It was a storm, for sure.

Having rained for forty days and forty nights!

Water higher than the mountains!

But not yet, no rainbow had ever been seen!

However, once the ravages of that fierce world-wide Flood had subsided, God made Noah and his family an enduring Promise!

That never again would He so overcome the earth with such a vast Flood!

Then God gave Noah a “token” of His Grace!

“And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my BOW in the CLOUD, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:11-13

Wow!

Hereafter, in God’s Economy, there will be a “pretty, bright, rainbow” somewhere in each “dark storm cloud” that comes upon earth!

One more verse from Genesis 9 with God Himself talking: “And it shall come to pass, when I bring a CLOUD over the earth, that the BOW shall be seen in the CLOUD.” Genesis 9:14

So, with God, there is indeed hope for something lovely in every ugly situation!

For example, in all Joseph’s sufferings, trials and hardships … God ultimately brought “good!” (Read this, Joseph’s testimony to his cruel brothers: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20, there certainly being a rainbow in that cloud!)

And in the New Testament, Paul comes to mind. A “thorn in the flesh” that would not go away, even God said “No!” But the Lord again kept His Promise (about the bow in the cloud) and told Paul: “There will be a “rainbow” in your “storm!” (Read this too, Paul’s testimony: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me A THORN IN THE FLESH (the storm), the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS (the rainbow). Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, what amazing grace!)

Wow!

Now I am wondering if perhaps today I could be writing (speaking) to a Christian who is “in a storm?” It’s “dark” all around you? Frightening? Lonely?

I am suggesting to you today, try looking for a “rainbow” amidst all the turmoil!

It might be dim at first, nearly obscured by the rain or blinding wind!

But keep looking!

After all, God did say so … “And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the BOW shall be seen in the CLOUD.”

Psalm 30:5 might be applicable, encouraging here too: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: WEEPING may endure for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning.”

I know nothing else to say, after that!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Yes, there’s hope!

Thank God!

 

The verse is a benediction, and a paean of praise as well! Plus a glorious Statement of fact! And has been to many hearts “tons” of encouragement!

And today it is our focus, our Lesson.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation ….” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God the Father “comforts” us?

In ALL our trials?

Seems the Bible answer is YES!

The verb  “comfort” used here is the Greek word “parakaleo.” But significantly it is used here of Father God! It loosely means “One Who is called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need!”

And to me this morning the astounding thing about our Text is that the “parakletos” family of words is also used of the other Members of the Godhead!

Jesus loved to call the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the “Comforter!” He did so in fact in John 14:16 and John 14:26 and John 15:26 and again in John 16:7. Wow! And the noun used each time is “parakeltos.” The Holy Spirit then is “The One called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need!”

But John the Disciple, the Apostle, calls Jesus Himself our “Advocate,” using “parakletos” once more! “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (comforter) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1

Jesus then also is “One Who is called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need?” Yes indeed!

This is astounding!

I am being told that when I endure any kind of “tribulation” (in Greek “thlipsis” meaning “trouble, anguish, affliction, burdens, troubles”) not only is the Holy Spirit with me!

But so is God the Son!

And so is God the Father!

As if the Very Godhead knows when I am hurting!

He does!

To which I can only say, “Glory!”

The Godhead in communion within me as I “hurt” from the issues of life!

Unheard of!

But … Biblically TRUE!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now if this does not encourage you … friend in Christ, you may be unencourageable!

 

A comfort verse from the Old testament Book of Exodus?

Yes indeed!

Exodus 3:7, in fact.

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows.”

Those last few words, “FOR I KNOW THEIR SORROWS.”

What a load, what a burden, this single fact can dispel!

“He knows!”

By the way, He not only KNOWS, He CARES too!

The noun used in today’s verse for “sorrows” is the Hebrew “makob.” It is only found 16 times in the entire Bible, a rarity in itself! And 2 of these times it is translated “pain.” He knows when we hurt … physically or emotionally I might add! And then 2 more times it is rendered (in the King James Version) as “grief.” He knows when our hearts hurt! When we mourn!

Wow!

Remember that by the graveside of His friend Lazarus, John 11:35 succinctly tells us “Jesus wept!” Let me place right by that verse our Fragment today: “For I know their sorrows.”

