The Great Divide
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
December 1, 2016
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Introduction:
December 1, 2016 The Great Divide The Christmas season causes believers to once again examine some of the most familiar passages in the Bible, those dealing with the birth of Christ as an infant child. These Scriptures are so well known that some aspects of these accounts have been lost in the splendor of angels and shepherds, as well as a star and Magi. But the birth of Jesus, as God coming in the form of man, impacted the universe in a way that was greater than a worldwide earthquake-it brought to close all previous history that took place BC, "Before Christ." It began a thirty-three year transition that would close by marking all future time as AD, "After Death." I firmly believe the nations have come to another pivotal moment and are standing on the threshold of history that will mark this time as the end of an era and the beginning of The Day of the Lord. Those who review history in five hundred year segments declare, "We are at the end of our 500 year period." Looking at 1516 AD, and the events from that time to this, would give their theory credence. Some set a similar stage using two thousand year approaches (Believing that God gave man a six thousand year lease on His property, and it is divided into three parts which denominate history). They say that we are at the end of the last two thousand year period of grace. I believe this is why Matthew began with the genealogy of Jesus and summed things up in verse 17. He was pointing out the segments of time and showing how all things are planned and reckoned.
As this is being written a few days before the general election, so as not to be flavored with its outcome, the Spirit reminds me that God's plans override governmental decrees as easily as God renders the decisions of kings as nothing. Nevertheless, it was a governmental decree that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Somehow, a corrupt government, joined by a corrupt religious community, drew upon a time for God to do something spectacular and show Himself strong. Two saints among the profane (Simeon and Anna) were ready for an answer to their prayers. Mind you, government and religion in complicity brought about His death as well, thus causing the beginning of AD. Angels, Dreams and Signs: Blending in harmony all three of these information giving instruments, the early writers of the New Testament seemed at ease in citing their place in the drama of Jesus' birth. When any one of these three elements are encountered by the church today, however, the majority act as if the bearer of testimony should be either exalted to position or castigated as needing mental examination. Get Ready. This triumvirate is about to be harmonized again. Angels: Throughout the Old and New Testaments, angels encounter men on many occasions. For example, Jacob wrestled with one after seeing them ascending and descending in a dream. Daniel's prayer brought one down to Babylon and Abraham entertained one. Heaven is not that distant from earth. Simon mysteriously welcomed the guidance to freedom pressed on him by an angel, and Jesus was ministered to by them. So, Gabriel was dispatched to Zechariah and Mary. Zacharias
Note: Luke 1:19-20:
Of the two hundred, ninety-two times (292x) that angels are mentioned in the Bible, mostly they are used to announce change. Get Ready! Mary, the mother
The initial world announcement came through Angels to the Shepherds on the Judean Hills. They were watching over the flock of sacrificial lambs that were used in the Temple. These sheep were the best specimens of approved animals, without spot or blemish. Shepherding them was an honor. It was to these men of honor that a sacrificial lamb, Shepherded by God, was displayed in heavenly chorus. Isaiah's portrayal of "unto US a child is born," suddenly made sense to them.
They came to Bethlehem and saw their King. They beheld Him, who would be the supreme sacrificial lamb, and they "noised it about." Jerusalem buzzed from their testimony, and surely they reported to the High Priest (for whom they were employed) this new event.
Dreams: An angel was dispatched to Joseph, for reassurance, in a dream (Some translations cloth angelic visitation in dream form, while others do not). Nonetheless, as we approach the Day of the Lord, look for more use of dreams as vehicles for guidance and information. Already, they are increasing in volume and proliferation. Especially, they are being deployed in countries which suppress religious freedom. Notice in the verse below, the message came "while he thought."
Throughout history, God has spoken to saints and sinners through the frame of dreams. Jacob, Joseph and Nebuchadnezzar are examples of both divisions. The mental states of much of the population of the world today demand an invasive intervention, such as dreams, for God to communicate with both His people and those classed as enemies of the gospel. Already, increasing reports of dreams and visions are coming in. What a wonderful time to be alive and active in the work of the Kingdom.
