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16.07.2024 – Zechariah Chapter 4 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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July 16, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 4
1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.
2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?
5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.
10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary
The Fifth Vision: The Golden Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees
Verses 1-2: Awakening and Vision
The angel who spoke with Zechariah returns and wakes him up as if waking someone from sleep. This scene indicates that the visions Zechariah receives are deeply spiritual and require special attention. Zechariah sees a golden lampstand with a bowl on top, seven lamps, and seven channels to each lamp. This vision strongly resembles the Menorah in the Temple, a symbol of God’s light and presence.
Verse 3: The Two Olive Trees
Beside the lampstand stand two olive trees, one on the right and one on the left of the bowl. These olive trees symbolize a continuous supply of oil that fuels the lamp’s light. This points to an inexhaustible source of divine grace and power that is always available.
Verses 4-5: Zechariah’s Question and the Angel’s Response
Zechariah, confused by the vision, asks the angel about its meaning. The angel responds rhetorically to sharpen Zechariah’s understanding and prompt him to reflect.
Promise Concerning Zerubbabel
Verse 6: The Central Message
The angel reveals the central message of the vision: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” These words emphasize that the rebuilding of the Temple and the fulfillment of God’s plans will be achieved not by human efforts but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 7: The Great Mountain and the Plain
The great mountain that must become a plain before Zerubbabel symbolizes all obstacles to the Temple’s reconstruction. By God’s Spirit, these obstacles will be removed, and Zerubbabel will lay the Temple’s foundation, bringing joy and blessing.
Verses 8-9: The Lord’s Assurance
The Lord assures that Zerubbabel, who laid the Temple’s foundation, will also complete it. This assurance shows that God’s plans will be successfully implemented despite difficulties and that He Himself directs these works.
Verse 10: Joy in New Beginnings
It is emphasized that no one should despise the “day of small things,” as the Temple’s reconstruction begins in small steps. The seven eyes of the Lord, which range throughout the earth, symbolize God’s all-seeing providence and His involvement in every detail of this project.
Interpretation of the Fifth Vision
Verses 11-12: Meaning of the Two Olive Trees
Zechariah again asks about the meaning of the two olive trees and their branches, which pour out golden oil into the bowls. These trees and their branches represent the uninterrupted supply of divine grace and power necessary for fulfilling God’s work.
Verses 13-14: The Two Anointed Ones
The angel finally explains that the two olive trees are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of all the earth. Traditionally, these are interpreted as Zerubbabel, the political leader, and Joshua, the high priest. They represent the spiritual and secular leadership anointed and empowered by God’s Spirit.
Summary
Zechariah Chapter 4 emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God’s plans. The golden lampstand and the two olive trees symbolize God’s inexhaustible grace and power, enabling Zerubbabel and Joshua to rebuild the Temple. The message is clear: God’s work is accomplished not by human strength but by His Spirit. This vision encourages the Israelites to remain confident despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as God Himself guides and supports their efforts. The promise that Zerubbabel will complete the work serves as confirmation that God faithfully fulfills His plans and supports His people in accomplishing them.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 47: Ministry
This chapter is based on Matthew 17:9-21; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Jesus had spent the whole night with his disciples on the mountain. As morning broke, they descended into the plain. The disciples were silently reverent, deeply impressed by the events of the night. The place where they had experienced the heavenly light and Jesus’ glory seemed holy to them. But down below, the people were waiting for them, longing for Jesus.
At the foot of the mountain, a crowd had gathered around the disciples who had stayed behind. No one knew where Jesus was. As he approached, he commanded the disciples to remain silent about what had happened until he had risen from the dead. They were to keep this revelation in their hearts to avoid the ridicule and contempt of the people. Even the other disciples were to learn of it later, as they could not yet understand the event.
When Jesus appeared, many ran joyfully to him, but he immediately noticed the embarrassment and unease in the crowd. His disciples were also downcast. During his absence, a father had brought his son, plagued by an evil spirit, to them, but the disciples had been unable to heal him. Although Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had failed this time, which gave the scribes a reason to mock and portray them as frauds. The mood in the crowd turned against the disciples.
When Jesus appeared, the situation changed abruptly. His presence brought calm and reverence. He went directly to the possessed boy and asked what the people were arguing about. The boy’s father recounted his futile efforts to find help. Jesus, saddened by the unbelief, commanded that the boy be brought to him.
As the boy was brought before Jesus, the spirit threw him to the ground. At that moment, the Lord of life and the prince of darkness faced each other once again. Jesus allowed the evil spirit to show its power to make the subsequent deliverance all the more evident. The father, desperate over his son’s suffering, pleaded with Jesus for help and was reminded of his doubts. Jesus explained that everything is possible for one who believes. The father exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
With a command, Jesus drove out the spirit. The boy, initially motionless, was grasped by Jesus and lifted up. He was completely healed, and father and son praised God. The crowd was amazed and reverent, while the scribes withdrew in shame.
Jesus’ power was not limited, and he demonstrated that faith makes all things possible. Faith connects us with heaven and gives us the strength to overcome the powers of darkness. The disciples had failed because their faith was weak. Their doubts and jealousies had left them unprepared. Jesus explained to them that this kind of spirit could only be driven out by prayer and fasting. They needed to strengthen their faith and place their trust in God.
The mustard seed, small and insignificant, holds the potential for great growth. So it is with faith. If we nurture and cultivate our faith, it will grow and fill us with heavenly power. Nothing will be impossible for the one who believes.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest?
This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.
Read online here

