Friday, August 17, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 19, 2012
Over 33,000 readers worldwide
THE JUST LEADER
(The LORD is our righteousness)
(Jeremiah 23:1-8 & 33:14-18)
In the Greek, the word used for “thief”, in John chapter 10, is “kleptes” (klep-tace), and it describes “one who takes by stealth, or by covert means”. By contrast, the Greek word used there for “robber” is “lestes” (lace-tace), and it describes “one who takes by force”. The thief, that JESUS is alluding to in that passage of Scripture, could be any of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that day, who took by subtle and unsuspecting methods. The robber, that JESUS makes mention of, can be likened to any of the Romans, who took by force, or stole from the Israelites by imposing their will, authority, and power upon them.
It was those kinds of leaderships that JESUS sought to expose and put an end to forever. And it was certainly not the kind of leadership that HE intended for HIS new upcoming Christian Church. Perhaps there is no more endearing image of JESUS in all of Scripture, than the one HE presents of HIMSELF as the “Good Shepherd” in John chapter 10. The imagery of the Good Shepherd is forever woven in the minds and hearts of all who believe in CHRIST JESUS. The Bible is rife with passages that use the analogy of the loving Shepherd as a provider and protector of that which he oversees. He is one who risks his life to seek and save, even that one straying sheep, who may have separated itself from his beloved flock.
The leaders of the Christian church must also be likened to the good Shepherd, and the members of their congregation, can be likened to the flock. It is the duty of the pastor to spiritually lead, and feed his flock with the nourishing food of the word of GOD. He must, do so, willingly and eagerly, without constraints, not for the love of money, nor, for the power that he has obtained, through his position. He must lead by example, and his behavior must paint a picture of the patience and love of GOD, our LORD and SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST.
In Jeremiah 23, verses 1-8, the prophet, through a message from GOD, summarizes the actions of a succession of unGODly Davidic Kings, as being like that of “unrighteous shepherds” who were destroying and scattering GOD’s sheep. Here GOD says that HE will bring disaster upon such leaders because they had harmed and scattered the very people that GOD had placed them there to protect and care for.
Jeremiah’s writings are, perhaps the most intensely emotional writings in Scripture. They are rather difficult for the casual reader to comprehend, probably, because they are, in fact, a collection of sermons that were preached by him over a twenty-year span. This book is laced with powerful oracles that express his deep personal feelings and reactions to the events of his day.
Here in chapter 23 Jeremiah looks forward to the first advent of the MESSIAH, WHO, will do what is right and just in the eyes of GOD. GOD gives Jeremiah several prophecies about the false prophets of his day, who were using their self-proclaimed powers from GOD to rule over people unjustly.
In every era of society there have been men and women, false prophets, who claim to have gotten their messages from the LORD. It is quite difficult to discern who those false prophets and teachers are, unless you yourself, know and understand what the Word of GOD says. One can’t possibly know and recognize a “counterfeit”, if one is not thoroughly familiar with the “real thing”. However, a close examination of the unmistakable signs presented here in chapter 23 will go a long ways toward helping to identify such leaders. Also see 2 Peter 2:11-19 in the New Testament;
· “Doctrine” (Jeremiah 23:13-14) – Their doctrine always introduces those things that are compatible with the “worldly lifestyle”, and, that will subtly lead people away from GOD by mixing the “Holy” with the “Profane” making it difficult for followers to discern the difference between the two. They encourage people in their wrongdoing, for the love of money (their tithes and offering), instead of turning them away from their sin.
· “Character and lifestyle” (Jeremiah 23:10-14) – If you can’t tell the difference between your pastor’s appearance and lifestyle, and that of a successful drug dealer, or pimp, well…I’m just saying.
· “Ministry characteristics” (Jeremiah 23:16-17) – They strengthen the hands of the anti-CHRIST by letting them promote their agenda in the church for the love of money, power, and popularity in the world. By doing so, they also advert, or inadvertently, fill followers with false hope of achieving good things, even while operating outside of the Will of GOD.
In Jeremiah 33:14-18 we find some good news. There GOD says that there will come a day when HE will do for HIS chosen people, all the good things that HE has promised. HE says that, at that time, HE will bring to the throne of David, “a righteous descendant”, WHO will do what is just and right throughout all the land. Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And their motto will be “The LORD is our righteousness!”
In CHRIST JESUS, David will forever have a descendant on the throne of Israel. And there will always be Levitical Priests to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sacrifices to GOD. JESUS says that HIS sheep know HIS voice and obey HIM (John 10:4). And just as every good shepherd knows his sheep, every good sheep should come to know his shepherd’s voice. Such knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, in many cases. It can also be the difference between danger and safety, starvation and nourishment, or, shelter and homelessness.
To be alone in this world, and have no hope of anything beyond this world, is a frightening thought. We as Christians, no longer have to entertain, or envision that thought. And so, we should be forever thankful to our “GOOD SHEPHERD”, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, for making the wonderful gift of Eternal Life in GOD’s own glorious presence a reality, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice on the cross at Golgotha.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, August 10, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 12, 2012
Over 32,000 readers worldwide
HOPE IN SPITE OF DARKNESS
(Hope in the MESSIAH)
(Isaiah 9)
The Christian Hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully with the Word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST, during HIS three-year ministry. Few Christians today look at Bethlehem as a burial place, but rather, they look at it as the “birthplace of life”, the true life, that is found only in JESUS CHRIST.
Because of JESUS’ humble birth into humanity some 2000 years ago, and because HE died for us and then rose again, we now can look forward to a bright future in the glorious presence of the ALMIGHTY FATHER in Heaven, if we choose to. There, we can live forever in a place where death doesn’t exist, and, where tears never fall.
In Isaiah Chapter 7, King Ahaz of Northern Israel abandoned his trust in the LORD, and instead, decided to put his trust in the Assyrian Kings. In Chapter 8 the prophet Isaiah warned that because of his failure to trust GOD, GOD would bring those very Assyrians against the Israelites, and they would successfully conquer Israel, and place them into captivity (this conquest happened in 722 B.C.).
