When Israel left Egypt, Pharaoh's armies chased them immediately. With their backs to the wall of water and no boats, Israel was faced with a fight. But God intervened on their behalf and fought for them. Pharaoh was utterly destroyed.
Exo 14:14 MKJV
(14) Jehovah shall fight for you, and you shall be silent.
Exo 13:17 MKJV
(17) And it happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines although that was near. For God said, Lest the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.
I've wondered why God did not take the people the way of the land of the Philistines and simply destroy the Philistines from before them. The answer is that a new partnership emerged from the sea. A co-laboring, if you will. When coming out of the sea (being 'born again' from it) what God expected from His people changed, slightly. They were now free, in the physical sense, and their stake in the journey increased.
Israel was in the desert for 40 years. It was a time when God sheltered them, but He expected them to stand firm and watch His salvation. It was a time of learning faith. Some did, many did not. But finally after an entire generation passed, it was time to step into the Promised Land! Surely the cakewalk begins here!
Or not...
The very first thing that Israel was faced with was Jericho. Granted, it wasn't as easy as dealing with Pharaoh because there was some walking and horn blowing involved. However, Jericho was just the first of many battles Israel had to endure - all inside their Promised Land! In fact, the warring didn't really start until Israel stepped into their promise. This is the progression - the nature of the partnership between the Father and His sons.
As we become more and more like Him, He will also expect us to step in and fight for others 'who would turn and run back to Egypt'.
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Don't Be A Chess Piece
Exo 7:13 LITV
(13) And the heart of Pharaoh hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so by their secret arts. And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 8:19 And the priests said to Pharaoh, It is the finger of God. And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 13:15 And it happened when Pharaoh hardened himself against sending us away, Jehovah killed every first-born one in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of men even to the first-born of animals. On account of this I sacrifice to Jehovah every one of the males opening the womb, and I redeem every first-born of my sons.
Exo 14:8 And Jehovah hardened Pharaoh king of Egypt's heart. And he pursued the sons of Israel. And the sons of Israel were going out with a high hand.
When we wrestle with God, we do so in a swimming pool of His grace. There are volumes to be written of the grace of God, who allows us chance after chance after chance to choose righteousness. But like with Pharaoh, there is a pattern. Pharaoh had a choice to make - to work with God or against God.
Notice that Pharaoh hardened his own heart against God until the last instance... when it says "Jehovah hardened Pharaoh king of Egypt's heart". You get so many attempts before God allows you to stick with your choice. At that point, God says, "I wanted to use your surrender for my glory, but now I will use your defeat for My glory. You are now a chess piece."
Pharaoh's choices ultimately cost him his son, and later his own corpse washed up on the beach before all his former slaves. This is a typical result of going our own way.
(13) And the heart of Pharaoh hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so by their secret arts. And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 8:19 And the priests said to Pharaoh, It is the finger of God. And Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as Jehovah had said.
Exo 13:15 And it happened when Pharaoh hardened himself against sending us away, Jehovah killed every first-born one in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of men even to the first-born of animals. On account of this I sacrifice to Jehovah every one of the males opening the womb, and I redeem every first-born of my sons.
Exo 14:8 And Jehovah hardened Pharaoh king of Egypt's heart. And he pursued the sons of Israel. And the sons of Israel were going out with a high hand.
When we wrestle with God, we do so in a swimming pool of His grace. There are volumes to be written of the grace of God, who allows us chance after chance after chance to choose righteousness. But like with Pharaoh, there is a pattern. Pharaoh had a choice to make - to work with God or against God.
Notice that Pharaoh hardened his own heart against God until the last instance... when it says "Jehovah hardened Pharaoh king of Egypt's heart". You get so many attempts before God allows you to stick with your choice. At that point, God says, "I wanted to use your surrender for my glory, but now I will use your defeat for My glory. You are now a chess piece."
Pharaoh's choices ultimately cost him his son, and later his own corpse washed up on the beach before all his former slaves. This is a typical result of going our own way.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Not About Us
Exo 40:26-27 MKJV
(26) And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation in front of the veil.
(27) And he burned sweet incense on it, even as Jehovah commanded Moses.
This was the first point that Moses or the Levitical priesthood had ever burned incense to God, per God's instruction. I would imagine that out of all the unpleasant business the priests had to tend to, burning incense was a favorite task. It was peaceful. It didn't involve blood. It smelled GOOD. Do you think that there were ever times when the priest thought, "Hmmm, I think I'll skip the incense today." Or, "Lets change this stuff up some... I'm getting tired of the same old smell."
No.
God had already warned the priests, "You shall offer no strange incense on it" (Exodus 30:9). The message was clear. God said, "This is not for you. This is for ME." The penalty for not doing it God's way was NOT GOOD!
And yet, we treat worship the same way. If it's the same song as last week, people get offended. If it's too heavy or too light, people find a different church. If someone plays an instrument... or someone doesn't... for some reason we take that as a burden upon ourselves. What a backwards way of thinking! Shame on us if we ever do this! "It aint about you or me, so get over it and worship Him!"
(26) And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation in front of the veil.
(27) And he burned sweet incense on it, even as Jehovah commanded Moses.
This was the first point that Moses or the Levitical priesthood had ever burned incense to God, per God's instruction. I would imagine that out of all the unpleasant business the priests had to tend to, burning incense was a favorite task. It was peaceful. It didn't involve blood. It smelled GOOD. Do you think that there were ever times when the priest thought, "Hmmm, I think I'll skip the incense today." Or, "Lets change this stuff up some... I'm getting tired of the same old smell."
No.
God had already warned the priests, "You shall offer no strange incense on it" (Exodus 30:9). The message was clear. God said, "This is not for you. This is for ME." The penalty for not doing it God's way was NOT GOOD!
