Monthly Archives: July 2020

The name Abigail means “Her father’s joy” or “fountain of joy”. The story of Abigail and her husband is found in 1 Samuel ch 25 “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. “Proverbs 31:30 Abigail had both beauty and understanding. She feared God which is evident in all her dealings and actions. Abigail was the wife of a very rich man named Nabal. Nabal means “fool” or “senseless”. He was of the house of Caleb and had great possessions which included three thousand sheep and three thousand goats. He was from Carmel which was a town near Maon. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. “Proverbs 31:30 David and his men had gone to the Wilderness of Paran, probably to get away from King Saul. One day David sent some of his men to Nabal to ask him for a gift of food and water in return for the protection they had given to Nabal. Nabal being the kind of man that he was answered David’s men rudely. He made it clear that he was unwilling to share any of his provisions with David’s men.

David was angry and sent 400 of his men to punish Nabal and his household. Nabal’s beautiful and discreet wife Abigail learned of the plight of her husband and the plot by David to kill the entire household of Nabal. Abigail wasted no time and got food ready to take to David and his men. She got ready a feast fit for a king..200 loaves of bread, 2 bottles of wine, 5 sheep ready dressed, 5 measures of parched corn, a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs. Abigail sent her servant ahead of her and she followed. When she saw David, she lighted off the ass, fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground, and took upon herself the iniquity of her husband and asked for forgiveness. To make a long story short, David not only forgave her but also received the food that she had brought and turned away from his plan of destroying Nabal and his household.

Abigail had acted on her own but now the time had come for her to tell her husband. However, Nabal was busy with a feast in his house and he was very drunk. She told him about David the next morning when the effects of the wine had gone out of him. When Nabal heard about what David intended to do, his heart became like a stone. The scriptures tell us that 10 days later the Lord smote him. Very soon David asked Abigail to become his wife and she readily agreed.

This is a very interesting story but there are valuable lessons to learn from Abigail:

1. She was a woman of good understanding. “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman without understanding. “Proverbs 11:22. Because of her wisdom and understanding she was able to act quickly and prevent the destruction of her household. 2. When the young man told Abigail about David’s intentions to kill Nabal and his household, she wasted no time.
2. 1 Samuel 25:18 says that Abigail made haste to prepare a sumptuous meal for David and his men and thus appeased the anger of David. “A prudent man (or woman) foresees evil …” Proverbs 27:12 3. She took the iniquity of her husband on herself. “Upon me my Lord, upon me let this iniquity be.” 1 Samuel 25:24. Abigail reminds us of Moses in Exodus 32:32 which says. “Yet now if thou will forgive their sin and if not blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou has written.” 4. I have wondered about what kind of marriage Abigail had with Nabal. She was a woman of great understanding and her husband was rude, mean and evil in his ways. She still cared about Nabal and therefore she took that quick action of saving Nabal and his household. She did not walk out of her marriage but God in His time smote Nabal and Abigail became David’s wife. 5. Abigail’s great humility is noteworthy. In 1 Samuel 25:23,24 we read that she fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. We also see her humility when David asked her to be his wife. “ And she arose and bowed herself on her face to the earth and said , Behold let thy handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord .” 1 Samuel 25:41 God exalted Abigail and she became the wife of the future king of Israel. In life’s difficult and fearful situations, we can ask God for wisdom to do the right things. And after having done our best, we can wait for God to bring about deliverance just as He did for Abigail.

By Mercy Samuel

Eagles are one of the largest birds and admired the world over as a living symbol of power, freedom, and transcendence. Four distinct species of eagles have been noticed in Palestine, so it is no surprise that the writers of Scripture were inspired to use them to portray strength, power, vision, and even destruction. Eagles are proficient flyers. They can climb high into the air and swoop down on prey at incredible speed. They regulate the speed of their flight just by altering the position of its huge wing. The hollow bones, large and strong flight muscle and well aerated layers of feather are body designs that make them skillful flyers. In his eulogy to Saul and Jonathan, David describes them as mighty warriors swifter than eagle and stronger than lions (2 Samuel 1.23). King Solomon personifies transiency of worldly riches to the flight of an eagle in Proverbs 23.5.

‘Eagle-eyed’ is an adjective in English language to represent keen sight and vigilance. The most efficient and prominent sense of an eagle is its vision. Lateral position, anatomical features, large number of cone cells and large size of the eyes are some of the remarkable characteristics that impart enhanced perception and long distant sight to this bird of prey. God, while confronting Job, displayed before him the wisdom with which He designed and prepare each creature for its unique mode of living (Job 39. 27-29). The flying skill and sharp vision of eagle are two prominent features that make them expert hunters. An eagle swooping down towards its prey is a picture of destruction. Devastation that was to come upon the Jews was foretold using the illustration of eagle (Jeremiah 48. 40-41; Jeremiah 49. 22; Deuteronomy 28.49; Hosea 8.1).

