Hear, you peoples,all of you, listen

Hear, you peoples,all of you, listen

Scripture:
Hear, you peoples, all of you,listen, earth and all who live in it, that the Sovereign LORD may bear witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. Look! The LORD is coming from his dwelling place; he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth. The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, ike wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. Micah 1:2-4

Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal
and moan like an owl. For Samaria’s plague is incurable; it has spread to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people, even to Jerusalem itself. Micah 1:8-9

Observation: Micah means “Who is like Jehovah?” In a time when Israel, Samaria and Judah have become relatively wealthy, a lot of sinful influence has come in, especially idolatry and sexual immorality. As a result, the consequence of sin and wickedness brings judgment from our righteous God and the role of the prophet Micah is to bring a grave warning to the people.
Starting off, Micah speaks to all the people of the earth by focusing their attention on God. He reminds them of the power of the Lord who knows the evil that they do,and he declares that God is coming to judge them because of the evil they have done. The picture given us is the Lord watching all that happens from His holy temple above and then coming down on the mountains, causing it to melt beneath Him and the valleys being split apart like wax before the fire. The imagery reminds us of the power of the volcano with its molten lava streaming down the mountains,destroying everything in its path. The water rushing down a slope also reminds us of the terror of the tsunami,with its rushing waves sweeping everything in its path.
In the second passage, we see Micah in great distress, weeping and wailing in nakedness because of the sin in Samaria and Judah, even in Jerusalem, the city of God. Samaria's sin of idolatry and prostitution is likened to a plague that has spread to Judah and Jerusalem.
There are four main lessons we want to focus on from these two passages. Firstly, God sees everything. The evil that man does, the true intentions of his heart, nothing is hidden from God in Heaven. Secondly, sin and evil will bring the judgment of God. The natural disasters that we see around us in increasing frequency is a sign and warning of God's judgment upon the earth.Thirdly, the heart of God's servant like Micah hurts and grieves when their society lives in sin. What is our attitude towards sin? Are we flippant,or do we grieve like God grieves? Finally, sin is highly contagious. If we live near to highly sinful communities, there is a strong pull towards sinful actions. If you lived in a place like Las Vegas, there would be strong pull towards gambling and immorality. If we find ourselves in such situations, a high level of spiritual hygiene is required, a strong discipline in quiet time and spending time with the Lord, and a strong love and passion for the Word of God. Some are called to minister and save souls in such places. However, it is important to never underestimate the danger of the contagiousness of sin and to take the effort to undergird ourselves with a close relationship with Jesus and much prayer and humility.
Application: Remember that God is all-seeing, all-knowing and that nothing is hidden from Him. As we increasingly see and hear of natural disasters around us, keep praying for God's mercy and provision, knowing that the time of the end is near. Pray for a heart of compassion and to grieve for communities who live in sin before the Lord, like Micah did. Always be alert against the risk of sin contagiousness and undergird ourselves with prayer and close relationship with God.
Prayer: Praise You, O Heavenly Father, that You see all things and know all things in Heaven above. Help me know and remember this, that I might strive to live a righteous life before You as I follow Your Holy Spirit. As I see the disasters around me, let me cry out to You for mercy. Give me a heart of compassion like You, to pray for the salvation of even whole communities who do not know You. Protect me always from the sin that is so prevalent around me, and let me always walk closely with You. Praise You, Lord, Creator of all things. In Jesus name, Amen.

Is it right for you to be angry?

Is it right for you to be angry?

Scripture: But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:1-4

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:10-11

Observation: In this last chapter of Jonah, we see the prophet becoming very angry that the Lord had spared Nineveh. Taking it personally, he literally threw a temper in front of God, asking God to take away his life. Then, as Jonah sulked away some distance from the city, the Lord used a practical example to teach him a lesson, bringing Jonah a plant to comfort him and taking it away overnight. When Jonah again voiced his anger, the Lord explained to him that if he cared for a simple plant, how much more would God care for a city of more than 120,000 people and also many animals.

There are quite a few lessons we can learn from this chapter. Firstly, God’s ways are higher than our ways. Jonah couldn’t understand how he could spare Nineveh. He was looking from a human perspective, and could not understand why the Ninevites should deserve any mercy. However, from God’s perspective, they too are his children, although they had gone far astray. It is not for us to decide who deserves mercy and who doesn’t.  The Lord decides what is right to do in His sight.

Secondly, as Jonah rightly mentioned, our God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, who relents from sending calamity. Because of the righteousness of God’s nature, He will bring judgment upon sin and rebellion. However, at the same time, because of His great love, He opens the avenue for mercy if men would humble themselves and come to Him in repentance.

