Does It Cost to Fish?

Luke 5:1-11, “Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; ² and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. ³ And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. ⁴ When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” ⁵ Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” ⁶ When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; ⁷ so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” ¹¹ When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.”

In this event in the life of Jesus, we see many things taking place. Remember, this is very early on in His ministry. One thing that you find is an invitation. Have you ever received an invitation to something? Have you been invited to a party? Was it someone’s birthday party.

I remember when I was a kid in elementary school, someone would have a birthday party. The person would have little envelopes with names on them. Inside the envelopes were the invitations to the party. I was so afraid I wouldn’t get invited. Have you ever experienced that fear?

Also, for my 9^th birthday—5^th grade—my mom let me have a party. I was so conscious of leaving someone out that I had mom invite the whole class. Not all of the class came, but all were invited. I had a great time.

There were a few times when I wasn’t invited to an event. I remember how that made me feel. I was really hurt. Often, I was the last one chosen when teams were being selected to play some sports. When I became the star athlete in high school, I always chose the least likely players to be on my team. I knew I could win with them, and they didn’t have to feel left out.

When you get an invitation to something, most of the time, there is a cost involved. Most invitations come with gifts expected whenever you show up. This is a point to keep in mind as we go further into our story..

Up to now, Jesus hasn’t performed any of His signs that caused many to follow; however, He still draws a crowd with only the word of God. Today, He still draws a crowd. Every Sunday millions meet because of Him and His ministry. The crowd is large enough that people are pressing against Him. Everyone wants to be near Him. You could liken Him to a modern-day Elvis. Elvis was so popular that he couldn’t go into public. He nearly lived free inside a prison. Later Jesus has Peter and the others surrounding Him in order to keep the crowd from pressing too closely.

Because of the crowd, Jesus needed something to move him away from them. He saw two boats sitting there on the beach. He got into the boat belonging to Simon Peter, and Jesus asked Peter to push out a bit from the shore. After the boat was a little bit from shore, Jesus sat down on the bow with the crowd standing along the shore and began to speak. The place now is like an amphitheater where all the crowd, standing or sitting on the beach, could hear Him teach.

Matthew and Luke do not tell their audiences what Jesus taught. However, Mark 4 teaches that he taught the parable of the Sower. However, Mark adds nothing about the huge catch of fish. Could Mark’s account have been at a different time? It surely looks as if it could be.

Although Jesus taught in the synagogues to the pompous, rich leaders, here by the sea He teaches to the poor masses of humanity. He gets into a boat to teach. Could this teaching from a boat be a preview of the Gospel being shipped to the islands of the Gentiles?

Nonetheless, Jesus teaches to the multitude by the Sea of Galilee. Although we are not sure what His message was, He taught to the lowly, the masses, the dregs of society. It would be these people who would be dependent on the fishermen to supply their food. Since the fishermen had fished all night and caught nothing, could the huge catch of fish have been Jesus’ way to do two things: 1. Draw the three disciples to Him, and 2. Supply food to the poor?

Then too, it was extremely ironic! After He taught, what happened to the crowd?

1.      Did he send them away?

2.      Did they remain and see the miracle of the catch?

3.      Could they have bought fish from Zebedee and the servants?

4.      The truth is, you don’t know because Matthew and Luke do not say.

Even as it was then, many people today hear the word about Jesus, but few obey Him. God says “. . . Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22b). If you are to follow the Lord Jesus, then, one requirement is that you obey His word.

After Jesus teaches to the people, He tells Simon Peter, ““Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (v. 4).

Why would Peter even consider obeying Jesus words? It could be because John the Baptist introduce Andrew and John to Jesus (John 1:36). Andrew then found his brother, Simon Peter and brought him to meet Jesus (John 1:41). Maybe, Peter had met Jesus and knew who He was. Also, there was Jesus’ message to the people on shore. Peter heard the message. He could have heard and believed the words that Jesus taught that day.

It is rather ironic that a carpenter would tell a seasoned fisherman where and when to fish. Peter was a businessman. He owned the company, and he had two of his friends in business with him, John and James, whose father was Zebedee. Zebedee owned their boat.

