12/26/12

Pecipice


I can even begin to understand what this person might be feeling at this exact instant!!!  Terror, dread, foreboding, fear, and worry might be a start, but then again, its not MY EYE THIS BEE IS ON!!!  I think this person knows what is going to happen and is just waiting.  Reminds me of Jesus in the garden...

Luke, Chapter 22
  39  He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.  40 When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.” 

  41  He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,  42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 

  43  An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.  44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 

  45  When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,  46
 and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 

  47  While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.

 The emotional stress upon Jesus must have been intense.  Imagine knowing exactly what was going to happen to you and still be willing to follow the course God had designed anyway?  Personally, I don't think I could be as strong as Jesus; I would be running from there as fast as my legs could carry me!!! May God grant us the strength to be everything HE wants us to be!!!

Bible Reading, Dec. 26


Dec. 26
Haggai 1, 2

Hag 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,
Hag 1:2 "This is what Yahweh of Armies says: These people say, 'The time hasn't yet come, the time for Yahweh's house to be built.' "
Hag 1:3 Then the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, saying,
Hag 1:4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies waste?
Hag 1:5 Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways.
Hag 1:6 You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you don't have enough. You drink, but you aren't filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it."
Hag 1:7 This is what Yahweh of Armies says: "Consider your ways.
Hag 1:8 Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," says Yahweh.
Hag 1:9 "You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says Yahweh of Armies, "Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house.
Hag 1:10 Therefore for your sake the heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit.
Hag 1:11 I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on that which the ground brings forth, on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of the hands."
Hag 1:12 Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Yahweh, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophet, as Yahweh, their God, had sent him; and the people feared Yahweh.
Hag 1:13 Then Haggai, Yahweh's messenger, spoke Yahweh's message to the people, saying, "I am with you," says Yahweh.
Hag 1:14 Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of Yahweh of Armies, their God,
Hag 1:15 in the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.
 

Hag 2:1 In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
Hag 2:2 "Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
Hag 2:3 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn't it in your eyes as nothing?
Hag 2:4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says Yahweh. 'Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says Yahweh, 'and work, for I am with you,' says Yahweh of Armies.
Hag 2:5 This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. 'Don't be afraid.'
Hag 2:6 For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land;
Hag 2:7 and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies.
Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Armies.
Hag 2:9 'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says Yahweh of Armies; 'and in this place will I give peace,' says Yahweh of Armies."
Hag 2:10 In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
Hag 2:11 "Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,
Hag 2:12 'If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with his fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food, will it become holy?' " The priests answered, "No."
Hag 2:13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?" The priests answered, "It will be unclean."
Hag 2:14 Then Haggai answered, " 'So is this people, and so is this nation before me,' says Yahweh; 'and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean.
Hag 2:15 Now, please consider from this day and backward, before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of Yahweh.
Hag 2:16 Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty, there were only twenty.
Hag 2:17 I struck you with blight, mildew, and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you didn't turn to me,' says Yahweh.
Hag 2:18 'Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of Yahweh's temple was laid, consider it.
Hag 2:19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven't brought forth. From this day will I bless you.' "
Hag 2:20 The Word of Yahweh came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying,
Hag 2:21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, 'I will shake the heavens and the earth.
Hag 2:22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother.
Hag 2:23 In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says Yahweh, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says Yahweh of Armies."



Dec. 26
Revelation 13, 14

Rev 13:1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.
Rev 13:2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
Rev 13:3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.
Rev 13:4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"
Rev 13:5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him.
Rev 13:6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven.
Rev 13:7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.
Rev 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.
Rev 13:9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
Rev 13:10 If anyone has captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.
Rev 13:11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.
Rev 13:12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.
Rev 13:13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people.
Rev 13:14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived.
Rev 13:15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed.
Rev 13:16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads;
Rev 13:17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.

