Book of Isaiah and God’s Salvation

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the Lord has comforted His people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has demonstrated His holy power before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the victory of our God. Isaiah 52:7-10 (NLT)

The book of Isaiah has been called an Old Testament masterpiece of prophetic literature. In fact, the New Testament quotes the book of Isaiah more than 400 times, more than all other prophets combined. No other book can match Isaiah’s rich voluntary and use of imagery. In some respects, the book of Isaiah is the theological textbook of the Old Testament that stresses complete faith and trust in an all Holy God (see Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 48:12; Isaiah 63:15-17). Within these pages, we see the full dimension of God (God the Father, God the Son – Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit) and His salvation.

The prophet Isaiah is considered a giant in Jewish history and one of Israel’s greatest prophets. However, he spent his days in the hallway of power as an advisor to kings of Judah (Israel’s southern kingdom) and helped shape the course of his nation. Yet during his lifetime, Isaiah saw people using their power to hurt the poor, oppressed, and widows (Isaiah 1:23). Men went around drunk while women only cared about their clothes while ignoring the needs of others. The people only gave lip service to God with a good outward appearance of religion. There was no shortage of prayers, religious celebrations, and offerings during Isaiah’s times but the people did not have a heart of true obedience for God and His ways. Although the prophet Isaiah moved in royal circles, he warned the people to turn to God and away from sin.

As to the authorship of the book of Isaiah, the traditional view states that the prophet Isaiah wrote this entire Old Testament book bearing his name. However, many critics today argue that the book of Isaiah with its sixty-six chapters is really two books (Isaiah chapters 1 through 39 and Isaiah chapters 40 through 66), usually called “First” and “Second” Isaiah. Further study of the book by some biblical scholars finds three books within Isaiah, chapters 1 through 39, chapters 40 through 55, and chapters 56 through 66. Yet, no ancient manuscript or version gives any indication that the book of Isaiah existed in two or more parts. In the Jewish listing of canonical books, Isaiah has always counted as one book. The New Testament writers clearly regarded the book of Isaiah as one book (see Matthew 3:3; Matthew 12:17-18; Luke 3:4; John 12:38–41; Acts 8:28–34; Romans 10:16, 20.) Therefore, the book of Isaiah needs to be studied as a single work, in spite of the countless ways in which the book may be analyzed.

Within the pages of this grand masterpiece, the prophet Isaiah gives us a picture of the Lord God high and lifted upon His throne surrounded by heavenly beings all declaring God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1-13; see also Revelation 4:1-9). God gave the prophet Isaiah this vision of His heavenly court (see also Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Psalm 82:1; Psalm 89:5-7). As a true prophet of God, Isaiah was made privy to God’s heavenly court, as were the prophets Micaiah (1 Kings 22:19-20) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:18, 22; see also Amos 3:7). Isaiah’s vision contained a revelation of the All Holy One with infinite and supreme holiness seated on the throne “high and lifted up,” clad in a robe whose hem filled the Temple (see also Leviticus 11:44). Angels called seraphim serve to guard the throne, worship Israel’s Great King, and minister to Isaiah’s sinful need (Isaiah 6:5, 7; see also Revelation 4:6-9). In the midst of God’s holiness, the prophet Isaiah realized he was a sinner living in the midst of sinners (Isaiah 6:5-6), in need of mercy because his eyes “seen the Great King, the Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). Isaiah’s vision declared both God’s freedom to make Himself known and the forgiveness of sin for His people. More than anything, Isaiah’s vision declared that God’s glory and sovereignty fills the whole earth (Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 40:15-24; see also Numbers 14:21-22; Psalm 72:18-19; Ezekiel 1:28). Then, God touched Isaiah’s mouth and commissioned him as a prophet of God (Isaiah 6:7; see also Jeremiah 1:9).

Before the prophet Isaiah saw the true and living God, the prophet declared to the people (Judah and Israel) their rebellious sins against God (Isaiah 1:1-16) and the promises of God’s redemption (recovery, healing, and blessings) for those who would repent and turn to God (Yahweh). The prophet reminded the people that God did not like the people’s pride, idolatry, and heartless devotion to Him (Isaiah 2:6-10). God would condemn anyone that exploited others (Isaiah 5:8-10); had repeated drunkenness (Isaiah 5:11-12); pride and self-importance (Isaiah 5:18-19); immoral standards (Isaiah 5:20); arrogance (Isaiah 5:21); and distortion of justice and brides (Isaiah 5:22-24). Isaiah reminded the people that God demanded justice, righteousness, and mercy towards others and not bloodshed, hatred and selfishness (Isaiah 5:7). God wanted the people to bear good fruit and to be a light of goodness to the nations (see also Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 7:20). Like today, Israel and Judah had become unfaithful to God and that unfaithfulness was specified as social abuse of others, exploitation of the powerless, and violence against one’s neighbors (Isaiah 1:21-26). God wanted the people to enjoy life, but not sin (see 1 Timothy 6:17).The prophet Isaiah called the people to turn from their lives of sin and warned them of God's judgment and punishment if they failed to do so.

Geographically, Isaiah 1 through 39 centers in Judah and especially in Jerusalem, its capital. In these chapters we see the westward marches of the Assyrian army first under Tiglath-pilser III and then the ravaging of Judah by the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The prophet Isaiah used these foreign invasions to teach basic principles about God’s ways. First, the prophet noted that God’s land was full of crimes of all sorts:  rebellion, heartless religious ceremonies, outright idolatry, flagrant injustice of others, selfish reliance, arrogance, and drunkenness. God would allow foreign invasions into the land to judge His people and their leaders’ wickedness. Second, the prophet Isaiah set up a contrast between two kings who faced the foreign threats, King Ahaz and King Hezekiah. King Ahaz wavered between God’s command to “stand firm in faith” with God (Isaiah 7:9) and his trust in self and other alliances. King Hezekiah, however, did not waver in his approach to foreign threat. Instead, King Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord God, “Save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone are the Lord” (Isaiah 37:20). In turn, Hezekiah hears the Lord’s promise:  “For I will defend this city to save it, for My own sake and for the sake of My servants David” (Isaiah 37:35). These two events of Ahaz and Hezekiah from the book of Isaiah teach the importance of wholeheartedly trusting God and obeying God’s Word in all circumstances. 

Also, Isaiah chapters 1 through 39 address God’s complete sovereignty of the nations. The Lord God used the foreign aggressors – first Assyria and then Babylonia to purify His people of their wickedness. But God’s divine hand set limits on the foreign aggressors. Through the prophet Isaiah, God wanted the people to know that He was the true Ruler of all nations. God will judge all nations for their pride, evil worship, and inhumane treatment of people. Moreover, God wanted to assure His people that they must trust and be wholeheartedly faithful to Him and not self and foreign alliances. The prophet Isaiah looked into the future and saw that God was universally in control of all nations (see Isaiah chapters 24-27; 34-35). Sometimes, Isaiah chapters 1 through 39 are called Isaiah’s Apocalypse.

The book of Isaiah is filled with patterns of praise and prayer to celebrate central role of wholehearted faith and trust in God (see Isaiah 26:3; see also Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 37:16-20). Prayer and praise become the central emphasis in the book of Isaiah because prayer and praise demonstrate what God wanted from His people in anticipation of God’s sure victory.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the Eternal Rock. He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust. The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot, and the needy walk all over it. But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.

Isaiah 26:3-7 (NLT)

When we turn to Isaiah 40, the prophet informed the reader that God’s judgment for sin has taken placed on Israel and Judah. Isaiah 40 through 55 announces the end of God’s punishment for sin (Isaiah 40:1-2) and God’s restoration and blessings to His covenant people (Isaiah 40:6-8; Isaiah 44:22-23; Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s restoration would be like a new exodus out of Egyptian bondage (Isaiah 43:2, 16-19; Isaiah 52-10-12) as God redeemed and saved them (Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 49:8). This restoration and blessing reveals God’s gracious forgiveness of sins that comes with genuinely returning, repenting, and being renewed in God (Isaiah 43:25). God had sent Israel and Judah away from the Promised Land due to their continual sin, unfaithfulness to God, and disobedience. The prophet Isaiah predicted God raise up a new leader, Cyrus of the Persian Empire, to bring about the punishment of Judah and Israel’s foreign enemies (Isaiah 44:28). God would return His people from foreign exile into the Promised Land to begin restoration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28-45:7).

