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LESSON 458

 

MOSES RECOUNTS ISRAEL’S EXPERIENCES

MEMORY VERSE: “Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

 

TEXT: Deuteronomy 3:1-29

 

At the end of the previous chapter, Moses rehearsed Israel’s conquest of the land of the Amorites, towards the eastern side of Jordan. They defeated Sihon the king of Heshbon and took all his land but spared the Ammonites as God directed them. In our text, he continued his historical prologue by reviewing the defeat of Og, king of Bashan. He also recalled how the land east of Jordan was shared; he made a touching remark on his own exclusion from the land of promise also.

    The primary reason Moses recounted these experiences was to instill faith and obedience in the hearts of the children of Israel, majority of whom as at the time of the events were either not yet born or were too young to comprehend divine workings among them. So, it was not a matter of repeating history for its sake, but to point out to the new generation that God who helped them to defeat powerful nations and gave them their lands would still be able to help them conquer the land beyond Jordan. All they needed was faith in God, obedience to His commands and courage.

 

THE DEFEAT OF OG, KING OF BASHAN (Deuteronomy 3:1-11; Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 31:3-6; Psalm 135:10-12; 136:17-22).

 

    After the defeat of Sihon, king of Heshbon, Israel had to confront Og the king of Bashan. He also was an Amorite and his army was reputed for great exploits in battle. They were well-organized and dreaded by the surrounding  nations. Og was a descendant of the giants. Many of the cities in his kingdom were fenced with high walls, gates and bars. As an indication of his terrifying size, his bedstead was said to be more than thirteen feet (four metres) long, and six feet (almost two metres) wide. The physical appearance of Og and his people could make the children of Israel quake, so God had to encourage them that He would deliver him into their hands and they would do to him as they had done to Sihon.

    It was usual for God to tell His people “fear not” whenever they are faced with a difficult opposition. Though the enemy may appear stronger, invincible and better equipped, God’s people need not fear because the Lord God Himself is with them to fight their battles. And no enemy, however powerful, can withstand God. He said to His people: “when thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them; for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt…” (Deuteronomy 20:1). The priest shall also speak to the army of Israel “and shall say unto them… let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:1,3,4). As a matter of fact, the enemies of Israel were already afraid of them because God had earlier promised to make them tremble before Israel (Exodus 15:14-16; Deuteronomy 2:25). Therefore, it would be sheer  ignorance to fear those who were already afraid of them.

 

Question 1: Why should believers not be afraid of serious challenges of life?

                    At different times we are faced with difficulties which may seem to be beyond our natural strength. It may be spiritual or physical but whatever it is, God’s word is “fear not”. Fear is produced by a sense of danger or trouble. It can kill or damage a person’s physical body and affect his personality as well. In most cases, fear disorganizes the thought processes, paralyzes and immobilizes the limbs, and impedes urgent, intelligent response to emergencies. Fear can keep a person from evangelizing or from using God’s power to solve life’s problems; and unfortunately, most times, our fears are often unfounded.

 

 

there is none. But as believers, we must learn to conquer our fear by putting our faith in God and in His promises. On the other hand, faith is a settled assurance that God will fulfill His promises and help us at the right time. He said, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the furry of the oppressor?” (Isaiah 51:12,13).

    Another reason believers must not fear is because God is with us in every crisis of life. No matter the challenge we face, He is with us to help, guide and protect.  Therefore, like the psalmist, we should be confident and confess that, “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”; and, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help, and that right early” (Psalm 27:1; 46:1,2,5).

    Despite the fact that Og and his kingdom posed a formidable obstacle to Israel, God delivered them into their hands and gave Israel a spectacular victory. As believers, we should always remember that the battle is the Lord’s and He will deliver the enemy into our hands if we obey Him.

 

THE DIVISION OF THE LAND ON THE EAST OF JORDAN (Deuteronomy 3:12-20; Numbers 32:1-5, 16-33; Joshua 13:15-20, 24-28; 22:1-9).

 

    With the defeat of Sihon and Og the kings of the Amorites, the children of Israel secured the land on the east of Jordan. Then Moses recalled how the land was distributed to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh according to their request because of their livestock. Though granted, the request was with a proviso that these tribes would not settle in their inheritance until they had assisted others to secure theirs.

Question 2: What lessons can we learn from the arrangement to urge the two and a half tribes of Israel to go over Jordan to help other tribes secure their inheritance?