Rev 14:1 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.
Rev 14:2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps.
Rev 14:3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.
Rev 14:4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
Rev 14:5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.
Rev 14:6 I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
Rev 14:7 He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!"
Rev 14:8 Another, a second angel, followed, saying, "Babylon the great has fallen, which has made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality."
Rev 14:9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand,
Rev 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
Rev 14:11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Rev 14:13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them."
Rev 14:14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Rev 14:15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"
Rev 14:16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Rev 14:17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.
Rev 14:18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"
Rev 14:19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Rev 14:20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

Proverbs, Wisdom Regarding Riddles, Mark Copeland

                         "THE BOOK OF PROVERBS"

                        Wisdom Regarding Riddles

INTRODUCTION

1. In the prologue of Proverbs, among the purposes of the book stated is
   this one...
   a. "To understand a proverb and an enigma,"
   b. "The words of the wise and their riddles." - Pr 1:6

2. According to the Preacher's Commentary...
   a. "Proverbs that begin with clusters of questions may be classified
      as riddles or their offspring (see Pr 23:29-30; 30:4)"
   b. "As may be some of the numerical sayings in chapters 6 and 30."

3. Among the more picturesque riddles are the numerical sayings of King
   Agur...
   a. Containing observations of common things in groups of four or more
      - Pr 30:1,11-31
   b. Shedding light on human behavior and conveying moral truth - Roy
      Harbison

[In this study, we shall consider the numerical sayings of King Agur,
first posing them in the form of actual riddles.  For example...]

I. WHAT ARE FOUR CLASSES OF EVIL DOERS?

   A. THOSE THAT DESPISE THEIR PARENTS...
      1. Who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers - Pro
         30:11
      2. Whose end is graphically depicted later in this chapter - Pro
         30:17; cf. also 20:20

   B. THOSE THAT ARE BLIND TO THEIR FAULTS...
      1. Who are clean to their own eyes, but not washed of their filth
         - Pr 30:12
      2. Who may justify themselves, but will be judged by the Lord
         - Pr 21:2

   C. THOSE WHO ARE ARROGANT...
      1. With lofty eyes, who lift their eyelids high - Pr 30:13
      2. Clearly condemned elsewhere in Proverbs - Pr 6:17; 21:4

   D. THOSE WHO CONSUME THE POOR...
      1. With teeth like swords, and fangs like knives - Pr 30:14
      2. Who will themselves come to poverty - Pr 22:16

[Such conduct is indicative of an evil generation, and evidenced by some
living in the "last days" (2Ti 3:1-5).  Continuing with the numerical
sayings, we ask in the form of a riddle...]

II. WHAT THINGS ARE NEVER SATISFIED?

   A. THE LEECH...
      1. Who has two daughters:  Give and Give! - Pr 30:15
      2. The leech depicts those filled with insatiable greed, they are
         never satisfied - cf. Ec 5:10

   B. THE GRAVE...
      1. The grave (Sheol, the Hebrew word for the dead) can never be
         filled - Pr 30:16
      2. And so covetousness is insatiable like Hell (Sheol) and
         Destruction - cf. Pr 27:20

   C. THE BARREN WOMB...
      1. The woman who desperately wants to conceive and give birth
         - Pr 30:16
      2. Like Rachel said to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die!"
         - cf. Gen 30:1

   D. THE EARTH...
      1. The dry earth that absorbs rain, soon wanting more - Pr 30:16
      2. Another illustration of insatiable greed

   E. THE FIRE...
      1. Which consumes as long as combustible matter is available - Pro
         30:16
      2. The final example of things never satisfied

[These five images appear designed to illustrate covetousness and greed.
Now for another "riddle"...]

III. WHAT THINGS ARE A WONDER TO BEHOLD?

   A. THE WAY OF AN EAGLE IN THE AIR...
      1. The grace and speed of an eagle in flight - Pr 30:18-19
      2. Soaring high in the sky, but then leaving no evidence behind

   B. THE WAY OF A SERPENT ON A ROCK...
      1. The slithering of a serpent - Pr 30:19
      2. Who leaves tracks on the sand, but not on a rock

   C. THE WAY OF A SHIP IN THE SEA...
      1. The sailing ship, tacking back and forth - Pr 30:19
      2. Progressing forward, but whose waves soon dissipate

   D. THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A VIRGIN...
      1. The mystery of courtship - Pr 30:19
      2. The exchange of affection and attraction between them

   E. THE WAY OF AN ADULTEROUS WOMAN...
      1. How she can commit adultery, and then claim innocence - Pro
         30:20
      2. Note:  "This is the way..." - tying this verse with the
         proceeding verses
      3. Thus she maneuvers, toying with affection and attraction like a
         man and a virgin, but like the eagle, serpent, and ship,
         believing she leaves nothing of substance behind

[These five images illustrate the ultimate wonder of adultery that
claims innocence.  The next "riddle" might be expressed in this way...]

