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2 Samuel 23:1-7: Everlasting Covenant

Read 2 Samuel 23:1-7

There are many memorable photos of the Late Queen’s life. Perhaps one of the most memorable will be the final official photo of the Queen just a couple of days before she passed away, standing in her living room resting on her walking stick. For most of us who lived much of our lives with her reigning, this could be a memorable portrait of one of her last official acts.

In 2 Samuel 23, one of David’s last official acts is also recorded. There, he records a revelation he received from God about the reign of his kingly line. Rather than focusing on his personal achievements, these words look forward to the greater king to come descended from him – Jesus, the Messiah. They encourage us to look forward to God’s fulfilment and consummation of his everlasting covenant to David.

Chapter 22 demonstrated how God had established David’s kingdom, and preserved David from his foes. In Chapter 23, the opening section looks forward to the eternal preservation and expansion of David’s kingdom to something far greater than he ever ruled.

The actual prophecy is preceded by an introduction which makes it clear that this is not David’s wistful thinking or a hallucinated vision after too many sausage rolls or scorched almonds. Rather, this is “The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high” (v.1). These words are a revelation from God to man, through David, who was given a prophetic word to speak as part of God’s story of salvation.

These words have particular power because of David’s kingship, which he was placed into by God who raised him on high and anointed him, and made him the “sweet psalmist of Israel” (v.1).

The words which David reveals have not been padded or changed via Chinese Whispers, but the very words of God because “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue” (v.2). What David declared was nothing more than what God, the Rock of Israel had declared to David himself (v.3).

What David saw was the great fulfilment of a just king who ruled truly after God’s own heart, not tainted with sin (as even David’s reign was). “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth” (vv.3-4).

The original Hebrew is tersely written and hard to easily translate into English, but this appears to go beyond the hypothetical to talk about a “he who” (as it is translated in the NASB) will fulfil these words.

One day, a righteous king who truly fears God will rule not just over Israel but “over men”, meaning all of God’s People everywhere. His reign will be something to look forward to like the morning light or the rains which cause the grass to grow. A reign which is refreshing and reviving anew, not the humdrum of old.

This is not a forlorn hope but a sure promise to rest on, because of God’s everlasting covenant with David in which David’s house (royal line) rests (v.5). It is “ordered in all things and secure” which God will cause to prosper (v.5).

Sadly, not all will welcome the righteous king’s reign. Some will reject him, as they reject God in preference to their own sinful desires. But they will not stand or prosper.

Instead they will all be “like thorns that are thrown away” because they cannot be held without causing pain (v.6). The man who touches them “arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear” to deal with them, and “they are utterly consumed with fire” (v.7).

They do not like the new regime, so they will be removed from the regime by judgement and destruction.

The eternal kingdom reign of Christ will involve both restoration and judgement. Just as Christ makes all things new, he will also separate the wheat from the chaff, the sheep from the goats, the redeemed from the unredeemed.

But for those of us who look forward to Christ’s reign, the certainty and the promise are things to embrace not reject. We live in societies where rulers sinfully pursue unrighteousness. They seek power over us, over the Church, even power that belongs to God. They are variously immoral, corrupt, or self-enriching.

How different the reign of the Messiah. Reviving and enriching, not troubling and oppressing. Excluding those who do not follow God’s good laws, not tolerating, enabling, or encouraging. A just reign over all.

This is the promise of God’s everlasting covenant with David. Not just a performance payment for one man, but the promise of salvation and righteous reign for all who believe. Something to look forward to. Something to motivate us toward. Living as subjects of the kingdom already; enjoying the reign and reflecting the reign in greater deeds of justice, revival, and refreshing while we await the final day.


Fallen tree in Maryon Park

Psalm 2: rejoice with fear and trembling

No matter what goes on in the world this year, our Lord is sovereign. We should serve him with fear and trembling!

Our passage today: Psalm 2, preacher Ian Bayne, Sunday 7th January.