God:  “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again.”  Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)

Many of the people feared God’s continuing judgment for their sins. However, the prophet Isaiah reminded the people that God was ready to do a new thing in transforming their life and destiny (see Isaiah 40:21-31; Isaiah 42:5-9; Isaiah 44:24-28). Israel and Judah’s suffering were not due to God’s neglect, as some had complained, but to God’s divine activity to stop the people’s rebellion, unfaithfulness, idolatry, pride, and disobedience (see Isaiah 44:9-20; Isaiah 45:20; Isaiah 46:1-7). Yet, God through the prophet Isaiah called the people, whose sin had forced a painful but temporary punishment, to a new union marked by God’s everlasting love and compassion with Israel’s new salvation to be found in a Sovereign-Savior (Isaiah 54:4-8; see also Luke 4:8). 

The next section of the book of Isaiah is Isaiah chapters 56-66. In these last chapters, the reader is introduced to God’s glorious light and presence (Isaiah 60) and restoration (Isaiah 61). Also, the prophet Isaiah reminded the people that God continued to demand righteousness, justices, mercy, and obedience along with honoring God’s Sabbath day (Isaiah 56:1-2; Isaiah 58:13-14). God wanted the people to care for the needs of the oppressed and the poor (Isaiah 58:6-12) while stopping all greed and dishonesty in the law courts (Isaiah 59:1-8). Finally, God demanded all profane acts of worship to be eliminated (Isaiah 65:1-7). The prophet Isaiah reminded the people again that God wanted holiness (see also Isaiah chapters 1 through 39).

The book of Isaiah stresses the holiness of God. “The Holy One of Israel,” is referred to twenty-five times in the book. “Holy” means to be “separate, set apart.” During the Mosaic period, the word holy intended a moral or ethical connotation. At Mount Sinai, God said to Moses: “You [Israel] shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). God wanted His people to constitute the Lord’s kingdom (the people who acknowledged Him as their King), and like priests, were to be wholly consecrated (holy) to His service (see also Isaiah 61:6; 1 Peter 2:5). This relationship required fidelity to God and obedience to His moral code as specified in the covenant (God’s Word). Israel’s holiness, then, implied being separated to God in belief and action. The prophet Isaiah stressed to the people the moral or behavioral nature of holiness more than its ritual significance.

During Israel’s wilderness years, holiness was bound up with the ritual and sacrificial system. Such elaborate details of the sacrificial system were designed to impress upon the Israelites that disobedience to the Law alienated them from God, and required atonement or reconciliation. But these religious sacrificial rituals had become an empty form.  The term “unclean” came to be used with references to ceremonial or ritual uncleanness than to immoral behavior or disobedience to God’s Law. Isaiah sought to reestablish the relationship between worship and obedience. So, God sent the prophet Isaiah to instruct the people to return to God and listen to His Word (Isaiah 6:9; see also Isaiah 1:2-6, 10-17). Without obedience to God the elements of worship were meaningless (Isaiah 1:11-15; see also Amos 5:21-24). What God wanted from the people were moral or proper behavior (Isaiah 1:16). The people had lost their moral qualities – justice and righteousness (Isaiah 1:21) – consistent with its relationship with a Holy God. The moral character and behavior of the worshipper were more important than the number of their religious activities (Isaiah 1:11-15; Isaiah 66:3; see also Jeremiah 6:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8).

These are the visions that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. He saw these visions during the years when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth! This is what the Lord says: “The children I raised and cared for have rebelled against Me. . . .  What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship Me, who asked you to parade through My courts with all your ceremony?  Stop bringing Me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts Me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to Me. I cannot stand them! When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of My sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If you will only obey Me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!” See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute. Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows.”  Isaiah 1:1-2, 11-24 (NLT)

Isaiah’s name means “God saves” (similarly as Joshua and Elisha) which may partly explain why Isaiah has such great interest in salvation. God is the only true Savior (Isaiah 43:3, 11). As the only true and living God, God is full of continual compassion, mercy, and faithfulness (see Exodus 34:6-7; Nehemiah 9:17; Lamentations 3:22-23; John 4:2). These qualities of God never changes and stays the same generation after generation (Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). Idols and other gods are unable to save (Isaiah 46:7); so are sorcerers and astrologers (Isaiah 47:13). In Isaiah chapters 40 – 55, righteousness is connected with salvation. In Isaiah chapters 56 – 66, salvation calls for a response of doing justice and righteousness (Isaiah 56:1). Salvation is wrought with reward, redemption, deliverance, and victory (Isaiah 59:16; Isaiah 62:11).  The prophet Isaiah also stresses that God as Redeemer as seen in Isaiah chapters 40 – 55. As Redeemer, God will make His people victorious and joyous (Isaiah 41:14-16). Yahweh is the only true and living God and His glory fills the whole earth (Isaiah 6:3). Therefore, any other gods are nothing (Isaiah 2:8, 18, 20): “They were no gods, but the work of human hands – wood and stone” (Isaiah 37:19). Yahweh is the only protector and sustainer of His people and controller of all nations (Isaiah 40:11, 13-17).  

The book of Isaiah has more to say about the Holy Spirit than any other Old Testament writer (see e.g., Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 32:15-16; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 63:10).  Obviously, the book of Isaiah contains nothing like the fullness of the New Testament doctrine of the Spirit. Nonetheless, the book of Isaiah represents a marked advance in the revelation concerning the Spirit over what had been given previously.

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NKJV)

The most significant figure in the book of Isaiah is the “Servant of God.” The prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of Messiah, our Immanuel (see Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Isaiah 11:1–10; Isaiah 42:1–9; Isaiah 49:1–9; Isaiah 50:4–11; Isaiah 52:13–53:12). A King descended from David (the Messiah) will reign in righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 32:1). All nations will go to the holy mountain of Jerusalem, the “City of the Lord” (Isaiah 60:14) as He would be a Light to the entire world (Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 42:6; see also Luke 2:31-32). God’s Kingdom on earth, with the earth’s Righteous Ruler and His righteous subjects is the goal toward which the book of Isaiah steadily moves. The restored earth (a new creation: Isaiah 65-66) and the restored people will then be conformed to God. All will result in the praise and glory of the Holy One of Israel for what He has accomplished.

Many biblical scholars assigned Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 49:1-6; Isaiah 50:4-9; and Isaiah 52:13-53:12 as the “Servant Songs.” This Servant will perfectly serve God, having “borne our infirmities and carried our disease” (Isaiah 53:4). He is the One who made Himself an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10) and made many to be declared righteous (Isaiah 53:11). It is through the suffering of this Servant that salvation in its fullest sense will be achieved to deliver humankind from the prison of sin (Isaiah 52:13-53-12). This Servant described by Isaiah is the true Israel, who fulfilled to the upmost the will of God and the purposes which God had in mind when He chose Israel. Even more, He is the obedient Servant of God and was obedient unto God to the point of death (see also Philippians 2:7-8). Amazingly, the prophet Isaiah foretold of God's redemption, salvation, and holiness through the Servant – Jesus Christ. Like Israel, we too have sinned repeatedly, in thought, word, and deed. We need a Savior to save us from our sins and make us holy like God (Isaiah 63:16; see also 1 John 3:3). As we repent of our sins and turn to God found in the Suffering Servant (Jesus), we are made holy, righteous, and children of God (see also 1 John 3:1-10).  

The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are His children. . . . Christ is pure, and all who have this hope in Christ keep themselves pure like Christ. The person who sins breaks God’s law. Yes, sin is living against God’s law. You know that Christ came to take away sins and that there is no sin in Christ. So anyone who lives in Christ does not go on sinning. Anyone who goes on sinning has never really understood Christ and has never known Him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you the wrong way. Christ is all that is right. So to be like Christ a person must do what is right. The devil has been sinning since the beginning, so anyone who continues to sin belongs to the devil. The Son of God came for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s work. Those who are God’s children do not continue sinning, because the new life from God remains in them. They are not able to go on sinning, because they have become children of God. So we can see who God’s children are and who the devil’s children are: Those who do not do what is right are not God’s children, and those who do not love their brothers and sisters are not God’s children.

1 John 3:1, 3-10 (NCV)

References

King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.

Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.

New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan, 1992.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.

LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.

