Genesis 6:9
9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.
Poor, old, crazy, mixed up, God fearing Noah. He lived in a time of sin and debauchery unlike any other. People were mating with demons. They were giving themselves up to any temptation or good feeling that came their way. They were worshipping trees, rocks, precious metals, each other, and what ever else they deemed worthy. Life was crazy!
Then, one day, God spoke to Noah and told him to build an ark. I can only imagine the conversation they had.
Noah-“A what?”
God-“AN ARK--A BIG BOAT...because I AM going to bring rain on the earth. Water from the heavens. All the animals will come to you and you will keep them in this monstrosity of a boat that I have told you to build.”
Noah-“You’re kidding, right? Do you know what the people are going to say about me?”
God-“YES-I AM GOD, REMEMBER?! Just build the boat. I AM going to give you plenty of time to get it done. Don’t worry. I AM going to keep you safe and protect you....”
That must have been interesting. What was the real purpose for Noah and his ark, though? God intended to destroy all of the world and start new with Noah’s family. He (God) found Noah to be righteous and blameless and was going to use him to restore the world. Out of a violent storm He would bring about peace and rest from the horrors that had been going on.
It’s interesting the way God put the Bible together. Here’s the story of Noah, a man viewed by God as righteous and blameless, directly following the genealogy of man from Adam to Noah. Why would God feel it important to put the genealogy right before the story of Noah? Here are my thoughts.
Each name has a meaning. There are 10 names mentioned from Adam to Noah. Here are those names and their meanings.
Adam-Man
Seth-Appointed-violent-disordered
Enosh-Frail and miserable
Kenan-create
Mahalalel-Praise of God
Jared-Brought down to earth
Enoch-Dedicated
Methuselah-with a mission-purpose
Lamech-poor-made low
Noah-peace-rest
When you put all of these name meanings together you get the following paragraph.
Man was appointed, but violent and disordered. He was frail and miserable. He created many problems through sin. But, the Praise of God was brought down to earth. HE was a dedicated Man with a mission and purpose. HE became poor and was made low in order to bring peace and rest.
HE is Jesus. Can you see Him?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Justification
Numbers 25:13
13 “He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
Here’s a surprise, Israel had once again turned its back on God. You would think that a nation who had witnessed, time and time again, the miracles of God would continue to follow Him. Oh, but they were a foolish, self-serving bunch. They were flighty and whiny. They were caught up in the wants and desires of their flesh and really weren’t concerned with the Law. So, God sent a plague on the people. The Bible doesn’t specify what kind of plague, but it does tell us that 24,000 people died!
Enter Phinehas, a priest, the son of Eleazar who was the son of Aaron. While the people of Israel were standing around the outside of the Lord’s Tent of Meeting, weeping, he stood up. He’d had enough, he’d seen enough. His anger burned for the Lord. He wasn’t going to put up with this behavior anymore, so he acted. Phinehas took a spear and and executed an Israelite man and the woman with whom he had sinned. This was an act of worship towards his God. He wasn’t going to stand by and have God mocked by man anymore. Phinehas loved the Lord and desired to please Him, so he acted on behalf of God for the sake of man.
This act was pleasing to the Lord. He honored Phinehas for what he had done. He made a covenant of peace with him and declared that all of his descendants would be priests. Not only did He honor Phinehas, but He removed His wrath from the rest of Israel. Although some had already died in the plague, God stopped the plague because of the actions of Phinehas. The nation was made righteous because of the actions of one man.
Jesus Christ, our High Priest and representative to the Lord, did the same for us. He saw the wrath of God and felt the burning fire of God’s anger while He hung on the cross. He stood up, when everyone else was following their lustful desires; for God for the sake of man. When Jesus took the cross, He wasn’t only acting on behalf of God, He was acting because He was God. He did what no other man was capable of doing for the sake of all other men. Because of the righteousness of Christ and His eternal sacrifice, we are all made righteous in the eyes of God. God’s everlasting covenant of peace is upon us and we are all made to be priests as His descendants! (1 Peter 2:9)
13 “He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
Here’s a surprise, Israel had once again turned its back on God. You would think that a nation who had witnessed, time and time again, the miracles of God would continue to follow Him. Oh, but they were a foolish, self-serving bunch. They were flighty and whiny. They were caught up in the wants and desires of their flesh and really weren’t concerned with the Law. So, God sent a plague on the people. The Bible doesn’t specify what kind of plague, but it does tell us that 24,000 people died!
