose?
What basis is there for us to have unshakable faith in the Kingdom?
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen
The Messianic Kingdom is an arrangement established by the Almighty Himself to accomplish His purpose regarding His creation. The Kingdom is based on an unshakable foundation - Jehovah's absolute right to rule. important aspects of the Kingdom - its king, His co-rulers, the domain of their rule - have all been legally established by means of covenants, that is, by legal contracts or arrangements in which one of the binding parties is either God or His , Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on these covenants will enhance our understanding of how God's purpose is sure to become a reality and will help us to see how stable this arrangement is.
The Bible refers to 6 primary covenants that relate to the Messianic Kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus. They are:-
1. The Abrahamic covenant
Parties: Jehovah and Abraham
Purpose: It forms a legal basis for the "offspring" of "the woman" of Genesis 3:15 to rule in the Kingdom;
2. The Mosaic Law covenant
Parties: Jehovah and natural Israel
Purpose: It protects the "offspring" and leads humans to the messiah;
3. The Davidic covenant
Parties: Jehovah and David
Purpose: It establishes that the Messianic king will come from David's line and that what the Kingdom accomplishes will be everlasting;
4. The covenant for a priest like Melchizedek
Parties: Jehovah and Jesus
Purpose: It provides a legal arrangement for Jesus - the primary part of the woman's offspring: - to be king and priest forever;
5. The New covenant
Parties: Jehovah and spiritual Israel
Purpose: It provides a legal basis for 144,000 Christians to be adopted as sons of God and to form the secondary part of the "offspring"; and,
6. The Kingdom covenant
Parties: Jesus and spiritual Israel
Purpose: It legally joins anointed Christians with Christ to rule as kings and serve as priest in heaven.
Let us examine how each covenant relates to the kingdom and advances the outworking of God's purpose for the Earth and for mankind.
A Promise Reveals How God's Purpose Will Be Fulfilled
After preparing our beautiful planet for human habitation, Jehovah issued three decrees regarding humans:-
1. Our God would create mankind in His image;
2. Humans were to expand Paradise globally and fill the Earth with righteous offspring; and,
3. Humans were prohibited from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. (Genesis 1:26, 28; 2:16+17)
There was no need for anything more. After the creation of man, adherence to the other two decrees was all that was necessary to have God's purpose fulfilled. How then did the need for covenants arise?
In a villainous attempt to thwart God's purpose, satan the devil instigated a rebellion. He did so by focusing his attention on the decree he could most easily influence - the one that required obedience on the part of man - so he tempted the first woman, Eve, to disobey the prohibition regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. (Genesis 3:1-5) In doing so, satan challenged God's right to rule over His creation. Later, satan also imputed selfish motives to God's loyal servants. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4+5)
How would Jehovah respond to satan's challenge in Eden? Destroying the rebels would, indeed, bring an end to their rebellion but it would also mean that God's expressed purpose to have the Earth filled with obedient descendants of Adam and Eve would go unfulfilled. Rather than executing the rebels right then and there, the wise Creator responded with a profound prophecy. - the Edenic promise - to ensure that every detail of His world would come true.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.
By means of the Edenic promise, Jehovah passed judgement on the serpent and its offspring representing satan and all those who would take his side on the issue of God's right to rule.
The true God gave to the offspring of His heavenly woman the authority to destroy satan. Thus, the Edenic promise not only emphasized that the instigator of the rebellion in the garden of Eden and all ill effects of his action would be done away with but also identifies the means by which this would take place.
Who would the woman's offspring prove to be? Since the offspring is to crush the serpent's head, that is, "bring to nothing" the spirit creature satan, the offspring would have to be a spirit person. (Hebrews 2:14) Therefore, the woman giving birth to the offspring would also be of a spiritual nature. While the offspring of the serpent proliferated, the identity of the offspring and the woman remained a mystery for almost 4,000 years after Jehovah gave the Edenic promise. Meanwhile, Jehovah made several covenants that identify the offspring and assure His servants that the offspring would be the means by which God would undo the disaster that satan had brought on the human family.
A Covenant Identifies The Offspring
Some two millenniums after passing sentence on satan, Jehovah commanded the patriarch Abraham to leave his home in Ur in Mesopotamia and go to the land of Canaan. (Acts 7:2+3) Jehovah said to him: "Go out from your land and away from your relatives and from the house of your father to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you will become a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who calls down evil on you, and all the families of the ground will certainly be blessed by means of you." (Genesis 12:1-3) This is the earliest recorded account of the Abrahamic covenant - the covenant that Jehovah God made with Abraham. Exactly when it was that Jehovah first made the covenant with Abraham is not known. However, it went into effect in 1943 B.C.E., when 75 year old Abraham left Haran and crossed the Euphrates River.
Jehovah restated His promise to Abraham a number of times, adding further details (Genesis 13:15-17; 17:1-8, 16) and when Abraham demonstrated unshakable faith in God's promises by showing willingness to offer up his only , Jehovah reinforced the covenant with an unconditional promise.
Genesis 22:15-18 And Jehovah’s angel called to Abraham a second time from the heavens, saying: “‘By myself I swear,’ declares Jehovah, ‘that because you have done this and you have not withheld your , your only one, I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore, and your offspring will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves because you have listened to my voice.
Hebrews 11:17+18 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, as good as offered up Isaac—the man who had gladly received the promises attempted to offer up his only-begotten — although it had been said to him: “What will be called your offspring will be through Isaac.
After the Abrahamic covenant went into effect, Jehovah gradually revealed important details about the offspring of the woman. The offspring would:-
1. Descend from Abraham;
2. Would be many in number;
3. Would have a kingly function;
4. Would destroy all enemies; and,
5. Would be a blessing for many others.
While the Abrahamic covenant had a literal fulfillment for the descendants of Abraham when they inherited the Promised Land, the Scriptures show that the terms of that covenant also have a spiritual fulfillment.
Galatians 4:22-30 it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant girl and one by the free woman but the one by the servant girl was actually born through natural descent and the other by the free woman through a promise. These things may be taken as a symbolic drama; for these women mean two covenants, the one from Mount Sinai, which bears for slavery and which is Ha′gar. Now Ha′gar means Sinai, a mountain in Arabia, and she corresponds with the Jerusalem today, for she is in slavery with her . But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Be glad, you barren woman who does not give birth; break into joyful shouting, you woman who does not have birth pains; for the of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of her who has the husband.” Now you, brothers, are of the promise the same as Isaac was. But just as then the one born through natural descent began persecuting the one born through spirit, so also now. Nevertheless, what does the scripture say? “Drive out the servant girl and her , for the of the servant girl will by no means be an heir with the of the free woman.
In this greater fulfillment, as the apostle Paul explained under inspiration, the primary part of the offspring of Abraham is Christ and the secondary part refers to the 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians.
Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “and to your descendants,” in the sense of many. Rather, it says, “and to your offspring,” in the sense of one, who is Christ
Galatians 3:29 Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s offspring, heirs with reference to a promise.
Revelations 5:9+10 And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”
Revelations 14:1 Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads
The woman producing the offspring is none other than "the Jerusalem above" - the heavenly part of God's organization, made up of loyal spirit creatures. (Galatians 4:26, 31) As the Abrahamic covenant promised, the offspring of the woman would bring blessings to mankind.