Here in Chapter 9, verses 1-7, however, Isaiah prophesies of a wonderful future time that would come, beyond that forecasted period of gloom and doom. He was prophesying, of course, about the coming SAVIOR, JESUS the CHRIST, WHO would be born of a chosen woman, Mary, and, WHO would reign as David’s royal offspring forever, bringing peace and salvation to a world that was sorely in need. And so we see a theme of “darkness” and “light” developing within these pages of Scripture.
Here Isaiah is also looking beyond the first advent of CHRIST, to HIS second coming, where, instead of just preserving a small remnant, GOD would broaden and enlarge HIS chosen nation to include the Gentiles. JESUS, our redeemer, will first usher in a new Covenant, and then, HE will sign it with HIS OWN blood. All, who have walked in darkness, will able to see a great light, in the person of JESUS CHRIST, a light that will shine on all who live in a land where death once casted its dominant shadow.
Later, this GREAT CONQUEROR will return for the judgment of those who refuse to accept HIM as their SAVIOR and LORD. But those who choose to believe will experience the joy of a farmer who has reaped a great harvest, or, of that of a soldier, who has obtained a great victory. And GOD will break the bonds of sin and death, the way HE broke the army of Midian with a small band of men that were led by HIS servant, Gideon, and then the world will never have to fear the threat of war anymore (Vs. 2-4).
Verses 6-7 describes, more or less, the universal reign of the MESSIAH. Here Isaiah tells us that all the governments of the earth will rest on the shoulders of JESUS, and HE will be called “WONDERFUL COUNSELOR”, “MIGHTY GOD”, “EVERLASTING FATHER”, and “PRINCE OF PEACE”. HIS ever-expanding peaceful regime will never end. HE will rule forever with fairness and justice from David’s throne, and the passionate, faithful commitment of the Almighty GOD will guarantee this!
The contrast that presents itself in the latter part of Isaiah Chapter 9 (Vs. 8-21) shows the ruination and destruction we face when we continue to disobey and rebel against GOD. Israel’s tragic history is marred by such rebellion against the LORD, from the beginning. However, the remnant of the obedient has always been afforded the protection, grace, and mercy from GOD that was necessary to overcome those periods of HIS judgment, on those who refused to submit to HIS authority.
GOD has always intervened upon the lives of men, even though it has most often been, wittingly, or unwittingly ignored. GOD reveals HIS glory to us, from the inside out, as HE works from the hearts of men, through the lives of men. A man of GOD proves that he is such, with his own life, and not just, with words. A person of the world has eyes, but cannot see the things of GOD. He also has ears, but he cannot hear GOD’s message. He has a heart, but it is a heart for the world, and until he comes to the end of himself, he cannot perceive, nor understand the things of GOD. He has no hope, and thereby, must continue to dwell in the darkness that he has become accustomed to living in.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 12, 2012
Over 32,000 readers worldwide
HOPE IN SPITE OF DARKNESS
(Hope in the MESSIAH)
(Isaiah 9)
The Christian Hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully with the Word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST, during HIS three-year ministry. Few Christians today look at Bethlehem as a burial place, but rather, they look at it as the “birthplace of life”, the true life, that is found only in JESUS CHRIST.
Because of JESUS’ humble birth into humanity some 2000 years ago, and because HE died for us and then rose again, we now can look forward to a bright future in the glorious presence of the ALMIGHTY FATHER in Heaven, if we choose to. There, we can live forever in a place where death doesn’t exist, and, where tears never fall.
In Isaiah Chapter 7, King Ahaz of Northern Israel abandoned his trust in the LORD, and instead, decided to put his trust in the Assyrian Kings. In Chapter 8 the prophet Isaiah warned that because of his failure to trust GOD, GOD would bring those very Assyrians against the Israelites, and they would successfully conquer Israel, and place them into captivity (this conquest happened in 722 B.C.).
Here in Chapter 9, verses 1-7, however, Isaiah prophesies of a wonderful future time that would come, beyond that forecasted period of gloom and doom. He was prophesying, of course, about the coming SAVIOR, JESUS the CHRIST, WHO would be born of a chosen woman, Mary, and, WHO would reign as David’s royal offspring forever, bringing peace and salvation to a world that was sorely in need. And so we see a theme of “darkness” and “light” developing within these pages of Scripture.
Here Isaiah is also looking beyond the first advent of CHRIST, to HIS second coming, where, instead of just preserving a small remnant, GOD would broaden and enlarge HIS chosen nation to include the Gentiles. JESUS, our redeemer, will first usher in a new Covenant, and then, HE will sign it with HIS OWN blood. All, who have walked in darkness, will able to see a great light, in the person of JESUS CHRIST, a light that will shine on all who live in a land where death once casted its dominant shadow.
Later, this GREAT CONQUEROR will return for the judgment of those who refuse to accept HIM as their SAVIOR and LORD. But those who choose to believe will experience the joy of a farmer who has reaped a great harvest, or, of that of a soldier, who has obtained a great victory. And GOD will break the bonds of sin and death, the way HE broke the army of Midian with a small band of men that were led by HIS servant, Gideon, and then the world will never have to fear the threat of war anymore (Vs. 2-4).
Verses 6-7 describes, more or less, the universal reign of the MESSIAH. Here Isaiah tells us that all the governments of the earth will rest on the shoulders of JESUS, and HE will be called “WONDERFUL COUNSELOR”, “MIGHTY GOD”, “EVERLASTING FATHER”, and “PRINCE OF PEACE”. HIS ever-expanding peaceful regime will never end. HE will rule forever with fairness and justice from David’s throne, and the passionate, faithful commitment of the Almighty GOD will guarantee this!
The contrast that presents itself in the latter part of Isaiah Chapter 9 (Vs. 8-21) shows the ruination and destruction we face when we continue to disobey and rebel against GOD. Israel’s tragic history is marred by such rebellion against the LORD, from the beginning. However, the remnant of the obedient has always been afforded the protection, grace, and mercy from GOD that was necessary to overcome those periods of HIS judgment, on those who refused to submit to HIS authority.