And yet, we treat worship the same way. If it's the same song as last week, people get offended. If it's too heavy or too light, people find a different church. If someone plays an instrument... or someone doesn't... for some reason we take that as a burden upon ourselves. What a backwards way of thinking! Shame on us if we ever do this! "It aint about you or me, so get over it and worship Him!"
Thursday, April 15, 2010
You Hoarding Sand?
Exo 38:24-26 MKJV
(24) All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.
(25) And the silver from those numbered of the congregation was a hundred talents, and seventeen hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary;
(26) a bekah for every man, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand, five hundred fifty men.
SJ (8:21:04 AM): one... the people were loaded. Dude, that is a LOT of gold.
Mills (8:21:18 AM): yeah i thought so
SJ (8:21:36 AM): they got the gold from the Egyptians... right?
Mills (8:22:12 AM): ummm... for some reason I always though they got some from Egyptians, but the rest was given to them in the wilderness
SJ (8:22:41 AM): as far as I know... they got it all - Exo 12:36 And Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and they granted their request, and they plundered the Egyptians.
Mills (8:22:52 AM): okay
Mills (8:22:59 AM): tracking
SJ (8:23:02 AM): may I ask...
SJ (8:23:10 AM): why??? so they could buy sand from the hyenas?
Mills (8:23:44 AM): hehe... for the Ark
Mills (8:23:47 AM): ?
SJ (8:24:00 AM): you got it.... for serving God. That's the only reason.
Mills (8:24:02 AM): the tabernacle
SJ (8:24:23 AM): same reason He gave you and I a $5 raise last year bud
Mills (8:24:34 AM): got it
SJ (8:24:46 AM): we're in the desert... kinda... anything we buy here is going to be sand
(24) All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.
(25) And the silver from those numbered of the congregation was a hundred talents, and seventeen hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary;
(26) a bekah for every man, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand, five hundred fifty men.
SJ (8:21:04 AM): one... the people were loaded. Dude, that is a LOT of gold.
Mills (8:21:18 AM): yeah i thought so
SJ (8:21:36 AM): they got the gold from the Egyptians... right?
Mills (8:22:12 AM): ummm... for some reason I always though they got some from Egyptians, but the rest was given to them in the wilderness
SJ (8:22:41 AM): as far as I know... they got it all - Exo 12:36 And Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and they granted their request, and they plundered the Egyptians.
Mills (8:22:52 AM): okay
Mills (8:22:59 AM): tracking
SJ (8:23:02 AM): may I ask...
SJ (8:23:10 AM): why??? so they could buy sand from the hyenas?
Mills (8:23:44 AM): hehe... for the Ark
Mills (8:23:47 AM): ?
SJ (8:24:00 AM): you got it.... for serving God. That's the only reason.
Mills (8:24:02 AM): the tabernacle
SJ (8:24:23 AM): same reason He gave you and I a $5 raise last year bud
Mills (8:24:34 AM): got it
SJ (8:24:46 AM): we're in the desert... kinda... anything we buy here is going to be sand
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
He Doesn't Want To Hear It
Exo 34:2-3 MKJV
(2) And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me in the top of the mountain.
(3) And no man shall come up with you, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mountain. Also do not let the flocks nor herds feed before that mountain.
It's a confusing thing to read a verse like this. Is God just picky?
Remember that God had just sent Moses down with His instructions, and before instruction could be delivered, the people fell into a grievous sin of idolatry. Do you think God wanted to see those people? What were they worshiping? A cow. Do you think God wanted to see cows?
Remember, too, that this was before the perfect propitiation for sin - Jesus - had been sacrificed. God's anger burned!
Even now, God sees His people but now He sees the blood of His son. He does not see their sin! But guess - who - comes - along - to remind Him? The accuser, the devil. However, Jesus, at His right hand, reminds the father that we are His, and although the devil has his chance now... his time runs out. The Father will not permit Him audience forever! He does NOT wish to be reminded of anything, nor will He be! For those under the blood of Jesus, He has blotted out their sin! That is good news!
(2) And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me in the top of the mountain.
(3) And no man shall come up with you, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mountain. Also do not let the flocks nor herds feed before that mountain.
It's a confusing thing to read a verse like this. Is God just picky?
Remember that God had just sent Moses down with His instructions, and before instruction could be delivered, the people fell into a grievous sin of idolatry. Do you think God wanted to see those people? What were they worshiping? A cow. Do you think God wanted to see cows?
Remember, too, that this was before the perfect propitiation for sin - Jesus - had been sacrificed. God's anger burned!
Even now, God sees His people but now He sees the blood of His son. He does not see their sin! But guess - who - comes - along - to remind Him? The accuser, the devil. However, Jesus, at His right hand, reminds the father that we are His, and although the devil has his chance now... his time runs out. The Father will not permit Him audience forever! He does NOT wish to be reminded of anything, nor will He be! For those under the blood of Jesus, He has blotted out their sin! That is good news!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Groveling For Gravel
Exo 34:1-2 MKJV
(1) And Jehovah said to Moses, Cut out two tablets of stone like the first. And I will write upon the tablets the words that were in the first tablets which you broke.
(2) And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me in the top of the mountain.
The first time Moses had ascended the mountain, God carved and inscribed two pieces of stone with His instruction to His people. Moses trekked down the mountain with this 'embodiment of the Law', and shattered it out of righteous anger over the sins of the people.
If the significance of this is not starting to become apparent - Jesus is always the stone and He fully fulfilled the Law. He was sent 'down' and broken over the sins of man. But that isn't what I want to dwell on.
Ever since the broken body of Jesus, people have gathered at the foot of the mountain and groveled for gravel - the broken pieces of Truth. Religious groups cling to their one little piece (which DOES have truth on it) while unwilling to climb the mountain - alone - and receive again the WHOLE truth of Jesus from God Himself. If we want the entire picture - or at least all we can handle of Him - we have to embrace a personal journey with God. We cannot lean upon the teachings of others and expect to walk in any kind of power or revelation. See, when Moses returned the second time - he glowed. Yes, he had to cut the stones himself - the second time. We are required to 'work out our own salvation with fear and trembling'. We cannot adopt for ourselves the relationship that others have with God. It's easy to identify who glows, and who is carrying around a chunk of gravel.