Enter Phinehas, a priest, the son of Eleazar who was the son of Aaron. While the people of Israel were standing around the outside of the Lord’s Tent of Meeting, weeping, he stood up. He’d had enough, he’d seen enough. His anger burned for the Lord. He wasn’t going to put up with this behavior anymore, so he acted. Phinehas took a spear and and executed an Israelite man and the woman with whom he had sinned. This was an act of worship towards his God. He wasn’t going to stand by and have God mocked by man anymore. Phinehas loved the Lord and desired to please Him, so he acted on behalf of God for the sake of man.
This act was pleasing to the Lord. He honored Phinehas for what he had done. He made a covenant of peace with him and declared that all of his descendants would be priests. Not only did He honor Phinehas, but He removed His wrath from the rest of Israel. Although some had already died in the plague, God stopped the plague because of the actions of Phinehas. The nation was made righteous because of the actions of one man.
Jesus Christ, our High Priest and representative to the Lord, did the same for us. He saw the wrath of God and felt the burning fire of God’s anger while He hung on the cross. He stood up, when everyone else was following their lustful desires; for God for the sake of man. When Jesus took the cross, He wasn’t only acting on behalf of God, He was acting because He was God. He did what no other man was capable of doing for the sake of all other men. Because of the righteousness of Christ and His eternal sacrifice, we are all made righteous in the eyes of God. God’s everlasting covenant of peace is upon us and we are all made to be priests as His descendants! (1 Peter 2:9)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Church
Proverbs 31:21-22
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household. For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31 is a beautiful example and tool for a Biblical wife. It speaks of her unfailing love for her husband, her support of the family, and her willingness to work. It speaks about her beauty, her love for her neighbors, and her ultimate goal of bringing honor to her husband. I think, however, that this passage wasn’t intended just for the woman in society. I think that Proverbs 31 was written for the church.
Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” This bride is the church. There are lots of passages in the Bible that speak of the church as the bride of Christ. Jesus taught using parables and spoke of wedding feasts and banquets. The books of Ephesians and 2 Corinthians make reference to the church as a bride. Could it be that Proverbs 31 is making reference to how the church should look and act? I’ve copied Proverbs 31:10-31 below and substituted THE CHURCH for SHE. Give it a read and ask yourself, does this sound like church?
10 An excellent CHURCH, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 THE CHURCH does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 THE CHURCH looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
14 THE CHURCH is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
15 THE CHURCH rises also while it is still night; And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
16 THE CHURCH considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 THE CHURCH girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
18 THE CHURCH senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 THE CHURCH stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 THE CHURCH extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 THE CHURCH is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 THE CHURCH makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 THE CHURCH makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And THE CHURCH smiles at the future.
26 THE CHURCH opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 THE CHURCH looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But THE CHURCH who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
Church, we have no fear for our household because we are covered and cleansed by the atoning Blood of Jesus Christ. We have made a choice to follow Him, and in doing so, have put on the royalty of Christ the King.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household. For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31 is a beautiful example and tool for a Biblical wife. It speaks of her unfailing love for her husband, her support of the family, and her willingness to work. It speaks about her beauty, her love for her neighbors, and her ultimate goal of bringing honor to her husband. I think, however, that this passage wasn’t intended just for the woman in society. I think that Proverbs 31 was written for the church.
Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” This bride is the church. There are lots of passages in the Bible that speak of the church as the bride of Christ. Jesus taught using parables and spoke of wedding feasts and banquets. The books of Ephesians and 2 Corinthians make reference to the church as a bride. Could it be that Proverbs 31 is making reference to how the church should look and act? I’ve copied Proverbs 31:10-31 below and substituted THE CHURCH for SHE. Give it a read and ask yourself, does this sound like church?
10 An excellent CHURCH, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 THE CHURCH does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 THE CHURCH looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
14 THE CHURCH is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
15 THE CHURCH rises also while it is still night; And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
16 THE CHURCH considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 THE CHURCH girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
18 THE CHURCH senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 THE CHURCH stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 THE CHURCH extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 THE CHURCH is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 THE CHURCH makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 THE CHURCH makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And THE CHURCH smiles at the future.
26 THE CHURCH opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 THE CHURCH looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But THE CHURCH who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
Church, we have no fear for our household because we are covered and cleansed by the atoning Blood of Jesus Christ. We have made a choice to follow Him, and in doing so, have put on the royalty of Christ the King.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Say MY Name!
John 18:6
6 And when He said to them, I am, they went aback, and fell down on the earth.
Lately I’ve been considering our view of Jesus as a Christian community. I think that sometimes we forget that Jesus Christ is, was, and always will be God. He was so much more then just a mere man teaching, healing, and prophesying, He was God in human form. Jesus Christ (AKA-GOD) humbled Himself to a human body for the purpose of salvation, but make no mistake about it, this was no man!
