What Holds America Together?
Deuteronomy 16:9-12 (NLT)
“Count off seven weeks from when you first begin to cut the grain at the time of harvest. 10 Then celebrate the Festival of Harvest to honor the LORD your God. Bring him a voluntary offering in proportion to the blessings you have received from him. 11 This is a time to celebrate before the LORD your God at the designated place of worship he will choose for his name to be honored. Celebrate with your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites from your towns, and the foreigners, orphans, and widows who live among you. 12 Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, so be careful to obey all these decrees." Deuteronomy 16:9-12 (NLT)
Pastor's Blog
You can read about how this celebration turned out 50 days (Pentecost) after Jesus was crucified in Acts 2:42-47. But what does this have to do with who we are as a nation?
Today’s passage records Moses’ institution of the annual feast of Pentecost for the Jewish nation. Acts 2 records how this feast became one of the three main annual celebrations in Christianity. It is the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out to all believers, thereby creating the world wide Church of God in Jesus Christ. It’s the birthday of the Church!
Do you notice who gets in on this plentiful feast, both in Deuteronomy and in Acts?
Now read this very, very beautiful poem by Emma Lazarus found on the inside of the statue of Liberty. In it the author contrasts justice for all by means of power, with justice for all by quite another means.
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus, 1883
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29, 2010
What Holds A People, A Family, A Nation, Together?
Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (NLT)
With Independence Day on the Horizon and the future of our country in doubt we must ask what it is that holds a nation together. Today’s passage speaks indirectly to this question, perhaps more directly than we think.
“In honor of the LORD your God, celebrate the Passover each year in the early spring, in the month of Abib, for that was the month in which the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. 2 Your Passover sacrifice may be from either the flock or the herd, and it must be sacrificed to the LORD your God at the designated place of worship—the place he chooses for his name to be honored. 3 Eat it with bread made without yeast. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, as when you escaped from Egypt in such a hurry. Eat this bread—the bread of suffering—so that as long as you live you will remember the day you departed from Egypt. 4 Let no yeast be found in any house throughout your land for those seven days. And when you sacrifice the Passover lamb on the evening of the first day, do not let any of the meat remain until the next morning. 5 “You may not sacrifice the Passover in just any of the towns that the LORD your God is giving you. 6 You must offer it only at the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored. Sacrifice it there in the evening as the sun goes down on the anniversary of your exodus from Egypt. 7 Roast the lamb and eat it in the place the LORD your God chooses. Then you may go back to your tents the next morning. 8 For the next six days you may not eat any bread made with yeast. On the seventh day proclaim another holy day in honor of the LORD your God, and no work may be done on that day." Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
What is the commonality which holds America together? Many think that it is the idea of independence, liberty from the imposition of the will of others onto the rights of individuals. We will celebrate Independence Day on Sunday, many will visit the Liberty Bell, others will cite “the right to (my!) life , liberty and the pursuit of justice”. And millions will watch fireworks symbolizing bloody wars, power, and sacrifice of life to protect (my!!) rights.
However, it looks, to me at least, that when rights devolve into the protection of “my” rights then we get a nation which becomes tribal, each “tribe” with it’s own set of rights to protect and own set of demands for justice pursue. But what will hold America together?
Today’s passage is what has held Jewish people together for over three millenia. It’s fascinating to me that Judaism has held for over 3,000 years because of the practice of a common faith. If the numbers I got are right, most Jewish people are unbelievers yet most still keep some form of Passover as detailed in today’s passage, a ritual for remembering their past, God’s intervention on their behalf, and to honor God Himself.
Take some time to read today’s passage thoughtfully. Notice the detail and the reason for the detail. Passover is a reminder of who a Jew is. Now think about what rituals you practice to remind you of who you are. What do they signify to you? Do they remind you of who you are as an American and your implied responsibilities or do they set you apart from others. How do your ritual practices bind you to God in Jesus Christ, and at the same bind you to a love of other Americans and indeed the world?
One other question. Is love of God compatible with nationalism? How does your answer play a role in your life?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (NLT)
With Independence Day on the Horizon and the future of our country in doubt we must ask what it is that holds a nation together. Today’s passage speaks indirectly to this question, perhaps more directly than we think.
“In honor of the LORD your God, celebrate the Passover each year in the early spring, in the month of Abib, for that was the month in which the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. 2 Your Passover sacrifice may be from either the flock or the herd, and it must be sacrificed to the LORD your God at the designated place of worship—the place he chooses for his name to be honored. 3 Eat it with bread made without yeast. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, as when you escaped from Egypt in such a hurry. Eat this bread—the bread of suffering—so that as long as you live you will remember the day you departed from Egypt. 4 Let no yeast be found in any house throughout your land for those seven days. And when you sacrifice the Passover lamb on the evening of the first day, do not let any of the meat remain until the next morning. 5 “You may not sacrifice the Passover in just any of the towns that the LORD your God is giving you. 6 You must offer it only at the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored. Sacrifice it there in the evening as the sun goes down on the anniversary of your exodus from Egypt. 7 Roast the lamb and eat it in the place the LORD your God chooses. Then you may go back to your tents the next morning. 8 For the next six days you may not eat any bread made with yeast. On the seventh day proclaim another holy day in honor of the LORD your God, and no work may be done on that day." Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
What is the commonality which holds America together? Many think that it is the idea of independence, liberty from the imposition of the will of others onto the rights of individuals. We will celebrate Independence Day on Sunday, many will visit the Liberty Bell, others will cite “the right to (my!) life , liberty and the pursuit of justice”. And millions will watch fireworks symbolizing bloody wars, power, and sacrifice of life to protect (my!!) rights.
However, it looks, to me at least, that when rights devolve into the protection of “my” rights then we get a nation which becomes tribal, each “tribe” with it’s own set of rights to protect and own set of demands for justice pursue. But what will hold America together?
Today’s passage is what has held Jewish people together for over three millenia. It’s fascinating to me that Judaism has held for over 3,000 years because of the practice of a common faith. If the numbers I got are right, most Jewish people are unbelievers yet most still keep some form of Passover as detailed in today’s passage, a ritual for remembering their past, God’s intervention on their behalf, and to honor God Himself.
Take some time to read today’s passage thoughtfully. Notice the detail and the reason for the detail. Passover is a reminder of who a Jew is. Now think about what rituals you practice to remind you of who you are. What do they signify to you? Do they remind you of who you are as an American and your implied responsibilities or do they set you apart from others. How do your ritual practices bind you to God in Jesus Christ, and at the same bind you to a love of other Americans and indeed the world?
One other question. Is love of God compatible with nationalism? How does your answer play a role in your life?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25, 2010
Are You a Good Example to Others?
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NLT)
"You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. 18 The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.
19 And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised.” Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Have you declared that the Lord is your God? If you have then it is necessary for there to be evidence of that declaration. What is the evidence that others see? Today’s passage tells us that the evidence that others ought to see is obedience to the teachings and commands of the Lord.
You will never obey perfectly, nor will I. God’s provision for that is confession, repentance and receiving forgiveness.
However there must be some visible evidence of God in your life so that God can use you as an example to others (vs 19). That was Israel’s purpose, to live in such a way that others would see the goodness of the Lord and want that for themselves.
It’s a pretty big responsibility isn’t it? I don’t like it either that God wants me, unholy me, to be an example of the Goodness of God to others. Yet so it is.
We must take this task very seriously and somehow determine to live to a higher standard of love and obedience to God than the nominally believing or unbelieving society around us.
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NLT)
"You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. 18 The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.
19 And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised.” Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Have you declared that the Lord is your God? If you have then it is necessary for there to be evidence of that declaration. What is the evidence that others see? Today’s passage tells us that the evidence that others ought to see is obedience to the teachings and commands of the Lord.
You will never obey perfectly, nor will I. God’s provision for that is confession, repentance and receiving forgiveness.
