1st Chronicles 5; THE EAST BANK

 Studies in the Books of Chronicles

The East Bank of Jordan

1st Chronicles 5

Having used considerable space tracing the lineage Judah (Chapter 2 to Chapter 4:23), and less time on Simeon (whose people dwelt with the tribe of Judah), the inspired historian now spends one chapter only on the tribes which made up the east bank settlement; Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh. 

As the majority of those who returned from Babylon were from the tribe of Judah, this was where their chief interest lay. Therefore, while the history of these tribes received some mention, minute details were unnecessary. Nevertheless, there are important lessons for us to learn from this settlement which occupied the east bank of Jordan, both with respect to bible history and practical application.

1: The Formation to the East Bank Settlement

The area to the east of Jordan was sometimes known as Gilead and remained in the possession of Israel until the Assyrian captivity. This region, however, did not play a huge role in Jewish history. This probably due to its more remote location on the periphery of the nation, across the Jordan. The most famous person to arise from the territory was Elijah, as his village it is believed, came from the territory of Gilead. 

Arthur Pink’s description of Gilead helps us to not only understand the character of this place but also the uncouth unsophisticated manner of Elijah:

“Gilead lay east of the Jordan: it was wild and rugged; its hills were covered with shaggy forests; its awful solitudes were only broken by the dash of mountain streams; its valleys were the haunt of fierce wild beasts.”

In later years a considerable Jewish population would continue to inhabit this region. Perea, known as the land beyond the Jordan in the Gospels which included the town Ceasaera Philippi, was under the direct control of King Herod, as was Galilee.

It rather striking that Rueben occupied this territory that was not within the natural boundaries of the Promised Land. This was the fulfilment of Jacob’s prediction concerning this tribe:

“Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel”  (Genesis 49:4).

This is the likely reason why the Holy Ghost prompted writer begins this chapter with an explanation for this side-lining of Rueben, the eldest son of Jacob. Rueben was passed over because of the moral sin which stained his character and affected his family forever. 

Therefore, “Judah prevailed and of him came the chief ruler…”. This is another nugget from these genealogies revealing Christ, the chief among ten thousand, the lion of the tribe of Judah.

 Concerning Rueben, however, Jacob’s words proved prophetic because five paltry verses trace the ancestry of Rueben’s family (5:3-8). In truth, he did not excel!

The history of the east bank settlement goes back to the time when the children of Israel were passing through this region as they neared the borders of the Promised Land  Numbers 32). Rueben and Gad, especially, enjoyed immense material prosperity possessing a vast multitude of cattle. They, therefore, asked for the land east of Jordan because of its suitability. Moses granted their request on condition that they assist the children of Israel in their conquest of Canaan. Joshua eventually released these tribes to return across the Jordan after they had fulfilled their obligations (Joshua 22).

2: The Battle for the East Bank Settlement

While these tribes were on the periphery, they were not unimportant in the sight of God. While they did not enjoy a place of prominence they continued to enjoy a purpose according to divine providence. The chronicler is especially interested in a battle which 

the east bank settlement fought in the days of King Saul which he mentions in v10 and then describes with more detail in v18-22. 

Whether we are prominent in the eyes of men or not, is of little consequence. Like Rueben we may even be marginalised fairly because of our failings, yet God will continue to fulfil His purpose in our lives. We likewise will continue to have spiritual battles until the day when we rise to our heavenly rest.

The description of the battle fought is most instructive. The warriors of Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were certainly skilled and brave and while these qualities were important the true reason for their success lay in the confidence that they had in God:

“…they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them: because they out their trust in him.”

This reads like a spiritual revival in a day of terrible conflict. As the forces of atheism, humanism, secularism and liberalism are arrayed against the church today we need to be skilled in the word but ultimately, we must renew our confidence in the God of our fathers. The victory was won “because the war was of God.” It is not God’s will for us to surrender the Word of God and our Gospel heritage. We must stand for truth against the world, the flesh and the devil, this battle will always be the Lord’s.

3: The Collapse of the East Bank Settlement

V25-26 describe another day, a black day, when the east bank descended into apostasy going after other gods. After the division of the kingdom in the days of Rehoboam, this territory formed part of the northern kingdom which became spiritually apostate. Jeroboam 1st established the golden calves in Bethel and Dan. In the centuries that followed the departure from God continued unabated until the God sent the Assyrian King to conquer and take Israel into captivity. The words at the close of the chapter are telling; “unto this day”. 

