The Day of God’s Jealousy

Yahweh is jealous of no-one, no-thing. However, He is jealous on behalf of His Name, His people, His land and His dwelling place. The first mention of this passion was as a warning to Israel when they received the Law and covenant. The Nation was to be careful about taking His Name in vain and of associating it with idolatry. Consequences for such behaviour would be felt down to the fourth generation. In reading the people’s history and the records of the prophets is to read their failure and Yahweh’s wrath.

Zephaniah, a contemporary of Jeremiah also warned of impending disaster falling upon an unrepentant Nation. He likened the approaching devastation as a devouring fire fuelled by Yahweh’s jealousy for His Name and the honour of His word. The effects of this can be read with sadness in Lamentations. In Psalm 79 the writer also cries out to the Lord for mercy as the after effects of Yahweh’s judgement through Nebuchadnezzar are endured. Asaph, the psalmist, linked it to God’s jealousy and His anger as fire. Asaph prays that the Lord of Hosts will redirect His jealousy towards the Gentile Nations for their extermination attempt and preserve His chosen people. Within the pages of Scripture it is evident that God will fulfil that prayer.

Captured and transported to Babylon with many others, Ezekiel became the Lord’s spokesman throughout their captivity. His prophesies span the centuries and speak of hope for Israel and judgement on Gentile nations. Chapters 34 – 39 are among the most awesome in their scope, proclamation and revelation of God’s faithfulness to His word. It must have seemed to be more of a fantasy than a prophecy when Ezekiel spoke to the broken Nation of a promised new era. It would include David’s throne being occupied with jurisdiction over a united people, the scattered and dried bones of the Nation reassembled, clothed in flesh and given new life reappears on the world stage.

What could possibly bring this about and why? The Lord of Hosts had called them stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, a rebellious people, why give them any more chances? For one simple reason which has profound implication for us all. ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God; “Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy Name”’ Ezekiel 39:25 (emphasis added).

Allied to being jealous for His Name, Yahweh, through His prophet, makes it very, very clear that it is all about grace for one reason alone. ‘Thus says the Lord God; “I do not do this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy Name’s sake, (emphasis added) which you have profaned among the heathen, wither you went. And I will sanctify my great Name, … and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes’ (Ezekiel 36:22-23).

This wasn’t fulfilled after the Jewish people returned from Babylon. It has not happened yet. Zechariah who prophesied after the 70 years captivity also spoke about the Jealousy of God. He quoted God as saying “I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.” God promised to return to the city and take up His abode in His house. In chapter 8:2-8the Lord re-iterates His jealousy for Zion and Jerusalem but adds “with great fury!” Why His anger? This time it is directed towards the Gentile Nations as in the future they will be intent of Israel’s destruction. Prophet after prophet warn the Nations not to harbour such intent for it will lead to what Joel calls ‘the Valley of Decision.’ There the full force of God’s jealous fury will all upon them. Following that terrible day of the Lord we are told that the Lord God of Hosts makes a new covenant with Israel. Events leading up to this will tear the blindfold of unbelief from the Nation’s eyes and they cry “Blessed be He who comes in the Name of the Lord” (Matthew 23:39).

 

 

 

 

Ray's back -and Israel's to the fore!

I'm back to share, inform, annoy and challenge anyone who chooses to, or stumbles across my blog. February 2018 was when I hung-up my blogging keyboard and it was enjoying the rest period. In recent days I've been itching to share with the valiant few some writings I've undertaken and it now begins. The key-board has had its period of quiet.
I'm writing from my understanding of what the Bible says on issuesabout which I am deeply interested in.Whether anyone agrees or disagrees I do hope that we all might enjoy the interchange of thought and comment.
Whether in politics or in the Church scene Israel arouses passions which quickly melts indifference. So, I thought I would recommence my blog with a series of meditation/studies/thoughts that might excite or challenge our passions about Israel. My opening blog about God's heart for Israel series is an introduction to what lies ahead.
Ray.

