Barnabas Ministries UK

Jacob dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28.

All this Biblical revelation and emphasis on the Glory of His Presence is with great meaning and purpose. It is that we might realize how imperative it is we become awake to the reality and consciousness of it In our lives and when we gather as His people together. The chief thing that we need to know in our daily lives and in our fellowshipping is the glory and majesty of Himself. He wills to come afresh to make Himself known: like He did to the two on the Emmaus road – Luke 24 and cause us to be Inspired, to believe and to rejoice.

By Ernest Anderson (posted by Antonius)

                                         Rev. E. Anderson

CODE OF ETHICS

Recently presented to a Group of Christian Ministers

Includes basic obligations for all ministers.

PREAMBLE

As a minister of Jesus Christ, called by God to proclaim the Gospel and gifted by the Spirit to pastor the church, I dedicate myself to conduct my ministry according to the ethical guidelines and principles set forth in this code of ethics, in order that my ministry be acceptable to God, my services be beneficial to the Christian community, and my life be a witness to the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF

·         I will maintain my physical and emotional health through regular exercise, good eating habits, and the proper care of my body.

·         I will nurture my devotional life through a regular time or prayer, reading of the Scriptures and meditation.

·         I will continue to grow intellectually through personal study and comprehensive reading.

·         I will manage my time well by properly balancing personal obligations, church duties, and family responsibilities.

·         I will be honest and responsible in my finances by paying all debts on time, giving generously to the Lord’s work and to worthwhile causes, and living a Christian lifestyle.

·         I will be truthful in my speech, never plagiarizing another’s work, exaggerating the facts, abusing personal experiences, or communicating gossip.

·         I will seek to be Christ-like in attitude and action toward all persons regardless of race, social class, religious beliefs, or position of influence within the church and community.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO FAMILY

·         I will be fair to every member of my family, giving them the time, love, and consideration they need.

·         I will understand the unique role of my spouse, recognising his or her primary responsibility is as marital partner and parent to the children.

·         I will regard my children as a gift from God and seek to meet their individual needs without imposing undue expectations upon them.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO CONGREGATION

·         I will seek to be a servant-minister of the church by following the example of Christ in faith, love, wisdom, courage, and integrity.

·         I will faithfully discharge my time and energies as a Church Leader with proper work habits and reasonable schedules.

·         In my administrative and pastoral duties, I will be impartial and fair to all members.

·         In my preaching responsibilities, I will give adequate time to prayer and preparation, so that my presentation will be biblically based, theologically correct, and clearly communicated.

·         In my pastoral counselling, I will maintain strict confidentiality, except in cases where disclosure is necessary to prevent harm to persons and/or is required by law.

·         In my evangelistic responsibilities, I will seek to lead persons to Salvation and to church membership without manipulating converts, proselytizing members of other churches, or demeaning other faiths.

·         In my visitation and counselling practices, I will exercise due propriety and seek never to be alone with a person of the opposite sex unless another church member is present nearby.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO COLLEAGUES

·         I will endeavor to relate to all ministers, especially those with whom I serve in my church, as partners in the work of God, respecting their ministry and cooperating with them.

·         I will seek to serve my minister colleagues and their families with counsel, support, and personal assistance.

·         I will refuse to treat other ministers as competition.

·         I will refrain from speaking disparagingly about the person or work of any other minister, especially my predecessor or successor.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY

·         I will consider my primary responsibility is to be a leader of my congregation and will never neglect ministerial duties in order to serve in the community.

·         I will accept reasonable responsibility for community service, recognising the minister has a public ministry.

·         I will support public morality in the community through responsible prophetic witness and social action.

·         I will obey the laws of my government unless they require my disobedience to the law of God.

·         I will practice Christian citizenship without engaging in political activities that are unethical, unbiblical or unwise.

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD THROUGH TOTAL COMMITMENT

Daniel 1

Introduction

Study and observance of the life and work of Daniel makes one conscious of an individual who really knew God. An outstanding feature regarding him was his total commitment and reliance on Jehovah. It would seem that one of the main reasons why he came to understand and have a genuine and great experience of the Lord on such a tremendous scale was due to his unswerving love and devotion to Him. There is little wonder that the Lord was pleased to reveal himself to him and give an increased revelation of His person, with many other important factors that created a wholesome bond and relationship.

Trace this divine knowledge through total commitment:

1/.  HE WAS TOTALLY COMMITTED IN FAITH AND WAS READY TO BE TESTED – Daniel 1

        As a young man and Jew, when he suddenly finds himself a slave and victim of the Babylonian Empire, he is more impressed by the Lord than this powerful heathen nation with its idolatrous system. He is not prepared to fall foul of its manipulations but is prepared to stand loyal to Jehovah in spite of the hard situation he was placed in. Because he refused to bow and bend to the wishes and will of his captors, he discovers the pleasure and providence of the Lord. Not only is he made to look healthier, but increased wisdom is his lot and he stands out as a capable individual. His faith was duly rewarded by the Lord.

2/.  HE WAS TOTALLY COMITTED TO PRAYER WHEN CRISES PREVAILED AND DISCOVERED THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD IN GREATER DEGREE – Daniel 2 & 6

         He and his colleagues were place in difficult circumstances besides the so-called wise astrologers of Babylon because of Nebuchadnezzar’s whim. Their lives were under great threat but Daniel lived in the knowledge of God’s greatness. He was committed to seek Him for revelation and an answer to this tense situation. Along with his friends they obtained the essential knowledge from the Lord – vv19, 20.