The Abrahamic covenant points to the King and to His co-rulers in God's Kingdom and it forms the legal foundation of the Kingdom of the heavens. (Hebrews 6:13-18) How long will this covenant stay in effect? It is "an everlasting covenant," states Genesis 17:Seven. It remains in effect until the Messianic Kingdom destroys God's enemies and all the families of the Earth have been blessed. (1 Corinthians 15:23-26) In fact, those who will then live on Earth will benefit in an everlasting way. God's covenant with Abraham shows that Jehovah is determined to fulfill His purpose that righteous humans "fill the earth"! (Genesis 1:28)
A Covenant To Ensure That The Kingdom Will Last
The Edenic promise and the Abrahamic covenant establish the vital point that Jehovah's sovereignty as expressed through the Messianic Kingdom is solidly based on God's righteous standards. (Psalm 89:14) Will the Messianic government ever become corrupt and therefore have to be eliminated? Another legal covenant guarantees that this will never happen.
Consider what Jehovah promised King David of ancient Israel by means of the Davidic covenant.
2Samuel 7:12 When your days come to an end and you are laid to rest with your forefathers, then I will raise up your offspring after you, your own , and I will firmly establish his kingdom.
2Samuel 7:16 Your house and your kingdom will be secure forever before you; your throne will be firmly established forever
Jehovah made this covenant with David during David's reign in Jerusalem, promising him that he Messiah would be his descendant. (Luke 1:30-33) Thus, Jehovah further narrowed the line of descent of the offspring and established that an heir of David would have "the legal right" to the throne of the Messianic Kingdom. (Ezekiel 21:25-27) Through Jesus, David's kingship "will be firmly established forever." Indeed, David's offspring "will endure forever; his throne will endure like the sun." (Psalm 89:34-37) Yes, the messiah's rule will never become corrupt and its accomplishments will last forever!
A Covenant Fills The Need For A Priestly Function
While the Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant make it certain that the offspring of the woman would have a kingly function, that role alone would not suffice to bring blessing to people of all nations. For them to be truly blessed, they would have to be freed from their sinful state and brought into Jehovah's universal family. To accomplish this requires that the offspring also serve in a priestly capacity. The wise Creator provided for this by means of another legal arrangement, the covenant for a priest like Melchizedek.
Jehovah revealed through King David that He would make a personal covenant with Jesus with a twofold objective:-
1. To have Him "sit at God's right hand" until He subdues His enemies;and,
2. To be "a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek."
Psalm 110:1+2Jehovah declared to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.” Jehovah will extend the scepter of your power out of Zion, saying: “Go subduing in the midst of your enemies."
Psalm 110:4 Jehovah has sworn an oath, and he will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek."
Why "in the manner of Melchizedek"? Because long before any descendants of Abraham inherited the Promised Land, Melchizedek, the king of Salem (later Jerusalem), served as "priest of the Most High God." (Hebrews 7:1-3) He was directly appointed by Jehovah to do so. He is the only one mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures who served as both a king and a priest. Moreover, since he was without a recorded predecessor or successor, he can be called "a priest for all time," or forever.
Jesus is directly appointed to be a priest by means of this personal covenant that Jehovah made with Him, and He will remain "a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek." (Hebrew 5:4-6) This clearly shows that Jehovah has legally bound Himself to use the Messianic Kingdom to accomplish His original purpose concerning humans on Earth.
Covenants Form A Legal Basis For The Kingdom
As we look at the covenants we have considered, we can see how they relate to the Messianic Kingdom and how the Kingdom arrangement is solidly based on legal contracts. The Edenic promise binds Jehovah to fulfill His purpose regarding the Earth and mankind by means of the offspring of "the woman." Who would the offspring be, and in what capacity would that offspring serve? The Abrahamic covenant provides the framework for all of this.
The Davidic covenant further narrows the line of descent of the primary part of the offspring and gives Him the right to rule over the Earth so that the accomplishments for the kingdom will be everlasting. The covenant for a priest like Melchizedek becomes the basis for the offspring to serve in a priestly capacity. Jesus will not be alone in raising mankind to perfection, however. Others are also anointed to serve as kings and priest. Where would they come from?
You Will Become "A Kingdom Of Priests"
Exodus 19:6 You will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
How intense would the enmity between satan and "the woman" be? It would be so bad that the serpent would stop at nothing to obliterate "the woman's" offspring. It is no wonder that the psalmist cried out in prayer to God about His chosen people":
Psalm 83:2-4 "Look! Your enemies are in an uproar; those who hate you act arrogantly. With cunning they secretly plot against your people; they conspire against your treasured ones. They say: "Come, let us annihilate them as a nation."
The line of descent of the offspring of "the woman" had to be protected from extermination and contamination. to accomplish this, Jehovah made further binding legal arrangements that would protect the fulfillment of His purpose.
A Covenant That Protects The Offspring
As the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob multiplied into the millions,
Jehovah made a nation out of them - the nation of ancient Israel. Through Moses, Jehovah concluded a unique national covenant with them by giving them the Law, and the nation of Israel agreed to the terms of the covenant. The Bible relates:
Exodus 24: 3-8 Then Moses came and related to the people all the words of Jehovah and all the judicial decisions, and all the people answered with one voice: “All the words that Jehovah has spoken, we are willing to do.” So Moses wrote down all the words of Jehovah. Then he got up early in the morning and built at the foot of the mountain an altar and 12 pillars corresponding to the 12 tribes of Israel. After that he sent young Israelite men, and they offered up burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as communion sacrifices to Jehovah. Then Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the book of the covenant and read it aloud to the people. And they said: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do, and we will be obedient.” So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said: “This is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has made with you in harmony with all these words.
The Law covenant went into effect at Mount Sinai in 1513 B.C.E. By means of that covenant, the ancient nation of Israel was set apart as God's chosen nation. Jehovah now became 'their Judge, their Lawgiver and their King.' (Isaiah 33:22) The history of Israel provides a record of what happens when God's righteous standards are either observed or ignored. Since the Law forbade intermarrying with pagans and participation in false worship, it was designed to prevent Abraham's line of descent from being contaminated. (Exodus 20:4-6; 34:12-16)
The Law covenant also provided an arrangement for a priesthood, foreshadowing a greater arrangement in the future. (Hebrews 7:1; 10:1) In fact, through that covenant, Israel had a unique opportunity and privilege to become "a kingdom of priest," provided they met the stipulation to obey Jehovah's laws.
Exodus 19:5+6 Now if you will strictly obey my voice and keep my covenant, you will certainly become my special property out of all peoples, for the whole earth belongs to me. You will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”
Israel, however, failed to meet this requirement. Instead of esteeming the arrival of the Messiah, the primary part of Abraham's offspring, the nation rejected Him. Consequently, God rejected that nation.
Israel's failure to remain faithful to Jehovah and thus supply all those who would make up a kingdom of priest did not mean that the Law had failed. The Law was to protect the offspring and lead humans to the Messiah. Once the Christ came and was identified, the Law's role was realized. "Christ is the end of the Law," states the Bible. (Romans 10:4) The question, though, remains: Who would then have the opportunity to become a Kingdom of priest? Jehovah God provided another legal contract to form a new nation.
A New Nation Comes Into Existence
Long before the Law covenant was canceled, Jehovah foretold through the prophet Jeremiah that He would make with the nation of Israel "a new covenant"
Jeremiah 31:31-33 “Look! The days are coming,” declares Jehovah, “when I will make with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers on the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, ‘my covenant that they broke, although I was their true master,’ declares Jehovah.” “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares Jehovah. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.” “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”
That covenant would be unlike the Law covenant in that it would make possible the forgiveness of sins without the need for animal sacrifices. How would it do that?
Centuries later, Jesus instituted the Lord's evening Meal on Nisan 14, 33C.E. Speaking of the cup of wine, He told His 11 faithful apostles:
Luke 22:20 Also, he did the same with the cup after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf."