Understanding Prophecy

Moses continued, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you yourselves requested of the Lord your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai (Horeb). You said, ‘Do not let us hear the voice of the Lord our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die.’ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put My Words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on My behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in My Name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’ “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s Name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (NLT)

The Holy Bibles describes a prophet as one who receives and speaks a Holy Word from God through a direct prompting of God’s Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 18:18). Essentially, a prophet is the true and living God’s mouthpiece and representative on earth. Only God placed His words in a true prophet’s mouths, which they in turn would share with God’s people. Any attempt to prophesy or speak for God without God’s Holy Word was false prophecy (Jeremiah 14:14).  

From biblical times to today, God uses people of different cultures, character, and status in order that His Word will be available to all people. The Holy Bible reveals many different kinds of prophets (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Zechariah). Prophets were not just men, they also included women such as Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). Moreover, some prophets were also God’s priest such as the prophets Samuel, Ezekiel and Zechariah.

All true prophecy, like the rest of the Holy Scriptures, have Jesus Christ as their main focus and theme (Luke 24:44-49). The central message of all true prophecy points to Jesus Christ and His glory (Luke 24:26, 44; Acts 3:18-21; 1 Peter 1:10-12). Especially today, the heart of a true prophet’s messages is the Good News about Jesus Christ. A true prophecy believes and acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 16:16; 1 John 22) and obeys (abides) in Jesus' Word (John 8:31, 47). A prophet of God shows us our need for a Savior and God’s redemptive plan for humankind (past, present, and future) through Jesus Christ. God allows a true prophet access into His redemptive and sovereign plan for humankind (Amos 3:7). Since God’s redeeming purpose climaxes in Jesus Christ, all true prophecy points to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ fulfills all prophecy and all prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Moreover, a true prophet seeks God and the spiritual benefits of God's Kingdom rather than material goods of the world (see Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:21, 29-31). A false prophet speaks lies and is filled selfishness, self-pleasing, and pride (John 8:44-47). Bottom line, a false prophet does not stand for TRUTH because they are full of tricks, deception, and murder (death).God’s Holy Spirit lives within a true prophet because such prophet speaks and walks in truth (John 4:24; John 14:17).  All three Persons of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son-Jesus Christ, and God the Spirit) are linked to truth (Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16; John 14:6).   

I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put My Words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. Deuteronomy 18:18 (NLT)

True prophets received their call directly from God to declare His Word to the people. Only God commissioned or called the prophets to their task, and God’s Holy Spirit empowered a true prophet’s work on God’s behalf (Numbers 11:24-30; Zechariah 4:6). Prophets received God’s Word through many means such as direct declarations, visions, dreams, or an appearance of God. Once receiving God’s Word, some prophets delivered God’s Word by writing (Isa. 8:1; Jeremiah 1:5-9; Ezekiel 43:11) while others delivered God’s Word through deeds (personal actions) and verbal proclamation (e.g. preaching).

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. But you must be blameless (fully devoted) before the Lord your God. The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (NLT)

In a popular sense, a “prophet” is someone who can predict or foretell the future. “Prophecy” means predictions of things to come. However, biblical prophets and prophecy involve much more than just foretelling the future. Prophets were also forth-tellers who declared the Word of God in the Name of God. The true prophet spoke in God's Name and gave only God's message for God's glory and for the good of God's people because God puts words in the mouth of a prophet (see Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 1:9; Galatians 1:11-12).

Nevertheless, God specifically forbids occult practices that seek spiritual help or guidance from any sources other than Him (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Only God knows the future and gives correct guidance for all life issues. A true prophet never controls or forces God because God controls a prophet’s words and life (e.g. Jeremiah 20:7). In fact, God teaches us not to even meddle with these occult practices (see also Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26, 31; Leviticus 20:6, 27). The Holy Bible expressly condemns divination, sorcery, omens, witchcraft, castings spells, and mediums as detestable to God. False prophets practiced fortune-telling, sorcery, performed magic, engaged in witchcraft, functioned as mediums or psychics, or called forth the spirits of the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). All these things God specifically detested as WRONG ways to communicate with God and to discern the future. The will and purposes of God was to be discovered through a God’s prophets and not through a diviner, a magic worker, or a spiritist.

Moreover, Jesus warned about false prophets and the apostles warned about false teachers (Matthews 7:15-23; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 11-13; 2 Peter 2). A false prophet seeks after other gods (Deuteronomy 13: 2, 6, 13). In Deuteronomy 13, Moses described prophets who could predict a future event and this event happened, which was the sign of a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Yet, Moses warned that if that same prophet invited the people to worship other gods (e.g., money, possessions, status), then that is NOT a true prophet of God (Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Colossians 3:5-6). A true prophet direct people to love, worship and obey the true and living God of all heaven and earth.

In fact, the Holy Bible repeatedly warns people never to follow “a successful religious leader” without testing their teachings and decision by the Holy Bible (Truth). Moses made it clear that God’s Holy Word was true no matter how many miracles or signs a prophet might perform. We do not test a prophet’s message by supernatural events and miracles. Instead, we test a prophet’s message by God's Word. Evil people can perform miracles (see Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 12:9). False prophets and magicians are able to replicate these feats to a degree and thus sometimes lead people away from God (see Exodus 7:11, 22; Exodus 8:7). True prophets encourage everyone to obey God’s Word and walk blamelessly before God. “Blameless” means not sinless perfection, but a heart totally devoted to God. A true prophet will continually points people to walk wholeheartedly faithful and obedient to God with humility, justice, and mercy (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22-23; 1 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 1:16-17; Jeremiah 22:3; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9).

From the Old Testament history, Moses has been called Israel’s greatest leader and prophet. The New Testament calls Moses a prophetic prototype or model (Acts 3:21-26; Acts 7:37). Moses spoke with God “face to face,” meaning God spoke to Moses clearly and not in riddles, visions and dreams (Exodus 4:11-16; Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:10). Moses had an intimate or close relationship with God. Also, Moses appeared with the prophet Elijah in the Transfiguration with Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:1-8). Moses wrote the Law of God and was regarded by God as a prophet without equal (Deuteronomy 34:10-12). After Moses’ death, Israel steadily looked for a future prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10).

God through Moses outlined basic features to determine a true prophet of God (see Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 18:14-22). Moses’ instructions on prophecy in Deuteronomy became the basis for Jesus Christ, our Great God-Angel-King-Priest-Prophet (see John 1:21, 25, 45; John 5:26; Acts 3:22-26; Acts 7:37). In the past, God spoke through the prophets, but now God has spoken once and for all through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrew 1:1-2). In Jesus Christ we have the ultimate revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the fullness of God, the One who made the world, and the reason that everything exists. All mystery, treasure and wisdom are fully found in Jesus Christ and nowhere else (see Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:3).

A prophet has been called a “messenger,” “an angel,” “an evangelist,” or a “person of the Spirit” because they are all sent by God for God’s special purpose. Many prophets, such as Elijah and Isaiah, also gave godly counsel to the kings.  God called prophets in Israel during those times when the people needed to be called back to the faithful worship of God. Biblical prophets often criticized the people’s worship to God (Amos 5:23-24) and priestly failures (Amos 7:10; Malachi 2). Often time, the prophets were called by God to warn the people of their sin, urged them to repent, and pointed people ahead to inevitable judgment if they refused to wholeheartedly follow God. The biblical prophets had a good understanding of God’s Word to lead the people to God (Isaiah 58:6-9; Ezekiel 18; Micah 6:6-8; Hosea 6:6; Amos 2:4; Amos 5:21-24).

The prophets were also mediators (go-betweens) of the promises of God and His people. God’s covenant contained blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The prophets always urged the people to return to obedience, and warned the people of God’s coming judgment if they continued in sin, evil, and disobedience (e.g. Amos 5:4-15, 24). However, false prophets speak what people want to hear rather than calling people to live according to God’s will. False prophets ignored God’s ways and His holy standards and communicated the false idea that people could continue sinning and still enjoy God’s blessings.

God is holy (see Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 11:44; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2) and God expects His people to strive to in walk and live holy and flee sin (Psalm 15; Psalm 24; Hebrews 12:14). God’s Holy Spirit only resides where there is holiness (e.g. moral purity, separation from sin and disobedience) (e.g., see Psalm 51:10-12). There is no eternal life without holiness (Hebrews 12:14; see also Matthew 5:8; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). We are made holy and righteous through our wholehearted faith and continual obedience in Jesus Christ (John 15:1-17; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:23; 1 John 5:18-20).