Last week we started the year with regrets and aspirations. This year there seems to be a lot more going on in the world that hasn’t previously been going on such as wars and rumours of wars.

Our fallen world

We are in moral decline in the west with Christian values being torn away. We’re disappointed also in ourselves when we participate in it.

The world is ruled more obviously by different tyrants who have got into power and lead by fear and persecution.

Neither socialism or capitalism can contain the true heart of man, which sees what we can get at the expense of others.

We see democracy dying as it carries the seeds of its destruction.

Our sovereign Lord

Growing up in the post Second World War: the Cold War. The button for nuclear war was ready to be pressed.

My dad took me aside and said: I believe God is sovereign over all the world and everything that happens is by his permission. I found this comforting.

The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.

Psalm 2:4 CSB

Some will say it’s the devil at work, but he’s also restricted by God.

Psalm 2 reminds us of God’s Son: Jesus. Jesus lived, died, rose again and was raised again. He commanded his disciples to go out:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 28:18-19 ESV

Jesus has all authority, which includes both giving life and judging others.

Worship him with fear and trembling

Our response should be to bow down and worship the Lord with reverence.

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. [11] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 2:10-12 ESV

We’re to worship him with joy and with fear and trembling.

When I was in my teens I leased a large block of land and became a farmer. Canterbury in 1975 had a great storm, and almost every tree was broken or blown down. In those days farming didn’t make much money so to supplement my income I chopped wood.

There was a tree I was cutting down which was at a precarious angle and I needed to get underneath to cut it. I thought I could cut and get out of the way of it started moving. I was underneath and cutting it – I went all the way through and nothing happened. I stepped out and kicked the tree and out instantly fell – I felt the air around it – there was no way I’d have been able to run from under it. It was a narrow escape from death. I rejoiced with joy and trembling.

There’s wars and rumours of wars but we should take comfort that nothing happens without God’s express permission.

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Nativity scene

Luke 2:21-38: Merry Christmas

Our passage today: Luke 2:21-38, preacher Ian Bayne, Monday 25th December

Jesus is just 8 days old and met by the priest to be circumcised.

When they came there were two individuals that met them: Simeon who was waiting for the Lord.

Anna was 84 years old, also in prayer and connection with God. When Jesus is presented, she recognises Him as the messiah.

1. The Lord was looked for

Some who had read the Old Testament new the messiah was coming as a son of David who would redeem Israel (believers).

At our house Christmas isn’t really my thing, tripping over bears on stairs, but I do really enjoy watching the anticipation of the children.

Back when I was growing up there was an old sock and an orange in the bottom of it, things were more meagre, but still exciting. You didn’t know what would be in the sock.

There was an anticipation for Jesus.

2. The Lord was prepared for

Simeon and Anna were praying for Jesus. They receive encouragement and prayer.

Sometimes people ask me what I do and I say “I’m a pastor”. Sometimes people will then ask “But what do you really do?” I say “I prepare people to die well”

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

It’s said that the two most certain things in the world are death and taxes.

3. The Lord came for a reason

He saves us from our sin. The Lord promises to save us from the penalty of our sin and the power of our sin. It can be a slow process, but through persistence and prayer he will help us overcome our sin that he pays the penalty for.

4. The Lord was spoken for

Simeon and Anna both speak about Jesus. Christians don’t want to stop talking about Jesus and want to share the good news with our families and friends.

In spite of what we’ve done and who we are we know and believe that Jesus came as a baby, lived, died and ascended into heaven, giving the Holy Spirit to us to help us live day by day to speak the word to others around us.

It can be hard for others to hear all the time and we hope that one day they will receive the words of Jesus as we received them.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 5:24 ESV

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Vineyard

Matthew 20:1-16: the ‘eccentric’ vineyard owner

Life can seem unfair when working hard and missing out on a deserved reward. In this passage Jesus shows God (as a vineyard owner) giving the same reward to each person regardless of how much they work. How is this fair? Ash Clarkson explores this seeming biblical injustice to reveal a God who knows far more about our nature than we do!

