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23.07.2024 – Zechariah Chapter 11 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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July 23, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 11
1 Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.
2 Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.
3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
4 Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
5 Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.
6 For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.
7 And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.
8 Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
9 Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.
10 And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people.
11 And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord.
12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
13 And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.
14 Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
15 And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
16 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary
The Collapse of World Power: Verses 1-3: This chapter begins with a dramatic image of destruction. The call to open the doors of Lebanon so that fire may devour the cedars symbolizes the end of power and splendor. The fallen cedars and the disturbed majestic trees represent the downfall of once mighty and proud nations. The wailing of the shepherds and the roaring of the young lions highlight the extent of the loss and devastation that befalls the land.
Against the Faithless Shepherds of the People: Verses 4-14: The Lord instructs Zechariah to shepherd the flock marked for slaughter, a symbol of the people of Israel suffering under the leadership of corrupt and selfish shepherds. These shepherds slaughter the sheep and enrich themselves without any guilt. God declares that He will no longer spare the inhabitants of the land and will hand them over to their enemies.
Zechariah assumes the role of the shepherd and uses two staffs, which he names Favor and Union. These staffs symbolize God’s grace and the peace between Judah and Israel. However, the people reject him, and he breaks the staff called Favor, representing the breaking of the covenant with the nations. The breaking of the staff Union symbolizes the dissolution of the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
The thirty pieces of silver that Zechariah receives and throws into the house of the Lord recall the price Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus. This amount underscores the ingratitude and betrayal of the people towards their shepherd and God.
Against the Unfaithful Shepherds: Verses 15-17: The Lord commands Zechariah to take on the role of a foolish shepherd, symbolizing the coming leadership of the people. These shepherds will not care for the sheep but will only pursue their own interests. They will not tend to the weak and injured flock but will further exploit them.
The final verses contain a grim prophecy against the unfaithful shepherds. They will be punished by the sword, and their strength and sight will be lost. This signifies the final judgment upon the corrupt leaders who have abandoned God’s people.
Summary: Zechariah chapter 11 is a strong indictment against the unfaithful shepherds of Israel and a depiction of the impending judgment upon the nations. It illustrates the consequences of corruption, selfishness, and betrayal, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and integrity in leadership. The prophetic actions and symbols highlight God’s deep disappointment with the people and their leaders but also the inevitable justice that will follow.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 49: At the Feast of Tabernacles
This chapter is based on John 7:1-15, 37-39.
Read online here

 

Commentary
The Feast of Tabernacles, as described in John 7, was a significant celebration in the Jewish calendar. Three times a year, the Jews were to gather in Jerusalem to worship the Lord, who had led them through the wilderness. After the Babylonian captivity, they were able to resume this practice, and it became very important to celebrate these memorial days. However, over time, the religious leaders had forgotten the original purpose of the festivals. Christ, who had instituted these festivals, recognized this and showed that they had lost their meaning.
The Feast of Tabernacles was the last of the annual festivals and was meant to remind Israel of God’s goodness and grace. During this time, the land was flooded with God’s blessings. The harvest had been gathered, olives had been harvested, and grapes had been pressed. For seven days, people from all parts of the land and from other countries came to Jerusalem to celebrate and thank God for His goodness. They lived in booths made of green branches to remember the tent life in the wilderness.
The festival was celebrated with spiritual songs and prayers of thanksgiving. The great Day of Atonement, which had been observed shortly before, had brought peace to the hearts and prepared the way for the joyful Feast of Tabernacles. The temple was the center of the celebrations, and the sacrificial ceremonies reached their peak. At night, artificial light illuminated the temple, and the splendor of the celebration deeply impressed those present.
A significant ritual during the festival was drawing water from the Pool of Siloam, which symbolized quenching the thirst of Israel in the wilderness. This symbolized the spiritual thirst that Christ intended to satisfy. When Jesus told his brothers that His time had not yet come, He showed that He was guided not by human expectations but by divine timing.
Jesus eventually came to Jerusalem in the middle of the feast and taught in the temple. His wisdom and knowledge of the law amazed everyone. Despite the hostility of the religious leaders, He spoke boldly and persuasively. On the last day of the feast, He cried out loudly: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink!” This was an invitation to satisfy spiritual thirst through faith in Him.
Jesus was aware of the needs of the people and offered to quench their inner thirst. His invitation still stands today: anyone who is thirsty can come to Him and take the water of life freely. His words offer comfort, hope, and refreshment to all who recognize Him as the true Messiah.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 50: Among Snares
This chapter is based on John 7:16-36, 40-53; John 8:1-11.
Read online here

