Revelation Readers

Many people find the Revelation of Jesus Christ difficult. Let me rephrase that. Everyone who reads the Revelation of Jesus Christ finds it difficult to interpret and understand fully. If you read the commentaries, about six of which I've been thumbing through, practically every author has a new interpretation and idea of what the symbols of the Revelation mean. Some say to take it symbolically and some say to take it practically. I seem to be falling somewhat in the middle as I go through, but don't ask me to give a month of teaching on the interpretation of the Revelation! It's most important not to focus on detail, as it will muddle our minds and make us forget to capture the real purpose of the book.

I close with my two main points to those who may be somewhat fearful of diving into this prophecy:

1. The key to this book is in the title, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The purpose of it is to reveal Jesus Christ and more about Him. More specifically it's to proclaim the worth of the Lamb who still has the visible marks of His slaughter, the freshly slain Lamb. He is worthy in judgment and in reigning. Enjoy Christ.

2. Just go for it. Read it knowing you won't understand it all. Read it with a prayerful attitude to God that His Spirit would teach you of Christ as you go. Read it with the following seven things in mind for those who read this book:

a. 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

b. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 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.

c. 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

d. 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

e. 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

f. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Find something new to appreciate or something old to appreciate anew of Christ today.

For Greeks He is Called "ιησουν", For Hebrews,"יהושׁוּע"

The time had come that Moses must die. His sin in the wilderness at the rock in Kedesh would be the cause of God to forbid him from leading the people into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:11-12). Moses had fallen short and had proven himself, although a great leader, not to be worthy of an honorable task. God wanted someone who would obey at all costs no matter what.

Moses recognized the need for Israel to have a leader. He requested a leader for Israel, “Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” (Numbers 27:17) God's choice was one who had proven his obedience in the past, one who was filled with the Spirit: Joshua (Gk: ιησουν Heb: יהושׁוּע)

The choosing of a leader for the nation of Israel reminds me of another who is far greater than Joshua. He is one who proved his obedience unto death, even cross death (Philippians 2:8). He is one who not only has the Spirit upon Him, (Matthew 3:16) not only was He conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20), but it was even His Spirit that had filled Joshua (Galatians 4:6): Jesus (Gk: ιησουν Heb: יהושׁוּע). The great leader Joshua is only a foreshadow of a greater leader to come. It is no coincidence that they share the name name: "Jehovah is Salvation."

Moses' hope for the people was a shepherd, but the greatest Shepherd would come later. He called Himself "the Good Shepherd," Peter calls Him the Chief Shepherd," and Zechariah prophecies Him as a rejected shepherd of Israel (Zechariah 11:7-14, John 10:11, 1 Peter 5:4). He took the time to teach the people who flocked to Him in droves, and to feed a group whom He had compassion on because they were as a sheep without a shepherd in the grass on the sea shore (Mark 6:34).

Joshua would prove himself to be a great leader; taking the chosen of Israel into the land and conquering it. The Lord Jesus will soon return to take the chosen of God, those who have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and Lord, to be with Him forever. For the Lord Jesus will reign on earth a thousand years with the remnant of Israel and with a Gentile remnant from the Tribulation to serve (Isaiah 65:18, Revelation 7:14-17). What a glorious day it will be when the true King of Israel takes His Throne, when the theme shall be "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" (Zechariah 14:20-21)

Centurion’s Servant Healed

Luke 7:1-10

1. A man who loved (v2)

The centurion shows a characteristic of love. No doubt he didn’t have to care for his servant like he did, but he loved him. This slave was likely faithful to him and so he was dear to him. As a slave owner the slave could have been seen as merely an asset, but the centurion loved the slave not because of what gain he brought to him but because he loved him as a person.

2. A man who heard (v3)

It could be that the man had just heard of Jesus and what He had done. Likely the case was that the centurion head that Jesus was in the area, and remembered what he had done. It would have taken a measure of faith for this man to send for Jesus. He had only heard and hadn’t seen. His reasons weren’t selfish, but rather that the life of his servant might be spared without a circus sideshow showcase.

3. A man who was reputable (v4-5)

This centurion would have been a Roman citizen, or working on his citizenship by serving in the military for 25 years. Though he was sent into commission from a nation outside of Israel, he had love for the Jewish people. The people claimed it not on the basis that the man supported Judaism to promote peace and his reputation, but rather that he was a man who feared God. The centurion had a name among the Jewish people as one who favoured the Jews.

4. A man understanding Lordship (v6)

Notice how the centurion addresses Christ as, “Lord.” He does this in recognition that Christ was greater than himself. A centurion held one of the highest-ranking positions in the Roman military, yet he would call Christ and view Christ as, “Lord.” This might be viewed as especially significant when we bear in mind that this man understands lordship. He was lord over a company of a hundred men, and as v8 tells us he had power. For a Roman centurion to surrender authority over himself to a Jew is remarkable.

