Morning Message: For Three Transgressions

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "For Three Transgressions"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Amos’ prophecy is addressed to the Northern Tribes.

In Israel’s west bank, we find a town named Balata, a suburb of Nablus in the disputed Palestinian territory. It is in Balata that we find the Well of Jacob. It has been a Holy Site since the days of Constantine, protected under the walls and ceiling of a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Only Christians and Jews refer to it as Jacob’s Well, for the Palestinians do not acknowledge God’s blessings upon Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. And Palestinians tend to ignore the well because it is within the walls of a Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

As in the days of Jesus and before, during the days of the Kings of Israel and Jerusalem, Israel was like the United States, a divided land. While Israel is divided religiously today, the U.S. is divided ideologically as we head into our election season when we will be electing our nation’s “ruler” for the next four years.

Our reading this week in John 4 is about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at the Well of Jacob. At that time, Israel’s division was also an ideological one. The Jews of Jerusalem were of the Tribe of Judah, and along with the Tribe of Benjamin, they made up the Southern Tribes. All the other Ten Tribes were known as the Northern Tribes. The southern Tribes were simply referred to as “Judah.” But among the Northern Tribes, the region of Samaria encompasses an alternate place of worship to Jehovah, and the Samaritans were considered idol worshippers because God’s Word says that Mt. Zion, the location of Jerusalem, is where God desires to be worshipped. (Mt. Moriah is the place where Abraham was shown to offer his son Isaac. That natural altar is the rock altar under Islam’s Dome of the Rock Mosque atop Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.)

The history of the Temple Mount is well documented in the Old Testament.
It was once Araunah’s Threshing Floor atop the mount, and the scriptures themselves record the time when King David purchased the land from Araunah the Jebusite, and those scripture verses are the Title Deed to the Temple Mount. (2 Samuel 24: 24 – “…So David bought the threshing floor…for fifty shekels of silver.”)

“But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come.” -Deuteronomy 12:5, 6

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 1:1-15 - "For Three Transgressions"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This week, we are beginning a new teaching series from the book of Amos.

As with each of the Minor Prophets, the title comes from the name of the prophet to whom God gave His message (1:1). The author of the prophecy is identified as Amos, a herdsman (sheep-master) of Tekoa (1:1; 2 Kings 3:4), and a " a small village 10 miles south of Jerusalem. He was also a “tender of sycamore fruit” (7:14) and was a contemporary of Jonah (2 Kings 14:25), Hosea (Hosea 1:1), and Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1). He was the only prophet to give his occupation before declaring his divine commission. Amos’ name means “burden” or “burden-bearer.” He is not to be confused with Amoz (“stout, strong”), the father of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1). The date of writing is mid-eighth century B.C., during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah (ca. 790–739 B.C.) and Jeroboam II, king of Israel (ca. 793–753 B.C.), two years before a memorable earthquake (1:1; cf. Zechariah 14:5, ca. 760 B.C.).

Amos was a Judean prophet called to deliver a message primarily to the northern tribes of Israel (7:15). Politically, it was a time of prosperity under the long and secure reign of Jeroboam II who, following the example of his father Joash (2 Kings 13:25), significantly “restored the coast (territory) of Israel” (2 Kings 14:25). It was also a time of peace with both Judah (cf. 5:5) and her more distant neighbors; the ever-present menace of Assyria was subdued earlier that century because of Nineveh’s repentance at the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:10). Spiritually, however, it was a time of rampant corruption and moral decay (4:1; 5:10–13; 2 Kings 14:24).

Amos addresses Israel’s two primary sins: 1) an absence of true worship, and 2) a lack of justice. In the midst of their ritualistic performance of worship, they were not pursuing the Lord with their hearts (4:4,5; 5:4–6) nor following His standard of justice with their neighbors (5:10–13; 6:12). This apostasy, evidenced by continual, willful rejection of the prophetic message of Amos, is promised divine judgment. Because of His covenant, however, the Lord will not abandon Israel altogether, but will bring future restoration to the righteous remnant (9:7–15).

In this first chapter, we are introduced to Amos, the prophet of God. The prophecy of Amos begins with a title verse which provides the reader with some historical background of the prophet and of the book. Amos was called by God to deliver a message primarily to the northern tribes of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah and Jeroboam II, king of Israel. Although Israel and Judah were the primary audience of God's message delivered through Amos, six other cities and nations —Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab —were also indicted. For each oracle, Amos confirmed his prophetic call with the statement Thus says the LORD (Am. 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 2:1, 4, 6). Judgments are first pronounced against Israel's Enemies.

Sunday Morning's Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Amos (1:1) - Amos was a Judean prophet called to deliver a message primarily to the northern tribes of Israel (7:15). See Summary.

Uzziah (1:1) - Was King of Judah from 790-739 B.C. and considered one of the good kings. Uzziah means "my strength is Jehovah." Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. Unfortunately, after Zechariah died, Uzziah made some mistakes later in his life. King Uzziah’s fame and strength led him to become proud, and this led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16). He committed an unfaithful act by entering the temple of God to burn incense on the altar. Burning incense on the altar was something only the priests could do. By attempting to do this himself, Uzziah was basically saying he was above following the Law. It was not a humble thing to do. Eighty courageous priests, led by a high priest named Azariah, tried to stop the king: “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God” (2 Chronicles 26:18). Uzziah became angry with the priests who dared confront him. But, “while he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead” (verse 19). Uzziah ran from the temple in fear, because God had struck him (verse 20). From that day to the day of his death, King Uzziah was a leper. He lived in a separate palace and was not allowed to enter the temple of the Lord. His son, Jotham, governed the people in his place.

