(Today's reading - Numbers 35, Deut. 19, Exodus 19)
A nation must have laws. Its' citizens must have a code of conduct and an understanding of the penalties involved when this code is violated. In our society we call it our justice system. It involves laws that when broken require some form of punishment. The nation of Israel was no different. God was their ruler and as such provided them with a very clear and concise set of laws that they were to live under. In addition, He provided the punishment that each violation of the law required. That is justice.
“Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death." (Exodus 21: 12-14) We know that the Ten Commandments included a prohibition of killing. Clear enough, but what about an accidental killing? God provided clarification for His people so that His commands became the law of the land. Without additional details, any killing would result in the same punishment. What about the killing that the Israelites had to commit to take the promised land? He gave His people civil and criminal laws that would enable them to function as a society.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have focused on sin and the required sacrifices to deal with each persons sin. The Israelites had the spritiual "justice system" that they were to comply with as His people. You might ask "isn't that enough"? God makes a distinction between sin that is between us and Him and sin that harms others. Yes, sin is sin, I understand that, but when our sin harms others, justice demands a penalty be paid. When our sin is between us and God, that penalty is paid throught the shedding of blood. When our sin effects others, the spiritual penalty has been paid, but there is an additional penalty that is prescibed by law. As much as possible, restitution is to be made.
As Christians, the blood penalty for our sin has been paid by our Savior, Jesus. We no longer take the livestock to the alter. Jesus paid it all! Once and for all. "He isn't like the other high priests. They need to offer sacrifices day after day. First they bring offerings for their own sins. Then they do it for the sins of the people. But Jesus gave one sacrifice for the sins of the people. He gave it once and for all time. He did it by offering himself." (Hebrews 7:27) What a blessing for you and me!
Today we live under the laws of our land. We are subject to the penalties prescribed by our laws when we break those laws. As Christians, we should go a step further. We are Gods' representatives and as such must be willing to admit our transgressions and whenever possible make restitution for our actions. (I am talking about when we harm others) This is an area that we can stand out as "Holy unto God". When others run and hide, we must step forward and admit our mistake. God expects His people to do right to others, and this means even when we have wronged them. In those circumstances, our faith is tested but God has promised to work out everything for our good, even when we break the law, if we act rightly.
As we consider what the Israelites were required to do as Gods' people, may we determine to act with equal integrity and honor. Our reputations are on the line, but more importantly the reputation of Gods' people depends on our actions. God bless you as you serve Him.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Be Holy to Your God
(Today's reading - Leviticus 21-25)
Sorry for the gap in posts, I have been traveling and dealing with family business. I have missed the blog time and I hope you have missed me a little :-).
This part of Leviticus deals with rules for priests, the seventh year rest and the year of Jubilee. All interesting topics and worthy of thought. However, Gods' direction for the priests is of particular interest. God had set the Levites apart for service as priests and in particular to offer the sacrifices of the people and live lives totally in service to Him. They did not receive a portion of the promised land. They were not to be occupied with the cares of this world as they were focused on service to God.
Leviticus 21 begins with giving specific instructions to the priests about dos and don'ts for their lives. Rules dealing with appearance, conduct, conduct of their families and who they can marry are given to keep them holy before God. Their actions had the ability to make them unholy and disqualified them from serving before God. As priests, they were expected to be different. Look different, act different, talk different and be different.
So what does that have to do with you? Or me? Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that we "are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". The priesthood of the old covenant was a shadow of the the priesthood of the new covenant. You and I, as Christians are priests. John makes this very clear in Revelation 1:5-6. He tells us that "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father". If we have been washed in His blood and our sins have been forgiven, we are priests serving before a holy God.
As priests, we are expected to live holy lives. We are to talk different, act different, think different, dress different and live differently than those that don't know the LORD. Our Father expects us, just as He did those priests under the old covenant to "be holy to our God". In Colossians 3: 1-17, Paul calls us as Gods' people to live holy lives. He tells us ... "as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love".
As we serve Gods' as priests, may we determine to live lives that are holy unto Him. May we examine our conduct, our appearance, our language, in fact our entire lives and make those changes that need to be made in order to serve before Him.
If you are reading this and are not sure that you have been washed in His blood and you are not sure your sins have been forgiven and that you serve as a priest before God, send me a comment and I will send you a Bible study that will help you on your journey to meet your savior.
Sorry for the gap in posts, I have been traveling and dealing with family business. I have missed the blog time and I hope you have missed me a little :-).
This part of Leviticus deals with rules for priests, the seventh year rest and the year of Jubilee. All interesting topics and worthy of thought. However, Gods' direction for the priests is of particular interest. God had set the Levites apart for service as priests and in particular to offer the sacrifices of the people and live lives totally in service to Him. They did not receive a portion of the promised land. They were not to be occupied with the cares of this world as they were focused on service to God.
Leviticus 21 begins with giving specific instructions to the priests about dos and don'ts for their lives. Rules dealing with appearance, conduct, conduct of their families and who they can marry are given to keep them holy before God. Their actions had the ability to make them unholy and disqualified them from serving before God. As priests, they were expected to be different. Look different, act different, talk different and be different.
So what does that have to do with you? Or me? Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that we "are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". The priesthood of the old covenant was a shadow of the the priesthood of the new covenant. You and I, as Christians are priests. John makes this very clear in Revelation 1:5-6. He tells us that "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father". If we have been washed in His blood and our sins have been forgiven, we are priests serving before a holy God.
As priests, we are expected to live holy lives. We are to talk different, act different, think different, dress different and live differently than those that don't know the LORD. Our Father expects us, just as He did those priests under the old covenant to "be holy to our God". In Colossians 3: 1-17, Paul calls us as Gods' people to live holy lives. He tells us ... "as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love".
As we serve Gods' as priests, may we determine to live lives that are holy unto Him. May we examine our conduct, our appearance, our language, in fact our entire lives and make those changes that need to be made in order to serve before Him.
If you are reading this and are not sure that you have been washed in His blood and you are not sure your sins have been forgiven and that you serve as a priest before God, send me a comment and I will send you a Bible study that will help you on your journey to meet your savior.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
"Bring the Best of the Firstfruits"
"Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." (Exodus 23:19a)
Many of the laws found in Exodus, Deuteronomy and Leviticus deal with the offerings that the Israelites were to bring to the LORD. The instruction is clear, they were to bring their best to God. Included in this is the idea of firstfruits. Whether it was the offspring of their cattle and sheep (Ex22:30) or the crops in their fields, they were to bring the first to God.
"Set apart for the LORD your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks. Do not put the firstborn of your cows to work, and do not shear the firstborn of your sheep." (Deut. 15: 19) God called for the first to be His. Additionally, He called for the offering to be without defect. If the firstborn had some defect, it was not to be sacrificed to God. (Deut. 15: 21) God demanded the first and the best offering from His people. Why? Why would God want His people to give out of the first from a harvest? Why would he demand the best of the firstborn?
Let's pull over and park here for minute. I remember well when I started dating Michelle. I wanted to see her all the time. I wanted to talk to her on the phone every day. When I would go to see her, I would wear my nicest jeans and shirt. I made sure I smelled nice and my teeth were freshly brushed. When I considered my plans for the weekend, she always came first. When I got paid on my job, I thought of how I could spend some of the money on her (first). She always came first in my thinking. She got the best of me, the best of my time and the best of my labors.
I wonder how things would have gone if she got my leftovers? If I made plans for the weekend and then I considered what time I had left to spend with her. If I spent all my money and then tried to find something free for us to do. If I showed up at her house in dirty clothes and smelly. I wonder if she would have thought I really cared about her? Of course not! Michelle had the right to expect that I would offer her my best. She deserved nothing less.
OK, back to God. What would I demonstrate if I gave Him my leftovers? My time. My money. My talents. He commands that we "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deut. 6:5) He deserves our best. He has given us all that we have, all of our material blessings and all of our spiritual blessings. It is all His, already! He entrusted us with the care of His things and the conditions are that we honor Him with the blessings we have received. Our love for Him is to be complete. If we are to demonstrate our love, then it must be from the best and first of what we have and what we receive.
May we determine to give God the best in every area of our lives. The best of our time, our talent and our treasure. He deserves nothing less than our very best. God bless you as you "bring the best of the firstfruits".
Many of the laws found in Exodus, Deuteronomy and Leviticus deal with the offerings that the Israelites were to bring to the LORD. The instruction is clear, they were to bring their best to God. Included in this is the idea of firstfruits. Whether it was the offspring of their cattle and sheep (Ex22:30) or the crops in their fields, they were to bring the first to God.
