Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 2

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE LOST

THE LOST

Many people are familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, as found in the book of Luke, chapter 15. But not nearly as familiar are the Parables of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep, found immediately preceding the Parable of the Lost Son in the same chapter. There is an interesting difference between the three stories, all three of which were for the benefit of the tax collectors, Pharisees, and scribes who were gathered near Him.

Jesus told about the parable of the Lost Sheep this way:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, 

if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, 

and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” 

(Luke 15:4)

He told them that the man who has found that one lost sheep, goes home thankful and rejoicing because he has found it.

In a like manner, Jesus related the story of a woman who lost a coin and who diligently sweeps and cleans the house until the coin is found and then is thankful and rejoices because her money has been reclaimed.

Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost. 

(Luke 15:9)

And then there is the story of the Lost Son who wanted his inheritance and afterward, left into a far land where worldly living and unscrupulous friends soon left him destitute and homeless. Then it is said that:

I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 

“Father, I have sinned before heaven and before you…” 

(Luke 15:18)

So he has to return to his father of his own volition. The father does not in this case go after his son. But when the son returns, the father is the first to notice and go to meet him.

Sheep are considered to be animals which are easily led, heedless and incapable of finding their way alone. Once lost they are essentially doomed unless the shepherd goes to find them. The coin, of course, is inanimate and incapable of anything. But humans are capable of making their way and making decisions based upon their circumstances. It is unfortunate that we often have to reach the lowest point possible before we decide to return to the Father. But even then, the story indicates that it is never too late and that He is always ready and eager to run to us and welcome us back into His arms. What cannot do or fend for itself must be sought out, but for those with free will, the initial decision must be theirs. And once that decision is made, the Father is right there.

All belong to God whether at times seems that way or not. There is a need and desire to search for those who may be lost. But there also remains a degree of personal responsibility for situations in which some people find themselves, and a true desire to return to their Father who is always there for them.   

Always something to think about.

Matthew Trott April 14, 2024

Service Sunday April 14th at 6 PM

 

Master's Hand Ministry will be having a service this Sunday April 14th at 6 PM at the Hillside Community Hall 27 Chance Harbour Rd.

Matthew Trott will bring us a message from the Word of God.

Jasmine Trott will be leading worship.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 1

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TO BE ENCOURAGED

 TO BE ENCOURAGED

We have just finished the study of the book of Daniel. It’s easy to get caught up in the story of the man who was taken captive at a young age from his home in Jerusalem, and forced to spend the rest of his life in captivity in a foreign land - Babylon. It’s also not hard to get wrapped up in the prophecies God gave him and to miss some of the basic themes of the book, including the constant presence of God’s sovereignty and the constant need of man’s obedience.

By understanding these two principles, Daniel rose to the highest level of government in both the Babylonian and the Mede-Persian empires, without ever losing his faith and duty to his God. In so doing, he left us with four means by which we should be encouraged.

We must always be encouraged to be realistic. Following God will likely not be easy or simple. There may be difficult times and dangerous periods when staying true may be a formidable task. In spite of his position as a slave and the possible difficulties involved, Daniel 

…purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…
(Daniel 1:8)

And so, remained faithful to God in spite of the circumstances in which he found himself.

We are also encouraged to remain cheerful and optimistic, regardless of the circumstances which envelope us. In spite of his surroundings, Daniel never seemed to let his situation get the best of him. It was said of Daniel and his friends that:

 

…in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, 

he found them ten times better than all…who were in his realm. 

(Daniel 1:20)

And King Belshazzar, when he summoned Daniel said:

“I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, 

and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.” 

(Daniel 5:14)

Thus, despite the realism of his captivity, Daniel remained in good spirits and cooperative with his superiors throughout his stay in the foreign lands.

In addition to this, we are also encouraged to remain full of faith. Daniel never stopped his life of prayer even though his circumstances never appeared to change.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. 

And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, 

he knelt down on his knees three times that day, 

and prayed and gave thanks before his God, 

as was his custom since early days. 

(Daniel 6:10)

Even when the angel told him that much of the vision he had received would take place far in the future, he, in spite of his own lack of understanding, did not appear to waver in his faith.

…for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days. 

(Daniel 12:13)

We, therefore, are encouraged to always be willing to teach and proclaim God’s word to others.

…those who turn many to righteousness 

[shall shine] like the stars forever and ever.

(Daniel 12:3)

As Jesus Himself said:

“…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

(Mark 16:15)

Daniel survived his situation and lived his life in captivity while continuing to follow these principles. In the days we’re in, and as dark as they sometimes seem, these are principles we should all continue to think about.  

    

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Daniel Part 23