However there must be some visible evidence of God in your life so that God can use you as an example to others (vs 19). That was Israel’s purpose, to live in such a way that others would see the goodness of the Lord and want that for themselves.
It’s a pretty big responsibility isn’t it? I don’t like it either that God wants me, unholy me, to be an example of the Goodness of God to others. Yet so it is.
We must take this task very seriously and somehow determine to live to a higher standard of love and obedience to God than the nominally believing or unbelieving society around us.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24, 2010
Do You Know Who You Are?
Deuteronomy 26:5-11 (NLT)
“Say in the presence of the LORD your God,
‘My ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live as a foreigner in Egypt. His family arrived few in number, but in Egypt they became a large and mighty nation. 6 When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves, 7we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey! 10 And now, O LORD, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’
Then .. . . . go and celebrate because of all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household." Deuteronomy 26:5-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
When asked who they were, most Jews probably were able to recite today’s verses. When you are asked who you are, what is your answer?
A wandering Aramean in verse 5 refers to Jacob, who married the daughters of his uncle Laban, an Aramean. The rest of the passage recounts how God loved, rescued and blessed the descendants of the speaker’s family.
Anyone who recited this passage would know exactly who he was. He was a loved, chosen, cared for, and blessed child of God.
I had the thought that I could say something similar. I could say, “my ancestor was a wandering German. His family was few in number but grew and came to the United States. When the depression hit, they cried out to God and God rescued them. He brought them out of poverty with miracle after miracle (at least my Aunt Martha thinks so). He brought us to this place of prosperity. And now , O Lord, we bring you the first tenth of our blessing to show you our gratitude.”
And as a result of being able to believe and say this as the description of my identity I can celebrate all that the Lord has done for me and my household. In short, if I am to say anything about who I am, it is a story about God.
I like that story a lot. It really is who I am.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 26:5-11 (NLT)
“Say in the presence of the LORD your God,
‘My ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live as a foreigner in Egypt. His family arrived few in number, but in Egypt they became a large and mighty nation. 6 When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves, 7we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey! 10 And now, O LORD, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’
Then .. . . . go and celebrate because of all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household." Deuteronomy 26:5-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
When asked who they were, most Jews probably were able to recite today’s verses. When you are asked who you are, what is your answer?
A wandering Aramean in verse 5 refers to Jacob, who married the daughters of his uncle Laban, an Aramean. The rest of the passage recounts how God loved, rescued and blessed the descendants of the speaker’s family.
Anyone who recited this passage would know exactly who he was. He was a loved, chosen, cared for, and blessed child of God.
I had the thought that I could say something similar. I could say, “my ancestor was a wandering German. His family was few in number but grew and came to the United States. When the depression hit, they cried out to God and God rescued them. He brought them out of poverty with miracle after miracle (at least my Aunt Martha thinks so). He brought us to this place of prosperity. And now , O Lord, we bring you the first tenth of our blessing to show you our gratitude.”
And as a result of being able to believe and say this as the description of my identity I can celebrate all that the Lord has done for me and my household. In short, if I am to say anything about who I am, it is a story about God.
I like that story a lot. It really is who I am.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23, 2010
Why Sacrifices?
Deuteronomy 15:19-23 (NLT)
“You must set aside for the LORD your God all the firstborn males from your flocks and herds. Do not use the firstborn of your herds to work your fields, and do not shear the firstborn of your flocks. 20 Instead, you and your family must eat these animals in the presence of the LORD your God each year at the place he chooses.
21 But if this firstborn animal has any defect, such as lameness or blindness, or if anything else is wrong with it, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. 22 Instead, use it for food for your family in your hometown. Anyone, whether ceremonially clean or unclean, may eat it, just as anyone may eat a gazelle or deer. 23 But you must not eat the blood. You must pour it out on the ground like water." Deuteronomy 15:19-23 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you ever wonder why blood, death, and sacrifice are foundational to Judeo-Christianity? Sometimes I think God instituted the sacrificial system, not so much as an immutable edict from eternity as an accommodation to humanity’s primitive way of honoring whatever god they believed in. Who knows. But this we do know. We know that Jesus, the creator of the world having come to earth, entered into our ugly mess, our murderous, selfish human societies and became the bloody sacrifice which most societies over all the earth deemed necessary for their atonement.
Today’s passage speaks of a first born, innocent, perfect, sacrifice. Indeed this was Jesus. The sacrificial system described and instituted in Torah, practiced over and over and over again teaches and reminds. It reminds that all comes from God and that when we give our best back to God we are anticipating more of His provision. Finally in the New Testament the fullest and most beautiful provision of all, was the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. I find verse 23 interesting. According to Leviticus, the life is in the blood. Kosher means not eating the blood. This verse says don’t consume it. Yet, Jesus instituted the opposite, “this is the new covenant in my blood, whenever you drink of it . . .”. As Jesus allowed Himself to be drained of life, he tells us to consumed and be filled with his life.
The issue is always the same. It’s not about ritual. It’s about life. Yet we need the scriptures because the Life God offers has too many imposters.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 15:19-23 (NLT)
“You must set aside for the LORD your God all the firstborn males from your flocks and herds. Do not use the firstborn of your herds to work your fields, and do not shear the firstborn of your flocks. 20 Instead, you and your family must eat these animals in the presence of the LORD your God each year at the place he chooses.
21 But if this firstborn animal has any defect, such as lameness or blindness, or if anything else is wrong with it, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. 22 Instead, use it for food for your family in your hometown. Anyone, whether ceremonially clean or unclean, may eat it, just as anyone may eat a gazelle or deer. 23 But you must not eat the blood. You must pour it out on the ground like water." Deuteronomy 15:19-23 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Do you ever wonder why blood, death, and sacrifice are foundational to Judeo-Christianity? Sometimes I think God instituted the sacrificial system, not so much as an immutable edict from eternity as an accommodation to humanity’s primitive way of honoring whatever god they believed in. Who knows. But this we do know. We know that Jesus, the creator of the world having come to earth, entered into our ugly mess, our murderous, selfish human societies and became the bloody sacrifice which most societies over all the earth deemed necessary for their atonement.
Today’s passage speaks of a first born, innocent, perfect, sacrifice. Indeed this was Jesus. The sacrificial system described and instituted in Torah, practiced over and over and over again teaches and reminds. It reminds that all comes from God and that when we give our best back to God we are anticipating more of His provision. Finally in the New Testament the fullest and most beautiful provision of all, was the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. I find verse 23 interesting. According to Leviticus, the life is in the blood. Kosher means not eating the blood. This verse says don’t consume it. Yet, Jesus instituted the opposite, “this is the new covenant in my blood, whenever you drink of it . . .”. As Jesus allowed Himself to be drained of life, he tells us to consumed and be filled with his life.
The issue is always the same. It’s not about ritual. It’s about life. Yet we need the scriptures because the Life God offers has too many imposters.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
June 22, 2010
God Will Judge Us on How We Treated the Poor
Deuteronomy 15:1-11 (NLT)
“At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money . . . . .4 “There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession. . . . “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 9 Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the LORD, you will be considered guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need." Deuteronomy 15:1-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Notice the words, “cancel debts”, “no poor”, “be generous”, “do not be heard hearted”, “Do not be mean-spirited”, “give generously”, “share freely”, “do not be tightfisted”. The Message is kind of hard to miss!!!
As a father of 5 (and 4 grandchildren!) I know that I would be very upset, even angry if 2 of my children were rich and 3 were living in poverty. There are many reasons for poverty of course, and among them is irresponsibility. But there are many, many more reasons for inequity and, all things being relatively equal, I would fully expect well of children to help the impoverished ones. They are “their brother’s keeper”. There’s simply no way around this.
