ConfidenceAndJoy.com » The Eastern Eye

Strangers In The Street

Mike Verdicchio — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:25:01 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.” As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

You may have read something in the Bible that seemed a bit odd: people lodging in the street. In our culture, thinking of someone spending the night in the street conjures up all sorts of unpleasant pictures. But, when reading the Bible, we must always remember their culture.

A verse in the book of Job states that “the stranger did not lodge in the street.” Instead, someone opened his doors to the traveler. This was very common in the lands and times of the Bible.

In small villages there was usually a village common that was similar to what we would call a park. That is the area referred to in the book of Job and other places in the Bible as “the street.” In the late afternoon or early evening, it was very common for travelers to rest and spend the night in that area of the village.

In the Bible times and culture, hospitality was very important. They believed that if they showed kindness to someone in need, they were showing kindness to God. They believed that if they gave something to someone, even a cup of water, then it was understood that it had been given as unto God.

In that culture they believed that the more they served you, the more they served God. That is why it was common for them to invite travelers, who would be total strangers to them, to spend the night in their home instead of in “the street.” They invited them to their home so that they could show them hospitality.

This reminds me of a verse in the book of Hebrews. There it talks about remembering to show kindness to strangers as there have been some who did so, not knowing those strangers were in fact angels. That is something to think about, isn’t it?

Job 31:32
The stranger did not lodge in the street: [but] I opened my doors to the traveler.

Genesis 19:1-3
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this? We’d love to hear what you think. To leave a comment if you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment. If not, just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Strangers In The Street

Reeds And Flax Part 2

Mike Verdicchio — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:59:12 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn't mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

In Part 1, we looked at the eastern idiom of, “a bruised reed.” If you haven’t read that yet, just scroll down and read Part 1 first.

What Is The Smoking Flax?

The second idiom in Isaiah 42:3 is “the smoking flax.” The verse says, “…and the smoking flax shall he not quench.”

In the times of the Bible, the people believed if there was a light in their home, God was there; the light represented God’s presence. And so, every home always had a light in the house, even through the night. In Bible times of course they didn’t have electricity, so they utilized oil lamps.

They would put oil into the shallow container and then use a flax wick. If the oil ran out then the wick would be smoking and stinking because of no oil. Specific duties for men and women were important, and one of the woman’s duties was to keep oil in the lamp.

If on occasion the oil ran out during the night, the husband, smelling the smoke would wake his wife so that she could go and add oil. If the woman was tired or lazy, instead of finding the oil and adding it, she would just take off the burned smoldering part of wick. Quenching the smoking flax and just throwing that part out was simply a temporary solution. And, she might even light the fresh part of the flax wick. But it would then still be a burning empty wick and it would still stink.

What Makes Us Stink?

Being negative is to stink. Here in the United States we have an idiom: change your stinking thinking. In the east the saying is, “a negative person is the biggest stink there is in the world.”

“I can’t; I can’t.” “This is too hard.” “Nothing works out for me.” “Things in my life just don’t go right and they will probably get worse.” All negative.

Negative people are always disturbed, dejected, and full of despair. Their problems continue to sink them lower into stinking negativity.

In this stinking condition, they don’t think properly; they are full of fear and anxiety. They epitomize despondency. And beware: they are not the kind of people you go to for advice!

Smoking flax refers to being miserable. But when we reflect on the completed work of Christ we can see that he did not provide us a temporary solution. He didn’t just quench the smoking flax; he didn’t just take off the burnt part and relight it. Instead, he filled container with oil to overflowing!

Who Are We?

The Bible states that as born again Christians, we are complete; there is nothing lacking. We have all received all spiritual blessings. We have all been filled with His spirit; it is all in all. The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which was given to us.

When we look at the blessings God has freely given all of us because of the completed work of Christ, we can choose to change from negativity. We can refuse to live with fear and anxiety, and instead live by faith. We really can be people of joy and gladness.

The work of Christ was a complete work. No matter how bruised you are today, you will never be thrown away. And Christ’s work was not a temporary fix, but an eternal solution; you have been given the gift of eternal life. Nothing can separate you from God’s love.

If you are a bruised reed or smoking flax, look to Christ, the author and finisher of our salvation, who died so that you could live abundantly. A bruised reed cannot have an abundant life. Smoking flax stinks, and smoke cannot have abundant life. We can chose to accept what Christ has accomplished for us, claiming the victory that is ours: in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Colossians 2:10
And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Romans 5:5
And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us.