GOD has always intervened upon the lives of men, even though it has most often been, wittingly, or unwittingly ignored. GOD reveals HIS glory to us, from the inside out, as HE works from the hearts of men, through the lives of men. A man of GOD proves that he is such, with his own life, and not just, with words. A person of the world has eyes, but cannot see the things of GOD. He also has ears, but he cannot hear GOD’s message. He has a heart, but it is a heart for the world, and until he comes to the end of himself, he cannot perceive, nor understand the things of GOD. He has no hope, and thereby, must continue to dwell in the darkness that he has become accustomed to living in.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, August 3, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 5, 2012
Over 32,000 readers worldwide
TRUST NOT IN MAN’S JUSTICE
(True hope is in the LORD’s justice)
(Psalm 146)
Psalm 118:8 is the exact center of the Christian Bible. There we are reminded by GOD that, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in people” (NLT). Here in Psalm 146, verse 3, we are reminded of that same thing. In fact, it is a statement that goes to the heart of Christian Theology and permeates the pages of Scripture like no other, the fact that, we should ultimately trust in the leadership of GOD’s Word, and not in the ever-changing leadership policies and character of man.
The last five Psalms (146-150) are collectively known as the “Hallelujah Psalms” because they serve to bring into focus, the importance of our need to praise the Almighty GOD continually and eternally. They also represent to us, a brief lesson in worship that even the church of the twenty-first century can benefit greatly from.
To the great church leader and historian, Martin Luther, Psalm 146 takes on a special meaning. Luther often recalled how he was forced to rely on the rulers of the German government to stand up for the Protestant faith, during Reformation, until, after much soul-searching, he was able to realize that he didn’t need to rely on them for help at all, but rather, he only needed to rely on the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, WHOM he had always served.
The LORD stands as a source of light, in both, the physical, and, the spiritual sense. HIS help and justice extend to the lowest rungs on the social and economic ladder of life. HE demands justice and mercy for the disadvantaged, and HE judges those who oppress them. HE is more than able to keep us from falling over and over again, and then finally, HE can bring us into HIS OWN glorious presence in the end.
The phrase “Praise the LORD” begins and ends each one of the “Hallelujah Psalms”. Here in Psalm 146, the psalmist instructs us to put our trust in the LORD WHO is infinitely more powerful than any mere human, who has no ability or power, what-so-ever, to save us. When a man dies, all of his plans die with him, and so he cannot help a person beyond this life. When his spirit leaves his body, his body must return to the dust of the earth, never to be constructed again to its former state. Therefore, there can be no reason to praise a man, nor, can we count him divinely regal. Only GOD’s plan is eternal, prevailing, and unchanging.
In verses 7-9, we see depicted, the idea of the LORD’s faithfulness and commitment to those in need (all who believe). Here we see a laundry list of those who stand in need most in our society, and how GOD is faithful to take them under HIS wings; HE cares for those who are spiritually, physically, and emotionally oppressed, HE feeds the hungry, frees the captive, protects the foreigner, and secures the lives of the orphans and widows. And because HE is totally just, HE will lead the wicked away in frustration, and also, provide them with their just rewards.
No one can do what GOD does, and justly, no one can merit the praise that the Almighty GOD commands and deserves. The writer of this psalm clearly understood that GOD is not just a part of life, but rather, GOD is life. GOD delivers to us, life, breath, and strength, and so it becomes only fitting that we give HIM praise, all the day long!
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 5, 2012
Over 32,000 readers worldwide
TRUST NOT IN MAN’S JUSTICE
(True hope is in the LORD’s justice)
(Psalm 146)
Psalm 118:8 is the exact center of the Christian Bible. There we are reminded by GOD that, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in people” (NLT). Here in Psalm 146, verse 3, we are reminded of that same thing. In fact, it is a statement that goes to the heart of Christian Theology and permeates the pages of Scripture like no other, the fact that, we should ultimately trust in the leadership of GOD’s Word, and not in the ever-changing leadership policies and character of man.
The last five Psalms (146-150) are collectively known as the “Hallelujah Psalms” because they serve to bring into focus, the importance of our need to praise the Almighty GOD continually and eternally. They also represent to us, a brief lesson in worship that even the church of the twenty-first century can benefit greatly from.
To the great church leader and historian, Martin Luther, Psalm 146 takes on a special meaning. Luther often recalled how he was forced to rely on the rulers of the German government to stand up for the Protestant faith, during Reformation, until, after much soul-searching, he was able to realize that he didn’t need to rely on them for help at all, but rather, he only needed to rely on the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, WHOM he had always served.
The LORD stands as a source of light, in both, the physical, and, the spiritual sense. HIS help and justice extend to the lowest rungs on the social and economic ladder of life. HE demands justice and mercy for the disadvantaged, and HE judges those who oppress them. HE is more than able to keep us from falling over and over again, and then finally, HE can bring us into HIS OWN glorious presence in the end.
The phrase “Praise the LORD” begins and ends each one of the “Hallelujah Psalms”. Here in Psalm 146, the psalmist instructs us to put our trust in the LORD WHO is infinitely more powerful than any mere human, who has no ability or power, what-so-ever, to save us. When a man dies, all of his plans die with him, and so he cannot help a person beyond this life. When his spirit leaves his body, his body must return to the dust of the earth, never to be constructed again to its former state. Therefore, there can be no reason to praise a man, nor, can we count him divinely regal. Only GOD’s plan is eternal, prevailing, and unchanging.
In verses 7-9, we see depicted, the idea of the LORD’s faithfulness and commitment to those in need (all who believe). Here we see a laundry list of those who stand in need most in our society, and how GOD is faithful to take them under HIS wings; HE cares for those who are spiritually, physically, and emotionally oppressed, HE feeds the hungry, frees the captive, protects the foreigner, and secures the lives of the orphans and widows. And because HE is totally just, HE will lead the wicked away in frustration, and also, provide them with their just rewards.
No one can do what GOD does, and justly, no one can merit the praise that the Almighty GOD commands and deserves. The writer of this psalm clearly understood that GOD is not just a part of life, but rather, GOD is life. GOD delivers to us, life, breath, and strength, and so it becomes only fitting that we give HIM praise, all the day long!
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, July 27, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 29, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
RETURN TO JUSTICE
(We should represent the LORD in our judgments)
(2 Chronicles 19)
Scripture teaches us that the downfall of the Davidic line of Kings was that they showed a weakness of wanting to socialize with worldly leaders, who had dedicated themselves to the world, either by secret pledge, or, by way of their rebellious behavior towards, and, in the sight of, the Almighty GOD of their ancestors. Those kings, all had to eventually learn that, man can never hide his evil deeds from GOD, nor, can he avoid GOD’s judgment. Instead of running from GOD, one always needs to run to, the Almighty GOD, WHO sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do.
