Does God Help You When You Are Impossible To Deal With?
Listen, Israel, you're about to cross the Jordan River. You'll be forcing out nations that are larger and stronger than you, with big cities that have sky-high walls. Their people are tall and strong. They're descendants of Anak. You know all about them. You've also heard it said, “Who can oppose the descendants of Anak?” Realize today that the LORD your God is the one who is going ahead of you like a raging fire. . . . . .and will use you to crush their power . . . .
When the LORD your God expels these people in front of you, don't say to yourselves, “Because we've been living right, the LORD brought us here to take possession of this land.” No, it's because these nations are so wicked that the LORD is forcing them out of your way and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
. . . . . So understand this: It's not because you've been living right that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess. You are impossible to deal with! Deuteronomy 9:1-6 (GW)
Pastor’s Blog
“Stubborn”, “stubborn as a mule”, “stiff necked”, “impossible to deal with” are all God’s assessment of His children. Maybe you have children like that, but you love them anyway. Truth be told there’s a stubborn, stiff necked streak in each of us, be it “in your face” or passive-aggressive, either way there exists in every one of us natural antipathy toward submission to God. This leaves God with no one to work through except people who “are impossible to deal with”!
In today’s passage Moses tells Israel to
1. Destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.
2. That God will pave the way ahead of them
3. That this destruction is the result of the inhabitant’s evil, not because of
Israel’s righteousness
God chose to eradicate the sinful people of Canaan through the sinful people of Israel. Obviously God helps stubborn people. But just as obviously, God hates and sin and evil.
This shows God’s faithfulness to the covenant he made with Abraham Isaac and Jacob, and God’s keeping his promise to give them a land to inhabit.
It’s all about God blessing and being faithful to people to who don’t deserve it. . . .. . . . people strikingly similar to you and to me.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010
Do you ever compare your accomplishments to those of others?
Deuteronomy 8:6-20 (NIV)
“the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land . . .with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, .. . . . . . When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
Be careful that . . . . . when you eat and are satisfied . .. . . your heart will not become proud . . . .
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, . . . “ Deuteronomy 8:6-20
Pastor’s Blog
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times, “I don’t care who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory”. The problem with that is that when I hear it said it sounds “tinny”, almost like the person saying he is taking credit for not taking credit. It sounds too much like comparison to me. . . . .as if to say, ”I’m not like everyone else who brags, I’m humble!”
The first verse above makes it clear to me that the Lord is the author of the story we’re in. The part I play was given to, not chosen by, me. And everything that goes with that part was also written into story by the author. It’s all gift. God has written he beauty of southern Chester county into my part of God’s Story. I am really, really grateful for that.
Where I go wrong is forgetting this. The moment I become proud of a thought I’ve had, a physical achievement, a problem solved, something new created . . . . . . . it is then that I must remember where whatever abilities I have came from.
Actually it kind of ridiculous, isn’t it, to be proud of looks, intelligence, abilities, or personality. Each of us has what we have because of powers outside of ourselves. We have nothing to do with it. It’s like being proud of being tall. Nothing wrong with accepting who I am, but how crazy it is to take credit for something I have absolutely nothing to do with. That’s nuts.
I think today’s passage is a really good one. If I can “get it” into my heart mind and soul that all credit goes to God, then maybe I can live out a genuine attitude that gives God the glory without having to tell everyone.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 8:6-20 (NIV)
“the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land . . .with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, .. . . . . . When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
Be careful that . . . . . when you eat and are satisfied . .. . . your heart will not become proud . . . .
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, . . . “ Deuteronomy 8:6-20
Pastor’s Blog
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times, “I don’t care who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory”. The problem with that is that when I hear it said it sounds “tinny”, almost like the person saying he is taking credit for not taking credit. It sounds too much like comparison to me. . . . .as if to say, ”I’m not like everyone else who brags, I’m humble!”
The first verse above makes it clear to me that the Lord is the author of the story we’re in. The part I play was given to, not chosen by, me. And everything that goes with that part was also written into story by the author. It’s all gift. God has written he beauty of southern Chester county into my part of God’s Story. I am really, really grateful for that.
Where I go wrong is forgetting this. The moment I become proud of a thought I’ve had, a physical achievement, a problem solved, something new created . . . . . . . it is then that I must remember where whatever abilities I have came from.
Actually it kind of ridiculous, isn’t it, to be proud of looks, intelligence, abilities, or personality. Each of us has what we have because of powers outside of ourselves. We have nothing to do with it. It’s like being proud of being tall. Nothing wrong with accepting who I am, but how crazy it is to take credit for something I have absolutely nothing to do with. That’s nuts.
I think today’s passage is a really good one. If I can “get it” into my heart mind and soul that all credit goes to God, then maybe I can live out a genuine attitude that gives God the glory without having to tell everyone.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
Does God Bring Tough Times?
Deuteronomy 6:14-19
“ . . . . .Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Deuteronomy 8:1-5 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Unfortunately and fortunately (even though I hate it) it takes constant doses of pain, humiliation, and failure to keep me humble enough to submit to God.
Pride is the fundamental sin. Humility is the antidote. Unfortunately I’m not all that good at humbling myself. The moment I begin to become arrogant enough to think “wow, I’m pretty humble” . . .. well you get the picture.
In today’s passage (and throughout the entire Bible and therefore all of life) God is the actor, the initiator. He is willing to BRING HARDSHIP onto his “children” FOR THEIR OWN GOOD. He’ll inflict it until humility is regained. Why? We humans are safe and happy only when humbly submit to Father who knows best. We’re unsafe and miserable when free to put ourselves into the prison of doing what we want to do.
Jesus really liked this passage. His parents probably drilled it into Him. It was a comfort to him when he was facing hardship (his 40 days of temptation in the desert)
“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth
of the LORD”
I think this means something like,
“Jeff you don’t live by what you feed your various appetites with. That stuff
doesn’t even satisfy while you’re indulging yourself (well maybe at the
moment)! But, Jeff, when you look back, don’t you get it, don’t you see it?
Those times when you just did what the Holy Spirit prompted you to do, you were
happy. Those were the Kodak moments!”
At least it means something like that.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 6:14-19
“ . . . . .Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Deuteronomy 8:1-5 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Unfortunately and fortunately (even though I hate it) it takes constant doses of pain, humiliation, and failure to keep me humble enough to submit to God.
Pride is the fundamental sin. Humility is the antidote. Unfortunately I’m not all that good at humbling myself. The moment I begin to become arrogant enough to think “wow, I’m pretty humble” . . .. well you get the picture.
In today’s passage (and throughout the entire Bible and therefore all of life) God is the actor, the initiator. He is willing to BRING HARDSHIP onto his “children” FOR THEIR OWN GOOD. He’ll inflict it until humility is regained. Why? We humans are safe and happy only when humbly submit to Father who knows best. We’re unsafe and miserable when free to put ourselves into the prison of doing what we want to do.
Jesus really liked this passage. His parents probably drilled it into Him. It was a comfort to him when he was facing hardship (his 40 days of temptation in the desert)
“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth
of the LORD”
I think this means something like,
“Jeff you don’t live by what you feed your various appetites with. That stuff
doesn’t even satisfy while you’re indulging yourself (well maybe at the
moment)! But, Jeff, when you look back, don’t you get it, don’t you see it?
Those times when you just did what the Holy Spirit prompted you to do, you were
happy. Those were the Kodak moments!”
At least it means something like that.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010
When is fear a proper response to what I’m facing?
Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt . . . .. . . . The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once . . . . .Do not covet the silver and gold . . . . .or you will be ensnared by it . . . . Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Here’s a great quote I read somewhere I can’t remember this afternoon from someone important whom I am forgetting which I wrote down somewhere but can’t find, but remember enough to paraphrase for you.
“ I should not be surprised to notice that when I “fear God”, I find
myself fearing other things less. When I am not “fearing God”, my
fears of other things increase”.
Today’s passage says at least two crucial things:
1. Fear can be reduced if we remember what God has done. If He routed Pharoah, delivered the Jews from Egypt, became a Jew in Jesus, did miracles, was raised from the dead, and if He is for us, then that ought to be a boost to my sense of security. If I “fear” God (respect, trust, know He’s God, place myself in his care, humble myself before Him), then I have the God of the universe going before me when I obey.
2. Notice, however, that driving out the Canaanites didn’t happen “all at once”, not just because of Israel’s sin, but because God planned for it to be a slow process. So too, our victories will rarely be instantaneous. The process of facing our fear is one of God’s teaching and, yes, God’s protection. The journey is as important as the final victory.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt . . . .. . . . The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once . . . . .Do not covet the silver and gold . . . . .or you will be ensnared by it . . . . Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Here’s a great quote I read somewhere I can’t remember this afternoon from someone important whom I am forgetting which I wrote down somewhere but can’t find, but remember enough to paraphrase for you.
“ I should not be surprised to notice that when I “fear God”, I find
myself fearing other things less. When I am not “fearing God”, my
fears of other things increase”.
Today’s passage says at least two crucial things:
1. Fear can be reduced if we remember what God has done. If He routed Pharoah, delivered the Jews from Egypt, became a Jew in Jesus, did miracles, was raised from the dead, and if He is for us, then that ought to be a boost to my sense of security. If I “fear” God (respect, trust, know He’s God, place myself in his care, humble myself before Him), then I have the God of the universe going before me when I obey.
2. Notice, however, that driving out the Canaanites didn’t happen “all at once”, not just because of Israel’s sin, but because God planned for it to be a slow process. So too, our victories will rarely be instantaneous. The process of facing our fear is one of God’s teaching and, yes, God’s protection. The journey is as important as the final victory.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010
Why Did God Choose Israel? What Makes Them So Special?
Deuteronomy 7:7-16(NIV)
“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
“ . . . . If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then . . . . . He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land--your grain, new wine and oil--the calves of your herds and the lambs of . . . . . none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. The LORD will keep you free from every disease. . ." Deuteronomy 7:7-16 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
A Rabbi once said of his people,” Jews are just like everyone else, only more so”. He meant that in the Jewish people we see all the traits of humanity displayed in an amplified way. Reading the story of the Jews is reading my story. The Old Testament is the big screen story of all of humanity.
Therefore the reason God chose the Jews is just because he decided to. The big thing, though, is that having chosen them, he will never, ever, quit on them. God is faithful to his covenant (Gen 12:1-3, Gen 15). God keeps his promise.
Now here’s the thing. Jews are a picture of us. The New Testament says (read Galatians and Romans) that God’s faithfulness to the Jews is a picture of God’s faithfulness and love toward us!!!!!
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God,
keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love
him and keep his commands” Deuteronomy 7:9
One other thing: Notice all the blessings that come from obedience!!!!!!! OF COURSE, we live in a broken world where broken things will happen, BUT obedience = abundance!!!!! God DOES bless us in practical, tangible ways. “None, any, every” are not simply the literary device of hyperbole, they are words of abundance making the point that life under God is abundant and full, even when such words are tempered with the brokenness that surrounds us.
Deuteronomy 7:7-16(NIV)
“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
“ . . . . If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then . . . . . He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land--your grain, new wine and oil--the calves of your herds and the lambs of . . . . . none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. The LORD will keep you free from every disease. . ." Deuteronomy 7:7-16 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
A Rabbi once said of his people,” Jews are just like everyone else, only more so”. He meant that in the Jewish people we see all the traits of humanity displayed in an amplified way. Reading the story of the Jews is reading my story. The Old Testament is the big screen story of all of humanity.
Therefore the reason God chose the Jews is just because he decided to. The big thing, though, is that having chosen them, he will never, ever, quit on them. God is faithful to his covenant (Gen 12:1-3, Gen 15). God keeps his promise.
Now here’s the thing. Jews are a picture of us. The New Testament says (read Galatians and Romans) that God’s faithfulness to the Jews is a picture of God’s faithfulness and love toward us!!!!!
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God,
keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love
him and keep his commands” Deuteronomy 7:9
One other thing: Notice all the blessings that come from obedience!!!!!!! OF COURSE, we live in a broken world where broken things will happen, BUT obedience = abundance!!!!! God DOES bless us in practical, tangible ways. “None, any, every” are not simply the literary device of hyperbole, they are words of abundance making the point that life under God is abundant and full, even when such words are tempered with the brokenness that surrounds us.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 24, 2010
Blessed to Be a Blessing
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)
When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations--the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you-- and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. . . . . . . For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:1-6 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you notice the two tasks God gives to Abraham’s descendents (the Jewish people, Israel)? The first task is to bless all peoples on earth. The second, which is not music to ears of comfortable American suburbanites like me, is to destroy evil.
Blessing: God chose a certain group of people (the Jews) through whom he would bring healing and restoration to the world. They were chosen for no other reason than that God decided to. Jews are no better and no worse than anyone else. They were chosen for a task, a task completed and being completed by the one Jew who was faithful to the task, Jesus Christ.
Destruction: But task part two included eradicating evil. This meant that occupying the promised land was a twofold charge. The gift of land for Israel, and the removal of evil from that land as a judgment against the occupiers of that land because their evil had grown to be too great to be tolerated (human sacrifice and worse)
This is important for Christians to consider. My mind immediately thinks, “Wait a minute! Did God bless the Jews with the land by means of genocide? How can God commit genocide?” My next thought is seek a way to get God off the hook for what looks to me like an horrendous action. But I don’t succeed and I’m left with the story just as it’s told. Now what?
This is where the Christian must be very careful to allow scripture, the biblical story, as it is told, to form our idea of God, not the other way around. If the latter, I create my own god. If the former, I am continually humbled into living before the God who’s ways are not my ways and whose greatness is greater than I can comprehend.
The Bible keeps me in my place.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)
When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations--the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you-- and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. . . . . . . For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:1-6 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you notice the two tasks God gives to Abraham’s descendents (the Jewish people, Israel)? The first task is to bless all peoples on earth. The second, which is not music to ears of comfortable American suburbanites like me, is to destroy evil.
Blessing: God chose a certain group of people (the Jews) through whom he would bring healing and restoration to the world. They were chosen for no other reason than that God decided to. Jews are no better and no worse than anyone else. They were chosen for a task, a task completed and being completed by the one Jew who was faithful to the task, Jesus Christ.
Destruction: But task part two included eradicating evil. This meant that occupying the promised land was a twofold charge. The gift of land for Israel, and the removal of evil from that land as a judgment against the occupiers of that land because their evil had grown to be too great to be tolerated (human sacrifice and worse)
This is important for Christians to consider. My mind immediately thinks, “Wait a minute! Did God bless the Jews with the land by means of genocide? How can God commit genocide?” My next thought is seek a way to get God off the hook for what looks to me like an horrendous action. But I don’t succeed and I’m left with the story just as it’s told. Now what?
This is where the Christian must be very careful to allow scripture, the biblical story, as it is told, to form our idea of God, not the other way around. If the latter, I create my own god. If the former, I am continually humbled into living before the God who’s ways are not my ways and whose greatness is greater than I can comprehend.
