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John the BaptistPreparing the wayProphecy

Tell Me the Old, Old Story: John the Baptist

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

John the Baptist

In every season, the old stories sparkle differently. Today we reflect on John the Baptist, born to the priest Zacharias and his wife. What a gift John was to them. God the Father, in His divine plan molded the event so an aged couple could receive the blessing of a lifetime. It fulfilled prophecy, prepared the way for the Saviour and brought great joy.

Prophecy

First, the birth of John was prophesied. He was that big of a deal. Isaiah and Malachi predicted it, and the angel Gabriel did too. It was all in God’s plan of redemption.

Prepared the Way

Second, he was to prepare the way. God was sending His son to earth. While He raised up the Israelite nation to cradle His child, they were wayward, and He repeatedly called them back. It was vital for the way to be prepared for His son. It was about fatherhood. John would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Great Joy

Third, the birth of John brought great joy. Elizabeth bore the shame of barrenness until the day God intervened and in His great love and mercy redeemed their situation.

That‘s our God. The great God and father of us all, who in the colossal job of running the creation doesn’t neglect us, or put us off, but weaves our hearts and desires into His grand plans! He is the Redeemer always thinking those thoughts that are higher than ours to bring His children home.

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EasterJesus, King of Kings Lord of LordspraiseProphecy

The King Arrives

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

“Rejoice greatly! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem!” The words of the prophet Zechariah ring through the ages. To a nation suffering the ups and downs of a tormented history, waiting the arrival of the long promised Messiah, he admonishes them to rejoice. The Holy Spirit of God moved Zechariah to proclaim these words, brought them to fruition, and leaves us with an eternal truth.

The Holy Spirit

The Spirit moved mighty men of God to speak His truth. We don’t know how much Zechariah understood, but we know he didn’t see the fulfillment of the words. He knew however, that in the fulfillment of the words, his prophetic voice would be validated.

Word Bears Fruit

Both Matthew and Luke begin the story of the triumphal entry by crediting Zechariah with the prophesy of this event. Though he lived in the days of Darius and was murdered between the temple and the altar, the words he spoke were of the Spirit and as such, produced fruit. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey’s foal, the people erupted in praise. The Son of God had been moving throughout their towns, healing, teaching, delivering. The time to rejoice had come.

An Eternal Truth

It is an eternal truth. The eternal God is worthy of praise. His Son Jesus is the King of all Kings and Lord of Lords. When He is in attendance, there must be praise. When the religious leaders told Jesus to quiet his followers Jesus said, “I will tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

God speaks forth His word, it accomplishes what it was meant to do, and His praise goes forth! It is time to sing the high praises of our God!

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Prophecy

Fulfilled

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The first message God delivered to Samuel was of events that would tingle the ears of all who had heard. He was a boy, frightened by what he had heard and only when Eli pressured him to, did he reveal it. It wasn’t a new message. A man of God delivered the dire message to Eli previously. The prophet Amos wrote God doesn’t do anything without revealing His secrets to the prophets, His servants. In these first few chapters of 2 Samuel, God gave a message of judgement, later confirmed and in His time, fulfilled it.

Judgement

God hates wickedness, and He will judge it. The apostle Peter states that it begins with God’s house. Eli’s son’s, God’s representatives to His people, profaned the offering, and dishonoured the people of God. Eli knew of it and did nothing to restrain them. God said he would remove his house from their place in the the priesthood.

Confirmed

The message to Eli, through the unnamed prophet, was also confirmed when God spoke it to Samuel. No prophecy, according to Peter, comes from one’s own personal interpretation. It isn’t an act of man’s will. Rather it is people moved by the Holy Spirit. God confirmed the message by also giving it to Samuel.