It’s like there’s a really big “elephant in the room” of primarily white evangelical middle to upper middle class Americans. The “elephant” is our over the top, extraordinary material wealth contrasted with the extraordinarily impoverished state of most of the rest of the world. I think about this all the time. It’s not fair and it’s unjust. I just spent a bunch of money designing a new flower and vegetable garden for my back yard. Was that right? Should I have forgone that and instead sponsored another compassion child?
There’s much to be said about this quandary. But I suspect the one thing we must not do is to try to justify any immoderation in our lives. I think scripture demands that we face reality, deal with it, ask God what we should do and then do it.
Deuteronomy 15:1-11 (NLT)
“At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money . . . . .4 “There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession. . . . “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 9 Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the LORD, you will be considered guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need." Deuteronomy 15:1-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Notice the words, “cancel debts”, “no poor”, “be generous”, “do not be heard hearted”, “Do not be mean-spirited”, “give generously”, “share freely”, “do not be tightfisted”. The Message is kind of hard to miss!!!
As a father of 5 (and 4 grandchildren!) I know that I would be very upset, even angry if 2 of my children were rich and 3 were living in poverty. There are many reasons for poverty of course, and among them is irresponsibility. But there are many, many more reasons for inequity and, all things being relatively equal, I would fully expect well of children to help the impoverished ones. They are “their brother’s keeper”. There’s simply no way around this.
It’s like there’s a really big “elephant in the room” of primarily white evangelical middle to upper middle class Americans. The “elephant” is our over the top, extraordinary material wealth contrasted with the extraordinarily impoverished state of most of the rest of the world. I think about this all the time. It’s not fair and it’s unjust. I just spent a bunch of money designing a new flower and vegetable garden for my back yard. Was that right? Should I have forgone that and instead sponsored another compassion child?
There’s much to be said about this quandary. But I suspect the one thing we must not do is to try to justify any immoderation in our lives. I think scripture demands that we face reality, deal with it, ask God what we should do and then do it.
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21, 2010
How To Get Rich Quick
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (TLB)
"You must tithe all of your crops every year. Bring this tithe to eat before the Lord your God at the place he shall choose as his sanctuary; this applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives...."
"Every third year you are to use your entire tithe for local welfare programs: Give it to the Levites who have no inheritance among you, or to foreigners, or to widows and orphans within your city, so that they can eat and be satisfied; and then Jehovah your God will bless you and your work."
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (TLB)
Pastor's Blog
Jesus made a really big deal out of the idea that loosing is gaining, giving is receiving, dying is coming to life. His only quoted statement in the New Testament outside the Gospels was, "it is more blessed to give than to receive". In essence those who give, not those who get, are the rich people of the world. The rich are to those who "get it", that they are blessed with much so that they can bless much. They are blessed to BE a blessing.
Two things are important here. The first is at the end of verse 23. "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your life." That's simple and clear. Money, food, material wealth is where the rubber meets the road. If I want to put God first I will do so in my giving. It will be sacrificial and generous. Maybe the best guideline is to always give an amount that exceeds what I can afford.
Second is that tithing is how we care for others. The Christian Church is the greatest force for social justice on the planet. Two billion strong (actually not nearly as strong as we can be), the Christian Church is God's power currently healing the world in anticipation of Christ's return when heaven will come down to earth and the New Creation is established. When we tithe we proclaim our allegiance to this God and we participate in the ongoing renewal of God's world as well.
There's a third thing. They ate their tithe together. Pretty awesome. Feasting together, they proclaimed YHWH provider and sustainer of all of life. And foreigners, widows, orphans and other underpriviledged people got in on it.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on "comments" below)
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (TLB)
"You must tithe all of your crops every year. Bring this tithe to eat before the Lord your God at the place he shall choose as his sanctuary; this applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives...."
"Every third year you are to use your entire tithe for local welfare programs: Give it to the Levites who have no inheritance among you, or to foreigners, or to widows and orphans within your city, so that they can eat and be satisfied; and then Jehovah your God will bless you and your work."
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (TLB)
Pastor's Blog
Jesus made a really big deal out of the idea that loosing is gaining, giving is receiving, dying is coming to life. His only quoted statement in the New Testament outside the Gospels was, "it is more blessed to give than to receive". In essence those who give, not those who get, are the rich people of the world. The rich are to those who "get it", that they are blessed with much so that they can bless much. They are blessed to BE a blessing.
Two things are important here. The first is at the end of verse 23. "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your life." That's simple and clear. Money, food, material wealth is where the rubber meets the road. If I want to put God first I will do so in my giving. It will be sacrificial and generous. Maybe the best guideline is to always give an amount that exceeds what I can afford.
Second is that tithing is how we care for others. The Christian Church is the greatest force for social justice on the planet. Two billion strong (actually not nearly as strong as we can be), the Christian Church is God's power currently healing the world in anticipation of Christ's return when heaven will come down to earth and the New Creation is established. When we tithe we proclaim our allegiance to this God and we participate in the ongoing renewal of God's world as well.
There's a third thing. They ate their tithe together. Pretty awesome. Feasting together, they proclaimed YHWH provider and sustainer of all of life. And foreigners, widows, orphans and other underpriviledged people got in on it.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on "comments" below)
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010
Is Jesus Found Anywhere in the Old Testament?
Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (NLT)
15 Moses continued, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. . . . . the LORD said to me,‘ . . . 18 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Today’s passage is among the most important prophecies in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
Moses was in the middle of the second of three sermons before the Hebrews entered the Promised Land, modern day Israel. He knows his time is up and death is on the doorstep. He’s concerned about who will speak for God when he’s gone.
As in Genesis 49:10-12 and Numbers 24:17-19, today’s passage functions as a prophecy of the coming of God to earth in Jesus Christ. Moses had been the mediator of God’s teachings and commandments to the people of Israel. However, for two reasons the imminent passing of Moses did not mean that they would be without God’s teaching.
First they had the words of God written. Moses had recorded them. In fact in most languages the first five books of the Bible are called First Moses, Second Moses, etc. Second, all future prophets had to be Israelites who remained true to the law recorded by Moses. Ultimately, the Lord did raise up a number of prophet to mediate God’s will, but in the end this prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah Jesus. (John 1:21, Acts 3:22, 23)
Once again we are challenged to stay true to the Revelation of God through the Prophets, Jesus Christ, the Apostles as recorded in the Bible. In the end it is revelation that is trustworthy, not our fallible reasoning.
Here’s an interesting thought from CS Lewis about the trustworthiness of our own thinking.
C. S. Lewis said that if there is no intelligence behind the universe, then nobody designed my brain for the purpose of thinking. Thought is merely the byproduct of some atoms within my skull. But if so, how can I trust my own thinking to be true? And if I can't trust my own thinking, of course, I can't trust arguments leading to atheism and therefore have no reason to be an atheist, or anything else. Unless I believe in God, I can't believe in thought; so I can never use thought to disbelieve God.
Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (NLT)
15 Moses continued, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. . . . . the LORD said to me,‘ . . . 18 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Today’s passage is among the most important prophecies in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
Moses was in the middle of the second of three sermons before the Hebrews entered the Promised Land, modern day Israel. He knows his time is up and death is on the doorstep. He’s concerned about who will speak for God when he’s gone.
As in Genesis 49:10-12 and Numbers 24:17-19, today’s passage functions as a prophecy of the coming of God to earth in Jesus Christ. Moses had been the mediator of God’s teachings and commandments to the people of Israel. However, for two reasons the imminent passing of Moses did not mean that they would be without God’s teaching.
First they had the words of God written. Moses had recorded them. In fact in most languages the first five books of the Bible are called First Moses, Second Moses, etc. Second, all future prophets had to be Israelites who remained true to the law recorded by Moses. Ultimately, the Lord did raise up a number of prophet to mediate God’s will, but in the end this prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah Jesus. (John 1:21, Acts 3:22, 23)
Once again we are challenged to stay true to the Revelation of God through the Prophets, Jesus Christ, the Apostles as recorded in the Bible. In the end it is revelation that is trustworthy, not our fallible reasoning.