The Bible keeps me in my place.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010
Have You, As Most Of America Has, Lost Your Story?
Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NLT)
“In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the LORD our God has commanded us to obey?’
Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The LORD did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our ancestors. And the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the LORD our God has given us.’" Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Can you, in three minutes or less tell the story of the world?
Some think the story of the world is that there was a big bang, nascent life formed, evolved and here we are, with no purpose other than the one we choose to make up. We’re accidents making the best of it. (that story took only seconds to tell!).
Each of us believes some story of the world and which story you believe makes all the difference. What story shapes your life?
The Darwinist story leaves us purposeless. There’s the Lion King story, similar to eastern mysticism, where the circle of life goes round and round but whose destination is, well, round and round. And there’s the Buddhist story (another word for story is wordview) which warns that there is no Buddha to find, that our destiny is to escape the world as a drop gives up it’s existence when it falls to the sea.
What we believe shapes our lives, and, yes, our daily decisions.
Can you tell your children and grandchildren and friends and neighbors the Christian story which America has essentially lost?
Here is The Big Story (as told both in the Old and New Testaments)
God created the world.
The world went wrong.
God chose Abraham’s descendents to rescue the world.
The faithful Israelite, Jesus, did so on the cross.
In fact, He rescued me too.
Here’s what He’s done and is doing in my life.
Now I live to please Him and join Him in rescuing the world with the help of the Holy Spirit
And I will live with Him forever in the New Creation when the final rescue will have been completed.
Is this your story? Does it shape you? Can you tell it?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NLT)
“In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the LORD our God has commanded us to obey?’
Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The LORD did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our ancestors. And the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the LORD our God has given us.’" Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Can you, in three minutes or less tell the story of the world?
Some think the story of the world is that there was a big bang, nascent life formed, evolved and here we are, with no purpose other than the one we choose to make up. We’re accidents making the best of it. (that story took only seconds to tell!).
Each of us believes some story of the world and which story you believe makes all the difference. What story shapes your life?
The Darwinist story leaves us purposeless. There’s the Lion King story, similar to eastern mysticism, where the circle of life goes round and round but whose destination is, well, round and round. And there’s the Buddhist story (another word for story is wordview) which warns that there is no Buddha to find, that our destiny is to escape the world as a drop gives up it’s existence when it falls to the sea.
What we believe shapes our lives, and, yes, our daily decisions.
Can you tell your children and grandchildren and friends and neighbors the Christian story which America has essentially lost?
Here is The Big Story (as told both in the Old and New Testaments)
God created the world.
The world went wrong.
God chose Abraham’s descendents to rescue the world.
The faithful Israelite, Jesus, did so on the cross.
In fact, He rescued me too.
Here’s what He’s done and is doing in my life.
Now I live to please Him and join Him in rescuing the world with the help of the Holy Spirit
And I will live with Him forever in the New Creation when the final rescue will have been completed.
Is this your story? Does it shape you? Can you tell it?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
May 20, 2010
Is God Petty, Jealous, Angry and Murderous Like the gods of the Ancient Greeks? Deuteronomy 6:14-19
“You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, for the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. You must not test the LORD your God as you did when you complained at Massah. You must diligently obey the commands of the LORD your God—all the laws and decrees he has given you. Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so all will go well with you. Then you will enter and occupy the good land that the LORD swore to give your ancestors. You will drive out all the enemies living in the land, just as the LORD said you would." Deuteronomy 6:14-19 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Can this God of jealousy, anger and threats be the same God we love and trust?
I think this is a really, really important question to come to terms with. I must believe in the God revealed in the Bible, not the god I make up in my own mind.
The God of the Bible (YHWH – “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”) is jealous. Our language no longer contains the biblical meaning of this world. In this passage it means “zealous to protect what belongs to Him alone”. It does not mean envy as in the 10th commandment. Jesus demonstrated this same zeal for all men and women.
The God of the Bible eradicates evil. In fact Israel was chosen to be God’s vehicle to destroy evil and restore the world. When Israel becomes part of the problem, it too faces eradication. No human has any right to take life, but God, who created life, retains that prerogative.
The God of the Bible warns. Check out Jesus words in Mark 13 for example. Deuteronomy, for all its detail teaches a very, very simple message. Obey God and life will go well. Disobey and things will, sooner or later, go very, very badly for you. It is a simple impossibility to live at cross purposes with God. Never put God to the test by complaining. God is not averse to responding with consequences.
The God of the Bible blessed Israel with a land that belonged to others, the Canaanites. This was God’s judgment on these inhabitants because their evil had simply exceeded God’s tolerance. The occupation of the land was both blessing and judgment.
This aspect of God must not be rejected. If it is we violate the first verse of the passage, we will have created a different god, one more to our liking, yet one who is an idol, an alien god, a god who won’t stand the test of time or be there in your time of need.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
“You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, for the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. You must not test the LORD your God as you did when you complained at Massah. You must diligently obey the commands of the LORD your God—all the laws and decrees he has given you. Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so all will go well with you. Then you will enter and occupy the good land that the LORD swore to give your ancestors. You will drive out all the enemies living in the land, just as the LORD said you would." Deuteronomy 6:14-19 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Can this God of jealousy, anger and threats be the same God we love and trust?
I think this is a really, really important question to come to terms with. I must believe in the God revealed in the Bible, not the god I make up in my own mind.
The God of the Bible (YHWH – “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”) is jealous. Our language no longer contains the biblical meaning of this world. In this passage it means “zealous to protect what belongs to Him alone”. It does not mean envy as in the 10th commandment. Jesus demonstrated this same zeal for all men and women.
The God of the Bible eradicates evil. In fact Israel was chosen to be God’s vehicle to destroy evil and restore the world. When Israel becomes part of the problem, it too faces eradication. No human has any right to take life, but God, who created life, retains that prerogative.
The God of the Bible warns. Check out Jesus words in Mark 13 for example. Deuteronomy, for all its detail teaches a very, very simple message. Obey God and life will go well. Disobey and things will, sooner or later, go very, very badly for you. It is a simple impossibility to live at cross purposes with God. Never put God to the test by complaining. God is not averse to responding with consequences.
The God of the Bible blessed Israel with a land that belonged to others, the Canaanites. This was God’s judgment on these inhabitants because their evil had simply exceeded God’s tolerance. The occupation of the land was both blessing and judgment.
This aspect of God must not be rejected. If it is we violate the first verse of the passage, we will have created a different god, one more to our liking, yet one who is an idol, an alien god, a god who won’t stand the test of time or be there in your time of need.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 19, 2010
It’s All Gift Deuteronomy 6:10-13
“The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, be careful not to forget the LORD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt." Deuteronomy 6:10-13 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you remember the old Smith Barney ad featuring John Houseman (famous as the law professor in the film and tv series The Paper Chase) who delivered the famous line "We make money the old-fashioned way. We earn it.”
The ad was a huge hit. Americans earn their keep. A “kept” man is a weak man. Americans are independent, strong, self made, pioneers who conquered an untamed land. If we’ve done anything good we’ve done it ourselves. And no, we don’t need your help , thank you. Others need OUR help. America’s self image perseveres to this day; We sing I’m proud to be an American and God Bless the USA.
I too love this image of the strong and proud American. My dad was “self made”, strong, an American mix of pride in his hard work and accomplishments, yet with a very real humility about him.