 

 

    Through the directive, Moses wanted them to be selfless and considerate in their dealings with others. He did not expect them to feel unconcerned about the conquest of the land beyond Jordan simply because they had already received their own inheritance. In the same way, believers should not think of their own welfare alone because there are no challenges presently. Second, there is need to support and cooperate with one another as we fight the battles of life. We must unite to confront the hordes of darkness. Third, we have a responsibility to help others in every way we can so that they can succeed as we do. Fourth, believers should be willing to go the extra mile to avoid being a stumbling block to others. The two and a half tribes had to prove that they were not exploiters and opportunists who only took advantage of the labour of the entire congregation to secure their own inheritance, while abandoning others to their own fate.

    Fifth, the arrangement challenges believers to be ready to sacrifice in helping others. These two and a half tribes would need to sacrifice fellowship with their families until other tribes secured their land. 

    It is worthy of note that in recounting the giving of the land east of Jordan to the two and a half tribes, Moses did not refer to the misunderstanding of intentions that characterized the event when it happened (Numbers 32:16-33). Instead, he said, “And this land, which was possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto Reubenites, and to the Gadites, And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh” (Deuteronomy 3:12,13a). “And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it” (verse 18). The implication of all this is very clear: Moses would not call to mind matters that had been settled which would add no value to the goal of his message. As far as he was concerned, there was no need to trade blames over past issues. Moreover, since  God allowed the two and a half tribes to be given the land in question, it could be rightly said that He had given them the land to possess it.  

  

DIVINE PUNISHMENT AGAINST MOSES (Deuteronomy 3:21-29; 1:37,38; 4:21,22; Numbers 20:11-13; 27:12-14; Psalm 106:32,33).

 

    After recounting his directive to the two and a half tribes, Moses seemed to turn to his successor admonishing him to be of good courage and execute God’s project of delivering the land into their hands.

    Then he remembered how God turned down his plea to be allowed to cross over Jordan into Canaan; how he was told not to pray anymore about the matter because it was fait accompli. Instead, he was to transfer the mantle of leadership to Joshua and encourage him to lead the people into their possession. Moses obeyed without further argument and charged Joshua not to fear but remember what the Lord had done to the two kings. He reminded him of the past victories which God had given to Israel as a strong basis to trust Him for future victories. “Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). In effect, he pointed Joshua to the promises of God as well as the testimonies of what He had done for Israel.

    Moses’ failure to enter Canaan is very instructive for all believers. One, he spoke unadvisedly because the people provoked him (Psalm 106:32,33). In anger, he struck the Rock when he should have spoken to it (Numbers 20:7-13). We should beware lest other people’s actions lead us to sin. Two, when Israel sinned Moses interceded on their behalf, and God heard him (Exodus 32:7-14, 30-32). However, when he sinned, there was no one to intercede for him. Members of the church should pray for their leaders always. Paul the apostle was always requesting that the churches pray for him (Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18,19; I Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2; Hebrews 13:18,19).

          Three, when Moses prayed for himself, his request was denied, though he was importunate, reasonable and God-honouring. We must reckon with God’s overruling will, sovereignty and His justice when we pray and be willing to submit to Him.

    Four, it is obvious that God is no respecter of persons. Though Moses was greatly beloved and intimate with God, he was not spared when he sinned. No matter an individual’s rank in the church, God will not spare when sin is found. Five, sin prevented him from reaching the final goal of his ministry despite his labour and great sacrifice.

    The case of Moses remained a serious warning to succeeding generations that though God is plenteous in mercy, He is also fearful in judgment. But if we remain in Christ and hold on to Him till the end, we shall surely succeed in life and ministry.

 

Question 3: Explain how believers can avoid Moses’ mistake.

 

    In spite of the failure of Moses to enter Canaan, his life of practical holiness and openness is exemplary. He was not ashamed to admit openly that he made a mistake and that God rejected his prayer. Many people are too conscious of their own reputation and esteem before men that they can never openly admit their fault. They prefer to share their positive exploits and the good side of their lives.

    Like Moses, there should be no shame in openly admitting that we have been chastened for our mistake and carelessness. Besides his openness, Moses did not complain because God denied his request; rather, he was ready to confirm Joshua as Israel’s new leader.