Jeroboam II (1:1) - This Jeroboam is not to be confused with the Jeroboam I.  Jeroboam II was King of the northern kingdom of Israel, and an evil king. His name means "the people will contend." Jeroboam II was the son of King Joash, and the great grandson of King Jehu. He reigned 41 years (789-748 BC). He was the 13th king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was not related to Jeroboam 1. He fought and conquered Damascus and Hamath and expanded Israel's boundaries. There were peaceful relations between Israel and Judah during the reign of Jeroboam 2, and Israel became wealthy.  His reign was marked by great economic prosperity, but the rich were getting richer and the poor poorer, therefore his reign was also marked by injustice.  The poor could find no redress in the courts and no one to champion their cause—until the coming of Amos.  Although he reigned 41 years, there is not much written about him in the Bible, other than that he was as evil as Jeroboam 1, who had led Israel into the sin of worshiping idols (2 Kings 14:24). 

The Earthquake (1:1) - This earthquake is mentioned by Zechariah (14:5), Josephus (Antiquities, IX.10.4) connects it with Uzziah's sin of usurping the role of a priest (2 Chronicles 2:16-23).  An earthquake of severe magnitude occurred c.750 B.C., although it cannot be precisely dated.

Roars (1:2) - In Joel 3:16, the Lord roars against the nations; here, His wrath was directed primarily toward Israel (cf.  Jeremiah 25:30). The verb to roar means to utter a deep and prolonged cry and is normally used of a lion that lies in wait for its prey (Amos 3:4, Judges 14:5). However, the verb is used here to describe the LORD's majestic power as well as His anger against Israel. The place called Zion is a mountain located on the eastern side of Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah. In this verse, Zion and Jerusalem are used synonymously to explain the location where Amos heard God's voice.

Mourn...Withers (1:2) - This is a message of destructive judgment. As a result of God roaring from Zion and Jerusalem, the shepherds' pasture grounds mourn, and the summit of Carmel dries up. Jerusalem was in the territory of Judah. Carmel was in the territory of Israel. It is a mountainous ridge extending about 20 miles along the Mediterranean Sea and jutting southeast into the fertile Jezreel Valley. It is a fertile land with abundant woods, flowers, and vineyards. But God's powerful voice of judgment would cause a devastating drought, from the shepherds' pasture grounds to the summit of Carmel. This drought is evidence of God's judgment. A similar judgment is described in Deuteronomy 28:23-24.

Carmel (1:2) - This refers to the mountain range that runs east to west in northern Israel, jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea (cf. 9:3). It is known for its bountiful trees and lush gardens.  Carmel means "fertility" or "garden land." God's judgment brings a devastating drought.

For Three Transgressions . . . and for Four (1:3) - This rhetorical device is repeated as an introduction in each of the eight messages (1:3-2:16), These are specific mathematical enumerations (e.g., Prov. 30:18, 21, 29), emphasizing that each nation was being visited for an incalculable number of infractions.  With three, the cup of iniquity was full; with four, it overflowed.  This judgment was to fall on Syria, whose capital is Damascus. The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Damascus because they slaughtered the people of Gilead.

Damascus (1:3) - The city named Damascus was the capital of the nation of Aram during the 10th through 8th centuries BC. It is still the capital of modern Syria today. Here, Damascus represents the entire nation of Aram (or Syria). God commissioned Amos of Tekoa to proclaim His words to the Arameans to let them know that He took note of their transgressions, their offenses, and would judge accordingly.

Transgression (1:3) - refers to acts of rebellion committed against someone in authority, such as when Israel rebelled "against the house of David" (I Kgs. 12:19; 2 Kgs. 1:1).

Threshed Gilead (1:3) - The city of Gilead was an Israelite region located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just south of Damascus. It was rich in pasture (Numbers 32:1) and famous for its balm (Jeremiah 8:22). As such, it attracted the Arameans who were one of the most frequent enemies of Israel. Such an attraction caused the Arameans to thresh the Israelites of Gilead with implements of sharp iron. Amos used the imagery of threshing to convey the damage wrought by Damascus upon the inhabitants of Gilead. Grain is threshed with farming instruments, which back then might include a heavy board, studded with sharp metal used to pull over the grain to separate it from the husk. In similar fashion, Damascus had threshed Gilead with their instruments of war. For this they will be judged by God.

House of Hazael . . .Ben-Hadad (1:4) - Because of the Arameans' war crimes, the LORD said He would "send fire upon the house of Hazael" and it would "devour the palaces of Ben-hadad." Hazael was the king of Damascus in the second half of the ninth century BC, while Ben-hadad was his son and successor (2 Kings 13:3, 22-25). Deuteronomy 4:24 says that "God is a consuming fire." Fire is used symbolically for God's judgment, which would fall on the house of Hazael and the palaces of Ben-hadad. The house of Hazael referred to any of the descendants of Hazael, including Ben-hadad. The reign of this lineage would be destroyed for their wrongdoings. Apparently, a throne name, meaning "son of (the God) Hadad." Ben-Hadad II was a son of the Syrian king Hazael (841-801 B.C.).