5. A man who humbled himself (v6)

Take note of the reputation of the man from v4-5. The Jewish elders reported that he was a good man. It is marvelous to see that he does not count himself worthy for Jesus to enter under his roof. He sets the Lord Jesus on the highest of pedestals. He would likely count it an honor to have the leader of his legion or the Caesar to his home, but he would say that he is not worthy to have the Lord Jesus under his roof.

6. A man who humbled himself further (v7)

To take it to another level, he says that he didn’t come to Jesus himself, but rather sent Jewish elders to do his bidding. Centurion likely had the right to state to the Lord of who he is and what he has done for the Jewish nation, but rather he takes the low place while simply stating that he is “not worthy to come,” unto Jesus. We can be reminded that we can approach God in the name of Christ when we want to boldly present our needs (Hebrews 4:16).

7. A man who had faith (v7)

The centurion presents to us remarkable faith. He understood something that many did not: Jesus was not limited in any way. Time and space did not limit the power of the word of Christ. He could speak in one place, and have its power effect elsewhere. The centurion believe it and knew it, the power was in Christ. He had never seen it, he had never heard of a miracle being done without Jesus present in the place, but he knew He could do it.

8. A man who understood submission (v8)

He was a man of power. He had authority over a great company. He had control over servants. Though he was the one in control, he understood submission. Perhaps it was the very servant who was sick that was an example of this trait. The centurion himself reports that the servant would do whatever he told him to do. The centurion acknowledged Christ as Lord, and he would do anything that was told of him. Christ simply gave the word. By faith and without works he received it.

9. A man who was marveled at (v9)

The faith that this man had was what was lacking in Israel. They quickly claimed to be heirs of Abraham through blood. The nation overlooked the fact that heirs of Abraham are those who are partakers in faith. Abraham was a man of great faith, believing in God’s promises against all odds; so to was this centurion great in faith and come into the promise of Abraham.

10. A man who was blessed (v10)

The blessing for faith of a restored servant back to health was granted. The servant’s example to his master essentially saved his life. Complete submission to the master taught his master to submit to those over you. Life is a precious resource, and because of a faithful servant and a centurion full of faith blessing came to the house of a Gentile.

Luke 1

Here are a few thoughts on Luke 1:

v2 – Luke wrote his gospel based on research from those people who had first hand account of the cross

v3 – Luke’s research was then confirmed in revelation from above (“from the very first” anothen – from above [John 3:31, 19:11; Jas 1:17]). His gospel was not merely research, but was also inspired.

v9 – Since Zacharias’ lot was to burn incense, we can conclude that he was one of the anointed priests of the time. (Exodus 30:30, 1 Samuel 2:28)

v10 – Seeing Zacharias was in alone, with the rest of the attendees standing outside of the holy place, it may indicate that he was the high priest of the time [In post exile days, the high priest didn’t serve until death, thus his retirement from the office in v23].

v13 – John – “Jehovah is gracious.” His name is given as such for five reasons:

1. The Lord was gracious to answer the prayer of Zacharias. Whenever God answers a prayer, He is showing grace toward us.

2. The Lord was gracious to give Zacharias and Elizabeth a son. It is much the same as Hannah given a son, and more so that of Abraham and Sarah giving birth to a son. Children in this culture were seen as a blessing from God, while those who were barren were not blessed (v25).

3. The Lord was gracious to not only give a son, but also to set him apart from the womb by filling him with the Holy Spirit. This is much the same way Jeremiah: “before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)

4. The Lord was gracious to give the people of Israel this man John who was chosen by God for a particular purpose, brought the people of Israel baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (3:3) He would turn a people who were caught up in tradition and ritual to actual worship and following of the Lord their God (v16)

5. The Lord was gracious to give John who would “go forth before him in the spirit and power of Elias.” This was the one who was to “prepare the way of the Lord,” and to “make his paths straight.” (3:4) It was necessary for John to come before the Lord Jesus to prepare the people for the Christ.

v17 – This first line of the verse is a quotation from Malachi 4:5-6:

Malachi 4:5-6 - Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Luke 1:17 - And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Perhaps Malachi 4:6 is in three stages:

1. Coming as Man – to turn the heart of the fathers to the children. Those in the Judaic system, which had become complicated with extra rules beyond the Mosaic Law, would have the opportunity to be converted and become as little children so that they might see the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). This work of John was to prepare the people for the Lord, as it says in the end of v17.

2. Coming to Air – to turn the heart of the children to their fathers. The rebellious remnant will eventually turn back to faith as their Father Abraham as they pass “through the fire, and” they will be refined “as silver is refined.” (Zechariah 13:8-9)

3. Coming to Earth – to smite the earth with a curse and final physical destruction (Zechariah 14:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 19:11-21). All who are opposed to His authority will be under wrath and destruction.