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a Throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the Temple. Above Him were Seraphs (heavenly beings, angels)…. and they were calling to one another:  “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV)

Moreover, prophets communicated a hopeful future for God’s people that would extend beyond judgment once they returned to obedience to God. Not only did the prophets bring God’s Word to the people, they also brought the people’s response to God and interceded with God on the people’s behalf (see, e.g., Amos 7:1-6). Many times Abraham, Moses, and Samuel interceded with God on behalf of the people (see Genesis 20:7; Exodus 32:9-14, 30-35; 1 Samuel 7:5-10).

True prophets often placed their lives at risk for the sake of proclaiming God’s Word to the people (e.g., Isaiah 20; Ezekiel 24:15-27). For instance in Jeremiah 26, the prophet Jeremiah placed his own life at risk for the sake of delivering God’s message by encouraging the people to seek God with their whole heart (see also 1 Kings 22:27-28; Jeremiah 38:3-13). However, false prophets will not do such. False prophets tend to behave badly and have poor personal conduct.  As seen in Jeremiah 23:10-11, false prophets abused their power and authority for their selfish purposes and lead the people with LIES, unbiblical teaching, and deception (see also Ezekiel 13:20-23; Micah 2:11). Even more, such false prophets were often engaged in adultery, falsehood (lies), and immorality. The Holy Bible warned the false prophets are expected at the end of the age (see Matthew 24:11, 24; Acts 20:28-35; Revelation 13:11-18).

True prophets also performed miracles which confirmed their message. A true prophet is not a magician. While some prophets like Moses (Exodus 4:1-9) and Elijah (1 Kings 17) worked many miracles, virtually all prophets occasionally saw a miraculous fulfillment of God’s Word (see e.g., Isaiah 38:8). Prophet’s miracle-working capacity also included healing (1 Kings 17:17-22; 2 Kings 5; Matthew 12:22-29). Another important feature of a true prophet is eventual fulfillment of their predictions (see Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:21-22; Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 42:1-6; Ezekiel 33:30-33). The fulfillment test is often difficult to apply because there were often long lapses between a prophet’s predictions and fulfillment (Micah 3:12; Jeremiah 26:16-19). A further feature of a true prophet is agreement with previous prophetic’ words (Jeremiah 28:8-9). A prophet’s words must NEVER contradict or deny God’s previous revelation (e.g., God’s Holy Bible) or lead people away from God (Deuteronomy 13). True prophets will honor the written Word of God (Isaiah 8:19-20) and will not lead anyone to follow false gods (Deuteronomy 13:2). Prophets were also to be people like Moses, who continually drew near to God (Deuteronomy 34:10-12; see also Isaiah 6). Because of their close access to God, the true prophets speak with an authority because of God’s Holy Spirit working through their words from God. So, people were responsible for listening to a true prophet’s messages (Deuteronomy 18:19).

Moreover, the Holy Bible reveals that true prophets live a godly and moral life filled with good character (Micah 3:11). Jesus said prophets could be known by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). A true prophet’s actions and deeds exhibit the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit – “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT). The true prophets were loyal and obedient to God and God’s Word and directed people to the true and living God and obedience to God alone (e.g., see Joshua 24:14-15; Isaiah 1:16-17; Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

Most important, true prophets were at times allowed to see into God’s Throne Room or Heavenly Court (see e.g. Isaiah 6:1-7; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Jeremiah 23:18-22; compare Amos 3:7; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 1:1-3; 22:18-19). Prophecy is a window into God’s Heavenly Court for all humankind. All true prophets starting with Enoch (Jude 14), Abraham (Genesis 20:7) through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, John the Baptist to the ultimate King-Prophet-Priest, Jesus Christ all had access into the Heavenly Court or the Throne Room of God. In essences, there was a face-to-face encounter with the true and living God and His Heavenly Court.

True prophecy is closely associated with the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit (see Numbers 11:23-30; 1 Samuel 10:9-13; Joel 2:28-32). By His Holy Spirit, God empowers His servants for their appointed tasks (see Exodus 31:3; Numbers 11:29; Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1). Also, God inspired His prophets for His message and directed their ministries (e.g., see Numbers 24:2-3; 2 Samuel 23:2; Nehemiah 9:30; Isaiah 59:21; Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 11:5).

Prophets are usually pictured as somber figures. Sometimes, prophecy is accompanied by ecstatic behavior (e.g. see 1 Samuel 10:5-11; 1 Samuel 19:18-24; Jeremiah 29:26; Hoses 9:7; 1 Corinthians 14:22). On the day of Pentecost, God poured out His Holy Spirit to all who believed and trusted the message of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 2). The people who witnessed this outpouring thought the people were drunk or mad because of their behavior (Acts 2:13). The focus of this ecstatic behavior is NEVER to bring attention to oneself or self-promotion. God’s Holy Spirit departs from such evil and prideful behavior. All true prophetic behavior must be for God’s glory, honor, and worship! Particularly today, God poured out the Holy Spirit to empower the people to continue spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Everyone who follows Jesus Christ is called to spread the Good News and point people to Jesus Christ by God’s Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:8). 

True prophets of God speak God’s Word with authority because the Holy Spirit is the power and truth of their inspiration. God commands people to listen to His true prophets (see Deuteronomy 18:14-22; Isaiah 8:19-20). Due to this authority, the role of prophet has been abused. Jesus Christ Himself predicted that such abuses would arise (see Matthew 24:11, 24; see also 1 Corinthians 11:4; 1 Corinthians 14:29-30). Attractive and smart leaders are not always led by God. All true prophets’ messages will ultimately focus on Jesus Christ and agree with God’s Holy Word. New ideas or philosophies from inspiring people may sound good, but we must judge them by whether or not they are consistent with God's Word and point people to wholehearted love for God. We must carefully test ideas and philosophies against the truth of God's Word. God commands people to listen to His true prophets (see Deuteronomy 18:14-22; Isaiah 8:19-20) and NOT false ones (Deuteronomy 13:2-11)! God wants our complete devotion and EVERYONE to fully obey His Word with the help of His Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17).   Any idea or prophecy that celebrates wickedness, disobedience, and deception, that is NOT a true prophet of God (Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 23:26; Micah 3:11). Always ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you discover the true prophet verses the false prophet (Luke 11:13; John 14:17). As our Great Prophet Jesus Christ has instructed us, you will know a prophet by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). A prophet’s actions and lifestyle will reveal an outflow of a life lived in close relationship with God who Son Jesus Christ has purchased our forgiveness and new life. 

Jesus:  “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your Name and cast out demons in Your Name and performed many miracles in Your Name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws.’ Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it will not collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:15-27 (NLT)

References

King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.

Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.

New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan, 1992.

NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.

Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1989.

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House Company, 2001.

LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.

Is Heaven Real?

Jesus:   “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust (believe, have faith) in God, and trust (believe, have faith) also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home (heaven). If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am (Jesus’ seconding coming or advent). And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we do not know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where You are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him (Thomas), “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. If you had really known Me, you would know who My Father is. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him!” John 14:1-7 (NLT)

The Holy Bible clearly teaches that heaven exists!  Heaven is a real place. In the Holy Bible, heaven refers to the atmosphere just above the earth (e.g., Genesis 1:20); to the sky in which the sun, moon, and stars are located (e.g. Genesis 1:17); to God’s home (e.g. Psalm 2:4) and to the home of the angels (e.g. Matthew 22:30). Jesus and the Apostle Paul called heaven paradise (Matthew 27:27-31; 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4) and a place with constant joy and love (Revelation 7:17). Heaven is the spiritual realm or sphere were God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, the spiritual powers (e.g., angels, messengers), and the redeemed of God exist (see Psalm 33:13-14; Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 6:9; Acts 1:11; Ephesians 1:3, 20). 

Everyone who wholeheartedly trusted in God found in Jesus Christ (also called the redeemed of God) will be in heaven with God (John 14:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:3). The redeemed will see God – the All Holy-One of heaven – face to face (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 4:8). God’s presence will be visible to all (Revelation 22:4). There will fellowship with loved ones and the redeemed of God with no unfulfilled desires. In summary, the redeemed of God will see God in and through Jesus Christ face to face with all love, fellowship, heart-peace, rest and worship (Revelation 7:9-10; 15; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 19:1-9) – a never ending paradise (Revelation  22:5). 