(1) And Jehovah said to Moses, Cut out two tablets of stone like the first. And I will write upon the tablets the words that were in the first tablets which you broke.
(2) And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me in the top of the mountain.
The first time Moses had ascended the mountain, God carved and inscribed two pieces of stone with His instruction to His people. Moses trekked down the mountain with this 'embodiment of the Law', and shattered it out of righteous anger over the sins of the people.
If the significance of this is not starting to become apparent - Jesus is always the stone and He fully fulfilled the Law. He was sent 'down' and broken over the sins of man. But that isn't what I want to dwell on.
Ever since the broken body of Jesus, people have gathered at the foot of the mountain and groveled for gravel - the broken pieces of Truth. Religious groups cling to their one little piece (which DOES have truth on it) while unwilling to climb the mountain - alone - and receive again the WHOLE truth of Jesus from God Himself. If we want the entire picture - or at least all we can handle of Him - we have to embrace a personal journey with God. We cannot lean upon the teachings of others and expect to walk in any kind of power or revelation. See, when Moses returned the second time - he glowed. Yes, he had to cut the stones himself - the second time. We are required to 'work out our own salvation with fear and trembling'. We cannot adopt for ourselves the relationship that others have with God. It's easy to identify who glows, and who is carrying around a chunk of gravel.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Call of Leadership
Exo 34:30 JPS
(30) And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face sent forth beams; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
There are few things more frustrating than feeling the call of God on your life but not being able to act on it. So it is with leadership - for we are all called to lead in some capacity. Most of the frustration occurs at a young age, when the call is fresh and our experience is still small. This word is one that I hope will foster patience as well as reassurance.
Moses did not want to lead. He wasn't called to lead his son or daughter... or Sunday school class... he was called to lead all of God's people. That was no small thing! Now, Moses might not seem like a good comparison if you are really itching to lead. Here is the lesson:
Although Moses was an Egyptian prince, he wasn't wearing a crown when he led Israel. Had he worn a crown... they might-well have stoned him. He didn't have a diploma. He didn't have a kingly scepter or signet ring. He glowed. He glowed... and people were freaking out.
If you spend time with God, you will have your own glow. People will know it. If you don't spend time with the Lord, people will know that, too. It's not even difficult to discern. Beyond all the talk, people know by the glow. It's the glow that brings authority. It's the glow that fosters that leadership, whether you are 16 or 60.
Elijah stood in the presence of Ahab. Ahab had a crown, but Elijah had the glow. What was the result? Heartache and resentment from Ahab - authority and victory for Elijah. Seek first God and His Kingdom, and you will walk in ALL the authority that God has entrusted to you. It is God and God alone that promotes a man.
(30) And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face sent forth beams; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
There are few things more frustrating than feeling the call of God on your life but not being able to act on it. So it is with leadership - for we are all called to lead in some capacity. Most of the frustration occurs at a young age, when the call is fresh and our experience is still small. This word is one that I hope will foster patience as well as reassurance.
Moses did not want to lead. He wasn't called to lead his son or daughter... or Sunday school class... he was called to lead all of God's people. That was no small thing! Now, Moses might not seem like a good comparison if you are really itching to lead. Here is the lesson:
Although Moses was an Egyptian prince, he wasn't wearing a crown when he led Israel. Had he worn a crown... they might-well have stoned him. He didn't have a diploma. He didn't have a kingly scepter or signet ring. He glowed. He glowed... and people were freaking out.
If you spend time with God, you will have your own glow. People will know it. If you don't spend time with the Lord, people will know that, too. It's not even difficult to discern. Beyond all the talk, people know by the glow. It's the glow that brings authority. It's the glow that fosters that leadership, whether you are 16 or 60.
Elijah stood in the presence of Ahab. Ahab had a crown, but Elijah had the glow. What was the result? Heartache and resentment from Ahab - authority and victory for Elijah. Seek first God and His Kingdom, and you will walk in ALL the authority that God has entrusted to you. It is God and God alone that promotes a man.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Called to Elam, Stuck in Marah
Exo 15:22-27 HNV
(22) Moshe led Yisra'el onward from the Sea of Suf, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
(23) When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.
(24) The people murmured against Moshe, saying, "What shall we drink?"
(25) Then he cried to the LORD. The LORD showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them;
(26) and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his mitzvot, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
(27) They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
When Israel was led out of Egypt, they had high expectations. They had just witnessed the destruction of their enemy, Pharaoh. Now they were free! But they were in the desert. The desert has it's own challenges. It's a place where we go through stages. It took Israel 3 days to reach their first stage: bitterness.
Whenever God leads us to a new place, He often allows us to run out of whatever we have packed along with us. In Israel's case - it was water. Three days into the desert, Israel had been drinking water... from Egypt. As long as the canteens were full, they were fine and full of hope. But when the heat turned up and the water levels grew low, bitterness set in.
Notice what the Lord said. "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his mitzvot (commands), and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you." To me, this verse seemed out of place. What did this little guarantee have to do with their current plight? The plague most of us deal with - as Christians - more than anything else is bitterness. We have been offended - by man, by God, by circumstances... we carry bitter spirits.
It is not until we let God make our current bitterness sweet at Marah that we can move on to Elam.
Also take note of the numbers: 3 days, 12 springs, 70 palms. 3 days speaks to the fullness of discontent for Israel. For us, this could be any length of time that we wallow in our own unsatisfied state. The 12 springs speaks of a new FAITH, where 12 tribes 'believed' in God, and 12 disciples 'believed' in their rabbi, this signifies a realization of faith. Once we realize that God provides - even when we cannot see Him at work - we reach a place of FAITH where from that point on, we see the FULLNESS of His provision - the 7(0) palm trees.
