(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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)