IV. WHAT THINGS CAUSE TURMOIL?

   A. A SERVANT WHEN HE REIGNS...
      1. It normally is not fitting - Pr 30:21-22; cf. 19:10
      2. He becomes arrogant and overbearing, drunk with his new
         position - Believer's Bible Commentary (BBC)
      3. Like Jeroboam, such is the rule - Joseph was the exception

   B. A FOOL WHEN HE IS FILLED WITH FOOD...
      1. Having all that he desires to eat - Pr 30:22
      2. His prosperity causes him to be more insolent than ever - BBC

   C. A HATEFUL WOMAN WHEN SHE IS MARRIED...
      1. Who finally succeeds in getting married - Pr 30:23; cf. 21:9,
         19
      2. Her wretched disposition would normally have kept her single,
         but by some fluke, she lands a husband. Then she becomes
         imperious and haughty, taunting those who are still unmarried.
         - BBC

   D. A MAID SERVANT WHO SUCCEEDS HER MISTRESS...
      1. Who now rules over those who were once her equals - Pr 30:23
      2. She doesn't know how to act with refinement and grace, but is
         coarse, rude, and vulgar - BBC

[These scenarios contribute to social chaos.  Our next "riddle" reveals
examples of wise behavior...]

V. WHAT THINGS ARE LITTLE BUT WISE?

   A. THE ANTS...
      1. They are not strong, but they prepare their food in the summer
         - Pr 30:24-25
      2. A lesson for all, especially the sluggard - Pr 6:6-8
      3. The lesson:  plan ahead

   B. THE ROCK BADGERS...
      1. They are feeble, but they make their homes in the crags
         (cliffs) - Pr 30:26
      2. Where they are able to escape animals of prey or human hunters
         - Ps 104:18
      3. The lesson:  make wise choices

   C. THE LOCUSTS...
      1. They have no king, yet all advance in ranks - Pr 30:27
      2. Like a well-drilled army - cf. Joel 2:7-11,25
      3. The lesson:  work in unison with others

   D. THE SPIDER (LIZARD)...
      1. Skillfully grasps with its hands, and is in kings' palaces
         - Pr 30:28
      2. Newer translations have "lizard"; probably like a gecko
      3. The lesson:  skillfully persevere

[Much wisdom can be gleaned from observing God's creation, even its
smallest creatures.  Finally, we ask again in the form of a riddle...]

VI. WHAT THINGS ARE MAJESTIC?

   A. A LION...
      1. Mighty among beasts, turning away from none - Pr 30:29-30
      2. Majestic and unruffled as it walks - BBC

   B. A GREYHOUND (STRUTTING ROOSTER)...
      1. The Hebrew is uncertain (lit., "girded at the loins") - Pro
         30:31
      2. Whether greyhound or strutting rooster, both are stately in
         their walk

   C. A MALE GOAT...
      1. "a picture of noble bearing as it strides at the head of a
         flock" - BBC
      2. "which marches in the head of the flock in grave and stately
         manner, conducting them with great courage and resolution, and
         being ready to fight for them, either with beasts or men that
         oppose him" - Poole

   D. A KING WITH HIS TROOPS...
      1. "against whom there is no rising up" (KJV) - Pr 30:31
      2. How foolish then, to lift up oneself, to think evil, or to be
         angry (against such a king?) - cf. Pr 30:32-33

CONCLUSION

1. These "riddles" that we've considered are not always easy to
   understand...
   a. The Hebrew word actually means "dark saying, hard question" - cf.
      KJV, ASV
   b. Scholars vary quite a bit in their interpretation and application
      of these riddles

2. But for the most part, the riddles offer illustrations and lessons
   providing wisdom...
   a. On human behavior
   b. On moral truths

Such is the nature of the book of Proverbs.  Like the Old Testament as a
whole, it was written for our learning and admonition (cf. Ro 15:4; 1Co 
10:11).  I hope this study has increased your appreciate for Proverbs,
which like all Scripture...

   "...is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
   for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
   the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
   work." - 2Ti 3:16-17