But today’s passage reminds that no life is lived, no accolade achieved, no merit earned, no success accomplished, no victory won, which is not fundamentally gift from beyond oneself. 80% of my life has nothing to do with my efforts. My birth, my parents, my DNA, my abilities, my sight, my hearing, my brain, the part of the world into which I was born, the culture into which I was assimilated, the schools I attended (or didn’t), the air I breathe . . . . .and on an on I could go. It’s all gift. It’s all gift.
And God reminds his Israel that life starts and continues by God’s gift. If we do well, we are like the surfer who trains hard (yes, hard work is good!!!! And necessary!!) but knows nevertheless that it’s wave who carries him. He just rides what’s been given.
As for me, were you to ask, I could tell you a very wonderful story of how God has carried me from conception to this very moment. It’s a story of gift, all gift.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
“The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, be careful not to forget the LORD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt." Deuteronomy 6:10-13 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you remember the old Smith Barney ad featuring John Houseman (famous as the law professor in the film and tv series The Paper Chase) who delivered the famous line "We make money the old-fashioned way. We earn it.”
The ad was a huge hit. Americans earn their keep. A “kept” man is a weak man. Americans are independent, strong, self made, pioneers who conquered an untamed land. If we’ve done anything good we’ve done it ourselves. And no, we don’t need your help , thank you. Others need OUR help. America’s self image perseveres to this day; We sing I’m proud to be an American and God Bless the USA.
I too love this image of the strong and proud American. My dad was “self made”, strong, an American mix of pride in his hard work and accomplishments, yet with a very real humility about him.
But today’s passage reminds that no life is lived, no accolade achieved, no merit earned, no success accomplished, no victory won, which is not fundamentally gift from beyond oneself. 80% of my life has nothing to do with my efforts. My birth, my parents, my DNA, my abilities, my sight, my hearing, my brain, the part of the world into which I was born, the culture into which I was assimilated, the schools I attended (or didn’t), the air I breathe . . . . .and on an on I could go. It’s all gift. It’s all gift.
And God reminds his Israel that life starts and continues by God’s gift. If we do well, we are like the surfer who trains hard (yes, hard work is good!!!! And necessary!!) but knows nevertheless that it’s wave who carries him. He just rides what’s been given.
As for me, were you to ask, I could tell you a very wonderful story of how God has carried me from conception to this very moment. It’s a story of gift, all gift.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
May 18, 2010
The Most Important Scripture in Old Testament Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
This passage is the central passage of entire Hebrew bible (what Christians call the Old Testament). It states clearly that there is only one God (Judaism introduced monotheism to the world). It states that The God who made the world, reveals to us how the world works and how to live in the world and that our job is to live in this world rightly by following God’s plan (the commandments are a gift, the revelation of how to live effectively and abundantly, not, as so many people think, God’s attempt to box us into an austere, joyless existence).
But to obey, thereby living rightly and well, is not enough. We are to tell our children over and over, talk about God’s plan (commandments), wherever we are. The symbolism of attaching them to your hands (as many orthodox Jews do today . . . literally) means that our actions should be governed by God. The forehead means that they should be on our minds. And the doorpost symbolizes our coming and going, the protection of our home as a “sanctuary” for godly living, and the reminder that as we leave we must carry the knowledge of God into a hostile world.
In fact the CLC has this passage placed at its outer entrance to the sanctuary lobby. It’s called a Mezzuzah (which is the Hebrew word for “doorpost”).
Given the above background, allow me to ask the same question I asked yesterday, “What aspect of God’s law do you routinely not obey, either because you don’t think it’s important or because you trust your own desires to make you happy more than you trust God’s commands to make you happy?”
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below
“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
This passage is the central passage of entire Hebrew bible (what Christians call the Old Testament). It states clearly that there is only one God (Judaism introduced monotheism to the world). It states that The God who made the world, reveals to us how the world works and how to live in the world and that our job is to live in this world rightly by following God’s plan (the commandments are a gift, the revelation of how to live effectively and abundantly, not, as so many people think, God’s attempt to box us into an austere, joyless existence).
But to obey, thereby living rightly and well, is not enough. We are to tell our children over and over, talk about God’s plan (commandments), wherever we are. The symbolism of attaching them to your hands (as many orthodox Jews do today . . . literally) means that our actions should be governed by God. The forehead means that they should be on our minds. And the doorpost symbolizes our coming and going, the protection of our home as a “sanctuary” for godly living, and the reminder that as we leave we must carry the knowledge of God into a hostile world.
In fact the CLC has this passage placed at its outer entrance to the sanctuary lobby. It’s called a Mezzuzah (which is the Hebrew word for “doorpost”).
Given the above background, allow me to ask the same question I asked yesterday, “What aspect of God’s law do you routinely not obey, either because you don’t think it’s important or because you trust your own desires to make you happy more than you trust God’s commands to make you happy?”
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010
If You Want Life To Go Well, Get On The Good Side Of How Things WorkDeuteronomy 6:1-3 (NLT)
“These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you." Deuteronomy 6:1-3 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you know the hymn “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey”?
This first line in the hymn is very simple and very profound. In fact it captures the entire theology of Deuteronomy. If you obey, the result , generally speaking of course, is a good, long life, with happy, healthy, God-fearing children and grandchildren. If you choose a life of distrusting and disobeying, the result will be the opposite, living under a “curse” (more on this in future weeks). It’s that simple.
Protestants typically talk of “relationship” and love and belief and faith. All of that is good, important and right. But of course when we try to put God into some kind of systematic box, along comes Jesus and messes it all up. In John 14, Jesus very simply says in at least three different ways that loving him means obeying him.
Obedience matters. Obedience has a bad rap. I think of a dog or a slave or a child being mistreated or being constricted by ridiculous rules. But that’s where trust comes in. We are to obey the Father who loves us, knows best and whose heart is to give us “all things for our pleasure.
What aspect of God’s law do you routinely not obey, either because you don’t think it’s important or because you trust your own desires to make you happy more than you trust God’s commands to make you happy?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
“These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you." Deuteronomy 6:1-3 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you know the hymn “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey”?
This first line in the hymn is very simple and very profound. In fact it captures the entire theology of Deuteronomy. If you obey, the result , generally speaking of course, is a good, long life, with happy, healthy, God-fearing children and grandchildren. If you choose a life of distrusting and disobeying, the result will be the opposite, living under a “curse” (more on this in future weeks). It’s that simple.
Protestants typically talk of “relationship” and love and belief and faith. All of that is good, important and right. But of course when we try to put God into some kind of systematic box, along comes Jesus and messes it all up. In John 14, Jesus very simply says in at least three different ways that loving him means obeying him.
Obedience matters. Obedience has a bad rap. I think of a dog or a slave or a child being mistreated or being constricted by ridiculous rules. But that’s where trust comes in. We are to obey the Father who loves us, knows best and whose heart is to give us “all things for our pleasure.
What aspect of God’s law do you routinely not obey, either because you don’t think it’s important or because you trust your own desires to make you happy more than you trust God’s commands to make you happy?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, May 14, 2010
May 14, 2010
The 8th, 9th, and 10th Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:20-21 (NLT)
“You must not steal”
“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor”
“You must not covet your neighbor’s wife. You must not covet your neighbor’s house or land, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:20-21 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The first four commandments are about loving God. The next six are about loving people. But the last one may be the most demanding of all.
Commandments 1-4 teach us how love God. Commandments 6-9 teach us how to love people. Commandment 5 pulls the first four and the next four together (honoring parents translates to honoring God).
And all the commandments are demonstrations of how God protects us and provides for us. For example, stealing and lying are ways to manipulate my world and my fellow man to get what I want rather than trusting God to provide what I really need.