Our passages today: Psalm 80:8-19 and Matthew 20:1-16, Preacher Ash Clarkson, Sunday 24th December.

Introduction

This seems a strange passage for Christmas Eve. What does an eccentric businessman have to do with Christmas?

Christmas is a time of gift giving and the birth of our saviour. It’s not based on our own labour or our possessions; none of which translate to our heavenly reward. We’re receive eternal life regardless of whether we come to Christ early or in the last hour of our life.

The workers in the vineyard receive the same reward and grumble. Everyone receives at minimum what they deserve and some got more. There is no place for jealousy in God’s kingdom. Everything he gives us is out of his generosity and we deserve nothing.

Context of our passage

We come to the parable after the story of the rich young ruler who was told to sell all he had.

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” [26] But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [27] Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 19:25-27 ESV

Some of the disciples were businessmen who had family businesses. Levi was a tax collector who had been taking some on the side before he came to Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Matthew 19:28-30 ESV

Our passage explained

Labourers for the vineyard

Our passage of the vineyard then takes place. The hours were 6am to 6pm and labourers would be in the square at 6am. A denarius was a fair days wage and enough to feed a family.

The day progresses and the labourers who haven’t found work get picked up by the vineyard owner.

From an early perspective what could they achieve in an hour? Very little pay and very little value add; it’s a slightly odd hiring practice.

An odd arrangement?

There’s also slightly odd payment practice:

“You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.

Leviticus 19:13 ESV

What he does is in accordance with the law, but the amount is surprising:

And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ [9] And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.

Matthew 20:8-9 ESV

“It’s not fair!”

Think about how you would feel in each group. The last group would get the equivalent of a denarius per hour, whereas the last group would get a denarius per day.

The workers grumble, setting out through their eyes: it’s not fair.

saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. [15] Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’

Matthew 20:12-15 ESV

The Lord’s response

The grumbles are described as friends. This is an address as someone near and dear to him that he cares about.

The disciples are the first hearers of this parable are the disciples. A vineyard is an image of God’s kingdom (e.g. Psalm 80 and Isaiah 5).

The first to follow Jesus gets eternal life and the ones that come after also get eternal life.

We have all gone astray. We’re labourers who sleep on the job and yet he still gives us what we need.

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Romans 9:15-16 ESV

Application

The disciples were starting to think that God owed them something. When Jesus was dying there were two men with him. The thief on the cross got his denarius at the 11th hour.

The disciples were not to judge based on their achievements.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:4-8 ESV

The king of all creation was born in a stable, not a palace. His humble birth made the first of all creation last.

Because of the death on the cross we get mercy. When we work hard and we don’t get the gains we say it’s not fair and assume it’s because of sin and that we’ll get what we deserve in God’s kingdom, but the world is turned upside down.

Position and prestige don’t matter, only grace matters. We might think that our lifetime of service might entitle us to something. This is not to deny that there may be different rewards, but it’s all because of God’s grace.

This is liberating: the world is all about being someone, but the kingdom of God it’s not like this. In God’s kingdom, the currency is mercy and grace.

How do we receive God’s mercy? By receiving the call of the landowner to work in his vineyard. Turn to Jesus and follow Him!

God’s goodness and grace is dying on a cross for us.

Resources

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Nativity scene

Luke 2: A message from God – will you follow?

Today in our classical carol service, we heard about shepherds witnessing a miraculous message from angels proclaiming the birth of Christ the messiah. They were terrified! Their faith led them to leave their fields go and witness this miracle for themselves.

Our passage today: Luke 2:8-14, Preacher Ian Bayne, Sunday 17th Dec

Our passage explained

Normally shepherds would be keeping their flocks. Tonight something special happened: the angels proclaimed Christ as the messiah. The shepherds were “terribly terrified”.

