• Tag Archives Scripture

  • Excerpt from “Tracking Kings” – Following the Kings of Israel and Judah

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

     

     

    Chapter 7 – “A Stone of a Lasting Standard” – David (reign -40 years – BC 1055–1015), pp 47-48

    …Shortly after David’s victory over the Amalekites, a desperate Amalekite came to Ziklag and was granted permission to approach David with news of Saul and Jonathan’s death. Believing that he was doing David a favor, he announced that he had assisted King Saul in ending his life on the battlefield. Even though the stranger had handed David Saul’s crown and bracelet, the entire story had been fabricated. In reality Saul had taken his own life (ISam.31:4) and the Amalekite had evidentially arrived on the battlefield after the fact. David was perplexed as to why the stranger seemed to possess no fear of falling on God’s anointed. Due to David’s high regard for Saul’s position and the death of his dear son, he had the man executed and then spent time grieving over the deaths of the king and Jonathan. After his time of lamenting, “…he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of Jasher” (ISam.1:18). The death of Saul and Jonathan appears to have triggered David’s memory of this ancient work.1  David sought God and was told to go up to Hebron (community). Upon arriving at Hebron anxious leaders soon acknowledged David as Israel’s new king.

    From our perspective of David’s family in Hebron it appears to be anything but ordinary. The Bible does not hesitate in introducing us to David’s six wives and sons – all living in Hebron: (1) Ammon (faith­ful) by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, (2) Chileab (restraint) of Abigail, (3) Absalom (father of peace) by Maacah (oppression), (4) Adonijah (my lord is Jehovah) by Haggith (festive), (5) Shephatiah (Jehovah judges) by Abital (fresh), and (6) Ithream (residue of the people) by Eglah (heif­er).2    (IISam.3:2–5)

    corresponding end notes for above (pp 403-404)

    1. The mention of this book in itself is most interesting. (1st) It has historical significance, even though it is not part of our inspired text. (2nd) It is mentioned here and in Joshua 10:12–13. (3rd) The title of the book, Jasher, is not a proper name (such as the name of a man) rather, it basically means the book of the upright, or righteous man, or the acts of true Godly people following God. (4th) This book of many writers is a vast collection (91 chapters) of about 90% Scripture covering a period of time from Adam through the Judges. It was a kind of secular chronicle of a major section of Old Testament history. (5th) In our text at hand David is referring to the dying words of Jacob to Judah. In Jasher 56:9 we read, “…only teach thy sons the use of the bow and all weapons of war, in order that they may fight the battles of their brother who will rule over their enemies.” One has to certainly admit that King David was very familiar with the book of Jasher.
    2. Old Testament polygamy appears to have been something God tolerated rather than endorsed. Note the following prophetic passage which foretells of Israel’s desire for a king and its associated warnings:

    When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me; 15 Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.” (Deu.17:14–17) In the new Testament we read: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. (Mat.19:4–8)

    Josephus remarked, “For it is an ancestral custom of ours to have several wives at the same time.” In paragraph 19 he recorded that King Herod was married to nine wives at the same time. (Op. cit., volume III, book 17, section 1, paragraph 3, p.472) Wherever we find polygamy we find trouble, confusion and, in the case of the Old Testament, hearts turned many directions away from God.

     

    (pp50-51)

    … Although outsiders may have seen David as being invincible, God quickly taught him that he was a sinner prone to sin just like all the rest of us. God exposed David’s sinful nature and actions to him through Nathan when Nathan addressed David’s affair with Bathsheba (IISam.11–12:7). David’s lament of this entire scenario can be found in Psalm 51. Before fast forwarding in David’s life, one quick observation of God’s revelation must be addressed: After the death of the infant child from this affair, listen to David’s God-given convictions, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (IISam.12:23) Even way back we read of the innocence of children: Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. (Deu.1:39).

    There is no question but that God has special provision for the in­nocent children and this provision has the same destination as the re­deemed adults!5

    corresponding end note (pp 404-406)

    1. A wonderful study can be found in examining what God has to say about the “book”. Moses would pen –

    And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Ex.32:31–33)

    Under God’s guidance David would record –

    For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (Psa.139:13–16)

    In the New Testament God reveals additional information by using Paul and John.