"Set apart for the LORD your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks. Do not put the firstborn of your cows to work, and do not shear the firstborn of your sheep." (Deut. 15: 19) God called for the first to be His. Additionally, He called for the offering to be without defect. If the firstborn had some defect, it was not to be sacrificed to God. (Deut. 15: 21) God demanded the first and the best offering from His people. Why? Why would God want His people to give out of the first from a harvest? Why would he demand the best of the firstborn?
Let's pull over and park here for minute. I remember well when I started dating Michelle. I wanted to see her all the time. I wanted to talk to her on the phone every day. When I would go to see her, I would wear my nicest jeans and shirt. I made sure I smelled nice and my teeth were freshly brushed. When I considered my plans for the weekend, she always came first. When I got paid on my job, I thought of how I could spend some of the money on her (first). She always came first in my thinking. She got the best of me, the best of my time and the best of my labors.
I wonder how things would have gone if she got my leftovers? If I made plans for the weekend and then I considered what time I had left to spend with her. If I spent all my money and then tried to find something free for us to do. If I showed up at her house in dirty clothes and smelly. I wonder if she would have thought I really cared about her? Of course not! Michelle had the right to expect that I would offer her my best. She deserved nothing less.
OK, back to God. What would I demonstrate if I gave Him my leftovers? My time. My money. My talents. He commands that we "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deut. 6:5) He deserves our best. He has given us all that we have, all of our material blessings and all of our spiritual blessings. It is all His, already! He entrusted us with the care of His things and the conditions are that we honor Him with the blessings we have received. Our love for Him is to be complete. If we are to demonstrate our love, then it must be from the best and first of what we have and what we receive.
May we determine to give God the best in every area of our lives. The best of our time, our talent and our treasure. He deserves nothing less than our very best. God bless you as you "bring the best of the firstfruits".
Thursday, February 17, 2011
"Teach Them to Your Children"
(Today's reading - Deut. 9: 1- 11:32)
Moses continues his address to his fellow Israelites. He reminds them that victory is guaranteed, but that victory is not because of their righteousness. They are reminded of their rebellious nature demonstrated through the making of the golden calf, their unfaithfulness in trusting the LORD for victory and other incidences along the way. God will give them the land, not because of their goodness, but because of His goodness. (important note)
Moses tells them that all Gods' blessings are conditional and that their unfaithfulness will lead to disaster and the loss of the land that God has given them. (Deut. 11: 13-17) We see this very thing happen later, but that is for another day. To prevent this from occurring, Moses instructs them to "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut 11:18,19)
It is Gods' word that will protect the Israelites from unfaithfulness. His word placed in their hearts and minds would keep them strong and ensure they would continue to receive Gods' blessings. He closes this section by telling them of a blessing and a curse. The blessing comes through obedience to Gods' commands and the curse through disobedience. God expects His people to be obedient to His words, His commands.
My encouragement today is for parents. Just like the future of Israel was in her children, the future of the church is in our children. Gods' recipe for success is that we continually teach our children about Him, His commands. Sunday School is wonderful. Vacation Bible School is fantastic. Summer Church Camp is awesome. But none of these take the place of the parent pouring Gods' word into their children. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Gods' plan is total immersion. Our lives, as parents are to be a complete example to our children. When we sit at home, teach our children. When we are on the road, teach our children. When we relax, teach our children. When we wake up in the morning, teach our children. God firmly places the total responsibility on mom and dad. No one else can fill this role.
I am afraid that many parents are "too busy" today. We have allowed our lives and our children's lives to be completely saturated with activities. We "hope" that they are getting what they need in the two hours of Bible class each week. God makes it clear that more is needed. It is a daily, hourly effort to place the love of God into our children's hearts.
May each of us determine to spend that precious time with our kids, time in study, time in discussion and time in prayer. Nothing short of the eternal destiny of our children is at stake here. What else matters?
Moses continues his address to his fellow Israelites. He reminds them that victory is guaranteed, but that victory is not because of their righteousness. They are reminded of their rebellious nature demonstrated through the making of the golden calf, their unfaithfulness in trusting the LORD for victory and other incidences along the way. God will give them the land, not because of their goodness, but because of His goodness. (important note)
Moses tells them that all Gods' blessings are conditional and that their unfaithfulness will lead to disaster and the loss of the land that God has given them. (Deut. 11: 13-17) We see this very thing happen later, but that is for another day. To prevent this from occurring, Moses instructs them to "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut 11:18,19)
It is Gods' word that will protect the Israelites from unfaithfulness. His word placed in their hearts and minds would keep them strong and ensure they would continue to receive Gods' blessings. He closes this section by telling them of a blessing and a curse. The blessing comes through obedience to Gods' commands and the curse through disobedience. God expects His people to be obedient to His words, His commands.
My encouragement today is for parents. Just like the future of Israel was in her children, the future of the church is in our children. Gods' recipe for success is that we continually teach our children about Him, His commands. Sunday School is wonderful. Vacation Bible School is fantastic. Summer Church Camp is awesome. But none of these take the place of the parent pouring Gods' word into their children. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Gods' plan is total immersion. Our lives, as parents are to be a complete example to our children. When we sit at home, teach our children. When we are on the road, teach our children. When we relax, teach our children. When we wake up in the morning, teach our children. God firmly places the total responsibility on mom and dad. No one else can fill this role.
I am afraid that many parents are "too busy" today. We have allowed our lives and our children's lives to be completely saturated with activities. We "hope" that they are getting what they need in the two hours of Bible class each week. God makes it clear that more is needed. It is a daily, hourly effort to place the love of God into our children's hearts.
May each of us determine to spend that precious time with our kids, time in study, time in discussion and time in prayer. Nothing short of the eternal destiny of our children is at stake here. What else matters?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
"You Will Forget the LORD Your God"
(Today's reading - Deut. 4:44 - 8:20)
Our reading today covers Moses' second address to the nation of Israel. Moses knows that he is about to meet his maker and uses the opportunity to encourage the Israelites. He reminds them of their unique status as Gods' chosen people and their obligation to live according to the covenant that He had made with them. He tells them to teach their children about the history of the nation and to place the Law in their minds. They are reminded of the need to be faithful and the consequences of unfaithfulness. They are commanded to completely remove their enemies from the promised land and to dispose of all idols. Then they are told about how God will bless them as His faithful people.
In Deut. 8:6-10, the people are told about the wonderful life that awaits them and that they will lack nothing. He tells them, "when you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you." That sounds really good. They will have towns, homes and vineyards that they did not build or plant. They would be protected from disease. They would be blessed more than any other people. Awesome! Right!
That leads us to the warning. Wait a minute, you say, let's stick to the blessings. What's this warning stuff? God knows us. He knows how we think and act, how are hearts change and how forgetful we are. Especially when everything is going good. He knew that these people would have trouble remembering Him when the refrigerators were full and the house was paid for. Sound familiar?
"Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery". (Deut 8: 11-14) God knows people! He made us and understands us better that we understand ourselves.
He knows that when we think we are without need, we will forget Him. Is that the way we are? Do we find ourselves on our knees one day and forgetting God the next? Financial crisis....God. Terminal illness....God. Pregnant wife....God. Sick child.....God. Successful business....self. Money in the bank....self. Winning touchdown pass....self. "Then your heart will become proud". We go from "come see what the LORD has done" to "look at what I did".
This week as we consider our lives, may we determine to not "forget the LORD our God". May we look around at what He has done and remember that it is Him and not us. As Teresa of Calcutta put it when asked about how it felt to win the Nobel Prize, "when Jesus was entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and the people were cheering and throwing down palm fronds, do you think the donkey thought it was for him?" I like that! Perspective....may we hold onto it with both hands!
Our reading today covers Moses' second address to the nation of Israel. Moses knows that he is about to meet his maker and uses the opportunity to encourage the Israelites. He reminds them of their unique status as Gods' chosen people and their obligation to live according to the covenant that He had made with them. He tells them to teach their children about the history of the nation and to place the Law in their minds. They are reminded of the need to be faithful and the consequences of unfaithfulness. They are commanded to completely remove their enemies from the promised land and to dispose of all idols. Then they are told about how God will bless them as His faithful people.
In Deut. 8:6-10, the people are told about the wonderful life that awaits them and that they will lack nothing. He tells them, "when you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you." That sounds really good. They will have towns, homes and vineyards that they did not build or plant. They would be protected from disease. They would be blessed more than any other people. Awesome! Right!
That leads us to the warning. Wait a minute, you say, let's stick to the blessings. What's this warning stuff? God knows us. He knows how we think and act, how are hearts change and how forgetful we are. Especially when everything is going good. He knew that these people would have trouble remembering Him when the refrigerators were full and the house was paid for. Sound familiar?
"Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery". (Deut 8: 11-14) God knows people! He made us and understands us better that we understand ourselves.
He knows that when we think we are without need, we will forget Him. Is that the way we are? Do we find ourselves on our knees one day and forgetting God the next? Financial crisis....God. Terminal illness....God. Pregnant wife....God. Sick child.....God. Successful business....self. Money in the bank....self. Winning touchdown pass....self. "Then your heart will become proud". We go from "come see what the LORD has done" to "look at what I did".
This week as we consider our lives, may we determine to not "forget the LORD our God". May we look around at what He has done and remember that it is Him and not us. As Teresa of Calcutta put it when asked about how it felt to win the Nobel Prize, "when Jesus was entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and the people were cheering and throwing down palm fronds, do you think the donkey thought it was for him?" I like that! Perspective....may we hold onto it with both hands!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Remember
(Today's reading - Deut. 1:1 - 4:40)
A few years back, my daughter Caitlen and I made a week long trip to West Virginia and Kentucky. We enjoyed a few days at Pipe Stem, visited Cane Ridge (site of the beginning of the Restoration Movement), Lexington, Kentucky (horse farms) and on over to Louisville, Kentucky. We had been left alone at home by her mother and brother (they went to Europe) and so we decided to have a trip of our own.
I will never forget that trip as long as I live. We took the time to make a "trip book" and plan our journey, but still leave room for some spontaneous side trips (we got to see a white Buffalo). I occasionally take our that trip book and remind myself of that special time that I was blessed to spend with my daughter. She and I still talk about that trip often. Remembering the journey makes our relationship all the more special. What we shared in the car, on the backs of horses, around the table (had one really special meal) drew us closer together than ever before. I really came to understand just how special Caitlen truly is.
The Israelites are just before crossing the Jordan River and taking the promised land. Moses uses this opportunity to address the people and bring to their remebrance all that they had been through together and what God had done for them. He talks about the good times and the bad. He reminds them of their cowardice and their valor. He reminds them of what God had done for them and through them and how He had stayed with them and cared for them. He calls their attention to the Law that God had given to the nation. He warns them of the greatest threat to them as a nation and tells them that when they go astray, that they serve a merciful God who will hear their pleas.
Remembering history is important for a nation. Here in the United States, we study the founding of our nation and those men and women that played an important role in it's creation. We celebrate special days to remind us of those that have gone on before us and made it possible for us to have the country that we live in. Israel is no different. God knows they need to be reminded of all that has happened. It is important for them to have a shared history, it will bind them together as a people. Also, by knowing the past, people are less likely to repeat the same mistakes again (hopefully). So, God gives them a reminder of all that He has done for them and that they have shared in before He will let them enter the land. In closing, He reminds them of the honor and privilege it is that they should be chosen by God to be His special people, His special nation.
Good stuff? Good stuff! As Christians today, it is equally important that we know our story. That we understand relationship between the Old and New Testaments. How even though most of us cannot trace our lineage to the twelve tribes, God has provided a way for us to be part of His chosen people. It is important for us to understand that the passover was pointing to Jesus. It is important for us to know that the serpent lifted up on the staff was pointing to Jesus. It is important that we grasp that the offering of bulls and goats as sacrifices was pointing to Jesus. Those were all pictures pointing to the reality that is found in Christ.
Equally important is that we "remember" what God has done for us individually. You and I were slaves to sin and Jesus freed us. You and I were wandering in the wilderness and God brought us into the promised land. You and I were in need of a sacrifice and Jesus stepped in and took our place. Daily our lives are touched by the Creators hands. We have gifts that we use on our jobs and in our homes. We have most of our wants and all of our needs. We have access to the throne of God at any time.
It is also important for us to remember our unfaithfulness. We don't need to dwell on this, but we must remember that God is always faithful and we are not. That many times we will choose wrong instead of the right. And then remember with lifted hands and bowed heads, that our wonderful, kind, loving Father is there to lift us up and forgive our every trespass.
May we today remember the journey that our people have been on for these thousands of years and then think on our personal travels in the Lord. May we learn from these trips and stumble all the less. We have found the best tour guide in Jesus. He will never lead us astray and in the end, He will see to it that we get home.
A few years back, my daughter Caitlen and I made a week long trip to West Virginia and Kentucky. We enjoyed a few days at Pipe Stem, visited Cane Ridge (site of the beginning of the Restoration Movement), Lexington, Kentucky (horse farms) and on over to Louisville, Kentucky. We had been left alone at home by her mother and brother (they went to Europe) and so we decided to have a trip of our own.
I will never forget that trip as long as I live. We took the time to make a "trip book" and plan our journey, but still leave room for some spontaneous side trips (we got to see a white Buffalo). I occasionally take our that trip book and remind myself of that special time that I was blessed to spend with my daughter. She and I still talk about that trip often. Remembering the journey makes our relationship all the more special. What we shared in the car, on the backs of horses, around the table (had one really special meal) drew us closer together than ever before. I really came to understand just how special Caitlen truly is.
The Israelites are just before crossing the Jordan River and taking the promised land. Moses uses this opportunity to address the people and bring to their remebrance all that they had been through together and what God had done for them. He talks about the good times and the bad. He reminds them of their cowardice and their valor. He reminds them of what God had done for them and through them and how He had stayed with them and cared for them. He calls their attention to the Law that God had given to the nation. He warns them of the greatest threat to them as a nation and tells them that when they go astray, that they serve a merciful God who will hear their pleas.
Remembering history is important for a nation. Here in the United States, we study the founding of our nation and those men and women that played an important role in it's creation. We celebrate special days to remind us of those that have gone on before us and made it possible for us to have the country that we live in. Israel is no different. God knows they need to be reminded of all that has happened. It is important for them to have a shared history, it will bind them together as a people. Also, by knowing the past, people are less likely to repeat the same mistakes again (hopefully). So, God gives them a reminder of all that He has done for them and that they have shared in before He will let them enter the land. In closing, He reminds them of the honor and privilege it is that they should be chosen by God to be His special people, His special nation.
Good stuff? Good stuff! As Christians today, it is equally important that we know our story. That we understand relationship between the Old and New Testaments. How even though most of us cannot trace our lineage to the twelve tribes, God has provided a way for us to be part of His chosen people. It is important for us to understand that the passover was pointing to Jesus. It is important for us to know that the serpent lifted up on the staff was pointing to Jesus. It is important that we grasp that the offering of bulls and goats as sacrifices was pointing to Jesus. Those were all pictures pointing to the reality that is found in Christ.
Equally important is that we "remember" what God has done for us individually. You and I were slaves to sin and Jesus freed us. You and I were wandering in the wilderness and God brought us into the promised land. You and I were in need of a sacrifice and Jesus stepped in and took our place. Daily our lives are touched by the Creators hands. We have gifts that we use on our jobs and in our homes. We have most of our wants and all of our needs. We have access to the throne of God at any time.
It is also important for us to remember our unfaithfulness. We don't need to dwell on this, but we must remember that God is always faithful and we are not. That many times we will choose wrong instead of the right. And then remember with lifted hands and bowed heads, that our wonderful, kind, loving Father is there to lift us up and forgive our every trespass.
May we today remember the journey that our people have been on for these thousands of years and then think on our personal travels in the Lord. May we learn from these trips and stumble all the less. We have found the best tour guide in Jesus. He will never lead us astray and in the end, He will see to it that we get home.
Monday, February 14, 2011
"While You Sit Here"
(Today's reading - Number 27:15-23; 32:1-42; 33:50 - 35:8)
Happy Valentines Day!
Moses is facing his own looming death and seeks Gods' guidance on finding a leader to replace him. Joshua is designated as the next leader of the nation of Israel. The Israelites are preparing to go to war and two-and-a-half tribes ask to stay on the east side of the Jordan. Moses reacts angrily and the tribes offer to fight and then return to the land east of the Jordan. Moses accepts their offer. God orders the complete conquest of those that live in the land of Canaan. The borders to Israel are given and clarification is given as to how the land is to be distributed among the tribes.
These are exciting times for the Israelites as they wait for God to fulfill His promise. Many hundreds of thousands have died in the wilderness as God dealt with the unfaithfulness of their forefathers. So the day is quickly arriving for them to cross the Jordan River and take the promised land.
