OUR FATHER WHO WILL GATHER  HIS PEOPLE OUT OF CAPTIVITY

Ezra chapter 2 is a accounting of all the returned exiles and represents the detailed listings of people that the Lord will gather back to His people. Each person will be accounted for and no name shall be missing.

1 [a]These are the inhabitants of the province who returned from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had carried away to Babylon, and who came back to Jerusalem and Judah, to their various cities 2 (those who returned with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah):

The census of the people of Israel: 3 descendants of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two; 4 descendants of Shephatiah, three hundred and seventy-two; 5 descendants of Arah, seven hundred and seventy-five; 6 descendants of Pahath-moab, who were descendants of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve; 7 descendants of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four; 8 descendants of Zattu, nine hundred and forty-five; 9 descendants of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty; 10 descendants of Bani, six hundred and forty-two; 11 descendants of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-three; 12 descendants of Azgad, one thousand two hundred and twenty-two; 13 descendants of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-six; 14 descendants of Bigvai, two thousand and fifty-six; 15 descendants of Adin, four hundred and fifty-four; 16 descendants of Ater, who were descendants of Hezekiah, ninety-eight; 17 descendants of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-three; 18 descendants of Jorah, one hundred and twelve; 19 descendants of Hashum, two hundred and twenty-three; 20 descendants of Gibeon, ninety-five; 21 descendants of Bethlehem, one hundred and twenty-three; 22 people of Netophah, fifty-six; 23 people of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight; 24 people of Beth-azmaveth, forty-two; 25 people of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three; 26 people of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one; 27 people of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two; 28 people of Bethel and Ai, two hundred and twenty-three; 29 descendants of Nebo, fifty-two; 30 descendants of Magbish, one hundred and fifty-six; 31 descendants of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four; 32 descendants of Harim, three hundred and twenty; 33 descendants of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-five; 34 descendants of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five; 35 descendants of Senaah, three thousand six hundred and thirty.

36 The priests: descendants of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three; 37 descendants of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two; 38 descendants of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven; 39 descendants of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

40 The Levites: descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the descendants of Hodaviah, seventy-four.

41 The singers:[b] descendants of Asaph, one hundred and twenty-eight.

42 The gatekeepers:[c] descendants of Shallum, descendants of Ater, descendants of Talmon, descendants of Akkub, descendants of Hatita, descendants of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-nine in all.

43 The temple servants: descendants of Ziha, descendants of Hasupha, descendants of Tabbaoth, 44 descendants of Keros, descendants of Siaha, descendants of Padon, 45 descendants of Lebanah, descendants of Hagabah, descendants of Akkub, 46 descendants of Hagab, descendants of Shamlai, descendants of Hanan, 47 descendants of Giddel, descendants of Gahar, descendants of Reaiah, 48 descendants of Rezin, descendants of Nekoda, descendants of Gazzam, 49 descendants of Uzza, descendants of Paseah, descendants of Besai, 50 descendants of Asnah, descendants of the Meunites, descendants of the Nephusites, 51 descendants of Bakbuk, descendants of Hakupha, descendants of Harhur, 52 descendants of Bazluth, descendants of Mehida, descendants of Harsha, 53 descendants of Barkos, descendants of Sisera, descendants of Temah, 54 descendants of Neziah, descendants of Hatipha.

55 Descendants of Solomon’s servants: descendants of Sotai, descendants of Hassophereth, descendants of Peruda, 56 descendants of Jaalah, descendants of Darkon, descendants of Giddel, 57 descendants of Shephatiah, descendants of Hattil, descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, descendants of Ami. 58 The total of the temple servants together with the descendants of Solomon’s servants was three hundred and ninety-two.

59 The following who returned from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer were unable to prove that their ancestral houses and their descent were Israelite: 60 descendants of Delaiah, descendants of Tobiah, descendants of Nekoda, six hundred and fifty-two. 61 Also, of the priests: descendants of Habaiah, descendants of Hakkoz, descendants of Barzillai (he had married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was named after him). 62 These searched their family records, but their names could not be found there, and they were excluded from the priesthood. 63 The governor[d] ordered them not to partake of the most holy foods until there should be a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

64 The entire assembly taken together came to forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty, 65 not counting their male and female servants, who numbered seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven. They also had two hundred male and female singers. 66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six, their mules two hundred and forty-five, 67 their camels four hundred and thirty-five, their donkeys six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

68 When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of ancestral houses made voluntary offerings for the house of God, to rebuild it in its place. 69 According to their means they contributed to the treasury for the temple service: sixty-one thousand drachmas of gold, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priestly robes. 70 The priests, the Levites, and some of the people took up residence in Jerusalem; the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants settled in their cities. Thus all the Israelites settled in their cities.