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil.4:3)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Rev.3:5)

    For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (IJn.5:4–5)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev.13:8)

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (Rev.17:8)

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev.20:12–13)

    And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev.21:27)

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev.22:19)

     

    Scripture teaches that at birth one’s name is placed in God’s special book. Unless this same soul dies in infancy (please note ISam.12:16–23), at some unknown point and age this same name is removed from God’s book because of that soul’s sin. Apart from God’s help, that same soul’s name is forbidden back into the book and will remain in said condition through out eternity. The only thing that can re-write that name back into God’s book is a personal cleansing and pardoning by God upon that same soul if and when that same soul personally hears about, believes upon, and trusts in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Based fully upon the merits of Christ, the name therefore remains in God’s book forever!

    Availability

    Although this publication is available from Amazon and Barns and Noble, may I suggest contacting me at Rllroger1948@gmail.com, roger@rogerluther.com, or feel free to call 810. 569.3327.  Also, consider visiting the publisher’s web site. There you will discover an abundance books that will surely grab your attention, edify your soul, and lift up The Lord. pho. 864.836.4111 ext. 104  (the office)fax: 864.610.8047   sspillman@truepotentialmedia.com  or https://www.facebook.com/TruePotentialMedia / or tppress.com   /Digital copies are now available from the publisher, Amazon, or iTunes books. The cost is $9.99.  Tracking Kings sells for $19.95+ S.&H.

    God Bless,

    Roger

     

    Death-Of-A-Child.pdfft click to read or right click to download

     

     

     

     


    📂This entry was posted in "Tracking Kings" Uncategorized 📎and tagged

  • “Tracking Kings”

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    CaptureThe Motive behind “Tracking Kings”

    A number of years ago, a pastor in Grand Blanc, Michigan, invited me to teach a series of systematic crunched down surveys on the books of the Bible. In the books of Kings and Chronicles, an amazing fascination with the kings of the old divided kingdom of Israel became apparent. These four books quickly reminded me of difficulty of keeping the kingdoms and the kings separated in the Old Testament narrative.
    After conducting a brief survey with a number of believers in several churches in Michigan and Indiana, I was shocked to learn that the majority viewed Kings and Chronicles boring, too difficult to understand, unimportant, let alone attempting to grasp in a study. Yet, in spite of my findings, God had placed a desire in all their hearts to know about these nineteen kings and one queen.
    The kings of Israel and Judah are important for three fundamental reasons. (1) The lineage of the promised Messiah descends through the kings of Judah. (2) From the end of II Chronicles to the last word in Malachi is a span of twenty-five books. Everything in these books in one way or another was, and still is, connected by God, directly or indirectly, to the era of the kings. (3) God says, “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Tim. 3:16-17) Thus, we must accept the fact that this verse includes the books of Kings and Chronicles!

    The Mission of “Tracking Kings”

    God used the above discoveries to plant a two-fold burden in my heart. (1) There was the need of constructing a simplified systematic fashion of studying the kings using a blend of harmony and commentary in an easy to grasp format. (2) To illustrate how the books of Kings and Chronicles define themselves, utilizing a close as possible timeline. (3) Considering such a study, it became apparent that a yoke be present coupling the necessity of Biblical reflecting Old Testament history with the lives and times of these leaders to such a point that each reader could easily be able to discover twenty-first century personal applications.
    It is in these most important inspired Old Testament books that God quickly reminds us of man’s unchangeable sinful nature and of His loving, merciful, and gracious offer to reach down to him. God still loves to equip and move with His people – making history!

    The Manner of “Tracking Kings”

    1.- establishment of a chronological timeline
    2.- written in an easily understandable manner
    3.- plenty of informative end notes
    4. – define proper names when first used
    5.- utilize maps and charts as needed
    6.- generous quotes to broaden perspectives
    7. – challenging questions for the reader to dig deeper
    8. – assist the reader to note value of I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles
    9.- structure so as book can be used as a self-study guide, reference book, or a textbook
    10. – insert as much text as needed providing convenience the reader
    11.- a guide assisting the reader whereby he or she may meet the supreme KING

    The Menu of “Tracking kings”

    1.- 25 chapters.
    2. – 2 fundamental parts
    a. – “Trail Begins” – quick over view – of 1021 years.
    b. – “The Split in the Trail” – chapters 9-25 – covering 387 years.
    3.– time line of entire book – B.C.1996 to B.C.588 or 1,408 years
    4.- 143 questions
    5.- 179 end notes
    6. – bibliography of 56 books & 4 web sites.
    7. – four indexes
    8. – 460 pages

    Availability

    Although available from Barnes& Noble, Amazon, and I Tunes, may I suggest buying directly from me rllroger1948@gmail.com  roger@rogerluther.com or the publisher  – tel: 864.836.4111 ext. 104 (the publisher’s office)   fax: 864.610.8047    sspillman@truepotentialmedia.com   or   https://www.facebook.com/TruePotentialMedia  for  at $19.99 plus shipping and handling.    Digital copies are now available from the publisher, Amazon, or iTunes books. The cost is $9.99.