It’s become all to easy in today’s society to lose touch with reality. We live in a virtual world where pictures are digitally enhanced for quality and reality is what you perceive it to be. But Jesus, He walked in the real world. There were no computers or cameras. Time Magazine wasn’t able to make Him the “man of the year” and then re-touch His photo so He fit our minds perception of Him. When He walked in the flesh, He was real to the people. Both man and God walking side by side with them. They witnessed His miracles first hand, they touched His perfect body, and they saw Him die. They ate and drank with Him, cried with Him, and saw Him get mad!
We, on the other hand, have a warped view of Jesus. We have a mental picture of some long-haired hippie wearing a toga and sandals with a well manicured beard talking in a soft, low voice with pretty blue eyes. He’s not super buff, but He’s not a metro-wuss. He always has a peaceful look about him, and is never portrayed as aggressive or angry. That’s not the real Jesus, though.
The truth is that Jesus, Son of God, and God in whole, was there in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God.....” and He’s right there in Revelation 22:21 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ...” He’s not a man, a prophet, or a martyr. He’s the Savior of His creation; the Atoning Sacrifice. He is the Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer. (Psalm 18:2) He is I-AM. When the Pharisees and soldiers came under the cover of night to arrest Jesus they were completely unaware of His power and might. They thought He was a threat to their way of life, much like the people of today. They thought He was just a man and that they could easily take hold of Him and control Him. They were mistaken, much like society today. They asked who is Jesus of Nazareth. He answered, “I AM”. We think that He was answering as a person would, but He was just saying His name. He was correcting them. They thought they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, but what they meant to say was, “Who is Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth?” When Jesus spoke His name, “I AM” they fell to the ground. (EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AT HIS NAME. Phillipians 2:10) In an act of grace and mercy, He held out His hands and surrendered to them.
Jesus Christ, Comforter-Healer-Salvation, is our best friend, but He’s also God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let’s try to remember that when we approach Him with conversation.
6 And when He said to them, I am, they went aback, and fell down on the earth.
Lately I’ve been considering our view of Jesus as a Christian community. I think that sometimes we forget that Jesus Christ is, was, and always will be God. He was so much more then just a mere man teaching, healing, and prophesying, He was God in human form. Jesus Christ (AKA-GOD) humbled Himself to a human body for the purpose of salvation, but make no mistake about it, this was no man!
It’s become all to easy in today’s society to lose touch with reality. We live in a virtual world where pictures are digitally enhanced for quality and reality is what you perceive it to be. But Jesus, He walked in the real world. There were no computers or cameras. Time Magazine wasn’t able to make Him the “man of the year” and then re-touch His photo so He fit our minds perception of Him. When He walked in the flesh, He was real to the people. Both man and God walking side by side with them. They witnessed His miracles first hand, they touched His perfect body, and they saw Him die. They ate and drank with Him, cried with Him, and saw Him get mad!
We, on the other hand, have a warped view of Jesus. We have a mental picture of some long-haired hippie wearing a toga and sandals with a well manicured beard talking in a soft, low voice with pretty blue eyes. He’s not super buff, but He’s not a metro-wuss. He always has a peaceful look about him, and is never portrayed as aggressive or angry. That’s not the real Jesus, though.
The truth is that Jesus, Son of God, and God in whole, was there in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God.....” and He’s right there in Revelation 22:21 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ...” He’s not a man, a prophet, or a martyr. He’s the Savior of His creation; the Atoning Sacrifice. He is the Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer. (Psalm 18:2) He is I-AM. When the Pharisees and soldiers came under the cover of night to arrest Jesus they were completely unaware of His power and might. They thought He was a threat to their way of life, much like the people of today. They thought He was just a man and that they could easily take hold of Him and control Him. They were mistaken, much like society today. They asked who is Jesus of Nazareth. He answered, “I AM”. We think that He was answering as a person would, but He was just saying His name. He was correcting them. They thought they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, but what they meant to say was, “Who is Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth?” When Jesus spoke His name, “I AM” they fell to the ground. (EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AT HIS NAME. Phillipians 2:10) In an act of grace and mercy, He held out His hands and surrendered to them.
Jesus Christ, Comforter-Healer-Salvation, is our best friend, but He’s also God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let’s try to remember that when we approach Him with conversation.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Talking Donkey?
29 Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now."
After being questioned by his donkey as to a recently incurred beating, Balaam answered. That’s right, he answered. He didn’t say, as I assume I would have, “What the...my donkey is talking..how the....since when do donkeys talk?” Does this reaction seem a little odd?? How often did donkeys talk during the time of Balaam? Was this a regular occurrence? “Oh hey Balak, I was talking to the donkey last week and he suggested some herbal tea to help you fall asleep.” Surely this wasn’t normal. So why did Balaam respond as if it were? The Bible gives us no indication that Balaam was startled or surprised that his donkey had just questioned him. It simply goes right on with Balaam’s response to the animal, which is harsh and angry.