Recall if you will that these men had worked hard all night and had caught nothing. The reason for fishing at night is because of the netting that was used for fishing at this time. The net was made of linen and it was white. During the day, the fish could see the net coming and escape. Once again, another thing ironic about this situation. When Jesus told Peter to let down his net for a catch, it was daytime. Not the time to catch fish with a white net.

Then why did Peter obey Jesus? Because Peter says, “. . . but I will do as You say and let down the nets” (V 5b). Just because you say so, I will obey, Peter tells Jesus. That response should always be yours when the Holy Spirit speaks to you, “I will do it because you say so.”

Peter  and his crew, weary and worn from working all night, let down the nets and caught such a great quantity of big fish that he had to summons James and John to help get the fish in the boats. Even then, the boats were sinking as they limped back to the shore. The netting was beginning to tear, too. This was not good because the nets had to be repaired if they broke. The Romans charged a huge tax on the linen to make and repair the nets.

Peter is overwhelmed by the fact that Jesus had done this miracle. Yes, Peter saw the catch as miraculous. “. . . he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a

A Huge Catch of Fish

Peter and his crew, weary and worn from working all night, let down the nets and caught such a great quantity of big fish that

Image of fishing nest in Bible times. Bing.com /images

he had to summons James and John to help get the fish in the boats. Even then, the boats were sinking as they limped back to the shore. The netting was beginning to tear, too. This was not good because the nets had to be repaired if they broke. The Romans charged a huge tax on the linen to make and repair the nets.

Peter is overwhelmed by the fact that Jesus had done this miracle. Yes, Peter saw the catch as miraculous. He “. . . he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon” (Vs 8b-10a),

Simon was blown away! He couldn’t contain himself. He was slain in the Spirit and bowed down to the divine nature of Jesus. Peter realized that he was in the presence of a Holy God. He recognized his sinfulness and out of respect for Jesus’ Godliness asked Him to leave.

However, Jesus did for Peter the very same thing that He does for anyone who comes to Him or calls to Him, He told Peter to get up because He would make Peter, James and John catch people rather than fish. Jesus sees the value in each of us, and although we cannot meet the standards of a sinless Christ, we are made whole and perfect by the relationship Jesus has for us.

The Cost of Following

Jesus calls these three fishermen to be a part of something that they didn’t understand, couldn’t see the total value of it, nor did they have any idea where it would lead them. However, because He asked them, the three believed that Jesus and His ministry had value.

You might ask, “How do you know this?”

Because the three men left everything to follow Jesus. Salvation is free but following Jesus costs. There is a price you pay for following Jesus.

Look at the things these three men left behind to follow Jesus:

A great deal of money from the catch.

A thriving business.

Their father.

Their families.

The communities dependence on them to provide food.

The only life they had ever known

Of course, we could continue the list, but you get the point. Following Jesus will cost something. He has to be priority number one if you follow Him. You can have other priorities in your life, but you won’t be totally committed to following Jesus.

Rest

He says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

If you truly follow Jesus, you will be yoked to Him. Therefore, you will go where He goes, do what He does and stay where He stays. There is no longer “I” but “we.” Allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your life, your decisions, is what Jesus means by rest. You don’t get to sit in the shade and drink lemonade. You will be working in ministry as the Holy Spirit gives His directives. That is rest. B. C. Ministries, Inc. has a study on rest. It is free. Email them and request your copy to bcministries1@gmail.com).

Who Does Jesus Use

From this historical event you learn that Jesus’ message was presented to the marginalized, the broken and sinners. These are the ones Jesus sought in His ministry. He allows Simon to become a minister of grace and forgiveness. Jesus uses imperfect people to minister to imperfect people. He gives these men and women the opportunity to bring good news to imperfect people. He looks for those whose only quality is a willingness to be used by God.

Jesus extended to these lowly fishermen an invitation to a great opportunity. He allowed them to accept now or later regret that they didn’t accept His invitation. He offers you the same invitation! Jesus asks you to give everything over to God in order to become His minister. Then, your proper response to Jesus’ invitation is to obey and follow.

Jesus Demands Your All

Obedience and following is expensive. He wants everything from you. You can’t hold back anything to follow Him. Everything must be sacrificed. It was God who provided it for you anyway.