     

    New Luther coat of arms #2


    📂This entry was posted in "Tracking Kings" 📎and tagged

  • Roger’s Roller Coaster

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    giphy                                        {Introduction}

    While discussing numerous things with a dear friend at church, Mr. “G.” brought up a subject and then said, “No pastor ever writes about these things. They could be encouraging to other believers.” He was referring to an autobiography of a pastor’s life, more specifically, my own.
    Unknown to him, he had successfully managed to instantly flatter and humble me. You see, one of my main objectives in life is to do whatever is needful to encourage the brethren and be pleasing to God but his suggestion seemed to be beyond the realm of my consideration and accomplishment. After all, I have a retirement home to customize, places to go, and an air boat to finish! Even though the flood my negative reasoning grows, I still occasionally hear his words. Months have come and gone since our initial conservation and, would you believe this morning (2-9-16) at breakfast, while reading the second chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, Mr. “G’s” suggestion flooded my mind as strong as when first heard! I surmised that since it had been the farthest thing from my mind, and then suddenly overwhelmed my train of thought during Scripture reading, God must be behind this. The moment I submitted to proceeding with the challenge, a high level of peace flooded my soul.
    Thus, I prayerfully begin a long series of anecdotes, deeply praying that God will get the glory and His saints receive some level of strength on the journey of life. Although some focus will be upon me, the greatest focus will be upon Jesus. This will not be a run of the mill typical autobiography.
    Later this week we have preexisting plans to visit relatives in Florida for a few days. Upon returning, I will begin the journey I simply call “Roger’s Roller Coaster.”

     


    📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged

  • Why Did He Do It?

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

       A dear pastor friend of mine in Mount Vernon, Washington, recently posted the following on Facebook:  I am taking a theology class, and one of my assignments this week is to ask the following question in the “public square”: What was the purpose of the life and death of Jesus Christ?

         The moment I read this, the gears started upstairs and I began wondering what we would say if someone simply proposed, the same question to any Christian at random. Have you considered that such a scenario is not only highly possible but, as we grow nearer our Lord’s return I am strongly convicted it will become highly probable. Folks, right now there is a growing population (many of whom who profess to be believers) all around us who are desperately searching for help and answers and eventually one of them will cross paths with one of us. The Bible says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  16.  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17.  For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” (1Pe. 3:15-17) 

        The following was my response to John. According to the Scriptures, Jesus supplied that which God requires in order for us to be pleasing to Him in this life and throughout eternity – perfection. All of humanity’s blood was and still is, tainted with sin since, consequently, the time when Adam and Eve became earth’s first two sinners. Thus, since all lineages reach back through one of Noah’s sons and eventually back to Adam and Eve through the lineage of Seth, each earthly human being is in a fix – i.e. we are all sinners and no earth-born citizen can change their condition nor do the same for another. The Scripture states in Romans 3:19-26, “ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. 21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22  Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25  Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26  To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”  God never intended the Old Testament law to provide the where-with-all to redeem anyone. At best, the law could only provide a temporal covering of sins, if obeyed. (Heb.10:1-10) “ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2.  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.  3. But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year. 4.  For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.  5. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6.  In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  7.  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  8.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; 9.  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10.  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].   The law was and forever will remain God’s continual reminder that all are sinners in desperate need of miraculous intervention from Him.  

             In conclusion, by personally repenting of our sins and accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as our Savor, God instantaneously cleanses us from all sins, equips us with His type of life (eternal), and then adopts us into His heavenly family! That is the reason Jesus went to the cross, shed His blood, suffered and died, and then arose early on Sunday morning.  The Word of God says it best – (Jn. 3:16) “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


    📂This entry was posted in Easter 📎and tagged