The beloved physician Luke shared when Paul, Barnabas and their companions came to Jerusalem, “a certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed” were “saying” about the Gentile believers “That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” After much discussion among them, Peter spoke about this, and then James declared, “Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, ...”, and in chapter fifteen and verse sixteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how James referred to the prophesy that says, “After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down” where we read:
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down;
and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
The verse begins, “After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down;” Luke began with the words, “after this” which means “following the time of the Gentiles” “I will return” or “I, God the Messiah, will come back”, “and will build again” which means “and will reconstruct or rebuild” “the tabernacle of David” or “the tent or habitation belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the second king of Israel”, “which is fallen down” which means “that is fallen into ruins, cast down from a state of prosperity and without force” (See Amos 9:11). Luke shared how “James” referred to the prophet “Amos” who declared God's words concerning His “coming back” and rebuilding the “habitation” of King “David” of Israel that was “fallen” into ruins.
The verse goes on to say, “and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:” Luke continued with the words, “and I will build again” or “and I, God the Messiah, will rebuild and reconstruct” “the ruins thereof” which means “the destruction to the tabernacle belonging to David”, “and I will set it up” or “and I, God the Messiah, will make erect, straight and standing the tabernacle of David”. (See Amos 9:12) Luke shared how “James” referred to the way God Himself said He would “rebuild” the “tabernacle of David” from it's destruction and make it “stand” again.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn through “James” how God was to involve Himself in the reconstruction of the “tabernacle of David” which would take place after God reaches the Gentiles for His name. God desires to save the whole world, and everyone is invited to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Those who yield themselves to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. When the final “Gentile person” is saved, God will turn His attention again toward the Jewish people where He will rebuild their temple and bring them into fellowship with Himself through His Son Jesus. “James” understood the importance of the time of the “Gentiles”, and during this age, everyone, Jew or Gentile” is invited to receive Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares how James continues to refer to the prophesy that says, “that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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