Amen.

10

 OUR FATHER WHO SAVED HIS PEOPLE FROM BONDAGE

Our study in the book of Ezra, begins with  the children of Israel being released from captivity in Babylon by king Cyrus and returning back  to the land of Judah.

The prophet Jeremiah had proclaimed a prophecy of the captivity of Israel for a season and that they would return to to the land of Israel. Unknown to the the children of Israel, Cyrus was being positioned by God so that he would arrive in Babylon at the appointed time so that he could affect release to return back home.

Cyrus, having encountered the God of Heaven when he found the prophecies about him where he was refered directly by name, he was eager to participate in the freeing of the children of Israel and he funded their rebuilding projects and gave them offerings to get their nation going again.

1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom, both by word of mouth and in writing: 2 “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Those among you who belong to any part of his people, may their God be with them! Let them go up to Jerusalem in Judah to build the house of the Lord the God of Israel, that is, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 Let all those who have survived, in whatever place they may have lived, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, together with voluntary offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’”

5 Then the heads of ancestral houses of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites—everyone, that is, whose spirit had been stirred up by God—prepared to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, livestock, and many precious gifts, besides all their voluntary offerings. 7 King Cyrus, too, had the vessels of the house of the Lord brought forth that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his god. 8 Cyrus, king of Persia, had them brought forth by the treasurer Mithredath, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah. 9 This was the inventory: baskets of goldware, thirty; baskets of silverware, one thousand and twenty-nine; 10 golden bowls, thirty; silver bowls, four hundred and ten; other vessels, one thousand. 11 Total of the gold and silver vessels: five thousand four hundred. All these Sheshbazzar took with him when the exiles were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

The Lord God of Israel stirred the heads of the houses of Judah and Benjamin to prepare to return to their land and they were assisted by their neighbours with silver, gold, dry goods, livestock and precious items. King Cyrus also returned to them the inventory of stoneware, silverware and goldware along with the utensils that king Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple when he invaded Judah and took the people captive.

Amen.

4

 OUR FATHER WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP US FROM STUMBLING

Judeˋs letter continues in verses 12 - 25 to speak of those who were infiltrating their ranks and bringing with them ungodliness.

They are described as contameyinants in the gatherings of love where they participate with selfish impunity. These agents of darkness are desccribed as clouds without water. They present themselves as christians who would bring blessing to others but instead deliver deliver nothing for they devour from others rather than give.

Another metaphor used by Jude to describe the infiltrators is that they are like rootless trees out of season that have no fruit and are dead in soul and in spirit. They are as waves that bluster and rage with foam representing their shame. Most frighteningly, they are represented as wandering planets whose ultimate end is to eternally stagnate in outer darkness.

Jude invokes an ancient prophecy by Enoch speaking of those who entered the body of believers under false pretences  which speaks of the Lord returning with a great number of His saints to bring judgement upon those who were ungodly and spoke harshly against God.

12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

Jude lists the characteristics of those in this category as grumblers, complainers, lustful, talkers, flatterers,  mockers, worldly and divisive. 

Conversely, true believers are counseled to pray in the Holy Spirit and remain ensconsed in the love of God seeking His mercy that receives them into eternal life. Jude instructs the sincere believers to be compassionate towards those in their midst who were lost and to try to get them saved with fear while at the same time keeping well clear of  their defilements to avoid contaminating themselves.

20 o you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

And to present you faultless

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

25 To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.

Jude ends his letter with a blessing of joy o the true believers when they will be presented faultless before the glory of the only wise God to whom be glory and majesty and dominion and power in the present and for eternity,

Amen

4

OUR FATHER WHO SAVES THOSE WHO BELIEVE UNTO SALVATION

Jude continues in verses 5 - 11 to dig deeper into the implications of letting rebellious teachers of false doctrine and a false Christ into their midst. 

He warns them from the scriptures that even after the Lord had saved the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, there were unbeliefs that they fostered and attitudes that they held for which some of them ended up being slated for destruction. 

Likewise, angels who left their assigned realms in defiance, were consigned to eternal chains in darkness awaiting judgement.