Fulfilled

God fulfilled the prophecy, as He always does, in His own time. During a battle with the Philistines, rather than looking to God, the people of Israel looked to the Ark of the covenant for their help. When it came into the camp, the people made such a noise that the Philistines, fearing for their lives, attacked them. The Ark of the covenant was taken and Eli’s sons died. Eli, upon hearing the news, fell over backwards and died. His daughter-in-law gave birth and named her child Ichabod, which means the glory of the Lord has departed. This was a sad ending to their highly esteemed positions in the priesthood. In these first few chapters of 1 Samuel, God gave a message of judgement, later confirmed and in His time fulfilled it.

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ProphecyThe word

Credibility

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When surfing social media, the gift of discernment is crucial. Credibility is often lacking in the written word as well as the images displayed. Before the days of social media, when a prophet spoke, it had to be credible. They spoke the words of God. Samuel, as a child, began his journey of credibility under God’s tutelage. It was a time when God’s word was rare, God needed a vessel, and His word was established.

God’s Word: Rare

In 1 Samuel 3 verse 1, we read that at this time the word of God was rare. There was no widespread revelation. We know that Hannah was desperate for God to speak into her situation. She honoured Him when His answer was the gift of her son, by lending him to the Lord. I wonder if her experience made her family and neighbours hungry for the word of God.

Needed: A Vessel

God needed a vessel, someone whose word could be trusted. He spoke to the child Samuel. The Lord was with him as he grew and did not allow his words to fail. It became known throughout Israel, God spoke through Samuel. God established him as a trustworthy spokesman.

God’s Word: Established

In Isaiah 46, God states, “I am God.” There is no other like Him who declares the end from the beginning, who from ancient times declares things not yet done. His counsel stands, the words He has spoken will come to pass, the things He has purposed, He will do! Further in Isaiah 55, we read that like rain or snow which come from heaven to water the earth causing seed to come for the sower and the bud for bread, His word goes forth, from His mouth, and it will not return to Him without fruit. God established Samuel in his day for this purpose.

It was a time when God’s word was rare, God needed a vessel, and His word was established. “Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh.”

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Balaam and his donkeyProphecyScripture interprets scriptureThe power of words

Balaam and His donkey

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, writes that all scripture was inspired by God, and is useful to equip the servants of God. The story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 23-25, though comical, teaches us several things about prophecy. Three things we learn are: God has His people even in the enemy’s camp, the prophet got His words from God, and God, and His plans, are sovereign.

Balaam

Balaam was not one of the Israelites escaping Egypt. He lived among the Moabites. When Balak, the king of the Moabites was terrified by the encroaching Israelites, he remembered Balaam’s reputation of success. If he blessed or if he cursed, it stuck. He thought if Balaam would curse the Israelites, he would then be able to defeat them. Thus he sent for Balaam, explained the situation, and offered a reward.

Words of God

God’s word was also alive in Moab. Balak, the King of the Moabites, sent messengers with offer of a reward to the prophet. Balaam was not in a hurry. “Stay the night,” he said. In that precious time, he talked to God.and received a clear answer. “Don’t go with them, don’t curse them for they are blessed.”

However, King Balak didn’t like the answer and sent more important princes with a greater reward. Balaam was steadfast, “I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” But it required another night of prayer. The next morning, following God’s words, he saddled his donkey and went along but not to curse the Israelites.

God’s Word is Sovereign

Even though God allowed Balaam to go, He was angry and sent an angel to intercept him. The talking donkey is amusing but Balaam’s lack of spiritual vision is not. “Your way is perverse before Me,” were God’s words to him. The incident brought him to his senses and he offered to turn back, but he was instructed to continue. “The words that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” And so in the four places the king of the Moabites sent Balaam, God’s word of blessing descended on the Israelites.

The prophet could not go against the words of God. The situation was perverse and thus angered God. God allowed him to go, but did not permit him to speak against His people. Instead God’s people were blessed four times.

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covenantsNoahProphecythe scripture fulfilled

Was Noah a Prophet?