 

Commentary
Based on John 7:16-36, 40-53, and John 8:1-11, this chapter describes the increasing hostility of the Jewish leaders towards Jesus. During the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Jesus was constantly surrounded by priests and Pharisees who tried to trap him. They questioned his authority and attempted to discredit his teaching.
Jesus responded to them with the words: “My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me” (John 7:16). He made it clear that the ability to recognize the truth depends less on the mind and more on the heart. A person must be willing to submit their will to God to truly grasp the truth. The Pharisees lacked this willingness, which is why they could not understand his teaching.
Jesus revealed their evil intentions by exposing their thoughts and reminding them that they were breaking the law by plotting his death. Although they wanted to kill him, they were hindered by an invisible power. Many people began to believe in Jesus, but the religious leaders remained stubborn in their unbelief.
Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, asked the question: “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” (John 7:51). This question silenced the accusers, and Jesus escaped immediate danger.
The next morning, Jesus was interrupted in the temple by scribes and Pharisees who brought a woman accused of adultery before him. They tried to trap Jesus: if he freed the woman, they could accuse him of disregarding the law; if he condemned her, they could report him to the Romans. But Jesus wisely responded by saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). The accusers shamefully withdrew, and Jesus freed the woman and encouraged her to sin no more.
This episode shows the deep grace and mercy of Jesus. He did not condemn the woman but gave her a new chance. This stands in stark contrast to the religious leaders, who were only focused on condemnation and punishment. Jesus demonstrated that true justice is linked with mercy and forgiveness. His words and actions reveal that he came to save, not to condemn.
The story urges us not to judge but to show mercy and give others a second chance. It highlights the difference between a superficial, self-righteous religion and a genuine faith characterized by love. Jesus invites us to be his followers by reflecting his mercy and love in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-07-2024-zechariah-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/

Aunty, what does the church think of IVF—for a single person?

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22 July 2024 | Dear Aunt Sevvy I have a female friend, 40 years old and single, who has long wanted a child. She was unsuccessful in finding a husband, so she consulted an obstetrician, who performed in vitro fertilization (IVF) for her. She is now the mother of a beautiful daughter.   How does the […] Source: https://atoday.org/aunty-what-does-the-church-think-of-ivf-for-a-single-person/

Exploring Spiritual Support in Hospitals | ANN In-Depth

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In this episode of ANN In-Depth, Sam Neves talks with Ivan Omana, director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries at the General Conference, about the role of Adventist chaplains in hospitals. Ivan emphasizes that chaplains provide care based on the needs of patients, regardless of their religious beliefs. He also shares insights on wholistic spiritual care, mentioning the importance of chaplains' connection and understanding during patients' difficult moments. All this and more in this week’s episode of ANN In-Depth. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers who promise to help people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.
Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ To ensure you never miss a new video, click the notification bell! Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventistChurch
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWs_lstKDBE

Restore Biblical Respect Between Pastors and Their Church Families

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Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT

Pastor and congregationA Google search will confirm for you that in the United States respect for pastors is at an all time low. Part of this is because respect for the Bible itself is at an all time low. However, we have all, at one time or another, had a pastor who abused his position and influence and abused the flock he was entrusted to care for. This is very unfortunate for the entire Christian community. Speaking as someone who has spent plenty of time in the church as a lay member, and plenty of time as a full-time Bible worker and now as a pastor, I have seen the damage this does to both sides. Lay members have been betrayed at the hands of their “protector.” That is damaging enough, but the damage continues when a young new pastor comes in and is disrespected  by those who were abused by a previous pastor and are now  taking it out with abusive behavior towards the new pastor who only came to love and to serve.