Thirdly, it is not for us to judge others. As Jesus said “Do not judge or you too will be judged”. Jonah did not have a right to judge the Ninevites and decided whether or not they should receive mercy. We are all sinners saved by grace. It is for us to walk humbly before the Lord.

Fourth, God is also concerned about animals. Jesus later mentioned that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of God the Father. Just as God treasures His creation, we too should treasure and respect the animals that God has made. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t kill mosquitoes and pests or eat meat. However, we should not torture or hurt animals or insects for fun.

Application: Remember that God’s ways are always higher than our ways. His wisdom is always greater than ours. Praise God that He is loving and merciful although He is just and righteous. Remember not to judge others but leave all judgment to God. Remember that animals are God’s precious creation. Therefore we should not treat animal’s lives lightly.

Prayer: O Lord, as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways higher than our ways, and Your thoughts than our thoughts. Help me always submit to Your wisdom O Lord. Praise You Heavenly Father for Your great love and mercy to us on earth. Let me not judge others, but learn to love others as You have loved me. Give me also a fresh appreciation of Your beautiful creation, even the animals that roam the earth. Bless Your Heavenly name O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

God may yet relent

God may yet relent

Scripture:

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah 3:1-2

But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:8-10

Observation:- In Jonah 3, we see the call of God coming to Jonah a second time and this time he obeys. Amazingly, the people of Nineveh, and even the king believe Jonah, and repented before God. Scholars speculate that in the belly of the large fish or whale, the acidic juices would have made Jonah’s skin and hair a ghastly white as he walked through the city. Terrified at his appearance, the Ninevites could have been convinced God’s judgment was coming to them.

There are three main things we can learn from this chapter. Firstly, God is a God of second chances. Although Jonah failed the first time, God did not give up on him, but drew him back and restored him to his commission. Some of us may have served God for a time but then due to various reasons walked away from our calling. The Lord calls us to return to His service. Just like He restored Jonah and restored Peter, He can restore us too if we only we come back to Him.

Secondly, the actions of a leader has great impact over those under him. The actions of the king of Nineveh in calling for city-wide repentance and calling urgently on God averted judgment on the great city. Similarly, for those us in authority, over our family, over a church or cell group, over a company on business, over a district or state or nation, we have a special responsibility before God that has great impact on those under us.

Thirdly, God forgives when people repent and turn back to Him. Even when a king as evil as Manasseh repented, God relented from judgment upon him. Likewise, even though the Ninevites were so cruel and violent in their ways, God responded to their repentance. The Scripture is true that God does not want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Application: If we have walked away from a particular calling of God, turn back, come back to God that He may restore us. Recognize the authority of leadership and the impact we have on those below us. Ask God for wisdom to use this ability well to be a blessing to others. Thank God that the Lord’s compassion is great and He does not want anyone to perish.  If we have fallen away, turn back and return to Him. He is the way, the truth and the life.

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for the times I forsook my calling. Bring me back that I may serve You again in full passion and by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord for those in authority over me, and those I have authority over. Give me wisdom and peace to lead them well and grant my superiors with wisdom and righteousness too. Praise You O Lord, for You do not want anyone to perish but to come to repentance. Help me return to You O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Yet you have brought my life up from the pit

Yet you have brought my life up from the pit

Scripture:-

“ I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. “ Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.  For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’

The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God.

“ When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” Jonah 2:2-9

Observation: From inside the fish, Jonah called out to God for help. From his words, it appears that Jonah actually died and descended into hell before being brought back to the land of the living again. In Matthew 12:40, Jesus said “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Sheol in Jewish culture is known as the land of the dead. We know it as hell today. From Jonah’s words, we get some information about how hell is like. Firstly, hell is deep below the earth, where the mountains have its roots. Secondly, hell is like a prison, with bars separating the dead from the land of the living. Thirdly, hell is a pit. It is a hole where those who fall in cannot get out. Time and again, there have been individuals who have somehow been thrown into the pits of hell for a very short time and then allowed to come back to give a warning to the world. The Scripture in other places speak of it as a place of fire, of judgment, of darkness, of sorrow, of maggots and worms, of torture. It is a place with no water, a place where there are demons and evil angels. Just thinking of the horrors of hell, we are reminded of the great need to walk humbly before the Lord, in close relationship with our Lord Jesus who saves us.

In Jonah’s prayer here, there are three things we can learn in particular. Firstly, God is a God who hears us.  Just as Jonah cried out to God in his affliction and received God’s answer, so too have millions throughout the ages who have called out to God for help and found salvation in Jesus Christ. The Scripture says that God is our strength and our refuge, an ever present help in times of trouble.