Even in today’s society, church leaders (pastors) who claim to be called by GOD to lead HIS church, spend a great deal of their time flying around the world, (some in private, or church owned jets) in two-thousand dollar suits, socializing with each other under the guise of doing the work of the LORD. They attend meaningless conferences, while having unGODly extramarital affairs, some practicing unGODly homosexual behavior, even involving themselves in child molestation, prostitution, pornography, and GOD knows what else. They seem to find it very difficult, or maybe boring to stay at home and attend to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their flocks. They would much rather live lavishly off the financial produce of the flock, sucking them dry, spiritually, physically, and emotionally, contributing yet another soul to their father in Hell, satan.
In 2 Chronicles 19, we get a glimpse into the life of Jehoshaphat, one of the many Davidic kings, who, fell victim to worldly socializing. His love of socializing led him to partner with the evil king Ahab, (who had became more worldly than the pagan kings that he socialized with) in his battle against Ramoth-gilead, a strategically located city that was frequently the scene of battles between Israel and Syria (2 Chronicles 18:28-34). He also arranged for his son to marry the daughter of Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1) and socialized with him on a regular basis, never attempting to turn him back toward the LORD, despite them both being a part of the chosen community of GOD.
In fact, Jehoshaphat was never really able to grasp the lesson from GOD, that, it is not good to socialize with those whom we are only commissioned to evangelize, and be a guiding light to, for GOD. As GOD’s people, we are called to help transform the hearts of those in the world, into something more pleasing to GOD. We are not called to try to make the world a better place to remain in, but rather, we are called to help transform the hearts of those in the world, by disciplining them, freeing them from the gravitational pull of the world’s way of thinking, into GOD’s way of thinking. We are not to conform to their ways and practices, and allow them to influence our behavior. Our judgments and decisions should be influenced only by the examples of CHRIST JESUS, and, by the laws of GOD, and in fact, we should represent GOD, literally, and, completely.
A GODly leader examines himself daily, looking for weaknesses and patterns of behavior that are contrary to the ways of GOD, and they must always be aware of their own vulnerabilities. Jehoshaphat’s close call with death, his salvation from it by the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:31-32), and, his subsequent encouragement from the prophet Jehu, caused him to rethink his direction in life, and he began to see his need to return to GOD’s justice. He went out and began preaching to the masses, encouraging them, to return to the LORD. He also appointed judges throughout the nation of Israel, in all of their fortified cities, and he instructed them to always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. They were to remember not to judge to please people, but rather, to please GOD. And he warned them that GOD does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.
Jehoshaphat also appointed the Levites and priests to serve as judges in matters that concerned, both, the law of the LORD and civil disputes. They were also to caution the people against sinning against the LORD, so that HIS anger would not come upon them at any time (2 Chronicles 19:4-11).
Sadly, however, Jehoshaphat’s would stumble again, because of his bad judgment, and insistence on socializing with a world that is contrary to GOD. His joint trading alliance with Ahab’s evil son, King Ahaziah, near the end of his life, reveals that he had once again dropped his books and forgot his lesson. And despite the warnings from GOD, through the prophet Eliezer, he would not turn from those forbidden dealings. His failure to recognize his socializing weaknesses, and protecting himself from them, caused further calamities in his reign as king over Judah. The LORD would later squash his unGODly alliance with Ahaziah, and destroy all of the ships that they built together, and their venture never got off the ground, before, or after his death (2 Chronicles 20:35-37).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 29, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
RETURN TO JUSTICE
(We should represent the LORD in our judgments)
(2 Chronicles 19)
Scripture teaches us that the downfall of the Davidic line of Kings was that they showed a weakness of wanting to socialize with worldly leaders, who had dedicated themselves to the world, either by secret pledge, or, by way of their rebellious behavior towards, and, in the sight of, the Almighty GOD of their ancestors. Those kings, all had to eventually learn that, man can never hide his evil deeds from GOD, nor, can he avoid GOD’s judgment. Instead of running from GOD, one always needs to run to, the Almighty GOD, WHO sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do.
Even in today’s society, church leaders (pastors) who claim to be called by GOD to lead HIS church, spend a great deal of their time flying around the world, (some in private, or church owned jets) in two-thousand dollar suits, socializing with each other under the guise of doing the work of the LORD. They attend meaningless conferences, while having unGODly extramarital affairs, some practicing unGODly homosexual behavior, even involving themselves in child molestation, prostitution, pornography, and GOD knows what else. They seem to find it very difficult, or maybe boring to stay at home and attend to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their flocks. They would much rather live lavishly off the financial produce of the flock, sucking them dry, spiritually, physically, and emotionally, contributing yet another soul to their father in Hell, satan.
In 2 Chronicles 19, we get a glimpse into the life of Jehoshaphat, one of the many Davidic kings, who, fell victim to worldly socializing. His love of socializing led him to partner with the evil king Ahab, (who had became more worldly than the pagan kings that he socialized with) in his battle against Ramoth-gilead, a strategically located city that was frequently the scene of battles between Israel and Syria (2 Chronicles 18:28-34). He also arranged for his son to marry the daughter of Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1) and socialized with him on a regular basis, never attempting to turn him back toward the LORD, despite them both being a part of the chosen community of GOD.
In fact, Jehoshaphat was never really able to grasp the lesson from GOD, that, it is not good to socialize with those whom we are only commissioned to evangelize, and be a guiding light to, for GOD. As GOD’s people, we are called to help transform the hearts of those in the world, into something more pleasing to GOD. We are not called to try to make the world a better place to remain in, but rather, we are called to help transform the hearts of those in the world, by disciplining them, freeing them from the gravitational pull of the world’s way of thinking, into GOD’s way of thinking. We are not to conform to their ways and practices, and allow them to influence our behavior. Our judgments and decisions should be influenced only by the examples of CHRIST JESUS, and, by the laws of GOD, and in fact, we should represent GOD, literally, and, completely.