This is the backdrop for the the story that is about to play out. Two of the tribes, Reuben and Gad come to Moses and ask to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses remembers the unfaithfulness of the people when the spies were sent into the land and brought back a bad report. "And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here? Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD has given them? Thus your fathers did when I sent them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the land. For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, so that they did not go into the land which the LORD had given themHe reacts with anger and calls them a "brood of sinners". The people returned with an offer to go into the land and fight and then return to the east side to the Jordan". (Numbers 32: 6-9)
"Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?" Understand that this community of people had been together for 40 years. They had shared life and death. They had been through good times and bad. They lived lives dependant on each other and Moses was hurt by their request. After some time, they returned to Moses with the offer to join the fight and then return after Israel was victorious. They would forfeit their land in Canaan and live on the land east of the Jordan. Moses accepts their proposal and community is maintained.
These verses confront everyone who sits by and watches others go to "war". Now it may not be a literal war today, but wars are being fought on every front. Churches need teachers to fight the war on Biblical illiteracy. Churches need evangelists to fight the war against Satan. Churches need leaders to fight the war against complacency. Churches need servants to fight wars against laziness. Ephesians 4 tells us that Christ gave churches these people; preachers, pastors, teachers and evangelists to prepare His people for works of service. Sitting by and watching others is not a work of service. To quote many teachers, being a Christian is not a spectator sport. Jesus expects every one of his followers to follow Him. Follow Him.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Following Him means living like He lived, doing what He did, saying what He said and loving like He loved. He came to "seek and save that which is lost". He came to "serve and to give His life". Christians are called to be like Christ. Jesus call was to "follow" Him. Paul tells us to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Sitting by and watching was never in His plan.
May each of us determine to get into the fight. Let us use our God given gifts to serve others and glorify Him. If you have been sitting, determine to get up and follow Him.
Happy Valentines Day!
Moses is facing his own looming death and seeks Gods' guidance on finding a leader to replace him. Joshua is designated as the next leader of the nation of Israel. The Israelites are preparing to go to war and two-and-a-half tribes ask to stay on the east side of the Jordan. Moses reacts angrily and the tribes offer to fight and then return to the land east of the Jordan. Moses accepts their offer. God orders the complete conquest of those that live in the land of Canaan. The borders to Israel are given and clarification is given as to how the land is to be distributed among the tribes.
These are exciting times for the Israelites as they wait for God to fulfill His promise. Many hundreds of thousands have died in the wilderness as God dealt with the unfaithfulness of their forefathers. So the day is quickly arriving for them to cross the Jordan River and take the promised land.
This is the backdrop for the the story that is about to play out. Two of the tribes, Reuben and Gad come to Moses and ask to remain on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses remembers the unfaithfulness of the people when the spies were sent into the land and brought back a bad report. "And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here? Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD has given them? Thus your fathers did when I sent them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the land. For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, so that they did not go into the land which the LORD had given themHe reacts with anger and calls them a "brood of sinners". The people returned with an offer to go into the land and fight and then return to the east side to the Jordan". (Numbers 32: 6-9)
"Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?" Understand that this community of people had been together for 40 years. They had shared life and death. They had been through good times and bad. They lived lives dependant on each other and Moses was hurt by their request. After some time, they returned to Moses with the offer to join the fight and then return after Israel was victorious. They would forfeit their land in Canaan and live on the land east of the Jordan. Moses accepts their proposal and community is maintained.
These verses confront everyone who sits by and watches others go to "war". Now it may not be a literal war today, but wars are being fought on every front. Churches need teachers to fight the war on Biblical illiteracy. Churches need evangelists to fight the war against Satan. Churches need leaders to fight the war against complacency. Churches need servants to fight wars against laziness. Ephesians 4 tells us that Christ gave churches these people; preachers, pastors, teachers and evangelists to prepare His people for works of service. Sitting by and watching others is not a work of service. To quote many teachers, being a Christian is not a spectator sport. Jesus expects every one of his followers to follow Him. Follow Him.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Following Him means living like He lived, doing what He did, saying what He said and loving like He loved. He came to "seek and save that which is lost". He came to "serve and to give His life". Christians are called to be like Christ. Jesus call was to "follow" Him. Paul tells us to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Sitting by and watching was never in His plan.
May each of us determine to get into the fight. Let us use our God given gifts to serve others and glorify Him. If you have been sitting, determine to get up and follow Him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Words to the Wise
(Today's reading - Numbers 22:1 - 24:25)
In preparation of moving into the promised land, the Israelites have taken up residence east of the Jordan River. The Moabites found themselves looking at the children of Israel as enemies in their land and Balak, the king became very nervous. He had seen the defeat of the other nations at the hands of these people and knew that he had no chance against them. So, he sought the help of Balaam, the soothsayer to place a curse on the Israelites. He is offered great wealth to come and speak against these people. God instructs him to go, but "to do only what I tell you". (vs 20)
His journey is interesting to say the least. His donkey sees an angel with a sword and turns aside time after time. Balaam beats his donkey and is rebuked by the donkey and the angel. He is allowed to continue, but clearly understands who is in control. He arrives to meet King Balak and is scolded for his late arrival to which he says, “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” (vs 38)
He proceeds to give a blessing instead of a curse. He does this three times, much to his own peril. He stands before a King and his men and says the opposite of what he was asked to say. While I might not be a big fan of Balaam, he gets kudos for his backbone here. The King is very angry and struck his hands together and demands he leave at once and go home. To which Balaam replies, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD—and I must say only what the LORD says?" (Numbers 24:12,13)
"I must say only what the Lord says", I like that. I wish my mouth was completely under God's control. Too many times words have left my mouth and I have immediately regretted what I had said. I have hurt others and have lied to save face. My words have been used to accomplish my goals at the expense of others. And too many times, I have had the opportunity to speak to others about Jesus and had no words to offer. God knows we have trouble with our words.
James gives us a clear picture of the problems we face with our words. "Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." (James 3: 3-10)
Our words have power; we can build up or destroy; we can speak truth or a lie; we offer words that save or condemn. It is our choice! How we use the gift of speech is our choice. Old habits are hard to break, but through Jesus they can be changed. How we speak is often a habit learned from those around us. It is easy to pick up a bad habit and much harder to lay it back down.
May we determine to "speak only what God has put in our mouths". The only way for that to happen is to learn His words. And the only way to learn His words is by spending time in His word. If our time is spent learning the world's words, that is what will come out of our mouths. Let's spend our time learning the words that bring life to others. God bless you as you speak.
In preparation of moving into the promised land, the Israelites have taken up residence east of the Jordan River. The Moabites found themselves looking at the children of Israel as enemies in their land and Balak, the king became very nervous. He had seen the defeat of the other nations at the hands of these people and knew that he had no chance against them. So, he sought the help of Balaam, the soothsayer to place a curse on the Israelites. He is offered great wealth to come and speak against these people. God instructs him to go, but "to do only what I tell you". (vs 20)
His journey is interesting to say the least. His donkey sees an angel with a sword and turns aside time after time. Balaam beats his donkey and is rebuked by the donkey and the angel. He is allowed to continue, but clearly understands who is in control. He arrives to meet King Balak and is scolded for his late arrival to which he says, “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” (vs 38)
He proceeds to give a blessing instead of a curse. He does this three times, much to his own peril. He stands before a King and his men and says the opposite of what he was asked to say. While I might not be a big fan of Balaam, he gets kudos for his backbone here. The King is very angry and struck his hands together and demands he leave at once and go home. To which Balaam replies, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD—and I must say only what the LORD says?" (Numbers 24:12,13)
"I must say only what the Lord says", I like that. I wish my mouth was completely under God's control. Too many times words have left my mouth and I have immediately regretted what I had said. I have hurt others and have lied to save face. My words have been used to accomplish my goals at the expense of others. And too many times, I have had the opportunity to speak to others about Jesus and had no words to offer. God knows we have trouble with our words.
James gives us a clear picture of the problems we face with our words. "Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." (James 3: 3-10)
Our words have power; we can build up or destroy; we can speak truth or a lie; we offer words that save or condemn. It is our choice! How we use the gift of speech is our choice. Old habits are hard to break, but through Jesus they can be changed. How we speak is often a habit learned from those around us. It is easy to pick up a bad habit and much harder to lay it back down.
May we determine to "speak only what God has put in our mouths". The only way for that to happen is to learn His words. And the only way to learn His words is by spending time in His word. If our time is spent learning the world's words, that is what will come out of our mouths. Let's spend our time learning the words that bring life to others. God bless you as you speak.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Leader's Failure
(Today's reading is Numbers 20:1 - 21:35; 33:1 - 49)
We take a big leap through time today as Numbers jumps to the last year of the Israelites wandering. Miriam dies and is buried. Once again the people cry out against Moses and Aaron. Moses strikes the rock to bring forth water. Moses and Aaron are disqualified from entering the promised land. Aaron dies and the people mourned for thirty days. Snakes enter the camp, killing many. A bronze snake is placed on a pole, giving anyone who is bitten a second chance at life. The Israelites begin to win battles as they prepare to take the land. Many lessons to be learned, but one that calls to me today.
