Today's Bible Translation

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Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1 ESV, Ch. 2 NCV

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Thoughts

Who Is Jesus?

John 1 is, in my opinion, the clearest declaration of the deity of Jesus there is. It begins as the book of Genesis does: In the beginning...

Genesis says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." ESV

John says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."

Further down, we read, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."

Could it be any clearer than that? These words thrill me every time I read them, and I've been a believer for over fifty years. This chapter never gets old.

Why Did Jesus Drive Out the Money Changers?

In chapter two, we read of Jesus' first miracle, and of His driving out the money changers from the Temple. I'd like to talk about the later for a few minutes. 

The Bible talks about two instances of Jesus doing this. Here, at the beginning of His ministry, and also during His final week. 

Why did Jesus have an issue with the money changers? 

According to Exodus 30:11-16, a temple tax of a half-shekel was required of Jews and visitors from other nations when they offered their sacrifices. And the tax had to be paid with temple coinage. So in order to pay the tax, all money had to be exchanged for temple money. Those who provided the service of exchanging foreign money into the temple money did so at highly inflated profits, thereby taking advantage of those who came to the temple to make sacrifices to God. 

In addition, there were some who sold sacrificial animals to people who didn't bring their own animals to sacrifice, again at inflated prices. Others were inspectors of animals, to see if they were of high enough quality to be sacrificed. They would often disapprove of animals, forcing the people to buy approved animals, for...you guessed it...inflated prices.

These were the people that Jesus drove from the Temple. They were people who extorted money from those who came to worship God. They were operating from a motive of greed. 

Should Money Be Made From the Gospel?

Please note that God established in Mosaic Law that the priests were to be supported by the sacrifices that came into the temple. And Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:14 that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel, meaning that they should be supported by the people who hear the gospel.

What About Me?

I bring this up because over the years I have been criticized for asking for donations to help support Lifespring Media and for selling my book,

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Martin Sanchez

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 43-48 NKJV

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Thoughts

These chapters are rich in detail, so I will only touch on a few generalities.

1. Because of the level of detail given, the temple that Ezekiel describes appears to be one that will certainly be built at some time in the future...Ezekiel's future and ours. To this date, this temple has not yet been built. The measurements are unlike any others.

Nowhere in the description of the temple are there instructions to build it, as there was with previous temples. The measurements given are the measurements that were taken of this already existing temple in Ezekiel's vision. Thus, it is more than likely that God Himself is the builder, and that this temple is the temple that will exist in the Millennial Kingdom during Jesus' thousand year reign on Earth after his second coming.

2. The identity of the prince who is spoken of is not made explicitly clear. There are some who think it is David. Others believe it is Jesus. 

Ezekiel 45:22 says that the prince must make a sin offering. Ezekiel 46:16 says the prince has sons. So in my estimation, the price is not Jesus.

Ezekiel 37:25 says that David would be a prince over Israel, along with several other verses in Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Hosea. From these verses, it appears more than likely that the prince will indeed be David. 

To me, the most exciting thing about these last chapters in the book of Ezekiel is that this is something that those of us whose trust is in Jesus will actually see this temple, in all of the splendor described in its pages. We will see God's glory in this place, and hear His voice. How marvelous and awe inspiring that will be!

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 14-15 HCSB

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Thoughts

In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.Proverbs 24:26  HCSB

In doing background study on these chapters that are so full of wisdom, I came upon some notes by Joseph Parker in “The People’s Bible” about this verse.

The Fear of the Lord

“In no book probably is the fear of the Lord so elaborately described as to its nature and its application as the book of Proverbs. Throughout the whole of the Bible the fear of the Lord is declared to be the beginning of wisdom. It is not a servile fear; the worshiper here is not a croucher, waiting in an abject position in order to be noticed by a tyrannical despot: fear means reference, veneration, awe, a sense of the grandeur and majesty of the Lord, not only as that term stands for infinity, brilliance, and attributes of an intellectual kind, but as it stands for holiness, truth, purity, justice, and every expression that indicates moral supremacy. 

Not Afraid

He who fears the Lord is strong in the confidence of ultimate justice; he is confident also in the final exposition of Providence, being assured that the way of God to man will be so revealed at last that it will be seen to have been the right way, the only true way, notwithstanding the varieties of the road, the steep hills, the bleak deserts, the stony paths, the cold rivers that had to be crossed in the dark night, the afflictions that had to be endured when the heart and flesh had failed and strength had been exhausted —at the last it will be seen that God has not given one stroke too much, taken away one treasure too many, or dug one grave too deep; the righteous will be the first to confess that God has done all things wisely, well, and lovingly.

A Loving Father

A beautiful expression is “his children.” Here in the very midst of the Proverbs we find the sublime doctrine of the fatherhood of God. Here too we find that God's children need a place of refuge; they have often to flee from the storm, from the wrath of man, and from an apparently angry nature, for every law seems to fight against them; blessed be God, when all outward things are marked by an excitement of an apparently uncontrollable kind, are heaving and tossing as if shaken by an earthquake, the children of God can go not to law but to the lawmaker himself, yea, to the very heart of God, and there can rest in hope and confidence, and while the storm howls without around the rock of the sanctuary, that holy place can be filled with sacred and triumphant song. Have we really endeavored to find a refuge in God?”

