Bible Herald

Psalms 120:5 Commentary

2010-04-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
-Psalms 120:5

To dwell in a land full of lawlessness is like dwelling in the middle of uncertainty, unrest, confusion and distress. A land that a faithful man of God will sojourn as if it is Meshech and become his dwelling place like the tents of Kedar. A life which God didn’t even plan for his people to have, for it pleased him that his people will dwell in peace, happiness and prosperity.

It must have been a vexation in the spirit for a righteous man like Lot to dwell in a city of revelry and lewdness. For a day, when you see that iniquity reigns around your place is truly vexing in spirit (2 Peter 2:7-8). How much more if it were so everyday? The abomination of Sodom and Gomorrah was so grievous that God’s wrath was upon them. However, he never abandoned his faithful servant Lot and his family. Thus, he delivered them out of the condemned cities before they were destroyed by brimstone and fire (Genesis 19:24-25).

It must have been a tough life for the three Hebrew children to resist the ordinances of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:1-7). For the three of them purposed in their hearts that it is better to die than to bow down their heads to an idol that causes jealousy to God. Although oppressed and unjustly bound to despotic ordinances of the heathens, yet their faith keep their heads up to the Most High God. Thus, he never leaved Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego through the fiery furnace and delivered them away from the verge of death (Daniel 3:26-30).

If these people were delivered by God out of their own destruction, so are those who faithfully trusting in his love. For he will never forsake nor deliver them to trials and temptations that they can’t possibly endure. The children of God wherever they may be, even if they’re sojourning Meshech or dwelling in the tents of Kedar, they are still bound to have a triumphant life. As long as they stand firm faithfully to his words and equipped fully their Christian armors (Ephesians 6:11-17) everything will fall before them. For if God is with us, then who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

John 9:4 Commentary

2010-02-14T03:24:00.001-08:00

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
-John 9:4

Jesus has been the fulfillment of the prophecies that were written in the pages of the Old Testament (Hebrews 10:1). There have been so many issues that was shed to light when the people heard his words which are doctrines of truth. For the Son himself was the living Word who became flesh, dwelling among men (John 1:14) and preaching the kingdom of God. He was the light that shines upon the world (John 8:12) so that those people who were in the darkness shall see his glory and embrace his love.

Jesus Christ knew that his time for preaching the kingdom of God is short. That is why he worked the works of the Father while it was day, for the time of his inevitable death on the hands of his persecutors has not yet come. He knew the will of the Father, who sent him, and that is to give his life for the sake of the world whom he dearly loved (John 3:16). A prophecy fulfilled in the time when his oppressor had their advantage. A time of darkness (night) for the Son of God but became the day of redemption to those who believed on him.

If the Son of God have experienced a day and night on his ministry, it is not surprising that Christianity have experienced the same throughout the centuries. During the early years of Christianity, when Rome became the superpower to the known world, there was a widespread persecution of the saints of God. Roman emperors like Nero and Diocletian greatly opposed the flourishing religion that somehow opposed their own political rule. The main reason for this was the idea of worshipping the Roman emperors as “Lord” which is irreconcilable to the fact that Christians called Jesus Christ as their “Lord and Savior.” Thus, Christians were persecuted and killed for standing firm on their faith that they even became a spectacle for martyrdom in Roman coliseums. However, night became days, when emperors like Constantine and other rulers embraced Christianity while many nations were Christianized. A freedom that we are still enjoying today but still predestined to repeat its darkest hours in the last days (Luke 21:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-7, 12-13; 1 John 2:18-19).

John 9:4 Commentary

2010-02-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

Revelation 17:6 Commentary

2009-12-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of the greatest mystery that will play a big role in the last days (as it was centuries ago) is the Whore of Babylon (Revelation 17:1-18). A woman, in Biblical perspective symbolizes a religious institution or a church (Ephesians 5:22-26). This woman was the one that implemented the prophesied tribulations of the saints and their martyrdom that was widely experienced yet barely exposed throughout the course of history. Thus, she was depicted as a whore who was drunk by the blood of the saints because of her savagery and inhumane cruelty.

Throughout the history, many faithful Christians fell victim of her religious persecutions. Those who have the courage to stand firm in the Word of God were burned together with their Bibles during the times when it was put in the "Index of the Forbidden Books." Some were branded heretics and were martyred for preaching their doctrines which are irreconcilable to their church's dogmas. Others experienced the medieval tortures such as the garrote, burning at stake, guillotine and more odd ways to persecute the saints and forced them to expose their beliefs or renounce their faith. Thus, it fulfilled the very words of Jesus Christ that he prophesied to his disciples, when he said, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service (John 16:2)." It was said that there were more people killed by these religious Inquisitions than the combined record of casualties of World War I, World War II and some other major wars of the 20th century. The tribulation of the saints and their martyrdom during these events became the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the vile works of the Whore of Babylon.