        Later he is to discover through prayer the knowledge of the Lord’s sovereign ability to secure him from a den of lions – Daniel 6. From this incident mentioned is made of his prayer life and through this means he grew in understanding of the Lord – v10.

3/. HE WAS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE LORD TO BRING THE MONARCHS TO BOOK WITH RESPECT TO THE LORD – Daniel 4 & 5

        He wielded more influence and power than the Babylonian despots. Both Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were recipients of the divine word through him. He spoke clearly into their situations. Because he knew the Lord and was known of Him  he was able to point out their errors and follies. He rightly assumed the driving in a humble fashion and revealed who truly reigned. Daniel was secure in the knowledge of God and His position as head over all – 4: 25; 5: 22.

4/.   HE WAS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE LORD TO FIND OUT THE PATH AHEAD FOR HIS PEOPLE – Daniel 9 – 12

        There came the time when he sensed the need to seek the Lord with respect to his people and their future – 9: 2,3. The Lord obliges and shows much he loved His elect household, disclosing events in the centuries to come that will usher in her final blessedness, distinction and position. Daniel is to be an extraordinary prophet foreseeing and foretelling events to the end times. Because he sought the Lord he was not disappointed and so his personal knowledge of Him grew besides being made aware of His plans.

5/.   HE WAS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE LORD FROM BEGINNING TO END

        He was favoured in knowing the Lord over many years, kings and kingdoms. He believed the Lord in his youth until later age. He was convinced of His kingdom and was pleased to live in it and allow the Lord to rule his life and years. The length of his days and his vital contribution underlines how much he was in intimacy with the Lord. It is reckoned he lived until he was at least 90 years old. He lived out his days to the maximum, not envying others but others envying him. His life and ministry touched nations and millenniums to come because he knew the Lord.

CONCLUSION

As those in Christ profess to know Him and express a total commitment to Him, so there will be the inevitable knowledge of Him not only flowing in of an extraordinary quality, it will also flow out to bless individuals, communities and nations.

                                     Rev. E. Anderson

THROUGH SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTION

Reading     Ezekiel 1

Text           v3

Introduction 

Unique Prophet: Reading the life and ministry of Ezekiel the prophet, it is apparent that he was an extraordinary messenger of the Lord in his day. He certainly came to know the Lord in reality and depth and played a crucial role in the history of his people. He was an exile and not placed in very good circumstances yet experienced supernatural intervention that was to dramatically impact him for the nation’s good.

Unique Breakthrough: The Lord was to execute and establish an amazing breakthrough into the experience of this individual and so create a base from which to operate on a big front to His chosen people. In the most unlikely conditions He was able to make himself known to one person and through him communicate things of major note.

Unique Revelations: Considering the prophet and prophecies as a whole, they are a series of incredible disclosures that are packed with terrific knowledge.

1/.  KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN GLORIOUS MANIFESTATION

An indescribable experience is given to this man in very ordinary surroundings when he was in a humbled situation as a slave of the Babylonian empire. He was tasting and knowing a sad and testing situation having been hauled as a captive to a foreign power. But by the river Chebar he has an amazing disclosure of the glory of God and is taken up with divine visions and is absorbed by the presence of God and His throne – Ezekiel 1. It was there he came to know the Lord and to find out that he was still in control of affairs.

In our lowest moments, when sensing being a victim of horrid experiences and circumstances, it is at such times there can come the glorious unfolding and unveiling of the Lord. Nothing and no one can shut Him out or hinder His gracious intervention – see John on the isle of Patmos – Revelation 1.

2/.  KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AS TO HIS OWN MINISTRY

        He was to have a commission from the Lord as to what he should do with his life. Not only was he to be conscious of the Lord’s presence, he was to be awakened to a sense of his own destiny in these tragic and terrible conditions – Ezekiel 3: 12-27. A necessary task was assigned to him of being the Lord’s messenger and to light His people, and there was no escape from the important role. He was made aware that the Lord would hold him accountable.

“The greatest thought that can occupy the mind of a man is his sense of accountability to God” – Daniel Webster

3/.  KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN HIS ASSOCIATION WITH HIS ELECT PEOPLE AND CITY

       There comes the actual unveiling of the sinful state of the Lord’s people. Ezekiel may have thought that his people were not as bad as the Lord made out to be and was not deserving of this painful judgment. The scales were to be removed from his eyes and he was to see the truth and so must have been somewhat shocked – see Ezekiel 8-11. see the question the Lord puts: “Turn again, and you will see greater abominations that they are doing” – 8: 13. The evils that had been perpetrated in the sacred city, Jerusalem and through the nation, Judah, had caused God to be an exile from His sanctuary and land and so they had to face the same kind of thing. Their present plight was no accident but had been brought upon them by their flagrant and blatant wickedness and waywardness. His job was to make known the fact that they were where they were because of their sinful practices. It was a serious and sombre message to make known.

        Sometimes the Church of Christ ends up in a similar state, seemingly devoid of the Lord’s presence.