A GODly leader examines himself daily, looking for weaknesses and patterns of behavior that are contrary to the ways of GOD, and they must always be aware of their own vulnerabilities. Jehoshaphat’s close call with death, his salvation from it by the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:31-32), and, his subsequent encouragement from the prophet Jehu, caused him to rethink his direction in life, and he began to see his need to return to GOD’s justice. He went out and began preaching to the masses, encouraging them, to return to the LORD. He also appointed judges throughout the nation of Israel, in all of their fortified cities, and he instructed them to always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. They were to remember not to judge to please people, but rather, to please GOD. And he warned them that GOD does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.
Jehoshaphat also appointed the Levites and priests to serve as judges in matters that concerned, both, the law of the LORD and civil disputes. They were also to caution the people against sinning against the LORD, so that HIS anger would not come upon them at any time (2 Chronicles 19:4-11).
Sadly, however, Jehoshaphat’s would stumble again, because of his bad judgment, and insistence on socializing with a world that is contrary to GOD. His joint trading alliance with Ahab’s evil son, King Ahaziah, near the end of his life, reveals that he had once again dropped his books and forgot his lesson. And despite the warnings from GOD, through the prophet Eliezer, he would not turn from those forbidden dealings. His failure to recognize his socializing weaknesses, and protecting himself from them, caused further calamities in his reign as king over Judah. The LORD would later squash his unGODly alliance with Ahaziah, and destroy all of the ships that they built together, and their venture never got off the ground, before, or after his death (2 Chronicles 20:35-37).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, July 20, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 22, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
(GOD’s justice reverses wrongdoing)
(2Kings 8:1-6)
2 Kings Chapter 4, verses 8-36, relates the story of a wealthy woman and her family (husband and miracle child) who befriended the prophet Elisha and his personal servant Gehazi, while they were doing missionary work in the town of Shunem. The woman had invited Elisha to dine with her and her husband while on one of their missions, and subsequently, she set up a permanent room on their roof for him to stay in, whenever he came to town.
One day when Elisha had returned to Shunem he sent his servant Gehazi to inquire of the woman what they could do for her in return for her continued hospitality and kindness. The woman declined to accept anything, saying that, “her family already takes good care of her”.
Later Elisha asked Gehazi “What did he think that they could do for the woman? He suggested that “the couple has no son, and her husband was an older man”. And so Elisha told Gehazi to call her back in. When she returned Elisha told her that, “This time next year you will be holding a son in your arms”. The lady protested in disbelief, but sure enough, she soon became pregnant and eventually bore a son, just as Elisha had told her. The son took sick, however, when he was a little older and died. Elisha, then, miraculously restored the child back to physical life, and returned him to his mother.
Here in 2 Kings 8:1-6, we meet up once again with this Shunemite woman and this time she is being warned by Elisha of a coming famine that will be brought upon Israel by GOD because of the apostasy in the land, and, that this famine would grip the nation for seven years. The woman’s husband had now died, and so, she had taken up the role as head of their household. The woman was obedient to the man of GOD, and she left her home and went to live in the land of the Philistines for next seven years.
This story serves to demonstrate the LORD’s ongoing care of this faithful woman who had cared for HIS servant Elisha with love and hospitality over the years. Here the Shunemite woman is being sent away for her own protection against the famine, and when she returns, GOD has already molded circumstances in her favor.
We see, for instance, in verses 4-5, which must have been before Gehazi is cursed by Elisha with leprosy because of his greed (2 Kings 5:20-27), that Gehazi is telling King Joram, an unGODly king, about the wonderful things that she had done for he and Elisha. King Joram is impressed by the story of Elisha raising the Shunemite woman’s son from the dead, and just as he is hearing this account, the Shunemite woman walks in to see the king, hoping to convince him to restore her land back to her, which had obviously been taken over by someone else in her absence.
After the king heard about her dilemma, he gladly ordered that her land be restored back to her, and, in addition, he also ordered that she be given back in value, an amount that would cover anything that the land had produced since she had been gone.
The perfect timing, or, divine providence of GOD, is clearly evident here in this passage. GOD, has clearly preserved the Shunemite woman by, first, removing her from the famine in her homeland, and then later, by restoring her back to financial security. And so, “GOD’s restorative justice” prevails once again, as it always does for those who believe.
The continuing story of the life of the Shunemite woman is strangely juxtapositioned here between accounts that relate to international affairs, probably because, her experience of having to leave her homeland foreshadows that of the nation of Israel, who would soon be exiled from the “Promised Land”, and then, later, be restored back in GOD’s own time. The kindness that the Shunemite woman showed towards the man of GOD, Elisha, years earlier, was returned by GOD, two, maybe threefold, and we see in this lovely story, GOD’s restorative justice at work in the life of a faithful believer.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 22, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
(GOD’s justice reverses wrongdoing)
(2Kings 8:1-6)
2 Kings Chapter 4, verses 8-36, relates the story of a wealthy woman and her family (husband and miracle child) who befriended the prophet Elisha and his personal servant Gehazi, while they were doing missionary work in the town of Shunem. The woman had invited Elisha to dine with her and her husband while on one of their missions, and subsequently, she set up a permanent room on their roof for him to stay in, whenever he came to town.
One day when Elisha had returned to Shunem he sent his servant Gehazi to inquire of the woman what they could do for her in return for her continued hospitality and kindness. The woman declined to accept anything, saying that, “her family already takes good care of her”.
Later Elisha asked Gehazi “What did he think that they could do for the woman? He suggested that “the couple has no son, and her husband was an older man”. And so Elisha told Gehazi to call her back in. When she returned Elisha told her that, “This time next year you will be holding a son in your arms”. The lady protested in disbelief, but sure enough, she soon became pregnant and eventually bore a son, just as Elisha had told her. The son took sick, however, when he was a little older and died. Elisha, then, miraculously restored the child back to physical life, and returned him to his mother.
Here in 2 Kings 8:1-6, we meet up once again with this Shunemite woman and this time she is being warned by Elisha of a coming famine that will be brought upon Israel by GOD because of the apostasy in the land, and, that this famine would grip the nation for seven years. The woman’s husband had now died, and so, she had taken up the role as head of their household. The woman was obedient to the man of GOD, and she left her home and went to live in the land of the Philistines for next seven years.
