Monday, December 26, 2005

Royal Lion, Victoria Memorial, Calcutta

Monday, December 19, 2005

The Conquest of Jericho

This is a last of a series of postings on Jericho, keeping in view the study on 2 Kings 2, the journey of Elijah and Elisha from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho and then to the Jordan. The other postings may be seen in other blogs [http://procyon6x.blogspot.com, etc].

The world hates the children of God, John 15.19. See also Matt 10.22; 24.9. The world hates us, because we are not of the world. We are a heavenly people and our citizenship is in heaven. The world persecutes the children of God; all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Jesus said, 'In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome he world.'

This hostile world crucified our Lord Jesus. Not only the Jews, but the Romans were involved. Both the religious and political authorities were involved in crucifying our Lord Jesus. This world is a perishing world, a world under judgment. The Cross is an indictment of the world. The book of Revelation speaks of the terrible judgment coming upon the world.

Which is why we are called out of this world. We are the 'called out' ones, ekklesia. We have come out of Egypt; we have to come out of Babylon. Read Rev 18.4 along with 2 Cor 6.16. We must live a separated life. We are not of the world, and yet we must live in this hostile world. We cannot become monks or ascetics. We have to face the world.

We function as bright lights in a dark world, Phil 2.15. Furthermore, we have to go out into the world and preach the gospel, Mark 16.15. All true believers are witnesses for Christ. Onward Christian soldiers! The nations are our inheritance, Psalm 2.8. A living church is a missionary church, sending out evangelists to preach the gospel in unreached areas and pastors to shepherd the 'called out' ones. What we have learnt from the Bible has to be tested in the field. We have to go out into the world, preaching the good news and conquering for Christ.

This involves the good fight of faith. Paul was a missionary. He had a burden to save souls. But when we go out, we must ourselves be spiritual [and not carnal] and we must wield spiritual weapons. You will find that only a small group went around the walls of Jericho; the priests and the armed men [including the rear-guard]. It is impossible that all the children of Israel [few million!] went around.

Similarly, there is only a small group or spiritual remnant who are warriors of faith and prayer. They are David's mighty men, they are the firstborn ones, they are the overcomers, the Levites; they are the ones who obtain the victory of the Lord on behalf of the whole church. Oh, yes, there are rewards to be gained in this battle of faith; there are prizes to be won in the enduring race.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Orange Bells