 

Question 4: What is the evidence that Moses got to heaven, though he did not enter Canaan?

                   On His part, God re-assured Moses that despite the denial, he would not be a cast away. God, in mercy, allowed him to climb to the top of Pisgah to view the Promised Land. And he saw it, even before the Israelites who would later possess it. Much more than that, Moses got to heaven. He had the honour of appearing with Jesus at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-4). We should realize that the chief end of all spiritual experience is to get to heaven at last. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11).

THE DAY OF THE LORD

Amos 5:18-27; Joel 2:1-2; Zeph.1:14-18; Mal.4:1-6; Mat.24:1-31; Rev.6:1-17

The day of the Lord is the end of History as we know it. That Day is not going to be one single 24 hour day. It is a season of judgments and punishments and purifications and restoration of all things.  (Revelation 1:10) is not referring to Sunday as some people believe. Sunday was called the first day of the week, not the Lord’s Day (John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7). The character of this day of the Lord has been attested to by prophets of old. Many in Israel understood it as a day of restoration, a time when they would have victory over their enemies.  It was linked to their expectation of the Messiah. But Zephaniah called it a day of darkness and gloominess. Jeremiah referred to  as the Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble (Jer.30:17). But it will not be Jacob’s trouble only, it will be a day of world-wide judgement. Unbelieving men and women and children will face the wrath of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the end God will restore all things and make all things new.

The Imminence of The Day

Like A Thief in The Night (1Peter 3-18; Mat.24:42-46; Mark 13:35-37)

Near Even At The Doors (Mat.24:33)

Signs To Watch Out For (Mat.24:32-33)

As In The Days Of Noah (Mat.24:36-39)

The Coming of the Day of the Lord (Christ) is imminent. That means He can come at any time and we do not know the time He would come. We do not know the actual time, but we are encouraged by the \lord to watch out for tale tell signs.

A Thief does not warn the house owner when he would come. It is the house owner’s responsibility to watch

The day of Noah was used to characterise the future Day Of The Lord. People in Noah’s day had corrupted themselves beyond belief. But they continued their normal life, oblivious of God’s judgement. And when it came it took them by surprise. That is how the Day of the Lord is going to be. As it is today, men are heedlessly rushing into sin. God is not in their agenda. It is all about sinful pleasure, power, authority and wealth. Since they have rejected Christ, that day will take them by surprise.

 

Character Of The Day

Amos 5:18-27; Joel 2:1-2; Zeph.1:14-18; Mal.4:1-6; Math.24:1-31; Rev.6:1-17

Day O Judgment

Day Of Terror

Day Of Blackness and Darkness

Day Of Multiplied Trouble

The prophet Zephaniah gave a graphic description of the day of the Lord: Day of  Wrath; Day of Trouble; Day of Distress; Day of Wasteness,; Day of Desolation; Day of  Darkness; Day of Gloominess; Day of Clouds; Day of Thick Darkness (Zeph.1:14-18).

(Amos 5:18-20): A day of Darkness and not light – as if a man fled from a lion , and a bear met him; or He went into the house and learned on the wall (panting for breath after fleeing form two ruthless killers), and a serpent bit him

Malachi said it was a day that shall burn like oven (Mal.4:1)

(Rev. 6:14-17): world leaders will pray to the mountains to fall upon them! They would suddenly discover that the Christ they have rejected is their Judge, and He will not show mercy. Why? They rejected His mercy offer for more than 2000 years. They will show no sign of repentance!

In Mat.24 Jesus clearly revealed what will happen on that day:

Call To Repentance

The Opening Call Of Christ (Mat. 3:1-10; Mat.4:7; 9:13; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; 13:2-5)

God Not Willing That Any Should Perish (2Pet.9-10)

Seek Justice and Righteousness (Amos 5:24)

Rend Your Hearts (Joel 2:12-18)

Jesus began his ministry by calling people to repentance. Today the world is still being called to repentance. If they repent, who know the \lord might send a great revival in their souls and save them from the Day of His wrath. God also calling us to repentance today. The Day of the Lord is coming.  If God did not spare His Son in order that He might save sinners, Sinners will not be spared if they do not repent and believe in Jesus for their salvation. Repentance means turning around. Stopping the sinful things you used to do and doing what is right in the sight of God according to Scriptures. Repentance must come from the heart, not just external. It is what has happened inside of you that will affect your external self. So as Joel says, “Rend your hearts and not your garments” (Ron.3:23; 6:23; Ezek.18:4; Rom.10:9-10; 5:8). God has not appointed His Children to wrath (1Thes.5:1-11).