This story serves to demonstrate the LORD’s ongoing care of this faithful woman who had cared for HIS servant Elisha with love and hospitality over the years. Here the Shunemite woman is being sent away for her own protection against the famine, and when she returns, GOD has already molded circumstances in her favor.
We see, for instance, in verses 4-5, which must have been before Gehazi is cursed by Elisha with leprosy because of his greed (2 Kings 5:20-27), that Gehazi is telling King Joram, an unGODly king, about the wonderful things that she had done for he and Elisha. King Joram is impressed by the story of Elisha raising the Shunemite woman’s son from the dead, and just as he is hearing this account, the Shunemite woman walks in to see the king, hoping to convince him to restore her land back to her, which had obviously been taken over by someone else in her absence.
After the king heard about her dilemma, he gladly ordered that her land be restored back to her, and, in addition, he also ordered that she be given back in value, an amount that would cover anything that the land had produced since she had been gone.
The perfect timing, or, divine providence of GOD, is clearly evident here in this passage. GOD, has clearly preserved the Shunemite woman by, first, removing her from the famine in her homeland, and then later, by restoring her back to financial security. And so, “GOD’s restorative justice” prevails once again, as it always does for those who believe.
The continuing story of the life of the Shunemite woman is strangely juxtapositioned here between accounts that relate to international affairs, probably because, her experience of having to leave her homeland foreshadows that of the nation of Israel, who would soon be exiled from the “Promised Land”, and then, later, be restored back in GOD’s own time. The kindness that the Shunemite woman showed towards the man of GOD, Elisha, years earlier, was returned by GOD, two, maybe threefold, and we see in this lovely story, GOD’s restorative justice at work in the life of a faithful believer.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, July 13, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 15, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
WISDOM AND JUSTICE
(Wise leaders lead by GOD’s standard of justice)
(1 Kings 3)
The books of First and Second Kings covers a period of about 350 years, when the Davidic line of kings ruled over Israel. The book of first kings begins with the death of the GODly king, David, and the beginning of the reign of his son Solomon. It ends with the death of the evil king Ahab, and the beginning of the reign of his son Ahaziah.
In 1 Kings 3:3-15, with all old business out of the way, and the loose ends left by his father David now secure, a young Solomon begins to settle into his new position as king over Israel. He now turns his attention back to the ALMIGHTY GOD of Israel by sacrificing a mind boggling, one thousand burnt offerings to the LORD, on an altar away from the door of the tabernacle, at Gibeon, the most important of the “forbidden” High Places (see Leviticus 17:3-9).
That same night, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him that, whatever he asked, HE would grant it to him. Solomon then asked GOD for an understanding mind so that he could govern GOD’s people, and clearly understand, the difference between right and wrong. It was a remarkably small request from a young man, who had just been informed by GOD that he could have anything in the world that he asked for. GOD tells the young king that since he had only asked for wisdom, when he could have asked for long life, riches for himself, or, death to his enemies, that, HE would grant him more wisdom than any man has ever had, or ever will have. GOD also throws in, as a bonus, more riches and honor than any king in the world.
Solomon dedicated an unprecedented amount of sacrificial burnt offerings to the LORD, and GOD looked past his sacrificing error, discerned Solomon’s heart, and then, responded in overwhelming kindness to him with HIS blessings. Here GOD responded with three unconditional promises, and with one promise, that was of a conditional nature. Solomon was granted wisdom, riches, and honor, unconditionally. And GOD also granted him long life, but only under the condition that he remained as obedient to HIM, as his father David was.
We too are given unconditional blessings and promises, but we are also given those blessings and promises that remain conditional, and are based on our continued obedience to GOD. When our priorities are right, we can expect an increased amount of blessings from GOD, and, like Solomon, we should all pray for a discerning heart. It should be the priority and desire of every Christian that we be able to make the choices in life that are pleasing to GOD, and fair and beneficial, not just to ourselves, but also to our fellowman. Such desires of the heart can help keep us within GOD’s will, love, and wonderful abounding grace.
In verses 16-28 of this chapter we see Solomon putting his GOD-given wisdom to good use in the story of the two prostitutes who came to him to settle a dispute between them. In those days it was customary that a day be set aside every so often so that ordinary people could appear before the king seeking his judgment and advice in civil matters. It was also a practice that his father David had adhered to.
The two women in this account probably lived together in a brothel, where they both became pregnant around the same time. Abortions and contraception weren’t in common practice in those days, and so one could imagine that there were probably a high number of children that were born out of this sinful occupation. Also, like one of the prostitutes seen here, who had no problem with Solomon killing the child in dispute, there were probably many in this profession who did not necessarily endear themselves to the children that they bore. However, many still held to the Jewish belief that, in the birth of every child, there are three parents; the father, the mother, and the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. They steadfastly believed that no child could be born without the approval of the SPIRIT, and so they respected the miracle of childbirth, period. And so the love and joy for the birth of the baby belonging to the other prostitute in this story is very apparent.
Here in this account, one woman had accidentally rolled on her baby boy and killed him while they were both asleep. Upon discovering his lifeless body she took it and laid it next to other woman while she slept, and took her son, who was sleeping beside her, and placed him in her own bed, with her, until morning.
When the morning came, however, the other woman noticed that the child in her bed was not hers, but rather, was the, now dead, son of her roommate. Since there were no independent witnesses to the birth of the babies, or, to the death of the one, this case could not be tried in court, in the traditional way.
When this dilemma was brought to Solomon, he knew that he could not depend on their verbal testimonies, and so he, very wisely, moved pass the words of their lips, and instead, devised a way to discern the two women’ hearts. He suggested that they divide the baby in half, and give one half to each woman. Sadly, the envious woman, who had been lying all along, didn’t have a problem with killing the baby, because she knew the boy wasn’t really hers anyway. Besides, she had shown no remorse even in her own son’s death, and so one couldn’t expect her to care about someone else’s child.
However, the true mother, fearing her son’s demise, hurriedly suggested that Solomon not kill the child, and she pleaded with him to give the child to the dishonest woman instead. Here Solomon was able to expose the hearts of both women, and as a result, he was able to wisely return the child to its true mother.