How often do we respond to God’s talking donkeys in our life the same exact way? Instead of acknowledging the obvious interruption into our plans by God, we jump right past that into reacting harshly to the message. What if Balaam had said, “Why are you talking to me? What is it that is causing you to stop here in this path?” I think the donkey would have said, “There’s a huge angel with a sword right there!” Instead, Balaam threatened the donkey saying that if he’d had a sword he would kill him. Isn’t that how we respond sometimes, too? Instead of asking the important question of “Why?” we go straight to kill mode. Cut the throat of the inconvenience in order to make our path easy.
Could it be that this donkey represents how we see Jesus in our own lives? Just like the donkey, Jesus has been there serving us all the while, faithfully carrying us. He even chose to go to the cross for us. He never questioned his mission; He took the beatings that we dished out; He carries us on His shoulders through the world. When He stops in our path, when He ceases forward motion, how often do we beat Him for it? When unforeseen barriers slow our forward movement do we stop and ask Jesus why, or do we get angry, beat Him and curse Him?
Psalm 23:2 says that “He makes me lie down in green pastures...” Sometimes shepherds would have rogue sheep and they would have to make them lie down. They did this by breaking their legs or feet. The wandering sheep would have ended up food for a bear or lion otherwise. Balaam’s donkey crushed Balaam’s foot when it laid down! Sometimes God has to crush us a bit in order to get us to see His plans.
How fitting it is that Jesus was carried into Jerusalem to lay down His life on the back of a donkey!
After being questioned by his donkey as to a recently incurred beating, Balaam answered. That’s right, he answered. He didn’t say, as I assume I would have, “What the...my donkey is talking..how the....since when do donkeys talk?” Does this reaction seem a little odd?? How often did donkeys talk during the time of Balaam? Was this a regular occurrence? “Oh hey Balak, I was talking to the donkey last week and he suggested some herbal tea to help you fall asleep.” Surely this wasn’t normal. So why did Balaam respond as if it were? The Bible gives us no indication that Balaam was startled or surprised that his donkey had just questioned him. It simply goes right on with Balaam’s response to the animal, which is harsh and angry.
How often do we respond to God’s talking donkeys in our life the same exact way? Instead of acknowledging the obvious interruption into our plans by God, we jump right past that into reacting harshly to the message. What if Balaam had said, “Why are you talking to me? What is it that is causing you to stop here in this path?” I think the donkey would have said, “There’s a huge angel with a sword right there!” Instead, Balaam threatened the donkey saying that if he’d had a sword he would kill him. Isn’t that how we respond sometimes, too? Instead of asking the important question of “Why?” we go straight to kill mode. Cut the throat of the inconvenience in order to make our path easy.
Could it be that this donkey represents how we see Jesus in our own lives? Just like the donkey, Jesus has been there serving us all the while, faithfully carrying us. He even chose to go to the cross for us. He never questioned his mission; He took the beatings that we dished out; He carries us on His shoulders through the world. When He stops in our path, when He ceases forward motion, how often do we beat Him for it? When unforeseen barriers slow our forward movement do we stop and ask Jesus why, or do we get angry, beat Him and curse Him?
Psalm 23:2 says that “He makes me lie down in green pastures...” Sometimes shepherds would have rogue sheep and they would have to make them lie down. They did this by breaking their legs or feet. The wandering sheep would have ended up food for a bear or lion otherwise. Balaam’s donkey crushed Balaam’s foot when it laid down! Sometimes God has to crush us a bit in order to get us to see His plans.
How fitting it is that Jesus was carried into Jerusalem to lay down His life on the back of a donkey!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Eyes wide open
Daniel 5:12
12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."
Scholars are constantly trying to interpret the Bible. The Bible is used as a “how to” book in a lot of arenas. In other areas it’s touted as a pseudo-historical document. The stories listed in the Bible from the creation of the universe to the crucifixion of Jesus are used in our society as metaphors for life as if the Bible were a self help pamphlet. They are sometimes written off as a way that an ancient and uneducated people explained natural phenomenon, such as lightning, earthquakes, and thunder. This way of reading the Bible simply isn’t accurate.
The Bible is the living Word of God. All scripture is written for understanding, for knowledge, and for growth. (2 Timothy 3:16) How is it that some people can read the Bible and see Jesus and others read it and see history? Well, because the Bible is both. It is historical, the people and battles that are written about in the Bible really did happen, but that’s not where the story stops. Educated society would have us all believe that the Bible is simply a religious document that gives an account of the historical background of the nation of Israel, but that is only half true. The Holy Spirit wants us to know more. He wants us to read through the history, through the battle, and through the genealogy, and straight to the heart of Jesus.