Eagles not only fly high but also build their nest on Rocky cliff / Tree Tops, for the reasons of better vision, protection of eggs and open flight path. Bible addresses man’s insatiable greed for worldly success or man’s pride through the illustration of eagle’s nest (Jeremiah 49. 16). Eagles also exhibit a stage of molting that lasts for about 150 days wherein it loses its old feather and get replaced with new ones. This restoration is compared to the Holy Spirit’s renewal in a believer’s heart (Psalm 103.5).

Another remarkable characteristic of the eagle is its tenderness toward its young. No member of the bird family is more gentle and attentive in watching over its young. It builds its nest high up on a mountain crag. Both parents bring food to the little eaglets, and when they teach them to fly, both parents are involved in the training. As the little one takes off from that dizzy height and attempts to follow its parent in flight, the eagle swoops beneath it and bears the little one on its wings when he seems exhausted. ‘Bore you on eagles’ wings’ in Exodus 19.4 is a graceful expression of the Lord’s fatherly compassion to His own children (Deuteronomy 32:10,11) and the salvation He provided through the blood of His beloved Son Jesus Christ.

Eagles generally build their next on rock cliff, which offers a view of the world below. It is therefore an important aspect for believers to build their lives on the Rock (Lord Jesus Christ) and seeing the world below and not being not attracted to the pleasures it offers.

By Dr. Lizby Anu Mathews

Taken from Harvest Times April 2020 Edition

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)

T he above words were spoken by the Lord Jesus to His disciples when they asked Him the following:

(And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying,) Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the age? (Mt 24:3)

In this discourse the Lord Jesus gave certain signs which would come to pass just before terrible times would descend upon this world.

The world wants things to continue as they are and rather better in economy, enjoyment, liberal living and questionable entertainment. However, that is not going to happen. Rather, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Tim 3:1)”. The root meaning of the word ‘perilous’ is close to harsh, fierce, savage. Do you see such times in front of you? Two decades ago, people wished each other with the greeting ‘Happy Journey’ but now the greeting has changed to ‘Safe Travels’. No travel is safe today and unpredictable as well.

The Bible says that as God intervened with His Judgment during the times of Noah with a worldwide flood, so also God is going to intervene in this age as well. But in a more severe way which the Bible refers to as the (global) Great Tribulation.

Few of the signs the Lord Jesus gave to indicate that those times would be near at the door are as follows, mentioned in the Scriptures in Matthew 24 and Luke 17:

1. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence (fatal epidemic diseases) and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:6-8)”.
2. The nation of Israel shall enter in a very troubled situation and have more powerful enemies closing in than ever before.
3. The days will be like the days of Lot. The sins of Sodom will be rampant and prevalent. Those involved in such sins will be shameless, forceful and also powerful in society.

As God is Good and Loving, He is also a Righteous and a Holy Judge. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

This Judge, in the history of man, took the criminal’s punishment upon Himself in order to give a new beginning to the criminal. The Lord Jesus died on the Cross taking the punishment of mankind (death) upon Himself. He shed His Precious Blood to wash away our sins when we believe in Him. He rose again from the dead the third day proving He was God who cannot be defeated by death. The worst of the sinner can come to Him with a true believing heart and God will never turn Him away or cast him out.

God will judge sin. He cannot turn a blind eye to sin and wickedness. He has commanded all men everywhere to repent of their sins. He is long suffering and patient such that man would repent and turn to Him. But when this patience ends (tik tok tik tok) seven times wrath of God will be poured upon this world. The Book of Revelation expresses clearly the woes coming upon this world.

However, the siren sounds: Flee from the wrath to come. Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come. Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

On the Cross of Calvary, the Lord Jesus took upon Himself all judgement due on sin upon His Own Self. He bore our sins upon His Own Body. So, when a sinner takes refuge in the Lord Jesus, God counts the sinner as righteous because his punishment has been taken away by Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus will be your Refuge and Protection. Flee from the wrath and flee to Him in faith. Set your eyes upon the Cross. See His outstretched Arms open to receive any sinner who has realised the need of a Saviour. Today, this Saviour of the world is available but when the door closes it will be too late. The Judge is about to strike the hammer!

By Deepak Jariwala

One of the most fascinating sports events during my school days was relay race. It is very exciting to watch how the runners exchange the baton. Passing the spiritual heritage from one generation to the next generation is much more thrilling than this. There is no greater joy than to see that our children are walking in the truth (3 John v 4).