Israel must be the only Nation to have its destiny recorded before its actual participation on the World stage. It began with a promise to Abraham. He was informed by the Lord that his descendants, through the promised son (Isaac) would be a blessing or a curse to Gentile nations. Later, Moses warned the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they too would be blessed or cursed. The big difference stemmed from their peculiar covenantal relationship with Yahweh. Faithfulness would mean blessing, unfaithfulness would mean an ever increasing severity of judgements. The ultimate expression of the Lord God of Hosts wrath would be dispersion from the Promised Land.

Where can all this information be found? To the first generation out of Egypt it is in Leviticus 26. Their unbelief made them refuse to enter the land and caused thirty-eight years of wilderness experiences. Only Joshua and Caleb of that generation came into their promised possessions. In Deuteronomy 28-31 Moses gives an expanded list of what the second generation faced on entering the land. What we have can only be described as the Lord’s revelation expressing the seriousness of their calling and the faith required to fulfil it. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains why Yahweh did this, ‘The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.’ What He was offering the Nation was a special relationship with Himself. Within such a bond of love was the assurance of dwelling in the land and prospering (Deuteronomy 30:19-10). To be stiff-necked and obstinate would be fatal.

To read the Biblical account of Israel’s history is to understand God keeps His word. What also becomes evident is how often this fifth book of Moses is referred too. When Solomon gave his dedicatory prayer at the Temple’s opening he quoted sections from Deuteronomy asking Yahweh to be merciful to the Nation’s lawlessness (1 Kings 8:22-53). Was Solomon surprised by a night visit from the Lord according to 2 Chronicles 7:12? Here the Lord repeated part of Solomon’s prayer from the fifth book of the Bible. It concluded with a dire warning about apostasy. The King would never be able to play the ‘ignorance’ card as to what Yahweh expected. It was already written in Deuteronomy.

As Israel wandered further and further away from keeping their covenant agreement the Lord raised up prophets (Amos 3:7) to call them to repentance. Chief among the prophets were Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The weeping prophet, Jeremiah, foretold how the Nation’s apostasy would culminate in seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel goes to very descriptive lengths to show the glory of Israel depart from the Temple to the Mount of Olives. This paved the way for the destruction of Solomon’s magnificent temple complex. The Lord has yet to return to the site He loves.

Daniel was given certain specific insights concerning the Lord’s extreme judgement of dispersion. From Nebuchadnezzar’s reign it is known as the ‘Time of the Gentiles’. Daniel gives some crucial information about the Messiah, the great tribulation and the violent overthrow of the ‘times of the Gentiles’. The Gospels elaborate on the Messiah, Jesus. Revelation fills out Daniel’s outline. Unbelief still shrouds Israel, and many Christians imagine Yahweh has forsaken Israel, replaced by the Church. However, God keeps His word and will complete what Deuteronomy and other passages foresee. In the face of Israel’s dire and historic failures why does the Lord show such grace? For His own Name’s sake!
Next week. My People!

O for Eyes to See, Ears to Hear.

Boycotting Israel is a fascinating political and semi-religious extortion program conducted by that Country’s detractors. Why does such a small country, with a wonderful legacy of Nobel Prize winners and inventors, suffer such opposition? Because of an inherent hatred of Gentile nations and their twisted thinking. This is compounded by so many who support terrorists such Hamas, P.A. and Hezbollah.

A sad feature of this boycott program is the way certain Denominations think that God has abandoned Israel. In its place, they think, He has put the Church. Such faulty interpretation of Scripture and thereby the nature of God’s calling, injects unbelief in the Bible. In turn, we see this sickness effecting many other Biblical doctrines such as the Kingdom of God, Christ’s Second coming, Holiness, assurance of salvation and Creation.