But the 10th commandment? Well . . . . it’s a tough one! The first 9 commandments require actions. This one concerns motivation. Uh-oh. I can no longer get away with grudging outward, legalistic obedience. I’ve got to have a good attitude. I’ve got to be unselfish. I can’t let my motivations deteriorate into self interest. Jesus made this exact point in Matthew 5:21-48 in the sermon on the mount. He challenged motives. He gazes into our hearts. He says, you may never have stolen any material items, but if you’ve coveted them and lived in jealous and envy, squeezing gratitude out of your life, plotting ways to get that things you want, then you are in as much trouble (maybe even more so) than the one who actually stole something. If you’ve lusted, even though you’ve never physically or emotionally involved yourself with someone other than your spouse, then you’ve committed adultery, says Jesus.
I think the 10th commandment is really a wonderful gift. It cuts to the core of our being. It’s where we “live”. And, we can do something about it! I can simply confess it, ask God’s forgiveness, cleansing, healing and a fresh start with gratitude for all I do have now. Jesus best friend put it this way.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “1 John 1:9 (NIV)
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 5:20-21 (NLT)
“You must not steal”
“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor”
“You must not covet your neighbor’s wife. You must not covet your neighbor’s house or land, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:20-21 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The first four commandments are about loving God. The next six are about loving people. But the last one may be the most demanding of all.
Commandments 1-4 teach us how love God. Commandments 6-9 teach us how to love people. Commandment 5 pulls the first four and the next four together (honoring parents translates to honoring God).
And all the commandments are demonstrations of how God protects us and provides for us. For example, stealing and lying are ways to manipulate my world and my fellow man to get what I want rather than trusting God to provide what I really need.
But the 10th commandment? Well . . . . it’s a tough one! The first 9 commandments require actions. This one concerns motivation. Uh-oh. I can no longer get away with grudging outward, legalistic obedience. I’ve got to have a good attitude. I’ve got to be unselfish. I can’t let my motivations deteriorate into self interest. Jesus made this exact point in Matthew 5:21-48 in the sermon on the mount. He challenged motives. He gazes into our hearts. He says, you may never have stolen any material items, but if you’ve coveted them and lived in jealous and envy, squeezing gratitude out of your life, plotting ways to get that things you want, then you are in as much trouble (maybe even more so) than the one who actually stole something. If you’ve lusted, even though you’ve never physically or emotionally involved yourself with someone other than your spouse, then you’ve committed adultery, says Jesus.
I think the 10th commandment is really a wonderful gift. It cuts to the core of our being. It’s where we “live”. And, we can do something about it! I can simply confess it, ask God’s forgiveness, cleansing, healing and a fresh start with gratitude for all I do have now. Jesus best friend put it this way.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “1 John 1:9 (NIV)
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13, 2010
The 5th, 6th and 7th Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:16-18 (NLT)
“Honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you”
“You must not murder”
“You must not commit adultery” Deuteronomy 5:16-18 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I wonder if it is really possible to dishonor your parents on the one hand and to honor God on the other. What do you think?
It looks to me like God set life up in such a way that honoring your parents is the training ground which will determine whether or not you will be a Christ honorer and follower. I think that perhaps the most important task of a parent is to grow a parent-honoring attitude in your children. This requires invested, time intensive, loving discipline. That’s a really, really tough job these days, yet it is often noted that this commandment is the only one with a promise attached. Perhaps the greatest parental shortcoming in the 21st century is the failure to provided loving discipline. It’s the path to respect, which is the prerequisite to loving others and loving God. Without respect there is no love.
The 6th commandment protects the lives of God’s people. Murder refers to manslaughter and also killing for illegitimate reasons. It does not prohibit capital punishment (which can be objected to, but on other grounds). I love Matthew 5:21 where Jesus amplifies this teaching to get to the heart of God. He says every time you call someone an idiot, you’ve murdered the person!!! We should never, never, never, never, speak disparagingly of another.
The 7th commandment is the “horizontal” (people to people) equivalent of the 1st commandment which a “vertical” commandment (people to God). Adultery is unfaithfulness to the one who has been faithful to you. It is betrayal. It breaks a trust. It divides your loyalty. (and much, much more) It damages relationship. And relationship is what these commands are, at their core, all about. If you think through all the dangers of non marital sex (disease, emotional pain, abortion, out of wedlock pregnancies, single parenting, poverty, the pain of families and friends, the dis-integration of personality, the using of another for one’s own gratification, etc. etc.) and then think of all the freedoms that chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage bring (security, clarity, emotional and physical health, safety, protection from being physically used, the knowledge that becoming one means something, the powerful blending of commitment and sex, the blessing of giving children two parents for life, fidelity, trust etc. etc.) . . . . then the protection and provision that God provides through by way of this commandment becomes more and more clear. I think I just typed a run-on sentence!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 5:16-18 (NLT)
“Honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you”
“You must not murder”
“You must not commit adultery” Deuteronomy 5:16-18 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I wonder if it is really possible to dishonor your parents on the one hand and to honor God on the other. What do you think?
It looks to me like God set life up in such a way that honoring your parents is the training ground which will determine whether or not you will be a Christ honorer and follower. I think that perhaps the most important task of a parent is to grow a parent-honoring attitude in your children. This requires invested, time intensive, loving discipline. That’s a really, really tough job these days, yet it is often noted that this commandment is the only one with a promise attached. Perhaps the greatest parental shortcoming in the 21st century is the failure to provided loving discipline. It’s the path to respect, which is the prerequisite to loving others and loving God. Without respect there is no love.
The 6th commandment protects the lives of God’s people. Murder refers to manslaughter and also killing for illegitimate reasons. It does not prohibit capital punishment (which can be objected to, but on other grounds). I love Matthew 5:21 where Jesus amplifies this teaching to get to the heart of God. He says every time you call someone an idiot, you’ve murdered the person!!! We should never, never, never, never, speak disparagingly of another.
The 7th commandment is the “horizontal” (people to people) equivalent of the 1st commandment which a “vertical” commandment (people to God). Adultery is unfaithfulness to the one who has been faithful to you. It is betrayal. It breaks a trust. It divides your loyalty. (and much, much more) It damages relationship. And relationship is what these commands are, at their core, all about. If you think through all the dangers of non marital sex (disease, emotional pain, abortion, out of wedlock pregnancies, single parenting, poverty, the pain of families and friends, the dis-integration of personality, the using of another for one’s own gratification, etc. etc.) and then think of all the freedoms that chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage bring (security, clarity, emotional and physical health, safety, protection from being physically used, the knowledge that becoming one means something, the powerful blending of commitment and sex, the blessing of giving children two parents for life, fidelity, trust etc. etc.) . . . . then the protection and provision that God provides through by way of this commandment becomes more and more clear. I think I just typed a run-on sentence!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
The 3rd and 4th Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:11-15
“You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name."
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day." Deuteronomy 5:11-15
Pastor’s Blog
There are lots of ways to misuse the name of God, but I think you’ll be surprised at the most common misuse.
At the heart of the 3rd commandment is the prohibition against magic. Magic is the attempt to harness God’s power for personal ends (which is exactly what prayer in surrounding nations was all about). Godly prayer, on the other hand, is a response to a Loving God who is always providing what we need. It is here that we must differentiate between Jesus’ telling us to ask for anything (petition) and selfishness. The former honors a relationship. The latter treats God like a bellhop.