 

Restoration Of Creation

Behold I Make All Things New

(Rev. 21:5)

The Purpose of God in all this is to renew His creation and restore it as beautiful as it was from the beginning! We shall be part of it.

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LESSON 457

JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS

 

MEMORY VERSE: “For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7).

TEXT: Deuteronomy 2:1-37

n the previous chapter, Moses began   to rehearse the history of the children of Israel to the new generation just before they entered Canaan. His purpose for this historical recall was to lead them into a fresh covenant with God and to challenge them to be faithful and obedient to Him when they eventually settle in the land. In our text, he continued the rehearsal with particular focus on their wilderness wanderings and years of divine chastisement. The entire story shines with gracious display of God’s condescension, unfailing love, longsuffering, mercy and goodness, even while chastising His people. Though Israel was under chastisement, God did not totally withdraw His presence and guidance from them. He provided for their needs and protected them in the wilderness.

 

Question 1: Mention some attributes of God that could be seen in the way He led Israel through the wilderness.

 

 

REVIEW OF ISRAEL’S JOURNEY FROM KADESH TO MOUNT SEIR (Deuteronomy 2:1-8; 1:4; Numbers 14:25; 20:14-21; Joshua 24:4).

 

    As a result of Israel’s rebellion at Kadesh-barnea, God told them to turn back to the direction of the Red sea. They were to wander in the wilderness until that  generation, which rebelled against God, were totally destroyed  (Numbers 14:33). Then, in obedience to God’s command, Moses led the entire congregation, including Caleb and Joshua back into the wilderness.

 

Question 2: What led to the wandering of the children of Israel in the wilderness?

 

    At the heart of Israel’s travail in the wilderness is unbelief coupled with deliberate rebellion against God. This attitude made their journey difficult and unduly prolonged; Moses, Caleb, Joshua and an untold number of innocent children who did not take part in their rebellion also suffered unnecessarily. Two, they complained and murmured against Moses and God. Yet Moses identified with them in their failure. The Lord also guided and directed their movement even during chastisement. God determined their path and how long they were to stay in a particular location (verse 3). This display of divine mercy was intended to teach the new generation of Israel, and indeed all mankind, the true nature of God’s love, and to encourage them to respond to Him with gratitude and worship. It should also encourage those who have sinned to quickly repent and forsake their sin. This is because the riches of God’s goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are intended to lead sinners to repentance (Romans 2:4).

    When Israel turned from Kadesh, they journeyed back to mount Seir where the descendants of Esau lived. And God commanded them not to meddle with them because He would not give them their land which He had given to the descendants of Esau. This teaches us that God has set the bounds for our habitation; therefore, we must respect boundaries (Acts 17:26) and recognize the rights and properties of others. Two, we must avoid unnecessary conflict, but relate peaceably with our neighbours (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17). Israel and Edom were blood brothers, and their descendants were expected to maintain a brotherly relationship.

    Three, God keeps His promises to all men. Even though the descendants of Esau in mount Seir were not Israelites yet God kept His promise to give them the land (Genesis 36:8; Deuteronomy 2:5). If God could keep His promise even to those who did not have covenant relationship with Him, how much more will He fulfill His promises to us who have covenant relationship with Him through Christ.  Four, by preventing Israel from taking the land of the Edomites, God also preserved them from the temptation to settle down outside the land of promise just as they did  with the Amorites, east of Jordan (Numbers 32:1-5).

    As part of their peaceful overture to Edom, God commanded Israel to buy food or water from their territory.  He gave the command to encourage Edom to accept Israel’s offer of peaceful passage. Unfortunately, the Edomites rejected Israel’s offer and as such, they had to take another route round the land of Edom (Numbers 20:14-21).   

 

Question 3: Enumerate why God forbade Israel from meddling with the descendants of Esau and the lessons for believers.

 

 

REHEARSAL OF ISRAEL’S PASSAGE THROUGH MOAB AND AMMON (Deuteronomy 2:9-23; Genesis 19:36,37; Numbers 21:10-20; 14:29-35; 26:64,65; 2 Chronicles 20:10-12; 1 Corinthians 10:5).