4/.  KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN A TREMENDOUS MIRACLE TO BE WROUGHT

It looked as if Israel would never recover from such a devastating ordeal as they languished on foreign soil, slaves of this heathen power, Babylon. They were totally weakened and it looked as if they had no future. The vision given in Ezekiel 37 is that the nation is like a valley full of dry bones, a picture of a people that had been, no longer existing and written off, and that was it! But the Lord makes known to the prophet His vested interest and ability in this awful, depressed state. An extraordinary miracle is to occur that will cause the nation to come back to life again and be restored to be a people again. Not only so, there will be a restored sanctuary, He will return to take up residence and presidency- Ezekiel 40-43. He and the people will no longer be exiled.

         The Lord is able to visit and renew the Christian Church when the world would write her off and cause her to be a power to be reckoned with once again. None should ever underestimate His love for His people or His power to work miraculously on her behalf.

5/.  KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN THE ULTIMATE DETERMINATIONS

The end of the visions could not be better for the prophet or people. As the spokesman concludes he is given final and further disclosure on how all is to wind up. He is to know that the Lord is to manifest His favour and goodness in an unprecedented manner and measure. The river of life is to flow from His sanctuary without and irrigate the whole land and make it blessed – Ezekiel 47. A new era of life and growth will occur that will be to the well being of His people. A city of significance will be raised and He will take up dwelling and it shall have a glorious name – Jehovah Shammah – THE LORD IS THERE – Ezekiel 48: 35.

         The Lord has determined well for the ultimate blessedness of His Church. She has no need to fear about her future and destiny because it has been eternally settled. Her future is bright and could not be better. The Lord is to finally own and bless His Church in an incredible fashion as the book of Revelation disclosed.

CONCLUSION

        Things may have seemingly commenced badly for God’s servant, Ezekiel, and worsened, but as his relationship with the Lord grew, knowledge was communicated that made him see that everything would be dramatically changed by the sovereign work of the Lord. Things were to move from the negative to a very positive state because the Lord had revealed it.

         The Christian Church with its ministry can take heart from this inspired prophecy knowing that the Lord has no less in mind for her respecting her present and future prospects.

                                       Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD THROUGH VARIED MEANS

Reading   Jeremiah 1

Introduction

A GREAT PROPHET: Without question, Jeremiah can be grouped with the outstanding prophets of Old Testament times. Reading and studying his life’s work and ministry one is left with the knowledge that he fulfilled a major role for God and Israel. He was important and relevant to the Chosen race and even beyond to the Gentile nations.

DIFFICULT PERIOD: He existed at a difficult period, when God’s people were on a spiritual and moral decline and the Lord sought to use him to speak into the life of the nation to save it from judgment and ruin. The downward trend of the monarchs and people needed to be halted and the prophet endeavoured to do an heroic task of stopping the slide and to bring a halt to the wicked conduct that was offending God, and, if persisted in would be bring inevitable disaster. Already judgment had been experienced by the northern part but there was a prevailing relentlessness to go their own way. Jeremiah is oft called ‘the weeping prophet’ because it was with many tears he spoke to the people. He felt somewhat aggrieved with the Lord because of his personal pathway as can be seen from Lamentations 3: 1-20, but then realises the mercy and loving kindness of the Lord – see v22.

FAITHFUL QUALITY: He became renowned for his personal faithfulness through a long career of being God’s spokesman. It would have been an easy matter to have quit the role and done his own thing. However, the Lord’s hand was on him and he sensed he could not fail Him or miss out on his vital destiny. The leaders and people may be faithless but he would be faithful.

Viewing him and his life work it is possible to trace how he came to know the Lord initially and how that knowledge grew and sustained him in life and ministry.

1/.  HE CAME TO KNOW THE LORD THROUGH A PARTICULAR CALL

       In a personal and powerful manner the Lord broke through to him and communicated with him His word – chapter one. In no uncertain certain terms he was made aware of the fact that the Lord knew him long before he came forth from the womb –v5. It indicates that the Lord had always His eye and mind on him thus underlining his worth and purpose to Him. He had been set apart to fulfill a great job for God in the office of a prophet, a special messenger of Jehovah. Jeremiah was to know and embrace it and as he did so, there would come an increased relationship with Him and an understanding of Him and His ways.

2/.  HE CAME TO KNOW THE LORD THROUGH A SERIES OF REVELATIONS

        As his life, work and ministry unfolds there are dramatic disclosures given with regard to how things were proceeding with respect to his people. They were not to be left in the dark as to the events that were going to occur. He pleads vehemently the cause of Jehovah, revealing His goodness and commitment in seeking to make them as a great nation He could be proud of and which would secure their well-being and future. He underlines that even at this late hour, if they will repent He will deal with kindly with them – 4: 1-4. But there was an obstinacy and rebelliousness in them and the Lord’s patience is exhausted and comes to the point when the Lord reveals to him: “Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth” – 15:1. He lets Zedekiah know from the Lord that the help of the Egyptians are a vanity and the people will go into exile to Babylon – 37. He gives revelation of the length of captivity and their re-emergence as a nation and promise of a greater covenant that will extend beyond Israel – 25: 11, 12; 29: 10-14; 31:31-36; 32: 40. The promise vouchsafed by divine revelation is that countless numbers will come to know the Lord – see Hebrews 8: 6-13. The knowledge of the Lord and His new covenant is now revealed and operative.

3/. HE CAME TO KNOW THE LORD THROUGH HIS PROVIDENTIAL CARE

      His life would be in jeopardy because there were those who were not very keen on him and wanted him out of the way. He would be thrust into conditions were it looked as if he was doomed – 38: 13. There did come at one point a unique disclosure of the greatness of his God – 32: 17-23 and he was to have a personal reply from the Lord on the issue – v27. He was to discover that though he would be placed in vulnerable circumstances, the Lord would attend to the security of his servant. Jeremiah would know that the Lord had placed a preservation order upon him at the outset – “And they shall fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to deliver you” – 1: 18, 19.