Also in heaven, God abides on His throne before the heavenly court. The sons and daughters of God or divine beings also reside with God. These divine beings are called angels. Angels serve in God’s heavenly court and also act as His messengers. To be clear, there is no polytheism; these divine beings are NOT to be worshiped. These divine beings have no authority of their own, and can only do what God commands or permits them to do. 

God created humans to be His imagine bearers and to reflect God’s heavenly court (see Genesis 1:26; see also Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Isaiah 6:8; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 15:8; Jeremiah 23:18).  Humans were created in the image of God and for God’s glory. Access into God’s heavenly court is secret to those on earth. Only certain prophets have received access and revelation into God’s heavenly court (see Amos 3:7). The Holy Bible discusses God’s heavenly court with God enthroned as King (e.g., see I Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6; and Zechariah 3–4). The Holy Bible speaks of true prophets of God being allowed to see into God’s throne room or heavenly court (see e.g. Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 23:18-22; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4; Revelation 1:1-3; Revelation 22:18-19). All true prophets starting with Enoch (Jude 14), Abraham (Genesis 20:7) through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Baptist to the ultimate King-Prophet-Priest, Jesus Christ all had access into the God’s heavenly court. In essences, these prophets received a face-to-face encounter with the true and living God and His heavenly court.

This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. So do you think you can build a house for Me? Do I need a place to rest? My hand made all things. All things are here because I made them,” says the Lord. “These are the people I am pleased with: those who are not proud or stubborn and who fear (respect, honor) My Word. 

Isaiah 66:1-2 (NCV)

References: 
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994. 
Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1989.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House Company, 2001.
Packer, J.I. Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. Carol Stream, IL:  Tyndale House Publishers, 1993.

Where Is Jesus?

The Holy Bible is clear that Jesus ascended or return to heaven on the 40th day after His complete death on the Cross and resurrection for the sins of the world (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:3, 9; Ephesians 4:10). Jesus’ disciples visibly witnessed Jesus return to heaven into the clouds (Acts 1:11-12). During His earthly ministry, Jesus told His disciples and others on three different occasions He would return to heaven (see John 3:13; John 6:62; John 20:17). One day, Jesus will return to this world again at His second advent or second coming with His full glory and honor for the world to see (Mark 14:62; Acts 3:21).

Before Jesus returned to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31). Jesus’ promised Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1; see also Joel 2:28-32). So, Jesus' physical presence left this human world (Acts 1:9), but the promised Holy Spirit came. The Holy Spirit comforted, protected, and guided Jesus’ followers (now called Christians) to continue His ministry of spreading the Gospel (or Good News) – the message of God’s love for the world (John 3:16; John 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4). Through our faith and obedience in Jesus, Jesus asks and God the Father sends the Holy Spirit to live and dwell within our hearts (John 14:15-18).

So, where is Jesus today? Today, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 14:62; Mark 16:19-20). While at God’s right hand, Jesus acts as our Advocate, Activist, and Supporter with God the Father (see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Moreover, Jesus is our Great High Priest as He has offered Himself on the Cross at Calvary as the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of the entire world forever (Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:21). Thus, Jesus is in heaven at the right hand of God the Father looking after our welfare and pleads for us continually with God the Father. Jesus’ continuous presence in heaven with God the Father assures us that our sins have been paid for and forgiven past, present, and future (see Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 9:24). This wonderful assurance frees us from guilt and from fear of failure.

While at God the Father’s right hand, Jesus communicates through the Holy Spirit to everyone that trusts and believes in Him as their Lord and Savior. As believers in Jesus, we become God the Father’s children and grafted (reconciled) into the family of God with Israel (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Even more, God the Father sends us the Holy Spirit to help, encourage and strength all who wholehearted believe and trust in Him and make a commitment to turn from sin and wickedness (John 15:16, 26). Thus, the ascended Jesus is with us each and every day through the Holy Spirit with any struggles here on earth. According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus’ permeates the entire universe with His presence and power through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:10). The help of the Holy Spirit is just one simple prayer (call) away (Luke 11:13).

The Holy Spirit is God and the Third Person of the Trinity or Godhead (God the Father, God the Son – Jesus Christ, and God the Spirit) (see Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered and guided God’s people in the world. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit inspired the prophets to encourage the people to turn from wickedness and to wholeheartedly worship (serve) the true and living God (see e.g. Numbers 11:29; Numbers 24:2; 1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 2 Samuel  23:2; 1 Kings 22:24; Nehemiah 9:30; Hosea 9:7-9; Joel 2:28-29; Micah 3:8; Zechariah 7:12). As mentioned earlier, God sends the Holy Spirit to live or dwell in everyone and anyone who genuinely turn from sin and wholehearted accept the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16-21; John 14:15-17, 26; see also John 15:26; John 16:7-15).

The Holy Spirit is “holy” (e.g., true, pure, and ethical) (Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63:10) just as God is holy, pure, and true (Exodus 15:11; John 15:26; Revelation 6:10). The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God Himself throughout the earth and entire universe (Psalm 139:7; Isaiah 63:10). God’s Holy Spirit abides or lives within believers of Jesus as they walk in wholehearted obedience and closeness to God and God’s ways and flee sin (John 14:15-17; John 15:1-17; John 16:8). As we continually trust in and walk with Jesus, we have the righteousness (holiness) of God (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21). To have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus living within (Romans 8:9-12). God is Spirit (John 4:24).

Our holy God expects us to imitate (mimic) Him by following His moral standards (1 Peter 1:14-16). Jesus died for our sins to make us holy (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26). As believers of Jesus, we are called to be a living and holy sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). Holiness occurs by walking closely to God and fleeing sin and wickedness (Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:14-25, particularly 1 Peter 1:15 quoting Leviticus 19:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Holiness is the truth of the Word of God that makes us holy (John 1:1-2; John 14:26; John 17:17).

Since you were raised from the dead with Christ, aim at what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about the things in heaven, not the things on earth. . . . God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others, be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Do all these things; but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful. Colossians 3:1-2, 12-15 (NCV)

References
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.
Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1989.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House Company, 2001. 

Holy Spirit: Overcoming Life’s Struggles

Peace I (Jesus) leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) 

Humans have always had to face hardships and struggles in many forms: persecution, sickness, harassment, imprisonment, even death. These difficulties could cause people to fear that God has abandoned them. But when a person accepts God through Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to live within one’s hearts (see Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:5-6). In essence, believers of Jesus are indwelt with the life giving Holy Spirit as a result of their wholehearted faith in Jesus to help handle all life’s hardships and struggles (Romans 8:10). 

The Holy Spirit as our “Helper” He would send to the disciples after He returned to the Father (John 14:16). In difficult times, the Holy Spirit is present as our Helper, Advocate, and Strength to overcome stressful circumstances and situations (see John 14:27). Once we accept Jesus by faith, Jesus requests the Holy Spirit, and God the Father sends the Holy Spirit in answer to Jesus’ request. God freely gives believers the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts with His love and peace (see Jeremiah 31:33-34; Acts 2:17-21; Romans 5:5). Only when God’s Holy Spirit is present within a person’s heart can one achieve true peace and fruitfulness (Ezekiel 36:22-38; Galatians 5:22-23). 

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit brings God’s peace and comfort to handle life’s pain or circumstance. Unlike worldly peace, God’s peace from the Holy Spirit guarantees believers that in any circumstance God will never leave, forsake, or abandon them (Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit is the intercessor that indwells the believer and serves as the Revealer and Helper of God’s will. 

Jesus to Disciples:  And I (Jesus) will pray to (God) the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever--the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18 (NKJV).

Jesus Christ send the Holy Spirit to believers as a gift to live with and within their hearts (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit is God working with, around, and inside believers every day. To have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:18), who never leaves or abandons us (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit is just a simple pray away to ask for His help in any life difficulties (see John 14:16-18, 27). 

Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit Himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. 27 God can see what is in people’s hearts. And He knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit speaks to God for His people in the way God wants. Romans 8:26-27 (NCV). 

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 2:18 (NLT). 

