Esther 1-5
Posted: Sept 30, 2014
A few facts:
Esther is made queen about 60 years after the Jews are told they can return home. Had her parents and grandparents went home, along with Mordecai and the other Jews who remained in Persia, none of this would be possible. The story of God delivering the Jews through Esther is wonderful and reassuring. It tells us that God loves and protects us in times of calamity. And we know that God protects us even when we have made mistakes, like the Jews have. Once again, they shouldn't even be in Persia. They were told they could go home, and they should have.
Back at the beginning of the Bible (Genesis 25) there is an account of two boys being born. Twins, but not identical twins. Even before they were born they were fighting! There mother, Rebekah was the wife of Isaac. Abraham was Isaac's dad, her father in law. When she asked God why her pregnancy was so difficult, she was told that "two nations were fighting inside her". When the boys were born Esau was first, and was strong and ruddy, almost red in appearance. Jacob, born second was rather spindly, and more pale. As the boys grew, they continued their constant picking on each other. One day Jacob bribed and talked his older brother out of his birthright. (Which he legally couldn't really do). When Isaac was dying, he called for Esau to give him a blessing, but Jacob snuck in instead and received it, posing as Esau. As an excuse for his outrageous behavior, he called to memory the day when Esau gave him his birthrights. Of course, Jacob then fled immediately. Esau goes on to raise a family and have children. One of his children is Amalek. When Amalek comes of age, he becomes very powerful and eventually has a whole kingdom under his command. The Bible doesn't say too much about what Amalek told his people concerning the family, and especially the "Jacob" side of the family...but we know that many years later when Jacob's family is finally coming out of Egypt (in the Exodus) The Amalekites attack them without cause or provocation. Probably remembering the injustice done to his great, great, great grandfather many years before. (Jacob and Esau made peace with each other, but that doesn't mean that their families didn't pick up and carry the offense).
Anyway, the attack on the Hebrews who were fleeing Egypt was so vicious and unprovoked that God gives Moses and his clan victory over them....as long as Moses' hands are upheld. The battle lasts so long that two men have to come and hold Moses' hands up so the Hebrews can keep winning the battle against Amalek.
The Amalekites are defeated, and retreat back into the mountains to nurse their wounded pride and rebuild an army. Eventually the Hebrews are allowed to enter the promised land, and they do so by way of Jericho, north of the country of the Amalekites. Tension remains, as they Amalekites retain their land (Edom) while during the time of the Judges. Finally, when Saul is made king the Lord appears to Samuel the prophet and says "Tell Saul to attack and completely destroy the Amalekites because of how they attacked my people when they were leaving Egypt". The king of the Amalekites was a man named Agag. Agag and his army are defeated by Saul, who then puts the entire country to death, men, women and children.....except for a few choice cattle and king Agag. We presume that since Saul spared Agag, he also must have spared a few of his relatives...and some of them must have escaped. So, Saul doesn't do as he is told. Samuel comes along a day later and confronts Saul, points out his sin, and then takes matters into his own hands and kills Agag. But, it's too late. Saul has made God angry with his disobedience, and some relatives of Agag have escaped.
That's where Haman comes from. King Agag is his ancestor, and the blood feud between his family and the Jews....represented by Mordecai, is still burning hot within him. Not only that, but Mordecai and Esther are both descendants of the tribe of Benjamin....the same tribe Saul came from.
This morning as I read I am thinking that the Jews (who shouldn't be there) are being persecuted by an Amalekite (who shouldn't be there). You see what happens when we don't obey God's commands? Someone could point out that God comes to deliver the people, and we learn more about God's great love for us through this event. That's true...but wouldn't it be better if we didn't have go there in the first place?
Making every effort to stay obedient,
PR
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Zechariah 8-14
Posted: September 29, 2014
Zechariah continues with his message of restoration. My question is "when does this happen?"
Which, of course is not easy to answer definitively. For instance: Chapter 8 says people will once again grow old and children will play in the streets. That has been happening. People will return from the east and west...that's happening now, and has been happening. But I don't see anyone taking hold of the Jews and asking them to entreat God for us. That must be in the future, or in the distant past.
Hamath is in Syria, and Tyre and Sidon are along the Mediterranean coast. All of these are north of Israel. Perhaps the Lord is describing the reign of Alexander the Great, or the Roman Empire. In either case, all of these seemingly unconquerable cities fall. The real theme here is that Jerusalem stands when all others fall. God promises to bless the nation, and He has. Israel is a world leader in producing citrus products, exporting over 1.3 billion dollars per year. And in the last 10 years they have discovered gas reserves worth over 130 billion (yes, billion) dollars. This makes Israel energy independent, and even gives them political capital by being able to offer gas to surrounding countries. Very interesting.
In chapter 9 the prophet is speaking about the coming of Christ, but there may be a few end time references salted in there.
In chapter 11, the two staffs called favor and union refer to God's removal of the blessing from Israel and Judah. That passage looks backward, before the time of the exile. In 9:12 it talks of God raising up a new shepherd, who would be Jesus. And Chapter 12 speaks of Jesus and the crucifixion.
On the day that they look on the one that they pierced, a cleansing fountain is also opened up that removes the sin of the land. Praise the Lord! We know that this cleansing fountain is the blood of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and removed the stain of sin for all believers once for all.
When the shepherd was struck there was a great panic among the disciples. Once the Holy Spirit came the persecution of Christians began and they scattered all over the middle east. However, that wouldn't account for 2/3 of the people perishing. That part sounds like it looks forward to the end of days, when something like meteors hit the earth and destroy the population.
Jerusalem will be split in half, and a stream will flow from the temple mount to the Med and the Dead Sea. The Dead sea will become fresh again, according to prophecy.
The topography around Jerusalem will be changed. The mountains will be leveled and new valleys opened up, I wonder if the topographical changes are in preparation for the enormous new temple to be built. (we heard about it in Ezekiel 43). If that's the case, there will be a third temple period when Christ returns, with sacrifices offered as thanksgiving offerings. All nations of the earth will report to the temple to give glory to God, or their land will lose the blessing of rain. I suppose that we will have to learn that lesson the hard way as well.
14:12 speaks of a plague that will befall everyone who fights against Jerusalem in the last days. I certainly don't want to be on the wrong side of that battle.
PR
Posted: September 29, 2014
Zechariah continues with his message of restoration. My question is "when does this happen?"
Which, of course is not easy to answer definitively. For instance: Chapter 8 says people will once again grow old and children will play in the streets. That has been happening. People will return from the east and west...that's happening now, and has been happening. But I don't see anyone taking hold of the Jews and asking them to entreat God for us. That must be in the future, or in the distant past.
Hamath is in Syria, and Tyre and Sidon are along the Mediterranean coast. All of these are north of Israel. Perhaps the Lord is describing the reign of Alexander the Great, or the Roman Empire. In either case, all of these seemingly unconquerable cities fall. The real theme here is that Jerusalem stands when all others fall. God promises to bless the nation, and He has. Israel is a world leader in producing citrus products, exporting over 1.3 billion dollars per year. And in the last 10 years they have discovered gas reserves worth over 130 billion (yes, billion) dollars. This makes Israel energy independent, and even gives them political capital by being able to offer gas to surrounding countries. Very interesting.
In chapter 9 the prophet is speaking about the coming of Christ, but there may be a few end time references salted in there.
In chapter 11, the two staffs called favor and union refer to God's removal of the blessing from Israel and Judah. That passage looks backward, before the time of the exile. In 9:12 it talks of God raising up a new shepherd, who would be Jesus. And Chapter 12 speaks of Jesus and the crucifixion.
On the day that they look on the one that they pierced, a cleansing fountain is also opened up that removes the sin of the land. Praise the Lord! We know that this cleansing fountain is the blood of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and removed the stain of sin for all believers once for all.
When the shepherd was struck there was a great panic among the disciples. Once the Holy Spirit came the persecution of Christians began and they scattered all over the middle east. However, that wouldn't account for 2/3 of the people perishing. That part sounds like it looks forward to the end of days, when something like meteors hit the earth and destroy the population.
Jerusalem will be split in half, and a stream will flow from the temple mount to the Med and the Dead Sea. The Dead sea will become fresh again, according to prophecy.
The topography around Jerusalem will be changed. The mountains will be leveled and new valleys opened up, I wonder if the topographical changes are in preparation for the enormous new temple to be built. (we heard about it in Ezekiel 43). If that's the case, there will be a third temple period when Christ returns, with sacrifices offered as thanksgiving offerings. All nations of the earth will report to the temple to give glory to God, or their land will lose the blessing of rain. I suppose that we will have to learn that lesson the hard way as well.
14:12 speaks of a plague that will befall everyone who fights against Jerusalem in the last days. I certainly don't want to be on the wrong side of that battle.
PR
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Reading: Zechariah 1-7
Posted: Sept 28, 2014
If I needed to summarize the first seven chapters of Zechariah in one word it would be "restoration". The people have begun to rebuild the temple, spurred on by the Word from Haggai. They hear from Zechariah that God will restore and rebuild what has been destroyed.
A few things jumped out at me: 1:15 God says He was a "little angry" but the people made it worse. That tells me that their are levels to God's wrath. I pray to never make Him angry, but if my actions ever do, I want to quickly repent so that He doesn't become more angry. In Revelation it says that the people will drink full strength from the cup of His wrath". Something I never want to experience.
2:8 God says "whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye" (speaking of the Israelites). That's absolutely true today of the Israelites, just like it was thousands of years ago. It's also true of any Christian, because we are "ingrafted branches" to the nation of Israel. You and I are precious to God, and He is very jealous of us. No one can lay a hand on us without His permission, and even with His permission they should be very careful.
In chapter 3 we see the priesthood restored. The high priest is cleansed and given new garments and a new turban, all suitable for offering the sacrifices as before. In verse 8 it plainly states "you are men who are symbolic of things to come" and then it begins to speak of Jesus. Jesus is the Branch from which the whole temple will be built. Jesus is the one who is represented by seven eyes. Seven is a perfect number. Seven eyes would signify perfect sight, or "all-awareness". The biblical term is "omniscient" which means all seeing and all knowing. During Zechariah's time there will be a priest who re-institutes the sacrifice. He will stand between God and the people and intercede. And he is a symbol of the one who will come some 500 years later, who will offer his life as the final atonement for sin. This is (of course) what is meant by the phrase "I will take away the sin in a single day".
The two olive trees remind me of the two witnesses in Revelation.
Someone told me once that there was a satellite broadcasting the salvation message to the whole earth that was the exact dimensions listed here. I don't know if Zechariah saw a satellite or not, but it's an interesting thought.
Chapter seven reminds us that true worship is so much more than just "showing up on Sunday". That's what the people had been guilty of. They showed up, but then they took advantage of one another. God will not recognize this as holiness. Genuine holiness must be expressed in relationship, not just worship. In order to fulfill what God expects, we must treat each other with compassion and respect. There is no genuine walk with God that excludes relationship.
There are several end time references in Zechariah, as well as some tantalizing snippets of vision that could easily lead us off topic. However, the main thought in this passage is crystal clear. God is jealous for His people, and wants to restore them.
God is jealous for you, and wants to restore you as well. You have only to give Him permission, and He will begin that good work.
PR
Posted: Sept 28, 2014
If I needed to summarize the first seven chapters of Zechariah in one word it would be "restoration". The people have begun to rebuild the temple, spurred on by the Word from Haggai. They hear from Zechariah that God will restore and rebuild what has been destroyed.
A few things jumped out at me: 1:15 God says He was a "little angry" but the people made it worse. That tells me that their are levels to God's wrath. I pray to never make Him angry, but if my actions ever do, I want to quickly repent so that He doesn't become more angry. In Revelation it says that the people will drink full strength from the cup of His wrath". Something I never want to experience.
2:8 God says "whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye" (speaking of the Israelites). That's absolutely true today of the Israelites, just like it was thousands of years ago. It's also true of any Christian, because we are "ingrafted branches" to the nation of Israel. You and I are precious to God, and He is very jealous of us. No one can lay a hand on us without His permission, and even with His permission they should be very careful.
In chapter 3 we see the priesthood restored. The high priest is cleansed and given new garments and a new turban, all suitable for offering the sacrifices as before. In verse 8 it plainly states "you are men who are symbolic of things to come" and then it begins to speak of Jesus. Jesus is the Branch from which the whole temple will be built. Jesus is the one who is represented by seven eyes. Seven is a perfect number. Seven eyes would signify perfect sight, or "all-awareness". The biblical term is "omniscient" which means all seeing and all knowing. During Zechariah's time there will be a priest who re-institutes the sacrifice. He will stand between God and the people and intercede. And he is a symbol of the one who will come some 500 years later, who will offer his life as the final atonement for sin. This is (of course) what is meant by the phrase "I will take away the sin in a single day".
The two olive trees remind me of the two witnesses in Revelation.
Someone told me once that there was a satellite broadcasting the salvation message to the whole earth that was the exact dimensions listed here. I don't know if Zechariah saw a satellite or not, but it's an interesting thought.
Chapter seven reminds us that true worship is so much more than just "showing up on Sunday". That's what the people had been guilty of. They showed up, but then they took advantage of one another. God will not recognize this as holiness. Genuine holiness must be expressed in relationship, not just worship. In order to fulfill what God expects, we must treat each other with compassion and respect. There is no genuine walk with God that excludes relationship.
There are several end time references in Zechariah, as well as some tantalizing snippets of vision that could easily lead us off topic. However, the main thought in this passage is crystal clear. God is jealous for His people, and wants to restore them.
God is jealous for you, and wants to restore you as well. You have only to give Him permission, and He will begin that good work.
PR
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Reading: Haggai 1-2
Posted: September 27, 2014
Haggai is written about 18 or 19 years after the first group of people travel back to Jerusalem. Ezra led that group back, and they began working on the temple. However, something caused them to either quit or slack off. It wasn't opposition to the building during the first several years, that isn't mentioned. It must have been something else.
My theory is that the people became disenchanted with the idea of building the temple, and more concerned about building their own homes, and fields, and then in making money, and marrying off their daughters, and helping to build their children a home, etc. The concerns of everyday life seem to grow and squeeze out any possibility of working for Jesus.
God reminds the people that hard work alone will not provide a bounty. It must be hard work that is blessed by God. And since they haven't spent time building and repairing His temple, they aren't blessed.
The parallel for me is two-fold. Having recently overseen a church building project, I have read the first chapter of Haggai and felt the words cut into my soul. The church had become old and unattractive. It held many fond memories for those who attended there, but just like a favorite blanket that has seen too many excursions, others only saw a tattered remnant. At the same time, all of us had remodeled our own homes. No one was living in a house that hadn't been changed in 50 years. It was time for change.
The second parallel is more over-arching: we become so busy with our personal lives that we don't spend much time on our spiritual lives. Too busy to read our Bible, or pray. Too busy to make it to church today....or too exhausted from packing more into the last week than we should have. God gets the leftovers, instead of the firstfruits. The same can be said for finances, we shouldn't wait until we purchase everything else we want and then give to the Lord. His share comes first.
In fact, this whole passage is about priorities. Maybe we have become guilty of seeing Sunday as the last day of the weekend, instead of the first day of the week. When Sunday is given to the Lord, the whole week turns out better. Most christians can tell you that when you keep Sunday to yourself, you end up short at the end of the week. The same concept goes for the tithe.
Put God first, and you will find that no matter how little you have, it is always more than enough!
PR
Posted: September 27, 2014
Haggai is written about 18 or 19 years after the first group of people travel back to Jerusalem. Ezra led that group back, and they began working on the temple. However, something caused them to either quit or slack off. It wasn't opposition to the building during the first several years, that isn't mentioned. It must have been something else.
My theory is that the people became disenchanted with the idea of building the temple, and more concerned about building their own homes, and fields, and then in making money, and marrying off their daughters, and helping to build their children a home, etc. The concerns of everyday life seem to grow and squeeze out any possibility of working for Jesus.
God reminds the people that hard work alone will not provide a bounty. It must be hard work that is blessed by God. And since they haven't spent time building and repairing His temple, they aren't blessed.
The parallel for me is two-fold. Having recently overseen a church building project, I have read the first chapter of Haggai and felt the words cut into my soul. The church had become old and unattractive. It held many fond memories for those who attended there, but just like a favorite blanket that has seen too many excursions, others only saw a tattered remnant. At the same time, all of us had remodeled our own homes. No one was living in a house that hadn't been changed in 50 years. It was time for change.
The second parallel is more over-arching: we become so busy with our personal lives that we don't spend much time on our spiritual lives. Too busy to read our Bible, or pray. Too busy to make it to church today....or too exhausted from packing more into the last week than we should have. God gets the leftovers, instead of the firstfruits. The same can be said for finances, we shouldn't wait until we purchase everything else we want and then give to the Lord. His share comes first.
In fact, this whole passage is about priorities. Maybe we have become guilty of seeing Sunday as the last day of the weekend, instead of the first day of the week. When Sunday is given to the Lord, the whole week turns out better. Most christians can tell you that when you keep Sunday to yourself, you end up short at the end of the week. The same concept goes for the tithe.
Put God first, and you will find that no matter how little you have, it is always more than enough!
PR
Friday, September 26, 2014
Reading: Ezra 4-6 and Psalm 137
Posted: September 26, 2014
Chapter 4 is a summary of all the different opposition that occurred while attempting to build the temple. It skips across the reign of three different kings, and isn't chronologically correct with the rest of Ezra.
It took twenty years to rebuild the temple. Cyrus sent the people back with a decree to rebuild, and they began...but the work soon fizzled. It might have been because people were more interested in building their own homes and reclaiming their own land...or it could have been because they ran out of funds and didn't ask the king for more. Haggai will tell us in a couple of days that they focused on different things.
Anyway, Cyrus gives the decree and they poke around doing a little at a time until Haggai lights another fire under them, and they build in earnest. That last spurt of energy comes during the reign of Darius, which we read about in chapter 6. So then, Chapter 4 is a summary of ALL opposition, and chapters 5-6 actually occur before the second half of chapter 4.
King Artaxerxes (let's call him "Art") receives a letter from the trouble making neighbors AFTER temple is built, and the people are working on the wall, and the surrounding buildings. King Art tells them to stop building the CITY, because the temple has already been built by this time.
Now, on to the application: Any work that God puts us to will always have opposition. Here on the earth satan still prowls around, causing trouble where he can. He will always oppose what God does. Opposition isn't always a sign that you should stop. In fact, it could be a sort of confirmation that you are on the right track (at times). Even though our work will be opposed, it will also be supported. AND, the one who supports us is greater than the one who opposes. You will always find this tension as you move forward in your christian practice.
When one member of a household accepts Christ, there is a tension between the husband and wife, and God will support the believer, who very often will win the day and the whole household accepts Christ. God never fails to support His people. It may not turn out the way we want it to...but God will support us through it. Sometimes a marriage breaks up, or a job is lost, or a relocation is called for. God sees us through it. He never fails.
Consider today that God had one king tear down the temple, and the next king decreed that it would be rebuilt. God is in charge of kings, and He oversees all human events.
Today I will relax a little, and acknowledge that the weight of running the church is not mine to carry alone. In fact, it isn't mine at all. God is in charge, and I am serving at his command. Those who oppose Him are His problem, not mine. The work that He has given us is His to fund and resource, not mine. Why should you or I try to "force" something to happen when God can decree it and make it happen easily?
I suspect that the same principle could be used for whatever dilemma you find yourself in, and whatever issue is weighing heavy on your heart.
PR
Posted: September 26, 2014
Chapter 4 is a summary of all the different opposition that occurred while attempting to build the temple. It skips across the reign of three different kings, and isn't chronologically correct with the rest of Ezra.
It took twenty years to rebuild the temple. Cyrus sent the people back with a decree to rebuild, and they began...but the work soon fizzled. It might have been because people were more interested in building their own homes and reclaiming their own land...or it could have been because they ran out of funds and didn't ask the king for more. Haggai will tell us in a couple of days that they focused on different things.
Anyway, Cyrus gives the decree and they poke around doing a little at a time until Haggai lights another fire under them, and they build in earnest. That last spurt of energy comes during the reign of Darius, which we read about in chapter 6. So then, Chapter 4 is a summary of ALL opposition, and chapters 5-6 actually occur before the second half of chapter 4.
King Artaxerxes (let's call him "Art") receives a letter from the trouble making neighbors AFTER temple is built, and the people are working on the wall, and the surrounding buildings. King Art tells them to stop building the CITY, because the temple has already been built by this time.
Now, on to the application: Any work that God puts us to will always have opposition. Here on the earth satan still prowls around, causing trouble where he can. He will always oppose what God does. Opposition isn't always a sign that you should stop. In fact, it could be a sort of confirmation that you are on the right track (at times). Even though our work will be opposed, it will also be supported. AND, the one who supports us is greater than the one who opposes. You will always find this tension as you move forward in your christian practice.
When one member of a household accepts Christ, there is a tension between the husband and wife, and God will support the believer, who very often will win the day and the whole household accepts Christ. God never fails to support His people. It may not turn out the way we want it to...but God will support us through it. Sometimes a marriage breaks up, or a job is lost, or a relocation is called for. God sees us through it. He never fails.
Consider today that God had one king tear down the temple, and the next king decreed that it would be rebuilt. God is in charge of kings, and He oversees all human events.
Today I will relax a little, and acknowledge that the weight of running the church is not mine to carry alone. In fact, it isn't mine at all. God is in charge, and I am serving at his command. Those who oppose Him are His problem, not mine. The work that He has given us is His to fund and resource, not mine. Why should you or I try to "force" something to happen when God can decree it and make it happen easily?
I suspect that the same principle could be used for whatever dilemma you find yourself in, and whatever issue is weighing heavy on your heart.
PR
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Reading: Ezra 1-3
Posted: September 25, 2014
From today's reading I gather several points:
1. God is faithful. Everything that He said He would do, He has done. The exiles are returning, 70 years after they were captured, just as He said.
2. God supplies the need. The golden bowls and goblets and other articles that were used in the temple have survived for 70 years and three different kings. They haven't been melted down for incorporation into some other idol. I imagine that there was far more taken from the original temple than was returned...but that anything is returned is nothing short of a miracle.
3. God is in charge of the hearts of men. He knew Cyrus by name before Cyrus was born. Jeremiah tells us that Cyrus will release the people to travel home. God works in and through the hearts of men to bring about His will. No one is beyond Him.
4, Israel, and Jerusalem in particular are very important to God. Honestly, I have no idea why. I have visited this area, and it isn't much different than other places on earth. It isn't any more beautiful, and it has several disadvantages (rugged terrain, sparse vegetation, etc.). But for some reason this is the most favored spot on earth for God Himself. And, I think you can sense it when you walk around there.
I find it interesting that the people immediately began to offer sacrifices on the vacant temple mount. But strategically, that is absolutely the best thing they can do. If God is pleased with them, and the glory of God surrounds them, then everything they put their hand to will be blessed. The most important thing they can do is to acquire God's favor and direction. It speaks to their dedication and priorities that they immediately went to work on the temple. (of course, that isn't the end of the story).
Some of the people who return have lost their family pedigree. They no longer remember what family they came from....or they can't prove it. Some families do not return with the exiles. I guess I can understand the dilemma. They have settled for two or three generations in a new land, and have become comfortable and perhaps successful. Why uproot everyone to go to a "foreign land" where others are occupying the towns and don't want us there? Why put the whole family through that? They left violently, with much sadness. But now that their ancestors have the chance to return, they aren't 100% sold on the idea. They have been away from home so long they don't know where home is. They don't recognize the incredible privilege that has been given to them. People from all over the earth, for many generations, have longed to be part of Israel, and live in Jerusalem.
Sadly, I think we may have symptoms of the same disease. We have lived among the sinful for so long we don't realize that we are people from another kingdom. Now that it's time to begin the journey back to our original home, some drag their feet. "why go?" they say. "it's comfortable here. Besides, the journey will be long and hard, and I don't prefer that kind of life."
Interesting parallel, don't you think?
PR
Posted: September 25, 2014
From today's reading I gather several points:
1. God is faithful. Everything that He said He would do, He has done. The exiles are returning, 70 years after they were captured, just as He said.
2. God supplies the need. The golden bowls and goblets and other articles that were used in the temple have survived for 70 years and three different kings. They haven't been melted down for incorporation into some other idol. I imagine that there was far more taken from the original temple than was returned...but that anything is returned is nothing short of a miracle.
3. God is in charge of the hearts of men. He knew Cyrus by name before Cyrus was born. Jeremiah tells us that Cyrus will release the people to travel home. God works in and through the hearts of men to bring about His will. No one is beyond Him.
4, Israel, and Jerusalem in particular are very important to God. Honestly, I have no idea why. I have visited this area, and it isn't much different than other places on earth. It isn't any more beautiful, and it has several disadvantages (rugged terrain, sparse vegetation, etc.). But for some reason this is the most favored spot on earth for God Himself. And, I think you can sense it when you walk around there.
I find it interesting that the people immediately began to offer sacrifices on the vacant temple mount. But strategically, that is absolutely the best thing they can do. If God is pleased with them, and the glory of God surrounds them, then everything they put their hand to will be blessed. The most important thing they can do is to acquire God's favor and direction. It speaks to their dedication and priorities that they immediately went to work on the temple. (of course, that isn't the end of the story).
Some of the people who return have lost their family pedigree. They no longer remember what family they came from....or they can't prove it. Some families do not return with the exiles. I guess I can understand the dilemma. They have settled for two or three generations in a new land, and have become comfortable and perhaps successful. Why uproot everyone to go to a "foreign land" where others are occupying the towns and don't want us there? Why put the whole family through that? They left violently, with much sadness. But now that their ancestors have the chance to return, they aren't 100% sold on the idea. They have been away from home so long they don't know where home is. They don't recognize the incredible privilege that has been given to them. People from all over the earth, for many generations, have longed to be part of Israel, and live in Jerusalem.
Sadly, I think we may have symptoms of the same disease. We have lived among the sinful for so long we don't realize that we are people from another kingdom. Now that it's time to begin the journey back to our original home, some drag their feet. "why go?" they say. "it's comfortable here. Besides, the journey will be long and hard, and I don't prefer that kind of life."
Interesting parallel, don't you think?
PR
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Reading: Daniel 10-12
Posted: September 24, 2014
Daniel isn't a long book, we finish it today; but it is packed with detailed information on future events. Most of what is written here seems to have already occurred. A brief history lesson is in order....(Oh, how I wish I had paid more attention in history class!)
Alexander the Great brought Greece to global dominance while he was still young. No one could stand against Alexander and his forces. Then, at the height of his military career, Alexander dies. His kingdom is divided up among his four generals. Two of those generals are identified here as the "kings" of the north and south. Their kingdoms are passed to members of their family, who battle back and forth for several hundred years, exchanging territory, and pretending to be friendly, yet plotting against each other. Toward the end of this time a leader by the name Antiochus Epiphanes IV was reigning as "king" in the north. (the northern kings were Selucids, and the southern kings were Ptolemies, named after the original generals). Good ole' Antiochus Epiphanes decides to desecrate the temple in order to subjugate the Jews. He smashes the altar, and offers swine in the holy place, fully aware that the people will be devastated. I guess his plan was for this to "break their backs" and to demoralize them, but it had an opposite effect. There was a rebellion that led to a brief period of independence. Then Rome stepped in and we are ushered into the time of Christ.
Here's the point. Everything that Daniel said about the two warring kings happened exactly as he was told. God knows the future. Nothing is going to happen that he is unaware of. He knows who is going to lose their temper, and when they are going to lose it, and what they are going to do because they lost it. He never wonders, He never worries, He is always in control.
Then Daniel relates some strange and wonderful things that don't fit with what we know of Israel's history. He begins talking about the Antichrist, and we know it's the Antichrist because the details don't fit with Antiochus E. Since everything that God has already told us has been proven true, we have no reason to doubt the rest of the revelation.
The end will come, and it seems that 3 and one half years are going to be part of that future event in some way...just as they were part of the past event. Some Christians will be tortured and lose their lives...it will be quite brutal for a time.
For me, it sounds exactly like what is going on in the Middle East even as we speak.
Looking forward,
PR
Posted: September 24, 2014
Daniel isn't a long book, we finish it today; but it is packed with detailed information on future events. Most of what is written here seems to have already occurred. A brief history lesson is in order....(Oh, how I wish I had paid more attention in history class!)
Alexander the Great brought Greece to global dominance while he was still young. No one could stand against Alexander and his forces. Then, at the height of his military career, Alexander dies. His kingdom is divided up among his four generals. Two of those generals are identified here as the "kings" of the north and south. Their kingdoms are passed to members of their family, who battle back and forth for several hundred years, exchanging territory, and pretending to be friendly, yet plotting against each other. Toward the end of this time a leader by the name Antiochus Epiphanes IV was reigning as "king" in the north. (the northern kings were Selucids, and the southern kings were Ptolemies, named after the original generals). Good ole' Antiochus Epiphanes decides to desecrate the temple in order to subjugate the Jews. He smashes the altar, and offers swine in the holy place, fully aware that the people will be devastated. I guess his plan was for this to "break their backs" and to demoralize them, but it had an opposite effect. There was a rebellion that led to a brief period of independence. Then Rome stepped in and we are ushered into the time of Christ.
Here's the point. Everything that Daniel said about the two warring kings happened exactly as he was told. God knows the future. Nothing is going to happen that he is unaware of. He knows who is going to lose their temper, and when they are going to lose it, and what they are going to do because they lost it. He never wonders, He never worries, He is always in control.
Then Daniel relates some strange and wonderful things that don't fit with what we know of Israel's history. He begins talking about the Antichrist, and we know it's the Antichrist because the details don't fit with Antiochus E. Since everything that God has already told us has been proven true, we have no reason to doubt the rest of the revelation.
The end will come, and it seems that 3 and one half years are going to be part of that future event in some way...just as they were part of the past event. Some Christians will be tortured and lose their lives...it will be quite brutal for a time.
For me, it sounds exactly like what is going on in the Middle East even as we speak.
Looking forward,
PR
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Reading: Daniel 7-9
Posted: September 23, 2014
Chapter 7: the dream is interpreted for us, so there is no need to speculate about what it meant. We know what it meant. But that doesn't mean there isn't some room here for mystery. For instance: After the 4th beast (which is the Roman Empire) a small horn becomes large and begins to boast, Popular thought is that this refers to Antiochus IV, who oppressed the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. He decided to punish the people by offering pigs as sacrifices inside the temple. That was the last straw for a guy named Judas Maccabeus, who then led a revolt. that event takes us almost to the time of Christ. So, when Daniel speaks of the court being seated, and the Ancient of Days taking his place, you could say that this refers to the time just before Christ.
However, the idea that "books are opened" and the beast is thrown into a blazing fire, coupled with one who looks like a "son of man" all lead us to believe that this is referring to end times.
Are verses 25-26 of Chapter 7 talking about the tribulation? That seems logical, given what we just discussed, but a case could be made to support the point that all the other events here are long past, and were specific to the time of the Roman Empire, and those who immediately followed.
I choose to believe that Daniel saw the near future, but that he also caught glimpses of the distant future as well. It seems right to assume that Antiochus was a foreshadowing of the beast who appears at the end of time. God seems to be fond of foreshadowing significant events in human history.
In Chapter 8 the goat that comes and crushes the ram is Alexander the Great. Alexander died while he was still young, and upon his death he gave authority and rule over his kingdom to his four generals. They are the four horns that replace the first.
In Chapter 9 I want to highlight two different things; 1. Daniel was a man of prayer and study, and he knew from reading Jeremiah's prophecy that the 70 year tribulation was about to end. So he prayed accordingly. I doubt that he would have done that had he known the exile would last another 50 years. Knowing what is coming up, and praying that it would unfold just as God promised is a noble endeavor. We can be praying about the last days and the spread of the gospel message right now.
Secondly, the 70 sevens. This is a little confusing, and probably disputed as well. 69 of the "sevens" are 483 years...that's how long it was between Ezra and Nehemiah rebuilding the temple and Jesus' birth. That leaves one "seven" which would mean 7 years and it's cut in half.....so 3 1/2 years. That's the same amount of time that the saints are handed over to the king who subdues three other kingdoms in 7:25. (a time, times and half a time = 3 1/2 years). We generally accept that the coming tribulation will last 3 1/2 years, and quote this passage as our proof text.
I have always wondered why we accept so readily that there is such a large amount of time between the 69 "sevens" and the last "seven". So far, I haven't found an answer, and it seems to be a very popular interpretation.
PR
Posted: September 23, 2014
Chapter 7: the dream is interpreted for us, so there is no need to speculate about what it meant. We know what it meant. But that doesn't mean there isn't some room here for mystery. For instance: After the 4th beast (which is the Roman Empire) a small horn becomes large and begins to boast, Popular thought is that this refers to Antiochus IV, who oppressed the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. He decided to punish the people by offering pigs as sacrifices inside the temple. That was the last straw for a guy named Judas Maccabeus, who then led a revolt. that event takes us almost to the time of Christ. So, when Daniel speaks of the court being seated, and the Ancient of Days taking his place, you could say that this refers to the time just before Christ.
However, the idea that "books are opened" and the beast is thrown into a blazing fire, coupled with one who looks like a "son of man" all lead us to believe that this is referring to end times.
Are verses 25-26 of Chapter 7 talking about the tribulation? That seems logical, given what we just discussed, but a case could be made to support the point that all the other events here are long past, and were specific to the time of the Roman Empire, and those who immediately followed.
I choose to believe that Daniel saw the near future, but that he also caught glimpses of the distant future as well. It seems right to assume that Antiochus was a foreshadowing of the beast who appears at the end of time. God seems to be fond of foreshadowing significant events in human history.
In Chapter 8 the goat that comes and crushes the ram is Alexander the Great. Alexander died while he was still young, and upon his death he gave authority and rule over his kingdom to his four generals. They are the four horns that replace the first.
In Chapter 9 I want to highlight two different things; 1. Daniel was a man of prayer and study, and he knew from reading Jeremiah's prophecy that the 70 year tribulation was about to end. So he prayed accordingly. I doubt that he would have done that had he known the exile would last another 50 years. Knowing what is coming up, and praying that it would unfold just as God promised is a noble endeavor. We can be praying about the last days and the spread of the gospel message right now.
Secondly, the 70 sevens. This is a little confusing, and probably disputed as well. 69 of the "sevens" are 483 years...that's how long it was between Ezra and Nehemiah rebuilding the temple and Jesus' birth. That leaves one "seven" which would mean 7 years and it's cut in half.....so 3 1/2 years. That's the same amount of time that the saints are handed over to the king who subdues three other kingdoms in 7:25. (a time, times and half a time = 3 1/2 years). We generally accept that the coming tribulation will last 3 1/2 years, and quote this passage as our proof text.
I have always wondered why we accept so readily that there is such a large amount of time between the 69 "sevens" and the last "seven". So far, I haven't found an answer, and it seems to be a very popular interpretation.
PR
Monday, September 22, 2014
Reading: Daniel 4-6
Posted: September 22, 2014
King Nebuchadnezzar begins this chapter with a greeting that sounds like it could have been written by one of the disciples in the New Testament. I find that extraordinary, given that he was a Babylonian (Iraqi) whose people served other gods. Only after the story begins to unfold do we understand why the king is so moved. He has recently finished a seven year long lesson that taught him one thing. God is in charge.
God is in charge of who gets to be the king.
God is in charge of our mental and physical condition.
God is in charge of the future.
Someone who has this much power (and rightly deserves it) should be treated with the respect and dignity due their office. Since there is no higher authority in all creation, there isn't any praise we can manufacture that would be "too much". Jesus is due it all.
Nebuchadnezzar makes two near-fatal mistakes: 1. He begins to believe he is more powerful than he is 2. He doesn't repent when he is warned that he has sinned.
You and I may sin in a weak moment. I hope we don't, but it is possible. God, in his mercy provides opportunity to repent...even before penalty. If we are humble of heart, and listening to His voice, we can possibly avoid a much more strict rebuke by quickly repenting.
In Chapter 5 we skip way ahead to the reign of Belshazzar, who was a son or grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. Almost unbelievably, he hasn't learned some key things from his predecessor. Even after Nebuchadnezzar's 7 year experience in the fields, Belshazzar remains unmoved by the power of God. He also sins in two ways: 1. He uses that which is holy for common use. 2. He doesn't recognize or give glory to God for what he has. Just like Nebuchadnezzar, he receives advance notice, however where Nebuchadnezzar had a year to repent, Belshazzar has only a matter of hours. He doesn't repent, and is killed that very night. The lesson: Don't treat sacred things as common.
Several things are holy (that means "set apart") in God's eyes: Marriage. Once married, we are set apart and cannot be united to another person. To do so (adultery) treats that which is set apart as common, and incurs God's anger. Our bodies are considered holy, as Christians we are the sanctuary in which God himself dwells. Treating our bodies abusively (addiction) is to treat as common that which is holy. For this reason Christians abstain from pastimes that are addictive and hard on the body. God's Name is holy, and should only be used for speaking about Him. To use it otherwise is to treat that which is holy as common. Sunday is a day dedicated to the Lord. God repeats over and over again that we should "keep the Sabbath holy". I find myself working around the church quite often on a Sunday, but there are some things that I don't feel released to do. For instance: I don't feel I can mow my grass on a Sunday. I might be able to justify mowing at the church...but I almost never do. Whatever you do on Sunday, give some thought to whether or not it glorifies God. I'm sure there are several more....comment on ones that you can think of. For instance: The Bible. That's holy, don't use it for anything else.
We now skip ahead to the time of Darius, who replaces Belshazzar as king. Some time has passed since Darius took over. Enough time to recognize that Daniel is a hard worker, and talented. I believe Daniel was an older man by this time, perhaps even 80 years of age. Nebuchadnezzar's first year was 604, and the year Belshazzar saw the writing was 539. That is 65 years. Given that Daniel was a young man when he was taken into exile, maybe 15 years of age, he would be around 80 now. His wisdom and his age allow him to respond to Belshazzar's promise of a reward for the interpretation of a dream by saying "give your rewards to someone else". Daniel already has everything that he needs...he has God at work in his life. He has seen great and mighty things occur, he has enjoyed power and position in the land of his captivity. And, before he passes away, he will see the king release the people to travel back to their homeland. Daniel will not go, probably because of his advanced years.
Daniel in the den of lions is a popular story. I first saw it illustrated with felt pieces when I was a child in Sunday School. It sticks in my mind that Daniel was portrayed as a young man, but he really wasn't. All through his life, Daniel is placed by God in impossible situations. As in this case, he did nothing wrong, trusted only in God, and yet he is singled out by his peers with evil intent.
Sometimes God allows these difficult things to happen to us so that His mighty power may be displayed. Instead of crying out to God, saying "why me, Lord?" perhaps we should be thinking about what God is planning to do through it. I am glad that Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. I'm glad because it moved the heart of Darius, it cleansed the earth of several evil overseers and it was recorded to embolden Christians across the globe for thousands of years. Who know how many men and women have stood strong in the face of danger, remembering the trial and faithfulness of Daniel?
May we do likewise.
PR
Posted: September 22, 2014
King Nebuchadnezzar begins this chapter with a greeting that sounds like it could have been written by one of the disciples in the New Testament. I find that extraordinary, given that he was a Babylonian (Iraqi) whose people served other gods. Only after the story begins to unfold do we understand why the king is so moved. He has recently finished a seven year long lesson that taught him one thing. God is in charge.
God is in charge of who gets to be the king.
God is in charge of our mental and physical condition.
God is in charge of the future.
Someone who has this much power (and rightly deserves it) should be treated with the respect and dignity due their office. Since there is no higher authority in all creation, there isn't any praise we can manufacture that would be "too much". Jesus is due it all.
Nebuchadnezzar makes two near-fatal mistakes: 1. He begins to believe he is more powerful than he is 2. He doesn't repent when he is warned that he has sinned.
You and I may sin in a weak moment. I hope we don't, but it is possible. God, in his mercy provides opportunity to repent...even before penalty. If we are humble of heart, and listening to His voice, we can possibly avoid a much more strict rebuke by quickly repenting.
In Chapter 5 we skip way ahead to the reign of Belshazzar, who was a son or grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. Almost unbelievably, he hasn't learned some key things from his predecessor. Even after Nebuchadnezzar's 7 year experience in the fields, Belshazzar remains unmoved by the power of God. He also sins in two ways: 1. He uses that which is holy for common use. 2. He doesn't recognize or give glory to God for what he has. Just like Nebuchadnezzar, he receives advance notice, however where Nebuchadnezzar had a year to repent, Belshazzar has only a matter of hours. He doesn't repent, and is killed that very night. The lesson: Don't treat sacred things as common.
Several things are holy (that means "set apart") in God's eyes: Marriage. Once married, we are set apart and cannot be united to another person. To do so (adultery) treats that which is set apart as common, and incurs God's anger. Our bodies are considered holy, as Christians we are the sanctuary in which God himself dwells. Treating our bodies abusively (addiction) is to treat as common that which is holy. For this reason Christians abstain from pastimes that are addictive and hard on the body. God's Name is holy, and should only be used for speaking about Him. To use it otherwise is to treat that which is holy as common. Sunday is a day dedicated to the Lord. God repeats over and over again that we should "keep the Sabbath holy". I find myself working around the church quite often on a Sunday, but there are some things that I don't feel released to do. For instance: I don't feel I can mow my grass on a Sunday. I might be able to justify mowing at the church...but I almost never do. Whatever you do on Sunday, give some thought to whether or not it glorifies God. I'm sure there are several more....comment on ones that you can think of. For instance: The Bible. That's holy, don't use it for anything else.
We now skip ahead to the time of Darius, who replaces Belshazzar as king. Some time has passed since Darius took over. Enough time to recognize that Daniel is a hard worker, and talented. I believe Daniel was an older man by this time, perhaps even 80 years of age. Nebuchadnezzar's first year was 604, and the year Belshazzar saw the writing was 539. That is 65 years. Given that Daniel was a young man when he was taken into exile, maybe 15 years of age, he would be around 80 now. His wisdom and his age allow him to respond to Belshazzar's promise of a reward for the interpretation of a dream by saying "give your rewards to someone else". Daniel already has everything that he needs...he has God at work in his life. He has seen great and mighty things occur, he has enjoyed power and position in the land of his captivity. And, before he passes away, he will see the king release the people to travel back to their homeland. Daniel will not go, probably because of his advanced years.
Daniel in the den of lions is a popular story. I first saw it illustrated with felt pieces when I was a child in Sunday School. It sticks in my mind that Daniel was portrayed as a young man, but he really wasn't. All through his life, Daniel is placed by God in impossible situations. As in this case, he did nothing wrong, trusted only in God, and yet he is singled out by his peers with evil intent.
Sometimes God allows these difficult things to happen to us so that His mighty power may be displayed. Instead of crying out to God, saying "why me, Lord?" perhaps we should be thinking about what God is planning to do through it. I am glad that Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. I'm glad because it moved the heart of Darius, it cleansed the earth of several evil overseers and it was recorded to embolden Christians across the globe for thousands of years. Who know how many men and women have stood strong in the face of danger, remembering the trial and faithfulness of Daniel?
May we do likewise.
PR
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Reading: Daniel 1-3
Posted: September 21, 2014
Daniel was a person of some standing before he was taken captive, perhaps of noble birth, since the chief officer was told to search for nobles and royalty. The first account of his wisdom is found in chapter 1, where he negotiates with the chief official to obtain different meals. I noticed that Daniel first appealed to the chief official, who liked him, but turned down his request because he was afraid of the king. Daniel then proposes to the guard that they conduct a test. It's only 10 days, so if the effects are negative, they can quickly be changed. The guard agrees, and Daniel and his companions have secured their first victory.
1:17 reminds us that Daniel and his friends weren't wise on their own, their intelligence came from God. In fact, that's where all understanding comes from. Even today, those who have great insight have it because God has given them ability to learn and understand.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the interpretation of it are a glimpse into the future. I have to chuckle when I read of king Nebuchadessar being suspicious of his wise men. Sometimes it seems that those who are around powerful people will say whatever they want to hear. the king suspects that they aren't nearly as wise as they profess to be....just "yes men". Daniel is revealed to be a true prophet and wise man. He knows what the king dreamed before he is told.
Don't miss the fact that the edict to kill all wise men (including Daniel) has already been given. When Daniel interpreted this dream, it was "do or die". God likes to work miracles when it seems that there isn't any other way out of the situation. Sometimes that places us in scary positions, trusting that God is going to show up and deliver us. Not all miracles take place on mountain tops, sometimes they are in the valleys as well.
The four types of metal represent 4 kingdoms: The Babylonians, the Medes and Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans. The Roman empire is the feet of iron and clay...which extends to this day. We never really had another empire beyond the Roman empire...and the United States takes much of it's system of government and rule of law from the Romans. Sadly, I believe that we are the feet of iron and clay. We have become believers in many gods, and in some cases we don't seem to believe at all. (speaking on a national scale). No country that believes in God should allow abortion, or remove prayer from schools. Or build mosques, or teach many different faiths in the elementary and secondary schools. Countries that believe in God don't remove copies of the 10 commandments from state property.
One glaring point is this: there are only four kingdoms mentioned, and we have already seen all four. I think we are out of time.
One last thought (wow, is Daniel ever rich with illustration and content!)
The three friends that are defiant didn't know that they would be saved when they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar. They simply knew that God wouldn't approve, and life itself was not worth keeping if it meant surrendering their relationship with God. Why live with Nebuchadnezzar's blessing if you lost the blessing of God in the process? Because of their faithfulness, God assures that they are promoted, and influence a larger portion of the population.
Here's the point: devotion and obedience come before position and influence. Don't expect God to put you in a position of influence before you have learned humility and sacrifice. And, once you have learned humility and sacrifice....you won't be impressed by positions of power and influence.
I think that our society wants to have the lofty title and the esteemed position without having to give anything up. "we want it all", but you can't be a lover of both God and money. You must choose. Once again, just like Daniel was, the three men are placed in a "life or death" situation, and God rescues them because they chose well.
Many great men have stepped into the fire, and faced down the sword since that day, and God hasn't stayed the blade. They died for their faith. That's important to note, I think. However, I believe that in so doing they have gained a reward in heaven that is far more valuable than anything they could have achieved on earth.
May we be honored and privileged to do likewise, should the same decision be thrust upon us.
PR
Posted: September 21, 2014
Daniel was a person of some standing before he was taken captive, perhaps of noble birth, since the chief officer was told to search for nobles and royalty. The first account of his wisdom is found in chapter 1, where he negotiates with the chief official to obtain different meals. I noticed that Daniel first appealed to the chief official, who liked him, but turned down his request because he was afraid of the king. Daniel then proposes to the guard that they conduct a test. It's only 10 days, so if the effects are negative, they can quickly be changed. The guard agrees, and Daniel and his companions have secured their first victory.
1:17 reminds us that Daniel and his friends weren't wise on their own, their intelligence came from God. In fact, that's where all understanding comes from. Even today, those who have great insight have it because God has given them ability to learn and understand.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the interpretation of it are a glimpse into the future. I have to chuckle when I read of king Nebuchadessar being suspicious of his wise men. Sometimes it seems that those who are around powerful people will say whatever they want to hear. the king suspects that they aren't nearly as wise as they profess to be....just "yes men". Daniel is revealed to be a true prophet and wise man. He knows what the king dreamed before he is told.
Don't miss the fact that the edict to kill all wise men (including Daniel) has already been given. When Daniel interpreted this dream, it was "do or die". God likes to work miracles when it seems that there isn't any other way out of the situation. Sometimes that places us in scary positions, trusting that God is going to show up and deliver us. Not all miracles take place on mountain tops, sometimes they are in the valleys as well.
The four types of metal represent 4 kingdoms: The Babylonians, the Medes and Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans. The Roman empire is the feet of iron and clay...which extends to this day. We never really had another empire beyond the Roman empire...and the United States takes much of it's system of government and rule of law from the Romans. Sadly, I believe that we are the feet of iron and clay. We have become believers in many gods, and in some cases we don't seem to believe at all. (speaking on a national scale). No country that believes in God should allow abortion, or remove prayer from schools. Or build mosques, or teach many different faiths in the elementary and secondary schools. Countries that believe in God don't remove copies of the 10 commandments from state property.
One glaring point is this: there are only four kingdoms mentioned, and we have already seen all four. I think we are out of time.
One last thought (wow, is Daniel ever rich with illustration and content!)
The three friends that are defiant didn't know that they would be saved when they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar. They simply knew that God wouldn't approve, and life itself was not worth keeping if it meant surrendering their relationship with God. Why live with Nebuchadnezzar's blessing if you lost the blessing of God in the process? Because of their faithfulness, God assures that they are promoted, and influence a larger portion of the population.
Here's the point: devotion and obedience come before position and influence. Don't expect God to put you in a position of influence before you have learned humility and sacrifice. And, once you have learned humility and sacrifice....you won't be impressed by positions of power and influence.
I think that our society wants to have the lofty title and the esteemed position without having to give anything up. "we want it all", but you can't be a lover of both God and money. You must choose. Once again, just like Daniel was, the three men are placed in a "life or death" situation, and God rescues them because they chose well.
Many great men have stepped into the fire, and faced down the sword since that day, and God hasn't stayed the blade. They died for their faith. That's important to note, I think. However, I believe that in so doing they have gained a reward in heaven that is far more valuable than anything they could have achieved on earth.
May we be honored and privileged to do likewise, should the same decision be thrust upon us.
PR
Reading: Joel 1-3
Posted: September 19, 2014
Joel is one of those small books (only three chapters) that has a clear and powerful message to deliver. Not much is known about the prophet, because apart from being mentioned in Acts, there are no other references to him in the rest of the Bible. Also, since the book of Joel is so short, there aren't references to what current events are taking place...so we really can't say for sure when it was written. It's popular to place it before the exile, because the plagues and famine would have been signs to Israel to repent before God took the extra measure of allowing the country to be overrun by the enemy. There is a chance that it is after the exile, but that would mean that the people who came out of the exile didn't repent and change.
Joel talks of hoards of locusts devouring the crops. We can't be sure what stripping and cutting locusts are, but if we accept the book literally, then the locusts are simply destroying all the crops. The lesson should be clear: All bounty comes from God. Nothing you plant is caused to grow by you. None of the money you earn, or knowledge you retain or "natural abilities" that you have are truly under your control. God is in charge of it all, and He orchestrates all things to work out blessings for those who obey, and difficulties for those who refuse Him.
Of course, there are times when God allows bad things to happen to people who seemingly don't deserve it...but it isn't to punish them, as we see here. When God allows those sort of things, its generally to illustrate a point, or to reveal a shortcoming in character or practice. In any case, whatever God does can be trusted.
In Joel, God has removed the harvest, so that the people will recognize that the idols they have prayed to (for the harvest) cannot help them. If they will turn and pray to God, then the harvest will return, and they will once again give glory to the real "Lord of the Harvest". Sadly, they do not repent.
Chapter 2:13 says "rend your heart, and not your garments..." It reminds me that God is looking for worshipers who will worship in "spirit and in truth" (like He tells the samaritan woman). It isn't enough to put on an ACT, you must be genuinely moved in your heart. If your heart is moved, then whatever you do externally will be received.
This is why you can't wait until the last seconds of your life and accept Christ. Your heart has to be moved, and only the Holy Spirit can move it. When God calls on you....and He calls on everyone, it's your job to respond. Do so quickly and completely because you don't know how much time you have.
2;25 "I will repay you for what the locusts have eaten" says the Lord. God alone is able to restore. Who else could promise to restore harvests? Could the king? This is work that only God can do, and He promises to do it; if only His people will turn from their wickedness and once again be faithful to him.
I think 2:28 is looking forward to the time when Jesus Christ is on the earth, specifically (as it mentions in Acts) to the time when He ascends to back to heaven and the Holy Spirit comes. Then it seems to me that the next passage looks forward to a time that hasn't arrived yet. It could be the final battle in the valley of Armageddon. (If you look for "Armageddon" on your Bible map you won't find it. The name is an adaptation of "Har Megiddo" which means mount of Megiddo. Alongside Megiddo is an enormous plain where many battles have been fought. Alexander the Great once said as he overlooked the site "all the armies of the world could battle here") Here's another little "tidbit". the word "har" means a mountain or a series of large hills, like a mountain range. Another word we see used for "hill" is "tel", as in "Tel Aviv". A tel is a man made hill that is constructed of one city after another being built on the same site. They didn't reuse the materials from each city apparently. So over thousands of years, these cities are now higher in elevation. Jerusalem is good example of this. The city streets from the time of Jesus are more than 50 feet below modern day street level in many places.
Ironic that Alexander would say such a thing, since one day all the armies of the world will do just that. (Full disclosure: I couldn't find Alexander's quote quickly with a google search, it was relayed to be by a guide when I visited Tel Megiddo. )
PR
Posted: September 19, 2014
Joel is one of those small books (only three chapters) that has a clear and powerful message to deliver. Not much is known about the prophet, because apart from being mentioned in Acts, there are no other references to him in the rest of the Bible. Also, since the book of Joel is so short, there aren't references to what current events are taking place...so we really can't say for sure when it was written. It's popular to place it before the exile, because the plagues and famine would have been signs to Israel to repent before God took the extra measure of allowing the country to be overrun by the enemy. There is a chance that it is after the exile, but that would mean that the people who came out of the exile didn't repent and change.
Joel talks of hoards of locusts devouring the crops. We can't be sure what stripping and cutting locusts are, but if we accept the book literally, then the locusts are simply destroying all the crops. The lesson should be clear: All bounty comes from God. Nothing you plant is caused to grow by you. None of the money you earn, or knowledge you retain or "natural abilities" that you have are truly under your control. God is in charge of it all, and He orchestrates all things to work out blessings for those who obey, and difficulties for those who refuse Him.
Of course, there are times when God allows bad things to happen to people who seemingly don't deserve it...but it isn't to punish them, as we see here. When God allows those sort of things, its generally to illustrate a point, or to reveal a shortcoming in character or practice. In any case, whatever God does can be trusted.
In Joel, God has removed the harvest, so that the people will recognize that the idols they have prayed to (for the harvest) cannot help them. If they will turn and pray to God, then the harvest will return, and they will once again give glory to the real "Lord of the Harvest". Sadly, they do not repent.
Chapter 2:13 says "rend your heart, and not your garments..." It reminds me that God is looking for worshipers who will worship in "spirit and in truth" (like He tells the samaritan woman). It isn't enough to put on an ACT, you must be genuinely moved in your heart. If your heart is moved, then whatever you do externally will be received.
This is why you can't wait until the last seconds of your life and accept Christ. Your heart has to be moved, and only the Holy Spirit can move it. When God calls on you....and He calls on everyone, it's your job to respond. Do so quickly and completely because you don't know how much time you have.
2;25 "I will repay you for what the locusts have eaten" says the Lord. God alone is able to restore. Who else could promise to restore harvests? Could the king? This is work that only God can do, and He promises to do it; if only His people will turn from their wickedness and once again be faithful to him.
I think 2:28 is looking forward to the time when Jesus Christ is on the earth, specifically (as it mentions in Acts) to the time when He ascends to back to heaven and the Holy Spirit comes. Then it seems to me that the next passage looks forward to a time that hasn't arrived yet. It could be the final battle in the valley of Armageddon. (If you look for "Armageddon" on your Bible map you won't find it. The name is an adaptation of "Har Megiddo" which means mount of Megiddo. Alongside Megiddo is an enormous plain where many battles have been fought. Alexander the Great once said as he overlooked the site "all the armies of the world could battle here") Here's another little "tidbit". the word "har" means a mountain or a series of large hills, like a mountain range. Another word we see used for "hill" is "tel", as in "Tel Aviv". A tel is a man made hill that is constructed of one city after another being built on the same site. They didn't reuse the materials from each city apparently. So over thousands of years, these cities are now higher in elevation. Jerusalem is good example of this. The city streets from the time of Jesus are more than 50 feet below modern day street level in many places.
Ironic that Alexander would say such a thing, since one day all the armies of the world will do just that. (Full disclosure: I couldn't find Alexander's quote quickly with a google search, it was relayed to be by a guide when I visited Tel Megiddo. )
PR
Friday, September 19, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 46-48
Posted: September 19, 2014
Continuing the thought from yesterday about when this temple should exist, whether immediately following the exile, or sometime in the future: Today's reading resembles the vision of John in Revelation 22, where he saw a throne room with the river of the water of life flowing from the throne room. This, however is not that city, because the city described in Rev 22 has no temple....nor would it need one, because the entire place is holy. There is no need for most of what occurs at the earthly temple, such as sacrifice and preparation of sacrifice. The sacrifices in heaven will be of a different nature. The 24 elders that surround the throne continually lay down their crowns and cry "Holy"! The sacrifice in heaven will be one of praise and adulation. To consider that we would bring in an earthly lamb and kill it for any reason is ridiculous. This would be happening in the presence of God himself, who has already identified himself as the "Lamb of God".
Could it be that this city should have been marked out centuries ago? And, if it had, would earthquake have opened up the underground streams to make a river flow from temple mount down to the dead sea? Is it possible that God never intended for the Dead Sea to remain dead this long? I have been to Jerusalem, and seen the temple mount. When Herod was enlarging it, they had to bridge over a small stream that flows underneath the city. Using a series of arches, they accomplished the task. The stream is too small to be the one spoken of, but Israel is situated on a fault line, and God could easily have made that stream into a constant flow of fresh water.
I'm not qualified to say one way or the other, but I think it demands more study. This idea could really change the way we interpret the last 2,000 years. It will not, however change the story line. Jesus comes in the fullness of time, and graces us with His presence. His sacrifice at the temple that is in existence at that time is counted at worthy for all time for the forgiveness of sin. No further sacrifice for sin can ever be made.
Perhaps what we see is symbolic. For instance, the stream starts small but becomes very large, and blesses everything that it touches. That could stand for Christianity. Maybe the 12 trees bearing
fruit are 12 regions or kingdoms that have existed...I don't know..
Chapter 46, beginning with verse 16: The prince may give a part of what is his to his children, and it becomes theirs forever. However, if he gives it to his servants, it will eventually revert back to the prince. In John 15 Jesus says "I no longer call you servants, because servants do not know the Master's business, instead I call you friends". The implication is that we are closer than servants. We are ingrafted branches, we are now children of God, part of His family and eligible for his inheritance. One chapter earlier, in John 14:27 Jesus says "my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives." That's right, the world gives and takes away. But Jesus gives and it stays with us. We are His children, and His peace is our inheritance. And it will not be taken from us.
In Chapter 48 the aliens living in the land who have children are to be considered "native-born Israelite's". I think this is instructive, because it tells us that God does allow people to be "in grafted" which is exactly what you and I are. We have been "adopted" by God, and therefore in His eyes, we are spiritually Israelite's. That doesn't mean anything on the kingdom of earth, but it will be enormously significant in heaven. It may also help explain the connection we feel to Israel, and our deep need to support that country.
Reading Ezekiel has left us with some unanswered questions, but that is part of being a disciple. As we read and discuss we will continue to grow in our understanding and our practice.
Blessings,
PR
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 44-45
Posted: Sept 18, 2014
Today's reading underscores my assumption from yesterday that the temple and surrounding area wasn't built in the way that God had intended. Frankly, this is really catching me off guard. I'm stunned. I'm positive that I haven't noticed this before. And, even if it were true (that they Israelites didn't build the temple they were supposed to) why would Jesus then come and grace the temple that Herod expanded? Why wouldn't He say "this isn't what I asked for"? Also, thinking of the sheer size of the "sacred area"....that's 7 miles by 7 miles square. In ancient days you could commandeer that much area, but to do so now would displace millions. The size of the temple itself seems unlikely to be constructed by a band of refugees returning home. Really, it's enormous.
All of that leads me to believe that we might be looking at a millenial temple...I'm just not sure.
One highlight from todays reading is the role of the Zadok priests. They remained faithful when the other levitical priests did not. As a reward for their faithfulness, they are now the only ones allowed to offer the sacrifices before the Lord. Levites used to be able to, now only the Zadok line (also descended from Levi) is allowed. In addition, the levites are allowed to own property, but the Zadok line is not. They are considered to be most holy, and dedicated to the Lord. The Lord himself is their inheritance.
Sometimes I get envious of all the things that other people have. Their homes, land, and other stuff. I start thinking about how I don't have any of those things....I live in a rented home, and own no property. Even some of the equipment I use isn't mine. If I'm not careful, I could find myself wishing for the lesser things, and forgetting the great privilege that God has afforded me. My role as a minister is to NOT own these things. The Lord is to remain my inheritance...and those other things would only be stumbling blocks for me. It is absolutely in my best interest, and it follows that it is in the best interest of the church, that I remain focused on ministry and people without being caught up in pursuit of worldly gain.
Some of the Levites, for whatever reason, squandered their high calling to offer sacrifices to idols. I doubt that happened suddenly, but rather slowly over a period of years. Who knows, maybe even over generations. We can choose to remain faithful, or drift. Those are our two options. Remaining faithful will mean denying ourselves some of life's pleasures, but it will make us more suitable for eternal endeavors.
Let's choose to be consecrated, and set apart to the high and holy endeavor of serving Christ!
PR
Posted: Sept 18, 2014
Today's reading underscores my assumption from yesterday that the temple and surrounding area wasn't built in the way that God had intended. Frankly, this is really catching me off guard. I'm stunned. I'm positive that I haven't noticed this before. And, even if it were true (that they Israelites didn't build the temple they were supposed to) why would Jesus then come and grace the temple that Herod expanded? Why wouldn't He say "this isn't what I asked for"? Also, thinking of the sheer size of the "sacred area"....that's 7 miles by 7 miles square. In ancient days you could commandeer that much area, but to do so now would displace millions. The size of the temple itself seems unlikely to be constructed by a band of refugees returning home. Really, it's enormous.
All of that leads me to believe that we might be looking at a millenial temple...I'm just not sure.
One highlight from todays reading is the role of the Zadok priests. They remained faithful when the other levitical priests did not. As a reward for their faithfulness, they are now the only ones allowed to offer the sacrifices before the Lord. Levites used to be able to, now only the Zadok line (also descended from Levi) is allowed. In addition, the levites are allowed to own property, but the Zadok line is not. They are considered to be most holy, and dedicated to the Lord. The Lord himself is their inheritance.
Sometimes I get envious of all the things that other people have. Their homes, land, and other stuff. I start thinking about how I don't have any of those things....I live in a rented home, and own no property. Even some of the equipment I use isn't mine. If I'm not careful, I could find myself wishing for the lesser things, and forgetting the great privilege that God has afforded me. My role as a minister is to NOT own these things. The Lord is to remain my inheritance...and those other things would only be stumbling blocks for me. It is absolutely in my best interest, and it follows that it is in the best interest of the church, that I remain focused on ministry and people without being caught up in pursuit of worldly gain.
Some of the Levites, for whatever reason, squandered their high calling to offer sacrifices to idols. I doubt that happened suddenly, but rather slowly over a period of years. Who knows, maybe even over generations. We can choose to remain faithful, or drift. Those are our two options. Remaining faithful will mean denying ourselves some of life's pleasures, but it will make us more suitable for eternal endeavors.
Let's choose to be consecrated, and set apart to the high and holy endeavor of serving Christ!
PR
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 42-43
Posted: September 17, 2014
Uh oh, the temple that seemed to be for the new millennium in chapters 40 and 41 now has a problem.... God is describing the sacrifices that will be offered in it. Specifically, the sacrifice for sin. (43:22). That's a problem....after the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ there is no other sacrifice for sin. Sin has been dealt with, and can no longer be atoned by any other means. Also, it would mean that people are sinning during the millenium. I hadn't considered that they would, since satan is locked up for the thousand years.
For those reasons, it doesn't seem likely to me that this temple is going to be in the new millenium. For instance, in this temple are rooms for priests. Priests who offer sacrifices and minister before the Lord. I suppose that we could have priests, but what would they do? In the New Testament we are all called a "holy priesthood". (1 Peter 2). It looks like there aren't rooms for everyone, so this must be an earthly temple. And, since the temple designed on earth is a reflection of the real temple in heaven there must be an altar in heaven as well. In Revelation the saints of God are crying out from underneath the altar...that's a pretty big clue. The altar is a place for offering sacrifices, such as praise offerings, thank offerings, fellowship offerings. But not sin offerings. To ask God to forgive a sin NOW using the blood of a bull or goat is to say that "the blood of Jesus Christ is not enough" and the blood of an animal must also be offered. That is blatantly incorrect.
So if this isn't the temple that arrives during the reign of Christ on earth, what temple is it? I'm going to try and find out. What if the Jews were supposed to build this temple when they came back from exile? The glory of God is shown to inhabit the temple, coming from the east....just as the presence of God left and went east before Judah was overrun and destroyed. Now I find myself wondering if the temple that Ezra built was the right one.
It brings up a lot of questions. I'll add more to this post at a later date.
PR
Posted: September 17, 2014
Uh oh, the temple that seemed to be for the new millennium in chapters 40 and 41 now has a problem.... God is describing the sacrifices that will be offered in it. Specifically, the sacrifice for sin. (43:22). That's a problem....after the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ there is no other sacrifice for sin. Sin has been dealt with, and can no longer be atoned by any other means. Also, it would mean that people are sinning during the millenium. I hadn't considered that they would, since satan is locked up for the thousand years.
For those reasons, it doesn't seem likely to me that this temple is going to be in the new millenium. For instance, in this temple are rooms for priests. Priests who offer sacrifices and minister before the Lord. I suppose that we could have priests, but what would they do? In the New Testament we are all called a "holy priesthood". (1 Peter 2). It looks like there aren't rooms for everyone, so this must be an earthly temple. And, since the temple designed on earth is a reflection of the real temple in heaven there must be an altar in heaven as well. In Revelation the saints of God are crying out from underneath the altar...that's a pretty big clue. The altar is a place for offering sacrifices, such as praise offerings, thank offerings, fellowship offerings. But not sin offerings. To ask God to forgive a sin NOW using the blood of a bull or goat is to say that "the blood of Jesus Christ is not enough" and the blood of an animal must also be offered. That is blatantly incorrect.
So if this isn't the temple that arrives during the reign of Christ on earth, what temple is it? I'm going to try and find out. What if the Jews were supposed to build this temple when they came back from exile? The glory of God is shown to inhabit the temple, coming from the east....just as the presence of God left and went east before Judah was overrun and destroyed. Now I find myself wondering if the temple that Ezra built was the right one.
It brings up a lot of questions. I'll add more to this post at a later date.
PR
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 40-41
Posted: September 16, 2014
\Chapter 40 marks a change in the tone and message of Ezekiel. It has been 25 years since the people were taken captive. 14 years since the temple was destroyed. That means there are people in their early 20's who now have young children who have never seen Israel, or have no memory of being there. The temple that Ezekiel sees in his vision has never been built. It is enormous by even Roman standards, and they increased the temple 4x the size of Solomon's.
Thinking of temples today, Israel's history is broken into "temple periods". The first temple period begins with Solomon and ends with the exile (and destruction of the temple). The second temple period begins with Ezra, and ends when the Romans destroy the temple in 70 A.D.
The dome of the rock will have to be removed before Ezekiel's temple becomes reality. (If if is to become reality). It would seem that Ezekiel's vision was in Jerusalem, not in heaven. He recognized the surrounding area.
Posted: September 16, 2014
\Chapter 40 marks a change in the tone and message of Ezekiel. It has been 25 years since the people were taken captive. 14 years since the temple was destroyed. That means there are people in their early 20's who now have young children who have never seen Israel, or have no memory of being there. The temple that Ezekiel sees in his vision has never been built. It is enormous by even Roman standards, and they increased the temple 4x the size of Solomon's.
Thinking of temples today, Israel's history is broken into "temple periods". The first temple period begins with Solomon and ends with the exile (and destruction of the temple). The second temple period begins with Ezra, and ends when the Romans destroy the temple in 70 A.D.
The temple that Solomon built was ornate and beautiful, and the instructions came directly from God, down to the last detail. The first temple period was a time of power and victory for Israel. It was the time of kings. Ezra's temple was also very nice, but the Bible tells us that those who saw it, and remembered what Solomon's temple looked like...cried. It was smaller, and more modest. Ezra was a scribe, a teacher. The second temple period has more emphasis on teaching. The idea of going to a church and learning how to be a follower of God probably comes more from the second temple period than the first. It's in the second period the emphasis on reading the Word and studying is emphasized.
Look at the size of the temple in the vision. In one picture I saw, there is a stream that flows out from the center of the temple. It begins small and becomes larger. The thought is that this temple is the one that will be in Jerusalem during the millennial reign of Christ. For a 1,000 years this temple will set on the temple mount, replacing the "dome of the rock" which is a muslim temple that sits there now.
The dome of the rock will have to be removed before Ezekiel's temple becomes reality. (If if is to become reality). It would seem that Ezekiel's vision was in Jerusalem, not in heaven. He recognized the surrounding area.
You can Google "Ezekiel's temple" and see many pictures of what the temple may look like. All the pictures are similar, some have more artistic detail than others.
Here's a closing thought: it was during a time of great sadness and trial that Ezekiel is given this inspiring glimpse of the future. Captivity is terrible, and shouldn't ever have to happen..but God is able to work through even our feebleness and shortcoming. While the people are being punished for going astray, He gives them a glimpse of what is coming some day in the future. A glorious, victorious day when Jerusalem will once again be exalted above all other cities on earth. A day when the glory and presence of God will rest upon the earth, and Jerusalem will be His city. What a great message for those languishing in captivity.
It occurs to me that as we who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, and yet remain here on the earth are "captives" of a sort. We have been born into captivity, and have never seen or known our true homeland, heaven. But the day will come when we will go there for the first time, and what a great celebration there will be on that day! In the meantime, God ministers to us, and through us here on earth. Who knows how long it will be before we reach heaven, but whenever it is, it will be "worth it all, when we see Jesus".
Looking forward,
PR
Monday, September 15, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 38-39
Posted: September 15, 2014
The great battle that will be fought in the future is discussed here. The nation leading the attack is from the "far north", but it would be wrong to assume that Russia is implied. I'm not saying that it cannot be Russia, only that it isn't specific. For all we know, it could be Turkey. The difficulty for me in understand how this passage should be placed in history is the description of the cities.
This says the army from the north will invade a land of unwalled cities, where everyone is unsuspecting and living in peace. I have been to Israel, and it is a land of walls and fences, checkpoints and machine gun nests. They are constantly prepared to defend their borders, as well they should be. Not a month goes by when someone isn't threatening to attack them.
So, it can't be a prophecy for today because there are too many defenses. History doesn't record a time when the people were overrun by another great force where the mountains were so filled with the slain that it took years to bury them all. It seems to me that this passage hasn't yet been fulfilled.
In my mind, this fits best with the battle after the millenial reign of Christ. Revelation tells us that the beast will be cast down, and locked away in the heart of the earth for 1,000 years. During that time there will be perfect peace and harmony. That would lend itself to a community that lived without walls or disputed borders. Then, for reasons that are beyond my ability to understand, God releases satan from the earth, and he goes out to rally his forces against Israel. Revelation 20:7 says that satan goes out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth.."Gog and Magog..." (hey, could that be a clue?) So many people show up for the battle that they are like sand on the seashore. God himself fights against them (that could be the earthquake) and fire rains down from heaven as well. At the end of the battle, satan and his minions are defeated and thrown into the lake of fire.
Who knows how long in the future this will be, but then again it doesn't really matter, does it? We know that God has planned it, and has planned for it. He will be victorious when it happens, and as we remain in him, we will be victorious as well.
The real mystery to me is why anyone would rebel against Christ after 1,000 years of peace. satan is in some way able to stir up desires within us that cause us to doubt, fear and become envious of what Jesus represents. It's a no wonder that people are so easily led astray today, given that even after 1,000 peaceful years we will still be able to be deceived.
Add to that mystery the mystery of why satan has to be unleashed at all. I vote for sending him into the lake of fire right now, and never hearing from him again. too bad I don't have a vote.....
staying faithful,
PR
Posted: September 15, 2014
The great battle that will be fought in the future is discussed here. The nation leading the attack is from the "far north", but it would be wrong to assume that Russia is implied. I'm not saying that it cannot be Russia, only that it isn't specific. For all we know, it could be Turkey. The difficulty for me in understand how this passage should be placed in history is the description of the cities.
This says the army from the north will invade a land of unwalled cities, where everyone is unsuspecting and living in peace. I have been to Israel, and it is a land of walls and fences, checkpoints and machine gun nests. They are constantly prepared to defend their borders, as well they should be. Not a month goes by when someone isn't threatening to attack them.
So, it can't be a prophecy for today because there are too many defenses. History doesn't record a time when the people were overrun by another great force where the mountains were so filled with the slain that it took years to bury them all. It seems to me that this passage hasn't yet been fulfilled.
In my mind, this fits best with the battle after the millenial reign of Christ. Revelation tells us that the beast will be cast down, and locked away in the heart of the earth for 1,000 years. During that time there will be perfect peace and harmony. That would lend itself to a community that lived without walls or disputed borders. Then, for reasons that are beyond my ability to understand, God releases satan from the earth, and he goes out to rally his forces against Israel. Revelation 20:7 says that satan goes out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth.."Gog and Magog..." (hey, could that be a clue?) So many people show up for the battle that they are like sand on the seashore. God himself fights against them (that could be the earthquake) and fire rains down from heaven as well. At the end of the battle, satan and his minions are defeated and thrown into the lake of fire.
Who knows how long in the future this will be, but then again it doesn't really matter, does it? We know that God has planned it, and has planned for it. He will be victorious when it happens, and as we remain in him, we will be victorious as well.
The real mystery to me is why anyone would rebel against Christ after 1,000 years of peace. satan is in some way able to stir up desires within us that cause us to doubt, fear and become envious of what Jesus represents. It's a no wonder that people are so easily led astray today, given that even after 1,000 peaceful years we will still be able to be deceived.
Add to that mystery the mystery of why satan has to be unleashed at all. I vote for sending him into the lake of fire right now, and never hearing from him again. too bad I don't have a vote.....
staying faithful,
PR
Reading: Ezekiel 35-37
Posted: September 14, 2014
Edom has been opposing Israel since the time of Jacob and Esau. The large reason God is angry with them is the way they behaved when Israel fell. Edom was happy, and saw it as a chance to prosper. They had their eyes on Israel's land, and wanted it for themselves. Greed and envy are terrible sins, especially when we want something that God has given to someone else.
When David was filled with lust for Bathsheeba, he committed a sin. He made it worse when he tried to cover it up. David could have had his choice of concubines, but he wanted Bathsheeba. Envy of what God has given to someone else is treacherous ground. I share this while reading about Edom because it isn't likely that we will be rejoicing at the collapse of our neighbor's house, but we might be tempted to be happy when something bad happens to him, and we benefit from it. We might be tempted to try and lure his spouse away, if things get bad at his house.
Also, we could be guilty of celebrating when God brings His fair and just judgement on other people. As I write this, ISIS is making a stir across the globe. God will certainly execute punishment on them for the harsh way they are treating other peoples, and when He does we shouldn't be cheering and rejoicing and saying "that's what you get, for acting like that". Instead, we should approach the news with humble expressions of thanks to God for saving us. I doubt that I will be sad when news of ISIS in retreat catches my ears, but I shouldn't celebrate too loudly, either.
No devotional would be complete without a quick nod to the passage about the valley of dry bones! God's wonderful promise to restore the people to their land. It won't be the same people, and the bones that are in the grave aren't the ones who will repopulate the country when the people are allowed to return to their homeland. The language is figurative (at least as it applies to the end of the captivity). It's true that God will raise all of us from the dead before the great judgment day, but even then I don't think we will be restored with our human bones.
The real point of this whole passage is to underscore the fact that God is able, and willing to forgive and restore. He possesses the ability and desire to cause His people to thrive. Even when our lives look like they're over, and we have made a mess of everything, it isn't too late. God wants to forgive and restore. In fact, it pleases Him to do so, because it reveals the power and authority that He alone possesses. It is an appropriate thing to pray for healing and restoration, and call upon the Lord of Lords to bring "new life" to our spiritually dead bodies. God can change the hearts of people that you thought would never find their way to heaven. He's in the people changing business!
PR
Posted: September 14, 2014
Edom has been opposing Israel since the time of Jacob and Esau. The large reason God is angry with them is the way they behaved when Israel fell. Edom was happy, and saw it as a chance to prosper. They had their eyes on Israel's land, and wanted it for themselves. Greed and envy are terrible sins, especially when we want something that God has given to someone else.
When David was filled with lust for Bathsheeba, he committed a sin. He made it worse when he tried to cover it up. David could have had his choice of concubines, but he wanted Bathsheeba. Envy of what God has given to someone else is treacherous ground. I share this while reading about Edom because it isn't likely that we will be rejoicing at the collapse of our neighbor's house, but we might be tempted to be happy when something bad happens to him, and we benefit from it. We might be tempted to try and lure his spouse away, if things get bad at his house.
Also, we could be guilty of celebrating when God brings His fair and just judgement on other people. As I write this, ISIS is making a stir across the globe. God will certainly execute punishment on them for the harsh way they are treating other peoples, and when He does we shouldn't be cheering and rejoicing and saying "that's what you get, for acting like that". Instead, we should approach the news with humble expressions of thanks to God for saving us. I doubt that I will be sad when news of ISIS in retreat catches my ears, but I shouldn't celebrate too loudly, either.
No devotional would be complete without a quick nod to the passage about the valley of dry bones! God's wonderful promise to restore the people to their land. It won't be the same people, and the bones that are in the grave aren't the ones who will repopulate the country when the people are allowed to return to their homeland. The language is figurative (at least as it applies to the end of the captivity). It's true that God will raise all of us from the dead before the great judgment day, but even then I don't think we will be restored with our human bones.
The real point of this whole passage is to underscore the fact that God is able, and willing to forgive and restore. He possesses the ability and desire to cause His people to thrive. Even when our lives look like they're over, and we have made a mess of everything, it isn't too late. God wants to forgive and restore. In fact, it pleases Him to do so, because it reveals the power and authority that He alone possesses. It is an appropriate thing to pray for healing and restoration, and call upon the Lord of Lords to bring "new life" to our spiritually dead bodies. God can change the hearts of people that you thought would never find their way to heaven. He's in the people changing business!
PR
Reading: Ezekiel 32-34
Posted: September 13, 2014
All of chapter 32 can be summarized by verse 15 "when I make Egypt desolate and strip the land of everything in it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the Lord."
An often repeated lesson circulates in Ezekiel: those who take credit for what God has done, or who fail to recognize God for what He has done will be punished. Punishment generally takes the form of falling in battle, losing crops, diseases, etc. All the things the people had been praying to idols for are turned against them.
Chapter 33 echoes the lesson of chapter 18 "the soul who sins will die". In this chapter, Ezekiel is told that if he fails to share the message, he will also be held accountable for the sin. In other words, it will be considered a sin on Ezekiel's account if he doesn't share what God has said.
Do you think that if we fail to witness it will be held against us? The New Testament seems to imply that it will. Matthew 10 says that if we deny Christ before men here on earth, then Jesus will deny us in front of the host of heaven. You may say that failing to share your faith isn't really "denying" but I believe that it's pretty close to the brink. Best to be careful!
When God does something in our lives, we have an obligation to share it with everyone. Brag up what God has done, and is doing! Praise! Testify! Share! I recently told a group of our leaders that one of the things that we could do better is sharing good news. Good things are happening, but we seem content to enjoy them without telling others. It would be better if we did both!
At the end of Chapter 33 (verses 30-33) God tells Ezekiel that the people are listening intently, but aren't doing anything with what they hear. They aren't changing their behavior because of what Ezekiel is saying. One of two things must be happening: 1. they don't believe that what Ezekiel is saying is from God, or: 2. They don't care if it's from God or not.
This causes me to ask a question of myself. When I see an area of my life that doesn't line up with what the Bible teaches, what action do I take? If I don't change my behavior at all, then one of the same two options are true of me as well. When I read that God approves of those who obey Him, and expects His commands to be followed....I should obey and follow. Especially if I also know that God punishes those who disobey. If I don't alter my behavior, can I really say that I believe God is who He says He is? Perhaps disobedience can best be corrected by praying for greater faith.
Chapter 34 hit me pretty hard. Pastors should resonate with passages that talk about caring for the flock, I think. What struck me was the role of the shepherd. It is expected that the sheep will be constantly wandering off, getting lost or confused, hurting themselves and others. The shepherd doesn't become angry with the sheep...that's how sheep are. They wander. As a pastor, I should constantly be reaching out to those who have wandered off. Generally when we wander we get hurt. You would think that wandering and getting hurt would teach you a lesson...but not for sheep. They can wander off again tomorrow and get into the same mess. That's why we have shepherds in the first place. If the sheep learned by their experiences, we wouldn't need them.
It's also good to remember that we are all sheep (even pastors!), and Jesus is our good shepherd. He's the one who cares for us, loves us and searches for us when we wander off. And don't we seem to wander off from time to time? God knows our hearts, and our failings, and is able to deal patiently with us as he binds up our wounds and places us back on the right path.
Rejoicing in the gentle shepherd...
PR
Posted: September 13, 2014
All of chapter 32 can be summarized by verse 15 "when I make Egypt desolate and strip the land of everything in it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the Lord."
An often repeated lesson circulates in Ezekiel: those who take credit for what God has done, or who fail to recognize God for what He has done will be punished. Punishment generally takes the form of falling in battle, losing crops, diseases, etc. All the things the people had been praying to idols for are turned against them.
Chapter 33 echoes the lesson of chapter 18 "the soul who sins will die". In this chapter, Ezekiel is told that if he fails to share the message, he will also be held accountable for the sin. In other words, it will be considered a sin on Ezekiel's account if he doesn't share what God has said.
Do you think that if we fail to witness it will be held against us? The New Testament seems to imply that it will. Matthew 10 says that if we deny Christ before men here on earth, then Jesus will deny us in front of the host of heaven. You may say that failing to share your faith isn't really "denying" but I believe that it's pretty close to the brink. Best to be careful!
When God does something in our lives, we have an obligation to share it with everyone. Brag up what God has done, and is doing! Praise! Testify! Share! I recently told a group of our leaders that one of the things that we could do better is sharing good news. Good things are happening, but we seem content to enjoy them without telling others. It would be better if we did both!
At the end of Chapter 33 (verses 30-33) God tells Ezekiel that the people are listening intently, but aren't doing anything with what they hear. They aren't changing their behavior because of what Ezekiel is saying. One of two things must be happening: 1. they don't believe that what Ezekiel is saying is from God, or: 2. They don't care if it's from God or not.
This causes me to ask a question of myself. When I see an area of my life that doesn't line up with what the Bible teaches, what action do I take? If I don't change my behavior at all, then one of the same two options are true of me as well. When I read that God approves of those who obey Him, and expects His commands to be followed....I should obey and follow. Especially if I also know that God punishes those who disobey. If I don't alter my behavior, can I really say that I believe God is who He says He is? Perhaps disobedience can best be corrected by praying for greater faith.
Chapter 34 hit me pretty hard. Pastors should resonate with passages that talk about caring for the flock, I think. What struck me was the role of the shepherd. It is expected that the sheep will be constantly wandering off, getting lost or confused, hurting themselves and others. The shepherd doesn't become angry with the sheep...that's how sheep are. They wander. As a pastor, I should constantly be reaching out to those who have wandered off. Generally when we wander we get hurt. You would think that wandering and getting hurt would teach you a lesson...but not for sheep. They can wander off again tomorrow and get into the same mess. That's why we have shepherds in the first place. If the sheep learned by their experiences, we wouldn't need them.
It's also good to remember that we are all sheep (even pastors!), and Jesus is our good shepherd. He's the one who cares for us, loves us and searches for us when we wander off. And don't we seem to wander off from time to time? God knows our hearts, and our failings, and is able to deal patiently with us as he binds up our wounds and places us back on the right path.
Rejoicing in the gentle shepherd...
PR
Friday, September 12, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 28-31
Posted: September 12, 2014
Hubris. Websters dictionary defines it as "a foolish amount of pride or confidence". This is what the king of Tyre is guilty of. But he is not the first. In fact, if you read closely, you will be reminded of the fall of Lucifer from heaven. It was hubris that caused the fall. Hubris was behind the introduction of evil into the human race. Hubris is very dangerous indeed.
It seems to be part of the human condition to become more confident in our own strength than we should. Therefore, it is the constant task of every christian to make sure we remain humble.
How? you say. Well, I recommend thanking God daily for everything that HE has provided. That helps train our mind to remember that we didn't get here by ourselves, or in our own strength. God has provided. James says "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of the heavenly lights". Elsewhere is says "ask, and you will receive". God is the provider, and when we spend some time thanking Him, we avoid false pride. Also, it doesn't hurt to pray to remain humble. Admitting to God on a regular basis that you cannot succeed without Him is a great prayer. Confessing our weaknesses helps keep us humble as well. Having an accountability partner, or a close friend that knows some of our weaknesses, and will gently remind us of them also helps keep us humble.
The king of Tyre, and the pharaoh of Egypt both became so proud that they assumed themselves gods. It has been said that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. These men were corrupt, and even more than that they were delusional. They had enough success and public favor to believe they were invincible. God emphatically says to them (and to us, if we need it) "you need a reminder of who is really in charge".
If you think you are in control, prepare for God to take away control, so you can learn you are not in control. If you think you have power, prepare to become powerless, to learn that you don't have power. All these things belong to God, and he is jealous in receiving credit for them.
The lesson we learn today is to avoid hubris, and do so by spending time in prayer.
PR
Posted: September 12, 2014
Hubris. Websters dictionary defines it as "a foolish amount of pride or confidence". This is what the king of Tyre is guilty of. But he is not the first. In fact, if you read closely, you will be reminded of the fall of Lucifer from heaven. It was hubris that caused the fall. Hubris was behind the introduction of evil into the human race. Hubris is very dangerous indeed.
It seems to be part of the human condition to become more confident in our own strength than we should. Therefore, it is the constant task of every christian to make sure we remain humble.
How? you say. Well, I recommend thanking God daily for everything that HE has provided. That helps train our mind to remember that we didn't get here by ourselves, or in our own strength. God has provided. James says "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of the heavenly lights". Elsewhere is says "ask, and you will receive". God is the provider, and when we spend some time thanking Him, we avoid false pride. Also, it doesn't hurt to pray to remain humble. Admitting to God on a regular basis that you cannot succeed without Him is a great prayer. Confessing our weaknesses helps keep us humble as well. Having an accountability partner, or a close friend that knows some of our weaknesses, and will gently remind us of them also helps keep us humble.
The king of Tyre, and the pharaoh of Egypt both became so proud that they assumed themselves gods. It has been said that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. These men were corrupt, and even more than that they were delusional. They had enough success and public favor to believe they were invincible. God emphatically says to them (and to us, if we need it) "you need a reminder of who is really in charge".
If you think you are in control, prepare for God to take away control, so you can learn you are not in control. If you think you have power, prepare to become powerless, to learn that you don't have power. All these things belong to God, and he is jealous in receiving credit for them.
The lesson we learn today is to avoid hubris, and do so by spending time in prayer.
PR
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 24-27
Posted: September 11, 2014
It seems ironic that we should be discussing violence and bloodshed on such a poignant day in U.S. history. But remember, we have been reading about the fall of Israel, Judah and specifically Jerusalem for almost a month. I doubt that 9/11 and our reading of Jerusalem's fall are related in any way that matters, but it does seem to be a little more personal today.
It's striking that God takes away Ezekiel's wife as a sign to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I imagine many pastors today struggling with the idea of God causing me grief, or allowing bad things to happen. We learn in Scripture that God always works for the good of those who love him. So how is taking Ezekiel's wife "working for good?"
It's a question that defies the simple answer. It could be that we are simply seeing things from a different perspective than God is. Much like a child who cries when you take something away from them, we are sad when someone is taken from us. But children often cry when you take away things temporarily...because they don't understand that when their bottle isn't visible it doesn't mean that it's gone. They don't understand "see you later". Children cry when we take things from them that could hurt them. I'm not saying that Ezekiel's wife was taken for these reasons...we know why God took her. He did it to make a point. Our struggle stems from our lack of understanding about where she is now. We don't see her, so we think she is "gone", and that's not fair. But she isn't gone, nor is she unhappy where she is. As much as she loved her husband and he loved her she wouldn't come back here even if she could.
God is free to use people for whatever purpose He desires. He often uses Christians to spread the message of salvation, and many times it's at the cost of their lives.
Tyre was one of the largest seaports of it's time. It was thought to be virtually indestructable, because it was built both on an island, and the mainland. When Nebuchadnezzar attacked, he destroyed the mainlan portion, but left the island. He was unable to defeat it. Later, Alexander the Great would use the remains of the mainland city to build a causeway out to the island and capture it. After Alexander, the city was torn down, and the island leveled...just like the scripture says. Today, the area is best known for it's fishing. Again, just like the Bible says.
I read somewhere that all seven prophecies spoken against Tyre were fulfilled. The chances of someone speaking 7 prophecies and having them all come true is like flipping a coin and getting "heads" 25 times in a row. That's one in 75 million. (1:75,000,000) Just like the death of Ezekiel's wife, the accuracy of his prophecies is a sign for us. We should be listening and applying what we hear to our own lives, so that we don't fall under God's judgement as well.
PR
Posted: September 11, 2014
It seems ironic that we should be discussing violence and bloodshed on such a poignant day in U.S. history. But remember, we have been reading about the fall of Israel, Judah and specifically Jerusalem for almost a month. I doubt that 9/11 and our reading of Jerusalem's fall are related in any way that matters, but it does seem to be a little more personal today.
It's striking that God takes away Ezekiel's wife as a sign to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I imagine many pastors today struggling with the idea of God causing me grief, or allowing bad things to happen. We learn in Scripture that God always works for the good of those who love him. So how is taking Ezekiel's wife "working for good?"
It's a question that defies the simple answer. It could be that we are simply seeing things from a different perspective than God is. Much like a child who cries when you take something away from them, we are sad when someone is taken from us. But children often cry when you take away things temporarily...because they don't understand that when their bottle isn't visible it doesn't mean that it's gone. They don't understand "see you later". Children cry when we take things from them that could hurt them. I'm not saying that Ezekiel's wife was taken for these reasons...we know why God took her. He did it to make a point. Our struggle stems from our lack of understanding about where she is now. We don't see her, so we think she is "gone", and that's not fair. But she isn't gone, nor is she unhappy where she is. As much as she loved her husband and he loved her she wouldn't come back here even if she could.
God is free to use people for whatever purpose He desires. He often uses Christians to spread the message of salvation, and many times it's at the cost of their lives.
Tyre was one of the largest seaports of it's time. It was thought to be virtually indestructable, because it was built both on an island, and the mainland. When Nebuchadnezzar attacked, he destroyed the mainlan portion, but left the island. He was unable to defeat it. Later, Alexander the Great would use the remains of the mainland city to build a causeway out to the island and capture it. After Alexander, the city was torn down, and the island leveled...just like the scripture says. Today, the area is best known for it's fishing. Again, just like the Bible says.
I read somewhere that all seven prophecies spoken against Tyre were fulfilled. The chances of someone speaking 7 prophecies and having them all come true is like flipping a coin and getting "heads" 25 times in a row. That's one in 75 million. (1:75,000,000) Just like the death of Ezekiel's wife, the accuracy of his prophecies is a sign for us. We should be listening and applying what we hear to our own lives, so that we don't fall under God's judgement as well.
PR
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 22-23
Posted: September 10, 2014
Wow. this seems like some pretty graphic language to be in the Bible! I chuckle to myself as I think about the stereotypical church spinster reading this section. The Lord doesn't spare many details in His description of their lewd acts.
Once I get past my teenage behavior, I see something familiar tucked in amongst the details. There is a story line that I have seen elsewhere in scripture. The person desires something they aren't allowed to have, their desire grows and becomes a lust. They take actions to feed their desire, and after they have done so, they don't care for the object of their affection anymore. But, by now what they have lusted after has a hold on them and they can't get away. In the end, they are destroyed by the very thing they wanted but weren't allowed to have, obtained and then didn't want.
It sounds convoluted, I agree. In 2 Samuel 13 a story is told of a young man named Amnon who wanted to sleep with his sister (Tamar). She refused, but he pursued her and raped her. Afterwards, he was disgusted by her and sent her away. Although he appeared to get away with it, he was later murdered by his half-brother (Tamar's brother). Absalom, now the murderer, has to flee the country for several years. All of this because one person took what they weren't supposed to. That's sin.
Unrighteousness begins with a temptation. a small fleeting idea that you didn't ask for, or even think about. But then, we capture that fleeting thought and dwell on it. After some time, we believe we really have to obtain what we have been thinking about. Some time after that, we take action. Somewhere in this process the thought becomes a sin. Sin occurs before action and after temptation. It isn't a sin to be tempted, but it is to dwell on the thought.
Then, once we have what we wanted, we often despise it. We may actually wish we had never been exposed, or acted. This is often the case with people who step out of the marriage vows, or experiment with drug use, or who take up gambling as a pass time. What we tried to obtain has now obtained us. We have become the captives, and too late we realize that what God was telling us about staying away from it was for our own good.
This is the case for Jerusalem, who has aligned themselves with foreign powers, and has depended on them for protection, goods and services. And, it is the case for many people here in the United States, and some christians as well. Captured by our desires.
The pathway out of this mess is straightforward. Confess your sinful thoughts and behavior to God, and ask him to deliver you from them. Acknowledge that you have sinned, and that it's beyond your control, and tell Him that you want to stop.
As 23:27 says, He is able to "take away your longing and desire for Egypt". The truth is, the devil is fairly powerful, and the wire rope that he binds us with can only be broken by Jesus Christ. We get ourselves into this mess, but Jesus gets us out. That's why we praise Him. He is certainly worthy.
Don't wait. Don't put it off. Right where you are, no matter what you are doing...tell the Lord in your own words that you're sorry and want Him to take over your life. Give Him full control, and He will steer you out of the mess you made, and off the path of destruction you are on.
Don't live with regret one more minute. act now.
Hope to see you heaven.
PR
Posted: September 10, 2014
Wow. this seems like some pretty graphic language to be in the Bible! I chuckle to myself as I think about the stereotypical church spinster reading this section. The Lord doesn't spare many details in His description of their lewd acts.
Once I get past my teenage behavior, I see something familiar tucked in amongst the details. There is a story line that I have seen elsewhere in scripture. The person desires something they aren't allowed to have, their desire grows and becomes a lust. They take actions to feed their desire, and after they have done so, they don't care for the object of their affection anymore. But, by now what they have lusted after has a hold on them and they can't get away. In the end, they are destroyed by the very thing they wanted but weren't allowed to have, obtained and then didn't want.
It sounds convoluted, I agree. In 2 Samuel 13 a story is told of a young man named Amnon who wanted to sleep with his sister (Tamar). She refused, but he pursued her and raped her. Afterwards, he was disgusted by her and sent her away. Although he appeared to get away with it, he was later murdered by his half-brother (Tamar's brother). Absalom, now the murderer, has to flee the country for several years. All of this because one person took what they weren't supposed to. That's sin.
Unrighteousness begins with a temptation. a small fleeting idea that you didn't ask for, or even think about. But then, we capture that fleeting thought and dwell on it. After some time, we believe we really have to obtain what we have been thinking about. Some time after that, we take action. Somewhere in this process the thought becomes a sin. Sin occurs before action and after temptation. It isn't a sin to be tempted, but it is to dwell on the thought.
Then, once we have what we wanted, we often despise it. We may actually wish we had never been exposed, or acted. This is often the case with people who step out of the marriage vows, or experiment with drug use, or who take up gambling as a pass time. What we tried to obtain has now obtained us. We have become the captives, and too late we realize that what God was telling us about staying away from it was for our own good.
This is the case for Jerusalem, who has aligned themselves with foreign powers, and has depended on them for protection, goods and services. And, it is the case for many people here in the United States, and some christians as well. Captured by our desires.
The pathway out of this mess is straightforward. Confess your sinful thoughts and behavior to God, and ask him to deliver you from them. Acknowledge that you have sinned, and that it's beyond your control, and tell Him that you want to stop.
As 23:27 says, He is able to "take away your longing and desire for Egypt". The truth is, the devil is fairly powerful, and the wire rope that he binds us with can only be broken by Jesus Christ. We get ourselves into this mess, but Jesus gets us out. That's why we praise Him. He is certainly worthy.
Don't wait. Don't put it off. Right where you are, no matter what you are doing...tell the Lord in your own words that you're sorry and want Him to take over your life. Give Him full control, and He will steer you out of the mess you made, and off the path of destruction you are on.
Don't live with regret one more minute. act now.
Hope to see you heaven.
PR
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Reading: Ezekiel 20-21
Posted: September 9, 2014
In chapter 20 two thoughts are repeated again and again. Generally when you see something repeated in the Bible it's pretty important. When you see something repeated in a passage, it's meant to be "underlined" in your mind. Emphasize in your thoughts what you see repeated.
In this passage the phrase "the man who obeys them will live by them" and the phrase "desecrated my Sabbaths" and "will be a sign between us" are all repeated. The first one has to do with following God's laws. These chapters recount in abbreviated form the desire to worship idols. I can sort of understand how they became this way.... the nation began with Abraham, who came out of a land where God wasn't worshiped, and he had children who also adopted false worship. I think it was Jacob's wife Rachel that slipped away from Laban with the family idols hidden in her dress. (Genesis 31). Over the period of the great famine, while Joseph was second in command in Egypt, the whole family moved to Egypt, where they lived for the next 430 years. During that period of time about 11 generations would be born. (estimating 40 years for each generation). Egypt is filled with idols and idol worship. Egypt is so filled with idols that the person who doesn't worship them would stick out like a sore thumb. Jacob's family allowed a little idol worship when they arrived, but they were full blown false god worshipers when they left. That's why they didn't go directly into the promised land. They didn't know God, or recognize him when He spoke. Even though he visibly appeared among them, they still didn't understand. Years of worshiping idols must have dulled their senses.
40 years in the desert broke the generational chain of false worship. The people entered the promised land with children who had never worshiped anyone but the True God. And because of that, their land was filled with power and military success. But because of their heritage, and the years of false worship...maybe because of their desire to "be like everyone else" they slipped right back into their sin. What a tragedy. And how often we see the same scenario played out in our homes today. People break bad habits only to return to them. Most likely because we haven't dedicated our hearts to doing what is right. We still want to sin.
Obeying what God commands is more than just doing it. It's deciding that it is the best course of action, and that all other courses are wrong. It's desiring to do right, as well as actually doing it.
Then, we have the phrases about the Sabbath. The sabbath command wasn't made as a litmus test to determine who serves the Lord or not. It's a sign. Nobody around us quits working one day every week. (Actually, you're lucky to see someone working 5 days, anymore) but the point is this: Christians are supposed to stand out. Israel is supposed to be different. God gave us commands to follow that will make us stand out from the rest. Listen: we stand out BY DESIGN. God did it on purpose. I'm sure He has His reasons. One of them apparently is so that when people ask us, we can witness. This whole business of not working on Sunday, or keeping the Sabbath holy seems to be pretty important to the Lord. I recommend seriously considering taking time off on the Sabbath...first to worship, and then to rest. Stop working. Seriously.
Did you notice in 21:3-4 that both the righteous and the wicked are going to be "cut off"? This captivity was a brutal and violent time. And during this time, both the righteous and the wicked were destroyed. Not all of them, but most of them. It seems there were few righteous people left, but when Nebuchadnezzar comes, all of them are taken hostage. The righteous ones do not escape. Keep that in mind for when we read the Revelation. Think of Daniel, who saw many visions of the end of time. Keep in mind that Daniel was a righteous man who had been taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar.
PR
Posted: September 9, 2014
In chapter 20 two thoughts are repeated again and again. Generally when you see something repeated in the Bible it's pretty important. When you see something repeated in a passage, it's meant to be "underlined" in your mind. Emphasize in your thoughts what you see repeated.
In this passage the phrase "the man who obeys them will live by them" and the phrase "desecrated my Sabbaths" and "will be a sign between us" are all repeated. The first one has to do with following God's laws. These chapters recount in abbreviated form the desire to worship idols. I can sort of understand how they became this way.... the nation began with Abraham, who came out of a land where God wasn't worshiped, and he had children who also adopted false worship. I think it was Jacob's wife Rachel that slipped away from Laban with the family idols hidden in her dress. (Genesis 31). Over the period of the great famine, while Joseph was second in command in Egypt, the whole family moved to Egypt, where they lived for the next 430 years. During that period of time about 11 generations would be born. (estimating 40 years for each generation). Egypt is filled with idols and idol worship. Egypt is so filled with idols that the person who doesn't worship them would stick out like a sore thumb. Jacob's family allowed a little idol worship when they arrived, but they were full blown false god worshipers when they left. That's why they didn't go directly into the promised land. They didn't know God, or recognize him when He spoke. Even though he visibly appeared among them, they still didn't understand. Years of worshiping idols must have dulled their senses.
40 years in the desert broke the generational chain of false worship. The people entered the promised land with children who had never worshiped anyone but the True God. And because of that, their land was filled with power and military success. But because of their heritage, and the years of false worship...maybe because of their desire to "be like everyone else" they slipped right back into their sin. What a tragedy. And how often we see the same scenario played out in our homes today. People break bad habits only to return to them. Most likely because we haven't dedicated our hearts to doing what is right. We still want to sin.
Obeying what God commands is more than just doing it. It's deciding that it is the best course of action, and that all other courses are wrong. It's desiring to do right, as well as actually doing it.
Then, we have the phrases about the Sabbath. The sabbath command wasn't made as a litmus test to determine who serves the Lord or not. It's a sign. Nobody around us quits working one day every week. (Actually, you're lucky to see someone working 5 days, anymore) but the point is this: Christians are supposed to stand out. Israel is supposed to be different. God gave us commands to follow that will make us stand out from the rest. Listen: we stand out BY DESIGN. God did it on purpose. I'm sure He has His reasons. One of them apparently is so that when people ask us, we can witness. This whole business of not working on Sunday, or keeping the Sabbath holy seems to be pretty important to the Lord. I recommend seriously considering taking time off on the Sabbath...first to worship, and then to rest. Stop working. Seriously.
Did you notice in 21:3-4 that both the righteous and the wicked are going to be "cut off"? This captivity was a brutal and violent time. And during this time, both the righteous and the wicked were destroyed. Not all of them, but most of them. It seems there were few righteous people left, but when Nebuchadnezzar comes, all of them are taken hostage. The righteous ones do not escape. Keep that in mind for when we read the Revelation. Think of Daniel, who saw many visions of the end of time. Keep in mind that Daniel was a righteous man who had been taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar.
PR
Monday, September 8, 2014
Reading for today: Ezekiel 18-19
Original Post: September 8, 2014
This is a theologically important passage, in that it informs our view of who can be saved from their sins. Let me explain: There are basically two different mainline trains of thought for Protestants (those who broke away from the catholic church during the reformation).
1. Calvinism: God created all people, but not all people have been chosen for heaven. Those who are chosen are fore-known, and predestined to end up in heaven. The ones who are not chosen aren't going, no matter what they do. Once the person who has been chosen for heaven accepts Christ, they cannot "lose" their inheritance. They may lose some of their reward, but they will not lose their salvation. Since they were predestined, they will end up in heaven.
2. Armenianism: God created all people, and all people have the possibility of going to heaven. We are created with free choice, and when we exercise it to accept God's sacrifice, we are saved. If we choose not to accept Christ, we are lost...and will eventually end up in hell. It is possible to accept Christ and serve him, and then later change our minds and decide not to.
Both sides believe in salvation, both believe that it only comes from and through Jesus Christ. One of the key differences is "can you lose your salvation"? And that's what Chapter 18 of Ezekiel addresses for us. God says to Ezekiel "your actions will determine your future". If you were evil and stay that way, you end up in hell. If you were evil and repent and become righteous, you end up in heaven. If you are righteous and become evil, you end up in hell. And your children will cut their own path as well. Your goodness will not count for them, they must be righteous themselves. On the other hand, if you are evil, your sinfulness will not be held against them either. They must make their own choice, and live with the consequences.
Just to repeat a key thought: Ezekiel 18:24 and following say that a righteous man CAN turn from his righteous ways and become evil. If he does that, he will die for his sins. Therefore, as Free Methodists, we are Armenian in our belief. That isn't to say that someone can "steal" your salvation from you....it isn't as if you can wake up one morning and someone has taken your salvation away. We don't believe that you can misplace it, as if it were a wallet or cell-phone. BUT, you can make a conscious decision to not obey, and not follow Jesus. If you do, then you have surrendered your salvation. You have elected to walk away. so saying that you can "lose" it really doesn't describe accurately what we believe.
Our friends who share the calvinist viewpoint would say of the person who was saved and walked away "they were never really saved in the first place". In fact, they have to say that because they believe you cannot be saved and then change your mind. Therefore, anyone who walks away must not have been saved to begin with. We would point to this passage in Ezekiel that says (in verse 22, 24 and 26 !!) that the righteous person can chose to become unrighteous, and then dies for their sins.
As to the point that God created some who were never intended to see heaven, I would point out verse 32 "I take no pleasure in the death of anyone declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" God clearly doesn't want to see anyone in hell, therefore he would not have created people who were predestined to go there. In fact, his advice to ALL people is to "repent" which means "chose to turn from your current course of action". Repentance is agreement with God that His way and His viewpoint are better than our own, so we agree to see it His way. That means admitting that we have sinned, and that we need to be forgiven. It means admitting (and accepting) that Jesus Christ is the one and only way that our sins can be forgiven, because it was HE who died as the substitute sacrifice for our sins. God says to us at the end of this very important passage "repent and LIVE". God wants us to live, ....to be in heaven. He doesn't want anyone to end up in hell, that's why Jesus came in the first place. John 3:16 says the "whosoever (that means everyone) who believes in Him will not perish (in hell) but have eternal life.
Once again, this is a passage I come back to often when I want to express my view to my christian friends on the other side of the issue. Does their viewpoint exclude them from being Christian? Absolutely not. some of the strongest and most godly people I know share the calvinist belief. So then, does it matter what we believe? I say "absoutely it matters" because the calvinist perspective may demean the salvation experience that someone has had, and drive them further into their doubt. it may also take the urgency out of our missions work (if they are chosen for heaven, they will end up their somehow). I think that our viewpoint makes us more effective servants in the Christian faith.
PR
Original Post: September 8, 2014
This is a theologically important passage, in that it informs our view of who can be saved from their sins. Let me explain: There are basically two different mainline trains of thought for Protestants (those who broke away from the catholic church during the reformation).
1. Calvinism: God created all people, but not all people have been chosen for heaven. Those who are chosen are fore-known, and predestined to end up in heaven. The ones who are not chosen aren't going, no matter what they do. Once the person who has been chosen for heaven accepts Christ, they cannot "lose" their inheritance. They may lose some of their reward, but they will not lose their salvation. Since they were predestined, they will end up in heaven.
2. Armenianism: God created all people, and all people have the possibility of going to heaven. We are created with free choice, and when we exercise it to accept God's sacrifice, we are saved. If we choose not to accept Christ, we are lost...and will eventually end up in hell. It is possible to accept Christ and serve him, and then later change our minds and decide not to.
Both sides believe in salvation, both believe that it only comes from and through Jesus Christ. One of the key differences is "can you lose your salvation"? And that's what Chapter 18 of Ezekiel addresses for us. God says to Ezekiel "your actions will determine your future". If you were evil and stay that way, you end up in hell. If you were evil and repent and become righteous, you end up in heaven. If you are righteous and become evil, you end up in hell. And your children will cut their own path as well. Your goodness will not count for them, they must be righteous themselves. On the other hand, if you are evil, your sinfulness will not be held against them either. They must make their own choice, and live with the consequences.
Just to repeat a key thought: Ezekiel 18:24 and following say that a righteous man CAN turn from his righteous ways and become evil. If he does that, he will die for his sins. Therefore, as Free Methodists, we are Armenian in our belief. That isn't to say that someone can "steal" your salvation from you....it isn't as if you can wake up one morning and someone has taken your salvation away. We don't believe that you can misplace it, as if it were a wallet or cell-phone. BUT, you can make a conscious decision to not obey, and not follow Jesus. If you do, then you have surrendered your salvation. You have elected to walk away. so saying that you can "lose" it really doesn't describe accurately what we believe.
Our friends who share the calvinist viewpoint would say of the person who was saved and walked away "they were never really saved in the first place". In fact, they have to say that because they believe you cannot be saved and then change your mind. Therefore, anyone who walks away must not have been saved to begin with. We would point to this passage in Ezekiel that says (in verse 22, 24 and 26 !!) that the righteous person can chose to become unrighteous, and then dies for their sins.
As to the point that God created some who were never intended to see heaven, I would point out verse 32 "I take no pleasure in the death of anyone declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" God clearly doesn't want to see anyone in hell, therefore he would not have created people who were predestined to go there. In fact, his advice to ALL people is to "repent" which means "chose to turn from your current course of action". Repentance is agreement with God that His way and His viewpoint are better than our own, so we agree to see it His way. That means admitting that we have sinned, and that we need to be forgiven. It means admitting (and accepting) that Jesus Christ is the one and only way that our sins can be forgiven, because it was HE who died as the substitute sacrifice for our sins. God says to us at the end of this very important passage "repent and LIVE". God wants us to live, ....to be in heaven. He doesn't want anyone to end up in hell, that's why Jesus came in the first place. John 3:16 says the "whosoever (that means everyone) who believes in Him will not perish (in hell) but have eternal life.
Once again, this is a passage I come back to often when I want to express my view to my christian friends on the other side of the issue. Does their viewpoint exclude them from being Christian? Absolutely not. some of the strongest and most godly people I know share the calvinist belief. So then, does it matter what we believe? I say "absoutely it matters" because the calvinist perspective may demean the salvation experience that someone has had, and drive them further into their doubt. it may also take the urgency out of our missions work (if they are chosen for heaven, they will end up their somehow). I think that our viewpoint makes us more effective servants in the Christian faith.
PR
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Reading for today: Ezekiel 16-17
Original post: September 7, 2014
The description of Israel as an adulterous wife, or a prostitute is as plain and as graphic I have read anywhere in the Bible. I can really hear the frustration of God as He recounts all of the sinful things Jerusalem (and the surrounding communities) have done. Jerusalem is singled out because it is the flagship city. Jerusalem is where the temple is, and where people from all over Israel go to worship. Even today, when you think of Israel, you think of Jerusalem. The most popular picture from Israel is the view of Jerusalem from the East, with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
If you listen closely as God describes the sinful behavior of Jerusalem, you will hear His great love for the city. He recounts his desire to clothe her with fine linens, feed her choice foods and anoint her with rare and beautiful perfumes and jewelry. These things are acts of love.
God loves each of us in the same way that He loves Jerusalem. He longs to adorn us with jewels and cover us with fine clothing. But all too often when things are going well for us, we tend to forget God. Before we become too upset with the Israelite's for their blatant prostitution, we should examine ourselves. Remember that passage that talks about taking the log out of your own eye before trying to remove the speck in your brothers?
What strikes me is that God gave rich and wonderful gifts to Israel, and they squandered them. Some were given to other nations to purchase objects of worship. Some wealth was simply distributed without receiving anything in return....I assume to build allegiences and alliances with other nations. Some of what God gave was used inappropriately right here at home.
I wonder if we as a people can see ourselves anywhere in that description. My prayer for today is that God will convict me of any unsatisfactory way that I am using what He has given me. One of my general "rules of thumb" is that God gives me more than I am to use for myself". In other words, not everything God has given to me is FOR me. I should be watching for ways to distribute some of it to others. A second part of that same prayer should be for God to convict me of any false worship that has entered into my life. Of course I don't pray to idols, but I also don't want to be guilty of
"looking to Egypt for help". As David once said "I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? my help comes from the Lord..." Sometimes we can be guilty of trusting in people, or money or anything really....before we trust in God.
May God's blessing be on you today! ...and happy birthday to my daughter Tiffany!
PR
Original post: September 7, 2014
The description of Israel as an adulterous wife, or a prostitute is as plain and as graphic I have read anywhere in the Bible. I can really hear the frustration of God as He recounts all of the sinful things Jerusalem (and the surrounding communities) have done. Jerusalem is singled out because it is the flagship city. Jerusalem is where the temple is, and where people from all over Israel go to worship. Even today, when you think of Israel, you think of Jerusalem. The most popular picture from Israel is the view of Jerusalem from the East, with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
If you listen closely as God describes the sinful behavior of Jerusalem, you will hear His great love for the city. He recounts his desire to clothe her with fine linens, feed her choice foods and anoint her with rare and beautiful perfumes and jewelry. These things are acts of love.
God loves each of us in the same way that He loves Jerusalem. He longs to adorn us with jewels and cover us with fine clothing. But all too often when things are going well for us, we tend to forget God. Before we become too upset with the Israelite's for their blatant prostitution, we should examine ourselves. Remember that passage that talks about taking the log out of your own eye before trying to remove the speck in your brothers?
What strikes me is that God gave rich and wonderful gifts to Israel, and they squandered them. Some were given to other nations to purchase objects of worship. Some wealth was simply distributed without receiving anything in return....I assume to build allegiences and alliances with other nations. Some of what God gave was used inappropriately right here at home.
I wonder if we as a people can see ourselves anywhere in that description. My prayer for today is that God will convict me of any unsatisfactory way that I am using what He has given me. One of my general "rules of thumb" is that God gives me more than I am to use for myself". In other words, not everything God has given to me is FOR me. I should be watching for ways to distribute some of it to others. A second part of that same prayer should be for God to convict me of any false worship that has entered into my life. Of course I don't pray to idols, but I also don't want to be guilty of
"looking to Egypt for help". As David once said "I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? my help comes from the Lord..." Sometimes we can be guilty of trusting in people, or money or anything really....before we trust in God.
May God's blessing be on you today! ...and happy birthday to my daughter Tiffany!
PR
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Reading for today: Ezekiel 13-15
Original Post: September 6, 2014
I see quite a bit of symbolism and illustration in today's reading. False prophets are described as builders who are constructing a wall. Have you ever thought about what you say, and what you profess to believe in as a "wall"? This is intriguing: I like to build things, so if I consider for a moment that what I believe in, or stand for is a "building", how do I evaluate the quality of my work? God points out in this passage that the only religion that has good construction grade materials is the one that originates with Him. There were (and still are) plenty of false religions around today. They are false when they don't maintain Jesus as their sole rescuer and source. Anything that includes Jesus but doesn't keep Him at the center is false. Any message that they bring, claiming to have heard from God is false. This passage tells us that some of the prophets claimed God had sent them with a message, but He really hadn't. That's a false prophet. And, I'll bet the message was something that everyone wanted to hear. That's how it usually works.
Do you remember the tale of the three little pigs? Each one built his house out of different kinds of material. When the day of testing came, only one house remained. Matthew 7 talks about the two builders who chose different types of ground to build on...one chose bedrock, the other sand. When the wind and rain came, the house built on sand collapsed.
These stories (one biblical and one not) illustrate the point that God is making through Ezekiel. There will be a time of testing, and that test will be sent by God, to reveal what is genuine and what is false. If the people hadn't listened to falsehood, and worshiped idols, then no test would be necessary, but as it was God needs to prove that they are serving false gods. All of this is so that He can win them back, and put them on the right path again.
What do you believe in? There are many different beliefs, but only one is going to withstand the storm. We live in days of pluralism...when many different beliefs are accepted as equally true. But that simply is a lie. Will the house you have built up out of your beliefs withstand judgment day? It it's anything but faith in Jesus Christ, it won't.
Second thought: the elders of Israel (really, Judah at this point...because the Northern Kingdom has already fallen, and the first of three groups of captives has left) sit in front of Ezekiel and ask for insight. But, they are guilty of having "idols in their hearts". That's the first time I've seen it expressed this way in our reading. In their spirit, they are worshiping something else as more important than God. They still want to know what God says, they just aren't guaranteeing that they are going to obey it. God's face is set against them.
This calls for some soul searching as well. Do I have any idols set up in my heart? Have any begun to be constructed there, that I haven't demolished? The thing about idols is that they seem to creep into your life when you aren't paying attention. Kind of like weeds in a garden. Our hearts require frequent attention to keep them "idol free".
You've seen the USDA nutrition guidelines on the side of food items before. Many companies have begun advertising what ISN'T in their food. For instance, "our tuna is Dolphin free" and "our chicken has no growth hormones". My cereal advertises that it has "no trans-fats" and my clothing company lets me know that my shirts were made "without child labor". It's too bad we can't design a guideline for activities that would help us avoid things that are bad for us spiritually.
The TV show would advertise "there are 3 sins in this show that are shown in a favorable light. You have a 25% better chance of developing idol worship from watching this show." and the magazines could advertise "1 in 5 people who read this magazine develop a belief in false gods, and adopt two or more sinful thought patterns"
Of course, some shows could advertise "our movie tonight is idol free". Okay, it sounds crazy...but I think it could be helpful....
There's so much more in this passage of Ezekiel that haven't even touched on. What did you see?
Jot down a thought! Leave a comment...
PR
Original Post: September 6, 2014
I see quite a bit of symbolism and illustration in today's reading. False prophets are described as builders who are constructing a wall. Have you ever thought about what you say, and what you profess to believe in as a "wall"? This is intriguing: I like to build things, so if I consider for a moment that what I believe in, or stand for is a "building", how do I evaluate the quality of my work? God points out in this passage that the only religion that has good construction grade materials is the one that originates with Him. There were (and still are) plenty of false religions around today. They are false when they don't maintain Jesus as their sole rescuer and source. Anything that includes Jesus but doesn't keep Him at the center is false. Any message that they bring, claiming to have heard from God is false. This passage tells us that some of the prophets claimed God had sent them with a message, but He really hadn't. That's a false prophet. And, I'll bet the message was something that everyone wanted to hear. That's how it usually works.
Do you remember the tale of the three little pigs? Each one built his house out of different kinds of material. When the day of testing came, only one house remained. Matthew 7 talks about the two builders who chose different types of ground to build on...one chose bedrock, the other sand. When the wind and rain came, the house built on sand collapsed.
These stories (one biblical and one not) illustrate the point that God is making through Ezekiel. There will be a time of testing, and that test will be sent by God, to reveal what is genuine and what is false. If the people hadn't listened to falsehood, and worshiped idols, then no test would be necessary, but as it was God needs to prove that they are serving false gods. All of this is so that He can win them back, and put them on the right path again.
What do you believe in? There are many different beliefs, but only one is going to withstand the storm. We live in days of pluralism...when many different beliefs are accepted as equally true. But that simply is a lie. Will the house you have built up out of your beliefs withstand judgment day? It it's anything but faith in Jesus Christ, it won't.
Second thought: the elders of Israel (really, Judah at this point...because the Northern Kingdom has already fallen, and the first of three groups of captives has left) sit in front of Ezekiel and ask for insight. But, they are guilty of having "idols in their hearts". That's the first time I've seen it expressed this way in our reading. In their spirit, they are worshiping something else as more important than God. They still want to know what God says, they just aren't guaranteeing that they are going to obey it. God's face is set against them.
This calls for some soul searching as well. Do I have any idols set up in my heart? Have any begun to be constructed there, that I haven't demolished? The thing about idols is that they seem to creep into your life when you aren't paying attention. Kind of like weeds in a garden. Our hearts require frequent attention to keep them "idol free".
You've seen the USDA nutrition guidelines on the side of food items before. Many companies have begun advertising what ISN'T in their food. For instance, "our tuna is Dolphin free" and "our chicken has no growth hormones". My cereal advertises that it has "no trans-fats" and my clothing company lets me know that my shirts were made "without child labor". It's too bad we can't design a guideline for activities that would help us avoid things that are bad for us spiritually.
The TV show would advertise "there are 3 sins in this show that are shown in a favorable light. You have a 25% better chance of developing idol worship from watching this show." and the magazines could advertise "1 in 5 people who read this magazine develop a belief in false gods, and adopt two or more sinful thought patterns"
Of course, some shows could advertise "our movie tonight is idol free". Okay, it sounds crazy...but I think it could be helpful....
There's so much more in this passage of Ezekiel that haven't even touched on. What did you see?
Jot down a thought! Leave a comment...
PR
Friday, September 5, 2014
Reading for today: Ezekiel 9-12
Original Post: September 5, 2014
In chapter 9 we hear of the man dressed in linen who marks everyone in the city who grieves over the evil being done there. We know that God promises to send a third into exile, a third to die in battle and a third to starve because of siege and famine, Therefore, the man in linen must have marked about 1/3 of the people. They are the ones who went into exile. I'm trying to make sense of all this, but I'm still missing some pieces.... The people who grieved and lamented are marked and not harmed. The people who survive(the marked ones) go into exile, and while in exile they repent. Repent of what? Although they grieved, they must still have remained guilty in some way. I don't see God destroying the city He loves when a third of the people still love and serve Him. So there must be something I don't see yet.
There were several deportations of people from Israel and Judah during about a 10 year period. It appears that Ezekiel wasn't taken until the second deportation. That accounts for his speaking to the captives in Babylon, and being in Jerusalem talking to the people there. The general feeling in Jerusalem amongst those who are left is that the worst is over and now is the time to buy up property and expand your holdings.
In this reading, lets. focus on the wonderful passage in chapter 11, beginning with verse 18. God promises to restore the people to their homeland, but not just restore, to improve them. They will have sensitive hearts to his leading, they will desire to follow Him always, and will flourish because of it.
Our God is a God of restoration. He punishes, but He restores. His punishment can be trusted to improve us and make us more like Him. If we could simply remain obedient, we would never be punished! Can you imagine? Oh, that each of us could find within ourselves the faith to remain obedient. Of course, such faith doesn't come from within us, but from within Him. Perhaps it is better to say "I wish we were wise enough to ask God to keep us from straying" that's starting to sound like the Lords Prayer "lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil".
PR
Original Post: September 5, 2014
In chapter 9 we hear of the man dressed in linen who marks everyone in the city who grieves over the evil being done there. We know that God promises to send a third into exile, a third to die in battle and a third to starve because of siege and famine, Therefore, the man in linen must have marked about 1/3 of the people. They are the ones who went into exile. I'm trying to make sense of all this, but I'm still missing some pieces.... The people who grieved and lamented are marked and not harmed. The people who survive(the marked ones) go into exile, and while in exile they repent. Repent of what? Although they grieved, they must still have remained guilty in some way. I don't see God destroying the city He loves when a third of the people still love and serve Him. So there must be something I don't see yet.
There were several deportations of people from Israel and Judah during about a 10 year period. It appears that Ezekiel wasn't taken until the second deportation. That accounts for his speaking to the captives in Babylon, and being in Jerusalem talking to the people there. The general feeling in Jerusalem amongst those who are left is that the worst is over and now is the time to buy up property and expand your holdings.
In this reading, lets. focus on the wonderful passage in chapter 11, beginning with verse 18. God promises to restore the people to their homeland, but not just restore, to improve them. They will have sensitive hearts to his leading, they will desire to follow Him always, and will flourish because of it.
Our God is a God of restoration. He punishes, but He restores. His punishment can be trusted to improve us and make us more like Him. If we could simply remain obedient, we would never be punished! Can you imagine? Oh, that each of us could find within ourselves the faith to remain obedient. Of course, such faith doesn't come from within us, but from within Him. Perhaps it is better to say "I wish we were wise enough to ask God to keep us from straying" that's starting to sound like the Lords Prayer "lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil".
PR
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