Over the past 2500 or so years, not much has changed between society, God’s people, and how they differ in an understanding of His word. When Daniel was daring to be himself, God had a message for all of society. He used His hand and wrote on a wall in Belshazzar’s palace. Just like today they wanted to know what it meant so Belshazzar called all of his super-smart educated people in to read it and interpret it for him. The problem was that they couldn’t understand what the writing meant. Finally Belshazzar’s queen suggested Daniel, knowing that he’d interpreted things before and that he was a man filled with the Spirit. They called him in and he read the writing. Daniel gave an accurate interpretation of what God had written.
Sometimes I get upset when I hear a “scholar” interpret the Bible. It’s insulting to hear the Discovery or History Channel “explain” how the Red Sea was parted. It’s offensive to hear them say that it really wasn’t a sea, but just a marsh that happened to dry up one day. It frustrates me when people view the Bible as a self-help guide book for life or a mere historical text. It angers me when I go to church and hear a pastor use secular books to validate what the Bible said, as if to say that God’s word is true because some ‘expert’ says so right here in his book. The truth is that the Bible is history past and future. The Bible is Jesus. He’s a story teller, a healer, a physician, a friend, a prophet, a savior, and God. We’ve been given a great gift in the Holy Spirit, who helps us learn and understand the Truth. It’s easy to read and interpret the writing on the wall through the eyes of the scribe!
12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."
Scholars are constantly trying to interpret the Bible. The Bible is used as a “how to” book in a lot of arenas. In other areas it’s touted as a pseudo-historical document. The stories listed in the Bible from the creation of the universe to the crucifixion of Jesus are used in our society as metaphors for life as if the Bible were a self help pamphlet. They are sometimes written off as a way that an ancient and uneducated people explained natural phenomenon, such as lightning, earthquakes, and thunder. This way of reading the Bible simply isn’t accurate.
The Bible is the living Word of God. All scripture is written for understanding, for knowledge, and for growth. (2 Timothy 3:16) How is it that some people can read the Bible and see Jesus and others read it and see history? Well, because the Bible is both. It is historical, the people and battles that are written about in the Bible really did happen, but that’s not where the story stops. Educated society would have us all believe that the Bible is simply a religious document that gives an account of the historical background of the nation of Israel, but that is only half true. The Holy Spirit wants us to know more. He wants us to read through the history, through the battle, and through the genealogy, and straight to the heart of Jesus.
Over the past 2500 or so years, not much has changed between society, God’s people, and how they differ in an understanding of His word. When Daniel was daring to be himself, God had a message for all of society. He used His hand and wrote on a wall in Belshazzar’s palace. Just like today they wanted to know what it meant so Belshazzar called all of his super-smart educated people in to read it and interpret it for him. The problem was that they couldn’t understand what the writing meant. Finally Belshazzar’s queen suggested Daniel, knowing that he’d interpreted things before and that he was a man filled with the Spirit. They called him in and he read the writing. Daniel gave an accurate interpretation of what God had written.
Sometimes I get upset when I hear a “scholar” interpret the Bible. It’s insulting to hear the Discovery or History Channel “explain” how the Red Sea was parted. It’s offensive to hear them say that it really wasn’t a sea, but just a marsh that happened to dry up one day. It frustrates me when people view the Bible as a self-help guide book for life or a mere historical text. It angers me when I go to church and hear a pastor use secular books to validate what the Bible said, as if to say that God’s word is true because some ‘expert’ says so right here in his book. The truth is that the Bible is history past and future. The Bible is Jesus. He’s a story teller, a healer, a physician, a friend, a prophet, a savior, and God. We’ve been given a great gift in the Holy Spirit, who helps us learn and understand the Truth. It’s easy to read and interpret the writing on the wall through the eyes of the scribe!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Run 'em through
Ezekiel 32:20
20 The Egyptians will fall with the many who have died by the sword, for the sword is drawn against them. Egypt and its hordes will be dragged away to their judgment.
So many times in the Bible, God tells the nation of Israel to go and to conquer an opposing nation. He gives strict instructions, in most occasions, that every man, woman, and child is to be killed. Sometimes, like in 1 Samuel 15, God goes as far as to tell His people to kill the livestock too. In most cases He makes reference to the use of a sword in order to conquer. Why not catapult? Why not bow and arrow? Why not fire?