Valley of Aven (1:5) - Means "valley of wickedness," it may refer to Baalbek, the center of sun worship, located north of Damascus.

Beth Eden (1:5) - Means "house of pleasure."  It was located in eastern Syria across the Euphrates River.

Kir (1:5) - This was the original home of the Syrians.  It was a region to which they were later exiled (2 Kings 16:9).  

Gaza (1:6) - This is Philistia's most prominent merchant city, ideally situated between Egypt and Israel, here used to refer to the Philistine nation.  Other Philistine cities such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron would also be judged by God (v. 8). The only major Philistine city not listed here is Gath. The reason might be because Gath was already captured by Hazael of Aram in 815 BC (2 Kgs. 12:17), and by Uzziah of Judah in 760 BC (2 Chron. 26:6, cf. Amos 6:2). These Philistine cities were located along the coast of what is the modern state of Israel.

Took Captive the Whole Captivity (1:6) - The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Gaza because they deported an entire population of Israel to Edom (cf. Jeremiah 13:19), possibly during the reign of Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:16, 17; Joel 3:3), c. 853-841 B.C.).

Edom (1:6) - Edom is the land founded by Esau, and bordered Israel to the east and was south of Moab (Genesis 25:30, 32:3).

Ashdod (1:8) - The place called Ashdod was a city located midway between Joppa and Gaza, about three miles from the coast. It is identified with modern Tel Ashdod, 15 km north of Ashkelon and approximately 4 km inland from the Mediterranean Sea. The city called Ashkelon was a large seaport located on the Mediterranean coast 20 km north of Gaza and 50 km south of Tel Aviv (Judges 1:18).

Ekron (1:8) - Ekron was the most northerly of the major cities of Philistine. During Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, Ekron was not taken by Joshua (Joshua 13:3). When the land was divided among the 12 tribes, Ekron was given first to Judah and then to Dan (Joshua 15:11, 45, 46; 19:43). It was eventually taken by Judah (Judges 1:18), but subsequently fell back to the Philistines.

Covenant of Brotherhood (1:9) - A long standing, brotherly relationship existed between Phoenicia and Israel, beginning with King Hiram's assistance to David in building his house (2 Samuel 5:11) and Solomon in building the temple (1 Kings 5:1-12; 9:11-14), and later solidified through the marriage of Jezebel to Ahab (1 Kings 16:31).  No king of Israel ever made ware against Phoenicia, especially the two major cities, Tyre and Sidon. 

Tyre (1:10) - Tyre was a city located on the Mediterranean coast north of Israel (modern-day Lebanon). Like Damascus and Gaza, Tyre is used to represent the entire nation of Phoenicia. The prophet probably chose Tyre because it was a wealthy city in the early eighth century, allowing the Phoenicians to control most of the commercial activity in the Mediterranean.

Pursued...cast off all pity (1:11) - The Edomites attacked the Israelites on numerous occasions, and many wars were fought as a result.

Teman (1:12) - The place named Teman was considered the principal city of Edom (Obadiah 9). Since Teman means "south" (Exodus 26:18) it is likely that Teman was in the far south of Edom.  Teman is the name of the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:11), after whom this town in northern Edom was named.

Bozrah (1:12) - A fortress city of northern Edom, about thirty-five miles north of Petra.  It was the ancient capital of Edom. Some identify it with the modern village of Buseirah, located north of Edom. God's judgment would thus be so severe that it would destroy the major Edomite cities, from the north to the south, and presumably all points in between.

People of Ammon (1:13) - Descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter (Genesis 19:34-38). God's indictment fell on Ammon, a fertile area northeast of Moab, east of the Jordan River, between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers and extending eastward to the Syrian desert. This territory is located in the modern country of Jordan, whose capital Aman bears the memory of its heritage as being part of Ammon.

Ripped Up the Women with Child (1:13) - Such inhumane treatment in wartime was not an uncommon practice (cf. 2 Kings 8:12; 15:16; Hosea 13:16). The description sounds like they slashed the stomachs of the pregnant women so that the mothers would have to see their unborn children die before they died themselves. This would indicate a particularly brutal and sadistic treatment of the women. To make it even worse, the motive of the Ammonites was simply materialistic—they just wanted more land.To rip up something is to destroy it by tearing it into pieces. While we do not know exactly when the Ammonites did that to the Israelite women, we do know that such murderous acts were a common feature used in the ancient world to decimate the enemy.

Rabbah (1:14) - Situated east of the Jordan River, this was the capital city of Ammon.

Morning Message: The Lord Dwelleth in Zion

Bobservations' Column

Titled "The Lord Dwelleth in Zion"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

All of Joel is prophetic. Some have been fulfilled already, lending to God’s plans revealed through Joel’s writings. He is a true prophet. Has anyone met a Philistine lately? “Philistia” was Israel’s western coast, from Egypt to Lebanon. They no longer control the Mediterranean Sea, as they once were a powerful sea-faring people. Samson (Judges 13-16) fought against them and against their god Dagon, the fish god, bringing their temple down even upon himself.

The Philistines plotted against Israel’s Samson, who was the son of Manoah, of the Tribe of Dan. Manoah’s wife was one of Israel’s notable barren women, all of whom bore great men to Israel. Her prayers were answered when she became pregnant with Samson, yet the Bible does not reveal her name. Among his trials, his wife was given to another man, and he eventually went to Gaza to confront those Philistines (Gazites) that held the Israelites in subjection.

The Philistine plot would include a woman named Dililah, who was sent to entice Samson into revealing the source of his strength. Because they feared him, they wanted to defeat him, and do away with his power and that of Israel. Samson was seen as a threat against the Philistines, so they had no choice but to plot to destroy him, and keep Israel in subjection.

It was a time of “conquer, or be conquered,” and Samson went to Gaza and the plot to kill him took form. He could only resist Dililah’s siren pleadings for just so long. The weakness of the flesh took over, and “Sammy” gave into it. He feared that the Philistines would learn of the source of his power, but he told Dililah that it was his long hair (Part of his Nazarite Vow forbade him to cut his hair.), and if it was cut, he would be powerless. North of Gaza, just south of Joppa (southern Tel-Aviv) was Beth Dagon, “House of Dagon,” a town dedicated to the fish-god of the Philistines. They made sport of Samson, and secured him between the two pillars of the house. He had slain many of them, and now many of them were to slay Samson, their enemy.

The parallels to current events are many, and Joel’s prophetic Word is fulfilled now.

“Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither you have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head.” - Joel 3:7

 

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Joel 3:9--21 - "The Lord Dwelleth in Zion"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we finish up the book of Joel, we know that Judah’s future will be glorious. It will be a time of peace and prosperity, and of safety from all those who have sought to destroy them, a time when God will dwell again in Zion.

God uses the nations around Judah to get their attention and to bring judgment for their sins. He is faithful to His Word and will keep His covenant with His people.  They will turn back to their God and He will destroy their enemies. 

This beautiful future is reserved for them AFTER His judgment has been rendered on the nations, when Jesus rules on earth. When He is in residence in Jerusalem, there will be NOTHING evil in it. And the land will reflect His mercy throughout. Jerusalem will be a city filled with His praise! 

This morning's passage begins with the voice of the prophet Joel calling the nations to battle (vv. 9-11). As the prophet issued his call, he said, "Proclaim this among the nations." To proclaim is to make an announcement, with the command of God that will follow. This command concerned the nations, the Gentile people groups who in this instance appear to have refused to serve the LORD and acknowledge Him for who He is.

The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy occurs during what Jesus referred to as the time of great tribulation (Matthew 24:21) in the seventieth week of Daniel (Daniel 9). John's Revelation describes a future time when a lawless anti-christ will lead the earth in a full rebellion against God, and Jesus will lead a heavenly army to destroy and judge those gathered in Israel to rise against the Lord and His people (Revelation 15:14-16, 19:11-21). It appears that this will be a gathering of all the nations (Revelation 19:15, Zechariah 14:16-21).

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Prepare War (3:9) - literally, sanctify war: because the heathen always began war with religious ceremonies. The very phrase used of Babylon's preparations against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 6:4) is now used of the final foes of Jerusalem. God's enemies will one day do this same thing (Revelation 16;12-16), and God will laugh at them (Psalm 2) as they are no match for the Almighty One.  As Babylon was then desired by God to advance against her for her destruction, so now all her foes, of whom Babylon was the type, are desired to advance against her for their own destruction.

Plowshares Into Swords (3:10) - Get your armaments ready, though they will be of no avail. This exhortation is for the nations to prepare to fight the returning Savior (Revelation 16:13-14). Note its reversal when the battle of Armageddon is over, and Christ's kingdom begins (Isaiah 2:4). Prepare for war, let all the enemies of God and of his people join together. Let them even call all the tillers of the ground to their assistance, instead of laboring in the field. Let every peasant become a soldier. Let them turn their agricultural implements into offensive weapons, so that the weak, being well armed, may confidently say, I am strong. Yet, when thus collected and armed, Jehovah will bring down thy mighty ones; for so the clause (in Joel 3:11), should be rendered.

This is the opposite of beat your swords into plowshares. They are to prepare for the great battle. This war would be so great, that all the farmers and husbandmen would have to fight too.

Let the Weak Say I am Strong (3:10) - So universal shall be the rage of Israel's foes for invading her, that even the weak among them will fancy themselves strong enough to join the invading forces.

Thy Mighty Ones (3:11) - These "mighty ones" must be the armies of the saints with Christ in heaven, as they "come down" with Him to smite and judge the rebellious nations at Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21). A prayer of the prophet, or of the church, to God, that he would send down his mighty ones, the angels that excel in strength, and destroy this great army thus gathered together. As an angel in one night destroyed the army of Sennacherib.

Let The Heathen Be Wakened (3:12) - Let the enemies of Christ and his church be aroused from that state of security in which they are, and prepare for their own defense. For in such a state the antichristian powers will be before their destruction (see Revelation 18:7).