Of course, there are other ways to misuse the name of God. Among them is using “O my God” as an exclamation (God’s name should be preserved for honoring Him) or “Jesus Christ” in cursing.
The 4th commandment was modeled by God in creation (Genesis 2). It’s purpose is to foster dependence on God. We must remember that everything about our lives is due to the “strong hand and powerful arm” of God (vs 15). When we rest, we recall that it is He who creates, not we. If I am creative, it is because God is creative through me.
I loved learning the meaning of the duration of the Hebrew day. It begins at sunset when I go to bed. When I go to bed, God is at work. When I wake up, I enter a world where God is already creating and acting. My job is simply to join Him in what he is already doing.
Not to have a Sabbath (based on Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels, I believe it can be any day of the week that works for you) of rest and to focus on God is dangerously close to displacing God with your own sovereignty. Furthermore, Jesus said that the Sabbath is for our benefit. We NEED the Sabbath rest of God and the Sabbath reconnection with God, our souce of strength.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 5:11-15
“You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name."
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day." Deuteronomy 5:11-15
Pastor’s Blog
There are lots of ways to misuse the name of God, but I think you’ll be surprised at the most common misuse.
At the heart of the 3rd commandment is the prohibition against magic. Magic is the attempt to harness God’s power for personal ends (which is exactly what prayer in surrounding nations was all about). Godly prayer, on the other hand, is a response to a Loving God who is always providing what we need. It is here that we must differentiate between Jesus’ telling us to ask for anything (petition) and selfishness. The former honors a relationship. The latter treats God like a bellhop.
Of course, there are other ways to misuse the name of God. Among them is using “O my God” as an exclamation (God’s name should be preserved for honoring Him) or “Jesus Christ” in cursing.
The 4th commandment was modeled by God in creation (Genesis 2). It’s purpose is to foster dependence on God. We must remember that everything about our lives is due to the “strong hand and powerful arm” of God (vs 15). When we rest, we recall that it is He who creates, not we. If I am creative, it is because God is creative through me.
I loved learning the meaning of the duration of the Hebrew day. It begins at sunset when I go to bed. When I go to bed, God is at work. When I wake up, I enter a world where God is already creating and acting. My job is simply to join Him in what he is already doing.
Not to have a Sabbath (based on Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels, I believe it can be any day of the week that works for you) of rest and to focus on God is dangerously close to displacing God with your own sovereignty. Furthermore, Jesus said that the Sabbath is for our benefit. We NEED the Sabbath rest of God and the Sabbath reconnection with God, our souce of strength.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11, 2010
The 1st and 2nd Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:6-10 (NLT)
“You must not have any other god but me."
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands." Deuteronomy 5:6-10 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The 10 commandments are to loving God as a legal wedding contract is to marriage. They are not just laws to be legalistically obeyed, rather they are intended to be acts of responsive love. They are not acts, the obeying of which earn or merit God’s love and approval. They a response, acts of trust flowing out of the recognition that God notices, cares for and loves us. God initiates, we respond.
The 10 commandments are gifts from God showing us how life works. When we trust and obey life is good. When we don’t trust and disobey, life can seem good for a while, but it ultimately becomes a deadened life. These commandments are therefore God’s means of protecting us from what deadens and destroys. They are also a means of saying I will provide for you. You do not need to go elsewhere or seek to manipulate your world to get what you want. “I, your Lord, will provide”.
The first Commandment, like all the rest, is relational. Marriage is the analogy. Because Kathy loved me, I pledged to her my faithfulness in marriage. Obeying this “command” is my way of honoring our relationship. I don’t pursue other women just because I’m legally bound not to or because I’m told not to. I’m a “one woman man” because I love and trust Kathy. I’m also a “one God man”, yes for a wide variety of reasons, but centrally because God’s faithfulness to me has elicited my faithfulness to Him.
The second commandment forbids the worship of images, not only of other gods, but also of the One True God of the Bible. Any image of Yahweh (the Hebrew word for God) would necessarily place human limitations on Him. Therefore the only representation allowed for God was words. Images cause us to be tempted to “idolize” or depend on the the image or object instead of God Himself. This opens the door to the danger of “practicing magic”, not so much in the obvious sense, but by making out of icons more than are. Images, icons, artifacts are objects, memory tools, reminders. They have no special powers and we are told by God to trust Him, to not reduce him to anything less than He is.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 5:6-10 (NLT)
“You must not have any other god but me."
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands." Deuteronomy 5:6-10 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The 10 commandments are to loving God as a legal wedding contract is to marriage. They are not just laws to be legalistically obeyed, rather they are intended to be acts of responsive love. They are not acts, the obeying of which earn or merit God’s love and approval. They a response, acts of trust flowing out of the recognition that God notices, cares for and loves us. God initiates, we respond.
The 10 commandments are gifts from God showing us how life works. When we trust and obey life is good. When we don’t trust and disobey, life can seem good for a while, but it ultimately becomes a deadened life. These commandments are therefore God’s means of protecting us from what deadens and destroys. They are also a means of saying I will provide for you. You do not need to go elsewhere or seek to manipulate your world to get what you want. “I, your Lord, will provide”.
The first Commandment, like all the rest, is relational. Marriage is the analogy. Because Kathy loved me, I pledged to her my faithfulness in marriage. Obeying this “command” is my way of honoring our relationship. I don’t pursue other women just because I’m legally bound not to or because I’m told not to. I’m a “one woman man” because I love and trust Kathy. I’m also a “one God man”, yes for a wide variety of reasons, but centrally because God’s faithfulness to me has elicited my faithfulness to Him.
The second commandment forbids the worship of images, not only of other gods, but also of the One True God of the Bible. Any image of Yahweh (the Hebrew word for God) would necessarily place human limitations on Him. Therefore the only representation allowed for God was words. Images cause us to be tempted to “idolize” or depend on the the image or object instead of God Himself. This opens the door to the danger of “practicing magic”, not so much in the obvious sense, but by making out of icons more than are. Images, icons, artifacts are objects, memory tools, reminders. They have no special powers and we are told by God to trust Him, to not reduce him to anything less than He is.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10, 2010
Moses Presents the 10 Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:1-6
Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Hear O Israel, Israel . . .” Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them! “The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Mount Sinai. . . .This is what he said: “I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Deuteronomy 5:1-6 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
“Did you notice that the 10 commandments don’t begin with a commandment? Moses begins with “Hear O Israel” which means to the ear of a Hebrew the kind of hearing which leads to obedience. This is the Hebrew idea that hearing, believing, having faith and doing are all one thing. This resolves the question that many Christians ask, “am I saved by faith, belief or works?” The Hebrew thinking is that they are all the same thing. Hearing without action is not hearing. Belief without doing is not belief.
But notice what comes next. Moses quotes God’s reminder that God first loved them. God rescued them and now says, “therefore. . .” Grace first, then the 10 commandments. The “law” is God’s way of keeping God’s people on track with Him. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s help. God helped first and obedience was then a way to respond to God the Savior, a way to say “I trust You”, a way to say “thank You”.
Of course it’s exactly the same with Jesus. He rescued you from sin and death before you ever asked. Then he says “obey” . . . as a way to say, “yes, I trust you”, “thank you, Jesus, for what you’ve already done for me”.