Here’s an interesting thought from CS Lewis about the trustworthiness of our own thinking.
C. S. Lewis said that if there is no intelligence behind the universe, then nobody designed my brain for the purpose of thinking. Thought is merely the byproduct of some atoms within my skull. But if so, how can I trust my own thinking to be true? And if I can't trust my own thinking, of course, I can't trust arguments leading to atheism and therefore have no reason to be an atheist, or anything else. Unless I believe in God, I can't believe in thought; so I can never use thought to disbelieve God.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17, 2010
What If I Don’t Keep Every Single Command?
Deuteronomy 13:18 (NLT)
“The LORD your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him." Deuteronomy 13:18(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Get on the wrong side of how things work and you’ll be in trouble. Get on the good side of how things work and life will go well for you. Popular wisdom, especially in the business and political worlds is that the way to get ahead is through manipulation, influence, working the angles, dishonesty, etc . . . that’s the real world, many say. People who say this have a point. All that “works” for a while, if you mean by “works”, more money, affluence, power, etc. But that definition of “works” is short lived. It runs out of gas. Sooner or later each of us meets life as God made it to work and if we’ve been on the wrong side of that we’re in trouble with God, at which point nothing else will much matter.
Moses is saying, get on the good side of how things work. The rest of the Old Testament tells that they didn’t. Life never went well for them in the promised land. Sure, there were interspersed times of prosperity and some people got rich, fat and happy. But the Old Testament goes to great lengths to remind that those were brief periods of cheating the odds. In the end choosing my plan over God’s always, 100% of the time, in the end fails. Those odds are never beaten.
Humpty Dumpty (Israel) fell with a great crash, with great periods of suffering preceeding the fall. And great was the fall of it.
I have never obeyed every single command, nor have you. And if we’re honest we’ve suffered the consequences or we will, and so have or will others. Yet, never forget that Grace always precedes law. God loves, will never forsake us, gives second and hundredth chances. At every new start he says, obey. A trajectory of desire to obey + contrition when we fail is a winning formula which God will honor. A trajectory of disobedience + pride when I fall is a formula that will keep me forever outside of God’s Kingdom.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 13:18 (NLT)
“The LORD your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him." Deuteronomy 13:18(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Get on the wrong side of how things work and you’ll be in trouble. Get on the good side of how things work and life will go well for you. Popular wisdom, especially in the business and political worlds is that the way to get ahead is through manipulation, influence, working the angles, dishonesty, etc . . . that’s the real world, many say. People who say this have a point. All that “works” for a while, if you mean by “works”, more money, affluence, power, etc. But that definition of “works” is short lived. It runs out of gas. Sooner or later each of us meets life as God made it to work and if we’ve been on the wrong side of that we’re in trouble with God, at which point nothing else will much matter.
Moses is saying, get on the good side of how things work. The rest of the Old Testament tells that they didn’t. Life never went well for them in the promised land. Sure, there were interspersed times of prosperity and some people got rich, fat and happy. But the Old Testament goes to great lengths to remind that those were brief periods of cheating the odds. In the end choosing my plan over God’s always, 100% of the time, in the end fails. Those odds are never beaten.
Humpty Dumpty (Israel) fell with a great crash, with great periods of suffering preceeding the fall. And great was the fall of it.
I have never obeyed every single command, nor have you. And if we’re honest we’ve suffered the consequences or we will, and so have or will others. Yet, never forget that Grace always precedes law. God loves, will never forsake us, gives second and hundredth chances. At every new start he says, obey. A trajectory of desire to obey + contrition when we fail is a winning formula which God will honor. A trajectory of disobedience + pride when I fall is a formula that will keep me forever outside of God’s Kingdom.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010
Put them to Death? Part 2
Deuteronomy 13:12-17 (NLT)
12 “When you begin living in the towns the LORD your God is giving you, you may hear 13 that scoundrels among you are leading their fellow citizens astray by saying, ‘Let us go worship other gods'—gods you have not known before. 14 In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find that the report is true and such a detestable act has been committed among you, 15 you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. 16 Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the open square and burn it. Burn the entire town as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. 17 Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a large nation, just as he swore to your ancestors." Deuteronomy 13:12-17(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Worshiping other Gods and leading others to do so was punishable by death in Israel. Actually The United States has an equivilent law and enforces it.
Ancient Israel was held together by a covenant between God and the people. God would bless the people if the people held up their side of the bargain. For the people to accomplish the latter, meant loyalty to God and faithfulness to the covenant, which effectively functioned as their constitution. God was the Sovereign and the constitution spelled that out. The existence of the nation depended on what held them together, God and the Covenant. To proclaim loyalty to another sovereign or to undermine the constitution meant that Israel’s Sovereignty, constitution and very existence would therefore be compromised. Can you now image what the comparable American law would be, which is not antiquated and which is still enforced?
Americans have laws against treason and espionage, because to declare to loyalty to another sovereign, to lead others to do the same and to undermine our constitution is to put the existence of our nation at risk. Of course Israel was a theocracy and we are not. But the principle is the same. Everyone cannot simply do as he or she pleases. There has to be something that holds us together. Loyalty and subordination of the self to a greater common good is part and parcel of the survival of a nation.
July 4 is right around the corner. It seems to me that there is something in chapter 13 that has implications for 21st century America. What might that be? (No, it is not re-instituting the death penalty for idolaters! - We’d all be in trouble!)
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 13:12-17 (NLT)
12 “When you begin living in the towns the LORD your God is giving you, you may hear 13 that scoundrels among you are leading their fellow citizens astray by saying, ‘Let us go worship other gods'—gods you have not known before. 14 In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find that the report is true and such a detestable act has been committed among you, 15 you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. 16 Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the open square and burn it. Burn the entire town as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. 17 Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a large nation, just as he swore to your ancestors." Deuteronomy 13:12-17(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Worshiping other Gods and leading others to do so was punishable by death in Israel. Actually The United States has an equivilent law and enforces it.
Ancient Israel was held together by a covenant between God and the people. God would bless the people if the people held up their side of the bargain. For the people to accomplish the latter, meant loyalty to God and faithfulness to the covenant, which effectively functioned as their constitution. God was the Sovereign and the constitution spelled that out. The existence of the nation depended on what held them together, God and the Covenant. To proclaim loyalty to another sovereign or to undermine the constitution meant that Israel’s Sovereignty, constitution and very existence would therefore be compromised. Can you now image what the comparable American law would be, which is not antiquated and which is still enforced?
Americans have laws against treason and espionage, because to declare to loyalty to another sovereign, to lead others to do the same and to undermine our constitution is to put the existence of our nation at risk. Of course Israel was a theocracy and we are not. But the principle is the same. Everyone cannot simply do as he or she pleases. There has to be something that holds us together. Loyalty and subordination of the self to a greater common good is part and parcel of the survival of a nation.
July 4 is right around the corner. It seems to me that there is something in chapter 13 that has implications for 21st century America. What might that be? (No, it is not re-instituting the death penalty for idolaters! - We’d all be in trouble!)
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
Put them to death?
Deuteronomy 13:6-11(NLT)
6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. 7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. 8But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. 9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. 10 Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again." Deuteronomy 13:6-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
A few years ago a columnist for a major news organization such as the New York Times spent a year living Torah, following all the rules in Exodus and Leviticus and then wrote a book about it. One of the things he got to do was stone someone. I don’t recall the offense, but he did it. He picked three pebbles and threw at his back when he wasn’t looking!
In today’s passage Moses shows us how serious God is about idolatry. Everyone is called to join together and rid the society of those who influence others to worship other gods. The offense here is not specifically the practice of idolatry as a individual, rather the attempt to lead others astray. Recall Jesus had words as strong as these for anyone who would lead children astray.