Judge All the Heathen Round About (3:12) - that is, all the nations from all parts of the earth which have maltreated Israel.  There gathered together from all parts. The allusion is to a judge upon the bench, sitting to hear and try causes, and pass a definitive sentence. And here it signifies the execution of that sentence; such a pleading the cause of his people, as to take vengeance and inflict just punishment upon their enemies (see Psalm 9:4).  This is the same battle where 2/3 of Gog in the land of Magog will die in battle. So many die in this battle, that people on the Mediterranean Sea must put clothes pins on their noses to stop the death odor. All Israel will be 7 months burying the dead. Ezekiel 39:12 "And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land." This plainly says that the deaths in this great battle are a judgment of God against the heathen people.

Harvest...Winepress (3:13) - This is a figurative scene describing God's judgment in the far eschatological sense at the advent of Christ's millennial rule. Compare Revelation 14:18: "Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."  As the same states are compared to a harvest ripe, the measure of their sins being filled up, and the time of their destruction appointed for them come.

Multitudes...Valley of Decision (3:14) - This location is the same as the Valley of Jehoshaphat where the sentence of judgment will be carried out (3:2, 12). "Decision" here means "judicial verdict." The multitudes of the rebelling nations are about to be sentenced and executed. This judgment will be meted out against them in the Day of the Lord that takes place in the Great Tribulation. These multitudes are the heathen armies of many nations that are judged in the valley, and found guilty as charged. God, Himself, destroys them. This is speaking of that day of judgment.

Roar Out of Zion (3:16) - Christ, the Lamb, shall now appear as "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5), and His powerful coming will be to the nations like the triumphant roar of a mighty lion, shaking the very heavens.  He will be heard far and near, and strike terror in the hearts of his enemies (see Jeremiah 25:30).

I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion (3:17) - “Zion, my holy mountain”: This will be the earthly location of God’s presence in the millennial temple (Ezekiel 40 - 48) at Jerusalem.

Valley of Shittim (3:18) - Was known for its acacia trees, the valley was situated on the northern shores of the Dead Sea and served as the final stopover for Israel prior to her entrance into the Promised Land (Numbers 25:1; Joshua 2:1; 3:1). This valley is also the place to which the millennial river will flow (Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8). Psalm 46:4 "[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High." Revelation 22:1 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." This is speaking of that perfect time, when there is perfect peace, and God provides for all the needs of His people.

Dwell For Ever (3:20) - God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David will surely be fulfilled, as they were unconditional and eternal.  The converted Jews shall dwell in their own land for ever, to the end of the world and never more be carried captive (Ezekiel 37:25). And the true professing people of God, as Judah shall dwell safely and peaceably forever.  This is in reference to Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth, which is yet to be fulfilled.

Lord Dwelleth in Zion (3:21) - God Himself, in the person of His Son, will reign from the earthly Jerusalem for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6), then in the New Jerusalem forever (Revelation 22:3-5).

 

Morning Message: Israel Restored

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Israel Restored"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

With Israel’s ultimatum being laid out in last week’s text, Israel must decide FOR the Lord God Jehovah if they are to receive of God’s favor. The invasion is on the horizon; judgment is coming for the sin(s) of the nation. Repentance on their part will catch the Lord God’s attention, and He will take pity on them.

Repent, and remain in His presence, or dig their heels in and try to run away from Him: we see the results of digging their heels in when we look at Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel. Refusing to acknowledge his own sin, Cain ended up killing Abel, his only source of the prescribed blood sacrifice. Then he ran away from the Lord, separated from his family, and built a city named after his son Enoch. Eden was no longer his home, and later in history, Isaac’s son Esau found himself in similar circumstances, and moved away from his father and his family. A lack of honoring God, combined with unforgiveness will put us even further away from God. Cain’s story, and Esau’s history can teach us much about what it means to hold onto sin, and reject God’s grace and mercy.

The scriptures supply us with many examples of the bad decisions and of good decisions made by Israel. And they do not apply to Israel only. As Gentiles, the rest of Earth’s population are also called to be God’s children. This is surely the reason that God has preserved His Word since the Garden of Eden. It is available to every nation, and every person. Particularly, since the advancement of technology and the Internet, there are few excuses to not know the Lord. And even then, if some remote civilization or tribe has never heard of Jesus, they will be judged by His laws written in their hearts (According to Romans 2:14-16).

Above all else, God is faithful and just (1 John 1:9-10). God has made provisions for every contingency of man, so that we are without excuse. The ultimatum we face is the simple choice to believe. The eyes of the Jews are darkened until Zechariah 12, then their eyes will be opened. The eyes of the Gentiles have been opened by His sacred Word in the scriptures. To believe or not to believe; that is the question we each face.

Jacob wrestled with an angel in Genesis 32:24. In the end, Jacob had to give up

on his own power to be blessed with the power of God.  Give up, and win!

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Joel 2:30 - 3:8 - "Israel Restored"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In this last chapter, Joel describes the day of the Lord, a day of judgment that is to be proclaimed to all nations. If you ask the question, “What will the day of judgment be like? What will it be like to be there when all nations will be gathered together in one place?” It seems unimaginable. Joel uses words to paint pictures. He portrays the day of the Lord so you can taste, see, and picture what this day will be like, and so that we may heed His warnings.