Matthew's account quotes Jesus as saying regarding the wine:
Matthew 26:27+28 And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins"
Jesus' shed blood validates the New covenant. That blood also makes possible the forgiveness of sins once and for all time. Jesus is not a party to the new covenant. Being without sin, He needs no forgiveness but God could apply the value of Jesus' shed blood to Adam's descendants. He could also adopt certain devoted humans "as sons" by anointing them with holy spirit.
Romans 8:14-17 For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s . If, then, we are , we are also heirs—heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ—provided we suffer together so that we may also be glorified together.
Being considered to be without sin in God's eyes, they would in a sense be like Jesus, the sinless of God. These anointed ones would become "joint heirs with Christ" and have the opportunity of becoming "a kingdom of priest." This was a privilege that the nation of Israel under the Law could have had. Concerning the "joint heirs with Christ," the apostle Peter stated:
1Peter 2:9+10 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy.
How vital the new covenant is! It enables Jesus' disciples to become the secondary part of Abraham's offspring.
The New Covenant Goes Into Effect
When did the New covenant go into effect? Not when Jesus made reference to it on His last night on Earth. For it to go into operation, Jesus' blood had to be poured out and its value had to be presented to Jehovah in heaven. Moreover, the holy spirit needed to be poured out on those who would be "joint heirs with Christ." Hence, the new covenant went into effect at Pentecost 33C.E. when Jesus' loyal disciples were anointed with holy spirit.
Though the former Law covenant was in a sense made "obsolete" when Jehovah announced through Jeremiah that He would conclude a New covenant with Israel, it did not actually end until the New covenant went into effect. (Hebrews 8:13) When that happened, God could view both Jewish and uncircumcised Gentile believers in the same light, since their "circumcision is that of the heart by spirit and not by a written code." (Romans 2:29) By concluding the New covenant with them, God would put His laws "in their mind, and in their hearts (He would) write them." (Hebrews 8:10) The total number of those in the New covenant would be 144,000, making up a new nation - "the Israel of God" - spiritual Israel. (Galatians 6:16; Revelations 14:1,4)
How do the Law covenant and the New covenant compare? The Law covenant was between Jehovah and natural Israel; the New covenant is between Jehovah and spiritual Israel. Moses was the mediator of the former covenant; Jesus is the Mediator of the New covenant. The Law covenant was validated by means of animal blood; the New covenant was validated by the shed blood of Jesus and the nation of Israel was organized through the Law covenant under Moses; those in the New covenant are organized under Jesus - the Head of the congregation (Ephesians 1:22)
The New covenant relates to the Kingdom in that it produces a holy nation that has the privilege of becoming kings and priests in that heavenly Kingdom. That nation constitutes the secondary part of Abraham's offspring. (Galatians 3:29) The New covenant thus reinforces the Abrahamic covenant.
One more aspect of the Kingdom remains to be established. The New covenant produces spiritual Israel and provides the basis for its members to become "joint heirs with Christ." A binding legal arrangement, however, is needed to allow them to join Jesus in His Kingdom as kings and priest in heaven.
A Covenant That Allows Others To Rule With Christ
After instituting the Lord's Evening Meal, Jesus made a covenant with His faithful disciples, often referred to as the Kingdom covenant
Luke 22:28-30 “However, you are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel.
Unlike other covenants, in which Jehovah is one of the parties to the covenant, this is a personal covenant between Jesus and His anointed followers. When saying, "just as my Father has made a covenant with me," Jesus was apparently alluding to the covenant that Jehovah had made with Him to be " a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:5+6)
The 11 faithful apostles had 'stuck with Jesus in His trials' The Kingdom covenant assured them that they would be with Him in heaven and sit on thrones to rule as kings and serve as priests. However, those 11 would not be the only ones to have that privilege. The glorified Jesus appeared to the apostle John in a vision and said:
Revelations 3:21 To the one who conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Thus, the Kingdom covenant is made with the 144,000 anointed Christians. (Revelations 5:9+10; 7:4) This is the covenant that forms a legal basis for them to rule with Jesus in heaven. This is similar to a bride from a noble family who might marry a ruling king and come into position to share in his ruling power. In fact, the Scriptures refer to anointed Christians as "the bride" of Christ, "a chaste virgin" promised in marriage to the Christ. (Revelations 19:Seven+8; 12:9; 2Corinthians 11:2)
Have Unshakable Faith In God's Kingdom
All the covenants that we have considered relate to one or more vital aspects of the Kingdom. This fact emphasized that the Kingdom arrangement is solidly based on legal contracts. We thus have powerful reason to put our full trust in the Messianic Kingdom as the instrument that God is using to make His original purpose for the Earth and mankind a reality.
Revelations 11:15 The seventh angel blew his trumpet. And there were loud voices in heaven, saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever."
Can there be any doubt that what the Kingdom accomplishes will result in lasting blessing for mankind? With complete confidence, we can firmly proclaim that God's Kingdom is the only permanent solution to all mankind's problems. May we zealously share that truth with others.
Matthew 24:14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come
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I hope you have enjoyed studying this article as much as I did. It so wonderfully puts so many pieces into place and provides so much spiritual food for thought and meditation..
Love,
Katidid.
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James
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Posted:Dec 21, 2014 10:13 pm
Last Updated:Dec 21, 2014 10:14 pm 3516 Views
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"He has gone out of his mind."
That is what Jesus' relatives thought of Him.
During the time of His earthly ministry, "his brothers were, in fact,not exercising faith in Him," and James, along with Joseph, Simon and Judas was not counted as one of Jesus' early disciples. (Mark 3:21; John 7:5; Matthew 13:55)
On what grounds then, can it be said, that James the half brother of Jesus wrote the Bible book that bears the name James?
The record shows that the resurrected Jesus appeared to James, and this no doubt convinced him beyond question that Jesus was the Messiah. (Corinthians 15:Seven)
Acts 1:12-14 says that even before Pentecost, Mary and the brothers of Jesus were assembling for prayer with the apostles in an upper chamber in Jerusalem.
Did not one of the apostles called James write the letter?
No, for at the outset the writer identifies himself, not as an apostles, but as 'a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ.' Moreover, Jude's introductory words, similar to those of James, mention Jude (or Judas) also as "a slave of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James." (James 1:1, Jude 1) From this we can safely conclude that James and Jude, the fleshly half brothers of Jesus, wrote the Bible books that bear their names.
James was eminently qualified to write a letter of counsel to the Christian congregation. He was greatly respected as an overseer in the Jerusalem congregation. Paul speaks of "James the brother of the Lord" as one of the "pillars" in the congregation along with Cephas and John. (Galatians 1:19; 2:9)
James' prominence is indicated by Peter's sending immediate word to "James and the brothers" after his release from prison and was it not James who acted as spokesman for "the apostles and the older men" when Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem to request a decision regarding circumcision? Incidentally, this decision and the letter of James both start with the identical salutation, "Greetings!" - another indication that they had a common writer. (Acts 12:17; 15:3, 22, 23; James 1:1)
The historian Josephus tells us it was High Priest Ananus (Ananias), a Sadducee, who was responsible for the death of James by stoning. This was after the death of the Roman governor Festus, about 62 C.E., and before his successor, Albinus, took office.*
When did James write his letter?