Even those who ventured into sexual immorality were presented as a warning to others  of eternal fire.

5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

Jude says of those who were infiltrating the church with false doctrines and an antichrist spirit who promoted defilement, defiant of authority and reviling spiritual dignitaries that they were like mindless unguided beasts who, in their corruption, went the way of Cain which was to shed the blood of their brothers and then give false testimony of it in court and they also pursued monetary gain by abusing spiritual gifts and ultimately ended up in a state of abject rebellion.

Jude declared ˋWoe!ˋ upon such who were influenced in those ways.

Amen.

10

OUR FATHER SANCTIFIES US AND THE LORD JESUS PRESERVES THE CALLED

The book of Jude chapter 1 verses 1 - 4 begins with an introduction of Jude and his calling and how he was related to the apostles being a brother of James the apostle.

The letter, being addressed to the believers who were called and sanctified by the Father  and preserved by the Lord Jesus Christ, is an exhortation to be vigilant in contending for the faith in light of the fact that their ranks were being infiltrated by ungodly men who introduced worthless and even harmful doctrines into their midst. 

1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude urges the saints to retain the gospel that they had believed and by which they had gained salvation and to be steadfast in defending against those who were striving to pervert that message of grace and the Lordship of Jesus into an unrecognizably lewd and vacant belief.

Amen.

11

 OUR FATHER IN WHOM WE ALWAYS REJOICE

The final chapter (chapter 4 ) in Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians says this;

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Amen.

11

 OUR FATHER WHO REVEALS THINGS OF THE SPIRITUAL REALM TO US

The Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians reaches a crescendo in chapter 3 verses 12 - 21 in which he urges them to follow his example and press ahead relentlessly towards the goal of reaching the prize. This incalculably valuable prize is the eternal call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Paul intimates to his readers that he had not attained the level yet and that he had not been perfected yet but nevertheless he pressed forward straining with all his might to accomplish the task for which Christ had acquired him to do. At the time of the writing his letter, Paul did not consider his task completed but he nevertheless forgot what was behind and surged forward towards the things that were available to grasp.

Addressing those who were mature christians, Paul concedes that there were those who disagreed with him over his characterizations of the Christian directives but he believed that God would reveal the truth to them. In any case, even if his readers did not believe that there were higher plateaus to aspire to in their walk with God, Paul encouraged the mature Christians to at least preserve  the levels of spiritual growth they had already attained.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

The apostle tells the Phillippians to follow after the patterns of spiritual pursuits they had seen in his life and in the lives of others like him. He tearfully warned them to be aware that there were enemies of the cross of Christ in their midst whose aims and aspirations were strictly earthly and who were headed for destruction.

Paul reminds the Phillippians and believers in general that our citizenship is in heaven and it is for that kingdom that we eagerly await when our saviour the Lord Jesus Christ will transmorgrify us from our temporal humble bodies into the glorious bodies that are like the eternal body of Christ which will be capable of the dominion over all things in creation like Christˋs does.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHOM WE WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT

The Apostle Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Phillippians in chapter 3 verses 1 - 11.

He lets them know that even though he is writting the same things to them repeatedly, it is not tedious for him because he knows it is an important safety measure for them.

He cautions them to be alert for those he referred to as dogs (those who return to their vomit and re-instate what they should have already abandoned) for example those who wanted to return to the law of circumcision as a marker of righteousness.  Paul explains that in Christ, the circumcision is a spiritual separation from the flesh by those who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in the Lord Jesus and have discarded the affairs of the flesh. 

Paul tells his readers that if following the law of Moses were the standard to follow, he would be at the top of the class because he had fulfilled all the elements of the law a jew who was born from the tribe of Benjamin and circumcised in the flesh when he was eight day old as the law prescribed. He was faultless under the law and yet he, in the light of the glory of Christ, considered all these works of law as rubbish. 

If Paul, a perfect practitioner of the law of Moses was glad to dump the standard of law of Moses for the knowledge of the excellencies of Jesus Christ the Lord, how much more should we, who do not have the pedigree and record of attainment in the matters of the law, do the same.

1 Finally (Some translations say ˋFurtherˋ), my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 

Paul, having his own righteousness rooted in the law, was glad to lose everything so that he could be found in Christ with his righteousness being gained through faith in Christ because he could know Him and the power of His ressurection and share with Jesus in suffering even to death so that he would hiself attain the ressurection from the dead in Christ.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO WORKS IN US TO WILL AND TO DO FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE

In the second chapter of his letter to the Phillippians, from verse 12 - verse 30, the Apostle Paul advised the Phillipians to the continue earnestly in their own personal journeys of salvation even though he was not with them any more.  