Whoredom has a deeper spiritual meaning in the Bible than its common usage literally. The word itself was used in the Scripture not only to identify the act of committing adultery and fornication but also synonymous to the idolatrous practices done by the heathens and the people of God. Throughout the Bible, idolatry became one of the major reason why God's wrath was turned to his chosen people (Israelites). When Aaron and the children of Israel made a golden calf in the wilderness to be their god, the Lord's wrath raged on them. He was so angry that he would annihilate anyone who will not drink the water in which the pulverized remains of the molten image was mixed. Another one, was when the kings of Israel and Judah began to turn to the idols of other nations and worship as their own gods. God in his anger, suffered the Israelites to be dispersed throughout the nations of the world while the remnants of Judah were exiled to Babylon. Thus, having another gods and bowing down to their images is nothing but a spiritual prostitution. As a woman who had sexual relationship to another man other than his husband is an act of whoring, so is a nation who worshiped their gods rather the one true God is a "spiritual whoredom (Hosea 6:6; Revelation 3:20)."

One of the most intriguing part of the prophecy concerning the Whore of Babylon is that it is so admirable that many will fall on her beauty. No wonder, for even John, a man of God in whom the vision was revealed was mesmerized and blinded by its alluring grandeur. Although, the vision seems to be ahead of John's time yet he unwittingly fall from this religious institution with great admiration. Now, if an apostle and a faithful man of God was deceived by the Whore of Babylon even for a while (Revelation 17:6-8), how much more are those people who have not known the truth and those elect of God who are faithless?

Jeremiah 10:2 Commentary

2009-12-07T02:30:00.000-08:00

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
-Jeremiah 10:2

Nations of the world have their own diverse cultural practices that molded their own society. Their traditions may have no significance on other people's lives but it may somehow affect the beliefs of those who encountered them. One best example, are those people who worshiped the ancient Egyptian deities. The Greeks during their reign on Egypt for centuries, adopted some of their gods and made even their own counterparts. Eventually, the Romans who greatly admired the Greek culture adopted their gods. They also made their own myths that were parallel to some Greek legends and even created their own pantheon of gods.

In general, people of ancient civilization were greatly astonished by the heavenly bodies that they even erected temples for worship. The Mayan, for example, were men of intellect. Their priests were one of the world's earliest known astronomers and astrologers. They have been studying the constellations, eclipses, equinoxes, solstices, seasons and even created their own systematic calendars that can predict future astronomical events. Their fascination and in-depth knowledge on heavenly bodies, however, led them to pagan worship of the sun. Worst from this, they even practiced human sacrifices just to pleased their gods.

Aside from worship of the heavenly bodies, God also forbids his people to go after those who practiced astrology. As it was written: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch (Deuteronomy 18:10)." It is as abomination to the Lord to see his children consulting their fate to the stars and movement of heavenly bodies. Instead of seeking God's will and asking for his mercy, these people would rather put their trust on predictions of pure heresy. Therefore, God commanded the people of Israel, even from the days of Moses that they should not associate themselves with the neighboring pagan nations. For God knows that their peculiar practices will lure the hearts of his people away from the truth and his love.

John 19:30 Commentary

2009-11-30T21:48:00.001-08:00

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
-John 19:30

The offerings made in the Hebrew Temple became the shadow of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1) when he made himself as the unblemished offering (1 Peter 1:19) to the whole world. The slaughtered Lamb in the altar symbolizes the crucified Christ in the cross. Also, the sweet aroma that was offered by the high priest symbolizes the vinegar that was put on Jesus mouth. While the blood of the chosen sacrifice was the one that cleansed the whole people of Israel. On the other hand, the precious blood of Jesus Christ who bear no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) became the fulfillment of washing away the sins of the world. Cleansing those who believed on him whether he is a Jew or a Gentile.

It is written in the law of Moses that the high priest should offer a daily sacrifice for the people of Israel. Basically, in the ninth hour (3 p.m.) of the day he will end up the ceremony by saying, "it is finished." On the other hand, at the same time of the day during his crucifixion, Jesus gave up his ghost crying the exact words. Thus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29) fulfilled once and for all the things practiced in the temple worship. By doing so, he took away the first covenant and established the second (Hebrews 10:9-10) and that whoever believed on the Son of God shall be saved.

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2009-11-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

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Psalms 146:3 Commentaries

2009-11-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
Psalms 146:3

God has anointed leaders among his people so they may be united under the laws of their respective land. These people were ordained by men to enforce their noble task towards their nation and citizens. The power and authority that was laid upon them became their burden, for their leadership made them servants of men.