Also, the Holy Spirit works to provide all people - Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews)  full access to God the Father (Ephesians 2:18). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for ours sins on the Cross at Calvary, believers receive the Holy Spirit to approach God openly through prayer (see Ephesians 3:12; Acts 10:34-37, 44-48; 1 Peter 3:18). In the prayer life of believers, the Holy Spirit intercedes and prays for us before God. Even more, the Holy Spirit empowers believers’ prayers and makes them effective. One specific kind of prayer that the New Testament says is empowered by the Holy Spirit is the gift of prayer in tongues (see 1 Corinthians 12:10-11; 1 Corinthians 14:2; 14-17). 

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (NLT)

Another work of the Holy Spirit is empowering believers to overcome any spiritual hostility, attacks or opposition. Simply put, the Holy Spirit strengthens believers for spiritual warfare that opposes them. Fear, sin, evil, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are all at war within and around believers. However, the Holy Spirit is the peace within our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces against us. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to distinguish between spirits and defeat evil. The Word of God functions as the “sword of the Spirit”. That is why believers MUST read and study the Holy Bible.

For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

The sword of the Spirit is the only weapon of offense against evil attacks, hostility, and opposition. When believers are tempted, we need to trust in the truth of God’s Word. Sadly, all believers are sometimes engaged in a spiritual battle and find themselves subject to evil’s attacks because they are no longer on evil’s side. To withstand evil attacks and hostility, believers must depend on God’s Holy Spirit and His Word and fight evil using the strength of the Holy Spirit’s power living within us. 

The Book of Acts highlights the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the early Christians and their many struggles. Because of the status of the Holy Spirit’s work in Acts, the Book has often been called “the Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Early church believers in the Book of Acts overcame many obstacles to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. For instance, Stephen and Philip were filled with the Holy Spirit and preached by His power and direction despite hostile opposition (Acts 6–8). Moreover, the Apostle Paul’s ministry was empowered and strengthen with a strong presence of the Holy Spirit as his guide and energy after encounter with Jesus Christ (Acts 9:17; Acts 13:4). 

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11 (NIV). 

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11:13 (NIV)

Jesus Christ promised the help of the Holy Spirit in times of trial (Mark 13:11). The Holy Spirit gives believers courage and the right words to say in time of trouble (see also Matthew 5:11). Jesus Christ sends His Spirit to strengthen believers who are persecuted. To receive boldness, believers only needs to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to give them courage, strength, and confidence (Luke 11:13). The Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness (Romans 8:26). 

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 (NASB)

As a believer of Jesus Christ, you are not left alone here on earth to handle and cope with life’s problems. Even when you do not know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf before God, and God answers. With God’s Spirit helping us pray, a believer should never be afraid to come before God the Father. Always pray and ask the Holy Spirit to intercede and pray for you “in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:27). Then, when you bring your prayers and requests to God, trust that God will always do what is best. 

During our struggles, the Holy Spirit brings an atmosphere of peace into situations. The Holy Spirit imparts an atmosphere of joy (see also Acts 13:51; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). God is “not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 - NKJV). In spite of the circumstances and struggles believers face, they are not alone. God’s Holy Spirit is present (omnipresence) as revealed in Psalm 139:7. Believers can rest in the peace of Jesus Christ’s Holy Spirit in the most troublesome times. 

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I [Jesus Christ] am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 (NLT). 

Esther: A Courageous Woman

If you (Esther) keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. Esther 4:14-17 (NLT)

The story of Esther is filled with drama, power, extravagant banquets, romance, and intrigue. Every detail of drama in this story folds into another drama from one page to the next. The book of Esther is the last of the Old Testament historical books. This true and accurate Old Testament book reveals the relationship of God's sovereignty, God’s providence, and human will.  The story of Esther illustrates the unseen Hand of God’s providence and sovereignty in our human world with the story’s startling string of coincidences. 

Esther's story begins around 483 B.C. in the kingdom of Persia. Persia was the dominant kingdom in the Middle East after Babylon's fall in 539 B.C. Esther was among the Jewish people that decided to remain in the Persia kingdom after King Cyrus decree of 539 B.C. Cyrus, the Persian king, had issued a decree allowing all Israelites (now called Jews) to return to their homeland. Ezra and Nehemiah, the books preceding Esther, tell of the “Second Great Deliverance” of the Jews returning to Jerusalem after 70 years of foreign captivity (see Ezra chapter 1 – 6; Jeremiah 25:11; Jeremiah 29:10). Yet, many more Jews decided to stay behind and not return to Jerusalem. Esther and her family were such Jews that decided not return to Jerusalem.  Many modern-day communities of Jews in Iraq and Iran descended from these ancient Jewish exiles that decided to stay in Persia. 

The book of Esther begins with the powerful King Xerxes of Persia having a drunken party with his friends at his royal palace in Susa (Esther 1:2-8). The Persians were very fond of wine and parties (also called banquets or festivals). Susa was one of the main capitals of the Persian Empire during this period. While in a drunken state, King Xerxes called for his wife, Queen Vashti, to parade her wonderful beauty in front of his friends. However, the Queen refused to obey the king’s order. So the king through the advice of his royal counsel removed Queen Vashti as queen. Historians often portray King Xerxes as a proud, mean-spirited, and impulsive man as seen in the events of Esther’s chapter 1. So after Vashti’s removal, King Xerxes issued a decree throughout the Persian Empire to begin a search for a new queen. Many young and beautiful virgin girls were gathered and brought into King Xerxes’ royal harem for essentially a sex contest to determine who would be King Xerxes’ new queen. Esther, an orphan-young Jewish woman, was chosen to be in the royal harem (Esther 2:17-18). Esther’s cousin Mordecai raised this beautiful young Jewish girl as his own daughter into a woman. King Xerxes was so delighted with Esther that he made her his new queen. Esther is the Persian word for “star”. 

In the meantime, Mordecai discovered an assassination plot against King Xerxes and courageously saved the king’s life (Esther 2:21-23). Also during this time, an ambitious and prideful Haman, a non-Jew, was appointed second-in-command in Xerxes’ empire. Haman was a descendant of King Agag of the Amalekites, a long time enemy of the Jews (1 Samuel 15:20; see also Exodus 17:16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). As Haman was walking by Mordecai one day, Mordecai refused to bow in reverence to him. Haman became very angry and decided to kill not only Mordecai but all his people, the Jews. The Jews in Persia had been a minority since their Babylonian deportation from the Promised Land in 586 B.C. To accomplish his evil plot against the Jews, Haman decided to trick King Xerxes to issue a royal decree to destroy all Jews in the Persian Empire. In essence, Haman’s decree from the king was a government-sponsored genocide of the Jewish people. 

Once Mordecai discovered Haman’s planned genocide of the Jews, Mordecai informed his cousin, Queen Esther, in the royal palace. Mordecai believed that God would somehow preserve His people. He knew that God might accomplish His goals through the courageous actions of His people like himself and Esther. In fact, Mordecai believed that Esther’s advancement to royalty had been in the providence of God to save His people. Moreover, Mordecai believed if Esther failed to save her people, God would have another way of saving the Jews, since God’s purposes are not stopped by the failure of one person to respond obediently to His leading. 

God’s sovereignty and providence are seen throughout the story of Esther. "Providence" is one of the words which do not occur in the Holy Bible, but represents a biblical doctrine. The Bible describes providence as God’s mighty acts to help His people (e.g., see Psalm 104:10; Psalm 136:25; Romans 1:20).  Providence in the fullest sense is God’s gracious outworking of His purposes in Jesus Christ to save His people (Ephesians 1:11).. In sum, the doctrine of providence tells us that the world and our lives are not ruled by chance or by fate but by God’s Hand.

"Sovereignty" is the biblical doctrine that God is King, Supreme Ruler, and Lawgiver of the entire universe (e.g., see Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:17, 25, 34).  King David summarizes God’s sovereignty at 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore you as the One who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your Hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength (1 Chronicles 29:11-12, NLT). God is indeed the only Ruler and King of all (Matthew 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:15) as God is all-powerful and omnipotent. God works out everything on earth in conformity with His divine purposes and will (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17-23; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37). The best example of God’s sovereignty is His gracious work of redemption to save all people who trusts Him through His Son Jesus Christ in faith. Jesus the Messiah is “Mighty God” (see Isaiah 9:6-7) and “Son of the Most High God” (Luke 1:32-33). The authority of God’s Holy Bible is an expression of God’s sovereignty and a chain of God’s divine plan to save His people (see Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:44; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Young and frightful, Queen Esther courageously risked her life to save the Jewish people. She believed that the safety of the Jews were more important than her life and responded, “If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Esther’s reply is a confession of faith and confidence in God’s will and wisdom (Esther 4:15–17; see also Job 13:15; Daniel 3:17-18). “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15, NKJV). “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods . . .” (Daniel 3:17-18, NKJV). 