"Restore" is the key word of this whole book. God works to restore the broken relationship between His people and Himself.  He works to restore all that was lost, and He breathes new life into His own and begins to bless once again.   The restoration of Judah and Jerusalem in Joel 3:1, happens through the gathering for judgment in verse 2.  Evil goes on and on and multiplies itself in every generation.

This judgment will happen. The same God who says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25), and “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” (2:28), also says, “I will gather all the nations” and, “I will enter into judgment with them” (3:2).

The judgment of nations has special reference to the way the nations have treated God’s people Israel: “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.” (Joel 3:2). Great evils were done against God’s people in the Old Testament and since. All of them are known to God. Not one of them will ever be forgotten. All that has been done will one day be brought to account.

Particular charges are laid out here. For example, they “have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it” (Joel 3:3). What is Joel talking about? This describes what we would call today: “human trafficking!” It was happening in Old Testament times, and it is still happening today.

Sometimes we wonder if there can ever be justice in the world. The answer in Scripture is Yes! God will bring justice: “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31). On that day, he will gather all people, and he will enter into judgment against all sins. The evils God will bring to judgment are many. They include the evils done against Israel.

We all live in a world that is becoming more and more anti-God and it is ripe for judgement. If you haven't noticed you haven't been paying attention! Joel's message to Judah (and to us) is reaching its conclusion. For the past few weeks, we've been looking at the prophecies of Joel, and have examined the conditions of the 'day of the Lord' that are described in some detail in this book. Joel chapter 2 took us to the very end of this period of wrath. Joel chapter 3 continues and shows us the basis for the coming judgement of the nations. 

 "For the Day of the Lord is near upon all the earth." (Obadiah 15).

The context of Joel 3 clarifies that this is a time when God judges the earth. Verse 2 says, “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.”  The Valley of Jehoshaphat is the same as the “valley of decision.” Jehoshaphat means “Yahweh judges”; the “decision” being made in the valley is God’s, not the multitudes’. The literal, geographical location of this valley is likely the Kidron Valley on the east side of Jerusalem.

The focus of Joel 3 is on the future Day of the Lord. This time will include a gathering of the nations (verse 2), a judgment on wickedness (verse 13), and astronomical signs (verse 15). Joel’s prophecy of the valley of decision finds its counterpart in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and the judgment of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

Immediately following the prophecy of judgment, Joel transitions to a description of the Lord’s millennial reign, a literal 1,000-year time period that follows the tribulation. During the millennium Christ rules as king from Jerusalem.  The millennium is described in many passages of scripture, including Joel 3:18-21. Further, Revelation 20:1-7 refers to “1,000 years” six times. It seems that God desires us to know that the millennial kingdom is a literal time period.

Joel notes the national restoration of Israel, in which the people will be regathered to the land (Isaiah 11:15, 16; Matthew 24:31).

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Afterward (2:28) "in the last days" (Isaiah 2:2) under Messiah after the invasion and deliverance of Israel from the northern army. Having up to this time stated the outward blessings, he now raises their minds to the expectation of extraordinary spiritual blessings, which constitute the true restoration of God's people (Isaiah 44:3). Fulfilled in earnest (Acts 2:17) on Pentecost; among the Jews and the subsequent election of a people among the Gentiles; hereafter more fully at the restoration of Israel (Isaiah 54:13; Jeremiah 31:9, 34; Ezekiel 39:29; Zechariah 12:10) and the consequent conversion of the whole world (Isaiah 2:2; 11:9; 66:18-23; Micah 5:7; Romans 11:12, 15). As the Jews have been the seedmen of the elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles, the first Gospel preachers being Jews from Jerusalem, so they shall be the harvest men of the coming world-wide Church, to be set up at Messiah's appearing. That the promise is not restricted to the first Pentecost appears from Peter's own words: "The promise is (not only) unto you and to your children, (but also) to all that are afar off (both in space and in time), even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Act 2:39). So here "upon all flesh."

I will pour out (2:28) - under the new covenant. See John 7:39.

My Spirit (2:28) - the Spirit, "proceeding from the Father and the Son," and at the same time one with the Father and the Son (compare Isaiah 11:2).

Sons. . . Daughters. . . Old. . . Young (2:28) -not merely on a privileged few (Numbers 11:29) as the prophets of the Old Testament, but men of all ages and ranks. See Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5, as to "daughters," that is, women, prophesying.

Dreams. . . Visions (2:28) - (Acts 9:10; 16:9). The "dreams" are attributed to the "old men," as more in accordance with their years; "visions" to the "young men," as adapted to their livelier minds. The three modes whereby God revealed His will under the Old Testament (Numbers 12:6), "prophecy, dreams, and visions," are here made the symbol of the full manifestation of Himself to all His people, not only in miraculous gifts to some, but by His indwelling Spirit to all in the New Testament (John 14:21, 23; 15:15). In Acts 16:9; 18:9, the term used is "vision," though in the night, not a dream. No other dream is mentioned in the New Testament save those given to Joseph in the very beginning of the New Testament, before the full Gospel had come; and to the wife of Pilate, a Gentile (Matthew 1:20; 2:13; 27:19). "Prophesying" in the New Testament is applied to all speaking under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and not merely to foretelling events. All true Christians are "priests" and "ministers" of our God (Isaiah 61:6), and have the Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26, 27). 