No-one can read the Old Testament seriously and not be confronted by the God who is faithful to His word, even when people are unfaithful. In Deuteronomy 28-30 is the record of Israel’s future under curses and blessings. These need to be read so as to understand Israel’s history and the message of the prophets. They based their convictions on the God who keeps His word. (Surely this is what we as Christians also do. God is faithful and the New Testament endorses this truth. This is fortunate for us as we are as faithless as ancient Israel. However, Romans 11:29 is our joy.)

Ezekiel was the prophet of the Babylonian captivity. His ministry wasn’t easy. However, within the pages of his writings is a very unmistakable declaration. It occurs at least 40 times applied to Israel and 25 times to certain nations. That statement is ‘they shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken…’

To Israel, some of the references are to past or present events. God seemed to be saying these have happened and why haven’t you realised it and believed. Then, Ezekiel takes his readers and hearers into the future. Chapters 33, 34, 36, 37, are specific to an unknown date but to a promised fulfilment in relation to the covenanted Nation. Why does God bother? The prophet seems to put forward two reasons. Ezekiel 36:21-23 ‘I had concern for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came. Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. I will sanctify my great name… and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when through you I display my holiness before their eyes.’

The second reason is Ezekiel 37. This is a wonderful chapter. It talks about something only God can do. Verses 25-28 ‘They shall live in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, in which your ancestors lived; they and their children’s children shall live there forever; and my servant David shall be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. My dwelling place will be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Then the nations shall know that I the Lord sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forevermore.’ (Emphasis added)

This is a bit much for those who have written off Israel. The more virulent opponents, such as Islam, endeavour to remove any trace of Israel’s occupation in the land. As in last week’s blog, the soil has kept guard over the Nation’s scattered fragments. In effect their Allah is in a pitched battle with the Judeo-Christian Yahweh to try and make the Lord God a failure and a liar. Our God’s track record in keeping His promises is our guarantee of the future promised to Israel.

What was said by the Lord Jesus Christ to the people of His day can be said to the World at large today. Such people have ears, but hear not the word of God when spoken. They have eyes to see but see not what God has done to fulfil His word in the yesteryears. They stand, however, condemned. Why? Because, in the words of Ezekiel, the Lord God has done, and will do things, so that you (and the World) will know that He is God.

Do you want to have your eyes opened? Do you want to have ears that hear? Read especially Isaiah and Ezekiel. As you do, ask the Lord to open your eyes to see His faithfulness; open your ears to hear His word.

(For those who want to follow some other references to this blog:

Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13-14.   7:4, 9, 27.  28:25.  33:29. 36:11, 38.  39:22, 28.)

Ray Hawkins.

In the Shadows of Purim.

Around the world the Jewish people have celebrated the Festival of Purim. It is a joyous time with much story telling, gift giving and feasting. As most understand this is a celebration of deliverance of the nation from genocide. The account is recorded in the Biblical book of Esther.

There are some remarkable issues in this beautiful book. A Jewish girl wins a beauty contest and is appointed the Persian’s king’s queen. Her uncle, Mordecai reveals a plot to assassinate the king and is later rewarded with a parade. Then there is the twisted ego and racial hatred of Haman. This high official felt slighted by Mordecai and sought revenge. As is seen constantly through history such twisted emotion spreads. Haman developed a plan to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people.

How this was thwarted makes compelling reading. Esther has to reveal her Jewish identity at great risk. This she does and is the means of saving her people from Haman’s spite. The words of Mordecai to her have echoed down the centuries and been applied specially to individuals with great responsibilities. ‘Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’

In the Bible this is a very interesting book for a number of reasons. One fascinating aspect is the absence of the name of God. And yet you cannot read this account without sensing His presence in the shadows of events. This appeals to me for a number of reasons. To Israel the Lord made a promise to bring the Messiah into the world through them. Haman’s scheme would have prevented this. The Lord keeps His word and so working within historical circumstances delivered His nation and ensured the coming of the Messiah. I believe the Lord was making a statement which we need to understand and rely upon. It has significance for today!

