Again, today, we have a variety of subjects and passages.
The LORD is quite
the “whistler.” In Isa. 5:26 He whistles
to call the nations. In Isa. 7:18 He
whistles for “the fly of Egypt” and “the bee of Assyria” so that they can be
used by Him in the judgment of Israel.
In Zech. 10:8 He whistles for Israel at the time of her
regathering. I am thinking of how, as a
child, I could open the back door of our house, do the official whistle for our
dog, and she would come running. No
hesitation. Tail wagging. Then into the sitting position to find out
what was so important. “They will come”
(7:18), “with speed, swiftly” (5:26).
**********
In Zech. 12:12-14, why did the women weep by
themselves, apart from the men? Can’t be
sure on this but here are some thoughts.
In Israel, only the man was circumcised (of course). Women (daughters, wives) were part of Israel through
their husband. As long as a woman was
unmarried she was responsible to her father.
Wives were part of the nation through their husbands. The land/inheritance was passed down through
the husband. So, as far as the nation
was concerned, her place was determined by the man.
But
this was not the case with her relationship with God. There are numerous examples of the faith of
women: Rahab, Hannah, Ruth, Mary, Anna, Elizabeth. Even Abigail seemed to be a woman of faith
when her husband was not. The widow of Nain
had no husband as he had died. It is not
mentioned that Rahab had a husband until after she had become part of Israel
(Matt. 1:5). In Zechariah the weeping is
part of repentance, as they mourn the One whom they pierced (12:10). Thus, the women weep of their own accord, not
as part of their submission to their husband.
Luke 4:41 says: And demons also came out of
many, crying out and saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ And He,
rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the
Christ.
Earlier this year I attended a conference where the main speaker taught on Gen. 6 and the identity
of the “sons of god.” You may be aware,
some consider these to be from the righteous line of Seth. Others consider them angels, more
specifically, fallen angels, who serve Satan and are seeking to destroy the
lineage of the Savior promised in Gen. 3:15.
The speaker held the latter view.
If that is the case, then events like this in Jesus’ earthly ministry,
where the demons knew who He was, certainly make sense.
**********
The picture of “readiness” when the Master
returns is “Let your waist be girded and your lamps be burning.” In other words, be working, faithfully doing
His will. “Be ready” (Lk. 12:40). Be the “faithful and wise steward”
(12:42). Why is there such an emphasis
on this? Because there is such a temptation
to want to just walk away from readiness.
Look at what the Master Himself tells us will be trying to turn us away
from doing His will.
·
12:49-53: There will be division!
·
12:54-56: We will need to “discern the times”
because the nature of the times will be difficult and confusing.
·
12:57-59: The temptation to be involved in
earthly affairs (fighting with our adversaries) will be strong. Part of being ready is having our hearts set
on things above, on things that are unseen.
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