Here are my thoughts as to why God would require everyone to be killed; why He would require even the livestock to die. Here is why I think God had them use a sword. To kill someone with a bow and arrow, for instance, is certainly hard both physically and mentally, but somewhat detached. In Bible times there were no high powered scopes on weapons, so the target would appear to be just a silhouette on the horizon. This takes some of the personal responsibility out of what is being done. To kill someone with a sword, however, takes a huge effort. You have to struggle hand to hand with that person. You are forced to look that enemy directly in the eye. You trade blood with each other. That enemy even has the ability to bring harm to you. It’s a primal struggle for victory.
We are taught as Christians that Jesus is the Word of God, and that His Word is like a sword. (Revelation 19:15) While all of the Bible is a true and historical account of what happened and what God intended to happen, it is also a picture of God’s salvation plan for our lives. Everything in history, whether Biblical or otherwise, is God inspired and controlled in order that His Jesus will receive the glory. The lesson to be learned is that God requires our enemies to be totally and utterly destroyed. Whether it’s alcohol, pornography, drug abuse, depression, anger, rage, sexual abuse, or whatever else there is, God wants you and me to face our enemy in battle. He wants us to come face to face with our adversary and slay him with the Sword. We carry with us Jesus Christ, the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. God requires us to fight, He’s made us in His image. God is a fighter, therefore so are we. He’s given us an objective and the Weapon to conquer. The battle may not be easy, but it’s already won!
20 The Egyptians will fall with the many who have died by the sword, for the sword is drawn against them. Egypt and its hordes will be dragged away to their judgment.
So many times in the Bible, God tells the nation of Israel to go and to conquer an opposing nation. He gives strict instructions, in most occasions, that every man, woman, and child is to be killed. Sometimes, like in 1 Samuel 15, God goes as far as to tell His people to kill the livestock too. In most cases He makes reference to the use of a sword in order to conquer. Why not catapult? Why not bow and arrow? Why not fire?
Here are my thoughts as to why God would require everyone to be killed; why He would require even the livestock to die. Here is why I think God had them use a sword. To kill someone with a bow and arrow, for instance, is certainly hard both physically and mentally, but somewhat detached. In Bible times there were no high powered scopes on weapons, so the target would appear to be just a silhouette on the horizon. This takes some of the personal responsibility out of what is being done. To kill someone with a sword, however, takes a huge effort. You have to struggle hand to hand with that person. You are forced to look that enemy directly in the eye. You trade blood with each other. That enemy even has the ability to bring harm to you. It’s a primal struggle for victory.
We are taught as Christians that Jesus is the Word of God, and that His Word is like a sword. (Revelation 19:15) While all of the Bible is a true and historical account of what happened and what God intended to happen, it is also a picture of God’s salvation plan for our lives. Everything in history, whether Biblical or otherwise, is God inspired and controlled in order that His Jesus will receive the glory. The lesson to be learned is that God requires our enemies to be totally and utterly destroyed. Whether it’s alcohol, pornography, drug abuse, depression, anger, rage, sexual abuse, or whatever else there is, God wants you and me to face our enemy in battle. He wants us to come face to face with our adversary and slay him with the Sword. We carry with us Jesus Christ, the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. God requires us to fight, He’s made us in His image. God is a fighter, therefore so are we. He’s given us an objective and the Weapon to conquer. The battle may not be easy, but it’s already won!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Cling-on's
Acts 3:11
11 Now while he [still] firmly clung to Peter and John, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's.
After receiving the Holy Spirit and the power to heal, Peter and John set out doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do. They were proclaiming the Gospel truth across the land and healing the sick and the lame in the name of Jesus Christ. One day, on their way into the temple to pray, Peter and John came upon a lame man at the gate. The man had been brought there daily and laid at the opening of the temple to beg money and food from the people as they passed by. Peter and John immediately recognized this man’s need and acted on it. They looked at him, they commanded that he look at them, and they laid hands on him. With the Spirit of God, and through the power of Jesus Christ, they reached out and healed this lame man. They didn’t give him what he sought, provisions for the day; they gave him healing, which was his provision for life!
Afterwards, this man was so thankful and greateful for what Peter and John had done that he literally clung to them as they all went into the temple to pray and worship. People crowded in amazement around them, desiring to see this man, who was a castaway member of society because of his lameness, now walking and rejoicing among them. The passage continues and Peter again preaches the Gospel truth to the people, giving all credit and honor to Jesus!
It’s interesting that Peter and John are the ones who God used to work this miracle. The name Peter means rock or stone. We know that the God wrote His law in stone, twice, for the people of Israel. So the rock, Peter, is a representation of the Law. The name John means God is gracious-mercy. So John is Grace. By inserting “The Law” in place of Peter and “God’s Gracious-mercy” in place of John, this same passage reads, “11 Now while he [still] firmly clung to The Law and God’s Gracious Mercy, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's.” What a difference!
We were all “lame” when Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself for our sins. We were all set outside the temple of God begging and pleading for enough for one more day. But the Perfect Law and Gracious-mercy who is Christ Jesus stretched out His hands and gave us healing. He provided a way, not just to get through the day, but to have life everlasting. The lesson here is that we need to cling to the Law and God’s Gracious-mercy. The lame man in Acts realized how vitally important these two men were to his new life, likewise, we must realize how vitally important Jesus is to our new life. The people around were amazed and came RUNNING to see and learn what had happened to the lame man who was clinging to Peter and John. Are people running to see why you are clinging to Jesus?
11 Now while he [still] firmly clung to Peter and John, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's.
After receiving the Holy Spirit and the power to heal, Peter and John set out doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do. They were proclaiming the Gospel truth across the land and healing the sick and the lame in the name of Jesus Christ. One day, on their way into the temple to pray, Peter and John came upon a lame man at the gate. The man had been brought there daily and laid at the opening of the temple to beg money and food from the people as they passed by. Peter and John immediately recognized this man’s need and acted on it. They looked at him, they commanded that he look at them, and they laid hands on him. With the Spirit of God, and through the power of Jesus Christ, they reached out and healed this lame man. They didn’t give him what he sought, provisions for the day; they gave him healing, which was his provision for life!
Afterwards, this man was so thankful and greateful for what Peter and John had done that he literally clung to them as they all went into the temple to pray and worship. People crowded in amazement around them, desiring to see this man, who was a castaway member of society because of his lameness, now walking and rejoicing among them. The passage continues and Peter again preaches the Gospel truth to the people, giving all credit and honor to Jesus!
It’s interesting that Peter and John are the ones who God used to work this miracle. The name Peter means rock or stone. We know that the God wrote His law in stone, twice, for the people of Israel. So the rock, Peter, is a representation of the Law. The name John means God is gracious-mercy. So John is Grace. By inserting “The Law” in place of Peter and “God’s Gracious-mercy” in place of John, this same passage reads, “11 Now while he [still] firmly clung to The Law and God’s Gracious Mercy, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's.” What a difference!
We were all “lame” when Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself for our sins. We were all set outside the temple of God begging and pleading for enough for one more day. But the Perfect Law and Gracious-mercy who is Christ Jesus stretched out His hands and gave us healing. He provided a way, not just to get through the day, but to have life everlasting. The lesson here is that we need to cling to the Law and God’s Gracious-mercy. The lame man in Acts realized how vitally important these two men were to his new life, likewise, we must realize how vitally important Jesus is to our new life. The people around were amazed and came RUNNING to see and learn what had happened to the lame man who was clinging to Peter and John. Are people running to see why you are clinging to Jesus?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ransomed
Exodus 30:12
12 "When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.”
How much does a life cost? How much is your life worth? These are interesting questions to sit and think about. These questions actually lead to more questions. Why would God put a 1/2 shekel price on every persons life? Why would He make it a rule that rich and poor had to pay exactly the same price? What if a person didn’t have 1/2 a shekel? Why was payment only needed when they were counted at a census? What about the rest of the time? Why can’t the rich pay extra to cover for the poor?
Well, I’m not planning on answering all of these questions, nor do I think that I am capable of answering all of these questions. Everything that is written in the Bible, both New and Old Testament, is written to show us the power of God, the wealth of His love, and the redemption of His Grace. From Noah and the Ark to Peter walking on water; every story, every chapter and verse is a small snapshot of an abundance of Grace powered by love. Why did God ask for a ransom when the Israelites were counted? The answer is simple, so that we could find Jesus.
The fact is that rich and poor, good and bad were counted during a census. Everyone twenty and over was counted and charged a ransom for their life and protection from plague. I’m not sure the significance of being 20, perhaps that’s God’s age of understanding, but I am sure of the significance of a ransom. A ransom is a redemption from captivity or slavery for a kidnapped person!
Here’s the blessing. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a RANSOM for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” What that means is we were purchased back from our slavery to sin, having been kidnapped and hood-winked by the Devil. The blood of Christ shed on the cross was the RANSOM for all who come to be counted in His flock. The price is paid and we are protected from the plague of sin and separation from God. Equal payment leads to an equal salvation. The greatness of your deeds and the thickness of your wallet has nothing to do with your salvation! The sacrifice wasn’t ours, it was His. The blessing is ours. Jesus was counted with us (Isaiah 53:12) and paid the tab for us all!
12 "When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.”