Secondly, we must remember the Lord. In times of severe crisis, we may become so overcome by the problem at hand that we forget about the Lord. Move your eyes away from the problem and remember Jesus who is with you. Ask Him for help. God will deliver us when we depend on Him.

Thirdly, we are to sacrifice with voice of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving and praise to God is an important part of our ongoing relationship with God. As the Psalmist says “He who sacrifices thanks offering prepares the way for me to show him the salvation of God”. It is important to be thankful in all circumstances, and give glory to God easily. Beware of ungratefulness and complaining that cost the Israelites entry into the promised land.

Application: Praise God that He is the Lord who hears us. Remember the Lord even in terrible times of crisis. Seek His face for help. He is an ever present help in times of trouble. Be thankful and sing praises easily to the mighty God who is with us. Beware of the ungrateful and complaining spirit which can lead to great loss indeed.

Prayer: Praise You, O Heavenly Father for You hear our prayers in Jesus name. Help me always remember You and seek You, even in our darkest hours for You are our strength. Let a heart of thanksgiving and praise always be with me. Forgive my complaining and ungratefulness. Change my heart I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.

But Jonah ran away from the Lord

But Jonah ran away from the Lord

Scripture:

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Joshua 1:1-3a

Then they cried out to the LORD, “Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased.” Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him Joshua 1:14-16

Observation: In this well known story of the Bible, we begin with Jonah, the prophet of the Lord given a most unsavory assignment – to preach to the great city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. At that time, it was said to be the largest city of the known world, and the gardens of Nineveh were considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Nineveh was also renown for its terrible sinfulness. Assyria was a constant threat to Israel and later would carry off the Israelites into exile.

At first sight, it seems that Jonah ran away from this assignment because of cowardice, perhaps afraid at the terrible things the Ninevites might do to him when he proclaimed this message. However, when we see his angry response later when Nineveh surprisingly repented, we see that his motive was not cowardice but rather not wanting Nineveh to be saved.

However, when Jonah tried to flee by ship to Tarshish, the Lord sent a great storm and the sailors were forced to throw Jonah overboard to save themselves.

This study we want to focus on 3 main things we can learn from the first chapter. Firstly, we can’t fight against God’s will. Jonah tried to fight against God’s will by human means but failed. God is all seeing and all knowing. We can try to run away from God, we can try to hide but He always finds us. We cannot have true peace and purpose until we surrender to His will. Saul in his zealousness went all out to make war against the Christians, when the Lord appeared to Him and said “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It’s hard for you to kick against the goads” Acts 26:14.  (A goad is a stick with a pointed piece of iron fastened to the end of it. This instrument is used to prod the oxen on when they are plowing. When a stubborn ox attempted to kick back against the goads (pricks), he would actually wound himself.) In other words, Jesus was telling Saul that it was useless to fight against His will.

Secondly, God loves even the most unlovable. The Assyrians in Nineveh must have been the most detested people in the whole world at that time because of their cruelty and wickedness. Still, despite their sins, the book of Jonah shows that God loves even the worse sinners and wants them to come back to repentance.

Thirdly, God can turns bad situations to good ones. By sending the storm for Jonah and stilling it after Jonah was thrown overboard, He displayed His awesome power in front of the sailors, who developed a new found respect and awe of the God of the Hebrews, the Lord who made the sea and the dry land.

Application: Some of us may have received a particular calling from God that we may be fighting against for various reasons. Some of us might be trying to run away, to try and ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit. However, in time, we need to realize that we are just kicking against the goads, and it is our destiny and purpose to come back to God’s will. There may be some people in our lives that we cannot quite help but detest or dislike. However, we need to remind ourselves that God still loves them, and that we need to learn to love them too. No matter how bad a situation, remember that God can still make it something special and useful for His glory. Trust in Him and wait for His purposes to be revealed.

Prayer: Father God, help me to understand what it means to pray “Not my will, but yours be done”. Curb the rebelliousness of my heart O Lord, help me to submit to Your will. Help me love everyone O Lord, even those who hurt me most. I cannot do it on my own, but in You O Lord, I am able to love. Thank You, Lord, that even in my worst situations, You are there with me, and You are always able to make the ugly beautiful. Bless You O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

The pride that deceives

The pride that deceives

Scripture:

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Obadiah 1:3

On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune,
nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. Obadiah 1:11-12

“The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15

Observation: The book of Obadiah with its solitary chapter is a prophecy of the downfall of Edom, the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. Studying the book of Obadiah, we are especially reminded of particular characteristics that the Lord detests.