Romans 6:23b
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Reeds And Flax Part 2

Reeds And Flax Part 1

Mike Verdicchio — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:00:09 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

Figures of speech in the Bible are used for emphasis and are not what they appear on the surface. Idioms are a figure of speech. An idiom is a way of saying something that is peculiar to a people or culture. Once you understand the idioms in the Bible, the true meaning becomes very clear.

There are two idioms in Isaiah 42, verse 3: a bruised reed and the smoking flax. To those unfamiliar with the culture of the Bible, the meaning of those idioms is not known. Here in Part 1, we’ll look at the first idiom.

Reeds grow wild. Although related to the sugar cane, which is solid, reeds are hollow in the middle. They grow 3 to 4, and sometimes 5 feet high. During the heat of the day they droop to the ground, but in the cool of the evening, they rise back up, straight and tall. It was something beautiful for people to watch in the evening.

Jesus made reference to reeds in asking the people what they went out to see, John the Baptist, or the reeds. In other words, he was asking them if they were paying attention to what John was saying, or if they were distracted by the reeds.

Ancient oriental flutes were made from the reeds. The verse in Isaiah says, “A bruised reed shall he not break.” If you know the idiom, “bruised reed,” then it makes the verse much clearer.

What Is A Bruised Reed?

If someone’s flute fell to the ground, it could easily break. It was then referred to as a bruised reed; that’s the idiom. A broken or bruised flute could no longer be used to play, and so, it was thrown away and another one was made.

Eastern shepherds often carried flutes and they would play them. However, they would not toss out their broken flute and make another, even though it didn’t cost anything to make a new one and it was very easy to make. The reason the shepherd would not do that is because it was handed down to him for generations; it had a sentimental value.

So when the shepherd’s flute, or reed, was bruised, he would use wax or string to repair it. He loved his flute just as he loved his grandfather who may have passed it on to him. He loved it so much that he repaired it and kept it for keepsake.

In this chapter, Isaiah is talking prophetically about the coming redeemer, Jesus Christ, who is of course referred to, in other places in the Bible, as the good shepherd. He redeemed us, he laid down his life for us; he paid the full price for all sins.

Are You Bruised?

When a person is broken or bruised by sin or by indifference, that person loses the joy of having salvation; they lose their peace; they are mentally bruised and unhappy; they have no song of joy.

The invitation to salvation is simple and easy because all the work was accomplished for us by Christ. One simply accepts Jesus as the savior, acknowledging that he is lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead. They then receive redemption, salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, and a lot more.

But accepting Christ does not mean that one becomes perfect, never to fall short; we all miss the mark. When someone is in that position they need to remember Christ’s complete redemptive work. Our falling short and missing the mark bruises us.

When we get in that position, we need to look to Christ, at his complete work. He has cleansed us, repaired us, renewed us. He bought and paid for our forgiveness.

Jesus said, “And him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.” He doesn’t throw us out or toss us away because of our sins; his blood cleansed us from sin. In the book of Hebrews it says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Jesus will not throw us out and God will never toss us away.

What Will You Choose?

When we are unhappy, miserable, and bruised, and we look to Christ and reflect on what he has done for us, he, as the good shepherd, will not break us, meaning throw us out so that we end up completely crushed. And so we have a choice.

Our adversary would have us go through life looking at all our faults, weaknesses, and failures. “Look what I have done; I have failed again, I have messed up again; look at how lousy I am.” Or instead, we can stop looking at our faults, and look to Christ.

Our loving God and Father is not condemning us. He loves us so much that He gave His Son to die, to pay the full price for all sins. In one of the Psalms, David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” He was asking God to help him to get his heart right.

Too often religion condemns the one who misses the mark, and then has a list of “good” things for him to do in order to make up for the bad that he has done, all the while ignoring the real issues of the heart. And so, people go around doing all sorts of things so that God won’t toss them out.

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren. In God’s eyes we are His children having His righteousness. We can be confident that we will never be tossed out because of our shortcomings. So, why not believe in Christ’s complete redemptive work and open your heart to God?

Next time, in Part 2, we will look at the second idiom in Isaiah 42:3, the smoking flax.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

Romans 10:9 and 10
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 6:37
All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.

I John 1:7b
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 13:5b
for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:23 and 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Hebrews 2:11b
For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Reeds And Flax Part 1

The Cursed Fig Tree

Mike Verdicchio — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:30:50 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There is an incident in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus saw a fig tree and went over to the tree, hoping to find something to eat. But the record says that he found nothing but leaves. It was not the time or season for figs. So Jesus cursed that tree by saying, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever.”