Word of Solomon’s wisdom spread quickly throughout the land, and scripture tells us that the queen of Sheba was so impressed by his wisdom that she came to see for herself, and she brought with her, a gift for King Solomon that included a staggering fortune of 9000 pounds of gold among other gifts, and King Solomon responded to her in kind (2 Chronicles 9:1-12). And so I guess, employing GOD’s wisdom in one’s leadership really does pay off quite handsomely.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 15, 2012
Over 31,000 readers worldwide
WISDOM AND JUSTICE
(Wise leaders lead by GOD’s standard of justice)
(1 Kings 3)
The books of First and Second Kings covers a period of about 350 years, when the Davidic line of kings ruled over Israel. The book of first kings begins with the death of the GODly king, David, and the beginning of the reign of his son Solomon. It ends with the death of the evil king Ahab, and the beginning of the reign of his son Ahaziah.
In 1 Kings 3:3-15, with all old business out of the way, and the loose ends left by his father David now secure, a young Solomon begins to settle into his new position as king over Israel. He now turns his attention back to the ALMIGHTY GOD of Israel by sacrificing a mind boggling, one thousand burnt offerings to the LORD, on an altar away from the door of the tabernacle, at Gibeon, the most important of the “forbidden” High Places (see Leviticus 17:3-9).
That same night, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him that, whatever he asked, HE would grant it to him. Solomon then asked GOD for an understanding mind so that he could govern GOD’s people, and clearly understand, the difference between right and wrong. It was a remarkably small request from a young man, who had just been informed by GOD that he could have anything in the world that he asked for. GOD tells the young king that since he had only asked for wisdom, when he could have asked for long life, riches for himself, or, death to his enemies, that, HE would grant him more wisdom than any man has ever had, or ever will have. GOD also throws in, as a bonus, more riches and honor than any king in the world.
Solomon dedicated an unprecedented amount of sacrificial burnt offerings to the LORD, and GOD looked past his sacrificing error, discerned Solomon’s heart, and then, responded in overwhelming kindness to him with HIS blessings. Here GOD responded with three unconditional promises, and with one promise, that was of a conditional nature. Solomon was granted wisdom, riches, and honor, unconditionally. And GOD also granted him long life, but only under the condition that he remained as obedient to HIM, as his father David was.
We too are given unconditional blessings and promises, but we are also given those blessings and promises that remain conditional, and are based on our continued obedience to GOD. When our priorities are right, we can expect an increased amount of blessings from GOD, and, like Solomon, we should all pray for a discerning heart. It should be the priority and desire of every Christian that we be able to make the choices in life that are pleasing to GOD, and fair and beneficial, not just to ourselves, but also to our fellowman. Such desires of the heart can help keep us within GOD’s will, love, and wonderful abounding grace.
In verses 16-28 of this chapter we see Solomon putting his GOD-given wisdom to good use in the story of the two prostitutes who came to him to settle a dispute between them. In those days it was customary that a day be set aside every so often so that ordinary people could appear before the king seeking his judgment and advice in civil matters. It was also a practice that his father David had adhered to.
The two women in this account probably lived together in a brothel, where they both became pregnant around the same time. Abortions and contraception weren’t in common practice in those days, and so one could imagine that there were probably a high number of children that were born out of this sinful occupation. Also, like one of the prostitutes seen here, who had no problem with Solomon killing the child in dispute, there were probably many in this profession who did not necessarily endear themselves to the children that they bore. However, many still held to the Jewish belief that, in the birth of every child, there are three parents; the father, the mother, and the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. They steadfastly believed that no child could be born without the approval of the SPIRIT, and so they respected the miracle of childbirth, period. And so the love and joy for the birth of the baby belonging to the other prostitute in this story is very apparent.
Here in this account, one woman had accidentally rolled on her baby boy and killed him while they were both asleep. Upon discovering his lifeless body she took it and laid it next to other woman while she slept, and took her son, who was sleeping beside her, and placed him in her own bed, with her, until morning.
When the morning came, however, the other woman noticed that the child in her bed was not hers, but rather, was the, now dead, son of her roommate. Since there were no independent witnesses to the birth of the babies, or, to the death of the one, this case could not be tried in court, in the traditional way.
When this dilemma was brought to Solomon, he knew that he could not depend on their verbal testimonies, and so he, very wisely, moved pass the words of their lips, and instead, devised a way to discern the two women’ hearts. He suggested that they divide the baby in half, and give one half to each woman. Sadly, the envious woman, who had been lying all along, didn’t have a problem with killing the baby, because she knew the boy wasn’t really hers anyway. Besides, she had shown no remorse even in her own son’s death, and so one couldn’t expect her to care about someone else’s child.
However, the true mother, fearing her son’s demise, hurriedly suggested that Solomon not kill the child, and she pleaded with him to give the child to the dishonest woman instead. Here Solomon was able to expose the hearts of both women, and as a result, he was able to wisely return the child to its true mother.
Word of Solomon’s wisdom spread quickly throughout the land, and scripture tells us that the queen of Sheba was so impressed by his wisdom that she came to see for herself, and she brought with her, a gift for King Solomon that included a staggering fortune of 9000 pounds of gold among other gifts, and King Solomon responded to her in kind (2 Chronicles 9:1-12). And so I guess, employing GOD’s wisdom in one’s leadership really does pay off quite handsomely.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
Friday, July 6, 2012
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 8, 2012
Over 30,000 readers worldwide
TRUE TO THE END
(Those who lead in righteousness bring GOD’s security)
(2 Samuel 23:1-7)
The passage of Second Samuel 23, verses 1-7 is commonly considered to be David’s “last words”, but, in reality, they are actually his last recorded “HOLY SPIRIT inspired words”. Here we see a psalm that was probably written to his son, Solomon, during the final days of David’s life. It is not one of the psalms found in the collection of the 73 other known psalms that are accredited to him in the Psalter. In fact, this, his final known literary effort, can only be found here in this passage of Scripture.
Theologically, this oracle by David peers into the future, looking forward to a time when good will finally triumph over evil, and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant will be realized through the MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST. However, the overriding theme of this psalm is geared toward GODly leadership, and so it becomes just as important for leaders in this twenty-first century to hear, as it may have been for King Solomon to hear, back in the tenth century B.C.