The people were demanding water, Moses and Aaron come before God and are given instructions. The LORD said to Moses, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink". (Numbers 20:7,8) They are given specific instructions on how to obtain the water. Go before the people, speak to the rock and God would cause water to gush from the rock and the people could drink. Simple enough.
I am somewhat sympathetic to Moses' cause here. He has looked after these people for 40 years and they continue to challenge him and be unfaithful to God. I don't know how I would have reacted, but we know how Moses did.
"He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank". (Numbers 20:10,11)
Instead of obeying God and speaking to the rock, Moses chose to demonstrate his own power by striking the rock with the staff. We cannot look into Moses heart, but God can. If is difficult to understand the punishment that God administers to Moses and Aaron. It cannot be the simple act of striking the rock that brought such harsh judgement on them. We are given insight into God's view. "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them". (Numbers 20:12)
God tells him that there is an issue of trust and honor. Moses lacked trust in God and did not give him the honor for the miracle that had been done. I think his comment to the people demonstrate his attitude, "must we bring water out of this rock". Must WE?
Sometimes leaders forget that the source of their leadership is outside of themselves. Sometimes leaders begin to believe that they alone possess the ability to lead. Moses and Aaron had forgotten to point to the maker of the rock and the water, and instead honored themselves. They were human, just like you and me. Lest we forget Moses attitude when God first told him to go to Egypt. Lest we forget Aaron's golden calf. Moses and Aaron were sinners and sin brings consequences.
It is sad that they would not enter the promised land, they both would die before their feet touched that soil. "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall". (Proverbs 16:18) God warns those that follow Him that pride is a sin with heavy consequences. He is the rewarder of the humble and the punisher of the proud. "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom".(Proverbs 11:2)
Whether we are leaders or followers, we must keep our egos in check. It cost Moses the reward of his labors. No matter how you or I feel about that, God is just and His decisions are right. May we always remember that any talents and abilities we possess are a gift from God and are to be used to point to Him. One day (Lord willing) we will see Moses and Aaron. They most certainly have entered THE promised land. May we live in such a way that through our Savior we to may enter in. We can ask them about the details then.
We take a big leap through time today as Numbers jumps to the last year of the Israelites wandering. Miriam dies and is buried. Once again the people cry out against Moses and Aaron. Moses strikes the rock to bring forth water. Moses and Aaron are disqualified from entering the promised land. Aaron dies and the people mourned for thirty days. Snakes enter the camp, killing many. A bronze snake is placed on a pole, giving anyone who is bitten a second chance at life. The Israelites begin to win battles as they prepare to take the land. Many lessons to be learned, but one that calls to me today.
The people were demanding water, Moses and Aaron come before God and are given instructions. The LORD said to Moses, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink". (Numbers 20:7,8) They are given specific instructions on how to obtain the water. Go before the people, speak to the rock and God would cause water to gush from the rock and the people could drink. Simple enough.
I am somewhat sympathetic to Moses' cause here. He has looked after these people for 40 years and they continue to challenge him and be unfaithful to God. I don't know how I would have reacted, but we know how Moses did.
"He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank". (Numbers 20:10,11)
Instead of obeying God and speaking to the rock, Moses chose to demonstrate his own power by striking the rock with the staff. We cannot look into Moses heart, but God can. If is difficult to understand the punishment that God administers to Moses and Aaron. It cannot be the simple act of striking the rock that brought such harsh judgement on them. We are given insight into God's view. "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them". (Numbers 20:12)
God tells him that there is an issue of trust and honor. Moses lacked trust in God and did not give him the honor for the miracle that had been done. I think his comment to the people demonstrate his attitude, "must we bring water out of this rock". Must WE?
Sometimes leaders forget that the source of their leadership is outside of themselves. Sometimes leaders begin to believe that they alone possess the ability to lead. Moses and Aaron had forgotten to point to the maker of the rock and the water, and instead honored themselves. They were human, just like you and me. Lest we forget Moses attitude when God first told him to go to Egypt. Lest we forget Aaron's golden calf. Moses and Aaron were sinners and sin brings consequences.
It is sad that they would not enter the promised land, they both would die before their feet touched that soil. "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall". (Proverbs 16:18) God warns those that follow Him that pride is a sin with heavy consequences. He is the rewarder of the humble and the punisher of the proud. "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom".(Proverbs 11:2)
Whether we are leaders or followers, we must keep our egos in check. It cost Moses the reward of his labors. No matter how you or I feel about that, God is just and His decisions are right. May we always remember that any talents and abilities we possess are a gift from God and are to be used to point to Him. One day (Lord willing) we will see Moses and Aaron. They most certainly have entered THE promised land. May we live in such a way that through our Savior we to may enter in. We can ask them about the details then.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Respect For Those That Lead
(Today's reading - Numbers 16:1 - 18:32)
Our last reading ends with the defeat of the Israelites at the hands of Amalekites and the Canaanites. They reacted to the death of the unfaithful spies by deciding to take the promised land without God's blessing. Moses warned them, but they entered the land without the LORD and they fell by the sword. (Num 14:44,45)
Defeated by their enemy and told they would wander in the desert until everyone over 20 years of age had died; the seeds for an overthrow of leadership were in place. Disappointment breads rebellion. Regardless of the things God had done through Moses and Aaron in the past, the people were dissatisfied. Maybe a change at the top would bring about the change that they wanted. (sounds familiar, doesn't it)
Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:1-3) They came as a group. Rarely will an individual take a stand against authority, but give him a group and he is ready to protest. Strength in numbers.
The interesting part of the story (well, one of the interesting parts) is that these people are from the tribe of Levi. They had been set apart from the other tribes to serve in the tabernacle. They had already received God's blessing and were living off the other tribes offerings. Maybe they were puffed up, maybe they had too much time on their hands; whatever the reason, they decided that they could do a better job of leading.
Let's cut to the chase and see how this turns out for them. The leader of the rebellion were swallowed up by the earth and the remaining 250 men were consumed by fire. The next day, the people grumbled against Moses saying that he had "killed the LORD's people". God gets angry and 14,700 die from a plague.
To put an end to the question of authority, God has each of the twelve tribes bring a staff to the Tent of Meeting. The next morning only Aaron's staff had "budded, blossomed and produced almonds". Through this sign, the people knew that the priesthood belonged to Aaron and his descendants.
So what can we learn from this story? What can we learn about God? About people? About leadership?
God has established leadership. HE is the ultimate leader and he provides us with leadership in all areas of our lives. We know Jesus is the head of the church. (Col 1:18) We know that the husband is the head of the wife. (Eph 5:23) We know that in the local church, elders have the leadership. (1 Tim 5:17) We know we are to submit to civil authority. (1 Peter 2:13,14) God established order through authority for our benefit. We are to respect those that have authority over us, on our jobs, in our communities, in our states and country, but most importantly in our homes and in our churches.
This begins with allowing Jesus to have the authority in our lives. If He sits on the throne in our hearts, living in submission to those authorities that God has established is much easier. If I have a rebellious nature, I should check who is ruling in my life. It is my choice, it is your choice. Choose today who you will follow.
Our last reading ends with the defeat of the Israelites at the hands of Amalekites and the Canaanites. They reacted to the death of the unfaithful spies by deciding to take the promised land without God's blessing. Moses warned them, but they entered the land without the LORD and they fell by the sword. (Num 14:44,45)
Defeated by their enemy and told they would wander in the desert until everyone over 20 years of age had died; the seeds for an overthrow of leadership were in place. Disappointment breads rebellion. Regardless of the things God had done through Moses and Aaron in the past, the people were dissatisfied. Maybe a change at the top would bring about the change that they wanted. (sounds familiar, doesn't it)
Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:1-3) They came as a group. Rarely will an individual take a stand against authority, but give him a group and he is ready to protest. Strength in numbers.
The interesting part of the story (well, one of the interesting parts) is that these people are from the tribe of Levi. They had been set apart from the other tribes to serve in the tabernacle. They had already received God's blessing and were living off the other tribes offerings. Maybe they were puffed up, maybe they had too much time on their hands; whatever the reason, they decided that they could do a better job of leading.
Let's cut to the chase and see how this turns out for them. The leader of the rebellion were swallowed up by the earth and the remaining 250 men were consumed by fire. The next day, the people grumbled against Moses saying that he had "killed the LORD's people". God gets angry and 14,700 die from a plague.
