October 26, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 49:23-50:46

Jer. 49:23-39

Vs. 23-27 This is God's judgment on Syria, represented by Damascus. Syria had plagued Israel and had a role in Israel's demise.

Vs. 28-33 This is a judgment against the nomadic tribes descended from Ishmael.

Vs. 34-39 Elam is what was to become the Persian empire. Today it is Iran.

It is hard to say when this happened, or whether it has happened yet. It certainly didn't happen with Babylon rising in power. Nebuchadnezzar married a Persian princess and made the hanging gardens of Babylon for her. There were good relations between Babylon and Persia. Persia certainly hasn't been an empire since Alexander defeated them. Note that God will set up His throne there. That would mean judgment. Also, in the latter days, God will restore them. That is restoration during the Millennial Kingdom. This has led people to believe that this destruction will take place during the tribulation.

Jer. 50

Generally speaking, this long declaration of judgment on Babylon, hasn't been fulfilled yet, in the terms described here. This has also led people to believe that the total fulfillment of this will not happen until the tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom. There is a lot written about Babylon in Revelation that sounds similar to some of what is said here.

Vs. 4-5 Notice that this is definitely talking about the Millennial Kingdom.

V. 13 This hasn't fully happened yet.

Vs. 19-20 Again, this is millennial blessing.

Vs. 33-46 This description is larger than what took place when Persia defeated Babylon. That was almost a friendly takeover. What is said in these verse is still looking for a future fulfillment.

A couple of thoughts:

Although God humbled Nebuchadnezzar, the kings after him did not respect God. Daniel chapter 5 shows a lot of disregard for God and what He had done. When Persia took over, it was through the events of Daniel 6 that Cyrus sent the Jews back to Jerusalem.

It could be that in the time of the tribulation, both Iran and Iraq play a larger role in world affairs and as a result are put down by the Antichrist. In order for the Antichrist to make a world recognized peace treaty with Israel, certain hostile nations will either change their attitude or be put down.

Titus 1

Vs. 1-3 To my knowledge, this is the longest introduction of any of Paul's letters. Notice how much "gospel" Paul puts in here. It sets the tone of the letter and shows Titus what kind of foundation needs to be laid in this church.

V. 4 Apparently, Paul led Titus to Christ.

Vs. 5-9 Paul and Titus had traveled together and Paul left Titus in Crete. This is all after the events recorded in Acts. Notice that Paul gave Titus apostolic authority. Titus was to appoint elders.

V. 9 Notice that the elders had the authority to protect the teaching of the church.

Vs. 10-16 Once again, there was pressure for the Gentile Christians to adopt customs and teaching from the law. As opposed to Timothy's ministry in Ephesus, a more established church, this new church in Crete needed to have these false teachers strongly rebuked, and Titus was the man.

Psalms 97-98

I appreciate more and more that there is a "price" to pay to be able to sing these songs from the heart. In Psalm 98 it mentions "a new song." From Psalm 40 you see that it is the Lord who puts that new song in our hearts. Only He can do it, and I think it gets there by Him proving us in the harvest, following Christ.

Psalm 97 He reigns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twuLr5rQmp0

Psalm 98 Sing His praises.

That "new song" begins with salvation, and we learn new verses as we follow Christ in the harvest, experiencing grace after grace, deliverance after deliverance, learning how deep and wonderful God is. But, we can never forget our salvation. Try to listen to all seven minutes of this. The song turns into a celebration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkx946f-m50

Proverbs 26:13-16

We have either met this guy, or we've been this guy in some area of our lives. God is certainly for rest, but He is not for this kind of behavior.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comment or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.