 

    After leaving the territory of the Edomites, the children of Israel came to the lands of Moab and Ammon, both descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36,37). Again, God commanded them not to distress the Moabites or contend with them in battle because He had already given the land of Moab, also known as Ar, to the descendants of Lot for a possession. Similarly, they were not allowed to distress the children of Ammon or meddle with them because their land would not be given to Israel (Deuteronomy 2:9,19).

    For the same reasons of not wanting to renege on His earlier promise to Lot and his descendants, God disallowed Israel from possessing their lands. Moreover, the land of promise, flowing with milk and honey, to which Israel has been called is far better than what they would have should they settle down elsewhere. Believers need to know that God will always work for and give them the best. He will not give us anything short of His perfect will and purpose. We should therefore not settle for His second best even if what is presented to us looks like it. The treasures of this world are fleeting and should be held with loose hands.  True wisdom demands that we should not set our hearts   at anytime.

 

Question 4:  In what ways did God manifest His goodness and severity in dealing with Israel in the wilderness?

 

    As Israel went on in their journey through the wilderness, God continued to give them physical provision and guidance. But the generation of men of war that rebelled against Him were destroyed from the congregation “for indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed” (Deuteronomy 2:15). Here we see both the goodness and severity of God, the interplay of His mercy and His judgment. In mercy He cared for them and preserved them, but in judgment He overthrew those who believed not. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Romans 11:22). In the Old Testament God revealed Himself as “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6,7). This warns us then not to take the goodness of God for granted. As believers, we must not toy with sin in any form, otherwise God’s mercy will give way to His judgment.

 

RECORD OF ISRAEL’S CONQUEST OVER THE KINGDOM OF SIHON (Deuteronomy 2:24-37; 20:10-18; Numbers 21:21-31)

 

    After Israel had passed through the lands of Moab and Ammon, they crossed into the land of Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon and God specifically told them to contend with him in battle and take his land. The reason God told Israel to contend with him and possess his land should be very obvious: the iniquity of the Amorites was now full (Genesis 15:16) and Israel happened to be God’s instrument of judgment against them.

 

Here we see God’s longsuffering and patience at work. He gives individuals or nations opportunity to repent and amend their ways because a day of reckoning lies ahead. Before now He had given the Amorites opportunity to turn from wickedness saying that their cup of iniquity was not yet full. That God now wants to overthrow their kingdom is a proof that they had refused to turn to God. We learn therefore that no matter how long wickedness had thrived, God will surely bring it to judgment. Moreover, the lands of Edom, Moab and Ammon, which were spared for the time being, were greatly distressed and subdued by the kings of Israel when they violated the principles of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence on which their security depended (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:11,12; 2 Chronicles 20:1-27). These nations are also among those that would be possessed by Israel in due time in the future (Psalm 60:6-9; Isaiah 11:14; 63:1-5; Jeremiah 48:47; Amos 9:12).

    Therefore, it was not a case of partiality with God to have ordered that the Amorites be defeated in battle. Even to Israel, He warned them not to fall into the same judgment. “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: that the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you” (Leviticus 18:24-26,28). This shows there are no sacred cows with God. If a believer backslides and commits the sins that the unregenerate commits, he or she would suffer the same fate, except he repents. There is no guarantee of God’s favour upon a sinner except he or she repents and comes back to God.  

 

Question 5: Why was it necessary for the Israelites to offer Sihon a proposal of peace since God had already told them to contend with him in battle?

 

          God said to Israel, “behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle”

Deuteronomy 2:24). Though God said He had given Sihon into the hand of Israel, Moses still sent messengers to him requesting peaceful passage through his land. They decided to offer Sihon a proposal of peace lest they be seen as the aggressors; and so that he (Sihon) could prove himself deserving of Israel’s military assault against his land. This approach, whereby a city was offered terms of peace before an assault, was actually God’s idea and standard for Israel (Deuteronomy 20:10-12). It was evidence that peaceful settlement of controversies should be preferred to war, and believers should be predisposed to making peace.