Having proclaimed that Jesus had been born and was in a stable, the shepherds then travelled to see Him. It was an extraordinary event!

1. We find comfort in things that we know.

When we create traditions it’s hard to stop, as we like the comfort. When things happen out of the ordinary things are frightening, especially in the spiritual realm as described in our passage.

Our spirituality has been damaged in the fall (Gen 3), so what we are sometimes afraid of can actually be a message of hope. As an example, we can look to Manoah in Judges; the father of Samson.

There was a certain man from Zorah, from the family of Dan, whose name was Manoah; his wife was unable to conceive and had no children. [3] The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Although you are unable to conceive and have no children, you will conceive and give birth to a son. [4] Now please be careful not to drink wine or beer, or to eat anything unclean; [5] for indeed, you will conceive and give birth to a son. You must never cut his hair, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from birth, and he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines.”

Judges 13:2-5 CSB

We know a lot about Samson killing Philistines with a jawbone, and bringing down a great house. Manoah is only mentioned briefly in a passage strikingly similar to our passage today. His father thought he would die from seeing an angel, it was an extraordinary event.

2. What’s irregular can sometimes be a message from God.

Moses was raised up to lead Israel from being a simple shepherd passing a burning bush.

Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] Then the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. [3] So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?” [4] When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.

Exodus 3:1-4 CSB

This was highly irregular and God used it to get Moses’s attention.

3. Joy and praise are natural to the believer

Christmas is like every day for believers. The world celebrates on a day, but Christmas is every day for believers. Every day we remember as John recounts from Jesus’s teachings:

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 CSB

Joy supersedes every situation, overriding life’s situations. The praise we offer to God provides focus to our situation: that Jesus was born to die, to be raised again and to ascend to heaven for all enemies to be made a footstool for his feet.

If you don’t have joy from Christ the you may have taken a wrong turning, and hence we need to retrace our steps and find that joy again.

In Pilgrims Progress they get captured but escape through the “key of promise” and retrace their steps back to where they went wrong, and further: put a sign up to warn others.

We remember the faith the shepherds had, to go and see Jesus. They had both faith and works which are necessary for salvation:

Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?

James 2:20 CSB

4. Faith makes Jesus smile.

Two instances made Jesus smile: first the Roman Centurion:

“Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” [10] Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith.

Matthew 8:8-10 CSB

And again to the Gentile woman:

But she came, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, help me!” [26] He answered, “It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” [27] “Yes, Lord,” she said, “yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” [28] Then Jesus replied to her, “Woman, your faith is great. Let it be done for you as you want.” And from that moment her daughter was healed.

Matthew 15:25-28 CSB

We need to be reminded of this daily. True faith makes Jesus smile, and offer his salvation to us.

Jesus was born over 2000 years ago and your life will be transformed if you believe in him.

Resources

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Sheep herded in a pen

Romans 3:27-31 Boast in the Lord

Is boasting always sinful? Paul tells us that it’s not – not when it’s in our Lord and Saviour!

Our passages today Psalm 20 and Romans 3:27-31. Preacher Ian Bayne Sunday 10th December.

Recap

We are all affected by depravity of man which is tainted by sin. The great conundrum is a sinful condition we all share that means we fall short of God’s standard.

Paul has spent the last couple of chapters rounding everyone up so everyone understands they are sinners.

We can’t work our way out. Nothing we can do will save us. Religious duties, sacraments: the Lords supper and baptism, church membership won’t make any difference.

Explanation

There’s one way to escape from the situation: Jesus. The one name given amongst men is the name of the Lord Jesus, son of God.

And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.”

Genesis 3:15 NASB

I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him.

Deuteronomy 18:18 NASB

Jesus is the fulfilment of the old Gospel. Jesus has achieved everything. Only through faith set alight through God’s revelation

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:5 NASB

He took the penalty for us. Only Jesus could be the just and the justifier.

Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

Romans 3:27 NASB

What can we boast about? Not our works, but our faith in Christ. Boasting is not bad, but it’s what we boast about.

God is a God of everyone. All people, believers and unbelievers will be accountable to him. Faith doesn’t take away from the law and our responsibility to follow his commands. Off we are in him then we ought to do that.

He will grant answers to our prayers and give us victory over our enemies. He will cause us to rejoice. He is sovereign over his creation. There’s no such thing as a Christian without joy.

We’re not always going to be happy: there will be difficult times. He will be our sacrifice and saviour. We may boast in God but not in the world’s currency.

Resources

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Sheep herded in a pen

Romans 1-3: Recap

A recap of Paul’s narrative so far – we are all sinners and fall short. A summary of Romans 1-3 is in the PowerPoint below.

Our passage in focus: Romans 1-3, Preacher Ian Bayne, Sunday 3rd December.

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Speed limit sign

Romans 2:12-29 No excuses!

How can humans who don’t know God’s law be held to God’s standard? In this passage Paul explores how ignorance is no excuse and attempting to deflect blame is futile.

Our passages today: 1 Samuel 15:17-23 and Romans 2:12-29. Preacher: Ian Bayne, Sunday 19th November.

Recap

In Romans 1 there were 29 charges levelled at those who reject the truth of the gospel.

This has consequences: a result borne out of those who reject Christ.

We then looked at different types of hypocrites: Paul is gathering in all kinds of sinners and preaching the true gospel to the church at Rome; it’s like an avalanche.

Psalm 139 tells us that God knows our situation and our hearts. This should give us a sense of wonder and inadequacy.

Our passage explored

This week I was at the farm gathering my sheep into a pen to invite volunteers to go the abattoir. There were a few holes in the fences, so I wondered if they might sneak out of the pen. I fixed the holes in the fences first! Sure enough, some of the sheep were looking at the previous holes and would have escaped.

Paul starts on the obvious sins, then covers hypocrisy, and now he’s trying to fill in the holes that sinners may try and slip through.

Some years ago we were going to see my sister and heading down in the car. I was getting tired and handed over the driving. The police came up behind and said we were going a bit fast. We thought we were doing the speed limit and didn’t see the sign. But did we still get a ticket: yes we did.

Not seeing the speed restriction sign is not an excuse.

Paul’s point here is addressing the question of how people who don’t know the law need to follow the law. His response is that everyone should know by nature.

Possible responses

  • “My foot is naturally heavy” the other response is that by nature we are not capable. But God’s law is.
  • “Im genetically disposed” our race and human state make no difference to God’s law
  • “Do you know who I am? I’m a son of Abraham” – being a Jew makes no difference, whether we are one race or another or bear the sign of circumcision – it’s not a get out of jail free card.
  • “It was the woman” – there’s no deflecting to someone else. Adam was held responsible by God.

Ps 139 is about how God sees us. Paul is concerned that we see ourselves as guilty before God and that God is right. As we see here our human condition will always seek ways to avoid responsibility. Paul is trying to help us die to self and put on Christ.


Medieval Crown

Judges 9:22-57: Downfall of the Wrong Leader

Read Judges 9:22-57

Last year while the family were away (work kept me home while they played) I watched the German movie Downfall, which is the story of the last days of the Third Reich. It shows the pitiful state that Berlin and the Third Reich’s leadership became before their fall and demise, including the now “internet famous” rant scene which has become a meme. The great machine of carnage, conquest, and tragedy fell to a timely end.

This movie and the history behind it came to mind because this passage also covers the downfall of the wrong type of leader. Abimelech, cursed by his half-brother Jotham, faced judgement for his evil leadership. Shechem, which evilly trusted Abimelech as leader, met the same fate. Both downfalls were orchestrated by God, who ultimately will judge all wrong leadership and establish the right leadership.