Haman has his irrational, vindictive and Israel hating descendants today. They are intent on wiping this nation off the planet. Should they succeed then they would make the Bible a piece of lying parchments, they would prevent the return of the Messiah to reign from Jerusalem, they would reduce the Church and its gospel of Jesus Christ to mythology and also they would escape the revealed judgments upon such God hating nations. Do you think the Lord God will sit idly by in Heaven and let that happen?

What the celebration of Purim reminds us all about is to look beyond the surface of events. When we view the Middle East and its ongoing tragedies and hatreds we can wonder ‘where is God?’ He is in the shadows. He is protecting His word and promises. There will be the horror of hatred sowing and reaping its destructive powers in lives and nations which is an indictment upon the human condition. However, the Lord has recorded in many, many places that such things will happen.

What then does He seek to do in all of this? Our Lord wants you to trust Him and His Word. Even when you are in the turmoil of tragedy and sadness remember He has promised to be with you. Life will throw up lots of ‘dust and debris’ which seeks to smother the Lord’s presence and ‘bury’ His word. Don’t despair, He is with you, or wants to be if you will let Him. The account of Esther and the Purim celebration is to remind us that Islam’s evil intent will fail. It declares that Gentile boycotts and unbelieving Christendom will be made to regret their rejection of God’s unconditional guarantee to Israel’s existence. God is faithful to His promises. He has painted the broad canvas of future events within Scripture so that we will have hope. Read it in Ezekiel chapters 34 – 39.

Israel is Distinct from the Church

Israel in the Scriptures ( brief outline)

Due to some technical difficulties the theme ‘Whose Land’ will be delayed for a few weeks. I've also had problems trying to download pictures. Sorry about that.
However I’ve put together the following outline hopefully showing the distinction between the Nation of Israel and The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Below in outline are some reasons why I’m convinced about God’s purposes for Israel.

When God makes a promise He keeps it – regardless. Romans 11:25-36.
(Especially v. 29)

Israel and the Church are two distinct identities with two separate missions. The Church was unknown in the Old Testament. Notice Ephesians 3:1-13. (Esp. v.5, 10) Rom. 16:25 – 26.

Israel is national and linked to the land.
The Church is International, It’s the body of Christ and is linked to Heaven.
When Israel’s leaders rejected Christ Jesus as their crucified, risen Saviour/King they were destined to judgement and dispersion. (Remember Deuteronomy 28-30). The Kingdom of God seemed doomed. Why? It requires a nation, a land and a capital. Satan seemed to have won. The Lord however called the Gentiles to be the bearers of the Gospel not to set up the Kingdom but to reveal the wonder of wonders, Christ is the Head of the Body of believers called the Church.

If God gave up Israel because of the Nation’s failure, there isn’t any reason why He will not forsake the Church because the Church (I’d rather say Christendom) is far worse because it has a greater revelation. That’s why Romans 11:29 is so important. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

If God cannot fulfil His recorded promises to and through Israel, regardless of their wilfulness, then He has failed and His word is unreliable. This is untenable and preposterous! Read passages such as Isaiah 60-66. Ezekiel 34-39. Zephaniah 3:14-20. Zechariah 14. for insights into the future fulfilment.

The question arises when will the Church give way and Israel come back on line? I believe the Lord snatches His Body, the Church, away before the time and evil domination of the world by the anti-Christ.
Why would the Lord God Do this? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The church appears before the judgement seat of Christ. Rom. 14:10. It is accounting time. There 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 takes place.

Israel endures the great Tribulation. Matthew 24:15-31. and Rev. 6-19. The nation has been warned and warned and warned abut this. Unbelief has blinded their eyes. The anti‒ Semitic world seizes the chance to destroy Israel and make God’s word a lie. Jesus says it will actually cause the nation to cry out to Him to rescue them.