Paul advises them to exliminate complaining and disputing from their midst so that they would develop into faultless children of God as they live among crooked and perverse people to whom the light of their lives is meant to illuminate.

Paulˋs urgency towards the Phillippians that they hold fast to the word of life was because  he had laboured so hard to cultivate the faith in them and he did not want to reach the day of the revealing of Christ and find that all his work had been in vain. Paul describes his life as a drink offering that the Lord was pouring out as a sacrifice on the service and faith of the believers. 

What is meant by the image of the libation (the book of Numbers chapter 15 verses 1 - 10) is a sacrifice of a ram or a cow would be accompanied by an amount of wine as a drink offering. The service and sacrifice of the lives of the believers were the main sacrifice and Paulˋs life being poured out on top of the sacrifice was the drink offering added on top.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Paul writes to the Phillippians about two servants of God they were depending on to convey messages and assistance between them named Timothy and  Epaphroditus. 

Paul commends Timothy to them as a trusted fellow servant in the service of the gospel and Epaphroditus as a fellow worker who risked his life to asist Paul and he tells the Phillippians to esteem such men in their midst who sacrificially live to benefit the brethren.

Amen.

8

OUR FATHER IS GLORIFIED WHEN THE SON IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS LORD OF ALL

The Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians in chapter 2 verses 1 - 11 says this;

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Paul encouraged to the believers in Phillippi to be like-minded in the unity of love and purpose because they were themselves beneficiaries of consolation and comfort in Christ, love and fellowship and affection and mercy. 

Paul presses the Phillippians to be utterly humble in their minds so that they would not harbor selfish ambitions or conceit. Paul tells them to esteem others to be more valuable than themselves and concern themselves with the interests of others as they do their own.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Continuing with his counsel to the Phillippians, Paul reminds them of the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who, even though was God, relinquished His privileges as God and reduced Himself to a mere man of no rank among men and then humbled Himself even further by being obedient to the point of even allowing Himself to be subjected to the ignominious and agonizing death on a Roman cross.

From this obedient descent of Jesus Christ, God the Father highly exalted Him and give him a rank higher than any rank in existence so that every being in heaven, on earth and below the earth would bow to Him and confess or admit that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Amen

8

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON SUFFERED DEARLY FOR US 

Continuing his letter to the Phillippians in Chapter 1 verses 12 - 30, the Apostle Paul tells of the counter-intuitive effect that his being in chains had had on the furtherance of the gospel and even on the guards who held him in captivity. Instead of his captivity making people more fearful, they became more bold in proclaiming the gospel to the people in the city.

In fact, Paul documents, preaching the gospel gained so much cache that some people were preaching the gospel out of envy and selfish ambition to keep with the times and be seen to be following the trends while other were doing so out of sincerity and goodwill and love to identify with Paul and stand in solidarity with him while he was imprisoned.

For either motivation of envy or love, the apostle Paul was content that the gospel was preached for the power of God is carried in the message of the gospel itself independent of the motives of the messenger.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Even in the captivity he endured, Paul writes of his hopes that the prayers of the believers in Phillipi and the supply of the Lord Jesus would propel him in boldness as he submitted his body for the magnification of the Lord Jesus Christ through his labor.

In his condition, Paul is ambivalent about whether he wanted to live or to die because to him, going to be with Christ was highly desireable but on the other hand, remaining to serve his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ was still needful.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Paul encourages the Phillippians that whether he was there or not, they should persist in unity in the spirit and together working dilligently in the service of the gospel. He instructed them not to be terrified by those who opposed them (which was proof of the condemnation of their adversaries) but conversely, was proof of their salvation for the Phillippians were, as Paul recorded, among those who were blessed to not only believe in Christ but also to suffer on his behalf as as they saw in the life of Paul.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO OFFERS GRACE AND PEACE THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in the city of Phillipi, starts of with an introduction of himself as a bondservant along with his protege Timothy.

He then warmly greets the Phillippians with grace and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ. Paul tells them of his gratitude to God when he remembers them every time he prayed for them and he recalled how they started in the fellowship in the gospel from the very beginning with confidence that what Jesus began in them He would surely complete it until the great day of the Lord.