James addressed his letter from Jerusalem to "the twelve tribes that are scattered about." literally, "the (ones) in the dispersion." (James 1:1) It would have required time for Christianity to spread out following the outpouring of Holy Spirit in 33C.E, and it would have required time, also, for the alarming conditions mentioned in the letter to develop. Further, the letter indicates that the Christians were no longer small groups but that they were organized into congregations with mature "older men" who could pray for and support the weak. Additionally, sufficient time had elapsed for a measure of complacency and formalism to creep in. (James 2:1-4; 4:1-3; 5:14; 1:26+27)
It is most probable, therefore, that James wrote his letter at a late date, perhaps shortly before 62C.E., if Josephus' account about the events surrounding the death of Festus and if the sources placing Festus' death in about 62C.E. are correct.
As to the authenticity of James, it is contained in the Vatican No.1209, the Sinaitic and the Alexandrine manuscripts. It is included in at least ten ancient catalogues prior to the Council of Carthage 397C.E. It was widely quoted by early ecclesiastical writers. A deep inner harmony with the rest of the inspired Scriptures is very evident in James' writings.
Why did James write this letter?
A careful consideration of the letter discloses that internal conditions were causing difficulties amoung the brothers. Christian standards were being lowered, yes, even ignored, so that some had become spiritual adulteresses as regards friendship with the world. Eager to invent supposed contradictions, some have claimed that James' letter encouraging faith by works nullifies Paul's writings regarding salvation by faith and not by works. However, the context reveals that James refers to faith supported by works, not just words, whereas Paul clearly means works of the Mosaic Law. Actually, James supplements the arguments of Paul, going one step further by defining how faith is made manifest. James' counsel is most practical in its coverage of the day-to-day problems of the Christian.
Illustrations from everyday life, including animals, boats, farmers and vegetation, give colourful backing to James' arguments on faith, patience and endurance. This copying of Jesus' successful teaching methods makes his counsel extremely forceful. This letter impresses one with James' keen discernment of the motives prompting individuals.
*Jewish Antiquities, XX, 197-200 (ix, 1); Webster's New Biographical Dictionary, 1983, pages 350.
Yours,
Katidid.
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Judas Iscariot
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Posted:Dec 16, 2014 3:39 am
Last Updated:Dec 16, 2014 3:45 am 3637 Views
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Judas - from the Hebrew, a form of the name Judah
of Simon and the infamous apostle who betrayed Jesus.
The Bible provides little direct information about the family and background of Judas. Both he and his father were called Iscariot (Luke 6:16; John 6:Seventy1) This term has commonly been understood to indicate that they were from the Judean town of Kerioth-hezron. If this is so, then Judas was the only Judean amount the 12 apostles, the rest being Galileans.
Judas is introduced into the Gospel accounts in the listing of the apostles sometime after Passover 31 C.E. and about a year and a half after Jesus began His ministry. (Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16) It is logical to conclude that Judas had been a disciple for a time before Jesus made him an apostle. Many writers paint an entirely black picture of Judas but evidently for a while he had been a disciple who found favour with God and with Jesus; his very selection as an apostle indicates that. Furthermore, he was intrusted with caring for the common finances of Jesus and the 12. That reflects favourably on his dependability at the time and his ability or education, especially since Matthew had had experience with money and figures but did not receive this assignment. (John 12:6; Matthew 10:3) Nonethe less, Judas did become completely, inexcusably corrupt. Do doubt it is for this reason that he is placed last in the list of the apostles and is described as the Judas "who later betrayed Him" and "who turned traitor". (Matthew 10:4; Luke 6:16)
Became Corrupt
Near Passover 32 C.E., Judas, with the other apostles, was sent out preaching. (Matthew 10:1, 4+5) Shortly after Judas' return, and less than a year after he had been made an apostle, he was publicly denounced by Christ, though not by name. Some disciples left Jesus, being shocked over His teachings, but Peter said that the 12 would stick with Christ. In response Jesus acknowledged that He had chosen the 12 but said: "One of you is a slanderer" ( Greek-diabolos, meaning devil or slanderer) The account explains that the one who already was a slanderer was Judas, who "was going to betray Him, although one of the 12." (John 6:66-71)
In connection with this incident John says: "From the beginning Jesus knew....who was the one that would betray Him," (John 6:64) From Hebrew Scripture prophecies Christ knew that He would be betrayed by a close associate. (Psalm 41:9; 109:8; John 13:18+19) God also, by use of His foreknowledge, had seen that such a one would turn traitor, but it is inconsistent with God's qualities and past dealing to think that Judas had to fail, as if he were predestined. Rather, as already mentioned, at the beginning of his apostleship Judas was faithful to God and to Jesus. Thus Christ must have meant that "from the beginning" of when Judas started to go bad, started to five in to imperfection and sinful inclinations, Jesus recognized it (John 2:24+25; Revelations 1:1; 2:23) Judas must have known he was the "slanderer" Jesus mentioned, but he continued to travel with Jesus and the faithful apostles and apparently he made no changes.
The Bible does not discuss in detail the motives for his corrupt course, but an incident that occurred on Nisan 9, 33 C.E., five days before Jesus' death, sheds light n the matter. At Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, Mary, Lazarus' sister, anointed Jesus with perfumed oil worth 300 denarii, about a year's wages for a labourer. (Matthew 20:2) Judas strongly objected that the oil could have been sold and the money "given to the poor people." Evidently other apostles merely assented to what seemed to be a valid point, but Jesus rebuked them. Judas' real reason for objecting was that he cared for the money box and he " was a thief....and used to carry off the monies" put in the box. So Judas was a greedy, practicing thief. (John 12:2-7; Matthew 26:6-12; Mark 14:3-8)
Betrayal Price
Judas was undoubtedly stung by Jesus' rebuke about the use of money. At this time "satan entered into Judas," likely in the sense that the traitorous apostle gave himself in to the will of satan, allowing himself to be a tool to carry out satan's design to stop Christ. A few days later, on Nisan 12, Judas went to the chief priests and temple captains to see how much they would pay him to betray Jesus, once again showing his avarice. (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10+11; Luke 22:3-6; John 13:2)
Thirty pieces of silver (about $66, if in shekels) was the price offered (Matthew 26:14+15) The sum fixed by the religious leaders appears designed to show their contempt of Jesus, viewing Him as little value. According to Exodus 21:32, the price of a slave was 30 shekels. Carrying this forward, for his work as a shepherd of the people, Zechariah was paid "thirty pieces of silver." Jehovah scorned this as a very meager amount, regarding the wages given to Zechariah as an estimation of how the faithless people viewed God Himself. (Zechariah 11:12+13) Consequently, in offering just 30 pieces of silver for Jesus, the religious leaders made Him out to be of little value. At the same time, though, they were fulfilling Zechariah 11:12, treating Jehovah as of low value by doing this to the representative He had sent to shepherd Israel. Corrupt Judas "consented (to the price), and he began to seek a good opportunity to betray (Jesus) to them without a crowd around." (Luke 22:6)
Last Night With Jesus
In spite of having turned against Christ, Judas continued to associate with Him. He gathered with Jesus and the 12 on Nisan 14, 33 C.E., for the celebration of the Passover. While the Passover meal was in process Jesus ministered to the 12. Hypocritical Judas allowed Jesus to do that to him! But Jesus said, "Not all of you are clean," (John 13:2-5, 11) He also stated that one of the apostles there at the table would betray Him. Perhaps so as not to appear guilty, Judas asked if he was the one. As a further identification, Jesus gave Judas a morsel and told him to do quickly what he was doing. (Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 12:21-30)
Immediately Judas left he group. A comparison of Matthew 26:20-29 with John 13:21-30 indicates that he departed before Jesus instituted the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal. Luke's presentation of this incident evidently is not in strict chronological order, for Judas had definitely left by the time Christ commended the group for having stuck with him; that would not fit Judas, nor would he have been taken into the "covenant....for a kingdom." (Luke 22:19-30)
After Judas had betrayed the Christ he felt the enormity of his guilt. Likely he did not feel genuine remorse for what he had done to Jesus but probably he felt a sorrowing after his own self (as many criminals do-sad for their crimes but only because they've gotten caught at it) and in the morning he attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver which the chief priest refused to take back. Finally, Judas threw the money into the temple. (Matthew 27:1-5)
Death
According to Matthew 27:5, Judas hanged himself but Acts 1:18 says, "pitching head foremost he noisily burst in his midst and all his intestines were poured out." Matthew seems to deal with the mode of the attempted suicide while Acts describes the result. Combining the two accounts, it appears that Judas tried to hang himself over some cliff, but the rope or tree limb broke so that he plunged down and burst open on the rocks below. The topography around Jerusalem makes such and event conceivable.