And Also . . . Servants...Handmaids (2:29) - Even the very slaves by becoming the Lord's servants are His freemen (1 Corinthians 7:22; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; Philemon 1:16). Therefore, in Acts 2:18 it is quoted, "My servants" and "My handmaidens"; as it is only by becoming the Lord's servants, they are spiritually free, and partake of the same Spirit as the other members of the Church.

Before...day of the Lord (2:30, 31) - This is the fourth appearance of this phrase (1:15; 2:1, 11; 3:14).  Unmistakable heavenly phenomena will signal the imminent arrival of God's wrath in the Day of the Lord (v. 10). As Messiah's manifestation is full of joy to believers, so it has an aspect of wrath to unbelievers, which is represented here.

Call On. . . the Name of the Lord (2:32) - The Lord, in Hebrew, JEHOVAH.  Applied to Jesus in Romans 10:13 (compare Acts 9:14; 1Corinthians 1:2). The name of the Lord refers to God's person and character. The Lord is our rock, our refuge, our fortress, our shepherd, our king, and our redeemer. In the Bible the Lord has revealed to us that He is merciful, kind, and caring. Everyone who invokes the name of God for mercy and salvation, by or in the name of Jesus, shall be saved (Acts 2:21). “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Quoted by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:13. It is evident from this passage that "Whosoever" calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Yet it is also clear that those who do this actually constitute "The remnant whom the LORD shall call." 

Shall Be Delivered (2:32) - as the Christians were, just before Jerusalem's destruction, by fleeing to the mountains, warned by the Saviour (Matthew 24:16); a type of the spiritual deliverance of all believers, and of the last deliverance of the elect "remnant" of Israel from the final assault of Antichrist. "In Zion and Jerusalem" the Saviour first appeared; and there again shall He appear as the Deliverer (Zechariah 14:1-5).

Remnant (2:32) - In spite of the nation's sin, God promised to fulfill His unconditional covenants.  A future remnant of Jews will inherit God's promised blessings (Isaiah 10:20-22; 11:11, 16; Jeremiah 31:7; Micah 2:12; Zephaniah 3:13; Romans 9:27).

Bring Again the Captivity (3:1) - That is, reverse it.

Gather All Nations (3:2) - The nations of the world will be gathered to Jerusalem to the battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 12:3; 14:2; Revelation 16:16; 19:11-12). 

Valley of Jehoshaphat (3:2) - The name means "Yahweh judges" (3:12, 14) and, although the exact location is unknown, other prophets spoke of this judgment as occurring near Jerusalem (Ezekiel 38; 39; Daniel 11:45; Zechariah 9:14; 12:1).  This judgment of the nation's includes the event of Matthew 25:31-46. 

Parted My Land (3:2) - The land promised to Abraham, from the Nile to the Euphrates, has been "parted" by many nations in the 4,000 years since. 

My Heritage Israel (3:2) - the source of Judah's redemption is God's free love, wherewith He chose Israel as His peculiar heritage, and at the same time assuring them, when desponding because of trials, that He would plead their cause as His own, and as if He were injured in their person.

Cast Lots (3:3) - The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the Old Testament, nothing is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some kind of dice; but their exact nature is unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely flipping a coin.

Given a Boy for a Harlot...Sold a girl (3:3) - A description of what we would call today:  "human trafficking!"  It was happening in the ancient times, and continues to happen even today.

Tyre...Zidon...Palestine (3:4) - See Amos 1:6-10.

My silver. . . My gold (3:5) that is, the gold and silver of My people. The Philistines and Arabians had carried off all the treasures of King Jehoram's house (2 Chronicles 21:16, 17). Compare also 1 Kings 15:18; 2 Kings 12:18; 14:14, for the spoiling of the treasures of the temple and the king's palace in Judah by Syria. It was customary among the heathen to hang up in the idol temples some of the spoils of war as presents to their gods.

The Grecians (3:6) - literally, "Javanites," that is, the Ionians, a Greek colony on the coast of Asia Minor who were the first Greeks known to the Jews. The Greeks themselves, however, in their original descent came from Javan (Genesis 10:2, 4). Probably the germ of Greek civilization in part came through the Jewish slaves imported into Greece from Phoenicia by traffickers. Ezekiel 27:13 mentions Javan and Tyre as trading in the persons of men. There is ample evidence that the Greek nation was well established, and the Greek peoples widely known by the time of Joel.  The prophet here looks beyond the Babylonian captivity to the subsequent Persian rule and then that of the Greek empire. 

Far from their Border (3:6) - far from Judea; so that the captive Jews were cut off from all hope of return.

Raise Them (3:7) - that is, I will "rouse" them. Neither sea nor distance will prevent My bringing them back. 

Sabeans (3:8) - Trading merchants who lived in Arabia (1 Kings 10; Jeremiah 6:20). 

Morning Message: Love is the Answer

Bobservations Column

Titled: "Love is the Answer"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As Joel warns of an invading enemy coming to conquer His people, God lays out an ultimatum for the Jews in the passage today: “Deliverance for obedience.” It is a call for them to return unto Him, if they are to survive and remain in good standing with God. His agape’ is not at risk; it’s because of His agape’ that He makes this offer to them.

