Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 16, Isaiah 60, Matthew 5) for July 4th

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul, the failure who sat on the throne, from among Jesse's sons. The elders of the town trembled after hearing of Samuel's summary dispatch of Agag and asked him if he had come in peace. He replied, 'yes'. One by one the seven older brothers pass before him - each one impressive in his features; only for Samuel to be told not to look on the outward appearance (the basis of human judgment), but rather on the heart, which is Yahweh's basis of measurement. At last the youngest, who was not thought worthy of being presented, was brought, chosen and anointed. David was invited to soothe Saul's melancholic moods by playing his harp.Isaiah in chapter 60 the time of Zion's future glory, when the wealth of the nations will pour into her (Psalm 102 verses12-22). Verses 1-3 describe the LORD bringing glory from gloom to the long downtrodden nation of Israel. We are living close to the commencement of that epoch as our above quote from Psalm 102 reveals for Yahweh has restored Israel to their homeland. He has once more given them Jerusalem. Verses 4-9 tell of the flowing of the wealth of the nations into Zion. We are told that many Arab nations will be to the forefront of helping Zion, as will Great Britain through her navy. The maritime power of Tarshish (Britain) will be at the forefront of Zion's restoration. Verses 10-14 speak of the prominence that Israel will experience and those who afflicted her will coming begging for mercy. Verses 15-16 is an acknowledgment of the Almighty's role in Jerusalem's elevation. Verses 17-22 outline the abundance of blessings that will flow to her as she is blessed in Messiah's kingdom. Just as in Revelation 21 Jerusalem's glory will be the LORD God Almighty and his radiant Son.Matthew 5-7 is called "the sermon on the mount". Note from the start that after an arduous climb away from the multitude Jesus prepared a series of talks designed for disciples. It begins with a composite picture of our Lord's own character as the blueprint for all true citizens of Zion. There are 8 beatitudes: verses 2-12 - and the reward for each is the same- just expressed in different terms- that is to be blessed with a place in Messiah's kingdom. The 8 blessings - beatitudes- find their antitheses in the curses, or woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. Within the 8th blessing (Greek "kairos" - a happiness borne in the knowledge of our Father's overriding love and care for His children) there is a ninth, for those who then heard and were moved to respond to the gracious words which they heard. Verses 13-6 give 2 metaphors which describe the disciple's purpose - to shine forth the gospel to others - and who the disciple truly is - a sincere follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 17-20 tell us of Christ's mission and as his followers our duty to develop a righteousness of the heart and not one of outward appearance to others. Verses 21-26 tell us to control anger and to reconcile problems, not stir up strife. Verses 27-32 deal with lust and difficulties within marriage. Verses 33-37 ask disciples to tell the truth and avoid oaths. Verses 38-42 ask us to avoid retaliation. Verses 43-48 instruct us to be as our Father and show love at all times. We note in all these words the authority of our Lord: "but I say unto you". This contrasts with the Jewish leaders who would quote one or another rabbinical authority: Matthew 7:28. In all of these segments our Lord goes beyond what the Law requires and goes straight to the issues of the heart. Let us also learn that this is how we should look at the Word of God and the words of His Son. The fifth chapter concludes with an appeal for the Father's children to appreciate and emulate His character (verses 43-48).