Also related to his death is the question of who bought the burial field with the 30 pieces of silver. According to Matthew 27:6+7, the chief priests decided they could not put the money in the sacred treasury so they used it to buy the field. The account in Acts 1:18+19, speaking about Judas, says: "This very man, therefore, purchased a field with the wages for unrighteousness." The answer seems to be that the priest purchased the field, but since Judas provided the money, it could be credited to him. Dr. A. Edersheim pointed out: "It was not lawful to take into the Temple treasury, for the purchase of sacred things, money that had been unlawfully gained. In such cases the Jewish Law provided that the money was to be restored to the donor, and, if he insisted on giving it, that he should be induce to spend it for something for the public wael (well-being).....By a fiction of law the money was still considered to be Judas', and to have been applied by him in the purchase of the well-known 'potter's field.'" (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1906, Vol. II, p. 575) This purchase worked to fulfill the prophecy at Zechariah 11:13.
The course that Judas chose was a deliberate one, involving malice, greed, pride, hypocrisy and scheming. He afterwards felt remorse under the burden of guilt, as a willful murderer might at the result of his crime. Yet Judas had of his own volition made a bargain with those who Jesus said made proselytes that were subjects of Gehenna twice as much as themselves, who were also liable to "the judgemnt of Gehenna." (Mathew 23:15, 33) On the final night of His earthly life, Jesus Himself said, actually about Judas: "It would have been finer for that man if he had not been born." Later Christ called him "the of destruction." (Mark 14;21; John 17:12; Hebrews 10:26-29)
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From this account we can see that, unlike many who profess otherwise, it is quite possible to 'fall from grace' and loose ones salvation. Judas is the greatest reminder to us all that we must guard our hearts and minds against the "machinations of the devil," (Ephesians 6:10) especially as these 'end days' draw ever onward to their conclusion.
We do not want to 'run the good race just to fall at the last hurdle'.
1Peter 5:8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.
James 1:14+15 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.
Yours,
Katidid.
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Ecclesiastes 9:5+6
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Posted:Dec 11, 2014 11:19 pm
Last Updated:Mar 17, 2020 9:27 am 4076 Views
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Ecclesiastes 9:5+6
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they have any more reward, because all memory of them is forgotten. Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they no longer have any share in what is done under the sun.
The Jews were in a position to know the truth about the dead.
However, when Greece was divided amoung the four generals of Alexander the Great, efforts were made to unite Judah with Syria by such means as Greek religion and Hellenic culture.
As a result, the Jews accepted the false teaching that the human soul is immortal and that there is an underworld place of torment. Even-though they had been warned repeatedly by God, through His prophets, not to take on the false beliefs of the nations, once again they turned their backs on Jehovah and 'bowed down to false gods.'
Although the righteous man Job did not have the Scriptures, he knew the truth about death. He also realized that Jehovah is a loving God who would have a yearning to resurrect him.
Job 14:13-15
O that in the Grave you would conceal me, that you would hide me until your anger passes by, that you would set a time limit for me and remember me! If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service, until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.
Abraham too believed in the resurrection
Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, as good as offered up Isaac—the man who had gladly received the promises attempted to offer up his only-begotten — although it had been said to him: “What will be called your offspring will be through Isaac.” But he reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, and he did receive him from there in an illustrative way.
Since it is impossible to resurrect someone who cannot die, those God-fearing men did not believe in the immortality of a human soul.
God's spirit undoubtedly helped Job and Abraham to understand the state of the dead and to exercise faith in the resurrection.
I thought this 'verse for the day' was too good not to share.
Katidid.
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Did You Know? What Were The Urim & The Thummim?
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Posted:Dec 9, 2014 8:43 pm
Last Updated:Dec 9, 2014 8:47 pm 3518 Views
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It appears that the Urim and the Thummim were used in ancient Israel to discern Jehovah's will in matters that concerned the nation or its leaders. These objects were entrusted to the high priest and were kept in the pouch of the "breastpiece of judgement." (Exodus 28:15,16,30)
Although the Scriptures never describe these objects or their exact method of use, different passages seem to imply that they were employed as lots that would result in either a "yes" answer, a "no" answer, or no answer at all from God.
One example of such use was when David had Abiathar bring to him what was apparently the high priest's ephod containing the Urim and the Thummim. David addressed two questions to Jehovah: "Will Saul chase after me? and "Will the landowners of Keilah surrender me into his hand?" To both inquiries the answer was yes, enabling David to make appropriate decisions. (1Smuel 23:6-12)
Earlier, King Saul used the Urim and theTthummim to determine first, whether guilt lay with the people or with him and Jonathan and second, whether he or his was the offender. (1Samuel 14:40-42)
Later when Saul had lost divine favour, God no longer gave him guidance "either by dreams or by the Urim or by the prophets." (1Samuel 28:6)
According to Jewish tradition, use of the Urim and the Thummim ceased when Jehovah's temple was destroyed in 607 B.C.E.
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Draw Close To God-He Is Considerate Of Our Limitations
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Posted:Dec 9, 2014 8:27 pm
Last Updated:Dec 9, 2014 8:28 pm 3505 Views
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"i tried really hard, but I never felt that it was enough." So said one woman about her efforts to please God.
Does Jehovah God accept the best efforts of His worshippers?
Does He take into account their abilities and circumstances?
To answer these questions, it is helpful to consider what is said in the Mosaic Law about certain offerings, as found at...
Leviticus 5:2-11 Or when a person touches anything unclean, whether the dead body of an unclean wild animal, an unclean domestic animal, or an unclean swarming creature, he is unclean and has become guilty even if he does not realize it. Or in case someone without being aware of it touches human uncleanness—anything unclean that may make him unclean—and he comes to know it, then he becomes guilty. “‘Or if someone rashly swears to do something—whether it is to do good or to do evil, no matter what it may be—and he was unaware of it, but then he realizes that he has sworn rashly, he becomes guilty. “‘If he becomes guilty as respects one of these things, then he must confess in what way he has sinned. He will also bring his guilt offering to Jehovah for the sin that he committed, namely, a female from the flock, either a female lamb or a young female goat, for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for him for his sin. “‘If, though, he cannot afford a sheep, he must bring to Jehovah two turtledoves or two young pigeons as his guilt offering for the sin, one for a sin offering and one for a burnt offering. He is to bring them to the priest, who will present first the one for the sin offering and nip off its head at the front of its neck, without severing it. He will spatter some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, but the remainder of the blood will be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. He will handle the other one as a burnt offering according to the regular procedure; and the priest will make atonement for him for the sin that he has committed, and it will be forgiven him. “‘Now if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he must bring as his offering for his sin a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He should not add oil to it or place frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.