You must be willing to submit all to Him. You can’t follow Jesus from the front! You are no longer in control. You simply obey without regard to anything. What He asks may seem preposterous, but do it anyway.

If you think you have faith before, you will follow Him only by faith. Your faith will be the real thing that God leads, guides and rewards you. So, in reality, you are not giving up anything. You are gaining the good, abundant life. You must understand the decision to follow becomes your life. The decision will cost, but it will also bring great rewards.

Finally, your decision to follow means action on your part. Jesus doesn’t expect you to watch people fish. You must go fishing! Sitting in the pews at church isn’t fishing. Yes, church is a place where you can use your gifts, but how many lost souls can you catch in church?  

Fishing requires you to go. Then, as you are going, be preaching by using words or by your actions and lifestyle. Then, you can show others how to be baptized in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

That is fishing, my friends. Keep your fishing equipment and bait ready at all times! 

Prepare for Battle Now

 No Battle Comes Close!

There’s a battle coming. If one combined, all the chaos, death, carnage and destruction of WWI and WWII, the consequences cannot be compared to this final war. The coming battle, which the whole world will face, has never seen comparison. The majority of the battle will only last three and one-half years!

Jesus said it best, “It is a time of tremendous desolation as has never been seen or will be seen again” (Matthew 11:24 Paraphrased). Jeremiah called it the time of Jacob’s Trouble.

In this heinous destruction, over one-half of the earth’s population will be destroyed. The final battle will see the enemy of two-hundred million soldiers slain. The topography of the world will be drastically changed.

During the pandemonium of this war, men will beg to die rather than face the calamity. Once it begins, death will be the only way out for most. Yet, many will go through the rage, suffer all the atrocities of the battle only to be condemned to hell when it ends.

When will it take place? Can we prepare to defend ourselves against this horrific time? Will you be able to escape such devastation that is planned for the world?

These questions and more are answered in the book, Prepare for Battle. The author gives steps to take before, during and in the midst of the Battle, which is planned so that the Title Deed of the earth will return to God. Yes, that is the purpose of the tribulation. God wants to restore His creation to Himself. Why? Adam gave God’s creation away.

The author hopes the book causes the reader to contemplate his destiny, to face the reality of being reticent about his salvation and to give him confidence to Prepare for Battle.

The above is the back cover of my new book. the book is available on Amazon. It explains in detail how the Tribulation Period will be and offers some suggestions how to prepare to keep yourself alive during this turbulent time in history.

 Why Will There Be a Battle?

Throughout Biblical History, prophets have proclaimed the coming of a battle to end the fight between good and evil. It will be a time when God's wrath will be poured out on unbelievers as well as a time for God to reshape the earth. God makes provisions for every person to join His magnificent kingdom. However, not everyone decides to believe that He means what he says.

Adam, the first man God created, gave God's creation to Satan. Since that time, there has been a constant struggle for man to perform the way God created Him to act. He was to simply be a member of God's family. That's why God created man. He wanted a family whom He could love and in turn receive love from His creation.

God put man in charge of His creation, the earth. Man has so abused the earth that the Tribulation Period will indeed reshape God's creation to His intent and purpose as well as allow Him to reclaim the title deed to it.

Prepare for Battle

My new book explains all the above information and much, much more about the Tribulation Period and events that lead up to it. Also, in the book are given ways that will help you escape the coming mayhem and destruction. It also gives tips on how you might be able to survive as a believer during the world's darkest hour.

The book will become a manual for survival for much of mankind. It will be a book that will be read over and over to be sure you get things right in your life and with God.

Yes, a battle is coming. You have time now to prepare. Find out how to make preparations as God will indeed reshape and revive Planet Earth.

Be Blessed,

Howard Coffey

PS: Our next novel, Prepare for Battle, has been published. The novel is about the Tribulation Period and the horrific events that will take place during the time of God's wrath. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

New Heaven and a New Earth: Why Are They Relevant?

 Revelation 21:1-2, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

    From what the Scriptures teach you, God's Eternal Order in heaven is permanent. Then what does John mean when he writes about a "new heaven?"

    Psalm 119:89 reads, "Forever, Lord, Your word stands in heaven."