4/. HE CAME TO KNOW THE LORD THAT OTHERS, TOO, SHOULD COME TO KNOW THE LORD THROUGH HIM

There may be well be many who have considered his ministry a failure, but it needs to be understood, there were people who were thankful for the voice and light that the prophet brought – see Baruch, Ebed-melech -32: 16; 36: 4-8; 38:7-9. Daniel also believed in him and later looked up his prophecy – Daniel 9: 2. He was one that went into captivity to Babylon and may have been inspired by Jeremiah’s example.

5/. HE CAME TO KNOW THE LORD SO THAT THE NATION WOULD BE ASSURED OF ITS FUTURE

       Although his ministry may have not been fully appreciated by the majority at the time, history assures that he performed an invaluable service to God and his chosen household. His life’s work is preserved in the sacred Volume, the Bible. It became apparent that he was the genuine mouthpiece of God both to Israel’s destruction and restoration, therefore the ultimate prophecies respecting its final prospects are yet to be realised. Not only was he aware of them and lived in the conviction of their realisation that knowledge of the Lord and His purposes is passed on as a lasting legacy to subsequent generations.

CONCLUSION

By the immense ministry of the prophet through the word of the Lord, it is possible for us to come to know the Lord, and like him, discover Him and His plans in a greater way for our lives. The promise made by the Lord is worth of note and faith to all: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you . . .  thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” – 29: 11.

                                       Rev. E. Anderson

A FULL-ORBED REVELATION

Isaiah 6

INTRODUCTION

Following later on, in the wake of Samuel, came a line of distinguished prophets who played a significant role for God in the history and experience of His people, Israel. Four are referred to as Major Prophets mainly because of the length of their books and twelve Minor Prophets. For them to perform their task they certainly needed to know God.

Isaiah heads the list with an astonishing ministry of revelation that went beyond his day and generation.

HE WAS A UNIQUE SEER: A prophet was called a seer, one that had unusual, true and powerful revelation from God into situations immediate and ultimate. In reviewing his work for Jehovah it is possible to note the amazing knowledge that was communicated to him. He saw and foresaw much that was relevant to the elect household of God and even more that was to embrace the gentile world. As history unfolded over the centuries it is evident he was the possessor of divine vision. He appears to possess a ‘full-orbed revelation.’ As a consequence of His ministry no one need be in ignorance of God.

AN UNCTIONISED SPOKESMAN: He had the capacity in God to speak out on things that God’s people needed to be informed about. There was a divine, dynamic inspiration about him and the messages to be released to the Israel of God, to other nations and with respect to the salvation and blessedness of the world. He was not afraid to declare and affirm God’s mind on matters present and on what was going to be of immense worth to all men.

There are at least four foremost factors that are apparent in His knowledge of God:

1/.  HE KNEW AN UNVEILING OF HIS HOLINESS

       In Isaiah 6 is the record of his call to the work of the Lord and how the He was made known to him. It took place at an important time when the throne of Israel was unoccupied because of Uzziah’s decease. Heaven’s throne, however, did not suffer from such because the Lord sits on an eternal seat of power over all. In this event and experience he is to have a full-orbed revelation of the supreme holiness of God which is recognised and pronounced by the seraphim – v2. The prophet senses his own uncleanness and unworthiness before the Lord but is wonderfully sanctified by the Lord and commissioned.

“That he was most eminently and unquestionably holy in his present work of judgment, and in all his ways; such repetitions being very frequent in Scripture, for the greater assurance of the thing, as Jeremiah 7:4; Ezekiel 21:9. – Matthew Poole

        All who would be called and employed by the Lord must realise they are summoned by one who is His Holiness and He requires the same in those who would represent Him.

2/.  HE KNEW AN UNFOLDING OF HIS GREATNESS

       One of the most inspiring chapters of his prophecy and the Bible is Isaiah 40. The Lord realised that this man of God and His messenger must know and possess an increased sense of His sovereign place and power and such must be passed on to His people. He states in v9 “Behold your God!” and he unfolds His in His glory and greatness. He shows that Israel’s God in no way can be compared with the idolatrous gods of other nations – vv18-21; 44: 8-21. Renewer of all Creation. He carries everyone and everything and requires no support from any source. The seer reveals the full orbed revelation of Jehovah as to His unique supremacy in and over all.

“It is impossible to read this description of God, the most sublime that ever was penned, without being struck with inexpressible reverence and self-abasement. The contrast between the great Jehovah and every thing reputed great in this world, how admirably imagined, how exquisitely finished! What atoms and  inanities are they all before HIM who sitteth on the circle of the immense heavens, and views the potentates of the earth in the light of grasshoppers,-those poor insects that wander over the barren heath for sustenance, spend the day in continual chirpings, and take up their humble lodging at night on a blade of grass! 12-26” – Adam Clarke

3/.  HE KNEW AN UNCOVERING OF HIS PURPOSEFULNESS

What is uncovered and expressed by Isaiah is the fullness of purpose with regard to God Israel and the world. There was no lack of plan and purpose with the Lord. Whilst speak into prevalent situations of his day to monarch and people, as the evangelical prophet speaks of the One who was to come to be not only Israel’s but the world’s Messiah, thus revealing a full-orbed revelation of Christ re-His birth, ministry, death, kingdom and ultimate triumph and rule – Isaiah 7: 14; 9: 6, 7; 50: 4-5; 53; 61 etc. God was not without a plan of the chosen race or for mankind as a whole and Isaiah was privileged to forecast it.