          Unfortunately, Sihon rejected Israel’s terms of peace. His heart was hardened, just as Pharaoh’s because the day of his judgment had come. He mobilized his army to attack Israel but he was roundly defeated and his land was taken. So, with the defeat of Sihon, Israel began the conquest of the lands near the Promised Land towards the end of their fortieth year after leaving Egypt. In the defeat of Sihon the king of Heshbon, we see the danger of pride and hardness of heart against God. Of a truth, “only by pride cometh contention” and “pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 13:10a; 16:18). To avoid eternal destruction, sinners and backsliders must humble themselves and repent before God; otherwise, they will be destroyed and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).

JESUS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

John 10:1-21; Psalm 23:1-6

One of the most lovey psalms is Psalm 23, written by King David concerning The Lord Jesus Christ. There He pictures the Lord as The loving Shepherd. That psalm brought comfort to millions. Jesus proclaimed in John 10 that He is the Good Shepherd, while those who believe in Him are His sheep. The metaphors of Shepherd and sheep can surely give believers comfort and assurance in a world full of wickedness and heartlessness. When believers understand who Jesus is to us and what He has done and what He still does for us, we will live our lives with great confidence and trust. He saves us. He leads us, He guides us, He provides for us. He protects us. We are His sheep. We are His chosen ones. We are His body We are His holy people. He is preparing heaven for us. What a wonderful state we are in. There will be trials, temptations, tribulations, persecution… but He will make us more than conquerors, We are therefore challenged to live as Christians, as sheep dependent on the Shepherd, bearing fruit, meeting Christ’s expectations. In that way the world will be won to Christ.

Christ’s Role As The Good Shepherd

He Has Compassion For The helpless (Mt.9:36; Mark 6:34)

He Seeks Lost Sheep (Mat.18:12-14)

He Lays Down His Life For The sheep (John 10:11, 14-18)

He Knows His Sheep (John 10:14-15, 27-28)

He Provides For His Sheep (John 10:9, 28; Psalm 23:1-6)

He Judges The Sheep (Mat.25:32-46)

When we read the life of Christ on earth, it leaves us in no doubt as why He chose the title of Shepherd. As The Great Shepherd, the promised Shepherd, He came to seek His sheep – first the lost sheep of Israel, then lost nations and people who have lost the image of God in which they were created (Mat.18:12-14; Luke 19:9-10). His compassion was reflected many times as he watched hapless humanity grouping about and scattered like sheep without a shepherd (Mat.9:36; Mark 6:34). He gave His life to save His sheep (John 10:11, 14-18). He knows His sheep by name (John 10:1-5)! This is wonderful comfort and assurance for all believers. Jesus Christ knows you by name. With this we come to the fact that He provides for all our needs (Psalm 23:1-6). Since the Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (lack). I shall not lack Rest. I shall not lack Refreshment. I shall not lack Restoration. I shall not lack Companionship in the hour of trial. I shall not lack Comfort. I shall not lack Provision. I shall not lack unction. I shall not lack satisfaction. I shall not lack goodness and mercy. I shall not lack a home in heaven at last!.

Christ the Good shepherd will judge the sheep. The judgement seat of Christ for His sheep is a place of reward and honour for all His faithful disciples.

 

Christians As Christ’s Flock

The Sheep Of Christ (John 10:16; Jer.31:10)

The Chosen People (1Pet.2:9)

A Holy People (Eph.5:3)

Temple Of The Living God (1Cor.3:16-17; 2Cor.6:19)

The Elect Of God (Tit.1:1; 1Pet.1:1)

The Body Of Christ ( Acts 2:28; 1Cor.12:12-16; Eph.1:18-23)

Christians have the high privilege of being called the sheep of Christ. All the privileges, all the blessings, all the protection that Christ brings are enjoyed by Christians who truly know Him as their shepherd. As His sheep Christians have become part of God’s chosen people (1Pet.2:9). The people of Israel at the start were God’s chosen people through whom the message of Christ would be preached to the world. After the Church was formed, believers began to be added to the Church as the called out or chosen people of God.

Although it may sometimes sound like it, the Church has not replaced Israel (Rom.11:1-5, 17-21). God will still save a remnant. All the 144000 that will follow Christ when He returns are all Israelites. They are the ones who will proclaim the everlasting gospel to the world during the tribulation. They will convert multitudes to Christ (Rev.7:1-4; 14:1-5). Jesus will give them apostolic power to preach and they will declare the everlasting gospel and convert many. Jewish people are part of God’s end-time plans.

