Though the means of worldly safety have changed throughout time, people have always put their trust in various things to offer temporary safety. The Bible depicts those who trusted in fenced walls (Deuteronomy 28:52), nations (Isaiah 30:2-3), horses, horsemen and chariots (Isaiah 31:1), weapons (Psalm 44:6), and mountains (Amos 6:1). People today place their trust in weapons, security systems, governments, insurance policies, and even medicines. Though the sources of trust have changed, the Lord remains just as grieved today when men place their trust upon the things of this world rather than upon Him. Ultimately, every source of worldly safety will fail, often in the moment we perceive as our greatest time of need.
To trust in someone or something involves an act of the will. The focus of this trust is something that each individual must personally decide. David expressed as much when he said, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). David identified a few of the many things upon which one might trust. The Bible also refers to those who trust in vanity (Isaiah 59:4), others in lies (Jeremiah 7:8), and still others in riches (1 Timothy 6:17). Interestingly, the Lord does not force any individual to trust in Him, nor is anyone ever forced to trust in the things of this world. It is important to point out that one’s trust cannot be divided. An individual cannot simultaneously trust in vanity, riches, or lies while trusting in the Lord.
When someone receives rebuke from another person, it is rarely easy to accept. The person receiving the rebuke may lash out in anger even when the rebuke is scripturally made with longsuffering. The Bible confirms this type of reaction when it says, “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly” (Amos 5:10). This type of reaction is not one of a wise man, nor is it from one who has taken the time to consider the godly rebuke’s content and intention. The Bible also says that afterwards the one who rebukes finds “more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” Ultimately, the Lord’s reaction is what matters and the scriptural practice of rebuking others within the authority of scripture pleases Him.
Some Bible teachers have suggested that there are specific times of the day in which believers ought to go to the Lord in prayer. In Psalm 5:3, David vowed to present his prayers before the Lord in the morning. In the 88th psalm, the psalmist acknowledged that he prayed to the Lord day and night (Psalm 88:1). Of course, many know about the pattern followed by Daniel, even in the face of persecution, when he sought the Lord three times a day (Daniel 6:10). From these passages, one might suggest that there are specific times of prayer, but according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, believers are to pray without ceasing. In other words, believers ought to always be in a constant state of prayer before the Lord.
The truths of God’s word naturally divide believers from those in the world. The preaching of God’s word and His truths has often been the source of much of the world’s disdain for God’s people. The king of Israel hated and despised Micaiah because “he never prophesied good . . . but always evil.” Any believer who consistently stands upon the truth of God’s word will be hated by those who love the world. John the Baptist serves as another prime example. He was despised and ultimately killed because of his love for righteousness. Amos sheds light on why people hate those who speak and do right things. “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly” (Amos 5:10). The Bible confirms these truths repeatedly. For instance, John warned believers not to marvel if the world hated them (1 John 3:13) because it first hated the Lord Jesus (John 15:18). Seek not to be loved or admired by the world and you will not be disappointed when they despise you.
Today's verse deals with a period of time prophesied to shortly come to pass called the time of Jacob's trouble. Fortunately, if you are born again by the grace of God, you will not be here during any part of this period (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9) when the Antichrist will have his way on this earth. Although Christians will be absent, we still remain responsible to study the word of God concerning this future time. In doing so, we learn from Daniel chapter 11 that the Antichrist will use flattery to obtain his kingdom. As a “vile” leader, he will come in peaceably and say nice things to other leaders in order to get them to agree to associate with him. Ultimately, he plans to take full control. Since we are told that the Antichrist of the future will use these methods, we should consider that the Devil likewise devours believers today using the same modus operandi.
Biblical terminology is very important. For example, ignorance of Bible vocabulary has led people to believe that flattery is considerate if it makes others feel good. Yet, the picture presented by scripture is contrary to this line of thinking. Flattery harms both the giver and the recipient. According to scripture, “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin” (Proverbs 26:28). While we have been led to believe flattery edifies, in reality, it destroys. This truth is confirmed in Proverbs 29:5 where the Bible says, “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.” Even the flatterer is harmed by his flattery: “He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail” (Job 17:5). Without a doubt, flattery harms all those involved.
A yoke was an instrument used to help two animals work together when plowing. The Lord Jesus said that believers should take His yoke upon them (Matthew 11:29). In other words, the Lord was saying that we should serve with Him in our service to Him. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, we learn that “we are labourers together with God.” Fellowshipping with the Lord means walking with Him (1 John 1:6-7), and walking with Him means being in agreement with Him (Amos 3:3). Just as God desired to fellowship with Adam (Genesis 3:8) and Enoch (Genesis 5:22), He desires to have fellowship with us today. It is very important that we have fellowship with other like-minded believers, but even more important that we fellowship with the Lord.
The modern description of fellowship has been weakened extensively from its original intent. Earlier usage of fellowship always inferred a partnership. The word fellow was used to signify a coworker in Exodus 2:13 and each of the various combinations designated something that people did together (i.e., fellowservants, fellowhelpers, fellowlabours, etc.). Therefore, it is important to realize that fellowship is not merely two people or a group of people coming together in the name of fun. Fellowship involves two or more people uniting together to accomplish a task. Fellowship always suggests a foundational unity of purpose and motive (Amos 3:3). This is why, as we will learn, it is so important that we have the proper biblical fellowship with like-minded believers.
Fasting should play a prominent role in the life of a Christian. Just as believers ought to pray, witness, study, and give, we should also fast. In fact, the Lord's words assumed the Christian would fast when He said, “when ye fast” (Matthew 6:16), not IF ye fast. The question was never to be whether or not we would fast, but how we would do so “when” we fast. Fasting was not prominent among the disciples, but the Lord explained that His departure would signify an elevated need for fasting (Mark 2:20). The life of the apostle Paul confirmed this as he said he was “in fastings often” (2 Corinthians 11:27). It was a common practice of Paul’s devotion to the Lord to deprive his flesh of food, drink, and physical pleasures. The Lord not only desired for the early believers to fast, but His people ought to have times of fasting until He returns.