After the tribe of Judah returned to Jerusalem to re-establish themselves as a people Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were still in the land of bondage. A society had collapsed because of sin. 

A salutary warning indeed!

2nd Chronicles 7:11-22; MY PEOPLE

 Studies in Chronicles

My People

2nd Chronicles 7:11-22

This very famous passage contains the words which God brought to Solomon after he had completed both the construction of the Lord’s house and of his own palace.  According to 1st Kings 7:1 Solomon spent 13 years building his own house after he erected the temple.  Therefore the Lord came to Solomon after these twenty years of building works were completed with the words recorded in  2nd Chronicles 7.

This was the second occasion when God visited Solomon in a very personal way.  At the beginning of his reign God visited His servant in Gibeon at the beginning of his reign.  On that occasion Solomon asked for wisdom (2nd Chronicles 1:7-12).  Now twenty years God came again; on this occasion with warnings and promises.

Solomon was now at the height of his success and prosperity.  He had achieved much in twenty years and had taken Israel to a place of influence and power that she would never again experience.  Therefore, these words were necessary in order that Solomon and all Israel might understand that the God who blesses can withhold that same blessing, that years of achievement are no guarantee that success will continue and that the ground that is gained can so easily be lost.

We too must hear these words within a New Testament context:

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall        1st Corinthians 10:12

In these last weeks the evangelical church across the world has been rocked by the findings of a report into the promiscuous and abusive behaviour of a very well known Christian apologist, who passed away within the past year.  This is a solemn reminder of sin and its lethal consequences in the lives of God’s people; the good that we do can even be eroded by hidden sins that come to light even after we die - but we are all fragile prone to wandering and failure.  Let no-one say that this is not relevant for us.  Christians backslide and churches drift into apostasy.  We must be watchful.  The tragedy is - Solomon himself fell into this same pit that the Lord was warning him about in this place.

These words which God presented to Solomon were an answer to prayer (v12) yet this answer was a warning.  Solemn and serious words when they come from God are in themselves a gracious response to the cries of God’s people.  We ought always to be grateful when God speaks, especially if His words come with convicting and challenging power.

These words from God centre around the 14th verse, which has inspired Christians for generations.  They dominate the spiritual history of Israel and continue to bless and  challenge the church in this modern age.

God’s words to Solomon focused upon those whom He described as 

my people.

1:  A Chosen People

...my people which are called by my name...(V14)

Israel’s identity was bound up in the choice of God.  He called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees.  He chose Isaac and Jacob to be the recipients of the covenant promises, which were always seen in terms of sovereign grace:

And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt 

Deuteronomy 4:37

Likewise today, we are Christians because of God’s choice; He has decided that we would be honoured by His name:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...

Ephesians 1:4-5

2:  A Chastened People

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. (V19-22)

Setting before Solomon the very real possibility and probability of Israel’s forsaking the commandments and pursuing idolatry, God warned that He would permit the temple to be destroyed.  The frightful apostasy of later years, particularly during the reigns of Ahaz and Manasseh would seal the doom of the temple, bringing this tragic warning to pass.

The history of Israel teaches us that God is not mocked and He will take the sins of His people particularly seriously. With a high calling comes high responsibility.  When we dishonour God He will not fail to apply the chastening rod.  The consequences of sin should never fail to alarm and bring fear into the hearts of God’s people.

3:  A Crying People

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (V14)

This famous verse describes a people in prayer when God has stopped the rain or commanded the locusts to devour the crops.  In such a time of fearful visitation the people of God must cry with tears of repentance that God would heal their broken nation.  Such praying must be accompanied with humility and repentance if a change is to take place.  

God, however,  instructed the people to pray in the temple or towards the temple:

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.  For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.                  

  (2nd Chronicles 7:14-15)

In like manner we direct our cries towards Christ, to whom this temple directs us.  As the one in whom all the fullness of God resides, who is the embodiment of the sacrifices and the mercy seat we cry unto Him as our Great High Priest.

4:  A Covenanted People

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. ( v 16-18)

While God never turns a blind eye to sin He will not forget His covenanted people.  The healing of the land is based on this fact; God is bound to His Word.

These words would be a help in later times when sin and judgement afflicted the land.  They drew the ungodly Manasseh to faith when in captivity, they inspired the revivals in the days of Hezekiah and Josiah and they certainly comforted Daniel and others when in Babylon.  They provided the evidence that however dark the situation God would not turn away from the cries of His people to whom He is bound.