Not only am I prohibited from practicing idolatry myself, but I am especially prohibited from influencing others away from God.
Do your attitudes, language you use, comments about other people, habits, body language, interactions with others, work ethic, priorities, practice of your faith, internal belief system all lead others toward faith in God in Jesus Christ or away from faith in God in Jesus Christ?
Deuteronomy 13:6-11(NLT)
6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. 7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. 8But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. 9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. 10 Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again." Deuteronomy 13:6-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
A few years ago a columnist for a major news organization such as the New York Times spent a year living Torah, following all the rules in Exodus and Leviticus and then wrote a book about it. One of the things he got to do was stone someone. I don’t recall the offense, but he did it. He picked three pebbles and threw at his back when he wasn’t looking!
In today’s passage Moses shows us how serious God is about idolatry. Everyone is called to join together and rid the society of those who influence others to worship other gods. The offense here is not specifically the practice of idolatry as a individual, rather the attempt to lead others astray. Recall Jesus had words as strong as these for anyone who would lead children astray.
Not only am I prohibited from practicing idolatry myself, but I am especially prohibited from influencing others away from God.
Do your attitudes, language you use, comments about other people, habits, body language, interactions with others, work ethic, priorities, practice of your faith, internal belief system all lead others toward faith in God in Jesus Christ or away from faith in God in Jesus Christ?
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
Syncretism: Why not follow the best of all faiths?
1 “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— 3do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul." Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Putting your faith in the wrong thing “works”, and sometimes “works” very, very well. Workaholism can bring in a boatload of money. There’s evidence that voodoo “works” in bringing revenge on an enemy.
However the real question is to define what works. What is the definition of a “successful” faith, belief system or worldview?
In today’s passage Moses warns not to follow prophets of other gods even if their prophecies “work” and predicted miracles occur. Years ago I was among many who flocked to hear a “prophet” who could bend spoons with his mind and who could predict another’s future by looking at a hand. He identified himself a Christian, but I ended up concluding that he was calling folks like me to follow “strange fire” as it’s put elsewhere in the Bible. Rather than elevating YHWH (the Hebrew name for the One God), he elevated an “occultic god”.
We human beings are sometimes too easily led. Americans are especially drawn to what works, what’s in it for me, the pragmatic. We’re not too patient with doctrine and spiritual nuance. We want to see power that brings results.
To us Moses speaks a word of warning. There’s a big difference between the God of the Bible and the “gods” of our own desires. This is a test, Moses says, to see if you truly love God. Will God retain your loyalty, love, commitment, and service or will you be led astray?
I suspect that those who are led astray don’t know it. They think they’re headed into deeper “truths”. Which, of course, is why Moses warns us!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
1 “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— 3do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul." Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Putting your faith in the wrong thing “works”, and sometimes “works” very, very well. Workaholism can bring in a boatload of money. There’s evidence that voodoo “works” in bringing revenge on an enemy.
However the real question is to define what works. What is the definition of a “successful” faith, belief system or worldview?
In today’s passage Moses warns not to follow prophets of other gods even if their prophecies “work” and predicted miracles occur. Years ago I was among many who flocked to hear a “prophet” who could bend spoons with his mind and who could predict another’s future by looking at a hand. He identified himself a Christian, but I ended up concluding that he was calling folks like me to follow “strange fire” as it’s put elsewhere in the Bible. Rather than elevating YHWH (the Hebrew name for the One God), he elevated an “occultic god”.
We human beings are sometimes too easily led. Americans are especially drawn to what works, what’s in it for me, the pragmatic. We’re not too patient with doctrine and spiritual nuance. We want to see power that brings results.
To us Moses speaks a word of warning. There’s a big difference between the God of the Bible and the “gods” of our own desires. This is a test, Moses says, to see if you truly love God. Will God retain your loyalty, love, commitment, and service or will you be led astray?
I suspect that those who are led astray don’t know it. They think they’re headed into deeper “truths”. Which, of course, is why Moses warns us!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
Should Christians be Kosher?
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
Only this: Absolutely no blood. Don't eat the blood. Blood is life; don't eat the life with the meat. 24 Don't eat it; pour it out on the ground like water. 25 Don't eat it; then you'll have a good life, you and your children after you. By all means, do the right thing in GOD's eyes. Deuteronomy 12:23-25 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
The Hebrew word “kosher” means “fit” or “proper”. Eating Kosher means eating in way that is fitting for one who has faith in God. One aspect of Kosher eating is not eating meat from which the blood has not been first drained.
The blood symbolized life (the blood is the life, 12:23). By refraining from eating blood the Israelites demonstrated a respect for life and ultimately for the Creator of life. Also as Leviticus 17:11 indicates, the blood is a ransom price for sins, so blood is sacred and should not be consumed by people.
Although chapter 12 insists that the worship of God take place only at the temple, the New Testament teaches that each believer has him or herself become a sanctuary, a “temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:16). Although Christians no longer pour blood at the altar as a sacrifice, and no longer eat “kosher” (the NT declares all food “clean”), nevertheless the New Testament insists that our worship remain pure and that we seek to live our lives in a way that is “fitting” to how we have worshiped.
On the cross, God in Christ, shed his blood (life) so that we can receive life. We act this out during the Lord’s Supper.
Perhaps “Christian Kosher” could mean receiving the sacraments, a reenactment of God’s perfect sacrifice (not mine), and then living in a way that “fits” everything implied in that central practice of the Christian faith.
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
Only this: Absolutely no blood. Don't eat the blood. Blood is life; don't eat the life with the meat. 24 Don't eat it; pour it out on the ground like water. 25 Don't eat it; then you'll have a good life, you and your children after you. By all means, do the right thing in GOD's eyes. Deuteronomy 12:23-25 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
The Hebrew word “kosher” means “fit” or “proper”. Eating Kosher means eating in way that is fitting for one who has faith in God. One aspect of Kosher eating is not eating meat from which the blood has not been first drained.
The blood symbolized life (the blood is the life, 12:23). By refraining from eating blood the Israelites demonstrated a respect for life and ultimately for the Creator of life. Also as Leviticus 17:11 indicates, the blood is a ransom price for sins, so blood is sacred and should not be consumed by people.
Although chapter 12 insists that the worship of God take place only at the temple, the New Testament teaches that each believer has him or herself become a sanctuary, a “temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:16). Although Christians no longer pour blood at the altar as a sacrifice, and no longer eat “kosher” (the NT declares all food “clean”), nevertheless the New Testament insists that our worship remain pure and that we seek to live our lives in a way that is “fitting” to how we have worshiped.
On the cross, God in Christ, shed his blood (life) so that we can receive life. We act this out during the Lord’s Supper.
Perhaps “Christian Kosher” could mean receiving the sacraments, a reenactment of God’s perfect sacrifice (not mine), and then living in a way that “fits” everything implied in that central practice of the Christian faith.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010
Have you “Crossed the Jordan?”
Deuteronomy 12:8-10 (MSG)
Don't continue doing things the way we're doing them at present, each of us doing as we wish. 9 Until now you haven't arrived at the goal, the resting place, the inheritance that GOD, your God, is giving you. 10 But the minute you cross the Jordan River and settle into the land GOD, your God, is enabling you to inherit, he'll give you rest from all your surrounding enemies. You'll be able to settle down and live in safety. Deuteronomy 12:8-10 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
What do you think your future holds if you continue doing things as you are doing them now?
The Hebrew people are told they can’t just keep on doing what they’ve always done if they want to live well in the promised land, if they want the crossing of the Jordan to be an event that lives up to its billing as the land of milk and honey, the land of blessings and joy, the land that would be the envy of nations.
In other words the people would have to change.
Chapters 12 - 26 contain the new rules for living under the rule of God. The new rules are detailed, counterintuitive to their previous lives, and I’m sure many people thought some of the new rules were ridiculous.