The Apostle declared that his delight in them was valid because they were a sign that the bondage he had been placed in was not in vain.

Paul prays that the Phillippians would grow in love as well as in knowledge and disernment so that they would only accept things of excellence and be sincere and filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Phillippians chapter 1 verses 1 - 11 reads this way;

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Amen.

6

OUR FATHER WHO OPENS DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HIS SERVANTS

Colossians chapter 4 concludes the Apostle Paulˋs letter to the believers at Colossae. chapter contains the last bit of exhortation that Paul has for masters regarding their conduct towards their servants.

Paul then encourages the Colossians to be vigilant in prayer and to be grateful. He asks them to pray for Him and those with him who were preaching the gospel which is the great mystery of Christ among those who were opposing their efforts and had imprisoned them. He asked for prayers that they might be guided to correctly speak of such things even though there was a threat towards them for doing so.

Regarding the people outside their fellowship, Paul advises the Colossians to walk in wisdom such that the time is redeemed so that opportunities to introduce people to the kingdom of God through the Lord Jesus are always taken and that they always speak words of grace and be salient in a way that evoques genuine interest.

1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul lists vaious people who were partakers of the ministry and he encourages some and  exhorts others to fulfil their ministry.

• Tychicus - Fellow bondservant to Paul and entrusted with the news of Paul 
• Onesimus - Faithful and belowved brother
• Aristarchus - Paulˋs fellow prisoner (Jewish)
• Mark - Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Jesus - Known as Justus who was also Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Epaphras - Paulˋs fellow worker from Colossae
• Luke - The beloved Apostle who passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Demas - Passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Nymphus - House church leader to whom greetings are sent
• Archippus - A message passed to him to pay attention to the ministry he was given

Paul instructs the Colossians to take his letter to the Laodecians and read it to them and that they should read the letter that he wrote to the Laodecians. 

Amen.

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OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE GIVE THANKS THROUGH THE LORD JESUS

Continuing with the last portion of Colosians chapter 3 (verses 12 - 25), the Apostle Paul outlines the expected conduct of those who are elected of God and live by His Spirit. In this pasasage, Paul contrasts the list of boorish inclinations of the old man (that he had listed in the beginning of chapter 3), with the list of attributes of a  loving community.

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Paul calls on the brothers and sisters in Christ to establish a bond of perfection among themselves which is their love for one another and He counsels them to gratefully remain richly indwelled by the word of Christ by submitting to wisdom, teachings, and admonitions that are delivered by psalms, hymns and spiritual songs sung with grace in their hearts. Paul also advises that whatever they do, they do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ all the while giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus. 

The Apostle Paul then pivots to the expected conduct of believers within housholds where wives and husbands and children and servants are given counsel on living before God as they live and work together..

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Amen.

8

OUR FATHER WHO GAVE US THE GIFT OF HIS SON TO FREE US FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH

In the book of Colossians chapter 2 verses 11 - 23, the Apostle Paul explains the new paradigm of the kingdom of God where the strictures of the law that governed and judged Israel were only shadows of the law of love that govern those who are part of the family of faith.

Whereas the law instructed us of our sinfull nture, once we were dead with Christ and risen with Him, we are no longer in need of an instructer of our sinfulness but rather in need of a living and active connection with the head of the body who is the risen Christ who triumphed over the entire hierachy of the kingdom of darkness. 

Because our old worldly nature was nailed to the cross and we are risen with Christ and not of this world, we are no longer in need of the laws and traditions that govern men according to the principles and requirements of this world.

Rather, having been translated to the kingdom of our Lord, we are in need of the life of Christ from which we are nourished and rightly guided in the ways of the Spirit.

The trappings and advantages gained in the world through hypocrisy, vanity and idol worship are no longer applicable to those who live in Christ and have held fast to Him.

Having gained freedom from imposition of the law, it is pointless to adhere to its strictures and it certainly has no power to keep us from the indulgences of the flesh.

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Amen.

12

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON JESUS IS NOW INDWELT BY ALL THE FULNESS OF THE GODHEAD

In the book of Colossians chapter 2 verses 1 - 10, Paul wanted the Colossions to know that he continued to endure great conflicts on their behalf and on the behalf of the Laodiceans and many other and as such, they should be united in love and always reaching towards the riches that come from being fully assured of the knowledge of the God where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in both the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul assured the Collosians that even though he was not physically with them, he was with them in spirit and was thus privy to their good order and steadfastness.