Although Esther was queen and shared some of the king's wealth, she had very little power and rights in the Persian Kingdom. During this era, women were mostly used by the king only for his sexual pleasure. In essence, Esther was only a powerless sex partner as she only came to the king when he called her for his sexual pleasure.  King Xerxes had not called Esther in over a month.  Yet she alone as queen had access to the king. Mordecai reminded Esther of her unique position. “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther responded with courage and faith:  “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). At that point Mordecai expressed his strong faith in God’s providence. Moreover, access to the king was strictly limited, even his wife had no right to approach. As mentioned earlier, Historians portray King Xerxes as a proud, mean-spirited, and impulsive man. Esther knew the dangers of appearing before the king without being asked and she had not been called by the king for thirty days. So, Esther needed God's protection and wisdom. So, Esther gathered support from her royal court and fasted. By calling for a fast, Esther and the people essentially were praying and seeking God's divine help from Haman’s genocide plan.  In the Old Testament, prayer always accompanied fasting (see Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting was designed to petition the blessing of God on an assignment and trust in God provision. 

Unable to sleep, King Xerxes decided to read the historical annals of his kingdom and discovered the assassination plot against his life that Mordecai prevented. Surprised to learn that Mordecai had never been rewarded for this deed, the king asked Haman what should be done to reward the courageous man. However, Haman thought the king was talking about him, and so he described an extravagant reward. Later, Haman learned that the king was actually rewarding Mordecai for his courageous actions and not him.  

After fasting and praying, Esther decided to host a banquet to seek help from King Xerxes on behalf of the Jewish people to soften the king’s heart (Esther 7:1). At the banquet hosted by Esther, the king asked the queen what she desired. She instructed the king that Haman had plotted to kill her people, the Jews. Esther convinced the king to issue another decree to save the Jews life (Esther 8:8). Angered and frustrated by Haman’s actions, the king ordered that Haman be killed on the same gallows Haman had mounted to kill Mordecai (Esther 7:10). Eventually, the king promoted Mordecai to Haman’s royal position in the Persian kingdom and the Jews were saved from death. 

To celebrate this miraculous occasion, the Jewish people established the feast of Purim (2 Maccabees 15:36). Purim is celebrated by Jews on the 14th and 15th days of Adar (February–March). Just as Christians celebrate the arrival of God to earth in the life of Jesus Christ each Christmas, Jews celebrate the events of Esther at the Festival of Purim. The Jews celebrate the feast of Purim (also called the feast of Lots) to celebrate Esther and Mordecai’s courageous action and self-sacrifice that saved the entire Jewish nation from genocide (Esther 4:14; see also Genesis 12:1–3). The festival got its name from the casting of lots (like dice) against the Jewish people (Esther 3:7) – a gamble that eventually backfired against Haman. The author explains the origin of celebrating Purim on two different days even today. Jews observe Purim on the 14th everywhere except in Jerusalem which schedules Purim on the 15th day. Jewish families read the book of Esther aloud on the day of Purim. Through her obedience, Esther became a true “star” (the meaning of her Persian name) in the kingdom. 

The book of Esther is a unique book of the Holy Bible. First of all, the word for God or the name Yahweh (Lord) does not appears in the book. Esther’s story has a complete absence of any reference to God, worship, prayer, sacrifice, the Temple, Jerusalem, or God’s Law. In this sense, the book of Esther appears to be a completely secular (nonspiritual) with no direct religious teaching. Because of this secular nature, scholars have debated whether the story of Esther should be included within the Holy Bible. Also, the scene of Esther occurred in the Persian’s capital of Susa and not Israel with the marriage of a Jewish girl to a gentile king. But the story’s many events to save the Jews occurred only by God’s deliberate design (providence). 

Even more, the story of Esther is about human will. Mordecai and Esther could have giving up with the news of Haman’s genocide plan and just sought to save themselves. Instead, Mordecai and Esther’s unselfish actions seized the moment and they acted to save their people. Esther’s story is similar to that of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37–50) and Daniel in Babylon (see Daniel 1–2). Each of these stories revealed a Jew who was delivered from a death plot and rose to a high position in a gentile government. Also, just as in Joseph’s story (Genesis 41:1-45) and Daniel’s story (Daniel 2:1; Daniel 6:18), the hero’s personal fortunes were reversed because of the king’s disturbed sleep (Esther 6:1). These stories all testify to God’s sovereignty over the events of life. The universe’s Great King exercises His providential and sovereign control over His people.  

Most important, the book of Esther gives a clear example of God's sovereignty (rule/control) and providence (wisdom) in the nations of the world. Although God is never explicitly named in the book, the story of Esther tells of God’s mighty Hand working in the many circumstances behind the scenes to save His people from death. In essence, God’s presence and wisdom fills the pages of Esther. When it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil people, God was still in control to protect His people. These many "circumstances" or “coincidences” in the book of Esther were not just the result of chance, but of God's sovereignty and providence (e.g. Esther 2:17, 21-23; Esther 4:14-16; Esther 6:1-2; Esther 7:8-10). Esther just “happened” to be chosen the new queen (Esther 2:17). The king just “happened” to be unable to sleep. When he picked up some reading, the king just “happened” to come across an account of Mordecai’s good deeds to save his life (Esther 2:21-23; Esther 6:1-2). Haman just “happened” to build a gallows to execute Mordecai that turned out to be used for his own death. Nothing just happens. These “coincidences” were part of God’s great plan to save His people. The book of Esther is another amazing story of God’s continuing protection of His people from their enemies. These events seemed coincidental, but these coincidental events all demonstrated God’s control and care for His people (Psalm 121:4; Romans 8:28). No matter how hopeless our condition; God is in control of our world. God is never absent, even though we may live in a world hostile to God. People of God must never fear because we can always trust God to care and protect His people.

Joseph to his brothers:  As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for He brought me (Joseph) to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 (TLB)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Esther and Ruth are the only books in the Holy Bible named after women. Ruth was a gentile who married a Jew, while Esther was a Jewish woman who married a gentile. Both Esther and Ruth’s stories are inspiring examples of faith and courage for all people – men and women. Other courageous and faithful women of the Bible include Abigail (1 Samuel 25); Deborah (Judges 4); Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22); Jochebed (Exodus. 6); Rahab (Joshua 2); Mary (Luke 1:26-38); and Lydia (Acts 16:11-15).

God calls people to accomplish His good purposes on earth (Esther 4:14; see also Ephesians 2:10) to become His living sacrifice. Esther and Mordecai became a living sacrifice to accomplish God’s good works on the earth (Romans 12:1-1). Yet, Esther and Mordecai were two of the most unlikely people to be chosen to play major roles in shaping a nation. Both were Jewish exiles living in a pagan nation. Even more, Esther was Mordecai’s adopted, orphaned cousin (Esther 2:7). Yet, Esther and Mordecai became heroes because they took quick actions at the “right time,” while others stood watching in horror. True heroes recognize the crisis and takes action. 

At first glance, the hostility between Mordecai and Haman appear to be a simple case of disrespect on Mordecai’s part (Esther 3:2). However, a further investigation reveals their hatred goes much deeper. The book of Esther stresses that Haman was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:1, 10; Esther 8:3, 5; Esther 9:24). Tradition holds that the Agagites were descendants of Agag, the Amalekite king whom King Saul had failed to kill and thereby disobeyed God’s specific instruction (1 Samuel 15). The Amalekites stood under the permanent judgment of God for attacking the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promise Land (Exodus 17:8–13; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). Thus, Haman's hatred was directed not just at Mordecai, but at all the Jews. The Amalekites had attacked Israel after she fled from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16; 1 Samuel 15:2). For this reason, the Lord would “be at war against the Amalekites from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:19). Also, the Amalekites were descended from Esau, Isaac’s older son. The enmity between the Israelites and the Amalekites dated to the beginning of both peoples. 