During that time the Jewish people who believe Jesus is the Messiah promised set out to tell the world this truth. (That’s the 144,000. Notice they are from the 12 tribes. This cannot be explained away. It must be taken as plain speaking) Their efforts bring many Gentiles and Israelites to faith and martyrdom. It also paves the way for a national awakening to recognizing Jesus as He is. Matthew 23:37-39.

Revelation 20 2, 4-6 speaks about the fulfilment of the opening verses of the Lord’s prayer. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Also highlighted are the promises given by God to Israel through the prophets. C/- Isaiah 11:1-9. 9:6-7. Ezekiel 39:21-29. It will be in this time such little but important words pertaining to Israel and God will be true.
Check our ‘Never again’ ‘until then’ and similar words linked to Israel by the prophets on this matter.
It hasn’t happened – yet. It will!

I will endeavour to get back to my theme on ‘Whose Land’ as soon as possible. Until then I will share some outlines from Revelation. Please accept my apologies for this confusion.
Ray.

Ray.

Questions God Asks #4 Can these bones Live?

The Question about Bones

You would have to feel some sympathy for Ezekiel. This prophet was asked a leading question by God. Remember he was a prisoner in the kingdom of Babylon for his nation had been conquered and scattered. The promises to Abraham and David had not yet been fulfilled. It looked like such promises would rot amongst the dry bones.

Ezekiel was granted a vision of a valley filled with dry bones. He understood it referred to the Nation of Israel. God’s question in Ezekiel 37:3 ‘Can these bones live?’ put him on the spot. I think the prophet knew God could do it, but would He? Like many Ezekiel remained neutral, uncommitted, afraid of being wrong.

There were unnumbered bones, dried, scattered. Being unburied was a sign of shame as well as defeat. Now the prophet was told to speak to this pile of bleached bones, how depressing. Sometimes we may feel we speak to disinterested audience, how must he have felt. What was the Lord God’s aim? Ezekiel 37:6 ‘You shall know that I am the Lord.’ Verses 13and 14 repeat this concept. In fact throughout this book that theme runs like a golden thread, a promise of events near to Ezekiel’s time and others in the far distant future.

Of course history records the return of the scattered remnant of Israel. The Gospels highlight the promised One the Old Testament spoke about. However those bones which came alive for the coming of the Christ once more experienced a warrior’s death under the military might of Rome in A.D. 70 and 135. The nation’s carcase was once again portrayed by Ezekiel’s vision. Through the pages of the Bible God again asked the question: ‘Can these bones live?’ Few believed they could or even should. However on May 14th 1948 the Nation of Israel came together from the scattered ‘bones’ of a persecuted, shattered, despised people.

Has this nation felt again the living breath from Heaven? It is apparent that the bones have come rattling back into a coherent form. The testimony of their continued existence against the fury and fighting forces of surrounding nations says something about God’s oversight. Unfortunately their spiritual ‘breath’ has not yet been blown into them. When will that happen? At a time known only to the Lord God! This we do know, it will happen. On what authority do we claim that? The Scriptures of both the Old and New covenants, and also the words of the Lord Jesus. This will take place after a most terrible time (Matthew 24. Revelation 6-20. These refer to the Nation of Israel, not the Church)





In this 21st century the question isn’t ‘Can these bones live?’ They have come together into a most impressive nation. I think should God speak to any of us today His question would be; ‘Can this nation of assembled bones survive?’ The Islamic world and their Western allies say ‘No! Not if we can help it’. Many a sympathetic supporter of Israel might squeeze out ‘I hope so’. The Word of God says unequivocally that the Lord returns to rule from Jerusalem, be worshipped in the Temple and to fulfil the promises made to Israel through the prophets.

There are many difficult times ahead for this nation. However there are greater and more severe times ahead for those who seek to make God’s promises to this Nation a lie. If you are interested look up the following references as you ask yourself ‘can this nation of assembled bones survive?’

Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.

Zechariah 14 1-21

Isaiah 2:1-5

Ezekiel 341-31. 36:38.

Joel 3:1-21

Etc.