 

Commentary
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, he did not visit the well-known places but withdrew with his disciples into a house. His goal was to instruct his disciples rather than minister to the masses.
During their journey through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for the upcoming events. He spoke again of his death and resurrection and added that he would be betrayed. The disciples did not understand him and were more concerned with arguments about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. They tried to hide these discussions from Jesus.
After they reached Capernaum, the tax collector asked Peter if Jesus paid the temple tax. This tax was an annual payment for the upkeep of the temple. Eager to defend his master’s honor, Peter answered without consulting Jesus that he would pay the tax.
Jesus used this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples. He asked Peter whether the kings of the earth collected taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter replied, “From strangers.” Jesus then explained that the children are exempt. This meant that as the Son of God, Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax. Nevertheless, he instructed Peter to obtain the amount through a miracle to avoid causing offense.
Shortly after their arrival in Capernaum, Jesus asked the disciples what they had been discussing on the way. In light of his presence and question, they remained silent, ashamed, as they had been arguing about their rank. Jesus explained to them that whoever wants to be the greatest must be the last and the servant of all.
To illustrate his teaching, Jesus placed a small child among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and trusting love.
Jesus pointed out that true greatness does not lie in earthly dignity or display of power. In his kingdom, the rich, the poor, the learned, and the unlearned are united and dependent on him. He explained that a sincere and repentant heart is precious in God’s eyes.
An incident prompted John to ask Jesus if they had acted correctly when they forbade a man from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied that they should not have forbidden him, for no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and openness towards all who work in his name.
Jesus also spoke about the serious responsibility of not causing others to sin. He said it was better to mutilate oneself than to commit a sin that could lead to death. He emphasized that every believer has a responsibility towards the weak.
Jesus explained to the disciples the steps to take when a brother sins. They should first rebuke him privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally involve the congregation if he does not listen. If the sinner refuses all these steps, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector but still with compassion.
Jesus assured the disciples that their actions on earth would have heavenly consequences. He promised his presence and support wherever two or three gather in his name and agree in prayer.
Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unity in faith. He showed the disciples that true greatness lies in serving others and in devotion to God’s will. His example and words should inspire them to represent his kingdom on earth through love and selfless service.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/16-07-2024-zechariah-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

Amplify the Gospel, Silence the Controversies

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Amplified controversies can silence the Gospel, or amplifying the Gospel can silence controversies. 

