Month: October 2018

October 2, Reading 1 – 2 Kings 2

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Elisha is confirmed as the prophet to succeed Elijah by the presence of miracles. God is with Elisha as He was with Elijah. Elijah and Elisha’s talk reveals that death for Elijah was not the cessation of life but today being with Him in paradise. Resurrection hope is not just a New Testament hope or belief.

SJA Notes

* Mighty God, great is Your steadfast love toward us, Your faithfulness endures forever – Praise You, the Lord!

“And Elijah went upon by a whirlwind into heaven.”

Here is the miraculous passing from this world to the next of Elijah.

Of mortal man there are only two recorded people who did not bodily die, and Elijah is one of them (the other is Enoch, see Genesis ch 5).

Why is this important for us?

What happened here?

Elijah went to be with the Lord!

That very day he met with Jesus in glory.

We know that Elijah was one of the two who appeared on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus (Matthew 17).

How good it is that in the salvation Jesus won we are able to meet with Him!

That through the Holy Spirit we are able to meet with God at any time!

Casting our cares on Him, delivering over our worries, giving Him praise and thanks and the honour that is due His Name.

* Gracious God,

You alone are holy, and You alone are true.

Thank You that even though we were Your enemies – Still You meet with us in the person of the Son, our Saviour, Jesus.

Thank You Lord!

Please forgive us this day, wash us clean from our sin – refresh us to sing Your praised.

Amen.

October 2, Reading 2 – Jeremiah 35

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The Recabites obeyed their ancestor Recab through many generations by remaining Bedouin and teetotal. The Recabites are examples for us in obedience to the Lord!

SJA Notes

* Dear Lord God, thank You for Your faithfulness, please teach us of it today.

“The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.”

The Lord rewards faithfulness/obedience.

Specifically, faithfulness to HIM, obedience to HIS WORD, HIS COMMANDS.

This was true in the _then_, when He spoke to Israel through Jeremiah.

This is true in the _now_, today, as we read His word, as His Spirit writes it on our hearts.

Sometimes God will ask us to put limits in place that may not make sense.

Some of the limits God asks us to put into place will almost certainly be different to those He asks another believer.

They will be different one to another, family members, friends, church families.

But it is _FAITHFULNESS_ that is underscored and bold-weighted in this passage.

Whatever path the Lord determines for us, whatever commands He lays on our hearts – Whatever it is, we are to be encouraged and convicted to walk in obedience under His will.

He works for the good of His people.

* Gracious Lord and Saviour,

Please equip and empower us to walk in obedience under Your rule, Your commands.

You word is good for us – It is life to our souls!

May we find our purposes in You. You and You alone are life and health to us.

Amen.

October 2, Reading 3 – Hebrews 7

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Melchizedek was a Canaanite believer. The Canaanites once knew the Lord, but turned from Him (cf- Romans 1:19-21). Melchizedek’s priesthood represents a higher priesthood than the Aaronic one. Jesus is a High Priest of the order or class of Melchizedek – this sort of priest alone will meet your needs!

SJA Notes

* Righteous God, please show us how to live today.

“… Who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.”

This is so important!

Jesus’ priesthood is not because of bloodline, the human lineage He was born into.

No, indeed we cannot rely on a human priests who live a span and then die.

We need a different kind of priest.

“… But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.”

Jesus is a priest without an expiry date, He continues forever.

Because of this, because He can continually intercede for us, He can save us to the uttermost!

Praise god for this. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

* Gracious Father in Heaven,

Thank You for Jesus, the better priest, who continues forever.

Thank You for this book, and for all Your word, which points us to Jesus.

Please help us point those around us to You.

Amen.