These words encourage us to pray in the darkest of times, believing that God will always respond to His people.

But ultimately, as God would respond to Israel because of the promises that He had made concerning the temple, so all of our blessings and prayers are bound up in the person of Christ, the anti-type of the temple.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.                          John 2:19-22

On account of His death and resurrection God looks with favour towards His people. 

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 

2nd Corinthians 1:20

GRATEFUL REFLECTIONS ON 2020

 

CLOGHER VALLEY FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FINANCIAL & GENERAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 

31st DECEMBER 2020

Motto Text 2021

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2nd Chronicles 7:14

Minister      

Rev Peter McIntyre

The Manse, 13 Willand Crescent, 

Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone.  BT75 0QJ.

apmcintyre69@gmail.com; 028 8952 1611; 0781 776 7039

Session       

Mr Neville McIlwrath (Clerk), Mr Jeffrey Condell (Treasurer), 

Mr John Irwin, Mr Jim McClung, Mr Ian McClung, 

Mr Neville Robinson, Mr Wills Robinson

Committee 

Mr David Hetherington (Assistant Treasurer), Mr Leslie Allen, 

Mr Rodney Condell, Mr Andrew McMullan

23rd February 2021

Our Financial & General Report for 2020 is much abbreviated owing to the pandemic which curtailed so much of our programme, therefore making a booklet unnecessary. 

AN EXCITING BEGINNING TO AN EVENTFUL YEAR

Our fiftieth anniversary year began with the sod cutting ceremony for our new meeting house where we welcomed our Moderator, Rev Gordon Dane, who was the preacher.  Neville McIlwrath and Leslie Allen both sang solo pieces and Rev Michael Patrick opened in prayer.  Throughout the following weeks Weir Construction made rapid progress in laying the foundation, which was complete by the time the Prime Minister placed the entire nation in a strict lockdown, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The course of our year was altered considerably as we entered the strangest and most challenging of times.

INTO LOCKDOWN

By the beginning of March it was becoming apparent that the Covid-19 virus, which was sweeping the world was going to affect all of our lives.  As helpless spectators we watched the growing numbers of cases and heard the grim predictions as politicians worked to find a suitable response to a most unprecedented situation.     

Before the legislators moved to close down church services, along with all other gatherings of people, the Executive Committee of our Presbytery decided to close all of our public meetings.  The rationale was very straightforward; as this pandemic threatens human life, therefore, we must take all reasonable steps to preserve our own lives and the lives of others, in line with the teaching of the sixth commandment.  This scriptural logic has guided our response to the pandemic over these past twelve months.  For almost four months we were without the public gatherings of the church.

MINISTERING THROUGH LOCKDOWNS & RESTRICTIONS

From March to the end of June ministry was conducted through a mixture of podcasts, videos, radio ministry and written Bible studies.  This developing online ministry has had the effect of reaching a much wider demographic with the message of the Gospel both locally and from across the world.  Those from our community who join in through YouTube or Facebook has increased, while our podcast statistics have grown rapidly, with India accounting for one third of all our listens over the past twelve months.  It is a blessing that we are contributing in some small way to The Great Commission.

The WhatsApp group has proved to be a successful means of communicating with the congregation in conjunction with emails, Facebook and phone calls.  Also, Andrew and Beulah produced videos for the children, Ian kept producing the Sunday School lessons and Neville maintained links with the Youth Fellowship.  I appreciate all these efforts.  In particular I have been most encouraged by all the support that the congregation has given to this alternative ministry when we were unable to share personal fellowship with one another.

On returning to the Lord’s House in July we faced a very new environment with no handshaking, hand sanitising stations, a rota system regulating when we can attend church and where we sit and avoiding close contact with others not from our households or family bubbles.  A radio transmitter was introduced for those who preferred to sit in the car park and we commenced web streaming for those who remain at home.  Initially the church was cleaned down after the morning service and then we introduced a sprayer which covers all surfaces with a disinfectant killing all germs including Covid-19.  In the autumn the Government introduced face coverings as being mandatory in closed spaces, which was something else we had to adjust to.  I initially thought that face coverings would make it impossible to sing.  It is true we began cautiously without singing in church from July to August but having restarted praise we couldn’t allow the introduction of face coverings to stop us.  Although it is not an ideal situation we have adapted to what has been often called the new normal.