Photograph by William Earnhardt

The church in Jesus’ day was praying. They prayed so much Jesus had to warn people not to be showing off how much they were praying and to pray in their closets. The church in Jesus’ day was debating Scripture. Many lawyers and Pharisees would approach Jesus with some Scripture they wanted to argue over or debate. They all quoted Scripture to each other. Yet, even though they knew the Scriptures and prayed a lot, they still crucified Jesus.

Why didn’t praying and quoting Scripture keep them from turning around and crucifying the Son of God? Well, here is one thing they weren’t doing. They weren’t reaching out to serve others. They weren’t sharing the Gospel with the Samaritans and the rest of the world. They would rather be stirring up controversy in the church instead of sharing the Gospel with the world. That kind of a mindset led them to crucify Jesus. After all they had to get rid of Jesus so the Romans would not take away their church where they could have power struggles and controversies. We read of the exact opposite happening during the Protestant reformation.

In Wesley’s time, as in all ages of the church’s history, men of different gifts performed their appointed work. They did not harmonize upon every point of doctrine, but all were moved by the Spirit of God, and united in the absorbing aim to win souls to Christ. The differences between Whitefield and the Wesleys threatened at one time to create alienation; but as they learned meekness in the school of Christ, mutual forbearance and charity reconciled them. They had no time to dispute, while error and iniquity were teeming everywhere, and sinners were going down to ruin. –Ellen White, Great Controversy, Pages 257-258

While the reformers did not agree on every point, they amplified the Gospel and silenced controversies. Please notice that even though they did not all agree on every point they were still all led by the Holy Spirit. They avoided needless controversy so they could reach the lost, instead of avoiding the lost to engage in needless controversy.

Of course I realize not all controversy is needless, There are issues and controversies that must be faced. At the same time we have to choose our battles well. We don’t have to die on every hill. Daniel was a man of strict integrity who still got promoted in Babylon, of all places. I imagine he chose his battles well. His diet was very important. His prayer life was so important he would not back down even from the lion’s den. At the same time I can’t see Daniel getting promoted in Babylon by making an issue out of every little thing. I see him following the counsel Paul gave us, to live as peacefully with people as possible, instead of stirring up controversy. For Daniel to be such a man of integrity and still get promoted in Babylon, he must have learned some diplomacy. Again I don’t see him doing that by making mountains out of molehills and fighting every battle that could possibly be fought,  and dying on every hill there was to die on. 

Let’s consider the story of the paralytic. Let’s pay attention to the different participants in this story and what each person or group were doing. Which ones were engaged in the Gospel and which ones were engaged in controversy? 

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. ]Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.  And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”  And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”  Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 NKJV

Jesus was preaching the Gospel. Some were carrying a man to Jesus so he could benefit from the gospel. Notice, though, it’s the people seated in the house that are causing controversy, (not all, I am sure) by questioning Jesus’ right to forgive. Jesus was too busy for controversy because He was too busy preaching the Gospel. As a matter of fact, His only response to the controversy was to amplify the Gospel by healing the man as well as forgiving him. The people bringing the paralytic to Jesus were so busy helping the man find Jesus that they had no time to engage in controversy. The only people in this story who had time for controversy were the people sitting in church waiting for something to be said that could turn into a controversy. 

Maybe there would be less time for controversy if we were all like the Wesleyans engaged in helping sinners find the Savior. Maybe there would be less time for controversy if instead of sitting in church critiquing the new elder’s sermon and his wife’s dress, we were busy creating an opening in the church to let people in who are hungering and thirsting for forgiveness and the Gospel. 

Maybe you’re right. Maybe the red carpet in the church does need to be replaced with an earth tone carpet instead. But while you were pleading your case in the board meeting, a young single mother could have used an encouraging phone call reminding her she is not alone and God loves her. You can amplify the need for earth tone carpet or you can amplify the Gospel. 

