So You Want a King

During the time between the conquest of Canaan and the United Kingdom, which began with King Saul, the Children of Israel were a group of 12 tribes led by tribal leaders and by Judges.  The Judges had a special connection with God, and sought His leadership when making decisions.  They heard civil disputes and decided the disputed matters.  When the occasion called for it, they provided military and political leadership for the combined tribes. 

Their people had comingled and intermarried with the Canaanites, and they had fallen into idol worship.  Consequently, God allowed the neighboring countries to oppress them.  At times when they repented, the Lord raised up Judges who led them to victory over their opponents.  In Chapter 7 of the Book of 1Samuel, there is an example of how God gave Israel a victory over the Philistines after they repented and stopped worshiping idols. 

However, Chapter 8 begins by recounting how as Samuel got older, he appointed his sons Joel and Abija to serve in his place.  The true Judges of Israel were appointed by God, and Samuel’s appointment of his sons did not work out well.  They were corrupt, taking bribes and perverting justice.  So, Israel’s exasperated leaders came to Samuel and asked for a king to rule over them.  The people no longer trusted that God would lead them.  They said they wanted to be ruled by an earthly king like their neighbors. 

Samuel sought the leading of the Lord, and God told him to allow the people to have their king.  The sense is that God was tired of their rebelliousness, and He had decided to let them suffer the natural and logical consequences of their worldliness.  In His mercy, God told Samuel to warn the people about what being ruled by a king would be like.  In  Chapter 8 of 1Samuel we find the warning that was given to Israel: 

So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked him for a king.  And he said, “This will be the practice of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and put them in his chariots for himself and among his horsemen, and they will run before his chariots.  He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to gather in his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.  He will also take your daughters and use them as perfumers, cooks, and bakers.  He will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants.  And he will take a tenth of your seed and your vineyards and give it to his high officials and his servants.  He will also take your male servants and your female servants, and your best young men, and your donkeys, and use them for his work.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.  Then you will cry out on that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.” 

Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us,  so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the LORD’S hearing.  And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go, every man to his city.” (1Samuel 8:10-22 NASB) [1] 

The warning proved to be true.  In the judgement of many, David and Solomon were the greatest of Israel’s kings.  They brought security and prosperity to the people.  However, King David was almost continually at war, and King Solomon conscripted Israelites to work on his public works projects. 

In the United States today, 3,000 years later, it seems that people still want to look to the government to take care of them.  Many want “cradle to grave” social programs to ensure their needs are met.  The problem is that “there is no such thing as a free lunch.”  

The result is the same as it was in ancient Israel.  When we make ourselves dependent on government to get our needs met, we give the government control of our lives.  Furthermore, excessive government spending on wasteful, inefficient social programs is driving inflation, and if government spending is not brought under control it will continue to impoverish the very people the programs are intended to help. 

A number of famous people have commented on the ills of “big government:” 

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.  (Ronald Reagan) 

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. (Thomas Paine) 

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money.  (Margaret Thatcher) 

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. (Winston Churchill) 

The goal of socialism is communism. (Vladimir Lenin)[2] 

In November, the midterm election provides the American people an opportunity to begin to turn things around.  Every American, regardless of party affiliation, who wants to stop the Liberals, Progressives, Democratic Socialists, and International Corporations from ruining the country must get out and vote.  An overwhelming vote is the only way that we can offset the impact of power-mad billionaires who use their wealth to fund social unrest and influence the outcomes of elections. 

Then, we need to do it again in the presidential election in 2024.  Take your like-minded friends to the polls with you.  The future we will leave our children depends on what we do for them today. 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nasb_/1_samuel/8.htm 

[2] https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/government-quotes

Open Mindedness

People who espouse so-called “traditional values” are frequently criticized for being “closed minded.”  They may be treated condescendingly for being self-limiting, and for not partaking fully of what life offers because they do not allow themselves to benefit from worldly pleasures, new ideas, or other points of view. 

However, someone once said that 'if one cultivates a completely open mind, and accepts all ideas uncritically, they risk turning their minds into a garbage dump.'  Their brains become an intellectual landfill full of every sort of trash and garbage created by humankind. The inability to filter stimuli is a characteristic of insanity. 