Yes, at times God may seem to be absent. Ask Job! One may at times wonder, “Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?” Psalm 77:9

But we all know the real answer to those questions … “Lo, I (Jesus) am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:28

Again He speaks in Hebrews 13:5 … “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Never!

As you hurt today, from whatever source, remember that our great God long ago said of our hard situations: “I know their sorrows.”

There’s help here, Holy Ghost comfort.

He knows!

“Praise” Him … even when you can’t “see” Him!

Selah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, the next verse after our Text, Exodus 3:8 adds: “For I know their sorrows … and I am come down TO DELIVER THEM out of the hand of the Egyptians, and TO BRING THEM UP out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Amen!

 

Yes, Isaiah 32:2.

I don’t know why this verse has not been on my “radar” when troublesome times come!

But over the weekend this Text (empowered by the Holy Spirit), personally spoke to my heart. Burdened my heart, then lifted that burden … thereby refreshing my soul!

And now the verse! Again, Isaiah 32:2 …

“And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”

The “man” in view here could be none Other than the Lord Jesus Christ! In present day grammar the “m” in “Man” would be capitalized, “Man.” Who Else could offer such genuine refuge, rest, protection? In one of the Gospels Jesus Himself invited us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30, not a bad “encouragement” paragraph within itself!

But Isaiah 32:2 might not have as much impact on an individual life unless that man (or woman) is in a place of: dangerous winds blowing, a fierce storm raging, a “desert” of a pilgrimage, and a “weak, exhausted” frame of mind, condition of heart!

Then, if things are that bad …

1. Jesus is the true “Hiding Place” (meaning “out of danger”) from the wind!

2. And “covert” (shelter) from the tempest!

3. And “waters” in the bleak desert, a virtual Oasis! No, it’s even better … as “rivers” (plural) of water in those dry places! Canals, channels, of water! A Mississippi of Refreshment, when we need Him the most!

4. And Jesus is also likened to a “shadow” (also translated “defence” 3 times in the Old Testament) when one is parching in that hot, dry land! A great Rock under which one can rest!

What a string of word pictures!

Meeting practically the greatest needs of all life’s situations!

Ponder this little jewel today!

“And a Man (our Lord) shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”

Now … enjoy your Saviour!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Hallelujah!

 

This is my final Article/Lesson concerning the Old Testament Book of Ezra.

Remember, his name means “help!” Based on this fact: “ezer” (you can easily see Ezra embedded in this little word) in Hebrew means “to help, to succor.” And the Latin verb “succurrere” means “to run,” indicating God can speedily come to our side … especially in times of need!)

Ezra (the Book) consists of 10 chapters, 280 verses, which equate to 27,441 words!

Ezra shows how God kept His promise … by allowing the Jews (who chose to do so) to return from Babylon to Judea after 70 years of captivity!

Ezra chronologically follows the Book of Second Chronicles, with the ending of Chronicles matching the beginning of Ezra. Look in your Bibles at this linkage! It’s unique.

This return from Babylon has at times been called Israel’s “Second Exodus!”

Now get this! Of the two to three million Jews estimated to have been living in Babylon (now called Persia) … only about 50,000 of them returned to Israel! They had become that “lukewarm!” Just a remnant!

This fact shows how very important it was that the godly line (blood line) be maintained in all purity (in anticipation of Jesus’ Virgin Birth) … with so few Jews heartily dedicated to God!

Between Ezra chapter 6 and chapter 7 (recording the works of both Zerubbabel and Ezra, two distinctive leaders) a time period of 50-60 years lapsed!

Historically speaking, while Ezra ministered in Israel (Judah) other so-called (but inferior) world leaders were born and lived: Buddha in India! Confucius in China! And Socrates in Greece!

Then if it helps … it took 21 years to build the Temple … after the  little handful returned! Why so long? Because of a 14 year delay in the project, due to opposition! So, the actual work time was 7 years! It was called Zerubbabel’s Temple by many.

And finally this. The Persian King whose heart God “touched” … who allowed the Jews to be set free from captivity … Cyrus by name … was mentioned by Isaiah 200 years before such a release occurred! Isaiah 44:24, 28 … “Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself … THAT SAITH OF CYRUS, he is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” Wow, a miracle indeed!

More could be written, but enough has been said to declare Ezra an absolutely amazing Book of Scripture! One from which I plan (the Lord willing) to preach in days ahead!

Hallelujah!

Or maybe better yet, Selah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell