July 6, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Habakkuk Chapter 2

¹ I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

² And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

⁴ Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

⁵ Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

⁶ Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

⁷ Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?

⁸ Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

⁹ Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

¹⁰ Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul.

¹¹ For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.

¹² Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

¹³ Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

¹⁴ For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

¹⁵ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

¹⁶ Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord‘s right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.

¹⁷ For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

¹⁸ What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

¹⁹ Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

²⁰ But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

Habakkuk 2 contains God’s response to the prophet’s complaints and questions in the first chapter. It is a powerful chapter that includes both hope and warnings. God instructs Habakkuk to write down the vision and ensure it is visible to all. The central message of this chapter is trust in God’s plan and the assurance that justice will ultimately prevail.

Waiting for God’s Answer (Verses 1-3):

Habakkuk begins the chapter by standing at his post and waiting for God’s answer. God responds and tells him to write the vision clearly so that everyone can read it. This shows the importance and urgency of the divine message. God assures Habakkuk that the vision will be fulfilled at the right time, even if it takes a while. This call to wait and trust is a central lesson for all believers.

The Righteous Will Live by His Faith (Verse 4):

This verse is one of the most well-known in the Bible and is quoted multiple times in the New Testament. It contrasts the proud with the righteous. While the proud are restless and unsatisfied, the righteous live by their faith. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living according to His ways.

Woes Against the Oppressors (Verses 5-20):

God pronounces several woes against the oppressors, particularly the Chaldeans:

• Woe to the Greedy (Verses 6-8): Those who unjustly accumulate wealth will eventually be robbed themselves.

• Woe to Those Securing Their Own House by Injustice (Verses 9-11): Those who secure their own house at the expense of others will experience shame and destruction.

• Woe to Those Building Cities by Bloodshed (Verses 12-14): Cities founded on injustice and violence will not endure. God’s glory will fill the earth.

• Woe to Those Degrading Others (Verses 15-17): Those who humiliate and exploit others will suffer shame themselves.

• Woe to Idolaters (Verses 18-20): Those who rely on idols will realize that these mute and lifeless things cannot help them. In contrast, the Lord is in His holy temple, and the whole earth should be silent before Him.

Conclusion:

Habakkuk 2 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan. It shows that injustice and oppression will not go unpunished and that God will ultimately ensure justice. The vision given to Habakkuk serves as an encouragement for all who await God’s intervention in difficult times. It reminds believers that the righteous will live by their faith and that God’s glory will fill the earth.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 42: Tradition

This chapter is based on Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23.

Read online here.

Commentary

Background and Context:

Chapter 42 addresses the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees as well as the scribes who intended to trap him. The Pharisees and scribes were eager to accuse Jesus of disregarding the traditional regulations, particularly concerning ritual cleansings. These regulations, created as protective measures around God’s law, had become so significant over time that they overshadowed the actual commandments of God.

The Accusation of the Pharisees and Scribes:

The Pharisees and scribes confront Jesus and ask him why his disciples transgress the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands before eating (Matthew 15:2). This question indicates that the religious leaders valued human traditions more than God’s actual commandments.

Jesus’ Response and True Purity:

Jesus does not directly defend himself or his disciples but points out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He quotes Isaiah to highlight their hearts’ distance from God (Matthew 15:7-9). Jesus emphasizes that what comes from outside into a person does not defile them, but what comes from the heart does. Evil thoughts, words, and deeds are the true source of defilement, not the neglect of external, man-made ordinances.

Criticism of Human Traditions:

Jesus makes it clear that the Pharisees and scribes nullify God’s commandments through their traditions. An example of this is the practice of refusing support to parents by declaring possessions as “Korban” (offering). This practice illustrates how human traditions are misused to circumvent divine commandments (Mark 7:9-12).

Resistance and Hostility:

The Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus’ words is anger, as they see their falsehood and hypocrisy exposed. Jesus points out that human customs and traditions not originating from God are ultimately worthless and will be uprooted (Matthew 15:13).

Relevance and Application:

Even today, people tend to place human traditions and customs above God’s commandments. This tendency often leads to hostility towards those who point out the flaws in such practices. In modern Christian practice, many institutions and traditions have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. It is crucial that we rely on God’s word and not be distracted by human regulations.

Summary:

Chapter 42 illuminates the dispute between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time regarding the importance of traditions compared to God’s commandments. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity and adhering to divine commandments over human traditions. This teaching remains relevant, reminding us that true purity and obedience to God come from the heart and are not determined by external rituals or human regulations.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 43: Barriers Broken Down

This chapter is based on Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.

Read online here.

Commentary

Background and Context:

After his encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus withdraws from Capernaum and travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon to find seclusion and rest. This journey not only aims for rest but also serves to prepare his disciples for their future mission, which will extend beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his disciples important lessons about grace, faith, and the universality of the gospel.

The Encounter with the Canaanite Woman:

Verses 21-22: The Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus presents a remarkable contrast to the religious leaders who have just challenged him. She is a Gentile, despised and excluded by the Jews, yet she shows deep faith and remarkable persistence by asking Jesus to heal her daughter. Her address, “Lord, Son of David,” indicates her recognition of his messianic role.

The Testing of Faith:

Jesus initially ignores the woman’s plea and gives her an apparently dismissive response. This reaction may seem harsh or heartless but serves a deeper purpose. Jesus wants to highlight to his disciples the prevalent prejudices and the harsh attitude of the Jews towards Gentiles. At the same time, he tests the woman’s faith and gives her the opportunity to demonstrate her steadfast faith and humility.