In the hour of tumultuous political protests and commotions, the people were pointing fingers on each others fault. Such actions, became the fuel that ignites to a greater disagreements, endless debates, dissensions between parties and even revolutions. On such events, people were more concerned of what they politically believed and ideologically uphold than to trust in God. Unknowingly, they became more zealous in supporting their leaders who shares the same ideology and principles as they have. Eventually, this results to division among the populace. Some people were passive and would rather stand on a neutral ground. On the other hand, those people who were actively participating became more radical, switching sides if necessary just to get an upper hand. While leaders were playing dirty tricks by bribery, treachery and tyranny. Such actions and more, made the political feud the breeding ground of lawlessness and corruption.

The Bible says, "cursed is a man who trust on a man (Jeremiah 17:5)," so is everyone who desperately cast their faith on their leaders. Knowing that everything a man can do is nothing but filthy rags to the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). Their is no leader who can make himself invincible. Neither is their a ruler who can make infallible judgment. Therefore, God wants his people not to put their trust on man regardless of their power, fame, riches and authority. Instead, we should ask the guidance of God for every unsettled disagreements among our rulers. We should pray for enlightenment, asking God to give our leaders wisdom, knowledge and understanding over their own decisions (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We should pray for our nation that it may forever abide in the laws of God. For a nation that upholds the law and obey the will of God shall be exalted over the nations of the world.

Haggai 2:17 Commentary

2009-11-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
-Haggai 2:17

There are things that seems good to man but an abomination to the Lord. Whenever the labor of man goes against the will of God it will surely bound to fail. That is why many labored all day long but gain nothing. There are also who ran greedily on the way of Balaam for reward (Jude 11) but ends up to their own destruction. Some are those who walked in corruption, treachery and violence who faced the same condemnable fate.

Perhaps the most notable of those who labored in vain, were people who worked honestly but have gone out of the way of their vocation, for they have left their first love. They are the elect who were preordained by the Lord to work for his ministry but neglected that higher calling. So God made them unfruitful from all their works that even their cherished possessions and esteemed skills were covered with blights (Haggai 2:17). As though a whip of correction which follows them continually. Therefore, as long as they will not take heed to the voice of the Almighty they'll never accomplish anything that is worthy.

God has his own mysterious ways of calling back those who backslide on their faith. Yet, no matter how a man tried to resist his vocation, he is still bound to return to the Most High God. The Lord indeed, never holds back his rod of correction to those whom he loved and chosen (Revelation 3:19). For who can escape the calling of God? Even the prophet Jonah cannot changed nor ran away from his impending fate.

Acts 17:26 Commentary

2009-11-27T05:28:00.000-08:00

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
-Acts 17:26

The first covenant made by God was with Abraham. For his righteousness and faithfulness towards God, he was given a blessing to become the father of all nations. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus who made the whole nation of men as one blood after his death and resurrection.

During the early days of the Apostles' ministry, some of them were preaching the gospel of Christ to Jewish communities scattered outside of Palestine. However, the conversion of the Roman centurion Cornelius and his whole family to Christianity, became the precursor of the ministry to the Gentiles. Thus, Peter was convinced and concluded that God is no respecter of men (Acts 10:34) for he offered salvation not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. Whoever therefore believed on Jesus Christ becomes a partaker of the promise of God and be under one blood, regardless of his race and nationality (Galatians 3:29; Romans 9:8).

Since all nations became part of the promise, he also preordained the things to come which was cried by the prophets of God to the people of Israel. This prophecies are bound to happen for there is no single jot nor a tittle in the Scripture that will not come to pass (John 10:34-35). God also set boundaries to every nations on earth, dividing the whole land according to his will. He already prepared every nation, even the nation of Israel which descendants were scattered throughout the corners of the world. However, God promised in the words of his prophet that in the latter days they will once again be gathered together on their homeland and reclaim it (Isaiah 43:5; Jeremiah 30:10-11).

In 1917, when the British troops liberated Israel from its oppressor the gathering of its scattered people was fulfilled. For after almost 2000 years since the destruction of the temple and diaspora of the Jews, the people once again roamed on their promised land. Two decades later, Israel was finally became a new born state and reclaimed the holy city of Jerusalem in 1967, despite of the global turmoil and controversies it caused.

I Corinthians 3:16 Commentary

2009-11-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
-1 Corinthians 3:16

After Jesus gave up his spirit in the cross, the curtain in the Jewish Temple was torn into two. This symbolized that God has already forsaken the old covenant that he made to the seeds of Abraham. However, this event also marked the beginning of a new covenant made by God unto men through his son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:24). A covenant for the children of promise (Galatians 3:29) as prophesied by the prophets of old times. Who through the Son of God both inherit the kingdom of heaven whether they are Jews or Gentiles.

In the day of Pentecost, the first Christian congregation received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, making the body of every saint as the new temple of God. Thus, it completely fulfilled the shadow of the prophecy about Temple worship done in Jerusalem and replaced it with the body of a believer. For everyone who believed and received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior were sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and obtain the power to become the children of God. Thus, the Spirit of God lives in us and our body became the temple of God.