Under the Law, God required various sacrifices, or offerings, to atone for sins. In the cases mentioned in this passage, the individual had sinned unintentionally or thoughtlessly. (verses 2-4) When the matter came to his attention, he was to confess his sin and present a guilt offering - "a female lamb or a female of the goats." (verses 5+6)
But, what if he was poor and did not have a lamb or a goat to offer?
Did the Law demand that he borrow such an animal, thus falling into debt?
Did he have to work until he could afford one, thereby delaying tonement for his sins?
Reflecting Jehovah's tender consideration, the Law said: "If, though, he cannot afford enough for a sheep, then he must bring as his quilt offering for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons to Jehovah." (verse 7) The phrase "if....he cannot afford" my be rendered "if...his hand cannot reach." So, if an Israelite was too poor to afford a sheep, then God was pleased to accept something that was within the offerer's reach - two turtle doves or two pigeons.
What if the individual did not have the means even for the two birds?
"Then he must bring as his offering for the sin he has committed the tenth of an ephah (eight or nine cups) of fine flour for a sin offering," the Law stated. (verse 11) For the very poor, Jehovah chose to make an exception and allow a sin offering without blood.* In Israel, poverty denied no one the blessing of atonement or the privilege of making peace with God.
*The atoning value of a sacrificial animal was in its blood, which God viewed as sacred. (Leviticus 17:11) Does that mean that the flour offerings of the poor were worthless? No, Jehovah surely valued the humble, willing spirit behind such offerings. Furthermore, the sins of the entire nation - including the poor - were covered by the blood of the animals offered to God on the annual Day of Atonement. (Leviticus 16:29+30)
What do we learn about Jehovah from the Law regarding guilt offerings?
He is a compassionate, understanding God who takes into account the limitations of His worshippers.
Psalm 103:14 For he well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.
He wants us to draw close to Him and cultivate a good relationship with Him even if we have challenging circumstances, such as advancing age, poor health, family or other obligations.
We can find comfort in knowing that Jehovah God is pleased when we do all that is with in our reach.
James 4:8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Did You Know? Was Jerusalem Ever Surrounded By Pointed Stakes?
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Posted:Dec 9, 2014 7:47 pm
Last Updated:Dec 9, 2014 7:49 pm 3792 Views
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Matthew 19:43+44 ...days will come upon you when your enemies will build around you a fortification of pointed stakes and will encircle you and besiege you from every side. They will dash you and your within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you, because you did not discern the time of your being inspected.
Jesus' words came true in the year 70 C.E. when the Romans, commanded by Titus, erected a siege wall, or palisade, around the city. Titus' objective was threefold - to prevent the Jews from fleeing, to encourage their surrender and to starve the inhabitants unto submission. It worked!
According to Flavius Josephus, a first-century historian, once the decision to build this palisade was made, the various legions and lesser divisions of the Roman army competed with one another to see which could complete its assigned section of the wall first.
The countryside to a distance of some 16 kilometers around the city was stripped of trees, and the palisade, which proved to be about 7 kilometers long, took a mere three days to complete.
At that, says Josephus, "all hope of escaping was now cut off from the Jews." Reduced to famine and to murderous struggles amoung its various armed factions, the city fell to the besiegers some five months later. It is estimated that around one million people died in that siege.
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Of further interest, is Jesus' words at Luke 21:20-24
However, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, let those in the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her, because these are days for meting out justice in order that all the things written may be fulfilled. Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! For there will be great distress on the land and wrath against this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations until the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled.(1914)
Book II Insight On The Scriptures says: Jesus had called Jerusalem "the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her." (Matthew 23:37; compare vss 34-36) Though many citizens showed faith in God's , the city as a whole continued to follow the pattern of the past. For this, "her house was abandoned to her." (Matthew 23:38)
In 66 C.E. a Jewish revolt brought Roman forces under Cestius Gallus to the city, surrounding it and making a thrust right up to the temple walls. Suddenly Cestius Gallus withdrew for no apparent reason. This allowed Christians to put into action Jesus' instruction to flee the city.
Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical History(III, v. 3), states that the Christians fled from Jerusalem and the whole land of Judea to a city of Perea that was called Pella.
Anyone hesitating about fleeing was caught up in the city's internal political struggles and stopped from leaving.
Jerusalem's reprieve was short -lived. Once the blockade was renewed by Titus the city factions began quarreling and fought, much of the food supply was destroyed, and those caught attempting to leave the city were slain as traitors. Josephus, relates that in time the famine became so grave that the people were reduced to eating wisps of hay and leather, even their own . (Compare La 2:11, 12, 19, 20; De 28:56+57) Through all this misery Titus' offers of peace were consistently rejected by the stubborn city leaders.
In just 4 months and 25 days, from April 3 to August 30 70 C.E., the conquest had been effected. The tribulation, though intense, was remarkably short. The unreasoning attitude and actions of the Jews within the city doubtless contributed to this shortness. Though Josephus puts the number of dead at 1,100,000, there were survivors. (Compare Matthew24:22) Ninety-seven thousand captives were taken, many of whom were sent as slaves to Egypt (ironic), or were killed by sword or beasts in the theaters of the Roman provinces, and this too, fulfilled prophecy. (De 28:68)
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It is interesting to note, book II Insight On The Scriptures says:
"Though much research and excavations have been carried out, few concrete facts have been determined as to the city of Bible times. Various factors have restricted investigation or limited its value. Jerusalem has had almost continuous occupation in the Common Era (C.E.), thus severely reducing the area available for excavation. Then, too, the city was destroyed a number of times, with new cities built on top of the ruins and often made, in part, from material of those ruins. The piling up of debris and rubble, in some places about 30 meters (100 feet) deep, has obscured the early contours of the site and made the interpretation of the excavated evidence a precarious task. Some wall sections, pools, water tunnels and ancient tombs have been unearthed, but very little written material. Principal archaeological discoveries have come from the SE hill, which now lies outside the city walls.
The main sources of information regarding the ancient city, therefore, remains the Bible and the description of the first-century city given by Jewish historian Josephus.
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A History Of Jerusalem's Fall
In 607 B.C.E., during Tammuz (the postexilic name given to the fourth Jewish month of the sacred calendar [but the tenth of the secular calendar]) the city walls were breached and a month later, on 10 Ab, Nebuchadnezzar's agent, Nebuzaradan, entered the conquered city and began demolition.The temple and other buildings were burned and the walls pulled down. Jerusalem's king (Zedekiah) and most of the people were taken to Babylon and the treasures were carried away as plunder. (2 Ki 25:1-17; 2 Ch 36:17-20; Jer 52:12-20)
Thus, a period of 70 years 'desolation' set in, even as prophesied (Jer 25:11; 2Ch 36:21) and the statement by archaeologist Conder that "the history of the ruined city remains a blank until Cyrus" is true not only of Jerusalem but also of the entire realm of the kingdom of Judah. Unlike the Assyrians, the Babylonian king moved no replacement peoples into the conquered region.
As we know, the city was rebuilt and the wall completed by Nehemiah in 455 B.C.E., which interestingly, began the 70 prophetic "weeks" involving the 'coming of Messiah'. (Ne 4:1-23; 6:15; 7:1; Dan 9:24-27)
The changeover from Medo-Persian to Greek control came in 332 B.C.E. and following Alexander's death, when the Greek empire was split between his four generals, the city came under the Ptolemies control who ruled out of Egypt. (Dan 8:5-7, 20+21)
In 198 B.C.E. Antiochus the Great, ruling in Syria, after taking the fortified city of Sidon, captured Jerusalem, and Judah became a dominion of the Seleucid Empire.(Dan.11:16)
n the year 168 B.C.E., Syrian king Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) dedicated the temple to Zeus (Jupiter) and profaned the altar by an unclean sacrifice. (see 1Maccabees 1:57, 62; 2Maccabees 6:1,2+5) This led to the Maccabean (Hasmonaean) revolt.