Now, with Haman’s rise to power, the Amalekites were in a sense threatening once again to destroy God’s people. But this time, God used Mordecai to frustrate the plan. Mordecai was descended from Kish (Esther 2:5)—the same family of Benjamites from as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1). Thus, Mordecai completed for God what King Saul had failed to accomplish (Esther 7:10; Esther 9:4–5, 13–15) to blot out the memory of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:14-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Also, the author of Esther is insistent that the Jews did not take the plunder. Seizing the plunder centuries earlier in the battle against the Amalek had cost Saul his kingship (1 Samuel 15:17-19, 23). In the book of Esther, not taking the plunder brings royal power to Mordecai as well as grateful recognition of his people (Esther 9:20-23). 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His (good) work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

References
Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI:    Baker Book House Company, 2001.
LaSor, Hubbard, and Bush. Old Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.
Wiersbe, Warren W. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Return to God!

When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” . . . So Solomon finished the Temple of the Lord, as well as the royal palace. He completed everything he had planned to do in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:3, 11-15 (NLT)

The writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles wrote to God’s people returning from foreign captivity. In 2 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 25, God’s judgment on sin came true. Israel had persistently disobeyed God and God’s way. This disobedience brought a split in Israel – the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Eventually, God’s people and their land were conquered and carried off to the foreign lands of Assyria and Babylonia. The Israelite people were held in foreign captivity for 70 years. As God’s people returned from foreign exile, the writer of Chronicles wanted to give the people assurance of God’s glorious plans and future. 

The Chronicler lived at a time when God’s people appeared defeated after God’s divine judgment for sin. Upon returning from foreign exile, the Israelites (now called Jews) had no king, no Temple, and Israel’s hope for the future looked lifeless. Israel and Judah no longer existed as an independent kingdom ruled by the dynasty of David. Instead, the people had limited freedom under a Persian governor. Israel was no longer an independent nation but a small province in the Persian government. So, the Chronicler reminded the people of God’s secure promise to David and the glory to come (1 Chronicles 17). The promise of the Kingdom that God gave to David was confirmed for Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:4-7). The Chronicler had complete trust in God’s power, sovereignty, and justice. Most important, the Chronicler knew that God would be faithful to His promise, and His kingdom would eventually rule over the world. God would bring a Savior through these returning Israelites from the dynasty of David. With the birth of Jesus, the Chronicler’s hope for Israel was finally realized. Jesus was the anointed King and Messiah from the dynasty of David (Matthew 16:16-17; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20). Matthew’s genealogy reveals Jesus as the ultimate success of the Chronicler’s hope of a new King (Matthew 1:1-17) for all nations (Isaiah 49:6).

The writer of Chronicles reminded the people of God’s promise to David and their future hope. When David decided to build a house for God’s Ark of the Covenant, Nathan the prophet had a vision informing David that God would build a house or dynasty for David (1 Chronicles 17:10-14; 2 Samuel 7:11-14). The eternal Kingdom of God and Messiah would come about through David’s family line (see also Psalm 2).  The Chronicler took God’s promise to David very seriously as the Kingdom of God would come through the promised Son of David. So, the Chronicler encouraged the people to hope for the future. 

The Chronicler’s rationale for hope comes from Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple: “Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This passage is unique to Chronicles and illustrates Chronicler’s emphasis on repentance and restoration. This promise reminded the people of the conditions necessary for God’s glorious future and restoration: humility, prayer, repentance, and healing. The words of Jehoshaphat also expressed the Chronicler’s view: “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20). The Chronicler also appealed to Israel’s leaders to faithfully and wholeheartedly seek God (1 Chronicles 28:8-10), and encouraged God’s people “be strong and courageous’ in trusting God to provide (1 Chronicles 28:20-21). 

The key to restoration and survival for the returning Jews was wholehearted faithfulness to God (1 Chronicles 16:11-13). The Chronicler repeatedly reminded the people that unfaithfulness to God led to their divine judgment. God wanted the people’s complete loyalty, dedication, and commitment to Him from their whole heart.  The Holy Scriptures are clear that God does not want mere sacrifices or religious rituals (e.g., see Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21; Micah 6:6-8). Instead, God was more concerned with their heart condition – moral character and conduct. God lovingly instructed the people to first and foremost seek Him from their whole heart for their daily guidance, help, and protection (see also Matthew 6:33) and to walk faithfully and humbly with Him as their God (2 Chronicles 7:14; Micah 6:6-8). God’s restoration to their land would come through their genuine repentance of their sins and wholeheartedly seeking God. 

The Holy Scriptures are also very clear that God graciously gives His abundant mercy and answered prayers to those who humbly and wholehearted seek Him (e.g. see 2 Chronicles 12:6-7; 2 Chronicles 33:12-19). “Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). God rewards humility, integrity, and prayer with His healing and deliverance. Yet, God also brings judgment upon disobedience, wickedness, and evil. For instance, the Chronicler used Saul’s life as an example of unfaithfulness to God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).  Saul actively disobeyed God by attempting murder, ignoring God's instructions, and seeking guidance from a witch (medium). He never went to God unless there was nowhere else to turn or when it suited him. However, David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). As king, David wanted to restore the Ark of the Covenant, building a Temple for God, and bring God’s glory on earth (1 Chronicles 16:7-36; 1 Chronicles 22:19; cp. 1 Chronicles 28:8-10; Psalm 105). Even with his sins with Bathsheba, David humbly acknowledged his sins and sincerely asked God for forgiveness (Psalm 51). The Chronicler writes of David’s son Solomon continuing his father’s legacy of seeking God (2 Chronicles 1:6; 2 Chronicles 6-7). The Chronicler focused much of his writings on David, Solomon and the southern kingdom of Judah. In fact, almost half of the Chronicler’s history of Israel constitutes the reign of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 11–29; 2 Chronicles 1–9). The books of Chronicles present the period of David and Solomon as an ideal time when all of Israel was UNITED in worship to God (2 Chronicles 7:8) and reigned as an international influence.  

Even more important, the books of Chronicles repeatedly connected obedience and wholehearted faithfulness to God with God’s blessing and disobedience to God with God’s punishment and judgment (see also Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27 and 28). The Chronicler reminded the returning Israelites that God wanted their wholehearted obedience, allegiance, and faithfulness to Him as their God. In fact, God wants everyone to humble themselves, turn from their sin and wickedness, and wholeheartedly seek Him (see also Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; James 5:16). Through TRUE REPENTANCE (humbling oneself and turning from their wicked ways), God willingly and freely removes our guilt and bring His restoration (healing) (see also Luke 15, James 4:7-10). God’s forgiveness always follows our repentance. Repentance is not just saying, “I am sorry.” Moreover, repentance is not just tears and a sad countenance. True repentance means turning away from our evil ways — from thoughts and actions that displeases God — and turning toward a life that reflects God’s ways and actions (e.g., following Jesus’ example). God will never bless evil and will not prosper those who practice sin and wickedness. To do so would violate God’s very nature - Holiness. So if we want God’s blessing, we must follow His character by pursuing His ways. “Be holy,” God commands, “for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

Most important, the Chronicler warned the people over and over against worshiping idols and remaining faithful to God. Idolatry is making anything more important than God. Money, looks, success, reputation, and security are all idols, then and today. When anything rival God's first place, we are committing idolatry.  Wholeheartedly following God brings benefits and rewards (not necessarily material). Yet, turning away from God brings suffering, punishment, and ultimately destruction. Today, God's conditions are just as clear as they were in David and Solomon's day. Choose to obey God and live. Repentance is always a means of avoiding, or at least moderating, God’s judgment. God always sends warnings before judgment falls.

God is full of mercy, loving kindness, grace, truth, and patience (Exodus 34:6-7; see also 1 Chronicles 16:41; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Ezra 3:11; Psalm 106:1; Jeremiah 33:11). The Lord God, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 7:3, NLT).  God's love for each person is so great that He seeks each individual out and rejoices when that person is "found" (Luke 15:3-6). In fact, God in the Person of Jesus Christ to offer His salvation and love to everyone that truly repents and turn to Him in faith with their whole hearts.  For the Lord God is “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished . .. .” (Exodus 34:6-7, NIV). If we confess our sins and repent, God willingly forgives our sins and brings healing (Leviticus 26:40; 1 Kings 8:33-34; Nehemiah 9:2; Ephesian 2:8-10; 1 John 1:9). God wants to love us as a loving Heavenly Father and bring His goodness into our lives. God is Love (1 John 4:8, 16). 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good (prosperity) and not for disaster (harm), to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray (call upon Me), I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)

References
King James Version Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.