4/.  HE KNEW AN UNWRAPPING OF HIS FAITHFULNESS

       The fact and truth that stands out in the life and ministry of this servant was the faithfulness of God. In and though all, there had been the steadfastness and fidelity of the Lord. There had not been was there any likelihood of there be any failure on the Lord’s part to anyone. There comes a full-orbed disclosure of the unwrapping of God’s faithfulness to all. God will not fail creation or any of His creatures.

·          This was so with regard to Israel, the elect household of God.

·          It was also true with regard to himself; the Lord had preserved him.

·          There was the fidelity of God to His prophetic word immediately and ultimately.

·          To the world of society as a whole God had remained utterly loyal.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to come to know and understand God in these four quality dimensions so that life is enriched.

In consequence , there must be an admission of Him and a total worship of Him alone.

                                          Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD FOR A SPECIFIC MINISTRY

Reading    1 Samuel 1

Text          1 Samuel 3: 7

Introduction

A Difference: Israel was in need of someone who could give real leadership and God answered it by the birth of a baby who was to have a very specific ministry to His people. Samuel’s arrival on the scene was most timely. His mother, Hannah, had to wait for some time for the arrival of a baby boy into her family unit, enduring a great period of testing, but when he did arrive and matured, he was to make a profound difference in his day and generation. She must have sensed that he arrived in the providence of God with an important destiny to accomplish.

Beginning of the Prophets: He was to introduce the ministry of the prophets that would have immense impact upon the future of his people. Abraham and Moses were previous prophets but Samuel was to the one used by God to initiate a continual flow and line of ministry in this connection. Following the period of the Judges it was good that the Lord launched this dynamic ministry. Because he knew God he was able to serve God in this particular role.

It is helpful to trace the fact in his life and work.

   1/.   HE KNEW GOD IN A MEASURE THROUGH MATERNAL INPUT

         One cannot help salute the role that his mother Hannah played in the formative period of his life. She displays a very godly jealousy and desire even in the fact of the gift of this lad into her life and home. How she longed for a baby and how she resorted to spiritual measures in order to have one! – 1 Samuel 1. The Lord admired her tenacity of faith and drive and gave her a heart’s wish. When he arrived she honoured the Lord and was ready to make great sacrifice as to his future – vv24-28. One of the things she would do was to acquaint the child with the Lord’s part in his birth and gave added tuition concerning the Lord and His purpose for him. So he was cradled in essential truth and grew up in the right atmosphere.

   2/.  HE KNEW GOD TO A DEGREE THROUGH SPIRITUAL INVOLVEMENT

         He was called upon, though young, to serve in the Temple of the Lord and though he did not know the Lord in a meaningful way, gradually through his work and service to Eli he would be enlightened further. It was not by chance or coincidence that he was placed in such an honoured and unique position of service. The Scripture has it: “And the child ministered unto the Lord before Eli” – 1 Samuel 3: 1, thus indicating in some small way that he had some inkling with regard to the Lord. He was not where he was and doing what he did by accident. He evidently had loving respect for Eli and in his humble service must have felt he was somewhat of spiritual apprentice. He was getting familiar with the things he needed to know and that would be of use in his life and work for the Lord ahead.

   3/.  HE KNEW GOD THROUGH A DIVINE ENCOUNTER

The vital moment arrived when he needed to be upgraded in his knowledge. It was essential that he came to know the Lord in a significant way so that he could understand matters more clearly and so serve Him in a greater manner. He evidently was prepared by the Lord and ready for this encounter and so in a nightly visitation the Lord revealed himself and his purposes to him – 1 Samuel 3: 4-18. He discovered that the Lord knew his name and that he was called to fulfill a powerful ministry for Him within the nation. Now he began to feel the reason for his past training. Life and work would never be the same. He would be different and make the essential difference.

   4/.  HE KNEW GOD THROUGH GREATER DISCLOSURES AND REVELATIONS

What the Lord made known at the start was quite a disclosure and Eli knew that the message was a true one – 1 Samuel 3: 18. He was to be a powerful spiritual influence and the people obviously knew that he was the man who was in touch with God, receiving messages and direction of major importance that would enable the nation to come into its divinely appointed place and role. Eventually kingship is created and established in the nation and David is to be ordained king and through him the kingdom comes into its own – see 1 Samuel 1: 17 – 30. The prophet plays a major role in this.

   5/.  HE KNEW GOD BY GREAT EXPERIENCES

Samuel knew what it was to experience some choice events in his career, especially the triumph of Israel over the Philistines – 1 Samuel 7. Israel had been reduced to utter impotence and despair and they turned to him for help and direction. They were ready to repent and turn to God.  At rock-bottom the Lord gave an amazing victory and they were able to record the words: “Hitherto has the Lord helped us” – v12. The appearance and quality of David must have impressed and blessed him and he knew God was with this king to take the people forward not only naturally but spiritually. He was used in his memorable appointment and anointing – 1 Samuel 16: 3-13.

CONCLUSION

Not only was he able to possess a very important specific ministry, he was able to open out, through the direction and knowledge given by the Lord, such to others. David benefited greatly by reason of Samuel’s presence and input.