Family is the functional unit of a society and begins from the Holy matrimony. Usefulness of any individual to the society, by and large, would depend upon what he learns at home from his parents. Healthy and peaceful families alone can create a peaceful and crime free society. Psalmist in Psalm 128 describes the characteristics of a model God fearing family and concludes with peace upon Israel. If a society has God fearing families, it will usher in peace upon the nation. For the peace of Israel and for that matter any nation, we need God fearing families. Most of the inmates in our prisons are from broken families. Kids from a God fearing healthy family are tomorrow’s nation builders.

God designed families to carry out His eternal purposes

God designed families to carry out His eternal purposes. Family is important because of its origin and usefulness. God designed the family to carry out his eternal plan and purposes in this world. So, it is important for us to transmit the spiritual heritage from one generation to another generation. Moses clearly instructed these things to the children of Israel. “These words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deut.6:6-7)

Family prayer, in the morning and evening, is a regular feature of a God fearing christian homes. In olden days they were considered as Bible teaching sessions. Father being the head of the family teaches the spiritual lessons to his children. Children get promotion without exams. Now a days in many families these healthy practices are vanishing; divorces and family break ups are the external manifestations of this serious spiritual malady.

Satan’s attack on families

Primary strategy of satan is to shatter the institution of marriage. From the beginning, he has been targetting families for the decimation of God’s purposes. He knows very well that God’s eternal purposes revolve around spiritual family. So, he attacked family in the garden of Eden, during Noah’s time, later on at the time of Lot. In all these cases divine wrath fell upon the family breakers. These days satan is violently attacking this holy institution because he knows that he has but a short time. He made the authorities to redefine the marriage itself. Same sex marriages are legalized. Divorce, abortion and transgenderism are all his devices to destroy the families In the light of these modern trend, believers need to be very very vigilant. David was a mighty man in the battlefield but in family front he failed miserably. David loved his children so much that he failed to discipline them. Both Absalom and Adonijah became spoiled children because of ‘excessive love’ of their father. Read how scripture speaks about discipline of David. “…his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, why hast Thou done so?” (1King 1:6) David gave Adonijah all the freedom to do whatever he liked. Whereas Job was a great father who interceded before God for his ten children ‘continually’. (Job. 1:5).

Four generation Strategy

Paul instructs Timothy, his spiritual son to transmit the spiritual truths which he learned from him to the faithful ones who can teach others. Paul had a “four generation strategy” in communicating eternal plan and purposes of God. Joel the prophet exhorts (Joel 1:3), to share God’s dealings with His people. “Tell you your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation”. Psalmist also narrates this “four generation strategy “. “I will utter dark sayings of old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come, the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he has done……which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children” Ps.78:2-7.

World renowned family counselor and author of many books on Family Dr. James Dobson in one of his books, *explains this four generation strategy from the history of his own family. Dr. James Dobson’s great grandfather constantly prayed for four generations and God answered his prayer. All his four generations inherited the spiritual heritage and James Dobson was belonging to that fourth generation. Dr. James Dobson and his wife Shirley similarly fasted and prayed for their children one day in a week. God honored their prayer. Knowledge on parenting techniques is no guarantee that our children will walk in the ways of God. The last exhortation of our Savior to the daughters of Jerusalem before the crucifixion is to weep for their children. With prayers and tears, let us pass on the spiritual baton from generation after generation; that is the ultimate purpose of Family.

By Dr. Koshy Mathew

Taken from Harvest Times July 2020 Edition

Brethren, may I just say that if you have been looking at yourself – look away to the Lord of abundant mercy. Fixing yourself over and trying to straighten yourself out will not be sufficient – you must come as you are!

Paul Rader once told about the artist who had an idea for a powerful painting, depicting the plight of a tramp, a human derelict off the street.

He went to the Skid Row district and found just the subject he had in mind – a man who was dirty, disheveled, rundown at the heels, in rags, and completely at home among disreputable elements of the city.

“I will pay you a fee if you will come to my studio tomorrow morning,” the artist told him.

The bum’s face brightened and his eyes took on a new light and he said, “You mean you want to put me in a picture?”

“Yes I want to paint you into a picture and I will give you fifty dollars right now,” the artist said. “Just show up at my house tomorrow morning and I will tell you what to do.”

But when the artist’s doorbell rang the next morning, the painter hardly recognised the man who stood there. He had been shaved, he had on a white shirt and his pants had a reasonable facsimile of a press.

“I do not want to come to your fine place looking like a bum, so I spent the money getting myself cleaned up and fixed up,” the man said with pride.

“But I cannot use you now for the painting I had in mind,” the artist told him. “I thought you would come just as you were.”

Jesus told about two men who went up to the temple to pray.

One said, “God, here I am. I am all fixed up – every hair is in place.”

The other said, “Oh God, I just crawled in off Skid Row. Have mercy upon me!” God forgave the Skid Row bum, sent the other man away, hardened and un repentant and unforgiven!

We come to Him just as we are but in humble repentance, for when the human spirit comes to God feeling that it is better and more acceptable than others, it is automatically shuts itself away from God’s presence. But when human spirit comes to God knowing that anything it receives will be of mercy, then repentance has done its proper work! God promises to forgive and bless that man and take him into His heart and teach him that all of God’s kindnesses are due to His mercy.

What more can a sinner ask?

Excerpt taken from the book “I Call It Heresy” written by A.W. Tozer, published by GLS Publishing.

A.W. Tozer’s books available with us. Please visit:

www.glsindia.com

www.glsindia.org

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor.1:3).

From the beginning to the end, Bible describes God as a loving, compassionate and comforting one. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He came searching Adam and Eve when they disobeyed and committed sin. He comforted their broken hearts with the promise of a redeemer- the seed of the woman (Gen.3:16,21; Rev.13:8). In the last chapters of the Bible we see Him wiping away the tears of the saints (Rev.21:4). Martha and Mary were shedding tears at the grave of their brother Lazarus, He joined with them and -Jesus wept is recorded as the smallest verse in the English Bible. There was no need for Him to weep, yet he joined with them to identify with their anguish and agony. He is the God of ALL comfort and also the GOD of ALL grace (Jn.11:35; Rom.12:15; 1 Pet.5:10). He is the source of grace and comfort.

“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mat.9:36). God comforts His people as a mother comforts her children. A Mother comforts her suffering, sorrowful child in three fold manner. When a mother sees the child suffering and struggling in pain, her immediate and spontaneous reaction is to draw the child close to her. Birds care and safeguard the young ones under their wings. Same manner Lord takes care of His children under his wings. This idea of brooding the young ones under the wings are given in various places in the scripture (Gen.1:2; Isa.66:10-13; Mat. 24:37; Ps.91:1-4). In Isaiah God promises comfort for His people, “Comfort you, comfort you my people, said your God. Speak you comfortably to Jerusalem,”. Because “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa.40:1-2,11). Who can give such care and comfort to weary and restless souls? Even today He invites us to Him. “Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mat.11:28).

John’s Gospel Chapter 14 is called as the ‘Chapter of Comfort’ in the New Testament. In that chapter about twenty three times the word ‘father’ is appearing. Jesus repeatedly makes the promise of comfort and a comforter. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (Jn.14:18). In that chapter He reveals to His disciples as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them because they were faint, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mat.9:36). God comforts His people as a mother comforts her children. A Mother comforts her suffering, sorrowful child in three fold manner.

Mother draws the Child close to her

When a mother sees the child suffering and struggling in pain, her immediate and spontaneous reaction is to draw the child close to her. Birds care and safeguard the young ones under their wings. Same manner Lord takes care of His children under his wings. This idea of brooding the young ones under the wings are given in various places in the scripture (Gen.1:2; Isa.66:10-13; Mat. 24:37; Ps.91:1-4).

Isaiah beautifully narrates God’s motherly affections. “For thus said the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, …you shall be borne on her sides, and be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem”. It is during our suffering we enjoy the intimacy with the Lord. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced God’s care in the midst of fire. When a child passes through extreme pain, he desires to have his mother besides him rather than father.

Mother comforts the Child with her words.

After holding the child close to her breast mother offers words of comfort. “Let, it be my child”, “please do not cry”, “don’t worry, the pain will go”; such words from a mother really comforts the Child. Same manner Lord comforts His children with His words. Paul calls it as ‘the comfort of the scriptures’. Word of God is given for our comfort. Suffering teaches us valuable lessons. In the school of sufferings, we learn patience. We get comfort, obtain spiritual experience and finally led to hope (Rom.5:3- 5;15:4).

Mother comforts the Child with promises of ‘gifts’

While comforting the crying child, mother makes some promises. “My dear son, don’t cry I will get you some chocolates” “I will get you some toys” etc When the child hears the promise of gifts, stops crying. God too sends some ‘gifts’ to comfort while we suffer. Once Paul was passing through extreme mental agony. “When we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fights, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation with which he was comforted in you,” (2 Cor.2:12-13; 7:5-6). Mother comforts the Child with promises of ‘gifts’. When Paul saw Titus, he received him as a ‘gift’ from the Lord. Paul was greatly comforted after hearing about successful mission from Titus. Similarly, when we pass through extreme sorrow God sends ‘unexpected visitors’ to comfort us. Their words and presence comfort us. God sent ‘angels in white’ to comfort Mary Magdalene who was passing through extreme grief (Jn.20:11-13).

Divine touch, divine words and divine promise of ‘gifts’ are sufficient to heal our broken hearts in these days of pandemic.

By Dr. Koshy Mathew