David may not have been a sinless man, but he readily asserts that GOD has blessed him throughout his life. As the youngest son of his father, Jesse, David had been chosen and anointed by GOD to be king over Israel as a teenager, while he still shepherded his father’s sheep. It would actually be another fifteen years before he was officially crowned as the second king of his people, Israel. The LORD also gifted him with the ability to play and compose music, and he became a favorite in Israel for many years.
In verse 2 of this passage, David affirms that he was aware that the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD spoke through him to the nation of Israel. He believed that this led him to be a righteous leader, throughout his reign as king. He even asserted that “a king who rules as an agent of GOD is like the brilliance of sunshine on a cloudless morning, and like a clear day after the rain”. This is perhaps one of the best arguments in scripture that the bible is truly the inspired word of GOD, and the LORD’s great message to man. The Scriptures are SPIRIT-led so that man might have a reliable and relevant source to call upon for directions, when and before, all else fails.
David continued to marvel, throughout his lifetime, about the privilege he felt that GOD had chosen him to be king, and to also lead HIS people, fight HIS battles, and even, to write HIS words on the hearts of men forever. GOD had also equipped him to know, and desire to obey, HIS written word.
Yes, David loved and enjoyed “the privileges of leadership” for the most part, but he was also willing to shoulder the burden and “responsibility of leadership” that came with it. He never lost sight of the fact that “responsibility is always the obverse of privilege”, a divine concept that most of his fellow Israelites either frequently forgot, or failed to ever grasp at all, in their lifetimes as “GOD’s Chosen People”. They were supposed to be a shining representation of GOD here on earth, or, in more popular terms, they were set apart by GOD to be, “A Light to the World”.
GOD revealed to David the importance of the task that he had been assigned to do, and that, among GOD’s people, the king was to rule with justice. A king of Israel was never to operate outside the Will of GOD, and they were never themselves, above GOD’s Law. They were to always lead the people according to GOD’s standards, and not their own. And although they wielded a huge amount of authority, they were to always exercise that authority with humbleness and submission to the divine authority of GOD.
A GODly leader is one who seeks to provide an atmosphere in which GOD’s people can flourish and live right under GOD, fulfilling their purpose in life, to, and for, GOD. Without righteousness and a healthy fear of the LORD, a leader becomes a “dictator” who can only end up abusing GOD’s people.
A GODly leader has to be a man who can serve, as well as a servant who can lead, and David, was just such a person. And like all the other great leaders under GOD, who came before and after him, he learned how to lead GOD’s people, GOD’s way. And despite the sins that he committed that have now become so infamous in his legacy, he can still be looked upon by Christians, and non-Christians alike, as one of the greatest leaders in any era of world history.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 8, 2012
Over 30,000 readers worldwide
TRUE TO THE END
(Those who lead in righteousness bring GOD’s security)
(2 Samuel 23:1-7)
The passage of Second Samuel 23, verses 1-7 is commonly considered to be David’s “last words”, but, in reality, they are actually his last recorded “HOLY SPIRIT inspired words”. Here we see a psalm that was probably written to his son, Solomon, during the final days of David’s life. It is not one of the psalms found in the collection of the 73 other known psalms that are accredited to him in the Psalter. In fact, this, his final known literary effort, can only be found here in this passage of Scripture.
Theologically, this oracle by David peers into the future, looking forward to a time when good will finally triumph over evil, and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant will be realized through the MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST. However, the overriding theme of this psalm is geared toward GODly leadership, and so it becomes just as important for leaders in this twenty-first century to hear, as it may have been for King Solomon to hear, back in the tenth century B.C.
David may not have been a sinless man, but he readily asserts that GOD has blessed him throughout his life. As the youngest son of his father, Jesse, David had been chosen and anointed by GOD to be king over Israel as a teenager, while he still shepherded his father’s sheep. It would actually be another fifteen years before he was officially crowned as the second king of his people, Israel. The LORD also gifted him with the ability to play and compose music, and he became a favorite in Israel for many years.
In verse 2 of this passage, David affirms that he was aware that the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD spoke through him to the nation of Israel. He believed that this led him to be a righteous leader, throughout his reign as king. He even asserted that “a king who rules as an agent of GOD is like the brilliance of sunshine on a cloudless morning, and like a clear day after the rain”. This is perhaps one of the best arguments in scripture that the bible is truly the inspired word of GOD, and the LORD’s great message to man. The Scriptures are SPIRIT-led so that man might have a reliable and relevant source to call upon for directions, when and before, all else fails.
David continued to marvel, throughout his lifetime, about the privilege he felt that GOD had chosen him to be king, and to also lead HIS people, fight HIS battles, and even, to write HIS words on the hearts of men forever. GOD had also equipped him to know, and desire to obey, HIS written word.
Yes, David loved and enjoyed “the privileges of leadership” for the most part, but he was also willing to shoulder the burden and “responsibility of leadership” that came with it. He never lost sight of the fact that “responsibility is always the obverse of privilege”, a divine concept that most of his fellow Israelites either frequently forgot, or failed to ever grasp at all, in their lifetimes as “GOD’s Chosen People”. They were supposed to be a shining representation of GOD here on earth, or, in more popular terms, they were set apart by GOD to be, “A Light to the World”.
GOD revealed to David the importance of the task that he had been assigned to do, and that, among GOD’s people, the king was to rule with justice. A king of Israel was never to operate outside the Will of GOD, and they were never themselves, above GOD’s Law. They were to always lead the people according to GOD’s standards, and not their own. And although they wielded a huge amount of authority, they were to always exercise that authority with humbleness and submission to the divine authority of GOD.
A GODly leader is one who seeks to provide an atmosphere in which GOD’s people can flourish and live right under GOD, fulfilling their purpose in life, to, and for, GOD. Without righteousness and a healthy fear of the LORD, a leader becomes a “dictator” who can only end up abusing GOD’s people.
A GODly leader has to be a man who can serve, as well as a servant who can lead, and David, was just such a person. And like all the other great leaders under GOD, who came before and after him, he learned how to lead GOD’s people, GOD’s way. And despite the sins that he committed that have now become so infamous in his legacy, he can still be looked upon by Christians, and non-Christians alike, as one of the greatest leaders in any era of world history.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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