One might wonder why Jesus would go over to a tree when it was not the season for fruit. Certainly you or I would not approach a fruit tree hoping for fruit when it was not the season for that particular fruit, would we? But once again, understanding the life and times of the Bible make it more than clear.

This type of fig tree is the one referred to as “the people’s tree,” meaning anyone may help themselves to the fruit. The figs on the tree mature in June. However, in early spring, there are buds (which later turn into mature figs) on the tree. These buds are very sweet and make a nice snack.

Jesus wasn’t ignorant of the fruit trees in his land, nor was he confused by what season it was, thinking that it was summer time. He simply approached the tree for a little snack. However, this tree had no buds.

No Buds

Having no buds meant that it would have no fruit. This tree had become a fruitless barren tree. His cursing of the tree was not in disappointment of not finding any sweet buds. Rather, his statement was true of that tree, but there was a deeper meaning as well.

The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, is represented figuratively by the fig tree many times in the Old Testament. This particular incident recorded in the Gospel of Mark occurred shortly before the arrest and execution of Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to Israel and they rejected him. Israel had become spiritually fruitless and barren.

All Have Been Invited

Not long after Jesus Christ completed mankind’s redemption and salvation, God’s people were no longer solely inclusive to the nation of Israel, as all others outside of Israel were invited to be part of God’s family. God literally threw the doors wide open: “…whosever believes in him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Even further, because of the completed work of Christ, the Bible declares that now it doesn’t make any difference if you are a Jew or a Gentile, bond or free, male or female.

The invitation is to every person on earth. All those who confess Jesus as lord and believe that God raised him from the dead are saved, have eternal life, and are now literally children of God.

Mark 11:13 and 14
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile], there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

The Cursed Fig Tree

Coals Of Fire

Mike Verdicchio — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:05:29 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There is a verse in the book of Romans that talks about doing some things for your enemy that will “heap coals of fire on his head.” Some think that this is referring to some sort of revenge. No, it means nothing of the sort.

Understanding the culture and how coals from a fire were carried unlocks this simple verse. A young boy would take hot coals in the morning from the first fire in the village. Those coals would be put into a piece of pottery.

The young boy would then carry the pottery, with the hot coals inside, balanced upon his head to the other households. They would in turn take a hot coal to start their own fire. The young boy would then go to the next family so they could get a coal to start their fire.

Doing this task on cold mornings would be a very pleasant task. The heat from the coals in the pottery would warm the young boy. As he went from family to family, he was very warm while performing this simple duty.

The scripture talks about doing certain things for your enemy, and that by doing those things, you are heaping coals of fire on their head. This doesn’t mean revenge, but rather, in doing those things you might warm his or her heart and they just might change.

You and I may never know how a smile, a kind word, or a loving action may impact someone else’s life. As God’s children we endeavor to exhibit our Father’s love to everyone we come in contact with. The Bible instructs us that, if at all possible, live peaceably with all people.

Romans 12:18-21:
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.

Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Coals Of Fire

A Partridge Not Hatching Her Eggs

Mike Verdicchio — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:08:54 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There are many, many verses in the Bible that talk about money. There are no Scriptures that denounce having wealth. There are, in fact, many wonderful believers in the Bible who were wealthy.

Those who honestly study the Bible know that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. Money itself is not evil. However, obtaining riches the wrong way is addressed in the Bible.

There is a verse in the book of Jeremiah that uses a partridge to address obtaining riches the wrong way. The verse talks about a partridge sitting on her eggs, but then not hatching them. Understanding why the partridge would not hatch the eggs gives great insight about seeking riches the wrong way.

Partridges are birds in the pheasant family. They are a non-migratory Old World group. They are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quails. Partridges are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Partridges are ground-nesting seed-eaters.

Why Would They Not Hatch Their Eggs?

In the lands of the Bible, the partridge would lay its eggs in a small hole in the sand, and then sit on them. However, they are very skittish, fearful birds. If they are startled, they will flee and abandon their eggs.

Those who seek to obtain riches the wrong way, by unethical means, such as using others, will lose those riches. Just as a partridge will leave her eggs and not return, so shall it be for those who get riches unethically.

Rich People

The Bible says that those who will be rich will fall into many temptations. There will be things that tempt them that those who do not have riches will not be tempted with. While that is a great caution, it is certainly not an admonition to not be wealthy.

The Bible also talks about instructing those who are rich not to be egotistical and not to trust in riches because those riches are always uncertain. Instead, like everyone else, they should trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Those believers who are rich should do good, be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share.