After three years of struggle, Judas Maccabaeus gained control of the city and the temple and rededicated Jehovah's altar to true worship on the anniversary of its profanation, Chislev 25, 165 B.C.E. (1Maccabees 4:52-54; 2Maccabees 10:5; compare John 10:22)
The war against the Seleucid rulers had not ended , however, and the Jews appealed to Rome for help and thus a new power came on the scene in about 160 B.C.E. (1Maccabees 8:17)
In 104 B.C.E. Aristobulus, Jerusalem's high priest assumed the title of king even though he was not of the Davidic line.
Jerusalem was no 'city of peace' during this period. Internal quarrels, fired by selfish ambitions and worsened by rival religious factions - Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots and others - gravely weakened the city. A violent quarrel resulted in Rome's being called on to arbitrate the dispute.
Under General Pompey, Roman forces besieged the city in 63 B.C.E. in order to enter the city and end the dispute. Twelve thousand Jews reportedly died, many at the hands of fellow Israelites.
The Indumean Antipater II was now installed as Roman governor for Judea, a Maccabean being left as high priest and local ethnarch in Jerusalem.
Later, Antipater's Herod (the Great) was appointed by Rome as 'king' over Judea. He did not get control over Jerusalem until 37 or 36 B.C.E. from which date his rule effectively began.
Herod's rule was marked by an ambitious building program, and the city enjoyed considerable prosperity. A theater, gymnasium and hippodrome as well as other public buildings were added. Herod also built a well-fortified royal palace, evidently on the W side of the city, S of the present-day Jaffa Gate where archaeologist believe they have found the foundation of one of the towers.
Another fortress, the Tower of Antonia, lay near the temple and was connected with it by a passageway by which the Roman garrison could gain quick access to the temple areas, as likely occurred when soldiers rescued Paul from a mob there. (Ac 21:31+32)
Herod's greatest work was the reconstruction of the temple and its building complex.(John 2:20) The total area encompassed was about double that of the previous temple area. Part of the wall still stands today and is known as the 'Western or Wailing Wall. (Matthew 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6)
The Christian Greek Scriptures now carry forward the description of events involving Jerusalem. Herod died, evidently in the year 1B.C.E. after issuing the order to kill all the babies, about two years old, in Bethlehem and his Archelaus inherited rulership but was removed by Rome for misdemeanors and thereafter governors, who were directly appointed by Rome, ruled. (Luke 3:1)
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From all this you can see the political chaos that Jesus was born into and the roaring expectation that abounded when He began His ministry. The Davidic line had long ended and pure worship had long been replaced, once again, with the likenesses of the nations around Israel. Knowing that the Messiah was to be of the Davidic line, it is not to be wondered at why the crowds wanted to make Jesus king. Happily, though, He 'was no part of this world', that is, the machinations of satan's political system, and He ducked away from the crowd. (John 6:14+15; 18:36)
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I hope you have enjoyed this summary of events leading up to Christ's ministry. I hope it sheds light for you on the political situation at that time. I found that it helped to open up my understanding of the Scriptures to quite a degree and made them much more about 'real' people and situations. Such political machinations are just the same as we ourselves live with today. Nothing really changes in satan's dealings with mankind except that today it is even more intense.
Yours in seeking to understand,
Katidid.
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The Vatican Codex - Why A Treasure?
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Posted:Dec 6, 2014 3:12 pm
Last Updated:Dec 18, 2014 1:34 am 4077 Views
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The Vatican is a veritable treasure trove. Its frescoes, sculptures and architecture are prized for their beauty and splendor. Yet, access to one of its greatest treasures was limited for hundreds of years. Housed in the Vatican Library, a precious manuscript illuminates portions of God's Word that were written thousands of years ago. It is known as the Vatican Codex but is also referred to as Vatican Manuscript 1209 or Codex Vaticanus, designated "B" by most scholars. (The codex was the prototype of today's book.)
A Hidden Treasure
Where did the Vatican Codex come from? The earliest reference to it is a 15th-century entry in the Vatican Library catalogue. Scholars have suggested that it may have been produced in Egypt, Caesarea or even Rome. After evaluating these theories, however, Professor J. Neville Birdsall of the University of Birmingham, England, concluded: "In short, we cannot be certain of the exact date nor the place of origin of Codex Vaticanus, nor, in spite of scholarly efforts, can its history before the 15th century be traced." Nevertheless, the Vatican Codex has been called one of the most important single Bible manuscripts. Why?
Over the centuries, some copyists introduced errors into the Bible text. The challenge for translators seeking textual integrity, then is to find reliable manuscripts that convey what appeared in the original writing. So imagine how eager scholars were to examine the Vatican Codex, a Greek manuscript dating from the 4th century C.E., less that 300 years after the Bible was completed! This codex contains a complete text of the Hebrew and the Christian Greek Scriptures, except for a few portions that were lost over time.
For a long time, Vatican authorities were reluctant to make the codex available to Bible scholars. Eminent textual scholar Sir Frederic Kenyon related: "In 1843 the great English scholar Tregelles was allowed indeed to see it but not to copy a word." Tischendorf applied to see the codex again but he was denied permission after copying 20 pages. Yet, as Kenyon reported, "renewed entreaty procured him 6 days' longer study, making in all14 days of 3 hours each; and by making the very most of his time Tischendorf was able in 1867 to publish the most perfect edition of the manuscript which had yet appeared." The Vatican later made a better copy of the codex available.
Careful Preservation
What kind of text did the Vatican Codex reveal? The Oxford Illustrated History of the Bible states that it "shows both consistency of spelling and accuracy of copying, and a quality in the text thus carefully reproduced." The same reference work continues: "It is thus possible to conclude that this text is the product of a tradition of scholarly coping.
Two noteworthy scholars who were struck by the virtues of the Vatican Codex were B.F. Westcott and F.J.A. Hort. Their New Testament in the Original Greek, released in 1881 and based on the Vatican and Sinaitic manuscripts, is still the primary text for several modern translations of the Christian Greek Scriptures, including The Emphasised Bible, by J.B. Rotherham and the New World Translation.
Some critics, however, thought that Westcott and Hort's trust in the Vatican codex was misplace. Was the codex an accurate rendering of the original text? The publication of the Bodmer papyri between 1956 and 1961 excited scholars because the papyri included portions of Luke and John from the early 3rd century C.E. Would these support what later appeared in the Vatican Codex?
"There is a remarkable convergence between the text of Vaticanus and the surviving text of the Bodmer papyri," wrote Philip B. Payne and Paul Canart in Novum Testamentum. "In the light of this convergence, it is reasonable to concluded that the original scribe of Vaticanus copied a manuscript closely related to the Bodmer papyri. Thus, the scribe must have copied either a very old manuscript or one that was based on a very old manuscript." Professor Birdsall stated: "The two manuscripts stand in close relationship with one another....(The Codex) is a careful test: the editing lying behind it has a tradition of careful preservation of what has been received."
Useful to Translators
Of course, the oldest manuscript does not always qualify as being the closest to the original text. However, comparing the Vatican Codex with other manuscripts has been very helpful to scholars in determining what appeared in the original text. For e.g., the surviving part of the Sinaitic Manuscript, also produced in the 4th century C.E., is missing most of the historical books from Genesis to 1Chronicles but their appearance in the Vatican Codex helps to confirm their rightful place in the Bible canon.