We are not only to have prophetic input into our own lives that gives definite purpose and fulfillment but to be able to impart to others so they receive true guidance and affirmation from the Lord.

                                         Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD AT A CRUCIAL TIME

Reading    Deuteronomy 31: 1-8

Text         Exodus 33: 11

Introduction

Success Story: In reading and studying the life and work of Joshua we are made aware of the fact that his was truly a success story. He was evidently a man who came to know and prove Jehovah in his day and was able to serve his nation and generation at a crucial time. It was because he had a real knowledge of God that he was able to cope and deal with the extreme situations that required the extraordinary. He was up for God and was prepared to believe and serve in an outstanding manner. It could be said that God knew Him and he knew God and as a consequence not only was he blessed, countless others benefited.

GOOD OPPORTUNIST: In pondering his life and service, it is apparent that he was a ‘great opportunist.’ He could see what was divinely happening and wanted to be personally involved. He could but would not allow this vital moment to pass by in indifference. It was up to him to seize and grab hold the whole situation with both hands and be an essential part of the whole, new enterprise being created by God. He could not afford to miss out on this golden and glorious hour and so became dedicated one hundred per cent to God and His operations. Little did he realise what was in store for him but he displayed a loyalty to God, Moses and the people

This divine knowledge came

1.      THROUGH A TRUSTED SERVANT OF GOD

In being with, seeing and hearing Moses, he must have been spiritually electrified. He knew this man of God possibly better than any other and through personal association and servanthood, truth and understanding of and about God would flow and dawn upon him.  Moses was a man who was a real friend of God  who heard from God, worked the works of God and this must have inspired and generated within him a longing to know God in a similar way – see Psalm 103: 7;  Numbers 12: 6-8.

2.      THROUGH PERSONAL SPIRITUAL THIRST AND QUEST

When Moses moved out of the sacred Tent of Meeting sanctified by God’s presence – Exodus 33: 11, Joshua stayed behind. He could have wanted to know what was going on outside in the camp with Moses but he preferred being inside with God. He was more than Moses’ servant; he was first and foremost, the Lord’s. Although it does not mention that anything happened or was transmitted in the Tent, yet something of spiritual worth is hinted at. He is absorbed with God.

3.      THROUGH CONFLICT WITH AN ENEMY

He is summoned to lead the forces of Israel into their first conflict and battle against the Amalekites – Exodus 17: 8-16. Naturally, he may not have felt up to it so early but seeing he was summoned he positively responded and gave the lead that was essential. It was not an easy-going dual and the battle wage to and fro’, but eventually he was able to lead Israel from the field of conflict victorious. He would be informed as to the real source of the conquest! He knew God had given the victory!

4.      THROUGH A LIFETIME’S TUITION

He had to pass through the period of forty years in the wilderness and during that time experience a great deal of instruction and training through Moses and the waywardness of God’s people. He went through everything with his mentor and people in spiritual exercise that would set him up for things at a later date. Those lengths of years were not wasted on him as he grew to know, love and serve God in a greater way. There was priming in the background by God for the next and vital stage of life and service – see Exodus and Numbers.

5.      THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF FAITH

He realised the all-important principle that God was trying to get over to him and His people, that it was essential to exhibit faith in God, in His word of promise and power. It became very visible when they stood on the brink of going in to possess the first time – see Numbers 13. As his partner, Caleb and he, went through to spy out the land they were imbued with divine confidence that they could immediately inherit it. The opportunity must not be missed in laying hold of their promised possession. They knew that they could trust God to bring it to pass as they believed and acted with Him. Only would they know God inasmuch as they believed.

6.      THROUGH A SPECIAL APPOINTING AND ANOINTING

When the man he loved and gained so much was to depart,he is singled out to be the one to take the leadership. He did not assume it but he did know in his heart that he had been groomed for this responsible role. Moses made definite inquiry as to his successor of God and the Lord duly pointed him out and told Moses what to do – Numbers 27: 15-23. Before all the people he was appointed and anointed so that all knew that God had His man for the next stage. Joshua was able to live and work under this revelation.

7.      THROUGH A DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP

The time came when he had to execute his leadership and prove the Lord in a way not known before and the book of Joshua unveils his distinguished leadership. In a unique manner he saw Jehovah achieve some staggering things through his partnership with him. Very early God worked in and through him so that all Israel knew that he knew God – “On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life” – Joshua 4: 14.

CONCLUSION

He is the man and leader who finished well and was not afraid at the end of his days to challenge the nation as to its commitment to God. Having spoken of the faithfulness of God to them, He faces them up with their responsibility to Him – “choose you this day whom you will serve . . . .as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” – Joshua 24: 15. Having known the Lord over many years and situations, he would know Him to the end.

                                       Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD

This is a further series on Knowing God, the most important and vital knowledge that any person can possess in life. To come to know God and His ways is fundamental to the fulfilment and pleasure of life.

The Bible discloses in its history and pages the great truth and fact of people coming to know God in their day and generation. They were different, living at different times and situations, but God broke through into their lives and made all the difference to life, to their view of things and the way they conducted themselves. Knowing God brought a radical shift in their thought, belief and behaviour and so they contributed greatly to the society of their day for good and so made a difference.

God came to them differently thus showing that He knows each one personally and that He is not restricted to one way of breaking through into an individual’s life.