To put an end to the question of authority, God has each of the twelve tribes bring a staff to the Tent of Meeting. The next morning only Aaron's staff had "budded, blossomed and produced almonds". Through this sign, the people knew that the priesthood belonged to Aaron and his descendants.
So what can we learn from this story? What can we learn about God? About people? About leadership?
God has established leadership. HE is the ultimate leader and he provides us with leadership in all areas of our lives. We know Jesus is the head of the church. (Col 1:18) We know that the husband is the head of the wife. (Eph 5:23) We know that in the local church, elders have the leadership. (1 Tim 5:17) We know we are to submit to civil authority. (1 Peter 2:13,14) God established order through authority for our benefit. We are to respect those that have authority over us, on our jobs, in our communities, in our states and country, but most importantly in our homes and in our churches.
This begins with allowing Jesus to have the authority in our lives. If He sits on the throne in our hearts, living in submission to those authorities that God has established is much easier. If I have a rebellious nature, I should check who is ruling in my life. It is my choice, it is your choice. Choose today who you will follow.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"We can certainly do it"
(Today's reading is Numbers 12:1 - 14:45)
Interesting stuff today! Moses' sister Miriam dislikes his new wife and joins with her brother Aaron to talk bad about him. God takes up for Moses and Miriam is struck with leprosy. Moses pleads for her healing and she is brought back after seven days, healed.
The people arrive at the outskirts of the promised land. The LORD tells Moses to send in twelve men to spy out the land and bring back a report about what they see. Upon return, ten of the twelve spies tell the people that the land cannot be taken. They talk about seeing giants and that the land is bad. But Joshua and Caleb tell a different story. They tell of a good land and that God will lead them to victory in the land.
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30) It is interesting that twelve "leaders" of God's people can experience the same thing and arrive at different opinions. The difference was one group was seeing through human eyes and the other group was seeing through the eyes of faith. As the Hebrew writer tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". Caleb and Joshua had that kind of vision. Even though they had not yet seen the victory, standing against the other ten, they declared that "the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid" of the people in the land. I like that!
Would to God that we had more people like Caleb and Joshua in the church. Too many times we listen to "the ten" and say we can't do it. We allow fear to creep in and rule in our lives. We forget Gods' promises and doubt takes root in our hearts leading us to unfaithfulness. The Israelites said "we should choose a leader and go back to Egypt".(14:4) Doubt and fear made them want to return to slavery. Slavery, imagine that, people giving up their new lives of freedom and a relationship with God to return to the shackles of slavery.
Before we judge them too harshly, let's consider if we have ever had those feelings or witnessed someone who chose to return to their old life of slavery to sin after enjoying the freedom found in Christ.
The 6th chapter of Hebrews contains a warning that we all should listen to very carefully. "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace". Again, Hebrews chapter 11, verses 26 ff gives us the same warning. Some would say that it is impossible to fall away, for a Christian to forfeit their relationship with God. Before you buy into that idea, I encourage you to get into God's word and see what He says.
Just like the Israelites, we can choose a different leader and return to slavery. Understand, no one can force you to choose to leave, you are secure as long as you choose to stay, but just like everyone else that we read about in the Bible, we make our own choice. Even the Apostle Paul said "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize". (1 Corinthians 9:27)
May each of us determine to see through the eyes of faith and never turn back to the life we had before we met our Savior. Let us be like Paul and discipline ourselves daily so that we to will win the prize. God bless you as you follow Him, looking through the eyes of faith. We can certainly do it!
Interesting stuff today! Moses' sister Miriam dislikes his new wife and joins with her brother Aaron to talk bad about him. God takes up for Moses and Miriam is struck with leprosy. Moses pleads for her healing and she is brought back after seven days, healed.
The people arrive at the outskirts of the promised land. The LORD tells Moses to send in twelve men to spy out the land and bring back a report about what they see. Upon return, ten of the twelve spies tell the people that the land cannot be taken. They talk about seeing giants and that the land is bad. But Joshua and Caleb tell a different story. They tell of a good land and that God will lead them to victory in the land.
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30) It is interesting that twelve "leaders" of God's people can experience the same thing and arrive at different opinions. The difference was one group was seeing through human eyes and the other group was seeing through the eyes of faith. As the Hebrew writer tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". Caleb and Joshua had that kind of vision. Even though they had not yet seen the victory, standing against the other ten, they declared that "the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid" of the people in the land. I like that!
Would to God that we had more people like Caleb and Joshua in the church. Too many times we listen to "the ten" and say we can't do it. We allow fear to creep in and rule in our lives. We forget Gods' promises and doubt takes root in our hearts leading us to unfaithfulness. The Israelites said "we should choose a leader and go back to Egypt".(14:4) Doubt and fear made them want to return to slavery. Slavery, imagine that, people giving up their new lives of freedom and a relationship with God to return to the shackles of slavery.
Before we judge them too harshly, let's consider if we have ever had those feelings or witnessed someone who chose to return to their old life of slavery to sin after enjoying the freedom found in Christ.
The 6th chapter of Hebrews contains a warning that we all should listen to very carefully. "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace". Again, Hebrews chapter 11, verses 26 ff gives us the same warning. Some would say that it is impossible to fall away, for a Christian to forfeit their relationship with God. Before you buy into that idea, I encourage you to get into God's word and see what He says.
Just like the Israelites, we can choose a different leader and return to slavery. Understand, no one can force you to choose to leave, you are secure as long as you choose to stay, but just like everyone else that we read about in the Bible, we make our own choice. Even the Apostle Paul said "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize". (1 Corinthians 9:27)
May each of us determine to see through the eyes of faith and never turn back to the life we had before we met our Savior. Let us be like Paul and discipline ourselves daily so that we to will win the prize. God bless you as you follow Him, looking through the eyes of faith. We can certainly do it!
Monday, February 7, 2011
What Makes a Thing Holy?
(Today's reading - Numbers 10:1 - 11:35)
Today's reading takes us from the completion of the tabernacle, the setting apart the tribe of Levi and the arrangement of the camp to the beginning of the journey. The tribes are organized and the trumpets sound for the people to begin the journey to the promised land.
Just like my family on a long trip, it doesn't take long for the people to start complaining...I can just hear the child in the back of the wagon say "are we there yet?" :-). God hears the people complain and He hears Moses ask to die rather that deal with these people. God provides. He sends meat for feasting (more that enough) and tells Moses to appoint 70 elders to assist him in his tasks of leading the people.
Included in the reading is a verse that says "Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things". We have seen the "holy" things discussed during our last several days of reading. My curiosity has been stoked; what makes a thing holy? What made the fruit of human hands holy? What made the ordinary materials, wood and metals, holy? What makes a thing holy? Let's remember these things had become so "holy" that if the wrong person looked at these things they would die. The same things that the people had owned and used in their daily lives, were now holy. What changed?
The Hebrew word in view here is "Qodesh". This word carries the idea of being set apart, something that is sacred with its' object being unto God. It is the idea of something or someone that is set apart or made sacred by God. It is God that has the ability or authority to make a thing holy. He set aside the seventh day and called it holy. He set apart Israel and made them a holy nation. His presence made any place holy. He could declare something holy and it was holy. With this in mind, we can understand that the items crafted by the Israelites became holy because He said so. The common became uncommon, the ordinary became extraordinary. Because these items were set apart for His use and because He had directed that they be made for His use, they were holy at His word.
I can decide to make something especially for God and declare that it is only for His use. The question is...does that make it holy unto God? Do I have the authority to make such a declaration. Can I pray over water and then claim it is holy water? Can I pray over a building and claim that it is now a holy building?
In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the tabernacle and the Temple. His presence made these places holy. He visited Moses through a burning bush, that made the ground there holy. It was Gods' decision that made the Sabbath holy, it was His declaration that made offerings holy. In the New Testament, He declares that His people are now His holy temple. "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit". (Ephesians 2:21,22) Together, Christians form a holy temple where God dwells.
And individually we become holy through the cleansing that Jesus provides.
"But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation". (Colossians 1:22) It is God that makes a thing holy and only God can make you holy and me holy. He dwells within the believer and so we become "holy ground".
The next time you sing "This is Holy Ground", be looking deep into the eyes of a brother or sister in Christ. May we understand that we have been set apart and made sacred by God for His use (and only His use). You my brother, you my sister are a holy thing.
Today's reading takes us from the completion of the tabernacle, the setting apart the tribe of Levi and the arrangement of the camp to the beginning of the journey. The tribes are organized and the trumpets sound for the people to begin the journey to the promised land.
Just like my family on a long trip, it doesn't take long for the people to start complaining...I can just hear the child in the back of the wagon say "are we there yet?" :-). God hears the people complain and He hears Moses ask to die rather that deal with these people. God provides. He sends meat for feasting (more that enough) and tells Moses to appoint 70 elders to assist him in his tasks of leading the people.