There are those who believe that money is evil and people who have wealth and prosperity need to give it all to those less fortunate. The Bible teaches that giving of one’s abundance is a choice each one of us makes, and it is not to be compulsory.

I realize there are a number of different positions on the topic of wealth. The point of this article is not to debate those, but rather to show from the Scriptures that obtaining riches the wrong way will have consequences. Perhaps we can all agree, and we really should, that God is the Giver and the Supplier.

Jeremiah 17:11
As the partridge sits on eggs, and hatches them not; so he that gets riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

I Timothy 6:9 and 10
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

I Timothy 6:17 and 18
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

II Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish his covenant which he swore unto your fathers, as it is this day.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

A Partridge Not Hatching Her Eggs

Paul’s Girdle

Mike Verdicchio — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:10:38 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There is a very interesting event that is recorded in Acts 21. The Apostle Paul was staying in Caesarea at the home of Philip the Evangelist. Paul was on a journey to Jerusalem.

A prophet from Judea, named Agabus, came to the house with a message for Paul. However, the message he had for Paul was given to him in a rather dramatic fashion. Agabus took Paul’s girdle, bound his own hands and feet, and then told Paul, “Thus says the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

What was Paul’s “girdle?” We would call it a belt, or a sash or a cord. In many cases in Bible times, it was hollow, so the girdle served not only to secure flowing garments but also to carry money in.

There are other records in the Bible that show prophets delivering a message in a very dramatic way adding to their words something very visual. Isaiah, Ezekiel and others used this form of communication to call attention, to give a distinct and impressive idea of the subject, and, by engaging the imagination, to fix it in the memory.

What Was The Will Of God

So was Paul not supposed to go to Jerusalem? Was he wrong in going? Did he disobey God’s specific instructions?

Just a few days before arriving at Philip’s house, Paul was in the city of Tyre. While he was there, some disciples told Paul, through or by way of the Spirit, that he should not go to Jerusalem.

In the previous chapter, you can read of Paul getting information from God that if he went to Jerusalem, bonds and afflictions were waiting for him. God had warned him. Yet, Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem.

It is also very clear in Chapter 20 that it was Paul who decided to go to Jerusalem. It says that he determined to not go to Ephesus so that he could be in Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost. He was the one who decided to go to Jerusalem.

While in Miletus, he told them that he was going to Jerusalem, but that he was bound in the sprit. He was not free in the spirit, but rather he was bound. He even told them that God was revealing to him every day the consequences that would happen if he indeed went to Jerusalem.

So he proceeded on his journey. In Tyre, disciples told him by way of the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. Then, the prophet Agabus gives Paul a message from God in a very dramatic fashion. The will of God for Paul is very clear.

The Conflict Over The Commas

Most Christians do not want to admit that Paul made a mistake by going to Jerusalem. So they ignore all the clear verses that show how God is trying to keep Paul out of Jerusalem, and instead focus on one verse, and let a punctuation mark settle the argument.

After all the daily warnings from God to Paul, as well warnings from others by way the spirit telling him not to go, then comes the dramatic warning from Agabus. Those who saw and heard what Agabus did began to cry and beg Paul not to go.

Paul’s reaction was very courageous. He asked them why they were crying and breaking his heart. He then told them he was not only ready to be bound at Jerusalem, but also to die.

Paul was very committed. His response to them at Phillip’s house sounds very courageous, but what good could Paul do for God if he were dead? How hindered would his ministry be if indeed he were bound as Agabus had foretold?

But alas, the next verse has a comma or two that many people use to “prove” that Paul going to Jerusalem was really the will of God. The verse, in the King James Version, says, “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” I don’t want to argue about commas, especially because in the original texts, there were no commas.

Adjusting the commas in that verse, or, even ignoring them, it could very easily read, “And when he would not be persuaded we ceased saying the will of the Lord be done.” In other words, Paul was not to be persuaded, so we stopped saying what the will of the Lord was.

Ignoring the many verses that clearly show what the will of the Lord was, and then using a comma or two to try and prove a point is a dishonest handling of the Scriptures.

Foretelling The Future

What Agabus foretold did indeed come to pass. That is the measure of a true prophet: what they declare will happen, does indeed happen. If it doesn’t come to pass, the Scriptures say to pay no attention to that prophet.

Today there are many voices coming from many places that are predicting and foretelling the future. Especially in reference to the worldwide economic crisis, you hear people making their predictions every day. Who are you listening to?