This is a natural progression.
When Martha sent for Jesus because her brother was sick, Jesus waited. Why? Because God was letting Mary and Martha run out of what they were carrying on their own - their own expectations. They then arrived at a point of bitterness - which Jesus experienced Himself when He wept. But God threw the wood into the sprint and it because sweet. Lazarus came forth. From that point on, you can bet that the FAITH of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was an Elam faith - one where the provision of God was perfect and full.
Do you have bitterness in your life? What do you carry with you that is still left over from Egypt?
(22) Moshe led Yisra'el onward from the Sea of Suf, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
(23) When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.
(24) The people murmured against Moshe, saying, "What shall we drink?"
(25) Then he cried to the LORD. The LORD showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them;
(26) and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his mitzvot, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
(27) They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
When Israel was led out of Egypt, they had high expectations. They had just witnessed the destruction of their enemy, Pharaoh. Now they were free! But they were in the desert. The desert has it's own challenges. It's a place where we go through stages. It took Israel 3 days to reach their first stage: bitterness.
Whenever God leads us to a new place, He often allows us to run out of whatever we have packed along with us. In Israel's case - it was water. Three days into the desert, Israel had been drinking water... from Egypt. As long as the canteens were full, they were fine and full of hope. But when the heat turned up and the water levels grew low, bitterness set in.
Notice what the Lord said. "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his mitzvot (commands), and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you." To me, this verse seemed out of place. What did this little guarantee have to do with their current plight? The plague most of us deal with - as Christians - more than anything else is bitterness. We have been offended - by man, by God, by circumstances... we carry bitter spirits.
It is not until we let God make our current bitterness sweet at Marah that we can move on to Elam.
Also take note of the numbers: 3 days, 12 springs, 70 palms. 3 days speaks to the fullness of discontent for Israel. For us, this could be any length of time that we wallow in our own unsatisfied state. The 12 springs speaks of a new FAITH, where 12 tribes 'believed' in God, and 12 disciples 'believed' in their rabbi, this signifies a realization of faith. Once we realize that God provides - even when we cannot see Him at work - we reach a place of FAITH where from that point on, we see the FULLNESS of His provision - the 7(0) palm trees.
This is a natural progression.
When Martha sent for Jesus because her brother was sick, Jesus waited. Why? Because God was letting Mary and Martha run out of what they were carrying on their own - their own expectations. They then arrived at a point of bitterness - which Jesus experienced Himself when He wept. But God threw the wood into the sprint and it because sweet. Lazarus came forth. From that point on, you can bet that the FAITH of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was an Elam faith - one where the provision of God was perfect and full.
Do you have bitterness in your life? What do you carry with you that is still left over from Egypt?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Is Our Bread Really Unleavened?
Exo 13:6-7 KJV
(6) Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
(7) Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
The week of Unleavened Bread is a week-long festival that was instituted by God. This festival began with Passover, included the days of Unleavened Bread, and concluded with First Fruits. This was quite a week! The Jewish people took this extremely seriously, as if the above command from God left much room for otherwise. This was a time of introspection for the Hebrews. They removed all traces of yeast from their homes. They removed anything that 'might' ferment. Many even change the feed for their livestock in order to make the milk more kosher. This is serious!
The first thing we might think as western Christians is 'silliness'. Or 'what legalism!'
To me, this is what we, as western believers, have missed in our walk with Jesus. In our pious quests for righteousness, we have become more like the rich young ruler who was looking for a bare minimum requirement for inheriting the kingdom. (Matt 19:16) We put in our time and we 'call it good'. To the Hebrew, this is a flawed perspective. It fails to treat God as who He really is - Holy. Zephaniah said this:
Zep 1:12 KJV
(12) And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.
The Hebrew reads this and concludes in his heart that God is not one to be trifled with. He is one who searches the hearts of men meticulously. The Christian reads this passage and might conclude that God sure had it out for Israel back then. Aren't we grateful for grace!
So we play our grace card... and go back to our lives of part-time righteousness and sin-management.
In my own heart, I find it a travesty to think that we can be saved as of by fire, living life as if God does not care while next to us stands a Jewish man who does not believe Jesus was Messiah yet strains with all his might to walk as his father Abraham did - in faith and purity - believing that God is good and Holy and will keep His promises. This is very difficult for me to reconcile. Salvation is by faith. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Somewhere, however, many of us as Christians have MISSED holiness. We should look to the examples others have set and learn from them.
(6) Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
(7) Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
The week of Unleavened Bread is a week-long festival that was instituted by God. This festival began with Passover, included the days of Unleavened Bread, and concluded with First Fruits. This was quite a week! The Jewish people took this extremely seriously, as if the above command from God left much room for otherwise. This was a time of introspection for the Hebrews. They removed all traces of yeast from their homes. They removed anything that 'might' ferment. Many even change the feed for their livestock in order to make the milk more kosher. This is serious!
The first thing we might think as western Christians is 'silliness'. Or 'what legalism!'
To me, this is what we, as western believers, have missed in our walk with Jesus. In our pious quests for righteousness, we have become more like the rich young ruler who was looking for a bare minimum requirement for inheriting the kingdom. (Matt 19:16) We put in our time and we 'call it good'. To the Hebrew, this is a flawed perspective. It fails to treat God as who He really is - Holy. Zephaniah said this:
Zep 1:12 KJV
(12) And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.
The Hebrew reads this and concludes in his heart that God is not one to be trifled with. He is one who searches the hearts of men meticulously. The Christian reads this passage and might conclude that God sure had it out for Israel back then. Aren't we grateful for grace!
So we play our grace card... and go back to our lives of part-time righteousness and sin-management.
In my own heart, I find it a travesty to think that we can be saved as of by fire, living life as if God does not care while next to us stands a Jewish man who does not believe Jesus was Messiah yet strains with all his might to walk as his father Abraham did - in faith and purity - believing that God is good and Holy and will keep His promises. This is very difficult for me to reconcile. Salvation is by faith. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Somewhere, however, many of us as Christians have MISSED holiness. We should look to the examples others have set and learn from them.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Sabbath
Gen 2:2-3 HNV
(2) On the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
(3) God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and made.
Christians have misunderstood - or ignored - the Sabbath, to some extent, since the time of Jesus. We all have questions. The Sabbath is important! Keep it! Yet... it is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? How can I do it without being 'legalistic'?
Questions. To boot, this all falls under 'the Law' discussion which is a HUGE gray area to most Christians. We have lost much of our Jewish understanding.
First of all, the Sabbath (Shabbat) and 'a sabbath day' are not necessarily the same thing. If a Jewish feast day (hag; holiday) falls on a week day, then that day will be a sabbath day. Later in that week, Shabbat (Saturday) comes also. Two sabbath days in the same week, but only one Shabbat. Shabbat ('the' Sabbath) is always Saturday. Shabbat is equivalent to Saturday - in the Hebrew realm.
That said, can a sabbath be observed on a Sunday? Of course!
So how important is the Sabbath?
Exo 20:8-11 HNV
(8) "Remember the day of Shabbat, to keep it holy.
(9) You shall labor six days, and do all your work,
(10) but the seventh day is a Shabbat to the LORD your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates;
(11) for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the day of Shabbat, and made it holy.
Obviously this is important! But what does it mean for us? We are not under the law, right?
Fortunately, we are not justified by the law (read Romans 3), but by another law of 'faith'. Does this mean we put aside the law?
I believe everyone would agree that we do not put aside 'You shall not murder' or 'You shall not commit adultery' or 'Honor your parents'. That would be ludicrous! So then, what shall we do with Shabbat?
Paul wrote,
Rom 14:5 HNV
(5) One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
and Jesus said,
Mat 12:5 MKJV
(5) Or have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are blameless?
There is much I do not know about Shabbat. Do I believe it's important? Yes! Because God believed it was important. Does that mean I know how to observe it properly? Unfortunately, not really. When Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the priests in the temple were blameless even though they profaned the sabbath, He was not saying it was okay to profane the sabbath. Yet, there was MUCH importance placed on being a priest! Are you a priest before God? Anyone can be, if they are willing.
Another interesting tidbit... is that the land also was supposed to observe a sabbath. Every seventh year the land was to rest from plowing, sowing, and harvest. From the time Israel came into the Promised Land, they did not let the land rest. They ignored the land's sabbath for 490 years. After many warnings from the prophets, God told them that HE would rest the land. Since 490 years had passed, Israel owed God 70 years of Sabbaths. This was the length of Israel's captivity. For 70 years, Israel was denied a national existence.
Because of this, some teachers say that for every week we ignore a sabbath, God shortens our own lives by a day. Naturally, one cannot prove this, but in a culture where we value the 'get-ahead' mentality at all costs and above all else, this isn't such a stretch. He who dies with the most toys wins, right? Rest.
(2) On the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
(3) God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and made.
Christians have misunderstood - or ignored - the Sabbath, to some extent, since the time of Jesus. We all have questions. The Sabbath is important! Keep it! Yet... it is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? How can I do it without being 'legalistic'?
Questions. To boot, this all falls under 'the Law' discussion which is a HUGE gray area to most Christians. We have lost much of our Jewish understanding.
First of all, the Sabbath (Shabbat) and 'a sabbath day' are not necessarily the same thing. If a Jewish feast day (hag; holiday) falls on a week day, then that day will be a sabbath day. Later in that week, Shabbat (Saturday) comes also. Two sabbath days in the same week, but only one Shabbat. Shabbat ('the' Sabbath) is always Saturday. Shabbat is equivalent to Saturday - in the Hebrew realm.
That said, can a sabbath be observed on a Sunday? Of course!
So how important is the Sabbath?
Exo 20:8-11 HNV
(8) "Remember the day of Shabbat, to keep it holy.
(9) You shall labor six days, and do all your work,
(10) but the seventh day is a Shabbat to the LORD your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates;
(11) for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the day of Shabbat, and made it holy.
Obviously this is important! But what does it mean for us? We are not under the law, right?
Fortunately, we are not justified by the law (read Romans 3), but by another law of 'faith'. Does this mean we put aside the law?
I believe everyone would agree that we do not put aside 'You shall not murder' or 'You shall not commit adultery' or 'Honor your parents'. That would be ludicrous! So then, what shall we do with Shabbat?
Paul wrote,
Rom 14:5 HNV
(5) One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
and Jesus said,
Mat 12:5 MKJV
(5) Or have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are blameless?
There is much I do not know about Shabbat. Do I believe it's important? Yes! Because God believed it was important. Does that mean I know how to observe it properly? Unfortunately, not really. When Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the priests in the temple were blameless even though they profaned the sabbath, He was not saying it was okay to profane the sabbath. Yet, there was MUCH importance placed on being a priest! Are you a priest before God? Anyone can be, if they are willing.
Another interesting tidbit... is that the land also was supposed to observe a sabbath. Every seventh year the land was to rest from plowing, sowing, and harvest. From the time Israel came into the Promised Land, they did not let the land rest. They ignored the land's sabbath for 490 years. After many warnings from the prophets, God told them that HE would rest the land. Since 490 years had passed, Israel owed God 70 years of Sabbaths. This was the length of Israel's captivity. For 70 years, Israel was denied a national existence.
Because of this, some teachers say that for every week we ignore a sabbath, God shortens our own lives by a day. Naturally, one cannot prove this, but in a culture where we value the 'get-ahead' mentality at all costs and above all else, this isn't such a stretch. He who dies with the most toys wins, right? Rest.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Sticks and Stones
Exo 17:5-6 MKJV
(5) And Jehovah said to Moses, Go on in front of the people, and take with you the elders of Israel. And take your rod with which you struck the river, in your hand, and go.
(6) Behold, I will stand before you there upon the rock in Horeb. And you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, so that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Looking at our Salvation story through events in the Old Testament can be so exciting. Israel represented fallen man, hopelessly enslaved in Egypt. God used Moses to bring them out, through the Red Sea. They were free from Egypt, but only physically free. Mentally they were still enslaved to bitter, selfish souls. They were in the desert.
Notice what God says: take your rod with which you struck the river. The river? The river... which river was that, Lord... because... since we've seen the Nile we've WALKED THROUGH THE RED SEA. Why has God referenced a seemingly small event of the past instead of referencing the HUGE event of walking to freedom through a sea? Here is the verse:
Exo 14:16 MKJV
(16) But lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it. And the sons of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
But no. God is reminding Moses to take the rod he used when he struck the Nile River, which probably seemed eons ago. Moses had struck the Nile in Exodus 7:20 and it turned to blood.
God usually allows mankind to obtain what he pursues, doesn't he? Pharaoh was out for blood. He had decreed the destruction of all the male Hebrew babies by what means? Throwing them in the Nile... But it was the Nile that floated their salvation: Moses. Now God was giving Pharaoh what he wanted - blood.
Back to God's reference. He said, even as you took the rod and struck the river, take the rod and strike the rock.
From here, we can take what we know and apply it. The rod is the cross that struck our Rock, Jesus Christ. From Him came water to nourish us and save us in the desert we were in. Understand, too, that rods have NO CHANCE against rocks. You'd no more set out to break a rock with a stick than you would digging a tunnel with a plastic spoon. Forget it. But the Rock split and water issued forth...
The cross... the Romans... the Jews... had NO CHANCE of killing Jesus unless He laid His life down for us. That He did.
1Jn 3:16 MKJV
(16) By this we have known the love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
But the river... what about it? This same cross that was used to bring us water in the desert was also used to destroy the enemy - ultimately bringing him exactly what he wanted. Blood. The cross brings life, but the cross brings death to those who reject it.
(5) And Jehovah said to Moses, Go on in front of the people, and take with you the elders of Israel. And take your rod with which you struck the river, in your hand, and go.
(6) Behold, I will stand before you there upon the rock in Horeb. And you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, so that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Looking at our Salvation story through events in the Old Testament can be so exciting. Israel represented fallen man, hopelessly enslaved in Egypt. God used Moses to bring them out, through the Red Sea. They were free from Egypt, but only physically free. Mentally they were still enslaved to bitter, selfish souls. They were in the desert.
Notice what God says: take your rod with which you struck the river. The river? The river... which river was that, Lord... because... since we've seen the Nile we've WALKED THROUGH THE RED SEA. Why has God referenced a seemingly small event of the past instead of referencing the HUGE event of walking to freedom through a sea? Here is the verse:
Exo 14:16 MKJV
(16) But lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it. And the sons of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
But no. God is reminding Moses to take the rod he used when he struck the Nile River, which probably seemed eons ago. Moses had struck the Nile in Exodus 7:20 and it turned to blood.
God usually allows mankind to obtain what he pursues, doesn't he? Pharaoh was out for blood. He had decreed the destruction of all the male Hebrew babies by what means? Throwing them in the Nile... But it was the Nile that floated their salvation: Moses. Now God was giving Pharaoh what he wanted - blood.
Back to God's reference. He said, even as you took the rod and struck the river, take the rod and strike the rock.
From here, we can take what we know and apply it. The rod is the cross that struck our Rock, Jesus Christ. From Him came water to nourish us and save us in the desert we were in. Understand, too, that rods have NO CHANCE against rocks. You'd no more set out to break a rock with a stick than you would digging a tunnel with a plastic spoon. Forget it. But the Rock split and water issued forth...
The cross... the Romans... the Jews... had NO CHANCE of killing Jesus unless He laid His life down for us. That He did.
1Jn 3:16 MKJV
(16) By this we have known the love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
But the river... what about it? This same cross that was used to bring us water in the desert was also used to destroy the enemy - ultimately bringing him exactly what he wanted. Blood. The cross brings life, but the cross brings death to those who reject it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What Was... Will Be
Remember in the Exodus, right before the 'redemption', there was a travail in the land.
Exodus 2:23 LITV
(23) And it happened during these many days that the king of Egypt died, and the sons of Israel groaned from the slavery. And they cried, and their cry went up to God from the slavery.
So God sent a deliverer, but he wasn't warmly welcomed. In fact, Satan tried to kill all the male Hebrew children in an effort to see that deliverance didn't come. It came anyways. And before deliverance came, it got DARK.
Exodus 10:21-23 LITV
(21) And Jehovah said to Moses, Stretch out your hand to the heavens so that darkness may be on the land of Egypt, and one may feel darkness.
(22) And Moses stretched out his hand to the heavens, and darkness of gloom was in all the land of Egypt three days.
(23) They did not see each one his brother, and they did not rise up, each one from his place for three days. Yet to all the sons of Israel there was light in their dwellings.
A few hundred years later, Israel's cry again reached the ears of God. And they once again wanted deliverance - from Rome.
So God sent a deliverer, but he wasn't warmly welcomed. In fact, Satan tried to kill all the male Hebrew children in an effort to see that deliverance didn't come. He came anyways. But before deliverance came, it got DARK.
Matthew 27:44-45 LITV
(44) And also the plunderers crucified with Him defamed Him, saying the same.
(45) And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
It's getting dark again, friends. There is a cry reaching Heaven. Blood has a voice, and the cries of millions of unwanted babies are being heard (but they are SAFE!). Satan will always declare war over the seed of men because from that seed deliverance always comes. Do they kill babies in Eastern lands? Strangely... no. Only in the lands where the freedom to spread the Gospel still exists is there a warrant out for the unborn. The deliverers are those who declare the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, however, there will come a future dark day.
Revelation 16:10 LITV
(10) And the fifth angel poured out his bowl onto the throne of the beast. And its kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues from the pain.