Included in the reading is a verse that says "Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things". We have seen the "holy" things discussed during our last several days of reading. My curiosity has been stoked; what makes a thing holy? What made the fruit of human hands holy? What made the ordinary materials, wood and metals, holy? What makes a thing holy? Let's remember these things had become so "holy" that if the wrong person looked at these things they would die. The same things that the people had owned and used in their daily lives, were now holy. What changed?
The Hebrew word in view here is "Qodesh". This word carries the idea of being set apart, something that is sacred with its' object being unto God. It is the idea of something or someone that is set apart or made sacred by God. It is God that has the ability or authority to make a thing holy. He set aside the seventh day and called it holy. He set apart Israel and made them a holy nation. His presence made any place holy. He could declare something holy and it was holy. With this in mind, we can understand that the items crafted by the Israelites became holy because He said so. The common became uncommon, the ordinary became extraordinary. Because these items were set apart for His use and because He had directed that they be made for His use, they were holy at His word.
I can decide to make something especially for God and declare that it is only for His use. The question is...does that make it holy unto God? Do I have the authority to make such a declaration. Can I pray over water and then claim it is holy water? Can I pray over a building and claim that it is now a holy building?
In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the tabernacle and the Temple. His presence made these places holy. He visited Moses through a burning bush, that made the ground there holy. It was Gods' decision that made the Sabbath holy, it was His declaration that made offerings holy. In the New Testament, He declares that His people are now His holy temple. "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit". (Ephesians 2:21,22) Together, Christians form a holy temple where God dwells.
And individually we become holy through the cleansing that Jesus provides.
"But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation". (Colossians 1:22) It is God that makes a thing holy and only God can make you holy and me holy. He dwells within the believer and so we become "holy ground".
The next time you sing "This is Holy Ground", be looking deep into the eyes of a brother or sister in Christ. May we understand that we have been set apart and made sacred by God for His use (and only His use). You my brother, you my sister are a holy thing.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Nadab and Abihu
(Today's reading - Numbers 3, 7, 8)
It is no small thing to serve as a priest before the LORD. Aaron and his sons are stretched thin completing the tasks that have been assigned to them by God through Moses. And when Aaron loses two of his four sons, it becomes impossible for them to fulfill the requirements of serving as priests.
Gods' solution is to name a tribe of His people to serve in the tabernacle. One of the twelve would now be reserved as priests. And so it began that all priests must come from the tribe of Levi. More on this later.
The verse that calls for my attention today is Numbers 3:4..."Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the LORD when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai". I have heard many lessons using this text over the years and I am sure you have also. Leviticus 10 gives an account of the story also. The natural response to this incident is fear. God selected Aaron's sons to serve in the tabernacle and then God kills them for not serving the way He directed them.
What do we take away from this story? What are truths for us to learn? How can we apply what we have learned to better please God?
First, I think we can learn that God is just. He doesn't play favorites. If we ignore His directives, we will pay a price. He has set up this world to operate within those boundaries. If we break His laws, we will suffer. Divorce, abuse, lying, cheating, gossip....all come with a price. He may not strike us dead, but we will have consequences for our actions.
Second, I think we can learn that when God specifies something in worship, we should follow His desires and not ours. After all, He is the one being worshipped, not us. He knows what actions bring Him honor and glory. I might prefer something else, but it is not about me. A good example of this is found in Ephesians 5:19, "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord". I might prefer to do something other than sing, but God has asked for singing. I might prefer to sing to myself, but He says to speak to one another in song. Offering something other that what HE has asked for is disrespectful and self-centered. If my wife is in the mood to make me happy and asks what I would like for dinner and I ask for steak, only to come home after work to find pizza; I will not feel very respected or appreciated. Giving God what He asks for is just what he expects and deserves. Anything else is "unauthorized".
And lastly, God knows the heart. While you and I might think that Nadab and Abihu were treated harshly, God knew their hearts. He knew the intent of actions, we don't. I don't believe they "accidentally" picked up the wrong fire, rather God saw in their hearts the decision to be disobedient. If He let the leaders conduct themselves this way without punishment, what would have happened to His people. Instead, by dealing with their sin, He set a lasting example for His people; in fact we are still talking about it today.
As we consider Gods' justice, may we decide to have honest and sincere hearts before Him and strive to offer to Him the worship that He has specified. In doing so, we will be blessed and God will be honored.
It is no small thing to serve as a priest before the LORD. Aaron and his sons are stretched thin completing the tasks that have been assigned to them by God through Moses. And when Aaron loses two of his four sons, it becomes impossible for them to fulfill the requirements of serving as priests.
Gods' solution is to name a tribe of His people to serve in the tabernacle. One of the twelve would now be reserved as priests. And so it began that all priests must come from the tribe of Levi. More on this later.
The verse that calls for my attention today is Numbers 3:4..."Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the LORD when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai". I have heard many lessons using this text over the years and I am sure you have also. Leviticus 10 gives an account of the story also. The natural response to this incident is fear. God selected Aaron's sons to serve in the tabernacle and then God kills them for not serving the way He directed them.
What do we take away from this story? What are truths for us to learn? How can we apply what we have learned to better please God?
First, I think we can learn that God is just. He doesn't play favorites. If we ignore His directives, we will pay a price. He has set up this world to operate within those boundaries. If we break His laws, we will suffer. Divorce, abuse, lying, cheating, gossip....all come with a price. He may not strike us dead, but we will have consequences for our actions.
Second, I think we can learn that when God specifies something in worship, we should follow His desires and not ours. After all, He is the one being worshipped, not us. He knows what actions bring Him honor and glory. I might prefer something else, but it is not about me. A good example of this is found in Ephesians 5:19, "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord". I might prefer to do something other than sing, but God has asked for singing. I might prefer to sing to myself, but He says to speak to one another in song. Offering something other that what HE has asked for is disrespectful and self-centered. If my wife is in the mood to make me happy and asks what I would like for dinner and I ask for steak, only to come home after work to find pizza; I will not feel very respected or appreciated. Giving God what He asks for is just what he expects and deserves. Anything else is "unauthorized".
And lastly, God knows the heart. While you and I might think that Nadab and Abihu were treated harshly, God knew their hearts. He knew the intent of actions, we don't. I don't believe they "accidentally" picked up the wrong fire, rather God saw in their hearts the decision to be disobedient. If He let the leaders conduct themselves this way without punishment, what would have happened to His people. Instead, by dealing with their sin, He set a lasting example for His people; in fact we are still talking about it today.
As we consider Gods' justice, may we decide to have honest and sincere hearts before Him and strive to offer to Him the worship that He has specified. In doing so, we will be blessed and God will be honored.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Make an Offering
(Today's reading - Leviticus 8:1- 10:20) The LORD is in His tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are consecrated (set apart) for service before God. His people are commanded to start bringing their offerings to the tabernacle. It is almost dizzying to read about the required offerings that God commands.
The idea of offering God sacrifices is nothing new, one only needs to think back to Cain and Abel. But the organized ritual of offerings by Gods' people required by His covenant that we read about here is new. The priesthood is established and their function of offering sacrifices for Gods' people is put in place. Day after day, year after year, the priests would stand before the altar and offer the blood of bulls and goats to allow God to stay in a relationship with His people. God requires a payment for sin. The tenth chapter of Hebrews really helps here. (you must stop here and read it, Hebrews 10:1-18)
We are told that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. Jesus came to offer himself, once, for all; His blood can do what the other blood could not. The shedding of His blood will permanently and completely remove the sins of His people. We are made holy through His sacrifice. We read that the first will (covenant) has been set aside and that He has established the second. Great news!!
In the second, "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (verse 10) Once, for all. Everyone has the opportunity to be made holy, not a select few. Everyone has the opportunity, but not everyone will chose to take advantage of it. No more need for the daily offering of bulls and goats (I am sure they are thankful for that). There is so much that could be said here, but I want to focus on the wonderful gift of Jesus and how much we benefit by His sacrifice.
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary." (Hebrews 10:16-18) Jesus' sacrifice ended the old covenant and all of its' ordinances and put in its' place a better covenant that is in our hearts and provides full, complete forgiveness of our sins. Christians have been set free. Slaves to sin no more. Slaves to daily sacrifice for sins, no more. In the words of MLK, "Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last".