I do not claim to be a prophet; I am not predicting the future. But, like many, many people, I do believe there are some very serious days ahead before things can ever begin to turn around. And, I also know that our God is a very personal God.

Look at how God tried to get through to the Apostle Paul to save him from serious trouble. God did so much to keep him from going to Jerusalem. But, God did not overstep Paul’s free will.

God can give you guidance for your life, especially in these treacherous days that we live in. God’s love for you, just like His love for Paul, is unconditional and nothing can ever separate you from His love. But remember, God will not overstep your free will.

Put your confidence in God. Pay attention to His still small voice. Never be afraid to shift your direction for His direction.

Dueteronomy 18:22
When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid [have reverence or regard] of him.

Acts 20:15 and 16
And we sailed there, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:22-24
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me [if I go there].

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 21:3 and 4
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:8-15
And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus says the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him [Paul] not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Paul’s Girdle

You Are The Salt Of The Earth

Mike Verdicchio — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:33:33 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

Jesus Christ, while teaching his disciples, told them that they were the “salt of the earth.” That phrase is still used today. Many who use that phrase use it as a compliment, and rightly so. Understanding biblical culture helps us not only understand that phrase, but the next phrase Jesus spoke as well.

Jesus taught his disciples many things on the occasion referred to as “the sermon on the mount.” At one point, he compared them to both salt and light. He told them that they were the salt of the earth and that they were the light of the world. He then elaborated on both of those comparisons.

In a previous Eastern Eye article I wrote about the significance of “salt” in the Bible:

Salt is a necessity of life. Since ancient times it has been used in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a symbolic part of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.

Jesus compared the disciples to salt, but also pointed out that salt can lose its savor, in which case it would then be good for nothing. So how does salt lose its savor? Understanding the biblical culture gives us a better understanding.

Salt Jars

In Bible times, salt was kept in large earthen jars. Whenever salt was needed one would simply go to the salt jar and get what was needed. However, it was common that when water would get on the floor, it would seep into the bottom of the jar, causing the salt at the bottom to lose its saltiness.

When the jar was nearly empty and one would find the now unsalted salt, they would simply toss it out into the street. It was no longer good for any purpose.

While Jesus told his disciples that they were the salt of the earth, he also warned them that they could lose their salty savor. In other words, the great qualities of salt, like, loyalty, durability, permanence, etc. were qualities that one must continue to maintain.

You Are The Light Of The World

He also told them that they were the light of the world, but reminded them that they needed to let their light shine and not hide their light. In Bible times, light came from oil lamps. These oil lamps were often in a house, on small lamp stands, thus giving light to all in the room.

In comparing the disciples to being the “light of the world,” he instructed them to not hide their light. They were to let their light so shine that others could see their good works and end up glorifying the heavenly Father.

We can let our lights shine too. We can let people see the light of the truth of God’s Word. We can let them see what God is doing in our own lives so that our heavenly Father gets the glory.

We can also keep our savor. We can choose to not compromise on our character and the qualities of life that really matter. Without those great qualities in our lives, we would lose our savor and our effectiveness in bringing a message of deliverance to a world that desperately needs it.

Matthew 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

You Are The Salt Of The Earth

Blind Bartimaeus

Mike Verdicchio — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:01:53 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There is a record in the Gospel of Mark about a blind man receiving healing from Jesus. The man’s name was Bartimaeus. There are some very interesting details in the record that are often overlooked due to misunderstandings of the Eastern culture.

Beggars In The Bible

In our modern world it is common to see people on various corners holding up signs asking for help. It is rightly assumed that these people are begging for money. But in the lands and times of the Bible, there were people who begged who did not have a financial need. So, when we read about someone begging in the Scriptures, we cannot automatically assume that they were in financial need.

There were three main areas where it was common to find beggars: at the gate of a temple, holy rivers, or other bodies of water, and, on the highway or public thoroughfares. The latter is where Bartimaeus was begging when he called out to Jesus.

In the lands and times of the Bible, people who did not have a financial need would beg for their healing. The Scriptures tell us that Bartimaeus was blind, but was he poor?

The Scriptural account says, “Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.” If he were begging out of financial need, in other words, poor and destitute, there would have been no mention of his lineage; his father’s name would have not been given.

Therefore, Bartimaeus was on the highway begging for his healing. People in the lands and times of the Bible did this to obtain mercy from God. They became as low as a beggar in a public place, hoping that a holy man might pass by and they could receive healing.

What About His Robe?