We will then participate in the final redemption, with our Deliverer claiming forever what He has already purchased. There will be no more darkness and no more death.
Exodus 2:23 LITV
(23) And it happened during these many days that the king of Egypt died, and the sons of Israel groaned from the slavery. And they cried, and their cry went up to God from the slavery.
So God sent a deliverer, but he wasn't warmly welcomed. In fact, Satan tried to kill all the male Hebrew children in an effort to see that deliverance didn't come. It came anyways. And before deliverance came, it got DARK.
Exodus 10:21-23 LITV
(21) And Jehovah said to Moses, Stretch out your hand to the heavens so that darkness may be on the land of Egypt, and one may feel darkness.
(22) And Moses stretched out his hand to the heavens, and darkness of gloom was in all the land of Egypt three days.
(23) They did not see each one his brother, and they did not rise up, each one from his place for three days. Yet to all the sons of Israel there was light in their dwellings.
A few hundred years later, Israel's cry again reached the ears of God. And they once again wanted deliverance - from Rome.
So God sent a deliverer, but he wasn't warmly welcomed. In fact, Satan tried to kill all the male Hebrew children in an effort to see that deliverance didn't come. He came anyways. But before deliverance came, it got DARK.
Matthew 27:44-45 LITV
(44) And also the plunderers crucified with Him defamed Him, saying the same.
(45) And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
It's getting dark again, friends. There is a cry reaching Heaven. Blood has a voice, and the cries of millions of unwanted babies are being heard (but they are SAFE!). Satan will always declare war over the seed of men because from that seed deliverance always comes. Do they kill babies in Eastern lands? Strangely... no. Only in the lands where the freedom to spread the Gospel still exists is there a warrant out for the unborn. The deliverers are those who declare the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, however, there will come a future dark day.
Revelation 16:10 LITV
(10) And the fifth angel poured out his bowl onto the throne of the beast. And its kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues from the pain.
We will then participate in the final redemption, with our Deliverer claiming forever what He has already purchased. There will be no more darkness and no more death.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Shut Up and Get To Work!
Exodus 14:15-16 LITV
(15) And Jehovah said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Speak to the sons of Israel, and let them pull up stakes.
(16) And you, raise your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the sons of Israel may go in the midst of the sea on dry ground.
TheIsraelites were pinned down between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Time was running out. Moses was talking big talk, but the people were afraid. Then an odd thing happens. God tells Moses to quit talking and get to work.
"Raise your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it..." Well, duh. What else was Moses going to do?
The observation I gained from this passage is that whenever we hear God speaking to us, He is usually telling us to take some authority that we didn't previously think we had. It's almost as if following Him restores much of what we gave up in the garden. In Eden, man had dominion over the earth. After Eden, man struggled to make a living from the earth. But following God, man once again is expected to start exercising dominion.
(15) And Jehovah said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Speak to the sons of Israel, and let them pull up stakes.
(16) And you, raise your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the sons of Israel may go in the midst of the sea on dry ground.
TheIsraelites were pinned down between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Time was running out. Moses was talking big talk, but the people were afraid. Then an odd thing happens. God tells Moses to quit talking and get to work.
"Raise your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it..." Well, duh. What else was Moses going to do?
The observation I gained from this passage is that whenever we hear God speaking to us, He is usually telling us to take some authority that we didn't previously think we had. It's almost as if following Him restores much of what we gave up in the garden. In Eden, man had dominion over the earth. After Eden, man struggled to make a living from the earth. But following God, man once again is expected to start exercising dominion.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Consecration Offering
Wow the 200th post is slow in coming. I've been out in training for work and it is GOOD to be back.
We are familiar with the concept of offerings in the Old Testament; a lamb for this, a bull for that, a dove if you can't afford it, etc. Not all of these make sense. They just seem like instruction - maybe cryptic keys to something in God's realm. Truly - most of these offerings seem very formulaic.
In Exodus 29 we read about the priests who have to give an offering of consecration. A certain amount is for them to 'consume' - because they are about the work of God. But that which is not consumed by them is TOTALLY burned up. Interesting. It seems... wasteful, doesn't it?
The picture is this: the flesh is a tool for Kingdom work. Nothing more. The flesh is never to be used for anything more, or for anything less. It's the FLESH. And when we are done with it, ultimately, it goes up in smoke. Why? Because it is HOLY.
Exodus 29:34 LITV
(34) And if any is left of the flesh of consecration, and of the bread, until the morning, you shall burn what is left with fire; it shall not be eaten, for it is holy.
This is for priests, remember? We are priests. And we are consecrated to God and to His Kingdom business. In the end, when that horn blows, our flesh 'dissolves', if you will. It vaporizes, and we become SPIRIT (or smoke). Why? Because WE are holy.
Romans 12:1 LITV
(1) Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.
We are familiar with the concept of offerings in the Old Testament; a lamb for this, a bull for that, a dove if you can't afford it, etc. Not all of these make sense. They just seem like instruction - maybe cryptic keys to something in God's realm. Truly - most of these offerings seem very formulaic.
In Exodus 29 we read about the priests who have to give an offering of consecration. A certain amount is for them to 'consume' - because they are about the work of God. But that which is not consumed by them is TOTALLY burned up. Interesting. It seems... wasteful, doesn't it?
The picture is this: the flesh is a tool for Kingdom work. Nothing more. The flesh is never to be used for anything more, or for anything less. It's the FLESH. And when we are done with it, ultimately, it goes up in smoke. Why? Because it is HOLY.
Exodus 29:34 LITV
(34) And if any is left of the flesh of consecration, and of the bread, until the morning, you shall burn what is left with fire; it shall not be eaten, for it is holy.
This is for priests, remember? We are priests. And we are consecrated to God and to His Kingdom business. In the end, when that horn blows, our flesh 'dissolves', if you will. It vaporizes, and we become SPIRIT (or smoke). Why? Because WE are holy.