Do you obey God as a way to earn His favor or do you seek to obey Him because of all He’s already done for you, as a way to say, “you’ve proven your trustworthiness, therefore I trust you”?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 5:1-6
Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, “Hear O Israel, Israel . . .” Hear the decrees and regulations I am giving you today, so you may learn them and obey them! “The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Mount Sinai. . . .This is what he said: “I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Deuteronomy 5:1-6 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
“Did you notice that the 10 commandments don’t begin with a commandment? Moses begins with “Hear O Israel” which means to the ear of a Hebrew the kind of hearing which leads to obedience. This is the Hebrew idea that hearing, believing, having faith and doing are all one thing. This resolves the question that many Christians ask, “am I saved by faith, belief or works?” The Hebrew thinking is that they are all the same thing. Hearing without action is not hearing. Belief without doing is not belief.
But notice what comes next. Moses quotes God’s reminder that God first loved them. God rescued them and now says, “therefore. . .” Grace first, then the 10 commandments. The “law” is God’s way of keeping God’s people on track with Him. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s help. God helped first and obedience was then a way to respond to God the Savior, a way to say “I trust You”, a way to say “thank You”.
Of course it’s exactly the same with Jesus. He rescued you from sin and death before you ever asked. Then he says “obey” . . . as a way to say, “yes, I trust you”, “thank you, Jesus, for what you’ve already done for me”.
Do you obey God as a way to earn His favor or do you seek to obey Him because of all He’s already done for you, as a way to say, “you’ve proven your trustworthiness, therefore I trust you”?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, May 7, 2010
May 7, 2010
A History Lesson Worth Memorizing
Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (NLT)
“Now search all of history . . . . Has any nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire—as you did—and survived?
34 Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes. 35 “He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other. 36 He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it. 37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power. 38 He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as your special possession, as it is today.
39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The LORD is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. 40 If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (NLT)
“The Journey” begins in 2 days
Pastor’s Blog
When I look back I find that the real story of my life is not a story of my success and failures, although sometimes my thoughts degenerate to that.
Instead, my life story has become firmly one of God’s intervention, provision and grace. Time after time, from my earliest to most recent memories, my story has been one of God’s coming to the rescue never too early and never too late. That last phrase has become a Christian cliche’ but for me it’s just true.
I am where I am by the grace of God. My life has been all gift. All gift. It is all the result of God, who has not held my sin an failure against me, rather has chosen to use a very broken, breakable, and sinful vessel for His purposes.
Here’s my Christian conviction. I think the same is true of you. Just as Israel is the product of God’s intention and grace, so are you.
Here’s my God-directed advice for you. As you look back and reconstruct your life, do so with God as the Playwright, Director, Author, even main Actor. Make your life a God story. As you pass on the events of your life, do as Moses did. Talk about God in amazed terms and believe what you are saying. And, of course, verse 40 is the clincher. Is it not true that God has only wanted “life” for you, and that when you were in sync and obedient, “life”, the “life of God” was alive in you?
Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (NLT)
“Now search all of history . . . . Has any nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire—as you did—and survived?
34 Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes. 35 “He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other. 36 He let you hear his voice from heaven so he could instruct you. He let you see his great fire here on earth so he could speak to you from it. 37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power. 38 He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as your special possession, as it is today.
39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The LORD is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. 40 If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (NLT)
“The Journey” begins in 2 days
Pastor’s Blog
When I look back I find that the real story of my life is not a story of my success and failures, although sometimes my thoughts degenerate to that.
Instead, my life story has become firmly one of God’s intervention, provision and grace. Time after time, from my earliest to most recent memories, my story has been one of God’s coming to the rescue never too early and never too late. That last phrase has become a Christian cliche’ but for me it’s just true.
I am where I am by the grace of God. My life has been all gift. All gift. It is all the result of God, who has not held my sin an failure against me, rather has chosen to use a very broken, breakable, and sinful vessel for His purposes.
Here’s my Christian conviction. I think the same is true of you. Just as Israel is the product of God’s intention and grace, so are you.
Here’s my God-directed advice for you. As you look back and reconstruct your life, do so with God as the Playwright, Director, Author, even main Actor. Make your life a God story. As you pass on the events of your life, do as Moses did. Talk about God in amazed terms and believe what you are saying. And, of course, verse 40 is the clincher. Is it not true that God has only wanted “life” for you, and that when you were in sync and obedient, “life”, the “life of God” was alive in you?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May 6, 2010
God Should Make You Both Afraid and Unafraid at the Same TimeDeuteronomy 4:26-31 (NLT)
“Today I call on heaven and earth as witnesses against you. If you break my covenant, you will quickly disappear from the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. . . . For the LORD will scatter you among the nations, where only a few of you will survive. . . . 29 But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. . . . 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors. Deuteronomy 4:26-31 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
There are two very wrong and dangerous ways to view God. One is to view God only as a kindly old Gent who lets you do whatever you want and is waiting to serve your wishes at your beck and call. This is dangerous, first because this god does not exist and, second, because, doing whatever you want can kill you and probably will. Third, the real God, whose love is real love, does not permit disobedience without correction. He loves you too much for that.
The other very wrong and dangerous view of God is view God only as an angry, quid pro quo god. In this view God is mad at you because you never do life right and he’ll punish you for not being good enough. Yes, he’ll do good things for you, but only when you’ve earned it. This view is dangerous, first because this god does not exist, second because living under a cloud of judgment will suck the life out of you as you spend your life trying to appease a Satan inspired view of God. Third, the real God has made a covenantal promise to love you no matter what. Yes, there will be consequences for your disobedience, but He will pursue you until the end of time never ceasing His efforts to woo you back.
God is consummately loving and holy, merciful and a consuming fire, forgiving yet with impossibly high standards, to be loved and feared all at the same time. Never ever take God for granted. Fear Him, yet never ever be afraid to come to him. Don’t be afraid. These are not contradictions, rather “both ands”. Is this your God?
“Today I call on heaven and earth as witnesses against you. If you break my covenant, you will quickly disappear from the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. . . . For the LORD will scatter you among the nations, where only a few of you will survive. . . . 29 But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. . . . 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors. Deuteronomy 4:26-31 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
There are two very wrong and dangerous ways to view God. One is to view God only as a kindly old Gent who lets you do whatever you want and is waiting to serve your wishes at your beck and call. This is dangerous, first because this god does not exist and, second, because, doing whatever you want can kill you and probably will. Third, the real God, whose love is real love, does not permit disobedience without correction. He loves you too much for that.
The other very wrong and dangerous view of God is view God only as an angry, quid pro quo god. In this view God is mad at you because you never do life right and he’ll punish you for not being good enough. Yes, he’ll do good things for you, but only when you’ve earned it. This view is dangerous, first because this god does not exist, second because living under a cloud of judgment will suck the life out of you as you spend your life trying to appease a Satan inspired view of God. Third, the real God has made a covenantal promise to love you no matter what. Yes, there will be consequences for your disobedience, but He will pursue you until the end of time never ceasing His efforts to woo you back.
God is consummately loving and holy, merciful and a consuming fire, forgiving yet with impossibly high standards, to be loved and feared all at the same time. Never ever take God for granted. Fear Him, yet never ever be afraid to come to him. Don’t be afraid. These are not contradictions, rather “both ands”. Is this your God?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
May 5, 2010
Does your life make God look good to others?
Deuteronomy 4:5-14 (NLT)
“Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me . . . Obey them completely . . When surrounding nations hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘ . . . . . what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? 8 And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?
9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. 10 Never forget . . . . Deuteronomy 4:5-10
Reflection
There is one reason that God chose the biological descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to become a nation. It is part of “God’s-single- plan-through-Israel-and the faithful Israelite, Jesus- to rescue the planet –and set the world to rights”. This summarizes the entirety of the Bible from Genesis 12 through Revelation.