The coming of John was to prepare the way of the Lord who would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. In Malachi, Israel is viewed as a nation (heart – singular). In Luke Israel is viewed as individuals (hearts – plural) since in the dispensation of grace, each have a personal responsibility to do with Christ what they will. Under the law, Israel was viewed as a grouped nation.

John’s coming in the spirit and power of Elias was for two main purposes:

1. To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, as noted above in “Coming as Man.”

2. To turn the disobedience to the wisdom of the just. Like the first reason there is repentance involved whereby instead of being disobedience to God the people might compare the coming Christ to the one promised by the prophets and see that He is the chosen of God. The idea is that John would make the people ready for the coming of the Lord to earth as the end of v17 says.

v18 – the doubt of Zacharias is a reminder of the doubt of Sarah. Zachariah no doubt remembered well the story of Abraham and Sarah given a son though they were old, but doubted still. Often the Lord wants to give us things that are great, but we still doubt Him and His ability to work in our life above all odds.

v19 – Zacharias is somewhat of a picture of those who hear the gospel message. Gabriel, “man of God,” is sent with glad tidings (gospel) from the presence of God (Holy Scripture), yet the message is doubted though they know of and have witnessed the power of God working in the lives of others.

v36 – Elizabeth was from the tribe of Levi (v5) and Mary traces back to Judah (3:33) meaning that their mothers were sisters.

Luke 1:46-55 1 Samuel 2:1-10

46 And Mary said,	1 And Hannah prayed, and said,
46 My soul doth magnify the Lord,	1 My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD:
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour	1 because I rejoice in thy salvation.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.	7 he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.	2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.	9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;	1 my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; 6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
51 he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.	3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.	4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things;	5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
53 and the rich he hath sent empty away.	7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich:
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.	10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Listen Up: Always Something To Learn

"...but the just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

"...as it is written, the just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

"...for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:11

It would seem that for the average individual, we have a difficulty in listening. Sometimes I'll be in a conversation and then drift off into, "mitchell-land" and think about anything except what the talker is trying to convey to me. Then they ask for a response. Now this is where I get in trouble. I can try to bluff your way by saying something generic such as, "Ya i agree," hoping that the answer is sufficient and makes sense. The other option usually is the route of admitting that you haven't been listening, which sometimes doesn't work the best because you offend the speaker. Job 33:14 reminds us that, "God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man percieveth it not." Sometimes we don't listen to God when He is speaking to us. I'm glad that God reminds us three times in three different places that the just shall live by faith, while teaching us something different about His character in each scripture. It shows us the importance of listening to God each and everytime He speaks.

Habakkuk needed to be reminded that "the just shall live by his faith." He lived in a world where he thought nothing was making sense. Israel had sinned against God, but those that were more wicked than them were prospering as a result. I know I would be crying to the Lord just as Habakkuk, "This isn't right that these sinners are benefiting because they are wickeder then I am!" He needed to be reminded just like we do so many times that "the just shall live by his faith." God is always in complete control and has the complete ages from beginning to end in His scope (Revelation 21:6). It certainly is amazing to think of that. Being reminded of the greatness of God builds up our faith in him. The God we have faith in is revealed to us as the omniscient and omnipotent God, who was revealed to Abram as Almighty God (Genesis 17:1).

The church at Rome was told by Paul about the gospel of Christ being the power of God unto salvation to every one that believed (Romans 1:16). Faith in Christ transforms a life, changing one from an enemy of God to having peace with Him (Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:16). By that same faith we can see how righteous God is. This present world does not glorify God as He deserves, but those who have believed can see the righteousness of God and how in the end He will uphold His own while revealing His wrath that abides on the sinner presently (Romans 1:18, John 3:36). Paul felt the need to remind these at Rome that "the just shall live by faith." The God we have faith in is revealed to us as the Lord our Righteousness, which is the name whereby the Lord will be called in the Millennium (Jeremiah 23:6).

The churches of Galatia had gone down the slippery slope of legalism to the point that they had been teaching that the law must be obeyed as a requirement for the saints to live as God would require them (Galatians 3:3). Paul refutes this, first by explaining how his gospel was received independently from Christ, but yet matching that of the other apostles (Galatians 1:1-17). Then he dives into the issue of justification by faith instead of by works (Galatians 2:16). Finally, Paul compares it through the example of Ishmael and Isaac: one born of bondage as the law, one of liberty as of the promise of God (Galatians 4:22-31). It is obviously the conclusion to God being one who is only pleased by faith (Hebrews 11:6) that "the just shall live by faith." The God we have faith in is revealed to us as one who has made us free by Christ (Galatians 5:1) and a God of promise who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), as was revealed to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3).