As the year closed we introduced Zoom Prayer Meetings, through the expertise of Andrew McMullan, during the two week Government lockdown in November / December.  This has developed into further prayer and Bible studies, a Zoom Youth Fellowship, Zoom Sabbath School and a Children’s Bible Club also by Zoom.  We appreciate Andrew’s input in guiding us into this new way of worship and fellowship.

Personally I want to thank Neville McIlwrath for organising the sanitising liquid and the signage, Ian McClung for working out the seating rota, John Robinson for working out the logistics around live streaming and Andrew and Beulah for organising the cleaning of the church between services before our equipment arrived. I took a decision on returning to public worship that our senior office bearers and those with underlying health needs should not be involved in public facing roles during this period.  This has placed extra responsibility upon our other office bearers and I want record our thanks to them.  I also want to thank the congregation for your very high degree of cooperation and compliance.  Every shepherd knows that a content flock is a blessing!

GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING

Despite the fact that society has faced a difficult time in terms of health, fear together with all the economic uncertainty that lies ahead we have ever so much to be grateful for in the Clogher Valley.  The Lord shepherded us through 2020, has kept us together as a congregation, has guarded our health and has enabled the building project to continue.  A number of people from within our congregation have been involved in work within the NHS and the caring professions generally while others were volunteering to provide assistance during lockdown.  We want to recognise and thank God for their personal contribution to our wider society.

TIMES OF SORROW AND HAPPINESS

As with every other year, 2020 has brought our congregation the varied experiences which make up the patchwork of life.  

During the spring lockdown our dear sister in the Lord, Mrs Joan McIlwrath, was taken home to glory.  I have so many fond memories of fellowship with her and her late husband Johnston.  It was a blessing to be able to minister to her during those final hours in Craigavon Area Hospital.  With the restrictions in place her funeral was small but intimate and we knew the peace of God’s presence.  We continue to pray for her sorrowing family.  There were others who lost loved ones and passed through hard times in 2020, who are also in our prayers.

There were happier times for Nicholas and Shirley Johnston, who were blessed with baby Micah, Rodney and Rebekah Bennett who were blessed with baby Austin, Clive and Elinor Keys who were blessed with baby Emily and Keith and Ruth Johnston who were blessed with baby James.  It is such a blessing to see the Lord continuing to add little children to our congregation.

In December we completed the fiftieth entry, on our Golden Anniversary year, into our marriage registry book, with the wedding of Emma Wilson to Dani.  With Dani’s family being unable to travel from Spain the ceremony was broadcast by livestream and has become our most popular video.  We wish Emma and Dani well in their lives together in Catalonia.

David Wilson graduated from the Whitefield College of the Bible, was licensed to the ministry by Presbytery, and is now waiting on the Lord for direction as to future ministry.  Andrew and Beulah McMullan announced last year that they have been appointed as Assistant Directors of the South West Europe Area of CEF.  We pray that God will bless each as they look into a future of Christian service.

CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION

While the work of erecting our new meeting house was understandably delayed we have been much impressed by the dedication and workmanship of  Lester Weir and his team (which includes one of our own young people, Tom McMullan), supported by Neil Irvine (Neil Irvine Design Limited) in his management of the project.  By the close of the year the walls were erected and the roof completed in readiness for the inside work.

Some individuals from our own congregation and the wider Free Presbyterian family whose businesses and expertise are saving the congregation considerable money, and who I want to recognise at this stage are Rodney Condell (Condell Consultancy), Andrew Robinson (Exi-Tite), Rodney Bennett (E & R Bennett) and Barry and John McGerr (Dungannon Electrical Wholesale).

REFLECTING ON FIFTY YEARS OF WITNESS

While we commenced the year with various plans regarding our fiftieth anniversary it became apparent that many would be impossible to fulfil owing to the pandemic restrictions, especially an anniversary dinner, which had been scheduled for The Valley Hotel.  We were, however, able to welcome our founding minister Rev Ivan  Foster as well as our former pastors Rev Michael Patrick, Rev Ron Johnstone and Rev David Priestley during the Autumn period, when they ministered the Word of God.  In addition we published a book entitled “Solid Ground” to both record the history of our congregation together with an analysis of the essential aspects of the Free Presbyterian Church.  We completed the year by publicly recognising the contribution of our organist Mrs Ingrid Irwin who has been faithful in her role for the entirety of our congregation’s existence, and of those of our office bearers who have given long service to our congregation.