    If God's word stands firm in heaven forever, how can there be a new heaven? As you know, there are three heavens:

• Heaven
• The Stellar Heaven
• The Atmospheric Heaven

    It stands to reason that God's heaven of heavens will be like Him--never changing!

    Therefore, if there is going to be a "new heaven," then doesn't it seem logical that the new heaven has to do with both the Stellar Heaven and the Atmospheric Heaven. Jesus tells you, "But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Matthew 24:29).

    Obviously, the Stellar Heaven will be changed. Notice from Revelation 21:1 above, there earth is changed. There is no sea. Since the evaporation of the sea causes the rains to come, then the atmosphere will definitely be changed when there is no sea on earth.

    Just wanted to share a bit to give you something to think about.

Be Blessed,

Howard Coffey

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

 The Eternal Word

"Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in Heaven" (Psalm 119:89).

Established on Solid Rock

    God's word binds you to Him. His word is established on solid ground. An eternal heaven; therefore, you can totally trust and rely on God's word.

    Consistent with His nature, God didn't place His word on the floods. The new earth won't contain a sea. His word isn't established on the hills and mountains because they will flee away.

    Nothing on earth is solid enough for God to plant His word on. So, God settles His word on something that lasts forever, heaven.

Eternal Order

    Heaven of creation proclaims God's Eternal Order. You, as a believer, see heaven as the spiritual Mecca. It is the place of your spiritual dreams. Your imagination runs wild trying to picture the place Jesus made available to His followers.

    You know and experience moral laws and redemption because of an eternal heaven: God's home, His throne and His temple. Heaven becomes a place where the large and the small can share a common goal together.

    Since God's word has been established on such a stable foundation, you accept that His word can provide infinite provisions. His word has given you a marvelous plan.

His Word Came to Earth

    Over two thousand years ago, God's Word came and dwelt among His people. Jesus the Christ is administrator of God's word for all mankind.

    Because of who the Word is, when one sins, he is direct violation of God's word. Sin is directly opposed to God's word. Sin is diabolically opposed to God's Eternal Order.

    However, Jesus' sacrifice took your sin and cast it into the middle of God's great big nowhere. Christ gave the world salvation that allowed you to become a part of God's Eternal Order where you live eternally with Him.

    Because His word is established forever in heaven, it makes faith grow. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

    Therefore, today, allow God's word to be settled in you. Begin to live and walk in His Eternal Order. Not only will His word be established forever, but you will, too! Take hold of God's eternal word today. Be settled in heaven as well as His word.

Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

How Does The Tribulation Begin?

    As the Tribulation begins, Jesus opens the seals that are wrapped around the scroll. The scroll is the title deed to the earth. When he opens the first seal, a rider on a white horse rides out to conquer. He has a bow, but there are no arrows for the bow. Therefore, he will conquer countries in conventional warfare and in unconventional ways as well.

    Many theologians today believe he will wage war using economic measures. The following verses would so indicate. Yes, it is true that inflation follows in the path of war. Things do get higher; however, look at how much inflation rises when the Tribulation begins.

Inflation

   In Revelation 6;5-6 we read, When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.  Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

    Inflation really takes a huge leap when the third seal is broken. Look at the price of a loaf of bread, a day's wages. Today, the minimum wage is $7.50 per hour--twice this in California. At $7.50 per hour, a loaf of bread will cost $30.00 (one pound of flour). The cost of a loaf of bread today is about $2.54. Ten years ago it was $1.06. Inflation has eaten away at our pocketbooks. However, inflation will take the prices much higher within the next few years.

    However, prices are begining to skyrocket especially meat. If the trend continues, inflation may be a springboard for the antichrist to begin his run on history. He will be able to conquer the world. The whole world will be ruled by a monarch for nearly seven (7) years.

    Inflation can cause a majority of the people of the world to go hungry. People will have to choose wheither to buy medicines that they must have or food which is imperative that they have. Inflation will cause a huge separation in the social classes. There will be little middle class left. Most of the middle and lower classes will merge into the lower class. The upper class will continue to grow wealthy if they can stay alive.

War

    When the second seal was broken, people began to kill one another. The rider on the "red horse" rode out to make war. He took peace from the earth. This rider carried a large sword.