After Jotham’s curse spoiled the coronation of Abimelech by the elders of Shechem (vv.7-21), Abimelech reigned over Israel for three years (v.22). It did not take long for things to fall apart, because God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and Shechem to avenge the deaths of Gideon’s sons (vv.23-4).

The first instance of bad blood was Shechem employing ruffians to ambush and rob travellers on the roads (v.25). Maintaining public order, including on the highways, has always been a kingly duty so this was the ancient equivalent of orchestrating ram raids on local businesses, and had the same effect on Abimelech’s status.

Next, a man named Gaal moved to Shechem with his pals, and started talking smack about Abimelech with the help of some liquid courage (vv.26-9). Curiously, his speech sounded somewhat like Abimelech’s (v.2) and drew the leadership of Shechem astray from Abimelech.

Zebul, Abimelech’s local appointee, informed him of how to quell this simmering revolt (vv.30-33). Abimelech, with four companies of soldiers, confronted big-mouth Gaal at the city gate at dawn, appearing as if out of thin air to take up Gaal’s offer of a fight (vv.34-8).

Abimelech easily dispatched Gaal and followers (vv.39-41), and the folk of Shechem seemed to think that was that so went back to their fields the next day (v.42). Unfortunately, Abimelech blamed them for following Gaal – the gall! So he massacred the locals, razed the city, and sowed it with salt to stop crops growing there (vv.43-5). The city leaders escaped to the tower of Baal-berith’s temple (vv.46-7), and the “bramble” set a brushfire to either burn or smoke out the leaders (vv.48-9). Jotham’s curse was coming true in a literal sense.

By that point, Abimelech was in full-on self-destruct mode. Anybody who had lifted a finger against his reign would feel his wrath. Next to face Abimelech’s anger was the town of Thebez, which presumably had joined in the rebellion against his rule (v.50).

As with Shechem, Abimelech successfully captured the city (v.50). Thebez also had a tower in it, and the locals and leaders fled into this tower to escape Shechem’s fate (v.51).

As with Shechem, Abimelech figured fire was a good weapon, and the burning bramble attempted to burn his way in (v.52). But a certain woman had lugged her heavy upper millstone to safety in the tower, and dropped it on his head (v.53).

Since Abimelech did not want the shame of dying at a woman’s hands, he had a soldier kill him (v.54). Then, without a leader to lead and a reason to fight, everyone went home (v.55). 

God had brought judgement on Shechem and Abimelech for their parts in killing Gideon’s sons, and seeking power and leadership for their own reasons and gain (vv.56-7). The wrong leader brought his own downfall on himself, and on those who put him in place.

Firstly, note that God is unmistakably acting in this passage. While Shechem and Abimelech are busy destroying themselves, they do so because God sent an evil spirit between them. Perhaps John Calvin had passages like this in mind when he reputedly said “when God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.” 

God does not always strike with lightning or fire and brimstone. Sometimes, God judges through decline and self-destruction. Sometimes, God uses evil to destroy itself. Sometimes, judgement comes from within, not just from outside a nation.

If the same is true of nations, it is also true of churches. Churches which abandon their first love and God’s leading will suffer God’s judgement and decline. Their lampstand will be taken away. We must take care to be ruled by the right kinds of leaders. Those whom God appoints. Those who point us to Jesus. Those who themselves bow the knee to King Jesus.

Ultimately, only one leader is the right kind of Leader. God will judge all the nations in fire for their failure to acknowledge King Jesus’ righteous reign. All will one day fall down, in judgement or in praise. Worldly leaders will fail and disappoint, but King Jesus will never fail to lead his people in paths of righteousness.


Christ our example, relections on prayer with Pastor Elmir

Prayer: Luke 22:39-46 – Christ, our example

In Jesus’s final hours before His arrest, he prayed as no one has done before, such that his sweat “became like great drops of blood”. Feeling extreme anguish, well-practised prayer comforted and sustained him as he faced unimaginable punishment for our sin. In our passage today, Luke 22:39-41, our saviour gives us an unforgettable lesson in the power and importance of prayer.