Believers also have the privilege of being called the temple of the living God ( 1Cor.3:16-17; 2Cor.6:19). God dwells in us. He wants to walk among us and be our God and we His people (John 14:21-23). What a great privilege. The Church as a whole is described as the body of Christ, with Christ Himself being the Head. Because Christ is our head, there is leadership, direction and sanity available for those who will follow His leading.

Christ’s Expectation of Christians

Study The Bible Regularly (Acts 17:11; Psa. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16,17)

Pray Always (Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 6:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:17; Mat.26:41)

Preach The Gospel To Others (Acts 8:4; Prov. 11:30; John 4:28-30,39; 1:40-46)

Commit To A Local Living Church (Acts 9:26-28; 11:26; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:16)

Live Uprightly (Luke 10:25-37; Eph.5:22-33; 6:1-4; Rom.13:1-5)

The scripture is full of instructions on how to live as Christians. What we have here is just a selection of just a few of those things we must be doing to maintain the life in the Spirit imparted unto us at conversion.

As we study the Bible we learn the will of God and are able to discern between truth and error, thus we can remain on the right part. Prayer is of paramount importance in the life of the Christian. There can be no substitute for prayer. It is the only way we communicate to and get things from God. We are saved and commanded to reach out to others. When we obey the Lord in this way His blessing will follow. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is. You must fully commit yourself to the assemblies of a living Church in order to pray, worship, sing and study God’s word together. Christ wants us to live uprightly. As we read in (Psalm 37:37), uprightness is the life Christ has called us unto and which we must live.

Concluding Remarks

The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-6):-

I shall not lack Rest. I shall not lack Refreshment.

I shall not lack Restoration. I shall not lack  Companionship in the hour of trial.

I shall not lack Comfort. I shall not lack Provision. I shall not lack unction. I shall not lack satisfaction.

I shall not lack goodness and mercy. I shall not lack a home in heaven at last!

MARKS OF TRUE CONVERSION

Ruth 1:16-17; Acts 9:1-20; Mat.18:1-3; 2Cor.7:11

The story of Ruth in the Bible is one of the most beautiful stories of love commitment and dedication. It is also a story that shows the great care and compassion of our God towards all that He has created. In this story which we started last week we see Ruth a widow from Moab was transported into Judah, where through a series divine arrangements became the wife of Boaz, of the house of Judah.

Having studies up a little more on this book, I would like to bring to you two important points. First I want to show that all the incidents in the journey of Ruth are pure and according to God's plan. Second I will show what lesson we can learn about true conversion to Christ from book of Ruth. Ruth was a picture of a virtuous woman, a godly woman, a woman of kind, compassionate and sacrificial character. God’s choice of a great grand mother of the king David was a perfect choice.

(Ruth 2) As soon as they arrived in Judah, Ruth set out to find food and provision for Naomi and herself. She went gleaning during the barley harvest (Lev.19:9-10). See the love and mercy of God to those who are disadvantaged! The field she gleaned from belonged to Boaz of Bethlehem who turned out to be a near kinsman of Elimelech (Ruth 2:3). Boaz showed her great kindness. Her story of love and care had reached him and he instructed her to remain with his harvesters for the duration of the harvest (Ruth 2:7-12).

(Ruth 3) “My daughter shall I not seek security (rest) for you that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1). As one writer has said, Boaz and Ruth were not ‘dating’. Dating in the western context is the making of usually casual romantic relationships, which can easily be broken if one party feels uncomfortable with it. Dating is not real because the persons involved are usually putting up a front or a mask to show themselves in the best lights even though that is not naturally who they really are. This is not the case here (see D.Guzik).

Boaz was a family “kinsman redeemer”. What does that mean. He is responsible to buy back family forfeited inheritance (Lev.25:25); He is the member of the family charged with buying an Israelite slave back (Lev.25:48). He is also responsible to avenge the blood of any murdered member of the family (Num.35:19); He was responsible for marrying a childless widow of the family to perpetuate (preserve) the name of that family.

Naomi wanted Boaz to marry Ruth according to Jewish custom to preserve the family of Elimelech.

When you read (Ruth 3) what picture do you get? Was Naomi asking Ruth to provocatively offer herself sexually to Boaz? By no means! This was an act of total submission and plea for protection under the kinsman-redeemer Jewish law. She would lie down at his feet according to custom, as a servant, totally humble and submissive. She came to claim a right. She was not there on a promiscuous adventure. And Boaz was known as a kind, godly man. Ruth herself was a godly woman of virtue.

