A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 1161 Published: 04 Mar 2024
A REVELATION OF....... HOLINESS
(Continued next week)
KING DAVID AND THE ARK
A PICTURE OF HOLINESS
This revelation blew me away! Not because we share names, but how could a man who was an adulterer, a murderer, and whose family went astray be considered, even for a moment, holy? Yet King David was God's favourite person! The one he called, 'a man after his own heart.' First stated in the Old Testament:
14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.” (1 Samuel 13:14)
And confirmed in the New:
22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ 23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. (Acts 13:22-3)
David was far from perfect, as we all know. But when he did wrong, as soon as he realized his mistake, he repented and sought God's forgiveness. He understood the deep truth that when he sinned; he was sinning not against man, but against God himself! When Nathan confronted him over his sin with Bathsheba, he confessed:
13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
But the primary reason he was so loved by God was that, "He will do everything I want him to do." He was obedient to God's will in his life.
But the young King David was not even considered by the prophet Samuel and his own father, as even being worthy of consideration for kingship!
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:6-7)
A small lad, he was a simple shepherd boy.
10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” (1 Samuel 6:10-12)
But David had the strength of character and integrity that Saul lacked.
9 But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, 10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. (1 Samuel 19:9-10)
God however saw things in David that the others missed, using him to build the Kingdom of Israel. And to provide, on one occasion, the most perfect picture of human holiness, found in the Bible.
THE PERFECT PICTURE OF HOLINESS
This revelation of the ultimate picture of holiness is of King David taking the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.
12 Now King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. (2 Samuel 6:12-13)
David put God first, by returning the Ark to God's holy city of Jerusalem. At the same time, making the sacrifice, symbolizing repentance.
14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. (2 Samuel 6:14-15)
Normally the ephod was fancily embroidered and worn over the tunic and outer garment. It consisted of 2 pieces, hung round the neck, one to the back, the other to the front, joined together over the shoulder by clasps or buckles of gold and precious stones. Also held together at the waist by a "skillfully woven waistband……. of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen." (Exodus 28:8)
But David wore only a simple, white linen ephod, directly on his body. Linen speaks of righteousness.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) (Revelation 19:7-8)
The fact that David wore it next to his body expresses an attitude of tremendous humility, as commented on by his wife, Michal.
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Samuel 6:20)
Now, that was not the normal way for the king to behave! Or a priest! But David didn't care. For he was 100% 'sold out' to worshipping his God.
He went on to place the Ark in a simple tent, known as David's Tabernacle.
17 They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD. (2 Samuel 6:17)
And:
4 He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel: 5 Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. (1 Chronicles 16:4-6)
David was a real worshipper, setting up the world's first 'worship service' in front of the Ark. So, today, we enter into God's presence through worship.
21 David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”
23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
(2 Samuel 6:21-3)
Michal is a picture of the 'religious' person. Her father, King Saul, was the ideal king from a worldly viewpoint. Tall, handsome and intelligent!
2 He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others. (1 Samuel 9:2)
Religious people neither understand nor are tolerant of true holiness. For the 'form' of holiness they display is threatened and shown up for what it truly is by the 'substance' of truly godly righteousness and holiness as displayed by David that day.
SUMMARY
There were at least five aspects of behaviour David displayed that day illustrating a perfect picture of human Holiness.
1. Obedience to God's will in taking the Ark to Jerusalem.
- Repentance illustrated through sacrifice.
- Righteousness, symbolized by the wearing of the linen ephod.
- Humility, through discarding his kingly robes.
- Complete, sold out, Worship of God with shouts, dancing and music
All of which 'religious' people hate - then and now!
(Continued next week)
FROM THE WORD
THE BEAUTIFUL WORDS OF JESUS
Request From a Mother (Matthew 20:20-28, Mark10:35-45)
On behalf of her sons.
“So what do you want me to do for you?”
To sit beside Jesus on His throne.
You don’t know what you’re asking,” “Can you drink the cup I drink? Can you be baptized with the baptism of pain I will suffer?”
“You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the same baptism as me,” “But it’s not for me to grant who should sit on my right or on my left. These places are reserved for those for whom they have been prepared.”
Jesus now responds to all the disciples.
“You realize that those who claim to rule nations oppress their people. The rulers act like tyrants. But for you it’s not like this. Anyone of you who wants you to be a ruler must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be the slave of all of you For even the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Blind Men Receive Their Sight (Matthew 20:20-24, Mark10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43)
Including Bartimaeus.