THE LORD’S TREASURY

The Session and Committee met on Thursday 18th February 2021 to review the finances for 2020.  The report presented by our Treasurer, Mr Jeffrey Condell, showed that you as a congregation have responded with an exceptional degree of faithfulness and commitment to the Lord’s work despite the challenges of the pandemic.  The free will offerings have not declined throughout the year, which is an amazing testimony to the diligence of the congregation.  The building fund offering has increased demonstrating your commitment to the ongoing construction.  The Session and Committee pay tribute to the diligence of Jeffrey, assisted by David, in administering the finances so effectively and in preparing this annual statement.

 I have often said that if we had known 2020 was going to bring us the  first pandemic in a century we would not have laid one brick.  We would have chosen to wait.  But in the providence of God we were directed several years ago that 2020, our Golden Anniversary, would be the year to build.  God, I believe wanted to test us, to challenge our faith and our practical commitment to the Gospel.  By your efforts you have demonstrated that we have been stepping forward in the will of God and this gives us optimism for the future.

But - we have a new meeting house to complete this year.  Decisions are coming rapidly to the Church Committee now and we would value your prayers.  We have still some reserves which continues  to push  back the date when we begin borrowing from the bank.   The further this date is pushed back the less we will borrow, the greater our savings on interest charges and the quicker we will repay what we will borrow.  Therefore continue to be in earnest prayer asking the Lord what He would have you to give to this good work, from the resources which He has given to you.  When I completed a series of studies in The Life of Joy and Peace, from Philippians quite recently the Lord reminded us of the promise to a giving people - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

As we have surveyed the interior of the new building it has become apparent to the Session and Committee that owing to the size of the two windows behind the pulpit area they cannot be left in plain or frosted glass.  They must have a design which witnesses to the role and ministry of the Church for all to see and reflect upon as they enter the sanctuary. After discussion and prayer the Session and Committee felt that a rural theme was appropriate, drawing inspiration from the sowing of the seed of God’s Word to produce a harvest of fruitfulness in lives.  We are currently in discussion with a window designer exploring this possibility.  This reminds us of the reason why we are engaged in this project...to develop our buildings to the glory of God, for the extension of His kingdom, for the preaching of the Gospel, for the salvation of precious souls, for the development of Christian lives - that there would be showers of blessing.  I firmly believe that God has brought us to this time and to this season - that we would be a witness providing a message of hope in a post pandemic society.  We are living in days of terrible darkness - the manner in which Westminster has forced abortion unto our society here in Northern Ireland during the height of the pandemic clearly demonstrates this.  This highlights more than anything that we need to stand forth as shining lights and fulfil God’s purpose for our lives.

FINAL WORD OF GRATITUDE

Others not mentioned already whom I wish to appreciate personally are: our groundsman, Cecil Boyd assisted this past year by his son Aaron; Philip Andrews, Daniel Honeyman and Robbie McIlwrath who look after our sound and vision; William Cuthbertson who salts our car park in frosty weather; and the team of volunteer cleaners who care for the interior of our meeting house.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR 2021

1. That our nation would turn to the Lord.
2. For continued protection against the worst effects of the virus.
3. That our Government would know wisdom in their continued management of the situation and that the health professionals would be guided in their good work.
4. That the pandemic would cease, permitting us to return to regular church life in every department.
5. That our new meeting house would be completed and that the Lord would provide for every need.
6. For our children and young people who are the unseen casualties of this pandemic with the major disruption to these most important years.   Pray that God would guide them into a future where they would glorify Him and build on the lessons learned during these memorable months.

Your Friend and Pastor

Peter McIntyre

 The Forty Days from Resurrection to Ascension

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:1-3

1:  Mary Magdalene’s  Early Morning Discovery; 

The First Arrival at the Tomb - John 20

2:  Peter & John’s Race to the Empty Tomb; 

Seeing but not Believing - John 20

The First Sight of the Resurrected Christ

3:  My Master; 

Mary and the Saviour -John 20

The Second Sight of the Resurrected Christ

4:  He is not here, He is risen; 

The Women Meet with Jesus - Matthew 28, Mark 16

The Third Sight of the Resurrected Christ

5:  Abide with Us; 

On The Road To Emmaus - Luke 24, Mark 16

The Fourth Sight of the Resurrected Christ

6:  Peace Be Unto You; 

The Fearing Disciples Calmed - John 20 

The Fifth Sight of the Resurrected Christ

7:  My Lord and My God; 

Doubting Thomas Believes - John 20

8:  Ye are Witnesses of these Things; 

The Teaching from the Resurrected Christ - Luke 24

The Sixth Sight of the Resurrected Christ

9:  It is the Lord; 