Our passage today: Luke 22:39-46. Preacher: Pastor Elmeir Pereria.

Leading by example

My father was a missionary for 55 years. In his first sermon he preached some of it in English, being a native Portuguese speaker. Perhaps I feel as though I am following in his footsteps today, as this is my first sermon in English.

The main thing is: whatever the language, the message of God can be spoken into our hearts.

In order to teach effectively we need to be an example of what we preach, as Peter points out in his letter:

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV

Parents: do we want children who love Christ, His Word and His Church? In the Lord, our perfect parent, we have a perfect example to follow.

The example of prayer

In our passage today we see the example of Jesus in pain: about to be arrested and sent to the cross. He was in agony because he would experience God’s wrath for our sins.

To get Him through this He needed to pray.

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22:44 ESV

He was suffering, and it was unbearable.

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

Matthew 26:38 ESV

How could he cope? He went to the Mount of Olives for some precious time in the presence of God; receiving comfort and grace to fulfil his mission.

From this extraordinary time, we learn about the importance of prayer, following the example of Jesus.

1. Prayer must be a custom

Prayer must be a habit. This was not a one off for Jesus, it was his custom

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Luke 22:39 ESV

He got strength and courage from prayer. Throughout His life and death, Jesus prayed for us all.

Christians who don’t pray are weak in faith and immature. How much time do you spend in prayer daily?

2. Have a separate place to pray

Jesus had a preference for private place for prayer.

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12 ESV

Any place and any time is is fine: Jonah prayed from inside a fish, Daniel from inside a furnace and den of lions, but Jesus’s preference was private prayer.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 ESV

It’s especially helpful to have somewhere quiet and free from distractions.

Suzana Wesley had 19 children, but made time every day to be in prayer and intimate communion with God. The house they lived in had only one room with no quiet place, however she had a separate place to pray inside the house. Every day she went to a corner of the house and covered her face with an apron. In that time, all her children were quiet.

3. Don’t give up

We must not give in to temptation: Jesus was tempted to give up his mission.

Satan the tempter has been active to prevent the woman’s destiny to “crush [Satan’s] head” (Genesis 3:15).

He got Pharoh to kill the young Hebrew boys to destroy the people, as Moses was being born (Ex 1:22). Herod tried the same to destroy Jesus (Mat 2:16). He was present in the desert to tempt him to give up (Mat 4).

Pray you may not fall into temptation. As an example: even though Satan’s power was broken on the cross, he still tempts us.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

We can put on the armour of God (Eph 6:11-12) and pray in the spirit at all times (Eph 6:18). Prayer is a powerful weapon.

4. The right condition to pray

We don’t need to be in a specific position to pray. The Lord prayed in different positions.

But we need to humble ourselves: Jesus here with his knees bent in prayer recognises God’s majesty.

This reflects a contrite heart, which is important as God doesn’t like proud people.

5. Asking correctly

God’s will was the priority for Jesus.

saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Luke 22:42 ESV

God has many blessings for those submitting their will to God:

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” [3] And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:2-3 ESV

This man went to the right person to solve his problems: he bowed down before Jesus.

We know that God is present and pleased when we pray.

6. In difficult times we may need to pray alone

Sometimes no one will pray for, or with us.

And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,

Luke 22:45 ESV

It would have been a comfort for His disciples to be there for Him, but He was alone: no-one prayed for Him.

In Acts 12 the church was persecuted and many leaders put in prison.

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Acts 12:5 ESV

When a believer prays, great things happen. In this example, Peter escaped (Acts 12:7-11)

7. When we pray God sends his comfort

When Jesus was in agony, His Father provided company.

And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 22:43 ESV

Now God sometimes allows intense affliction, but when we pray to God he comforts and protects us.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

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