How much does a life cost? How much is your life worth? These are interesting questions to sit and think about. These questions actually lead to more questions. Why would God put a 1/2 shekel price on every persons life? Why would He make it a rule that rich and poor had to pay exactly the same price? What if a person didn’t have 1/2 a shekel? Why was payment only needed when they were counted at a census? What about the rest of the time? Why can’t the rich pay extra to cover for the poor?
Well, I’m not planning on answering all of these questions, nor do I think that I am capable of answering all of these questions. Everything that is written in the Bible, both New and Old Testament, is written to show us the power of God, the wealth of His love, and the redemption of His Grace. From Noah and the Ark to Peter walking on water; every story, every chapter and verse is a small snapshot of an abundance of Grace powered by love. Why did God ask for a ransom when the Israelites were counted? The answer is simple, so that we could find Jesus.
The fact is that rich and poor, good and bad were counted during a census. Everyone twenty and over was counted and charged a ransom for their life and protection from plague. I’m not sure the significance of being 20, perhaps that’s God’s age of understanding, but I am sure of the significance of a ransom. A ransom is a redemption from captivity or slavery for a kidnapped person!
Here’s the blessing. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a RANSOM for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” What that means is we were purchased back from our slavery to sin, having been kidnapped and hood-winked by the Devil. The blood of Christ shed on the cross was the RANSOM for all who come to be counted in His flock. The price is paid and we are protected from the plague of sin and separation from God. Equal payment leads to an equal salvation. The greatness of your deeds and the thickness of your wallet has nothing to do with your salvation! The sacrifice wasn’t ours, it was His. The blessing is ours. Jesus was counted with us (Isaiah 53:12) and paid the tab for us all!
Holy to the Lord
Numbers 20:26
“and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”
The ever complaining Hebrew people, whom God had rescued and provided for time and time again, were witnessing the death of their High Priest, Aaron. The Bible tells us that because Aaron and Moses had not done what God had told them to do with regard to bringing water from the rock that they would not enter the promised land. It was time for Aaron to die and for God to anoint a new High Priest over Israel. That priest was to be Eleazar, the son of Aaron.
There is something interesting about the names and character of these Biblical men. The name Aaron means “exalted and enlightened” and the name Eleazar means “the one God has helped”. Moses, as we know, was the man who brought the Law down from the mountain to the people of Israel. Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar, men of God, climbed up the mountain knowing that at the top Aaron was going to die. When they reached the top, Moses stripped all of the priestly garments and the robes of righteousness off of Aaron and placed them onto Eleazar. As soon as the he did, Aaron died.
On the day Jesus was crucified, He climbed up a mountain knowing that He was going to die at the top. Our High Priest became sin for our benefit and suffered death. (He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21) On that day, the perfect Law that God had written and the sacrifice of atonement that was needed were fulfilled in the God-man Jesus Christ. As the sins of the world were placed upon Him, the Law removed His High Priest robes. God took all of the righteousness that was in Jesus, His Son, and placed it upon us. He saw that we were desperately in need of help and He rescued us that day. Through the death of His Son, God was able to forgive us all. He was able to clothe us with priestly robes and sanctify us through the blood of the Lamb as “Holy to the Lord”. (Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord. Exodus 28:36)
“and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”
The ever complaining Hebrew people, whom God had rescued and provided for time and time again, were witnessing the death of their High Priest, Aaron. The Bible tells us that because Aaron and Moses had not done what God had told them to do with regard to bringing water from the rock that they would not enter the promised land. It was time for Aaron to die and for God to anoint a new High Priest over Israel. That priest was to be Eleazar, the son of Aaron.
There is something interesting about the names and character of these Biblical men. The name Aaron means “exalted and enlightened” and the name Eleazar means “the one God has helped”. Moses, as we know, was the man who brought the Law down from the mountain to the people of Israel. Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar, men of God, climbed up the mountain knowing that at the top Aaron was going to die. When they reached the top, Moses stripped all of the priestly garments and the robes of righteousness off of Aaron and placed them onto Eleazar. As soon as the he did, Aaron died.
On the day Jesus was crucified, He climbed up a mountain knowing that He was going to die at the top. Our High Priest became sin for our benefit and suffered death. (He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21) On that day, the perfect Law that God had written and the sacrifice of atonement that was needed were fulfilled in the God-man Jesus Christ. As the sins of the world were placed upon Him, the Law removed His High Priest robes. God took all of the righteousness that was in Jesus, His Son, and placed it upon us. He saw that we were desperately in need of help and He rescued us that day. Through the death of His Son, God was able to forgive us all. He was able to clothe us with priestly robes and sanctify us through the blood of the Lamb as “Holy to the Lord”. (Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord. Exodus 28:36)
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