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out saying, “Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me.” And then those around him told him to shut up. But instead he kept crying out for Jesus to have mercy on him.

Jesus then stopped and called for the man. Those who had been telling him to shut up were now telling him, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.” (I guess they were wrong in telling him to shut up before!)

The Scriptural account next includes another detail that is often overlooked, but has great significance. The Bible says, “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” No one told him to cast away his garment.

The garment he cast away was his robe. Those who begged for healing as opposed to financial need often wore their robes. Seeing someone begging in a robe instead of rags would be a very obvious indication the person was begging for healing.

A person’s robe indicated his status, his authority, his position in the community, his standing, as well as his dignity. When Jesus called for Bartimaeus, he cast away his robe and went to Jesus, empty. He came before Christ empty of all pride, dignity, standing, and status; he stood before him with great humility, to obtain mercy.

Cast Away Your Pride

Isn’t it inspiring to see Bartimaeus choosing to lay aside all his pride? No one told him he should do that. It was his choice.

You and I can do the same thing. We can choose to empty ourselves of pride. We can approach our loving Father with humility. And yes, even though we are His dear children, we can still choose to get rid of our ego and self righteous bravado.

The Bible teaches us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Being humble does not mean being a doormat that every one walks on all day. Bartimaeus going before Jesus, empty of all pride, is a great example of humility.

We can approach our God with the confidence and open entrance that we have as His children, and with the humbleness of Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:46-52
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you.

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What will you that I should do unto you? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

I Peter 5:5b-7:
For God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Blind Bartimaeus

Walking In The Light Of Your Own Sparks

Mike Verdicchio — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:20:08 +0000

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

There is a verse in Isaiah that speaks of farmers walking in the light of their own sparks. In the lands and times of the Bible, farmers did not live on the farm. Rather they lived in the village. Thus, they would rise very early in the morning.

Around 4AM, the time of the first cock crowing, those going to work in the fields would rise. A fire in the village would be lit. Many would gather to warm themselves before heading out.

They would then need to gather their farm animals and tools and head to the fields. They would be walking, barefoot, in the dark. Many times the paths they walked were very narrow.

It Was Dark

In order to have some light, they would light the end of a piece of rope at the village fire. Then, as they walked, they would blow on the rope producing a small shower of sparks. This provided a little bit of light for them until they reached the fields.

In Isaiah 50:11, it talks about walking in the sparks, walking in the light of your fire, resulting in sorrow. To those living in that culture, the meaning was very clear. Rejecting the light of God’s Word, and walking in your own light, will produce sorrow.

On the other hand, Psalm 119, verse 105 talks about God’s Word being a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. In the dark, would you rather walk by the light of sparks or a lamp?

Discouraged And Defeated

Many people are discouraged and defeated, and, as it says in Isaiah, they are lying down in sorrow. Why? They try to walk by the light of their own sparks, but our own sparks are not enough.

It reminds me of the verse in Jeremiah that talks about God’s people forsaking Him, the fountain of living waters. Instead they chose broken cisterns that can hold no water. People have free will to choose, but when they forsake God’s wisdom they will be disappointed.

So, if you were thirsty, wouldn’t you rather rely on a fountain instead of a broken cistern? A fountain is an unlimited supply, whereas a cistern has limited capacity. But a broken cistern is pretty much empty!

The Light Of The World

Our own light and our own wisdom will always come up short compared to the light and wisdom of God. As smart as we are, the best we can do is sparks; God can provide a lamp. We think we are doing something great by building a broken cistern; meanwhile, God is a fountain!

Jesus Christ declared that he was the light of the world. He also said that no man comes to the Father but by him. In other words, the only way to the Father is through accepting and believing that Jesus is indeed the Christ.

There are those who have rejected Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The Bible says that there are those who love darkness. They choose to walk in their own light. Jesus was rejected by many when he walked the earth, and there are those today who reject him.

We Have a Choice

We can make a decision and choose to walk by the light and lamp of God’s Word. We can adopt an attitude of saying, “What does the Bible say about that?” Or, we can choose to walk by our own sparks, walk by our wisdom. The latter produces sorrow, the former produces rejoicing.

Isaiah 50:11:
Behold, all you that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled. This shall you have of mine hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.

Jeremiah 2:13
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Psalm 119:105:
Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

John 3:19 – 21:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Mike Verdicchio

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

More Eastern Eye Articles

Click the banner or the link below to get your FREE Lifetime Membership to "Enriching Your Life Now!"

Enriching Your Life Now!

Walking In The Light Of Your Own Sparks