So, what else is new? What teenager doesn’t think his parents rules make no sense. Who likes rules anyway?
Yet the old storyline holds true. God knows more than we. He knows how we must live in order to flourish. He knows how broken the world in which we live is. And he provides the grace of showing us how to live well in the midst of it. As Moses states over and over again throughout Deuteronomy (something he rarely mentioned in Exodus, if ever) “these commandments and decrees are for your own good”
So, have you crossed the Jordan? Have you entered the land of promise and abundance which the Lord has promised to believers including you? Is it possible that you have, but, like so many of the Israelites, have simply never chosen to live in it in the only way that abundance is experienced . . . . through obedience?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 12:8-10 (MSG)
Don't continue doing things the way we're doing them at present, each of us doing as we wish. 9 Until now you haven't arrived at the goal, the resting place, the inheritance that GOD, your God, is giving you. 10 But the minute you cross the Jordan River and settle into the land GOD, your God, is enabling you to inherit, he'll give you rest from all your surrounding enemies. You'll be able to settle down and live in safety. Deuteronomy 12:8-10 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
What do you think your future holds if you continue doing things as you are doing them now?
The Hebrew people are told they can’t just keep on doing what they’ve always done if they want to live well in the promised land, if they want the crossing of the Jordan to be an event that lives up to its billing as the land of milk and honey, the land of blessings and joy, the land that would be the envy of nations.
In other words the people would have to change.
Chapters 12 - 26 contain the new rules for living under the rule of God. The new rules are detailed, counterintuitive to their previous lives, and I’m sure many people thought some of the new rules were ridiculous.
So, what else is new? What teenager doesn’t think his parents rules make no sense. Who likes rules anyway?
Yet the old storyline holds true. God knows more than we. He knows how we must live in order to flourish. He knows how broken the world in which we live is. And he provides the grace of showing us how to live well in the midst of it. As Moses states over and over again throughout Deuteronomy (something he rarely mentioned in Exodus, if ever) “these commandments and decrees are for your own good”
So, have you crossed the Jordan? Have you entered the land of promise and abundance which the Lord has promised to believers including you? Is it possible that you have, but, like so many of the Israelites, have simply never chosen to live in it in the only way that abundance is experienced . . . . through obedience?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010
Is Compromise an Art or an Evil?
Deuteronomy 12:2-4 (MSG)
Ruthlessly demolish all the sacred shrines where the nations that you're driving out worship their gods—wherever you find them, on hills and mountains or in groves of green trees. 3 Tear apart their altars. Smash their phallic pillars. Burn their sex-and-religion Asherah shrines. Break up their carved gods. Obliterate the names of those god sites. 4 Stay clear of those places—don't let what went on there contaminate the worship of GOD, your God.
Deuteronomy 12:2-4 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
It has been said that politics is the art compromise. Compromise is not, however, championed in the Bible as an art, rather it is described as an evil.
I do get this. My car no longer has a radio or CD player, because, by the Grace of God it broke. Now as I drive around I no longer listen to talk radio covering either sports or politics. I’m now less polluted by critical spirits and cynical attitudes. Instead I take in the incredible beauty of southern Chester county which is a manifestation of the beauty of God.
How do feel about modern day “phallic” symbols and “sex . . . .shrines” (vs 2) which fill the airwaves on TV, radio, internet, and all the other media with which we are inundated? I’m no different from you. If I’m not careful, if I don’t make tough disciplined decisions about what I value and what I don’t, if I don’t turn off what “drugs me into a compromised stupor”, then I’ll find myself valuing and desiring (worship) what the secular media moguls want me to value and desire (worship).
I wish I could report to you that I removed the radio from my car because I recognized that it was polluting me. No, it just broke. But in that simple event my eyes are opened more widely, not only to more of God with out the radio, but also to the power talk radio had over me. It was hard to just turn it off.
Moses told his people to be ruthless about all these other so called gods. After all, Moses had firsthand experience with commandments one, two and three and then there was that messy experience with a baby cow made out of gold.
Where are you ready to stop compromising?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 12:2-4 (MSG)
Ruthlessly demolish all the sacred shrines where the nations that you're driving out worship their gods—wherever you find them, on hills and mountains or in groves of green trees. 3 Tear apart their altars. Smash their phallic pillars. Burn their sex-and-religion Asherah shrines. Break up their carved gods. Obliterate the names of those god sites. 4 Stay clear of those places—don't let what went on there contaminate the worship of GOD, your God.
Deuteronomy 12:2-4 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
It has been said that politics is the art compromise. Compromise is not, however, championed in the Bible as an art, rather it is described as an evil.
I do get this. My car no longer has a radio or CD player, because, by the Grace of God it broke. Now as I drive around I no longer listen to talk radio covering either sports or politics. I’m now less polluted by critical spirits and cynical attitudes. Instead I take in the incredible beauty of southern Chester county which is a manifestation of the beauty of God.
How do feel about modern day “phallic” symbols and “sex . . . .shrines” (vs 2) which fill the airwaves on TV, radio, internet, and all the other media with which we are inundated? I’m no different from you. If I’m not careful, if I don’t make tough disciplined decisions about what I value and what I don’t, if I don’t turn off what “drugs me into a compromised stupor”, then I’ll find myself valuing and desiring (worship) what the secular media moguls want me to value and desire (worship).
I wish I could report to you that I removed the radio from my car because I recognized that it was polluting me. No, it just broke. But in that simple event my eyes are opened more widely, not only to more of God with out the radio, but also to the power talk radio had over me. It was hard to just turn it off.
Moses told his people to be ruthless about all these other so called gods. After all, Moses had firsthand experience with commandments one, two and three and then there was that messy experience with a baby cow made out of gold.
Where are you ready to stop compromising?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8, 2010
Obedience is Abundance
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (NLT)
“Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before." Deuteronomy 11:26-28(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I love it when a scripture is plain and simple with a “can’t miss” clarity.
Each of has been given a choice. This is part of what it means to be created in the image of God. Choice is a HUGE thing. It’s a “God part” of us. It is a gift which carries incredible responsibility. I can choose to obey God and be blessed. I can choose to disobey God and be “cursed”. Choices issue in outcomes. Although I think that the Bible leans in the direction of God’s sovereignty over our free will, there is nevertheless a sense in which each of us writes our own destiny. We do it with the BIG choice of to whom or what we give our allegiance. However the thousands of daily little choices we make can either strengthen our big choice or render it meaningless.
Choice is also a relationship word. My choices can kill or build any of my relationships. And I do have choice. No one can make me too angry or too hurt or too broken. I’m not doomed simply to live in victimhood to what others do to me. (read the brilliant book In Search of Meaning by Victor Frankl). Jesus made this so clear. I can choose to love him who hates me and forgive him who abuses me. I have choice.
Moses says, ‘exercise your gift.’ Exercise the image of God within you. Choose. Do things God’s way and blessings follow. Do things some other way and sooner or later you will find the opposite. Dlsobey God perpetually and you find the curse to be your eternal destiny.
(lest you be misled, no one obeys perfectly, which is why you and I need Jesus, who forgives our sins and makes us right with God if we trust Him. If, however, I choose perpetual disobedience and do not put my trust in Jesus, then hell is my destiny.)
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (NLT)
“Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before." Deuteronomy 11:26-28(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I love it when a scripture is plain and simple with a “can’t miss” clarity.
Each of has been given a choice. This is part of what it means to be created in the image of God. Choice is a HUGE thing. It’s a “God part” of us. It is a gift which carries incredible responsibility. I can choose to obey God and be blessed. I can choose to disobey God and be “cursed”. Choices issue in outcomes. Although I think that the Bible leans in the direction of God’s sovereignty over our free will, there is nevertheless a sense in which each of us writes our own destiny. We do it with the BIG choice of to whom or what we give our allegiance. However the thousands of daily little choices we make can either strengthen our big choice or render it meaningless.