    Then, as the fourth seal is broken, things really heat up on earth. The rider on the "pale" horse causes one-fourth of the earth's population to be destroyed. There are 7.9 billion people on the earth today, December, 2021. One-fourth of 7.9 billion would be nearly 2 billion people. What could kill 2 billion people quickly?

    The word "pale" is actually chlorous in Greek. The horse is green; however, most translations render it pale or ashen because no one has seen a green horse running about the pastures. We get our English word chlorine from the above word.

    Chlorine gas explains how 2 billion people can be anhilated quickly. Chlorine is a deadly gas. Placed in a water supply or dropped by bombs onto densly populated areas could indeed cause massive deaths among the earth's population.

    Yes, the Tribulation Period will cause much suffering. However, we are warned ahead of time. We can do something to prevent our joining in the suffering. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Become a part of His church. His church will be taken out before the Tribulation Period begins.

Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Marry a Prostitute: Never

 

Hoshea

Minor Prophets Study

By

B Howard Coffey

 

As you read the book of Hoshea, remember that the book is a passionate letter. The passion of a husband who has lost his wife comes to life in the pages of the book. It is passionate because of God’s relationship to Israel. He loves her, but she has gone after other gods. C.F. Ezekiel 16; Jeremiah 3:6-8. And The passion also includes the passion of a father to his children Hoshea 11:1-3; Jeremiah 31:20. Because it is a passionate discourse, there is much repetition but not without purpose.

Hosea Chapter 1

 

In 733 B.C. Tiglath-pileser, King of Assyria, came against the Northern Kingdom and took all but Ephraim and Manasseh. Do you remember whose sons these two were? That’s right, Joseph’s. Could that have a bearing on their remaining undefeated? Let’s look at the blessing that Jacob pronounced on Joseph (Genesis 49:22-26).

Yes, who they were could have had much to do with the fact that they held out eleven years after their brothers were gone into exile and death. Assyria took both tribes captive in 722 B.C. Therefore, Ephraim refers to what remains for the last ten years. Other places in the Bible, Ephraim refers to the tribes that separated from Judah (Jeremiah 7:15; 31:9 C.F.).

In the first three chapters, God reveals himself to Hosea through signs and types. Hebrews 1 instructs you, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, ² in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world,” (verses 1-2). The after the first three chapters, God speaks to Hosea through dialog.

God is distraught with his chosen people. They have desired other gods or wives. Remember, God married Israel at Mount Sinai, Deut. 19-20. Now they have become unfaithful. Hosea’s marriage to a prostitute becomes a sign of the infidelity of Israel. Through the names of Hosea’s sons, God foretells the abandonment of His sons, Israel, Hosea 1:2-3:2; 1:4-6, 8, 9. 3.

 

Pg 7 Hosea Chapter 1

Through Hosea, God speaks softly to Judah who still has a true form of worship of God. Throughout the book we see God’s pure and precious promises of mercy mixed with portions of God’s wrath.

Hosea’s Wife and Children

 

V 1 The word of the Lord which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

The timeline for Hosea is identified by the times of the kings. Hosea prophesied around 793-686 BC. If you recall, Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of these kings, too. Isaiah received his call from God the year that Uzziah died, B.C. 739

V 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord.

God tells Hosea to choose a prostitute for his wife. Nothing new in our society. A popular movie, Pretty Woman, has the same theme.

I’m confident that Hosea’s mom and dad were proud of him. They may not have allowed him to bring she and her children to visit.

God’s intentions were to show Israel how they were acting towards him. They had chosen to play the harlot by worshiping other gods. God was their husband. He married them at Mount Sinai, Exodus 19-20. They were commanded not to have other Gods (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:14). They knew God was a jealous God

(Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). He told them that he was. Yet, they, as Hosea’s choice of wife showed, had decided to love other gods.

V 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

As with the prophet Isaiah, God uses the names of Hosea’s children to signify important historical events.

V 4 And the Lord said to him, “Name him Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

Jezreel was the first son if Hosea. In talking about the “bloodshed” of Jezreel. Many think the reference to bloodshed of Jezreel is to the destruction of the house of Ahab and Ahaziah when Jehu overtook the throne. However, this seems highly unlikely. The kingdom didn’t end with Jehu’s death. Israel would survive for 30 more years.  Also, God commanded Jehu to destroy Ahab’s dynasty. (1 Kings 9:1-10, 10:30. C.F. 2 Chronicles 22:7). Why would God punish someone for carrying out his word? God commanded Jehu.