Therefore, the wisest course is to be tolerant of others, for they are entitled to their opinion.  Tolerance, however, should not be understood to mean acceptance.  Christians must guard our hearts from things that contradict the Word of God.  The old saying goes, “You are what you eat.”  The Bible says that you are what you think and feel. (Proverbs 23:7) 

We must examine all of the ideas that we are exposed to, carefully discerning whether they agree with, or contradict the Word of God.  The Apostle Paul warned us not to be carried away with worldly philosophies: 

See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. (Colossians 2:8 NASB) * 

Study the Holy Bible daily and learn what it says.  Then when the time comes the Holy Spirit who lives in you will cause the appropriate scriptures will come to mind.  (John 14:26, John 16:13-14)  Be careful not to be lured away: 

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB) ** 

If we are to be open minded, then let’s be open minded to the things of God. He will give us His wisdom and knowledge, for those who are saved have the mind of Christ. (1Corinthians2:14-16)

*  https://biblehub.com/nasb_/colossians/2.htm 

** https://biblehub.com/nasb_/hebrews/4.htm

 

Christ Arose

In the four Gospels, our Holy Bible contains accounts of the life of Jesus Christ.  Each of the Gospels tells of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead after He was crucified.  Each Gospel attests to His having been seen alive by eyewitnesses after His resurrection. (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20 & 21) 

Over the last 2,000 years people have given their lives because they believed that the Gospels are true, and that Jesus is indeed our risen Lord.  Men and women have died to preserve the Bible, to provide it to the common people in their own language, and for telling others about Jesus.  Today, owning a Bible and witnessing for Christ have cost believers their lives in “closed” countries like North Korea, Somalia, and Iran.  Nobody does that unless they believe they are giving their lives for the truth. 

Unless the Christian believes that Christ rose from the dead, they cannot know for certain that their bodies will be raised from the dead at the Rapture. (1Corinthians 15)  Christ was raised first, and then we follow. (Colossians 1-18, Romans 8:29) 

Our faith is in the living Christ.  Because He lives, we will live in new immortal bodies with him forever. (1Corinthians 15:12-55, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18)  Along with the Apostle Paul, we can confidently and joyfully exclaim:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

(Isaiah 25:8 NIV)

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

(Hosea 13:14 NIV) *

* https://biblehub.com/niv/1_corinthians/15.htm

 

 

What it's all About

This is the Easter message in a nutshell:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood,

we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while we were enemies

we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son,

much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

(Romans 5:8-11 NAS) *

* https://biblehub.com/nasb_/romans/5.htm

The Trial

After His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was put on trial by both secular and religious authorities.  The early Christian Church was persecuted by religious and secular authorities. (John 15:18-25; Acts 8:1-3, 11:19, 13:50, 16:16-24; see also the persecution by Nero) Today's Christians are persecuted by Islamist and Hindu extremists and the governments of the People's Republic of China and North Korea.  Christians who are saved during the Great Tribulation will be persecuted by the Antichrist and the False Prophet. (Revelation 13) 

Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.  And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.  Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,  but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”  And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”  Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.  What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.”  Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,  saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”                       (Matthew 26:57-68 ESV) 

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.  (Matthew 27:1 ESV) 

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate.  And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”  And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”  Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”  But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” 

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.  And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.  When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.  So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.  The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.  And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.  And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. 

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,  and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.  Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.  I will therefore punish and release him.” 

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.  Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,  but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”  A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”  But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.  So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.  He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.      (Luke 23:1-25 ESV) *

 

* https://biblehub.com/

In Remembrance of Jesus

 … the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 

and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said,

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying,

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,

you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

(1Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV) *

 

* https://biblehub.com/esv/1_corinthians/11.htm

 

 

The Olivet Discourse

Jesus stayed on the Mount of Olives with His disciples, during the last week of His earthly ministry.  On one occasion, as they were returning to the Mount of Olives from the temple area, He prophesied about the future in what has become known as the Olivet Discourse: 

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple 

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”  And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”  And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.  And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” 

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution 

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.  But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.  This will be your opportunity to bear witness.  Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,  for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.  You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.  You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives. 

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem 

 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.  Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people.  They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

The Coming of the Son of Man 

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

The Lesson of the Fig Tree 

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Truly, I say to you, this generation* will not pass away until all has taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 

Watch Yourselves 

 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.  And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.  (Luke 21:5-38 ESV) [1] 

* The available commentaries vary regarding the meaning our Lord intended when He used the term "generation."  We may discuss, but we should not divide over the various interpretations. 

To name a few examples, scholars throughout the church age have thought: 

1.  That Jesus was referring to the people who were alive when He spoke it, some of whom lived to see the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans. 

2.    That he was referring to the Jewish people. 

3.    That he was speaking of the church. 

4.    That He meant mankind in general.

5. Or, that He was speaking of the generation of people that are alive when the end-time events begin to unfold.

Regardless, the prophesy is true in all cases, and Jesus will make all things clear to us when we meet Him face to face. (1Corinthians 13:12)

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/21.htm