She has come to seek refuge and protection of her dead husband’s rights according to Jewish law. Elimelech, the noble kinsman-redeemer acknowledged that responsibility. This is a picture of Christ who came to redeem us helpless wonderers.  He is our Kinsman Redeemer. We must go to him for salvation, help and protection.

Let us now see the lesson of true conversion from the story of Ruth.

DECISIVE SEPARATION

 

From One kingdom To Another

From Many gods to the One True God

From Those Who Remain As They Are

We now move to the second lesson from this book – conversion,  which is divided into three parts – Decisive Separation, Total Identification and Single-minded Determination. We will try to draw inferences relating to our salvation from this section (1Cor7:11) 

Separation from one kingdom to another (Ruth 1:16-17; John 3:3; Eph.2:19; 5:5; Mat.7:21; 2Cor.6:14-18). Ruth came out from among the Moabites and their god’s. Have you come out of the world?  To belong to God’s Kingdom requires you to separate from the kingdoms of this world, from the unbelieving associations of this world.

Ruth did not look back to see what Orpah was doing. Orpah made her choice to go back to the god’s of Moab, But Ruth decided to cling to the God of Israel.

Conversion involves two elements, repentance and turning from sin and idols (Acts 26:17-20; 11:21). This saving faith come from knowledge, when your eyes are opened to the truth of God’s word. It is not a leap in the dark.

Conversion is a decisive turn around, a paradigm shift, an antithesis, a reverse, an opposite of what you were before. Jesus compressed it in saying, ye must be born again – suggesting a totally new person. You cannot be saved except and until this has happened (Mat.18:3; Rom.3:23; 6:23; (Ezek.18:4); Rom.5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10; 10:13 Acts 3:19). You can come to Church as you are but you must not leave as you came.

TOTAL IDENTIFICATION

Ruth 1:16-17

Identification With God And His People

Identification Now And Forever

Identification Wherever and Whatever

When you separate yourself from the world and it idols, you identify with the one true God. The Moabites worshipped Baal and the Ashtoreth. These were believed to be gods of fertility, responsible for the fruitfulness of the land. People had little figurines of Baal and Ashtoreth (a naked goddess). Remember that Balak invited Balaam to the high place of Baal from where to curse Israel (Num.22:40-41). It was during a festival to this god and goddess that Israel fell into prostitution and fornication with the daughters of Moab (Num.25:1-3; 31:13-16). By the time of the Judges, Baal and Ashtoreth had altars in Israel (Judges 2:13). King Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king Sidon and they concerted most parts of Israel to the worship of Baal. This was the spiritual climate when Ruth made her decision to follow the God of Israel. She must have been taught by her late husband and her mother in law about the God of Israel.

Ruth loved the God of Israel – your God shall be my God. Her decision was final. She turned her back on Baal and Ashtoreth. She turned her back on Moab. She identified with the God of Israel. She identified with people of Israel (Heb.11:24-26; Psalm 84:10-12; Acts 11:23). Wherever Christ leads, there you will go though there be trials (1Peter 1:7)

SINGLEMINDED DETERMINATION

Determination Before The Lord

Determination To Suffer With God’s People

Determination To Follow Till the End

Determination Not Open To Discussion

Conversion involves single-minded determination. When you want to follow Christ you don’t ask the opinion of friends (Gal.1:15-18; Acts 26:16-20; John 2:5). That single minded determination will sometimes lead to suffering (Mat.5:10-12; 2Tim.3:12). Following Jesus in this age requires single minded determination. This determination requires courage to follow to the end, never to give up. If you have to give up your faith in Christ just because someone is not happy about it, then you not fit for the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).
Seven things are mentioned in (1Cor.7:11) (I) Earnestness, (ii) Clearing Of Yourself, (iii) Indignation (iv) Fear (of grieving God, or making another fall), (v) Vehement Desire, (vi) Zeal, (vii) Revenge! You need to determine to follow till the end. Let the milk of the word of God feed and nourish you (1Pet.2:2). A great reward awaits you in the end. As Ruth received what she never dreamed of so the Lord promises you what eyes have not seen no nears heard (1John 5:4; Rev.2:7, 11, 17,  26; 3:5, 12, 21; Rev.21:7. This is the time to stand for God and Christ and for His Glory.