Again, having spent plenty of time on both sides, I know lay members who have been mistreated and outright abused by a pastor. This breaks my heart, as a sacred trust has been betrayed.

I also meet with and pray with younger pastors who are coming into the ranks and are being treated disrespectfully and, yes, even abused by their lay members, because of what a pastor in their recent or distant past did to them. This breaks my heart also, as new pastors are being shunned and disrespected while only wanting to love and serve their church family.

Something biblical and important for us to remember is that just as an abusive father does not diminish the respect that belongs to a loving father, just as an abusive teacher does not diminish the respect that belongs to a loving teacher, so an abusive pastor does not diminish the respect that is due to a loving pastor. Don’t throw away the eleven disciples just because there was a Judas.

Moses was the meekest of men, but He still was called by God to lead. And God dealt with those who disrespected His servant/leader. I rub shoulders with many new young pastors who want to serve God and lead their flock humbly as Moses did, but before they can even begin, an older lay member, who had a bitter experience with another pastor in the distant past never gives the new pastor a chance. The lay member tells the new pastor “This is my turf.” Now the lay member who was mistreated by a previous pastor’s abuse is now carrying out the same abuse and mistreatment on to the new pastor. The abused lay member is now abusing the new pastor.

Fact is that the church is God’s turf. And God has led both the lay member and pastor to serve together on God’s turf.

So how do we bring this cycle of mistreatment and disrespect to an end? How do we restore the respect that is due to both the pastor and the lay member?
First, I believe we all need to,

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

Even when being mistreated, we sometimes need to relax. Sometimes we accuse a pastor or even lay member of abusing their position or stepping outside their bounds when, in reality they were only trying to go the extra mile to help. Keep in mind also we have not all had the best role models when it comes to those in “authority.”

A while back, I was sharing with a couple of teachers something one of my teachers did in a classroom way back in the day, that would be considered outright abuse today, but back in my school days it was never even questioned. While leaders should be able to follow the example of their leaders, the fact is it may not always be best. Sometimes we follow the example of others, thinking it’s best when it is not. The fact that we have not always been given the best examples, and the fact that we all make well-meaning mistakes should encourage us all to follow the counsel in Colossians 3:13.

As iron sharpens iron so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Another way to make sure we all serve and lead well together is to have open and frank conversations. I have discovered it is very important to have expectation meetings and follow up on those meetings to see if expectations are being met. A new pastor needs to sit down with the board members and department leaders and discuss openly and candidly what each one expects from the other. Also discuss how each one sees his or her own role. In some churches the pastor picks the hymns, in other churches the organist does. The pastor and organist need to sit down and discuss who picks the hymns in this church. And if the organist picks the hymns she should not get bent out of shape if the pastor decides to change the hymn at the last second, though it would be wise for him to know first if she even knows how to play it. And if the pastor chooses the hymns, he should not get all bent out of shape if the organist says she had to change it because she can’t play it or maybe she already knows the congregation can’t sing it.

That’s just one example, but you get the picture. We need to have open and frank conversations about our roles and expectations. At the same time, we must be flexible and forgiving. But being flexible and forgiving does not mean avoiding conversations that need to take place.

The pastor and congregation can have great respect for one another when Phillipians 2:3 is carried out by all involved.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Phillipians 2:3 NLT

In a perfect church, the pastor respects the congregation, and the congregation respects the pastor. If either one stops respecting the other, the church will become unbalanced and unhealthy. By being humble and forgiving, by having candid and open conversations about expectations, and not avoiding conversations that need to take place, we can restore the respect and cooperation that is needed between pastors and their flock.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/restore-biblical-respect-between-pastors-and-church-families/

Italia è il mio nome

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Accarezzati dalle parole, dalla musica e dalle voci facciamo un tuffo nel passato, restando nel presente di una Italia che parla di noi ma anche di coloro che ci hanno preceduto. Mariella Nava e Matteo Montalto si raccontano ai microfoni di RVS. La voce Italia è il mio nome (https://hopemedia.it/italia-e-il-mio-nome/) è stata pubblicata per la prima volta su HopeMedia Italia (https://hopemedia.it) . Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_0GEi-T7aw

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