We shall be taking a bird’s eye view with regard to them and see what we can discover and learn from their personal encounter and experience with God.

MOSES – THE MAN WHO KNEW GOD IN A POWERFUL MANNER

Reading    Exodus 3

None would question the fact that Moses was a man that came to know God in a very dynamic and powerful sense. The Israelites, past and present, would rate him as one of the greatest men of history and one that had a tremendous bearing upon it as a nation at a very difficult time.

From the Bible, it is apparent that he played a powerful role at a critical time in his nation’s affairs. The first five books of the Bible are credited as being ‘the books that Moses had written.’ This being the case, it reveals how close to God he must have been to have known such inspiration and revelation in their composition. The Lord makes known His judgment and approval of him – “my servant Moses is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches . . .” – Numbers 12: 7, 8. He was a unique person who knew the friendship of God in an intimate and forceful fashion.

Winston Churchill regarded him (and he was no small figurehead) as possible the finest and greatest leader of all time.

It is possible, to some degree to trace that divine knowledge of God within this man’s life and ministry from birth to death and be greatly inspired and encouraged by what is revealed.

1/.  IN HIS EARLIEST DAYS

       From the outset he is seen to be a rather special baby. As Israel finds itself in great straits they are in need of an answer to their dreadful state of captivity. Deliverance is required in an extraordinary manner and there is the call for someone who will lead them out of this impossible circumstance. God commences the programme in the gift of a baby boy to an ordinary couple and in an amazing way he is spared and brought up in the opposition’s household – Exodus 2:2; Acts 7: 20, 22; Hebrews 11: 23. It was obvious to these humble parents that this child was born to fulfil divine destiny and this knowledge must have been passed on to him during this period and he must have grown with this powerful conviction.

2/.  IN HIS PERSONAL TRAINING

       Not only in the discipline and schooling and education in the heathen, royal household for forty years but also in the next forty years in the wilderness looking after a flock of sheep – Exodus 2: 15-21; 3: 1. His task was of a humble nature, just like David, caring and concerning himself with these animals out in the wild of the desert. Little did he know that God was preparing him to look after His special sacred Flock, Israel? He had time to meditate on the behavioural patterns of the sheep and later see such reflected in the manners of God’s elect household. The third forty years of his life would be spent in not only deliverance but in guiding them through a tremendous period, proving God in remarkable ways.

3/.  IN HIS DIVINE CALL AND COMMISSION

The great breakthrough of coming into a personal and influential knowledge of God came on a seeming ordinary day as he was busy in a nominal task. It was the Lord who took the initiative to arrest the attention of this man and arrest him for a powerful mission and ministry – Exodus 3. He was to have a memorable and unforgettable experience of the invasion of God in a supernatural manner that was to set him up not only for an outstanding work but the beginning of a vibrant and successful relationship with God. He became an intimate with God, a very close associate rated highly by God and the people. God lets him know who He really is – 3: 13-15. In his summons and directives he receives incredible knowledge not only of God’s presence but His power, too – Exodus 4: 1-8.

4/.  IN HIS CONFRONTATION WITH EVIL OPPOSITION

Lord said to His servant beforehand, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh” – Exodus 6: 1. He was to be given intimate knowledge beforehand and he would be able to predict with certainty what would happen to the Egyptians and made aware of the way the Lord would provide a deliverance for His people from their terrible bondage. There was a constant daily input given has to how he should conduct divine business and as it was implemented so the opposition was effectively dealt with. Pharaoh was at the mercy of Moses as he moved with the knowledge and power that God afforded.

5/. IN HIS LEADERSHIP OF GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE WILDERNESS

His leadership of this vast multitude was under the tutelage of God. The book of Exodus from chapter 16 onwards manifests this choice servant of God knowing God and His purposes and power in taking them forward to the Land of Promise. All kind of things happened, some good, some bad, but he was always in touch with God and in command. He had to look after God’s Flock for forty years and bring them to the point where at last they would possess their possessions. He only failed once and that cost him dearly, but throughout he demonstrated a vibrant relationship with God.

6/.  IN HIS HOMECALL

In his unique home-call, he was to know what he had to do – see Deuteronomy 34. He was able to give clear instructions to Israel as to his successor and to encourage them to realise God’s plan for them – see Number 27: 15-23. Moses was to leave his task at the right time to be duly rewarded by Him for his total devotion and faithfulness. It would appear that those who have that unique intimacy know from the Lord when it is time to leave their sphere of labour – e.g. Elijah, Paul – 2 Timothy 4: 6.

CONCLUSION

In summary of this outstanding character, it shows what God can do with one person who is prepared to respond to His call and commission. There is much that the Lord would convey in terms of revelatory knowledge to guide both an individual and church community but it is imperative that there is both desire and will to know Him and to do His will.

                                             Rev. E. Anderson

KNOWING GOD

This is a further series on Knowing God, the most important and vital knowledge that any person can possess in life. To come to know God and His ways is fundamental to the fulfilment and pleasure of life.

The Bible discloses in its history and pages the great truth and fact of people coming to know God in their day and generation. They were different, living at different times and situations, but God broke through into their lives and made all the difference to life, to their view of things and the way they conducted themselves. Knowing God brought a radical shift in their thought, belief and behaviour and so they contributed greatly to the society of their day for good and so made a difference.

God came to them differently thus showing that He knows each one personally and that He is not restricted to one way of breaking through into an individual’s life.