God often teaches us something from His word. Sometimes we might think that it's just more of the same thing but by these three examples where the same scripture is used, it is evidently seen that God can teach us something new with the same phrase at three different times. Truly we need to always listen to what God is trying to tell us because He loves to reveal to us new and wondrous things about Himself through His written word. Total dependence on God in our lives will open up a new avenue whereby God can teach the just who live by faith.

Barnabas

It's been a while. Just so I have something to put up, I'll put up the short study I did Monday on Barnabas. Enjoy.

Joseph called Barnabas, “son of Consolation”

References to Barnabas
Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11:22, 25, 30; 12:25; 13:1-2, 7, 43, 46, 50; 14:12, 14, 20; 15:2, 12, 22, 25, 35-37, 39; 1 Cor 9:6; Gal 2:1, 9, 13; Col 4:10.

Overview
Barnabas was a Levite, a Jew, who was from the isle of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). His given name was not Barnabas, but rather Joses or Joseph. In Acts 4:36 it explains that Barnabas was the name that he was called by the disciples because of his active service in the encouragement of the saints. Directly translated from Bar-Nabas or Son of Nabas, despite the explanation given in the text by Luke, is the meaning “son of prophecy.” The name is of Chaldee or Aramaic origin. From this nickname he was given, it can be assumed that he has the gift of prophecy, perhaps combined with the gift of teaching as alluded to in Acts 13:1.

We can assume that Barnabas was somewhat well off as far as Roman Empire average standards went. He was likely of upper middle class since he was a landowner. In Acts 4:37 the text states that he, “sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Barnabas was great at finding young men with gift and training them up. He did this most notably with Saul/Paul and John Mark. Barnabas’ ministry was mostly done with Paul (1 Cor. 9:6) where they reached many with the gospel and had many wonders and miracles done through them by God among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). From his ministry, we can see that among other things, he was a great shepherd and encourager.

Ministry

Raising Saul: a work of a good and trustworthy shepherd

Barnabas must have been visiting Damascus, sent to warn those in Damascus of Saul’s coming, or had connections and a communication network to the saints there since he was able to commend Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem. Acts 9:27 states how Barnabas knew and explained to apostles Saul’s conversion story along with the fruit of his salvation. His outward evidence of the inward change was the fact that Barnabas witnessed him preaching boldly in Damascus the name of Jesus.

He was trusted by those in Jerusalem to go out and see the movement of salvation, as well as teach them further the scriptures, among the Hellenists at Antioch. He continued in this work before going to Tarsus to bring Saul back to work with him where tremendous results ensued. It was here that the disciples and followers of The Way were first called Christians. Barnabas was also one trusted by the Christians in Antioch, since he and Saul were sent bearing relief for the brothers in Judaea.

The words in Acts 11:23-24 help to explain to us what type of man Barnabas was. When he arrives to this place and saw the work of God he brought gladness. He was able to exercise his gift in exhorting the people so, “that they would cleave unto the Lord.” Luke writes about him calling him a “good man,” one who was, “full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.” Barnabas did a tremendous work in building up the church at Antioch because of his character and utilization of his gifts. He shows also his character by going to Tarsus to find Saul to help him when the work becomes large. It can be assumed that the work became too large for him to handle, and instead of trying to do all the work himself and bring excess glory upon himself, he knew the man for the job who could help him while developing his spiritual gift: Saul.

One of the great works spearheaded by Barnabas and Saul that is often overlooked, was done in Jerusalem during their time there in Acts 12. In Acts 12:24, which cannot be solely attributed to Barnabas and Saul no doubt, it says, “the word of God grew and multiplied.” This may indicate that Barnabas and Saul had a large part in this work, at least at the outset, before the next verse indicates that they worked themselves out of their position. Likely in this time, along with the other apostles, they began to see converts saved before shepherding them until they were able to take on extra responsibility, or raised up other young believers to take over the work that they had begun. Once the overseeing Saul and Barnabas felt a new and young believer capable of taking on the ministry, it was time for them to move on.

One of the many examples of Barnabas helping to raise up younger men to help them develop their gifts is at the end of Acts 12 when Saul and Barnabas decide to take John Mark with them. The work begun and lessons learned in this young man would likely later help him be set apart by the Holy Spirit to write the Gospel of Mark. From Colossians 4:10 a further association with Mark is made where it states that John Mark and Barnabas were cousins.

Set Apart: A Fourteen Year Mission

A new chapter in Barnabas’ life began after he returned to Antioch with Saul. There were a good number of teachers and prophets in that place, but the Spirit of the Lord set apart Barnabas and Saul for a work which would have them take the gospel to many places for a 14 year period, until later they would return again to Jerusalem bringing Titus with them (Galatians 2:1). With the Lord’s blessing, the second place Barnabas took the gospel with Paul was Cyprus, his home country.

An interesting note is that Barnabas was able to be part of the very first gospel meeting. A gospel meeting can be defined as a meeting of people in a designated place at a specific time for the purpose of the gospel being preached. In Acts 14:44 such an event took place, where on that “Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.”