The Woman’s Response:

Despite the dismissive words, the woman remains undeterred. She seizes the opportunity and responds with remarkable humility and faith, saying that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children’s table. This response shows that she not only claims God’s grace for herself but also understands his mercy and love that transcend all cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Jesus’ Reaction:

Impressed by her faith and humility, Jesus grants her request and heals her daughter. This action clearly demonstrates that God’s grace and healing are accessible to all, regardless of their background or status. It is a powerful example of overcoming prejudices and the inclusiveness of the gospel.

Lessons for the Disciples:

Jesus uses this encounter to teach his disciples several important lessons:

• Faith and Persistence: The unwavering faith and persistence of the woman serve as a model for the disciples and all believers.

• Universality of the Gospel: Jesus shows that his mission and the message of the gospel are not limited to the Jewish people but are meant for all humanity.

• Overcoming Prejudices: The encounter teaches the disciples to recognize and overcome their own prejudices and those of their culture.

Far-reaching Significance:

This event has far-reaching implications for understanding Jesus’ mission and the role of the disciples. It shows that the gospel is meant to break down barriers of race, culture, and religion, and that faith and humility are the key factors in receiving God’s grace.

Relevance and Application:

Even today, social, cultural, and religious barriers exist that separate people. The lessons from this story remind us that God’s love and grace are accessible to all people and that we as believers are called to carry this message of inclusivity and mercy to the world.

Conclusion:

The story of Jesus and the Canaanite woman is a powerful testimony to overcoming prejudices and the universal nature of the gospel. It shows that true faith and humility are the keys to receiving God’s grace and that no human barrier is strong enough to limit God’s love and mercy. This teaching is as relevant today as it was then, challenging us to live out and share the universal message of the gospel.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 44: The True Sign

This chapter is based on Matthew 15:29-39; Matthew 16:1-12; Mark 7:31-37; Mark 8:1-21.

Read online here.

Commentary

Background and Context:

In this chapter, we witness the continuation of Jesus’ ministry in non-Jewish areas following his encounter with the Canaanite woman. He traveled through Sidon, came to the Sea of Galilee, and entered the region of the Decapolis. These regions were predominantly inhabited by Gentiles, which makes Jesus’ mission at this time unusual since he had primarily ministered among the Jews.

The Healing of the Deaf-Mute (Mark 7:31-37):

• Verse 31: Jesus travels from Tyre through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the region of the Decapolis. This movement shows that Jesus is also working in Gentile areas, indicating that his message and healings are not limited to the Jews.

• Verses 32-35: People bring a deaf-mute man to Jesus and beg him to heal him. Jesus takes the man aside, puts his fingers in the man’s ears, and touches his tongue. These physical actions demonstrate Jesus’ personal and caring approach. He sighs, looks up to heaven, and says, “Ephphatha” (Be opened). Immediately, the man can hear and speak. This healing not only shows Jesus’ power but also his deep compassion and ability to overcome physical and spiritual barriers.

• Verses 36-37: Jesus instructs the people not to speak about it, but they spread the news anyway. This shows the overwhelming impact of Jesus’ miracles on the people and their inability to remain silent about such marvelous events.

The Feeding of the Four Thousand (Matthew 15:29-39):

• Verses 29-31: Jesus goes up a mountain, and a large crowd follows him. They bring the sick and lame to him, and he heals them. These miracles cause the crowd—consisting of Gentiles—to praise the God of Israel. This is remarkable as it shows that Jesus’ works are also recognized among the Gentiles and that God is being praised.

• Verses 32-39: After the crowd has been with Jesus for three days and has no food left, Jesus expresses his compassion and decides to feed them. The disciples again doubt the possibility of feeding so many people in the wilderness. But Jesus repeats the miracle of feeding: with seven loaves and a few fish, he feeds four thousand men, along with women and children. Seven baskets of leftovers remain. This feeding again shows Jesus’ power and compassion and serves as a model for the disciples that God’s provision is unlimited and extends beyond all cultural boundaries.

The Challenge by the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:1-4):

• Verses 1-4: After returning to Jewish areas, the Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven as proof of his divine mission. Jesus rejects this demand and says that no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. This response shows that outward signs and miracles alone are not enough to overcome unbelief; it requires an inner change of heart.

Lessons and Application:

1. Faith and Compassion: Jesus’ healing of the deaf-mute and the feeding of the four thousand demonstrate his deep compassion and willingness to help all people, regardless of their background. This teaches us that faith and compassion go hand in hand and that we are called to express our faith through acts of love and care.

2. Overcoming Prejudices: The disciples need to learn to overcome their Jewish prejudices against Gentiles. Jesus’ work in Gentile areas shows that God’s love and grace are accessible to all people. This is an important lesson for us to recognize and overcome prejudices and discrimination in our own lives.

3. The True Sign: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Sadducees emphasizes that true signs and wonders are not of an outward nature but consist of an inner change of heart and faith in God’s word. This challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives and ensure that we are not merely seeking outward proofs but striving for a deep and authentic relationship with God.

Summary:

Chapter 44 shows how Jesus breaks down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, revealing the universal nature of his message and ministry. His healings and miracles in Gentile areas, along with his teachings on true faith, challenge us to overcome our own prejudices and limitations and to develop a deeper, more compassionate, and more authentic relationship with God.

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