Maybe you can consider the bloodshed of Jezreel as the “bloodshed of the house of Israel.” It is good to recall that Ahab introduced Baalism as the national worship of Israel (1 Kings 21). Ahab also plotted the murder of Naboth in order to get his vineyard. From this point forward in Hosea, the confrontation between Baal and Israel is set.

V 5 On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

It was here that Baalism seemed to have triumphed over the Lord. It is here in the valley of Jezreel (another name for Israel) that Baalism will be defeated. To “break the bow” indicated complete defeat of an enemy.

There are two incidents of Baal being defeated. The first is in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah confronts them. The second happens when Jehu had all the worshipers of Baal assemble in their temple. He did this in a cunning fashion. After all were gathered in, he had them all killed (2 Kings 10). The Bible says that Jehu had Baal “eradicated (2 Kings 10:28).

V 6 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And the Lord said to him, “Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them.

Note that the daughter is not referred to as Hosea’s child. Later she will be called “children of harlotry.” Nonetheless, the child was an indication of the Lord’s intentions regarding Israel. He no longer has compassion on them.

Notice, too, that the daughter not being listed as Hoshea’s could be an indicator that Israel was no longer considered a daughter or part of the family of God’s.

V 7 But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the Lord their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen.

God’s devotion has switched from Israel. Before he had compassion on Israel, but now he has compassion on Judah only. I would point out that God isn’t too happy with Judah. She runs after other gods, and she burns incense to other gods on the high places.

As for Israel, God will not deliver them through their trained army. Their weapons of war will not prevail against the enemy. No matter how well equipped their army might be, their efforts will be           thwarted by God.

V 8 When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and gave birth to a son.

Following the birth of her daughter, Hoshea’s wife gives birth to a son. Note the Bible does not indicate if the son belongs to Hoshea, either.

This could also be the place that women learned that they couldn’t get pregnant while nursing a child. Hoshea’s wife didn’t become pregnant again until after her daughter is weaned. The fact is that nursing a child doesn’t always prevent pregnancy. However, if you look at the time of births for women who don’t use birth control, the children are spaced nearly two-years apart—the time to wean a child.

V 9 And the Lord said, “Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people and I am not your God.

The child shows how much God has turned away from Israel. No longer does he claim them as his people. Look, too, the people don’t claim him as their God. Yes, they still profess God as their leader; however, their behavior does not indicate his presence in their lives.

Could be something to look at in your life and the life of your church—profession doesn’t compute to following Jesus.

V 10 Yet the number of the sons of Israel will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered; and in the place where it is said to them, “You are not My people,” It will be said to them, “You are the sons of the living God.

“You are the sons of the living God” is also quoted by Paul in Romans 9:26. As to the increase in the number of peoples in Israel, the time surely cannot be now. God is about to destroy the majority of Israel’s people by war with the Assyrians. Their numbers will decrease rather than increase.

Obviously, verse ten refers to a later time. Isaiah writes, “Enlarge the place of your tent;
^[a]Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs.” (54:2).

Again a scripture that indicates the increase of the people of God’s chosen.

Isaiah writes about a time during the Millennial reign of Christ when Israel and Judah have joined together as country. At this time the peoples will increase so much that larger tents will be needed to make room for the increase in children.

V 11 And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and they will go up from the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.

Jezreel means, God will sow. The reference is to the valley that lies southwest of the city of Jezreel. One end of this valley is the valley of Megiddo. This will be the final battle between the disobedient peoples of the earth and Christ and his saints. The battle will take place at the end of the tribulation period. The battle will usher in the Millennial reign of Christ. The fact, that his 1,000 year reign begins following the battle, remains a good indicator of who wins the battle.

Jezreel is know as the city where Jezebel died. You remember her. She was Ahab’s wife. She ushered in the worship of Baal. She swore to kill Elijah. And she had Naboth killed so her husband, Ahab, could acquire Naboth’s vineyard.

Ironically, her name in Hebrew means chaste.

