Labourers in God's Harvest

Friday 31Dec2021

In today's New Testament reading, Matthew chapters 9 tells of our Lord going from place to place teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing the sick. We read that the Lord was moved with compasssion when he saw that they were like sheep without shepherd. He told his disciples that there were few labourers to work in a plentiful harvest, and he asked them to pray to "the Lord of Harvest" to send forth labourers.

Matthew 9:35 - 38  KJV  King James Version

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Most probably the disciples did not know that the labourers would be chosen from among them. Immediately after the above account in Matthew 9, the first verse of Matthew 10 tells us that the Lord Iesus chose twelve disciples and gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal the sick. He sent them out to preach the kingdom of heaven to the "lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 10:5 - 7).

Matthew 10:1  KJV 

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits,
to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

The following are the disciples whom Iesus called (Matthew 10:2 - 4 KJV):

• Simon Peter, and Andrew his brother
• James ben Zebedee, and John his brother
• Phillip, and Bartholomew
• Thomas, and Matthew the publican
• James ben Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus Thaddaeus
• Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus Anointed, like the unsuspecting disciples who were told to pray that God would send out labourers into the harvest, God may call us to be His labourers too. Let us pray that God will show us what he has sent us to do in his harvest field.

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27 KJV)

From Potiphar to Prison to Pharaoh

Thursday 30Dec2021

Genesis chapters 39 to 41 in today's Old Testament readings tells of Joseph's journey from being sold to Pharaoh's officer Potiphar, to being appointed as overseer over Potiphar's household, to being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned by Potiphar, and subsequently to his successful and impressive interpretation of Pharaoh's disturbing dream resulting in his appointment by Pharaoh as ruler over all the land of Egypt, being given Pharaoh's very own signet ring.

Indeed, Joseph has impressed and won the favour of everyone he served with his wisdom and trustworthiness, from Potiphar, to the prison captain, to Pharaoh himself.

Genesis 39:1 - 4  NWB  Noah Webster Bible
1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt: and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, who had brought him down thither.
2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man: and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Genesis 41:41 - 44  NWB
41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had: and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
44 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

A few noteworthy verses are found in the passage above. Genesis 41:40 says that Pharaoh gave Joseph so much authority over the kingdom that "only in the throne will I be greater than thou". Pharaoh gave Joseph the name "Zaphnath-paaneah" (Gen 41:43 NWB) and verse 42 tells us that Pharaoh even took off his own signet ring and put it on Joseph's hand!

With such absolute power, it is no wonder that wherever Zaphnath-paaneah went in Pharaoh's second chariot, the people were ordered to "Bow the knee!" before him. (Gen 41:43 NWB).

This reminds us that our Lord Iesus was likewise anointed by God to rule over heaven and earth, in a manner similar to Joseph (Zaphnath-paaneah) being appointed by Pharaoh to rule over the land of Egypt. In Matthew 28:18, our Lord told the disciples after his resurrection, "All power is given to me in heaven and upon earth".

Indeed, the Lord Iesus is given such a high position that Philippians chapter 2 tells us that God has highly exalted him and has given him a name that is higher than every other name. And just as Genesis 41:43 tells us that every one was to bow the knee before Zaphnath-paaneah, Philippians 2:10 says that every knee shall bow at the name of Iesus. In fact, the name of Iesus is far higher over and above the name of Zaphnath-paaneah because those who bow the knee at the name of Iesus include all things in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.

Philippians 2:11 goes on to state that every tongue shall confess that Iesus the Anointed is Lord, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.

Philippians 2:9 - 11  NWB
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us also bow our knees at the Name of our Lord Iesus who has been Anointed and Highly Exalted by God to rule over every thing in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Let us confess that Iesus is Lord and give glory to God our Father in Heaven.

I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End

Tuesday 28Dec2021

In today's New Testament reading, I come across two passages containing the words of God Almighty saying, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end".

In Revelation chapter 21, these words are attributed to the one "who was seated on the throne" (Rev 21:5 - 8).

Revelation 21:5 - 8  ESV  English Standard Version

5And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
7The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.”

Later in Revelation chapter 22, similar words, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" are conveyed by the angel who was speaking to the Apostle John, and these words are attributed to one who is "coming soon" and who will "repay each one for what he has done", clearly referring to the rewards and punishments from God Almighty described earlier in Rev 21:5 - 8 above.

Revelation 22:12 - 15  ESV

12“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
15Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practises falsehood.

Following this, the angel who was speaking to John conveyed the words of our Lord Iesus in Rev 22:16, describing himself as "the root and the descendant of David" and "the bright morning star".

Revelation 22:16  ESV

16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Over the past seven years, I have written short notes on the worship of God who sits on the throne, and distinguishing the titles given to God from those given to the Lord Iesus in various chapters of the book of Revelation. See links given below.