Choice is also a relationship word. My choices can kill or build any of my relationships. And I do have choice. No one can make me too angry or too hurt or too broken. I’m not doomed simply to live in victimhood to what others do to me. (read the brilliant book In Search of Meaning by Victor Frankl). Jesus made this so clear. I can choose to love him who hates me and forgive him who abuses me. I have choice.
Moses says, ‘exercise your gift.’ Exercise the image of God within you. Choose. Do things God’s way and blessings follow. Do things some other way and sooner or later you will find the opposite. Dlsobey God perpetually and you find the curse to be your eternal destiny.
(lest you be misled, no one obeys perfectly, which is why you and I need Jesus, who forgives our sins and makes us right with God if we trust Him. If, however, I choose perpetual disobedience and do not put my trust in Jesus, then hell is my destiny.)
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 7, 2010
Tell Your Children and Grandchildren
“You must love the LORD your God and obey all his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands. 2 Keep in mind that I am not talking now to your children, who have never experienced the discipline of the LORD your God or seen his greatness and his strong hand and powerful arm. 3 They didn’t see the miraculous signs and wonders he performed in Egypt against Pharaoh and all his land. 4 They didn’t see what the LORD did to the armies of Egypt and to their horses and chariots—how he drowned them in the Red Sea as they were chasing you. He destroyed them, and they have not recovered to this very day! 5 “Your children didn’t see how the LORD cared for you in the wilderness until you arrived here. 6 They didn’t see what he did to Dathan and Abiram (the sons of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben) when the earth opened its mouth in the Israelite camp and swallowed them, along with their households and tents and every living thing that belonged to them. 7 But you have seen the LORD perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes!"
Deuteronomy 11:1-7(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
One of my regrets in life is not hearing all the stories of my father’s experiences in World War Two, or more of the many stories of how his family survived the great depression. I would love to have heard more about how my dad’s dad had come to America from Austria, how he found work, how he lived, married a German woman and made their life in the “new country”. I imagine there many lessons learned, many sacrifices made, many experiences of God’s providence.
But for some reason Dad was reluctant to talk about all of that. He did an incredible job of working hard all of his life, always at two or more jobs, so that we children would be able to have a better life than he had. Doing that was his pride and joy.
However I not only missed the lessons that experiences of hardship teach because he ensured that my life would not be as hard as his, I also missed learning about those experiences, especially how he thought about them, handled them and what he learned. It’s a big regret in my life.
Moses now tells his people, don’t make that mistake. But, he says, don’t just tell your children about your life, tell them about God, about how it is because of God that we stand here now, that it is God who has sustained, provided, led, and blessed all these years. Tell them the story of God.
So that’s now a goal of mine. . . . to tell my “God story” more effectively and more frequently.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below
“You must love the LORD your God and obey all his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands. 2 Keep in mind that I am not talking now to your children, who have never experienced the discipline of the LORD your God or seen his greatness and his strong hand and powerful arm. 3 They didn’t see the miraculous signs and wonders he performed in Egypt against Pharaoh and all his land. 4 They didn’t see what the LORD did to the armies of Egypt and to their horses and chariots—how he drowned them in the Red Sea as they were chasing you. He destroyed them, and they have not recovered to this very day! 5 “Your children didn’t see how the LORD cared for you in the wilderness until you arrived here. 6 They didn’t see what he did to Dathan and Abiram (the sons of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben) when the earth opened its mouth in the Israelite camp and swallowed them, along with their households and tents and every living thing that belonged to them. 7 But you have seen the LORD perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes!"
Deuteronomy 11:1-7(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
One of my regrets in life is not hearing all the stories of my father’s experiences in World War Two, or more of the many stories of how his family survived the great depression. I would love to have heard more about how my dad’s dad had come to America from Austria, how he found work, how he lived, married a German woman and made their life in the “new country”. I imagine there many lessons learned, many sacrifices made, many experiences of God’s providence.
But for some reason Dad was reluctant to talk about all of that. He did an incredible job of working hard all of his life, always at two or more jobs, so that we children would be able to have a better life than he had. Doing that was his pride and joy.
However I not only missed the lessons that experiences of hardship teach because he ensured that my life would not be as hard as his, I also missed learning about those experiences, especially how he thought about them, handled them and what he learned. It’s a big regret in my life.
Moses now tells his people, don’t make that mistake. But, he says, don’t just tell your children about your life, tell them about God, about how it is because of God that we stand here now, that it is God who has sustained, provided, led, and blessed all these years. Tell them the story of God.
So that’s now a goal of mine. . . . to tell my “God story” more effectively and more frequently.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4, 2010
What is Worship?
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
“Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today.
Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.
He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.
You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Worship is “getting it” that the first line in today’s passage applies to you. Worship is “getting it” , being flabbergasted that you can accurately substitute “me” for “your ancestors” in the first sentence.
Worship is being no longer stubborn before God as in paragraph two. It means pride goes. It means God is Lord over the seas that roar and the mountains that tower over all the earth. It means “getting it” that God is BIG and that I am small, really, really small. Worship means that God is the sun and I am a planet, not the other way around. It means that I’m no better than anyone (anyone!!!!) else. God is no more partial to me than to the lowest person on the human social totem pole. Worship means I don’t pray “If you . . . then I’ll” . . .God can’t be bribed. Anything that God does on my behalf is the result of his Love and grace . . . . period! Worship means I pray in awe to majesty, love and grace, beyond all comprehension, and when I bring my requests to Him, I expect nothing, I expect everything and I’m grateful in all things.
Worship means that I view the other guy, especially those worse off, as more important than I am.
Worship means worshiping YHWH, Jehovah, the God revealed in the Bible, God of gods and Lord of lords, the God who is creator, provider and Father. In short worship means getting God right and not re-creating Him in the image of 21st century sentimentalism. This requires reading the Bible to make sure we’re worshipping the right (the only) God.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
“Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today.
Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.
He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.
You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!
Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Worship is “getting it” that the first line in today’s passage applies to you. Worship is “getting it” , being flabbergasted that you can accurately substitute “me” for “your ancestors” in the first sentence.
Worship is being no longer stubborn before God as in paragraph two. It means pride goes. It means God is Lord over the seas that roar and the mountains that tower over all the earth. It means “getting it” that God is BIG and that I am small, really, really small. Worship means that God is the sun and I am a planet, not the other way around. It means that I’m no better than anyone (anyone!!!!) else. God is no more partial to me than to the lowest person on the human social totem pole. Worship means I don’t pray “If you . . . then I’ll” . . .God can’t be bribed. Anything that God does on my behalf is the result of his Love and grace . . . . period! Worship means I pray in awe to majesty, love and grace, beyond all comprehension, and when I bring my requests to Him, I expect nothing, I expect everything and I’m grateful in all things.
Worship means that I view the other guy, especially those worse off, as more important than I am.
Worship means worshiping YHWH, Jehovah, the God revealed in the Bible, God of gods and Lord of lords, the God who is creator, provider and Father. In short worship means getting God right and not re-creating Him in the image of 21st century sentimentalism. This requires reading the Bible to make sure we’re worshipping the right (the only) God.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010
Plain and Simple: What Does God Want From Me?Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NLT)
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good."Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Are your thoughts, motives and actions always pure? Do you always desire to please God? Is your heart ready to obey at all times? Do you love God and others as God desires? If your answer is yes, you’re probably not being honest. My answer to each of these questions is no.
That’s the bad news. On my own I fail the test. In fact I really don’t like the word “only” in the first sentence. That’s one very big “only”.
