February 11, 2022
“For I am the LORD, I do not change.” Malachi 3:6a
The word of God is given to us for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). This precious word, the bread of life, reveals His gracious, unchanging character. Have you ever wondered why there are so many teachings in the mainstream of Christendom that do not agree with God’s word? He hasn’t changed. Perhaps we have strayed from what He has said.
We have been peering into the church at Pergamos, when the introduction of another ‘battle plan’ by the old dragon reappeared (the Old Testament speaks often of this particular strategy). The strategy of bloody persecution had, to Satan’s surprise, only accelerated church growth. So here is bloody persecution’s spiritually deadly companion: compromise!
Parallel to the message from Jesus to Pergamos is the third horseman of the apocalypse:
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” Revelation 6:5-6
Grain, oil, and fresh wine (what we call grape juice) are main crops, considered basic necessities of life. God had promised Israel food in abundance. Sadly, the Old Testament is replete with stories of Israel’s disobedience and straying (called “harlotry”) and the devastating consequences – so easily avoidable by heeding His loving instructions. Careful weighing of the grain here denotes scarcity!
In contrast with the white horse which symbolized the Gospel message going out into the world, the black one represents an absence of the Gospel. Wheat and barley, grains for bread making, are shown as scarce. When preachers or hearers compromise any part of God’s word (the bread of life), spiritual famine will inevitably result. But individuals who hunger and thirst after righteousness . . . shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). The Holy Spirit’s guidance and the doctrine of salvation, represented by the oil and the wine, are not permitted here to be harmed. To everyone who cultivates a love of truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), salvation is yet available.
You may not know everything contained in God’s word, but He certainly knows if your heart has a receptive attitude toward growing in Biblical truth, building your spiritual house* in which He may dwell.
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
*1 Peter 2:4-6