At this point in his life, it seems that Barnabas is starting to take a back seat to Paul. Barnabas would still be considered as the leader, but Paul is emerging as one of the greatest gospel preachers of all time. After being called by the Holy Spirit to the work in Acts 13-14, when their names are listed together, Paul’s name comes first and sometimes Barnabas is just assumed as being “one of the companions.” It’s an amazing thing to see at this point in Barnabas’ life that it was in his character not be trying to cramp Paul, or wanting people to listen to him instead of Paul. Barnabas being a spiritually mature Christian sees his place still as a leader but not as a speaker unless Paul was in need of additional support at urgent times (Acts 13:46, 14:14).

Support for Barnabas being the leader can be found in Acts 14:12. Barnabas is called here, “Zeus” or “Jupiter,” who was the chief of the gods. Paul is called, “Mercurius,” or “Hermes,” who was the messenger god and the chief speaker of the group. Barnabas and Paul were two men whose gifts complimented each other very well, and may well have been the best gospel pairing of missionaries ever.

Following this experience and the stoning of Paul, Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe. There they preached and gave teaching before journeying back to Antioch through Lystra and Iconium to disciple and check up on converts from their work in those cities. Since Paul and Barnabas making a point to go back through Lystra and Iconium, it is a reminder for the need of discipleship after salvation.

Return to Jerusalem: Facing the Apostles

After spending many years in Antioch, teaching came out of Judaea that it was necessary for a believer to be circumcised from them to be saved. As a result, Barnabas and Paul went back to Jerusalem with others to consult and convince the apostles and elders in Jerusalem that this was false teaching. In Galatians 2:13 it records that even Barnabas was swayed to these ideas coming out of Jerusalem while visiting the Apostles. It is here where Paul stood face to face with Peter and rebuked him for the teaching of a work like circumcision being necessary for salvation.

Departure from Paul: A Contention Causing Cousin

The final biblical record of Barnabas, though we know his ministry goes on because he is recorded in Colossians and 1 Corinthians, is one of contention between himself and Paul. They come to a disagreement as to who to take on their next journey with them. Barnabas chose his cousin John Mark, but Paul thought it was best for them to take another since Mark had withdrew from the work they took him on once before. Barnabas, determined to give Mark another chance, left with contention between himself and Paul and sailed with Mark to Cyprus his home country. Paul took Silas, who was recommended by the brethren in Antioch.

Conclusion

It is evident from a short study of Barnabas that we cannot pass him off as a man any that is any less important than even the apostle Paul, though they had a famous disagreement that led to their departure from one another. Barnabas was one of the great men in the days of the early church for teaching, encouraging, prophesying, and taking less spiritually mature men under his wing and helping them to develop their gifts. He is one who first brought Paul into the work, knowing that Paul had been commissioned by God and set apart for Him for a special purpose.
He was good, trustworthy, bold, displayed leadership, displayed humility, loved his home country, was full of the Holy Spirit and was willing to give others a second chance. We cannot determine the success of Barnabas’ future ministry after the separation from Paul because Luke only documents Paul’s journeys. Truly Barnabas was a man of God; a great leader in the early church, a vessel used by God to help develop possibly the greatest gospel preacher in Paul, and can be a role model for young people with gospel and missionary aspirations. Barnabas above all was an encouragement wherever he went. His name was Joseph, but everyone today knows him as Barnabas: Son of consolation.

Peace Man

"Peace" is a saying that gained speed in the 1970's from hippies in flower painted vans. Everywhere they went, they were trying to spread a message of love and peace. "Love everybody," they would say, and, "Peace man," in both coming and going. They had the right idea through trying to fill the void in their lives with peace and love to everyone, except many didn't have the right source of peace to calm their always troubled heart. They shared an empty peace.

The Lord Jesus on His last night before being betrayed told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." (John 14:27) I can tell you frommy experience that this isn't an ordinary peace, but rather one that calmed a troubled soul on a night 13 years ago this month. Instead of knowing that an eternity in hell was in the makings, I found peace. The peace is a result of knowing that there was a horrific scene of darkness, pain, agony and death all for and because of my sins. That spring evening, a soul filled with terror was transformed into one overflowing with joy.

The Lord goes on to say, "not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27) This peace isn't the peace you can find in finding a quiet house after a noisy day. We might try to say it is like watching a calm river flow gently with the backdrop of a magnificent sunset, but our feeble attempts to make an analogy fall well short. The earth can show us peace, but it doesn't compare. The world might try to give us peace through the almighty dollar, but the economies of the world fail. Families give us peace until the coldness of death rips loved ones from our realm into the next.

Then finally, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) His peace is so wonderful and marvelous. There is no better feeling than knowing that your sins are forgiven. That same Lord who is omnipotent has comforted us by letting us know that He has left His peace with us.

How amazing it is. In times of any problem, we know that we have a Lord and Saviour who loves us and cares for us. We can go to Him at anytime, any place and in any situation knowing that He'll hear our prayers. It's a peace that is beyond our understanding. It's a peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. There is no peace without a Saviour. Peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

How Discouraging!

There are often events in our lives that leave us discouraged. Usually I get discouraged when things don't turn out quite like I had hoped. Maybe a friend leaves town and you won't see them for a while, or rent goes up, or your car gets stolen or hit and ran and it just leaves you down in the dumps.

1 Kings 17 presents a series of discouraging circumstances for a widow and Elijah. Elijah takes a message against the evil king Ahab and has to run away to live alone by a brook where he doesn't know where the next meal is coming from. Later the brook and source of water dries up. Then he finds out that the woman who is supposed to help keep him alive is a widow who has nothing herself. How discouraging to the widow, who all of a sudden has another mouth to feed though she is going to cook her last meal before starving. Then to cap matters off, her son dies. Discouragement after discouragement.

But as you look through the story, each discouragement is met with encouragement.

How will Elijah survive in the wilderness? God will provide Him food in an unlikely way. Where will he get water and food since his brook dried up? God provided Him food in an unlikely way. Where will the widow get enough food to feed Elijah, herself and her son? God provided them food in an unlikely way. What will this woman do now that her son has died? God provided him life again in an unlikely way.

I think you've figured out the theme that is over this chapter, "God will provide." God knows our needs and can meet them. It is easy to act on our own power if we don't see God working in the way we want. In 1 Samuel 13 king Saul loses patience with Samuel and God to save him from the Philistine enemy, resulting in the announce of the end of his kingdom.

To know that God has all our best interests in mind is a comforting thought. All we need to do is to keep the issues before Him in prayer, and He will take care of things for us. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." What an encouragement to know that the most powerful, the creator of the heavens and earth hears us and will fill our hearts with a peace that is beyond understanding if we leave our burdens with Him. Let your heart be encouraged because of our sure resource of prayer and a caring God.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Repentant Attitude

Has there ever been a time where you know you did something wrong against someone else? Sometimes they are the last person you want to see, but it always seems that they are the next person you see. If you don't see them, you have a sense of paranoia where you are afraid you may see them around the next corner, on the next bus, or at the next restaurant. Your fear and anxiety is because of an non-repentant heart.

(12:10) If your stumbling block of repentance is that you think your sin is too bad, consider Zechariah 12:10-Zechariah 13:6. This section describes the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus when Israel will see the one who saves them from their enemies when all hope is lost, and realize that He is the one that they crucified: "and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced." The first step of repentance, as displayed by the future remnant of Israel, is understanding that you have sinned against God.

(12:10-11) These people are so overcome by their guilt that they mourn even as those who will mourn at Armageddon (v11). The weeping and wailing will no doubt fill the country, as they realize their grave error in sending their Messiah to the cruelest of deaths. "His blood be on us, and our children," they said proudly at the Roman trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:25); they here understand their error. They cry out to God for repentance, knowing He is the one that they have sinned against and He is the one they need to approach.

(12:12-14) A true repentant heart wants to be alone. Outward repenters are all about show, whereas the true repentant heart understands the importance and shame of their issue and look to be alone with God so that they can be uninterrupted in their petitions. This characteristic is displayed by the people here, and from the highest (house of David), to the cursed (family of Shimei), to every family seeks to be alone with God as they ask for forgivness.

(13:1) No doubt the people of Israel don't deserve forgiveness; it might be rendered the greatest sin ever. God in His tremendous mercy opens a fountain for the people to cleanse them from sin and uncleaness. They will be able to come into the good of what Christ did on the cross. On the judicial basis their sins have been taken away, and justified to be called chosen of God. On a moral basis their sins have been washed away, cleansed here as God pleaded for the people to be in Isaiah's day, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) The people have been sanctified, and now worthy to be called chosen of God.

(13:2-6) The last piece of the puzzle is found in Zechariah 13:2-6, where we see the action taken by those who have repented. We know they have turned from their wicked ways because they cast out all idolitry and will kill all prophets even if they are family on the basis that the revelation by prophets has ended, so any who prophesies in the name of the Lord is false. The true fruits of repentence are realized through the outward actions, showing what has happened to their hearts on the inside.

If there are things on your heart that you need to repent of, I beseech of you to do so. Your love for Christ should compel you to go to the Father and ask for forgiveness. Understand that you have no right to the forgiveness of sins, except through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). If you don't know the forgiveness of sins, ask for forgiveness with a repentant heart knowing you have sinned against God and He through His abounding grace will choose to remember your sins no more. If you have been redeemed by the blood and yet their is sin weighing on your mind, it clouds the fellowship between you and your God. That perfect fellowship needs to be continually restored on an ongoing basis until we see Christ's appearing, and will be made like Him (1 John 3:2).

Right Now!

I can still hear dad yelling, "Do it now!" I make my dad out to be a big grump, from what I've recorded on the blog, but really he's a great fellow. When I was younger, I used to have a defiant side: Maybe I still do! Dad would 'encourage' me to get things done "now" because that's when he wanted it done. It wasn't unreasonable for him to say so, but there is something special about doing things immediately after you feel moved; whether by prompting or self motivation.

A single somewhat unusual word occurs three times in four concurrent verses in Mark 1. The same word is used twice more in the verses prior, and four more times later. The word is, "straightway." I had an idea of what it means, but I still had to look it up. Simply it means, "immediately," or, "forthwith," or "anon." We'll look at the three instances of our focus:

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mark 1:16-21

At the first, the Lord Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to be his disciples. We find that their response is nothing less than immediate. Instead of taking their sweet time, telling the Lord "next week," or having an excuse, we read that "straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him." Do we have the same attitude when the Lord calls us to do something? How about when our parents ask us to do something? How about if a friend asks us for a favour? The most important of all here is the Lord's call, and if we hear his voice we don't need to simply respond: people need to be able to say of us that "straightway they forsook __________, and followed Him."

The Lord's call is described as "straightway." As soon as He sees John and Andrew, He calls them. He seen their need, and they were ones that He wanted. Later in Mark 6:34, we read, "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." The same idea can be put here that when He seen the people in need, "he began to teach them many things." Are we as "straightway" as the Lord Jesus was? First He sees some who He wants for followers and immediately calls them. What if we told every person of Christ? Surely some would be saved? What if we find those that are saved, but are in need of some teaching since they are wandering? Would we be like the Lord Jesus, "be moved with compassion," and "teach them many things?" Are we zealous for the name of the Lord as we should be? We all have a million excuses, but we lack compassion for souls and zeal for the Truth.

The last situation Jesus goes "straightway" into the synagogue and teaches at Capernaum. The first thing the Lord Jesus does as He goes into a new town is to make sure that the gospel is spread. He took the opportunity that the Jewish synagogues would present for a guest to expound on the word of God for critiquing. When we go places, are we sure that we are spreading the gospel? Is the excuse, "It's a holiday," or "I'll be doing plenty of that when we get there." It's a simple ministry to leave a gospel tract at a resturaunt or a gas station. Something small like this would no doubt be blessed by God, and would constitute the fulfillment of the requirement to be "straightway."

If it's the call of the Lord, we need to hear and obey His voice. When we see lost souls, or those sheep that need to be fed, are we delivering? Take the time to pack some tracts and leave them behind, or slip one into the book you return to the library, anyway to leave the word of God where it can prosper and be blessed of God. If we were to do each of these in time, we wouldn't have recieved the message clearly: "straightway," immediately, right now! The Lord will bless.

Balance

"The Great Blondin" (Jean-François Gravelet) was a tightrope walker, who became famous for his walks and stunts on a tightrope across Niagara Falls. He performed many stunts like crossing with a blindfold, a manned wheelbarrow, his assistant on his back, and the supplies and gumption to successfully stop midway to stop and eat an omlete. We can certainly say that Blondin had great balance, and it was the key to His survival.

I don't have any special verse today, but I have some sound advice through experience. I was just thinking about how it seems I havn't been getting messages to write about lately. I've been reading and enjoying, but nothing to fomulate into improving our Christian lifestyle. It just occured to be tonight: I have no balance.

The places I'm reading right now are Isaiah and Zechariah. You would notice that each of those places is in the Old Testament: There's no balance. Personally I'm learning tons about prophecy and the kingdom age, but not as much about Christian living. Though it's just advice, and not supported with a verse in Scripture that I've found, I hope you will heed to the warning and understand that I feel we need to read in a balanced manner. This is just one of the many balancing acts that we as Christians need to learn, such as reading/praying, God/family, and fellowship/privacy. Stay balanced, and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who might ask.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear 1 Peter 3:15

Behold the Man!

You're standing in a large open courtyard. Though it's large and open, you find yourself shoulder to shoulder with a large mob. You look around you see what's going on. You came late because you went to work and no one was there except the faithful administrative assistant. You had asked her where everyone was. "They've all gone to the court house to see what's going to happen with the new guy in town that's caused such a stir," she said. Off you hurried, thinking this would be a great story to publish in your paper, and thus you find yourself at the back of the pack of people, squinting toward the Roman architectured court house, as the hot sun is just beginning to unveil its fury as dawn slips into morning.