The idea of offering God sacrifices is nothing new, one only needs to think back to Cain and Abel. But the organized ritual of offerings by Gods' people required by His covenant that we read about here is new. The priesthood is established and their function of offering sacrifices for Gods' people is put in place. Day after day, year after year, the priests would stand before the altar and offer the blood of bulls and goats to allow God to stay in a relationship with His people. God requires a payment for sin. The tenth chapter of Hebrews really helps here. (you must stop here and read it, Hebrews 10:1-18)
We are told that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. Jesus came to offer himself, once, for all; His blood can do what the other blood could not. The shedding of His blood will permanently and completely remove the sins of His people. We are made holy through His sacrifice. We read that the first will (covenant) has been set aside and that He has established the second. Great news!!
In the second, "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (verse 10) Once, for all. Everyone has the opportunity to be made holy, not a select few. Everyone has the opportunity, but not everyone will chose to take advantage of it. No more need for the daily offering of bulls and goats (I am sure they are thankful for that). There is so much that could be said here, but I want to focus on the wonderful gift of Jesus and how much we benefit by His sacrifice.
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary." (Hebrews 10:16-18) Jesus' sacrifice ended the old covenant and all of its' ordinances and put in its' place a better covenant that is in our hearts and provides full, complete forgiveness of our sins. Christians have been set free. Slaves to sin no more. Slaves to daily sacrifice for sins, no more. In the words of MLK, "Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last".
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"As the LORD Commanded"
Good morning :-). Today's reading is Exodus 39:1- 40:35. The children of Israel have donated materials and the craftsmen have fashioned the individual components of the tabernacle. The garments for the Priests are sewn and fashioned (my daughter will like that, she is a fashion major at Lipscomb University). All is completed and brought before Moses for inspection.
The reading today presents a consistent thought. As each item of the tabernacle is described, the materials used and the way it was made; it is declared to be "just as the LORD commanded". Fifteen times in these verses, it is declared that the the work had been done exactly by Gods' direction, "just as the LORD commanded". HE had given the instruction and HE expected that His people would follow HIS directions in order to please HIM. Seems simple enough.
When the work was completed, the items were brought before Moses for inspection. (39:43) He looked over each item to make sure it met Gods' standard and when he found them acceptable, he blessed the people.
As the Tabernacle is erected, as each component is fitted together, as each piece of the furnishing is placed; it is declared to have been done "just as the LORD commanded". And when His house was completed, He moved in. "The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle".
So what can we take away from this? What are some big truths that God would have us understand? My thoughts (just my thoughts) are that I need to understand that God expects us to take the time learn and then apply what we have learned "just as the LORD commanded". Certainly He has left many things in our lives up to us to decide. But even those things are directly influenced by our understanding of His will. However, many things He has clearly specified and expects our complete submission to His will.
What I like, what you like must take a backseat to His commands. Spending time in His word is the only way to grow in our understanding of His will for our lives. Where else will I learn how I am to treat my wife, my children and my fellow man? Where else will I learn how to conduct myself on my job and in public? Where else will I learn how to become a Christian and how to worship God "just as He commanded"? People might tell me their opinions on these things, but the only reliable source of truth is Gods' word. That is where His commands are found.
Today, may we decide to live our lives "just as the LORD commanded". May we determine to look at the individual pieces of our lives to be sure they meet His standard and then put them together to live a life that God will inhabit. May the glory of the LORD fill you.
The reading today presents a consistent thought. As each item of the tabernacle is described, the materials used and the way it was made; it is declared to be "just as the LORD commanded". Fifteen times in these verses, it is declared that the the work had been done exactly by Gods' direction, "just as the LORD commanded". HE had given the instruction and HE expected that His people would follow HIS directions in order to please HIM. Seems simple enough.
When the work was completed, the items were brought before Moses for inspection. (39:43) He looked over each item to make sure it met Gods' standard and when he found them acceptable, he blessed the people.
As the Tabernacle is erected, as each component is fitted together, as each piece of the furnishing is placed; it is declared to have been done "just as the LORD commanded". And when His house was completed, He moved in. "The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle".
So what can we take away from this? What are some big truths that God would have us understand? My thoughts (just my thoughts) are that I need to understand that God expects us to take the time learn and then apply what we have learned "just as the LORD commanded". Certainly He has left many things in our lives up to us to decide. But even those things are directly influenced by our understanding of His will. However, many things He has clearly specified and expects our complete submission to His will.
What I like, what you like must take a backseat to His commands. Spending time in His word is the only way to grow in our understanding of His will for our lives. Where else will I learn how I am to treat my wife, my children and my fellow man? Where else will I learn how to conduct myself on my job and in public? Where else will I learn how to become a Christian and how to worship God "just as He commanded"? People might tell me their opinions on these things, but the only reliable source of truth is Gods' word. That is where His commands are found.
Today, may we decide to live our lives "just as the LORD commanded". May we determine to look at the individual pieces of our lives to be sure they meet His standard and then put them together to live a life that God will inhabit. May the glory of the LORD fill you.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Attention To Detail
Today's reading takes us from Exodus 35: 4 to 39:1. Yesterday we read that God renewed His covenant with the children of Israel and promised His presence. The people begin the construction of the Tabernacle.
The attention to detail leaps from the page. As an engineer, I am somewhat known for my attention to detail and demanding a particular specification of materials and quality of construction. I am nothing compared to God. His plans and specs for His house are stunning. He knows exactly what He wants and gives complete design information that is to be followed.
He has lavish tastes as well. A quick calculation of the materials used nets about $45,000,000 in today's dollars (not including the labor). The materials to be used are gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen. Only the best for God! His house is to be the finest available. Do I expect that second best is good enough for God?
What can I learn about God and what can I learn about my relationship with Him? First, He specifies the home He will live in. Do I think that He would move into a home that isn't built to His specification? Second, He expects His people to be obedient to His commands. Following His spec is the only way to please Him. Thirdly, He expects His home is to be formed through sacrifice. His people were called upon to give the materials to build the Tabernacle.
For me to have a proper relationship with Him, I must use His spec for His home. Do I expect Him to move into His new home when I have not followed His specifications? What is His spec now? You and me, washed in the blood of His son, Jesus. (Acts 2:38,39) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (1 Cor 3:16) "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
God expects us to keep His commands. Jesus tells His followers "If you love me, keep my commands". (John 14:15) The test of our love for God is our obedience to His commands. If I want to please God and give Him glory, I will be obedient to His word; I will step down from the throne of my life and place Him there.
His home is to be built through sacrifice. First and foremost, the blood of Christ is required. He will not move in until the home is clean and cleansing comes through the sacrifice of Jesus and the application of His blood. But in addition to Jesus' sacrifice, our sacrifice is demanded. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1) Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice, a living sacrifice. We don't have to die physically, but we do have to die spiritually. (Take 5 minutes and read Romans 6)
In conclusion, may we decide to pay attention to details in our lives. May we decide to examine our "home" and make sure we have followed His specification and that it is a suitable residence for our Father. Amen.
The attention to detail leaps from the page. As an engineer, I am somewhat known for my attention to detail and demanding a particular specification of materials and quality of construction. I am nothing compared to God. His plans and specs for His house are stunning. He knows exactly what He wants and gives complete design information that is to be followed.
He has lavish tastes as well. A quick calculation of the materials used nets about $45,000,000 in today's dollars (not including the labor). The materials to be used are gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen. Only the best for God! His house is to be the finest available. Do I expect that second best is good enough for God?
What can I learn about God and what can I learn about my relationship with Him? First, He specifies the home He will live in. Do I think that He would move into a home that isn't built to His specification? Second, He expects His people to be obedient to His commands. Following His spec is the only way to please Him. Thirdly, He expects His home is to be formed through sacrifice. His people were called upon to give the materials to build the Tabernacle.
For me to have a proper relationship with Him, I must use His spec for His home. Do I expect Him to move into His new home when I have not followed His specifications? What is His spec now? You and me, washed in the blood of His son, Jesus. (Acts 2:38,39) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (1 Cor 3:16) "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
God expects us to keep His commands. Jesus tells His followers "If you love me, keep my commands". (John 14:15) The test of our love for God is our obedience to His commands. If I want to please God and give Him glory, I will be obedient to His word; I will step down from the throne of my life and place Him there.
His home is to be built through sacrifice. First and foremost, the blood of Christ is required. He will not move in until the home is clean and cleansing comes through the sacrifice of Jesus and the application of His blood. But in addition to Jesus' sacrifice, our sacrifice is demanded. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1) Our lives are to be a continual sacrifice, a living sacrifice. We don't have to die physically, but we do have to die spiritually. (Take 5 minutes and read Romans 6)
In conclusion, may we decide to pay attention to details in our lives. May we decide to examine our "home" and make sure we have followed His specification and that it is a suitable residence for our Father. Amen.
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