Shalom,


Psalm 130:7 should be a great encouragement for the people of Israel AND the Church!


7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption.


"Mercy" is the Hebrew word "checed", which we have covered several times before. It means: strength, steadfastness, love, mercy, favor, goodness, faithfulness. The One, True God doesn't just affectionately love Israel and the Church; He treasures us and cares for every area of our existence! "Plenteous" is the Hebrew word "rabah", which means: to multiply, to increase, to make much, to do much, to increase greatly or exceedingly. "Redemption" is the Hebrew word "peduwth". One of the meanings of this word beside redemption (ransom) is deliverance! He delivers us in every way from all of the works of the enemy! Get to know the Word of God and what belongs to YOU as a born again believer! It's ALL good, and very good! Amen! Here is a new song for Christmas from Hillsong Live called "Born Is The King (It's Christmas):

We saw in John 6 that the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus. Now we see in John 7:5 that even His own half-brothers did not believe in Him!


5 For [even] His brothers did  not believe in  or adhere to or trust in or rely on Him either.


I saw this in the Bible Exposition Commentary:

Mary bore other children, with Joseph as their natural father (Matt 13:55-56; Mark 6:1-6); so Jesus would have been their half brother. It seems incredible that His brothers could have lived with Him all those years and not realized the uniqueness of His person. Certainly they knew about His miracles (see John 7:3-4) since everybody else did. Having been in the closest contact with Him, they had the best opportunity to watch Him and test Him, yet they were still unbelievers.


Here were men going up to a religious feast, yet rejecting their own Messiah! How easy it is to follow tradition and miss eternal truth. The publicans and sinners were rejoicing at His message, but His own half brothers were making fun of Him.


These men certainly had the world's point of view - if you want to get a following, use your opportunities to do something spectacular. Jerusalem would be crowded with pilgrims and this would give Jesus the ideal "platform" to present Himself and win disciples. No doubt the brothers knew that the multitude of disciples had deserted Jesus (John 6:66). This was His opportunity to recoup His losses. Satan had offered a similar suggestion three years before (Matt 4:1 ff) . 

The life of a believer who dares to preach the Gospel will have some similar results today! Some people want to make a hero out of ministers and others want to destroy their reputations and ministries! You will always have those who agree with you and support you and those who don't and won't! Just remember that the most important thing in THIS life is being pleasing to the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! And Jesus promised this to all of those who would dare to believe! Verse 38:

38 He who believes in me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said. From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

He was speaking of the Holy Spirit Who would indwell all believers and fill to overflowing all those who would ask! Let's be about our Father's business while there is still time on the earth, trusting in the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us every step of the way! 

Ezekiel 26-27 continue with the judgment of the nations who came against God's people Israel. Tyre is featured here. Once one of the grandest of cities, is is no longer! God's Word has a "set time" for accomplishment, but it is ALL according to HIS timetable! He's GOD! I think he really does know best! Count on it! 

Shalom in Him!