“Tell him to come here.”
“What do you want me to do for you?”
“You can go. Your trust in me has healed you.”
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector ( Luke 19:1-10)
Climbed a tree to see Jesus.
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly! I need to stay at your house today.”
Zacchaeus repents.
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man has shown he is a son of Abraham too. For The Son of man came to search for and save those who are lost.”
(Continued next week)
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*DAVID"S DOODLINGS
Enjoy some of David's sayings here, plus 1300 more on the website at.....
'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD
Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been.
One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.
You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
... to go down is to go up.
... He can do it better than me.
... to strive is to ensure failure.
... to rest in Him brings success.
... it is better to give in to Him the first time.
... I need to be broken before being restored.
... repentance benefits me even more than the one I have wronged.
... the nearer I get to Him, the further away I find I really am.
... fear of the Lord is positive, not negative.
... the more I fear Him, the more He loves me.
... the more I fear Him, the more I am prepared to change my life.
... the fear and love of Him are intertwined.
... as pride comes before a fall, so repentance precedes restoration.
... there is nothing good in me until I am touched by His healing hand.
... I can't be found until I admit I'm lost.
Many more at.....
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
Another laugh or three for you today
Many more on our website below. Also many, may, many more under these categories on our website, wwj,org,nz Look under the heading MAINLY LAUGHS. Choose from.....
THIS WEEKS TUESDAY TEACHING.....
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... DIVIDING THE WATERS - FROM MOSES TO JOSHUA (Part 7)
Similarly to the story of the crossing of the Red Sea, the entry of the Jews into their promised inheritance under the new leadership of Joshua also has parallels and lessons for today’s Church.
We look at the final 6 of these.
LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***
450. Only One Miracle Today
Grandma Deanie took her little grandson Billy to the beach. They were having a good time until a huge wave came in and swept Billy out to sea. Grandma Deanie fell down on her knees and pleaded to the heavens, "Please return my grandson, -- that's all I ask! PLEASE!!!"
A moment later, lo and behold, a wave swelled from the ocean and deposited the wet, yet unhurt child, at her feet. She checked him over to make sure that he was okay. He was fine. But still she looked up at the sky with an annoyed expression and said, "When we came he had a hat!"
451. Good Looking
The Baptist church had a small congregation of very faithful people - all but Marvin the farmer, who had quit coming to church.
Pastor Feingold went to Marvin's farm, and asked him why he didn't attend anymore.
"Gee, Preacher," Marvin said, "I only have these coveralls and old boots, and I don't want to come to the Lord's house dressed so shabby."
Pastor Feingold said, "I've got a spare shirt, sports coat, slacks and shoes I'll give you if you'll come back!"
Marvin agreed, so Pastor Feingold returned that afternoon with the clothes. Next Sunday Marvin didn't show up again.
The Pastor went out to Marvin's farm and asked, "I gave you all those clothes, why didn't you come to church?"
"Well, brother," Marvin said, "I got up and showered and shaved, and I put on those neat duds, and I looked in the mirror. I looked so doggone good I went to the Episcopal Church!"
452. My Best
A man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who led him down the golden streets. They passed mansion after beautiful mansion until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a shack. The man asked St. Peter why he got a hut when there were so many mansions he could live in.
St. Peter replied, "I did the best I could with the money you sent us."
453. Very Religious
My husband is very religious.....
He won't work if there's a Sunday in the week.
QWIK QUIP: “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”
Download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf
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A DAVID MUSING
Where I am staying at the moment there is a home orchard that produces some beautiful fruit, but others affected by bugs and disease. Made me to think of spiritual fruit in my life.
"By your fruit you will know them." (Matthew 7:16)
What an important 7 words that we all need to put at the very centre of our lives!
We should be seen to be followers of Jesus by our actions, by what we do, by our lives reflecting the fruits of the Spirit.
We need to ask ourselves regularly how our lives add up in terms of living them. How has our week been in terms of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-3)
If we are honest with ourselves, we likely have failed one, most, or all.
These fruit are not just spiritual, but a daily reality check on our lives!
These are not a matter of theology, nor of position, in the church or elsewhere, but living guides for us all.
I have found that the more of me I give to God, the more He helps me to produce better fruit in my life.
How about you?
David Tait
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God's people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ's return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord's direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz
Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "... so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole - and have a smile while doing it!
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