Justifying an error by the behaviors of those around us makes it impossible to identify the error itself. This is a mistake people and whole societies make: “This is the way we’ve always done it” is just another way of saying there might be a better way, but until somebody points it out to us, we will keep living the way we know.

Comparing ourselves to those around us, will neither challenge us, nor allow us to see God’s more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31).

1 Corinthians 13 gives us the perfect challenge. “Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not, and does not lift itself up, nor is it puffed up. (Love) does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails. …”

Our challenge today is the same as the Jewish nation’s. First, read the verse again, but replace the word “Love” with the name of Jesus. What is revealed is His faithful and loving nature, His grace and His mercy.

Lastly, read the verse once more, replacing the word “Love” with your own name. How far through the passage did you get? Comparing ourselves to others just like us is no challenge at all. Comparing ourselves to perfection reveals how far we have yet to go! Love is the answer!

“Hear O Israel: The Lord Our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” - Deuteronomy 6:4,5

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Joel 2:14-29 - "Love is the Answer"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

God loves to restore broken things. Whether they be broken families, broken lives, or broken people, God is a God who loves to restore. As we come to our Old Testaments and study this theme of the Day of the Lord, it’s a theme that should send chills down our spine as it should have sent chills down the spine for early audience. God’s judgment is no trifling matter, and his punishments are not a little slap on the wrist. But God does not do what he does out of a malicious desire to make his children hurt because they’ve hurt him. No, God disciplines with an eye toward restoration and blessing. As Hosea puts it, God breaks us that he may heal us (Hosea 5:14-6:1).

How is God’s discipline a reflection of his love? Why do we struggle to believe that this is so?

There is a big difference between the angry father who disciplines because he is fed up with his disobedient children and just wants them to learn a lesson, and the kind but firm father who disciplines his children because he knows that such discipline is truly what is best for them. Too often, if we are not careful, we can think of God in the first category. But the Bible pictures a God who is angry with sin and disobedience, yes, but more than that he is a God who wants to restore people to a place of blessing, joy, and life. And sometimes, to do that, he must bring people through painful events to take care of the wickedness they won’t address.

In the passage we are studying today (2:14-29), we see God reversing the pain and misery that he earlier brought and warned would be worse if there were no repentance, and several different things that God plans on restoring: blessings, peace, and a right relationship with him.

Even in the midst of judgment, the opportunity to repent was given.  If the people would demonstrate genuine repentance, the Lord stood ready to forgive and bless.  

Sin is devastating. We saw that in chapter one. But God’s grace is greater, we see that here in chapter two. No matter your sin, there can be forgiveness, healing, blessing, and life. Because while God is a God who brings judgment, He is also merciful, gracious and loving.  He is the God who is willing to forgive and restore. 

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Blow...Consecrate...Call (2:15) - In the ancient world, horns were used to gather people for special occasions or to warn of danger. These are commands, not suggestions. They are a clear call for an urgent response! The nearness of the Day of the LORD demands drastic measures for the nation of Israel, and for us. All men at every point in history past, present and future are to turn to the Lord in His awesome mercy via the narrow path of repentance!

Sanctify a Fast (2:15) - Sanctify means set apart/make holy.  Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes. Fasting in the Old Testament expressed a mournful, urgent seeking of God in distressing circumstances. It was an outward expression of the inward reality of a shattered heart. It was an urgent response of repentance and great humility. It was the seeking of deliverance from a gracious merciful God.

Reproach . . .Shame (2:19-27) - "I will no more make you a reproach" and "my people shall never be ashamed" (vv. 26, 27) are ABSOLUTE statements that have yet to be fulfilled.  They can only be fulfilled in the far future (3:17). Joel now looks beyond the invasion to the time when God would heal His land and restore his blessings to His people.

Northern Army (2:20) - Although some have viewed this as a reference to the locusts, it is more likely referring to a military invasion by a country coming down from the north of Israel (see Ezekiel 38:6, 15: 39:2).  that future army will be driven into the eastern sea (Dead Sea) and the western sea (Mediterranean Sea).  This prophecy had an early fulfillment in the overnight slaying of the Assyrian host that had laid siege to Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:36).  Its ultimate fulfillment will be in the almost equally sudden destruction of the vast armies of Gog and Magog by God. 

Former Rain . . . Latter Rain (2:23) - The former rains came in October-December to prepare the seed-bed and assist germination, while the latter rains came in March-May to provide ample moisture for the grain and fruit crops to be rich and full.   The repentance of the people and the divine defeat of their enemies will be accompanied by the ending of the terrible drought and other pestilences.  This is referring to the millennial period that follows the period of the great tribulation.  The return of the seasonal rains signals return of the nation into divine favor which in turn signifies that they have returned to Jehovah, rending their hearts and not their garments (Joel 2:12-13). As before signifies that God had blessed them in the past.

I am in the midst of Israel (2:27) - The Lord's promised return would be a reversal of the Lord's departure (Ezekiel 8-11).

Pour Out My Spirit (2:28) - This great promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21), though He was not given to "all flesh" at that time.  The remaining parts of this prophecy (2:30-31) were not fulfilled at that time, but all will be fulfilled as Christ's return draws near.