Maybe you’re right. Maybe the church should have reimbursed you for traveling all the way to see a church member in the larger hospital all the way in the city. You also had to pay for parking. The church did not reimburse you for that either, even though they paid for the youth group to go into the city to buy ice cream. It’s not fair. But you got to share Jesus with the sick church member and even prayed with the person in the next bed. Leave that with Jesus. After all, you did not do it for the church. You did it for Jesus. Let Him pay you. He saw what you did. He will provide for you. You can amplify your rights or you can amplify the Gospel. 

Maybe you’re right. Maybe your understanding of the 144,ooo is right ,and the Sabbath school teacher is wrong. But while you were fighting your case in Sabbath School, a teenage boy was loitering in the church hallway, not because he didn’t want to go to his Sabbath School class, but because he’s not sure he is worthy. You see, he found his uncle’s porn stash and got all tangled up in that again. He wasn’t looking for it. It was just there. Now he’s wondering why God allowed that to happen? He is wondering if God can forgive him – again. He is nowhere close to being able to debate and split hairs about Christian perfection. He just wants to know if God still loves him and can free him again from this one addiction. Amplify the Gospel. 

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/amplify-the-gospel-silence-the-controversies/

Shots Fired at Adventist Campmeeting, Maryland Man in Custody

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15 July 2024 | WMFZ.com reports that police have arrested Kern Jordan, a 38-year-old man from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, after he allegedly fired over a dozen shots during an Adventist camp meeting in eastern Berks County, Pennsylvania. Jordan faces charges of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and firearms offenses. The incident happened just after 8 p.m. […] Source: https://atoday.org/shots-fired-at-adventist-campmeeting-maryland-man-in-custody/

Tuesday: The Lord of the Sabbath

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Daily Lesson for Tuesday 16th of July 2024

In Mark 2:23-24, the Pharisees accuse the disciples of breaking the Sabbath. According to Jewish tradition, 39 forms of labor were forbidden on the Sabbath, which, in the Pharisees’ minds, included what the disciples had done.

Read Mark 2:23-28. How does Jesus counter the charge brought by the Pharisees?

Jesus Standing in Field of Grain

Image © Phil McKay at Goodsalt.com

Jesus responds with the story of David’s eating the sacred shewbread (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The shewbread was removed on the Sabbath; so, David’s journey may well have been an emergency escape on the Sabbath. Jesus argues that if David and his men were justified in eating the shewbread, then Jesus’ disciples are justified in plucking and eating grain.

Jesus further indicates that the Sabbath was made for the benefit of humanity, not the other way around, and that the basis for His claim is that He is the Lord of the Sabbath.

Read Mark 3:1-6. How does this story illustrate Jesus’ point that the Sabbath was made for humanity?

Again Jesus faces controversy with the religious leaders over the Sabbath. (Notice, however, that the controversy is never over the Sabbath day itself.) The religious leaders want to accuse Jesus if He heals on the Sabbath. Jesus does not shy away from confronting them. He sets up a contrast between doing good or doing harm, saving life or killing. The answer to His question is obvious; doing good and saving life are much more appropriate as Sabbath activities.

Jesus proceeds to heal the man, which angers His opponents, who immediately start to plan His demise. The irony of the story is that those looking to catch Jesus in Sabbath breaking were themselves breaking the Sabbath by plotting His death that same day.

What principles of Sabbath keeping can you take away from these accounts and the challenges that we face in the modern age in keeping Sabbath?
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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24c-03-the-lord-of-the-sabbath/

SATIRE: Father Insists Family Vacation to 3ABN Studios Is “Just as Fun as Disney World”

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WEST FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS – Local Adventist father Bob Wellman has declared that this year’s family vacation to the 3ABN studios will be “just as fun, if not more so” than a trip to Disney World, much to the chagrin of his wife and three children. “Who needs overpriced mouse ears when you can have a […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-father-insists-family-vacation-to-3abn-studios-is-just-as-fun-as-disney-world/

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