1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

The apostle urges the Collosians to get rooted in the fundamentals of the faith such that intrusions of false philosophies and traditions of men would not catch them off-guard and divert them from the salvation that is only in Christ who is the ultimate truth and authority over all principalities and powers.

Amen

12

OUR FATHER WHO WAS PLEASED TO HAVE  ALL THINGS IN EXISTENCE DWELL IN HIS SON

We continue with Paulˋs letter to the Colossians in verses 19 - 29 where Paul expounds on the subject of the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ over all things in creation.

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

The Father deliberately designed all things to fall under the perview of His Son and a primary part  of that design was that reconciliation was only possible through the blood He shed on the cross. Any who are brought into the family of God can only be redeemed by the one saviour Jesus Christ to be presented to the Father holy an beyond reproach.

24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed that he rejoiced in the suffering in his body that were laid upon in His labour for the body of Christ as was given to him as a calling.

Paul describes this spiritual work as a mystery hidden from the ages and generations but has been now been revealed to the saints for through them, God willed to show the riches of of the glory of Christ to the gentiles and this glorius mystery is that Christ is given to be in all those who believed and are those eligible for the hope of glory where ultimately, every man may be presented perfect in Christ Jesus and it is towards this end that Paul incessantly worked as God worked through him mightily.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE GIVE THANKS

We revisit the apostle Paulˋs letter to the Colossians to gain further understanding of the book and glean insights into the state of the believers in Colossae and into the status of the the risen Christ and ascended Christ.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father [a]and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

In his opening remarks, Paul establishes the progression of the believers in Colossae in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and their growth in love and fruitfulness. Paul then mentions that they have continued to pray for the Colossians so that they may continue to to be filled with the  knowledge of the will of God in wisdom and spiritual understanding so that their continued walk in the Lord would be in alignment with purposes of God and the objectives of His kingdom.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

The apostle then reveals the exalted position of the Lord Jesus in whom they had believed.  The Father, having delivered us who believed  from  the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, elevated the Lord Jesus to the pinnacle of preeminence over all creation (both visible and invisble) which was created through Him and by Him (Jesus) placing Him over all thrones and dominions and principalities and powers.

Such is the firstborn of creation who was from before all things and by whom all things in creation hold together and in this position, is preeminent over all things in all existence.

Amen

4

OUR FATHER SENT THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO RISE WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS

The book of Malachi chapter 4 contains the astonishing finale of the whole book of Malachi and it reads this way;

1 “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts.

4 “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This final passge of the book of Malachi foretells of a day burning like an oven will arrive and all those who are arrogant and hypocritatically wicked in the land will be scorched by the fire.

However, those who retain their fear of God will encounter the ˋSun of Righteousnessˋ  who will appear among them doing miraculou healings and they shall grow fat off the words that He teaches them. And these shall trample the wicked under their feet.

In preparation for this day, the Lord will send Elijah the prophet to remind the people of the laws that Moses received at Mout Horeb. In response to Elijahˋs minstry, the hearst of the fathers will turn towards the children and hearts of the children  towards their fathers.  And if this response does not occur, the whole earth will be written-off and struck with a curse to which no saviour shall be sent.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO KNOWS THE SECRET WORDS AND HEARTHS OF MEN

The book of Malachi chapter 3 verses 13 - 18 says this;

13 “Your words have been harsh against Me,” Says the Lord, “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’

14 You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the Lord of hosts?

15 So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’ ”

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.

17 “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

18 Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

In this passage, the prophet Malachi  recorded the Lordˋs response to the attitude that His people had where they had concluded that serving God and heeding His word was not different from disregarding the things of God. Those who were righteous were not blessed while those who did wickedness went unpunished and the people concluded from this that they could do whatever they wanted.

But the Lord revealed through His prophet Malachi that in such times, He listens to conversations between people and when He heard them speaking of their fear of the Lord and their meditation on His name, He records their names and considers these people to be His gems and He spares them even as a man spares his own son who serves him. This differential between the people He treats as His jewels and those who disregarded the Lord results in the return of clarity between righteousness and wickedness.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLE

The book of Malachi chapter 3 verses 8 - 12 says this;

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;

12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts. 

The Lord sets a principle in place where those who live surrendered to him in such a way that they are used to support the kingdom of God, the Lord will open a channel of blessing on them that they wonˋt be able to contain it.

 Amen.

1