It was through a dream that Herod's plot was discovered and guidance was given the three wise men (Magi). It was through a dream Joseph was directed to Egypt for safety. These two incidents will be in our focus later in this treatise. Signs: The star guiding the Magi, from the East to Bethlehem, was not just a solar phenomenon; it had special meaning to these men of great wealth. They had prepared gifts for the coming King, and they knew what the religious community of the Jews did not know. Some have said these Potentates were part of the dispersion of the ten tribes and were waiting for a signal from God. Perhaps, they were descendants from those who knew Daniel.
Note please, that the religious community was not moved by the Shepherds' testimony, but let some wealthy guys, with high stature in State arrive-now that got their attention. Notice also, who was called into the strategy session of Herod. Yes, the same group of co-conspirators, who called for the death of Jesus. Talk about being on the wrong side of the equation; it was these guys. Herod hatched a plan and disguised it with religious zeal. On the surface, he seemed genuinely interested in the Christ child, but often that is the way of religious leadership. Whenever the prelates are called into strategize a situation-look out! Whether it be "pious pontification" or the formation of a solid political front, more than likely it will not be God. The wise men were to be subtly drawn into the plot by secret meeting and shared information. (Inside information often occasions outside obligation.) They were warned by dream and escaped by stealth. They were not the only ones. Joseph and Mary, at that very moment, were told to go to Egypt through a dream. This meant that there was little time for preparation and a great demand on faith. Where in Egypt? Who in Egypt? BUT, they now had the money to make the trip and sustain themselves while there. No, they would not be begging bread, for they could testify that treasures both old and new had been laid up for them.
Thwarted Plans: Herod was furious. His plan was foiled, and he counted the wise men as deceivers, The view of high clergy may mistake the hand of the Lord as treachery. Man's reasoning fails before the Mighty King and His ways.
Again in Job, the Lord reveals the dark plans of men and nations and negates them.
The extermination of children two and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding territories only underscores the wrath of government toward those who are innocent. Herod was a Jew, a Temple attendee and a confidant of the high Priest and local leaders. Although the wise men escaped from the associative judgment on Herod, Jerusalem did not! One is condemned for what one condones.
(To this day, there is a statue in Israel of Rachael weeping for her children.) Herod had to die before it was safe to return to Israel. Unfortunately, the succession by Herod's son to the throne was no comfort. Often this is the ruin of a nation, as perpetuated evil is the hand in the glove of oppression. The same often goes in churches as well.
The Holy Spirit: Angels, Dreams and Signs are not the only instruments God uses. He also uses the still small voice of the Spirit to direct His people. All other methods may fail, but the Spirit never fails, for His people hear His voice. Simeon and Anna are the perfect partners to end this study, while illustrating this truth. There are a few of the faithful to be found in the congregations and are the remnant of today. Through the morass of Temple life, two saints held tight to righteousness and were rewarded. They both did not want to face death before seeing their Messiah. Oh, there are some today like them! They might be shuffling old men or women, but they hold to a standard the generations have lost. Those who have not bowed the knee might not be the most obvious, but they are there and God knows who and where they reside. Lord, help us meet them as we face the change of history with them. When Jesus was circumcised in the Temple, the Spirit of the Lord was at work in the hearts of these saints. They may well have been among the precious few who were waiting for His advent. Simeon
Anna
Anna was well over a hundred years old. Do the math: 7+84+16 (16 was common for a bride in those days). Summary: For thirty-three years a transformation from the old covenant to the new covenant was transpiring. It was waiting in the wings for the time when the people of the new era would be endued with power to burst into this new dimension of grace, fresh from Pentecost's upper room. Praise God, we are again on the very cusp of entering a time such as that time. The birth pangs are everywhere to be found as the Prophets and Revelation unfold before our eyes. Behold, now is the accepted time. This is the day of our salvation. Behold, the Day of the Lord! Until Next month, Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD. |
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