The Stranger on the Shore and the Amazing Catch of Fish - John 21

10:  Eating with Jesus; 

The Humanity of the Resurrected Christ - John 21

11:  Feeding the Lambs and the Sheep;

 Peter Recommissioned  - John 21

12:  Follow Me; 

Peter’s Death Foretold - John 21

13: Tarry at Jerusalem; 

The Resurrected Christ and the Holy Spirit - Luke 24, Acts 1

The Seventh Sight of the Resurrected Christ

14:  Go Ye Into All the World; 

The Great Commission - Matthew 28, Mark 16

15:  You Shall Be Witnesses; 

Christ’s Programme for the Church - Acts 1

16:  All Power is Given Unto Me; 

Christ’s Promise for the Church. - Matthew 28

17:  The Ascension; 

The Departure of the Resurrected Christ - Luke 24, Acts 1.

1st Chronicles 4:24-43; THE SONS OF SIMEON

Studies in the Books of Chronicles

 I Chronicles Chapter 4:24 - 43

The Sons of Simeon

 

Simeon had a Record

Simeon was not one of the noted tribes in Israel. The members of this tribe were placed at a severe disadvantage by their father, who along with Levi committed a fearful act of genocide which Jacob never forgot (Genesis 49:5-7).  Jacob’s words foretelling the scattering of Simeon were certainly fulfilled.

This lack of blessing may well have contributed to Simeon’s poor position among the tribes. When Joshua was dividing the land, it seemed that initially Simeon was only granted territory which had already been allotted to Judah (Joshua 19:1).  Therefore, strictly speaking they were without their own independent land.  This explains the comment in v31, implying that they lost these cities in David’s time.  John Gill refers to the rabbis who believed that David expelled the Simeonites from Judah.  Some think this was due to a lack of ambition on their part, to go forth and claim new territory for themselves.  There are others, however, who take the viewthat the reference to the Simeonites losing their inheritance in Judah is to the division of the kingdom when Simeon joined with Jeroboam, therefore, forfeiting their right to live among Judah.  

In earlier times, though, there was no sense of resentment.  The children of Judah accepted that their territory was too large and needed to be shared (Joshua 19:9).  There is the record that Judah and Simeon fought side by side in expanding their territory (Judges 1:3,17).  With the passage of time, however, the territory of Simeon, was squeezed placing these people at a severe disadvantage.  

Despite this the people of Simeon did not lose their place and this tribe could look with comfort to their continued inclusion.  In the great prophetic chapters of Scripture Simeon retains his place among the tribes of Israel (Ezekiel 48:24, Revelation 7:7). 

We may lose our earthly inheritance but never our heavenly entitlement.  We may lose our national identity but our place among the Lord’s people will never be in doubt.

 

Simeon Overcame

With information, not gleaned elsewhere in Scripture, the historian briefly records the conquests of Simeon.  Owing to a significant increase in numbers they were forced to seize new territory, which they accomplished with great success.  In the days of King Hezekiah they won territory which remained in their possession, around 200 years later.  It is also evident that the people of Simeon travelled west to the Philistines and east to Mount Seir, the land of the Edomites.  They are an encouragement, that with God’s help disadvantage can be overcome.

Many scholars believe this protected Simeon from the captivity, placing his people at a distance from the Babylonian rampage.  Therefore, the battles won by the Simeonites in the days of Hezekiah were a boon for succeeding generations.  We have a gospel witness because of the faithfulness of a generation who were bold enough to separate from apostasy. Let us be careful that we pass on a similar legacy.

Like Simeon we will have our battles to fight and win.  The New Testament calls upon us to fight the good fight, to endure hardness, to wrestle with the forces of evil and contend earnestly.  Let us be faithful, be overcomers, and bequeath our children a goodly heritage. 

 

 

 

 

2nd Timothy 3:16-17; THE VALUE OF GOD’S WORD

 THE VALUE OF GOD’S HOLY WORD

1:  LEADS US TO SALVATION

And that from a child thou hart know the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus

2:  INSPIRED BY GOD

All scripture is given by inspiration of God

3:  TEACHES US DOCTRINE

profitable for doctrine

4:  REBUKES OUR FAILINGS

for reproof

5:  CORRECTS OUR BEHAVIOURS

for correction

6:  INSTRUCTS US IN RIGHTEOUSNESS 

for instruction in righteousness

7:  MODELS OUR LIFESTYLE

That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works