According to The Oxford Illustrated History of the Bible, "passages touching on the person of Christ and on the holy trinity" were particularly controversial amoung scholars. How has the Vatican Codex helped to clarify these passages?
Consider an example. As recorded at John 3:13, Jesus said: "No man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the of man," Some translators have added the words "which (or, who) is in heaven." Those additional words suggest that Jesus was in heaven and on earth at the same time - a notion that supports the idea of the trinity. That added phrase appears in a few manuscripts from the 5th and 10th centuries C.E. However, its omission in the earlier Vatican and Sinaitic manuscripts has led many modern translators to remove the phrase. This clear sup confusion about the identity of Christ and harmonizes with the rest of the Scriptures. Rather than being in two places at the same time, Jesus had come from the heavens and would soon return to the heavens, "ascending to" his Father. (John 20:17)
The Vatican Codex also sheds light on verses regarding God's purpose for the earth. Note an example. According to the King James Version, the apostle Peter prophesied that "the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (2Peter 3:10) Other translations read similarly, basing this rendering on the 5th century Alexandrine Codex and later manuscripts. Many sincere Bible readers have thus concluded that God will destroy the earth.
However, about a century before the Alexandrine Codex was produced, the Vatican Codex (and the contemporary Sinaitic Manuscript) rendered Peter's prophecy "earth and the works in it will be discovered." Does this harmonize with the rest of the Bible? Certainly! The literal earth "will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever." (Psalm 104:5) How, then, will the earth be "discovered"? Other scriptures show that the expression "earth" can be used figuratively. "The earth" can speak a language and sing songs. (Genesis 11:1; Psalms 96:1) So "earth" can refer to mankind, or human society. Is it not comforting to know that God will not destroy our planet but will thoroughly expose and bring an end to wickedness and those who promote it?
It Will Last to Time Indefinite
Sadly, access to the Vatican Codex was severely curtailed for centuries, and Bible readers were often misled as to the true meaning of certain Bible texts. However, since its publication, the Vatican Codex and modern, reliable Bible translations have helped truth-seekers to learn what the Bible really teaches.
Early copyists often included in their manuscripts the note: "The hand that wrote this moulders in a tomb, but what is written abides across the years." Today we appreciate the tireless efforts of those anonymous copyists but the credit for preserving the Bible ultimately goes to its Author, who long ago inspired His prophet to write: "The green grass has dried up, the blossom has withered: but as for the word of our God, it will last to time indefinite." (Isaiah 40:8)
Dating Ancient Manuscripts
Although some copyists recorded the date they completed their work, most Greek manuscripts lack this specific information. How, then, do scholars determine when a Bible manuscript was produced? Just as language and artwork differ form one generation to the next, so too does handwriting. For e.g., uncial letters, characterized by curved capital letters and even lines of text, were used by the 4th century and continued for hundreds of years. Careful scholars who compare undated uncial manuscripts with similar dated documents can more precisely determine when early manuscripts were produced. There are, of course, limits to this method. Princeton Theological Seminary Professor Bruce Metzger noted: "Since the style of a person's handwriting may remain more or less constant throughout life, it is unrealistic to seek to fix upon a date narrower than a 50 year spread." Based on such careful analysis, there is general agreement among scholars that the Vatican Codex was produced in the 4th century C.E.
Wow! Isn't this a wonderfully informative article. I am always blown-away by those who put in such close study and comparison of what may seem to be a tedious task.
Of course, unlike other ancient texts and archeological finds, discovering God's Word is far from tedious or boring.
So many before us have contributed so much so that we may have the best of understanding in these 'last days' and it is uplifting to read about some of them.
How wonderful a reward they will have in the coming New World.
I especially like reading of those who persevered during 'the dark ages' to bring the Bible to the light of the common man. They have given us so very much.
Of course, all praise goes to Jehovah for His brilliant timing and His inspiration of 'right-hearted' men.
Yours,
Katidid.
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Shem Saw The Badness Of Two Worlds
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Posted:Dec 5, 2014 4:29 pm
Last Updated:Dec 5, 2014 4:30 pm 3491 Views
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How often have you read the account of The Flood and not given real thought to Shem from this point of view. Or to the others on The Ark for that matter. This article is actually written for 's education but I just loved the point it was making and thought it would be good to share and so I have summarized somewhat.
Noah's Shem survived the end of one world, and he lived on into another one. We all know the account of why that first world was destroyed and how this small family of 8 people survived to begin anew, giving us the world we now share.
When Shem was young, "the badness of man" was great, the Bible says. Everything people thought about was "bad all the time." The apostle Peter wrote: "The world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded (deluged) with water." (Genesis 6:5; 2Peter 3:6)
Jesus himself talked about this. "Before the flood," he said, people were having a good time, "eating and drinking," as well as, "marrying and ...being given in marriage." Jesus added: "They took no note until the flood came and swept them all away." (Matthew 24:37-39)
What did those people fail to note?
Shem's father, Noah, was "a preacher of righteousness," but the people did not listen to what he was saying. Noah listened to God and built The Ark. Only Noah, his wife, Shem, Ham and Japheth and their wives took note of what God wanted them to do. The rest only did what they wanted to do, so they were all swept away. (2Peter 2:5; 1Peter 3:20)
Unfortunately, owing to satan's continued influence, it did not take long for badness to rear its ugly head once again, as Canaan, the of Shem's brother Ham, did something so bad that Noah said: "Cursed be Canaan" and Nimrod, a grandson of Ham, opposed Jehovah by encouraging the building of a high tower called Babel to "make a name for themselves." (Genesis 9:25; 10:6-10; 11:4+5)
All this must have made Noah and Shem feel very hurt and sad.
How do you think it would have made Jehovah God feel also.
As a consequence God confused the language of the people so that they could not understand one another and they had to stop building their city and the tower and go to different places with those who spoke the same language. (Genesis 11:6-9)
I wonder if this involved the break-up of families?
Of course, God did not confuse the language of Noah and Shem and those who 'stuck' to them. This way they could stay together and continue to serve God.
Shem lived to be 600 years old. He lived for 98 years before The Flood and 502 years afterwards. We can be sure that he helped Noah build The Ark and warn people of the coming Flood but what do you think Shem did for the more that 500 years after the Flood?
Well, Noah referred to Jehovah as "Shem's God" so we can know that Shem kept on serving Jehovah and helping the members of his family to do the same, and later, his family came to include Abraham, Sarah and Isaac. (Genesis 9:26; 11:10-31: 21:1-3)
Thinking now about today's world, which has been growing ever more wicked since Shem's day, the Bible says that it "is passing away" but with a promise. "He that does the will of God remains forever." So if we do God's will, we may be amoung those who survive into God's new world and with God's help we can live on forever in happiness on earth. (1John 2:17; Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 65:17)
Imagine how wonderful it will be to have the chance to meet such faithful witnesses of God as Shem, Noah, Abraham + Sarah and so many more. What a wonderful prospect we have set before us!
I think that it must have been exhilarating and quite daunting to have lived through what Noah's family survived. Such a weighty responsibility, not only in having the courage and tenacity to build The Ark in the face of such opposition, and, having the faith to preach to such opposers with love and patience, but to have come out of The Ark into a whole new world, to begin all over again! Amazing!
From reading the account in Genesis it seems that the earth was very fertile after the Flood and so I think that the trees and grasses and such must have sprouted very quickly in that first year. Still, they would have had much to keep them busy and much work to do.
It is encouraging to think on, since the survivors of Armageddon will also have much to keep them busy, in repairing and rebuilding, after the destruction of those days to come.
Exhilarating!
Katidid.
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