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When God looked over the world, and His heart grieved at what He saw, there was one bright spot – Noah. Noah had a relationship with God so when God needed to talk about His plans, He spoke to Noah. This is what I am going to do and this is what I need you to do. The prophet Amos said that God doesn’t do anything with out revealing it to His prophets. Was Noah a prophet? His relationship with God, the things God told him, and what happened indicate he was.

Noah and God

The wickedness on the earth at this time caused God to regret making mankind. His heart was grieved. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He was just, righteous, and blameless in his generation. Thus God told Noah His plans to make an end to all flesh.

God’s Plan

Thus God told Noah about His plans and how He wanted him to build an ark for his family and to preserve the seed of the animals. The plans were specific and detailed. The materials to use, the exact measurements, and the direction to bring one male and one female of each species into the ark. God wanted to make His covenant with Noah, the one man He could shower His grace upon.

What Happened?

Noah obeyed God by following His directions. Then God shut him in. He was 600 years old. When he was 601 God directed him to go out from the ark. Noah built an altar and when God smelled the pleasing odor, He said He would never again curse the ground because of man’s sin. Then He promised that while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease. He then blessed them and told them to be fruitful and to multiply. At that time God also told Noah that the fear of man would be on the animals and they could now be eaten as He directed. He made His covenant with them and set His rainbow in the sky as a reminder that He would never again destroy the world by flood. When He looked on the rainbow, He would remember. Today these truths remain.

Was Noah a prophet? What do you think?

See 1 Peter 3:19 and 20 to understand the fullness of God’s mercy to those people who died in the flood.

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Jesus' TeachingPaul the ApostlePeterProphecy

Prophecy

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

First known as seers, the prophets were the voice of God. Both men and women were given dreams, and saw visions of the future from the Holy Spirit. They had definite calls and faced persecution. But where there is truth there is also the lie. False prophets encouraged the people to rebel against God. Until Jesus came, it was the main method of communication from God. What did Jesus, Paul and Peter have to say about prophecy?

Jesus

In Matthew five, Jesus declared that He did not come to abolish the law or the writings of the prophets but rather to accomplish their purpose. In His final days on earth Jesus took the time to explain to His disciples how He was the fulfillment of prophecy.

Paul

Paul spoke about the gift of prophecy to the early church. It was important for the building up of the church. If someone had the gift they were to use it with as much faith as God had given. It was to be used respectfully by each having their turn to speak. It was to encourage, comfort and strengthen them.

Peter

Peter wrote about Christ’s return. “It’s not just a clever story.” He had experienced the voice of God at Jesus’ baptism. It gave him greater confidence to believe the prophets. Pay close attention to the prophets. They are a light in a dark place. They speak for God and are moved by the Holy Spirit. It isn’t about their own understanding and it is not of their own initiative. But he also warned of false prophets.

What did Jesus, Paul and Peter have to say about prophecy? Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy. Prophecy is a God-given gift for the edification of the church but false prophecy encourages rebellion towards God.

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Abram: A Life of FaithAngelsBiblical HistoryProphecy

Guests

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The sun is scorching and Abraham seeks relief in the door of his tent when the LORD appears to him. Abraham seeing three men, runs to meet them, and bows down. After convincing them to stay awhile, he begins preparations to refresh his guests. On this day Abraham and Sarah experience an angelic visitation, offer them hospitality, and receive incredible news.

An Angelic Visitation

Stories of angelic visitations appear throughout the scriptures. God’s word came at times through angels. According to the writer of Hebrews, those who received the word through angels were held accountable as if God had spoken in person. Their word on this day was incredible to an aged couple who held to God’s promise to them.

Hospitality

Abraham responded with hospitality. He offered water for washing the desert sand from their feet and nourishment for their bodies; cakes, roasted calf, milk and butter. In the New Testament the writer to the Hebrews reminds his readers to always be hospitable because in doing so they might unknowingly entertain angels.