You ask the lady next to you, "Where has the judge and the accused gone?" "We're not sure," she says, "and that's why the crowd is getting so restless." Just at the time you're sure a riot will break out, the judge emerges with the defendant through the door, and stands between the two columns at the top of the stairs. An eerie hush falls over the crowd. The man has been beaten nearly to death. Thirty-nine times with a Roman whip. On his head was a crown of thorns. He was a bloody mess, and barely recognizable as a man. He was slumped over sightly as if his blood soaked coat was made of lead. Somehow he was able to stand, though it was obvious he was in shock from the lashing that sometimes killed the victim.

Amidst the silenced crowd the judge declares, "Behold, the man!" You watch to see what will happen. Perhaps the people will take pity on this scourged one who's fame in the city and country side for good works would surely get him off the hook for any crime he's done. The calm and stillness of the people lasted seemingly hours. The people looked at one another, stunned at the sight.

Then you hear the voice of the high priests, "Crucify him!" More voices joined in the call, "crucify him." The call becomes louder until everyone is shouting at the top of their lungs, crying out for the death by crucifixion of this man. You watch as they take him, and lead him away down a narrow street towards the place of the skull, Golgotha. You stay behind as people rush past. "The end of the story, just another of many Roman crucifixions," you think. Little did you know, that the morning you took off work would change the past, present and future of humanity. Nor could you have guessed that you would experience three hours of darkness from noon till 3 p.m., which would conclude with an earthquake. This was the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. This was the day that Jesus bore away the sins of the world.

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It's a pretty gory scene when we think about it. The words of Pontus Pilate, the judge, would have been scarred in the minds of many that day, "Behold the man!" (John 19:5) He in fact was not just a man, but the Son of man and the Son of God, yet He was brought so low as to be beaten by the creatures He created. This pre-cross scene was all necessary as a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 129:3). This one Jesus Christ was brought so low, and yet this was not the first time these exact words were said of Him.

In Zechariah 6:12, three words jumped out of the page at me: "Behold, the man..." Here is a prophecy given by Zechariah to Joshua the High Priest, as the prophet explains to the priest that his crowning is symbolic of a coming day: The day when the priesthood and the throne will be united (2 in 1). The words describe one in glory and majesty on the throne, a ruler of the world and of the nation Israel. He is one who sprung up (the Branch) from among the Jews, and yet instead of being crowned He was rejected. The phrase, "Behold the man," was not what the Lord Jesus deserved as Pilate displayed Him to the audience; instead they should have seen Him as king and as John did when he could say that he, "beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten Son of God, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

We can be thankful that we can forever dwell and behold this man Jesus someday. It will either be when we meet Him in the clouds or when we die, since ours sins have been covered by His blood. To the Christian, when we think of both scenes as very beautiful: "the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20), and the Millennial kingdom of peace where Christ will reign supreme as the Branch (Isaiah 11).

2 in 1

Who doesn't like things that are 2 in 1? Some people don't because its not as good as the two separate things that it replaces. Some people have 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. I'm not a connoisseur of shampoo (that and I have hair an inch long), so I don't notice a difference. 2 in 1 body wash and shampoo. I like it because it's just easier to use. The downfall of a 2 in 1 is that it doesn't meet the standard that the two separate products has set.

There's a coming day where a 2 in 1 will be perfect. It's the day when the Lord Jesus finally takes His rightful place as the King of this earth, uniting the priesthood and the kingship. Zechariah 6:13 explains the day that His millennial kingdom will finally come,

Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

First we read of how he shall build the temple of the Jehovah. A full description of this temple, its workers, prince and its glory can be found in Ezekiel 40-44. The glory of the Lord will finally be brought back to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 43:2-6, Zechariah 2:5).

"He shall bear the glory." In this is a picture of the mercy seat of the ark, which was in the holiest of holies. Here is where Jehovah would sit when His shekinah glory would fill the room. We might find that He, the Branch, would bear the glory of the Lord. John 1:14 tells us that, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." When Christ returns, He shall return in the brightness of glory; perhaps similar to that which the disciples seen on the day of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2, Luke 21:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

Now to the 2 in 1 part. You say how can He be king and priest both? This one who will bring together royalty and priesthood is by right both king and priest.

If we were going to trace His lineage, we would find that both His mother Mary's and step-father Joseph's line goes back to David and Judah (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38). Since He is from this tribe, He has the right to take the throne of Israel.

As far as His priesthood goes, one could draw the comparison that the Lord Jesus' mother Mary was actually a Levite on her mother's side (Luke 1:5, 36), but His priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. In Hebrews 7 we can read about how the Lord Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchisedec. The Levite order would end at the death of each priest, but the Lord Jesus is of an unchanging priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-24).

2 in 1! It is the greatest 2 in 1 ever. The Lord Jesus will someday take His role in both positions. We know that now He is doing the work of the priest (Hebrews 7:26-27), but someday He will take His rightful place as king. You might complain that your 2 in 1 shampoo isn't effective, but this One will unite the two positions and make them greater together than they ever were separate.

Psalm 110

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.