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens.

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.

Religious Opinion Can Be Wrong

 

Matthew 16:1-4.

Doesn't it seem that everywhere Jesus goes, members of the Sanhedrin, Pharisees and Sadducees, seem to find him. These groups of religious fanatics constantly badger him. As is the case in our scripture above.

Jesus had just prior to this fed 4,000 people with seven loaves and a few small fish. His miracle took place out of necessity. The crowd had been following him for three days (16:32, and he had been healing their infirmities (15:30-31). So, Jesus asked His disciples, ". . .I don't want to send them away hungry," (15:32).

Well, the disciples panicked, "No way can we feed all these people. We can't do that! Where would we get enough bread to feed this many people."

Jesus simply asked them to take inventory of the food supply that they had. I think He often asks you and me, "How much power is in your tank. Are you below empty. Remember, I can fill your tank with all the power you need."

Right after this event, they continue to travel along the Sea of Galilee. It is at some point in their travel that the members of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus to test him (16:1). They were brazen enough to ask Jesus to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus had been healing the blind, the lame and other maladies that people can acquire in the previous chapter. These religious leaders had to know about all these signs. Then, it begs the question, Where did they think all these signs came from?

In chapter 12 of Matthew's gospel, the religious leaders accuse Jesus of doing signs by Beelzebub. So, it may be safe to assume, that these leaders facing Jesus today to test him, were saying that His signs came from hell. "We want you to show us a sign from heaven," they tell Jesus.

As was His usual repertoire, Jesus turns their question on them. He gives them signs that they know. If the sky is red at sunset, then there will be good weather tomorrow. It the sky is red at sunrise, then there could be storms (vv 2-3).

Jesus tells these pompous leaders, "You know how to predict the weather, but you have no idea the times that you are seeing before your eyes. I'm about to do something that will change mankind forever. You can know about it because you are learned in the ways of God, but you don't know how to discern the facts of God's plans" (v 3b paraphrased).

Next, Jesus tells them the only sign they will get from Him is the sign of Jonah. That was a sign from heaven that they would understand. Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of a fish. These leaders would know this account from their Torah. However, they would be unable to grasp the significance of the words as they related to Jesus. Jesus would spend three days and three nights in the belly of the earth. He, too, would come out alive. Not only would he be alive, but He would provide life to every man on earth who would come to Him in faith believing that He was the Lord of all.

Matthew 16:13-20.

Finally, Jesus and his followers come to Caesarea Philippi at the northeast end of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus asks a question of his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (v 13b).

His followers began to answer, "Some say John the Baptist; and others Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets" (v 14).

Then, Jesus does with them as He does with you and me. He gets really personal and asks, "But who do yourselves say that I am?" (v. 15).

We, who have been baptized, know the answer to this question. We were asked to repeat these words before the minister baptized us. Peter answers and says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v. 16).

Jesus then tells Peter, the rest of His followers and us that Peter's answer is spirit breathed. This confession cannot come from man, it can only come from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus uses Peter's confession to make a huge declaration. He tells Peter, "That you are Peter (little rock), and upon this rock (huge, mountainous size rock) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (v. 18. Words in parenthesis are the authors).

As the influence of the church declines more and more every day, it appears that Satan is winning. The gates of Hell are wreaking havoc on our churches. However, God is always in control. Paul says, "For when I am weak, I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10b).

Satan wants you to believe the church is shrinking and growing weaker. However, you need to begin to confess, "My church is mighty for battle. It will overcome the enemy. My church will have powerful influence in my community." Then, began acting as though the words are true. Faith comes from hearing the word. Repeat this confession to yourself every day.

No, the religious leaders of Jesus' day couldn't relinquish Him of His power. Neither can the ones today destroy your church. Keep the faith because revival is coming. I believe this! Will you agree with me in prayer?

For fountain pens and ballpoints visit: My Fountain Pens.

 Blessings,

Howard

PS: Our first novel, The Red-Haired Master Shepherd, has been published. The novel is fiction about a little known Biblical character who meets Jesus. It makes a good reading for any study group. Check it out here. Or you can email us for your copy.

For free studies on many books of the Bible, Visit our website, M & H Publishing Company by clicking here then select "Contact."

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.