Firstly, the Lord detests pride. Esau himself was a man of pride, dependent on his own strength and never on God. He despised even his own birthright, and did not treasure the spiritual inheritance of his grandfather Abraham. Pride is the most dangerous of all sins. It caused the downfall of Satan from heaven. It was the final temptation that lured Eve to take the fruit. Throughout Scripture we are reminded that the Lord hates the proud but gives grace to the humble. That’s why it is so important for us to keep humble hearts towards God.

Secondly, Edom was accused of apathy, even gloating over Judah in the day of their misfortune. Do we do the same? When misfortune befalls others, do we stand back and think “this doesn’t concern me”. Do we even sneer and gloat when bad things befall others? A typical characteristic of Malaysians is to be so curious when an accident happens, even causing a traffic jam just to survey the misfortune, or even glean some benefit by taking down the number plate (for those who believe numbers involved in accidents will likely come out in the sweepstakes). Similarly, we take dark pleasure in scandals, even by relatives. We need to stop and instead consider the suffering others are facing and pray for them and help where we can.

Thirdly, it was prophesied against Edom that their deed would return upon their own head. In others word, it will be done to you as you have done to others. Jesus said “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. Similarly, do not do unto others as you would not have others do unto you. The important principle here, is not to just think about ourselves, but to consider the other person. Paul writes “Do not do anything out of vain conceit and selfish ambition, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves”.

Application: Beware of pride constantly throughout our lives. If we sense pride coming in, humble ourselves quickly before the Lord. Ask Him for help. Beware also of apathy and being joyful over the misfortune of others which the Lord strongly disapproves. Instead, pray for them, and help where possible. Endeavor to live the principle of “doing to others as you would have them do to you” and “not doing to others as you would not have them do to you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for Your grace, Your love which You freely give. Forgive me O Lord for the pride that often comes into my heart. Help me always humble myself before you and not consider myself more highly than I ought. Forgive me for the times I have gloated over the misfortune of others. Give me a heart of compassion instead that looks also to the needs of others. In Jesus name, Amen. 

The reaper overtaken by the plowman

The reaper overtaken by the plowman

Scripture: “In that day “I will restore David’s fallen shelter— I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins— and will rebuild it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name may seek Me,” declares the LORD, who will do these things.

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God. Amos 9:11-15

Observation: This Scripture from Amos is the beginning of prophecy fulfilled before our eyes. For almost 2,000 years, there was no such country as Israel. Since the Romans destroyed the temple of Jerusalem, the Jews were scattered all over the world for centuries. In spite of their various geographical locations, they maintained their identity and preserved the Old Testament that we now have in the first part our Bible today. After World War II, Jews started coming back to Israel from all over the world and declared the independence of Israel in 1948. Despite severe resistance from the Arabs, Israel prevailed and established herself. Over the decades, despite inheriting a dry and barren land, the Jews have now built a network of irrigation systems that has made the land fertile and fruitful. As the Scripture in Amos prophesied, ruined cities were rebuilt, and more and more Jews have returned to Israel.

The description of the reaper being overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes give us the picture of abundant, overflowing blessing. A similar picture would be when Jesus asked the fishermen to let down their nets and the catch was so great the nets began to break.

In this Scripture we are reminded of three main things. Firstly, God is a God of restoration. He loves to restore, to bring back the years that the locusts have eaten, to bring sinful man back into relationship with Himself. Some of us may feel that we have lost so much in life. God can restore life and meaning to us, if only we turn to Him.

Secondly, God is the God of past, present and future. The fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible shows us that God is in control of all history, even what is yet to happen. We are bound by time and space, but God is timeless, infinite, without borders. What a great God we have indeed!

Thirdly, God is the God of abundant blessing. He loves to bless His people with overflowing abundance. To those who trust Him, who fear Him, who obey Him, He will bless with abundant grace.

Application: Some of us may feel let down in life, bogged down by regrets and complaints. Stop! Turn to God! He is the God who restores, who can bring us back to the life of hope and love and promise that should be ours. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to restore us back to Him.

Praise God that He is God of past, present and future. Praise God for the fulfilled prophecy in His Word which again and again show us the sovereignty and authority of God. Bless the Lord for His great blessing and generosity. He showers plentifully upon His children more than they need. In Jesus Christ, we have all that we need.

Prayer: Bless You O great Lord, for You are Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. You hold all the earth, all time, all history in Your hands. Restore us O Lord. Let Your face shine upon us that we might be saved. Restore to us O Lord the years that the locusts have eaten. Give us new life, new passion, new hope in You. Shower Your love upon us, Your abundant blessings that You give most generously to us. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit and a greater and deeper wisdom in knowing You, Lord Jesus. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.