Romans 12:1 LITV
(1) Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
A Concealed Kingdom
In Numbers 24, Balak was a king who greatly feared the nation of Israel and tried to get Balaam, a prophet of sorts, to curse them. Balaam was a dabbler in witchcraft, which made him a very interesting character. But in this instance, the scripture says he did not 'seek for secret arts' but rather set his face toward the wilderness.
Num 24:1-9 MKJV
(1) And Balaam saw that it pleased Jehovah to bless Israel, and he did not go, as at other times, to seek for secret arts, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
(2) And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel pitched, according to their tribes. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
(3) And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said;
(4) he has said; he who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling down but having his eyes open;
(5) How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your tabernacles, O Israel!
(6) They are spread forth like the valleys, like gardens by the river's side, like the trees of aloes which Jehovah has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.
(7) He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
(8) God brought him forth out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of an ox. He shall eat up the nations, his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
(9) He crouched. He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.
Balaam set his face – for once – towards the wilderness because the wilderness is not the habitation of man. He set his face towards a place where only God dwelled.
Now, concerning Israel, Balaam saw how good the tents were. Tents. Individual dwellings. He said… wow… they are EVERYWHERE.
But beyond that, they are like Jehovah has planted them – like cedar trees beside the waters! Does that sound familiar?
(7) Blessed is the man who trusts in Jehovah, and Jehovah is his trust.
(8) For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.
Jehovah shall pour water out of His buckets. Hmmm….
Act 2:17 MKJV
(17) "And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
His seed shall be in many waters?
Joh 16:7 MKJV
(7) But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you.
So His Spirit will dwell in all of us… in each 'tent', or body.
And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. What a kingdom prophecy! Our King is indeed higher than all others.
God brought Him forth out of Egypt. Remember… Jesus' parents fled to Egypt with Him in order to escape the brutal baby-killing Herod.
He has the strength of an Ox. Yes, Jesus was the ultimate servant – usually represented by an Ox. But you don't want a weakling of a servant, you want one that can pull a plow if need-be. Jesus was our Suffering Servant.
He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you. Jesus is our Lion of the tribe of Judah. Who indeed shall stir Him up? He came first as a Suffering Servant, but will return as a triumphant King. He is Ox (servant), Man (human), Lion (king), and Eagle (God).
Balaam gave us a hidden prophecy about a Kingdom to come, and a King to come. Israel was the original template for such a kingdom:
(Exo 19:6 MKJV) And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the sons of Israel.
We are the Bride, however, and the final, beautiful, spotless, purchased prize of the King and we are expected to walk as such!
Num 24:1-9 MKJV
(1) And Balaam saw that it pleased Jehovah to bless Israel, and he did not go, as at other times, to seek for secret arts, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
(2) And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel pitched, according to their tribes. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
(3) And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said;
(4) he has said; he who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling down but having his eyes open;
(5) How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your tabernacles, O Israel!
(6) They are spread forth like the valleys, like gardens by the river's side, like the trees of aloes which Jehovah has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.
(7) He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
(8) God brought him forth out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of an ox. He shall eat up the nations, his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
(9) He crouched. He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.
Balaam set his face – for once – towards the wilderness because the wilderness is not the habitation of man. He set his face towards a place where only God dwelled.
Now, concerning Israel, Balaam saw how good the tents were. Tents. Individual dwellings. He said… wow… they are EVERYWHERE.
But beyond that, they are like Jehovah has planted them – like cedar trees beside the waters! Does that sound familiar?
(7) Blessed is the man who trusts in Jehovah, and Jehovah is his trust.
(8) For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.
Jehovah shall pour water out of His buckets. Hmmm….
Act 2:17 MKJV
(17) "And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
His seed shall be in many waters?
Joh 16:7 MKJV
(7) But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you.
So His Spirit will dwell in all of us… in each 'tent', or body.
And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. What a kingdom prophecy! Our King is indeed higher than all others.
God brought Him forth out of Egypt. Remember… Jesus' parents fled to Egypt with Him in order to escape the brutal baby-killing Herod.
He has the strength of an Ox. Yes, Jesus was the ultimate servant – usually represented by an Ox. But you don't want a weakling of a servant, you want one that can pull a plow if need-be. Jesus was our Suffering Servant.
He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you. Jesus is our Lion of the tribe of Judah. Who indeed shall stir Him up? He came first as a Suffering Servant, but will return as a triumphant King. He is Ox (servant), Man (human), Lion (king), and Eagle (God).
Balaam gave us a hidden prophecy about a Kingdom to come, and a King to come. Israel was the original template for such a kingdom:
(Exo 19:6 MKJV) And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the sons of Israel.
We are the Bride, however, and the final, beautiful, spotless, purchased prize of the King and we are expected to walk as such!
Monday, February 16, 2009
You are such a 'donkey'
Exo 13:13
(13) You can save the life of a first-born donkey by sacrificing a lamb; if you don't, you must break the donkey's neck. You must save every first-born son.
As descendants of Adam, we are all born 'unclean', like a donkey. Even the donkeys belong to God, but see - they are not acceptable to God, because they are unclean. Something has to be sacrificed in its stead.
How many pictures does God have to bury in the Old Testament to prove to us that it's all about Jesus?
I'm the donkey... Jesus was the Lamb substituted for me. Wow... otherwise... I'm as good as dead.
I'll take that!
(13) You can save the life of a first-born donkey by sacrificing a lamb; if you don't, you must break the donkey's neck. You must save every first-born son.
As descendants of Adam, we are all born 'unclean', like a donkey. Even the donkeys belong to God, but see - they are not acceptable to God, because they are unclean. Something has to be sacrificed in its stead.
How many pictures does God have to bury in the Old Testament to prove to us that it's all about Jesus?
I'm the donkey... Jesus was the Lamb substituted for me. Wow... otherwise... I'm as good as dead.
I'll take that!
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