Incredible News

Abraham stood nearby as they ate. They asked where Sarah, his wife was. When he answered, they announced their return visit next year when Sarah would have a son. Consider this. This couple are nearing one hundred years of age. Sarah surpassed her child-bearing years decades ago. No wonder Sarah laughed within herself. It was humanly impossible. But the angel asked an age old question. “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” and reiterated the truth that on the next visit Sarah would have a son. The long awaited promise now had a time frame. On that glorious day, Abraham and Sarah experienced an angelic visitation, offered them hospitality, and received incredible news.

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Biblical HistoryProphecyRejection of ChristScripture interprets scripturespiritual battle

Brothers

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The story of Cain and Abel is recorded in Genesis 4:1-15. We understand it better as we look to the scripture for our interpretation. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against …” Jesus, the apostle John, and the writer to the Hebrews refer back to this story with further insight. These insights clarify who Abel was, why his offering was accepted and what it speaks to us.

Abel

Abel was second born after Cain. He offered to God a sacrifice from his flock along with its fat. God accepted the offering and Cain became jealous. His murder was the first physical death experienced and his blood cried out to God. In Luke 11, Jesus spoke of the persecution of the prophets sent by God, and included Abel in this list. Thus Abel was a prophet sent by God and his death was persecution.

His Offering

The writer to the Hebrews says that Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice which indicated his righteousness. He did it by faith. In spite of his death, it still speaks. The image of a slain lamb was ingrained into the Israelite nation when God, through Moses, made the offering of a spotless lamb, the sacrifice for sin. It is an eternal image, brought into history by the selfless act of Jesus, the perfect lamb of God. It goes beyond time. Abel, before it all played out, through faith, connected with God through this offering from his flock.

It Speaks to Us

In 1 John 3, John speaks of the message spoken from the beginning. It is the message of love. How do we know the children of God apart from the children of the devil? Practicing righteousness and loving our brother are the indicators. He alludes to the story of Cain and Abel. Cain murdered his brother because his brother was righteous and his works were evil. Loving the brethren shows a passage from death to life. There is no eternal life in a murderer. “Do not marvel my brethren, if the world hates you.”

These clarify who Abel was, why his offering was accepted and what it speaks to us.

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PeterPreparing the wayProphecy

Prophets of Salvation

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter writes about the prophets. These men of God asked questions and searched diligently. They desired to know more about what they heard from the Spirit of Christ regarding our salvation. They prophesied of the grace that would come to those who would receive it. Peter wrote about these prophets, the message they foretold and how it relates to us.

The Prophets

We learn much about the prophets from the New Testament. After the resurrection of Jesus, He explained how the words of the prophets spoke of Him. Their words were like a blueprint for Jesus. Often the events and actions of His life were described as a fulfilment of scripture or the prophets. These prophets were men like Moses and King David, Isaiah and Jeremiah, Zechariah and Malachi.

Their Message

Their message pointed to a Saviour, not only for Israel but for the whole world. Peter addressed the sufferings of Christ. For an example, we look to King David who wrote of God’s King, His eternal throne, of His being God’s Son and our High Priest. In Psalm 22 David intimately described the final days of Jesus’ life, “My God My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Even the mocking David wrote about in verses 6-8 of Psa. 22, describe the scene of that day. The pain expressed in verses 12-18 further painted the picture of our Saviour the day of His crucifixion. This prophecy and others foretold a Saviour from birth to resurrection.

How It Relates to Us

How do these ancient words apply to us? For one, Peter says they “prophesied of the grace that would come to you.” He also wrote that the prophets tried to understand the sufferings of Christ, when they would happen and the glorious things that followed. However, God revealed to them through the Holy Spirit, sent from Heaven, that they were servants. They were telling another generation about the things that his readers could look back on, the things spoken of and recorded by the apostles. Even the angels longed to look into these things. The prophets served us. The writer of Hebrews tell us they are not complete without us. They were looking to the fulfillment of God’s promises, to a continuing city where one day they will be made perfect when in union with us.

What an awesome God! Peter wrote about these prophets, the message they foretold and how it relates to us.

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