Israel was created by God to be the means by which God would destroy evil and usher in a New Creation. Christians believe this to be both “mission accomplished” and “mission about to be accomplished” through Jesus.
And so, Moses tells his people, “Make sure your behavior ‘makes God look good’ to outsiders so that they too will come to honor, obey and love God”. The purpose of Israel and all followers of Israel’s God through Jesus Christ is to be a witness to the world to the goodness of a loving God. And one of best ways to witness is to pass on your testimony to your children, their children and their children’s children.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 4:5-14 (NLT)
“Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me . . . Obey them completely . . When surrounding nations hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘ . . . . . what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? 8 And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?
9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. 10 Never forget . . . . Deuteronomy 4:5-10
Reflection
There is one reason that God chose the biological descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to become a nation. It is part of “God’s-single- plan-through-Israel-and the faithful Israelite, Jesus- to rescue the planet –and set the world to rights”. This summarizes the entirety of the Bible from Genesis 12 through Revelation.
Israel was created by God to be the means by which God would destroy evil and usher in a New Creation. Christians believe this to be both “mission accomplished” and “mission about to be accomplished” through Jesus.
And so, Moses tells his people, “Make sure your behavior ‘makes God look good’ to outsiders so that they too will come to honor, obey and love God”. The purpose of Israel and all followers of Israel’s God through Jesus Christ is to be a witness to the world to the goodness of a loving God. And one of best ways to witness is to pass on your testimony to your children, their children and their children’s children.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
Was God Unfair to Moses?
Deuteronomy 3:21-29
“ I (Moses) gave Joshua this charge: ‘ . . . Do not be afraid . . . for the LORD your God will fight for you.’ 23 “I also pleaded with the LORD . . . 25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’ 26 “But the LORD . . . would not listen to me. ‘ go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River.' Deuteronomy 3:21-27
(Moses and other heroes of the faith) died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. . . looking forward to a country they can call their own . . . they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NLT)
Reflection
What a bummer! 40 years of really tough going, unappreciated and tired, Moses gets his people to the promised land only to hear God tell him, “you don’t get in . . . you’re going to die first”
That feels unfair, does it not?
However, since when is life in this life fair”? Since when do the rewards always go to the most deserving? Read the rest of the story beginning with Joshua and ending in Malachi. The Promised Land did not match the dreams of the people. The Dream was far more beautiful than the reality. The Promised Land was indeed a physical reality, a place for this new nation under God. The land was and is important. Yet, even at the height of its beauty and productivity, it was and never will be God’s ultimate destination for his people. For the Promised Land is a metaphor as well as a material reality. It is a foreshadowing of the new earth to come where nature will be restored (Isaiah 65 Romans 8 Revelation21) when a new earth will come down and clothe this one at the restoration of all things.
I love, absolutely love, Hebrew 11:13-16. Moses saw all this through the eyes of faith. He grasped it in his heart and mind. And in doing so he “entered it”. Can you grasp it? Can you see it, taste it, welcome it from afar, look forward to it, even without receiving a material trace of it in this life?
I think Moses could and therefore received a greater reward than those who couldn’t but actually did enter and occupy the land.
Such a reward is available to you right now, too. Dream, grow a sanctified imagination, and enjoy the future that God allows you to glimpse.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 3:21-29
“ I (Moses) gave Joshua this charge: ‘ . . . Do not be afraid . . . for the LORD your God will fight for you.’ 23 “I also pleaded with the LORD . . . 25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’ 26 “But the LORD . . . would not listen to me. ‘ go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River.' Deuteronomy 3:21-27
(Moses and other heroes of the faith) died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. . . looking forward to a country they can call their own . . . they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NLT)
Reflection
What a bummer! 40 years of really tough going, unappreciated and tired, Moses gets his people to the promised land only to hear God tell him, “you don’t get in . . . you’re going to die first”
That feels unfair, does it not?
However, since when is life in this life fair”? Since when do the rewards always go to the most deserving? Read the rest of the story beginning with Joshua and ending in Malachi. The Promised Land did not match the dreams of the people. The Dream was far more beautiful than the reality. The Promised Land was indeed a physical reality, a place for this new nation under God. The land was and is important. Yet, even at the height of its beauty and productivity, it was and never will be God’s ultimate destination for his people. For the Promised Land is a metaphor as well as a material reality. It is a foreshadowing of the new earth to come where nature will be restored (Isaiah 65 Romans 8 Revelation21) when a new earth will come down and clothe this one at the restoration of all things.
I love, absolutely love, Hebrew 11:13-16. Moses saw all this through the eyes of faith. He grasped it in his heart and mind. And in doing so he “entered it”. Can you grasp it? Can you see it, taste it, welcome it from afar, look forward to it, even without receiving a material trace of it in this life?
I think Moses could and therefore received a greater reward than those who couldn’t but actually did enter and occupy the land.
Such a reward is available to you right now, too. Dream, grow a sanctified imagination, and enjoy the future that God allows you to glimpse.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 3, 2010
Can You Look Back And Say, “Yes, it is clear to me that God was there”?“
Then we turned around . . . . . . and we wandered around in the region of Mount Seir for a long time. 2 “Then at last the LORD said to me, 3 ‘You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn to the north (it’s time to go to the promised land and this time, to actually enter. . . . . . . .. . 7 For the LORD your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the LORD your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.”’
Deuteronomy 2:1-7
Reflection
In this passage God is essentially telling Moses,
“Okay, 40 years ago you and your people were given the land, but out of fear you wouldn’t go in. Yes, you wept at missing your chance but your tears were tears of loss, not repentance. Yes, you did try to go in later, but on your own without Me. And the result was disaster followed by 38 years of going in circles, getting nowhere. Now it’s time again. This time take a moment to reflect. Reflect on how I’ve cared for you every step of the way. Reflect on how you’ve lacked nothing even though the going has been rough at times. No, I haven’t met your every want but I have met your every need. You can trust me. Will you? In spite of the dangers ahead?”
Note verse 7. I like it a lot. It’s like a marker, an altar, a stick in the ground, a momento, a sentence in Moses’ journal, reminding Himself and his people that God has provided even when it didn’t look like provision. God was there and sustained them. Because He did it before He will do it again.
Do you have an artifact which, when you look at it, you are reminded of God’s provision, even when you didn’t recognize it as such at the moment?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Then we turned around . . . . . . and we wandered around in the region of Mount Seir for a long time. 2 “Then at last the LORD said to me, 3 ‘You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn to the north (it’s time to go to the promised land and this time, to actually enter. . . . . . . .. . 7 For the LORD your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the LORD your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.”’
Deuteronomy 2:1-7
Reflection
In this passage God is essentially telling Moses,
“Okay, 40 years ago you and your people were given the land, but out of fear you wouldn’t go in. Yes, you wept at missing your chance but your tears were tears of loss, not repentance. Yes, you did try to go in later, but on your own without Me. And the result was disaster followed by 38 years of going in circles, getting nowhere. Now it’s time again. This time take a moment to reflect. Reflect on how I’ve cared for you every step of the way. Reflect on how you’ve lacked nothing even though the going has been rough at times. No, I haven’t met your every want but I have met your every need. You can trust me. Will you? In spite of the dangers ahead?”
Note verse 7. I like it a lot. It’s like a marker, an altar, a stick in the ground, a momento, a sentence in Moses’ journal, reminding Himself and his people that God has provided even when it didn’t look like provision. God was there and sustained them. Because He did it before He will do it again.
Do you have an artifact which, when you look at it, you are reminded of God’s provision, even when you didn’t recognize it as such at the moment?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
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