We shall be taking a bird’s eye view with regard to them and see what we can discover and learn from their personal encounter and experience with God.

JOSEPH – THE MAN WHO KNEW GOD THROUGHOUT LIFE

Genesis 37 – 50

Introduction

In review of this man’s life and experience it would appear that he had a conviction and knowledge of God so early and it persisted throughout until its consummation. It is always a good thing when a person comes to enter into a relationship with God either in their childhood and youth and such becomes a growing factor for the remaining years. Joseph is amongst that choice company that believed in and knew God in those formative days and secured for him a faith and conduct that God approved of and blessed. For the rest of his days.

Because of the amount of written material concerning him it is possible see that knowledge in manifestation and see how it enabled him to be the man and fulfil a ministry and destiny of immense worth.

     1/.  HE EVIDENTLY KNEW WHAT IT WAS TO BE TAUGHT AND GROOMED BY A GODLY FATHER – Genesis 37: 1-4

        It is apparent there was quite a healthy bond existent between Jacob and Joseph that was not simply of a natural order. Although he was the son of Rachel that he had dearly loved, this son above the others had true aspirations after spiritual things and eternal realities and he was able to commune with him of the things of a divine quality and found he had a listening ear and responding heart. Joseph wanted to know about Jacob’s life and pilgrimage and how the Lord had become known and real to him. He was like a sponge that was ready to appreciate his life story, especially God’s dealing with him, and so Joseph became switched on and attuned to God in a distinct way.

     2/.   HE WAS THE RECIPIENT OF DIVINE DREAMS THAT IMPACTED HIS LIFE THAT HE BELIEVED WERE GOD GIVEN – Genesis 37: 5-11

         It was not difficult for the Lord to communicate with him in this way and unveil a destiny that he would come to see fulfilled. Joseph was ready to believe as a teenager that the Lord had a significant role for him to fulfil in life and though he may have been deemed unwise in sharing it with the family, nevertheless, he was sure that he was born for divine purpose. There was a certainty that this was God’s knowledge flowing into his understanding and was prepared to accept it although it would be hotly disputed. What was graciously conveyed was to be an assuring factor through the forthcoming days of testing. Although the dreams seemed to turn into a nightmare yet he would hold on to this divine revelation of promise and prospect. It was to be a sustaining factor within his being that would hold him together. He believed he had everything to live for.

     3/.   HE SENSED IN STRANGE CIRUMSTANCES THAT HE MUST ALLOW GOD’S GIFTS TO BE EXPRESSED Genesis 39:1-7.

               To be placed in this rich home and with work to perform was no mere chance or coincidence. Instead of commiserating and feeling down and sorry for himself because of these new set of circumstances, he knuckles down and gets on with industry. He felt that the best and wisest thing to do, by the Lord’s help and grace, was to fully engage in whatever was placed before him. If he was to make it to the top then he had to utilize the fresh opportunity before him. He found the favour of the Lord and the awareness that He was with him to bless and give him favour with the master. The Lord’s goodness became a great reality at this time.

     4/.  HE KNEW THAT HE MUST NOT FAIL GOD UNDER THE PRESSURE OF TEMPTATION – Genesis 39: 7-20

               The knowledge of the Lord and His standard requirements had to be duly taken into consideration under this powerful sexual attraction and appeal. The woman with her words and presentation could have had a dominating impact but he was so God conscious he could and would not allow such a deed to occur. Rather than submit he ran away and kept his purity and integrity and so gained the admiration of heaven.

     5/.  HE MUST POSITIVELY RESPOND TO THE PERIOD OF IMPRISONMENT ALTHOUGH IN THE RIGHT – Genesis 39: 20-23; 40

               Although prison was a tough time, he managed it well and must have relied on the Lord amidst this inexplicable period. He did not let go of God or his dreams in these awful circumstances but worked his way through them. The psalmist makes the point that it was a trying and testing period, but his faith held to – Psalm 105: 17-19. There was to be no surrendering of his God, dream or destiny. Deeply he knew that something would be worked out on high. In helping the cupbearer and baker with their dreams in interpretation and seeing them fulfilled he must have known God was with him.

     6/.   HE MUST GUIDE THE KING AND NATION UNERRINGLY AS HE WAS PLACED WITHIN THE LEADERSHIP ROLE – Genesis 41

               His sudden elevation to position did not make him arrogant but through the Lord was able to handle the great responsibility loaded on him. Not only was he able to give true interpretation and explanation of the dream but was conscious of the important answer for the future. Within his new role the knowledge of the Lord over his life and work gave him prudence, courage and the ability to prepare for the difficult days ahead. The Lord confirmed his ministry and so Joseph became recognised as the man who saved a nation.

     7/.  HE MUST ACT SPIRITUALLY, IN A GOD APPROVED MANNER WITH HIS BROTHERS WHO HAD SEVERELY WRONGED HIM – Genesis 42- 45

               How easily he could have torn his brothers apart and requited them for the evil had done! But Joseph could perceive that it was part of the master plan of heaven and his responsibility was not to disown and discredit, but to forgive and see their future happily resolved. His knowledge of God tempered him and made him a man who had the spirit of grace and love.

CONCLUSION

In studying the climax of his life, it is obvious that his trust and knowledge of God was intact. He knew his spiritual roots and that his future and that of his real people was in God’s hands – Genesis 50: 22-26. He was aware of God’s promises to Israel and he was determined that his links with Him and the chosen family should remain true.