There are many places where the fear of the Lord is spoken of. Remember Joseph Parker’s beautiful words the next time you read the phrase “the fear of the Lord.”

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Tony Pham on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 90-92 NLT

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Thoughts

Psalm 90

Psalm 90 was written by Moses. Though it's only 17 verses, it sums up his entire experience with God. 

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is a great one to read when you're feeling afraid. Verse 2 says, in part, "He alone is my refuge, my place of safety." Let's face it, all of us feel afraid from time to time. Remember Psalm 91 next time you are fearful.

Psalm 92

Psalm 92 is a song to be sung on the Sabbath day, but it is actually good to sing every day! it's hard to read this one without feeling a sense of joy and worship. It begins, "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High." I've discovered that when I do this, I can't help but be overwhelmed by the feeling that God is pleased by my praises. What a great way to start each day. I highly recommend it!

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ritabrata Das on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 21-24 ESV, Ch. 25 CEB

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Thoughts

A Righteous King

In chapter 23 we see that the good and righteous king Josiah did everything possible to thoroughly remove every unclean and unholy and idolatrous item from the land. He went to great lengths to be sure there was nothing left or that could ever be recovered that was against the Law of God. 

Note that Josiah did this after God had declared through the prophetess Huldah that He would bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants because they had forsaken Him and had made offerings to other gods. And God said, “…therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.”

God's Judgement

It is to Josiah’s credit that he still went forth with his reforms. He could have given up, and just waited for God to bring His judgment. But he didn’t. And sure enough, disaster did come upon them, but only after Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt killed him in battle.

So let’s look at this. Josiah cleaned the place up, and he brought God’s Law back to Judah. Why didn’t God turn from His wrath?

What Matters To God?

I believe that it is because God looks at the heart, not just the actions. Remember the Sermon on the Mount? Jesus said that if you have th ought of doing an unrighteous act, you have done the act. (Rough paraphrase.) God looked at the hearts of the people of Judah. Even though Josiah (whose heart was right) made the people follow the Law through his authority as king, they still longed after those ungodly and idolatrous things they used to do. Outwardly, they did right. But inwardly, they had not changed.

What's The Worst That Could Happen?

One more thing. Did you know that death is not the worst thing that can happen to you? With the death of Josiah by Pharaoh Neco, God spared Josiah from seeing what was coming down on Judah. It was a merciful act on God’s part. It was not a judgment against him.

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 22 NLV, Ch. 23 WEB, Ch. 24 NLV

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Thoughts

Like the tired dog on today's cover art, I am exhausted from tech issues today. So tired that I am unable to write comments for today's episode. I hope to be back up to speed by tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding.

Today's Bible Translation

Design and Photo: Steve Webb

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 4-5 GNT

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When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Thoughts

Most of us who are serious about Bible study know that reading from more that one translation is a good thing, especially if we’re going to be teaching or preaching. Today’s reading is an excellent example of why this is a good idea.

One Approach To Bible Study

The translation we’re using this week is the Good News Translation (GNT). Chapter 4, verses 4 and 5 in the GNT says: “Each of you should know how to live with your wife in a holy and honorable way, 5not with a lustful desire, like the heathen who do not know God.”

As I read that, it seemed just a little “off” to me. Not that there’s anything wrong with living “with your wife in a holy and honorable way”, but tying this thought with “not with a lustful desire, like the heathen” just didn’t sit right with me, because sexual desire between a husband and wife is a gift from God.  I decided that I should look at how other translations rendered this passage.

Comparisons

Here are some examples of verse 4:

The English Standard Version says: "...that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor..."

The NIV says: "...that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable..."

And for good measure, the KJV says: "That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour..."

The ESV and the NIV agree on the translation the “body”. But as you heard, the KJV said “possess his vessel”. None of the three referred to the “wife”.

I read this verse in several other translations: the NASB, Young’s Literal Translation, the Holman Christian Standard Bible, New Living Translation. All of them agreed on the “body”. 

The God’s Word translation, and Contemporary English Version used “wife” in one way or another.

Digging Deeper

So what to do? How should this verse be properly translated? We need to go to the original language. Thankfully, we don’t need to take a complete course in Greek, which is the language used in the New Testament. The first thing I do is consult what is called an The Zondervan NASB/NIV Greek and English Interlinear New Testament/a>/b> /p>" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="p>b>a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1214627&item_no=492962">The Zondervan NASB/NIV Greek and English Interlinear New Testament/a>/b> /p>">Interlinear New Testament. 

An interlinear New Testament shows the complete text of the New Testament in English, with the Greek words appearing either directly above or below the English words, so you can see which exact Greek word is used. That’s the first step.

The next step,

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 23 GWT, Ch. 24 NKJV

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Thoughts

As we close the book of Luke, a couple of passages stood out to me.

God Must Give Us Understanding

Historically, most Christians have believed that Scripture is literally God's Word. Orthodox, traditional  Christians believe that the Scriptures are, and I use this word with its literal meaning, literally God-breathed, as 2 Timothy 3:16 says.