• Worship Him who sits on the Throne, August 2014
• Titles of God vs Titles of Iesous, November 2020

The woman who sits on a scarlet beast

Monday 27Dec2021

Today's New Testament reading of Revelation chapters 15 to 19 is taken from the English Standard Version.

After the account in Revelation chapter sixteen of the outpouring of seven bowls of God's wrath, chapter seventeen tells us that one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls invited the Apostle John to see "the judgment of the great prostitute" (Rev 17:1, 2 ESV)

John was taken by the Spirit into a wilderness where he saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast with seven head and ten horns. (Rev 17:3 - 5 ESV)

Revelation 17:3 - 5  ESV  English Standard Version
3And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.”

Who is this great prostitute? Who is this woman who sits on a scarlet beast?

Revelation 17:5 above tells us that she is Babylon. Further on in verse 18, the angel explained to John that she is "the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 17:18  ESV
18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.

Later in Revelation 18:3, we read,

. . . all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.

This prophecy brings to mind that we are living in these last days where a single powerful and abominable authority (the great city of Babylon) is in the process of dominating all other authorities and governments on earth.

In Revelation 18:4 - 5, the Apostle John heard a voice from heaven telling him,

“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;
for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us watch and pray that we do not fall into the abominations and sexual immorality of Babylon, the woman on a scarlet beast.

Keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Iesus

Sunday 2021.12.26

In my New Testament reading today, I came across a verse in Revelation chapter fourteen telling us about the "patience of the saints". This patience involves keeping the commandments of God and the faith of our Lord Iesus.

Revelation 14:12 KJV King James Version Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

After that, the Apostle John heard a voice from heaven telling him to write:

Revelation 14:13b KJV Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us strive to keep the faith of our Lord Iesus. Let us live in obedience to the Lord, that we may also die in Lord and rest from all our labours.

The world passes away, he who does the will of God abides forever

Thursday 2021.12.23

From today's readings, 1 John chapter 2 tells us not to love the world, for the the world and its lust passes away, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15 - 17  KJV  King James Version
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
    If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world,
    the lust of the flesh,
    and the lust of the eyes,
    and the pride of life,
    is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
    but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us beware of falling in love with the things of this passing world. Instead, let us strive to do the will of God our Father in Heaven that we may abide forever.

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace

Monday 2021.12.20

From my reading of the New Testament today, Hebrews chapter 4 reminds us that our Lord Iesou the Son of God is our High Priest who was tempted "in all points" (WEB) as we are, yet without sin.

As such, we are urged in the next verse, we can draw near to God, to His throne of grace, for help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14 - 16  WEB  World English Bible
14 Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us draw near to the throne of God, at Whose right hand our Lord Iesou, our High Priest, is seated. Let us find help in time of our need.

Four Benedictions

Saturday 2021.12.18

Today's Passages:
Genesis 19:1 - 23:20 ASV (134 verses)
2 Thessalonians 1:1 - 3:18 GNB (47 verses)
1 Timothy 1:1 - 3:16 GNB (51 verses)

This afternoon in my New Testament reading, I came across four benedictions written by the Apostle in Second Thessalonians. The first one is found in chapter 2 with the remaining three in chapter 3 of the epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 17 GNB Good News Bible

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you always to do and say what is good.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 GNB

May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God's love and the endurance that is given by Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 GNB

May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:18 GNB

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesou Anointed, let us learn to bless one another with such benedictions.

Oak trees at Shechem and Hebron

Friday 2021.12.17

In Genesis chapters 12, 13 and 18 from my Old Testament reading today, I came across instances where oak trees (in some versions terebinth trees) are mentioned, particularly in two places: Shechem and Hebron.

Genesis chapter 12 gives an account of Abram, Sarai and Lot leaving their hometown of Haran and going to the land of Canaan at the LORD's command. In Canaan, they came to the "oak of Moreh" (literally the Teacher Oak) in the town of Shechem where Abraham built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 12:4 - 6 ESV English Standard Version
4So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.

Later, in Genesis chapter 13 we read that after Lot separated from Abram and settled in the region of Sodom, Abram moved to Hebron where he settled by the "oaks of Mamre". Again, he built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 13:18 ESV
So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 18 tells us that one day the LORD appeared to Abram by the oaks of Mamre as Abram was sitting at the door of his tent.

Genesis 18:1 - 2 ESV
And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth . . .

Firstborn over creation, Firstborn from the dead

Thursday 2021.12.16

In Colossians chapter 1, from my New Testament reading today, I am reminded of a detailed description of the Anointed One by the Apostle. Our Lord Iesou is described as the "firstborn" in at least three ways:

1. He is firstborn over all creation (verse 15)
2. He is before all things (verse 17), and
3. He is firstborn from among the dead (verse 18)

Colossians 1:15 - 20 NIV New International Version

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us remember that our Lord is the firstborn of all creation, that he existed before all things, and that in the assembly he is the firstborn from the dead, having been raised by God on the Third day and be seated at the right hand of God in Heaven.