And so it stands to reason that unless God opens the Scripture to us, the natural, human, secular mind is not going to grasp its meaning. 

But don't take my word for it. Here in chapter 24, we read in verse 45:

And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.Luke 24:45 NKJV

We have another example in Acts 16:14.

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of  Thyatira, who worshiped God.  The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.Acts 16:14

So that's why I often ask God to give us understanding in the beginning prayer of most of these episodes. Sure, each of us has some level of intelligence, and we have some understanding of the English language. But Scripture is more than words. It is of the Spirit, and unless the Spirit opens it to us, we will not comprehend its greatest meanings.

Two Different Books

I believe that is why some people can read the Bible and not be moved. Unless God has quickened their heart, it's just words on a page. Beloved, those of us who have a relationship with the Author of the Bible, are in a very real sense, reading a completely different Book than is the non-believer.

But just as Jesus had to open the eyes of His disciples that had been with Him for those three years of His ministry, I believe He must open our eyes each time we open the Bible. We can't rely on yesterday's supply. We should ask for a fresh and new portion of the Holy Spirit every day. Living Water is moving water, rushing water. It is not stagnant. And neither is the Holy Spirit.

Next

The second thing that I'd like to comment on is the closing three verses of Luke.

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.Luke 24:50 NKJV

Why This Exit?

Why do you suppose Jesus chose this as His way to leave them for the last time? 

Luke does not make it plain here, but Acts 1:3 tells us that Jesus left them 40 days after His resurrection. What do you suppose He was doing during those 40 days? I think He was reinforcing the truth of the resurrection, and getting them ready for this moment. 

And at the end of those 40 days, when the time was right, He led His disciples out of Jerusalem as far as Bethany,

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Steven Lasry on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 37-41 GNT, Ch. 42 NKJV

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Thoughts

Starting in chapter 40 and continuing to the end of the book (chapter 48) Ezekiel is given a vision of a future temple and future Jerusalem.

The New Temple and New Jerusalem

The temple Ezekiel describes is much, much larger than the previously existing Temple. At more than 12 square miles, it’s larger even than the entire city of Jerusalem that had existed before the Jews were taken into captivity, which had an area of just over 6 square miles. In Ezekiel’s vision, the city was between three- and four thousand square miles.

So we know that this vision has yet to be fulfilled. And there are several things in the vision that bring up many questions. For example: animal sacrifices again take place in the temple. Why? The sacrifice of Jesus was the last sacrifice needed to bring forgiveness of sin, so why are sacrifices needed in this new temple? 

When Will This Be?

Another question is the most obvious one to me: When will this temple be built? There are two primary theories. 

1) It won’t. Ezekiel’s vision was not a description of a literal temple, but was an apocalyptic vision. It was symbolic and primarily mystical. The vision was full of imagery that was familiar to people of the time. This vision was another reassurance from God to His people that their captivity was not permanent, and that He would again bless them and be in their midst in an even greater way than ever before. 

2) Because of the specific details given of the temple in Ezekiel’s vision, of course it will be built, and it will be during the millennial kingdom, the 1,000 year reign of Jesus here on planet Earth after His return.

Which Will It Be?

Obviously, we don’t know if or when this temple will be built. What I do know is that if God says something, it will be done. I’m not going to worry about it, and I’m certainly not going to second guess Him. But if pressed, I would go with the second theory. I believe that this temple will be built during the Millennial Reign of Jesus, that thousand year period after His Second Coming.

Today's Bible Translation

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 13 CEB

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Thoughts

One theme I picked up in today’s reading was that of industriousness. 

Work Is Good

There is much value in hard work and applying one’s self to supporting himself and his or her family. Sitting around wishing and hoping for wealth or even life’s necessities usually reaps little reward, and often leads to ruin.

Yes, Jesus said that if the Father cares for the sparrows he certainly cares more for us, and that if we seek Him first, the necessities will be provided to us. But God gave most of us the ability to earn our way in one way or another. And for those who are unable to do so because of real and extreme circumstances, God expects families and churches to step in to help. 

The idea that the government should provide for able bodied people is not a biblical principle. This is something that has been a recent invention in human history, and one that rarely helps the individual or society. A person who can work, should work. 

We Were Made To Work

We were made to work, and even in Heaven, there will be work. Revelation 22:3 tells us that in the New Jerusalem, "The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him." His servants? Yes, that's you and me. 

Work in Heaven will not be like work here, however. It will not be drudgery. It will not be hard labor. There will be no petty rivalries or politics. Our work will be to serve the Lord, and it will be satisfying and rewarding. 

God created us to work. In the garden of Eden, even before Adam and Eve sinned, Genesis 2:15 tells us, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." And Eve was to be Adam's "helper", thus she was designed for work. 

So work is not a part of the curse, but hard and painful toil is.

Made In the Image of God

We are made in the image of God, are we not? Did you ever think of God as being one who works? Jesus, in answering the Pharisees as to why he did work on the Sabbath said in John 5:17, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." So again, we are made to work, because we are made in God's image.

Work is not something to be avoided. Work can be a noble and good part of life. Paul said in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..."