However, there’s a deeper message in these words from the Lord. It’s a message from the heart of a father. We are hearing the heart of Abba Father who is speaking to wayward children he loves deeply. If you’re a dad, you know this heart because it’s your heart for your children too. “come on guys, just trust me, do what I ask, it’s all for you own good”. It’s the father’s heart that wants to see his kids flourish and be happy and enjoy all the good gifts he gives and, yes, have fun with his children. Hear the heart of a father behind these words, which sound to recalcitrant young ears like a “bunch of rules”.
Notice one more thing. The “fear of the Lord” is spelled out quite nicely in these verses. Read everything after the word “fear” and you’ll have a better understanding of the meaning of the ”fear of the Lord”.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good."Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Are your thoughts, motives and actions always pure? Do you always desire to please God? Is your heart ready to obey at all times? Do you love God and others as God desires? If your answer is yes, you’re probably not being honest. My answer to each of these questions is no.
That’s the bad news. On my own I fail the test. In fact I really don’t like the word “only” in the first sentence. That’s one very big “only”.
However, there’s a deeper message in these words from the Lord. It’s a message from the heart of a father. We are hearing the heart of Abba Father who is speaking to wayward children he loves deeply. If you’re a dad, you know this heart because it’s your heart for your children too. “come on guys, just trust me, do what I ask, it’s all for you own good”. It’s the father’s heart that wants to see his kids flourish and be happy and enjoy all the good gifts he gives and, yes, have fun with his children. Hear the heart of a father behind these words, which sound to recalcitrant young ears like a “bunch of rules”.
Notice one more thing. The “fear of the Lord” is spelled out quite nicely in these verses. Read everything after the word “fear” and you’ll have a better understanding of the meaning of the ”fear of the Lord”.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
June 2, 2010
God Sticks With Us, Even Institutionalizing His Presence Among Us
Deuteronomy 10:1-11 (NLT)
“At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. Also make a wooden Ark—a sacred chest to store them in. Come up to me on the mountain, and I will write on the tablets the same words that were on the ones you smashed. Then place the tablets in the Ark.’ . . . . .
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi (the descendents of Moses’s brother Aaron) to carry the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, and to stand before the LORD as his ministers, and to pronounce blessings in his name. . . ..
“As for me, I stayed on the mountain in the LORD’s presence for forty days and nights, as I had done the first time. And once again the LORD listened to my pleas and agreed not to destroy you. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Get up and resume the journey, and lead the people to the land I swore to give to their ancestors, so they may take possession of it.’ Deuteronomy 10:1-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Moses broke the first set of the “big 10” in a temper tantrum, but God gave him a second set anyway. Then God even assigned the Levites to make sure the commandments were protected. In other words God gave the Israelites a leader in Moses (through whom God would speak), a written code of conduct to keep the keep his people on track (kind of like bumpers on the side of bowling alleys), a box to preserve them in and to serve as God’s symbolic throne, and a tribe of Israelites to make sure the people were honoring God.
In short, in order to do your life journey right, God puts all kinds of signposts, ritual practices, people, and leaders into your life so that you get where He’s taking you. Do you view your church leaders, church itself, the Bible, religious institutions, and God’s people as God’s way of guiding you? Or do you rely more on yourself? Every one of us needs a guide, a coach, a people, a code of conduct. . . . .and not just any version of these . . . .each of us needs the ones that come from God.
One more thing. The Promised Land was promised. It was a can’t miss deal if they would just trust and obey. It’s the same with each of us. To you and me a God ordained future is a can’t miss deal as long as allow the God of Biblical revelation to lead.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Deuteronomy 10:1-11 (NLT)
“At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. Also make a wooden Ark—a sacred chest to store them in. Come up to me on the mountain, and I will write on the tablets the same words that were on the ones you smashed. Then place the tablets in the Ark.’ . . . . .
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi (the descendents of Moses’s brother Aaron) to carry the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, and to stand before the LORD as his ministers, and to pronounce blessings in his name. . . ..
“As for me, I stayed on the mountain in the LORD’s presence for forty days and nights, as I had done the first time. And once again the LORD listened to my pleas and agreed not to destroy you. Then the LORD said to me, ‘Get up and resume the journey, and lead the people to the land I swore to give to their ancestors, so they may take possession of it.’ Deuteronomy 10:1-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Moses broke the first set of the “big 10” in a temper tantrum, but God gave him a second set anyway. Then God even assigned the Levites to make sure the commandments were protected. In other words God gave the Israelites a leader in Moses (through whom God would speak), a written code of conduct to keep the keep his people on track (kind of like bumpers on the side of bowling alleys), a box to preserve them in and to serve as God’s symbolic throne, and a tribe of Israelites to make sure the people were honoring God.
In short, in order to do your life journey right, God puts all kinds of signposts, ritual practices, people, and leaders into your life so that you get where He’s taking you. Do you view your church leaders, church itself, the Bible, religious institutions, and God’s people as God’s way of guiding you? Or do you rely more on yourself? Every one of us needs a guide, a coach, a people, a code of conduct. . . . .and not just any version of these . . . .each of us needs the ones that come from God.
One more thing. The Promised Land was promised. It was a can’t miss deal if they would just trust and obey. It’s the same with each of us. To you and me a God ordained future is a can’t miss deal as long as allow the God of Biblical revelation to lead.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1, 2010
What To Do With People Who Make You Furious And Disrespect You
Deuteronomy 9:7-20 (GW)
“Never forget how you made the LORD your God angry in the desert. You've rebelled against the LORD from the day you left Egypt until you came here . . "
“ I went up on the mountain to get the stone tablets, . . . .. At the end of the 40 days and 40 nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets with his promise on them. He told me, “Leave right away. Your people whom you brought out of Egypt have ruined {everything}. . . . .. They've made an idol for themselves.”
The LORD also said to me . . . I'll destroy them and wipe their name off the earth. Then I'll make you into a nation larger and stronger than they are.”
So I turned and went down the mountain . . . . You had made a statue of a calf for yourselves. You had quickly turned from the way the LORD commanded you to live. I took the two tablets, threw them down, and smashed them in front of you.
Once again I threw myself down in front of the LORD. I went without food and water for 40 days and 40 nights because of the sin you committed. You did what the LORD considered evil and made him furious. I was terrified of the LORD'S anger and fury. He was so angry he wanted to destroy you. But once more the LORD listened to me. The LORD also became very angry with Aaron and wanted to destroy him. But at that time I prayed for Aaron, too. Deuteronomy 9:7-20 (GW)
Pastor’s Blog
Moses was mad, really mad. Over a month with no food, many prayers for his people, finally receiving from God words to live by and what happens? As a “thank you” his people completely blow him off. What do you do when people treat you like that?
This is a fascinating passage. God plans to destroy most of Israel and then to start over with Moses and a few others. But Moses sticks with his people “against” God.
We learn again that God interacts with people and that our repentance and prayers matter. Moses’ heart for his people, interceding for them, was evident. God collaborated with Moses, heard his prayer and “changed His mind” (a necessarily limited and probably misleading wording for an act of grace by God).
This is beautiful picture of leadership. Instead of joining God in “firing” all the idolators, Moses stuck with them and prayed for their forgiveness.
How quickly do you tend to give up on people who not only let you down, but let you down in a big time way, even disrespecting your leadership?
Deuteronomy 9:7-20 (GW)
“Never forget how you made the LORD your God angry in the desert. You've rebelled against the LORD from the day you left Egypt until you came here . . "
“ I went up on the mountain to get the stone tablets, . . . .. At the end of the 40 days and 40 nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets with his promise on them. He told me, “Leave right away. Your people whom you brought out of Egypt have ruined {everything}. . . . .. They've made an idol for themselves.”
The LORD also said to me . . . I'll destroy them and wipe their name off the earth. Then I'll make you into a nation larger and stronger than they are.”
So I turned and went down the mountain . . . . You had made a statue of a calf for yourselves. You had quickly turned from the way the LORD commanded you to live. I took the two tablets, threw them down, and smashed them in front of you.
Once again I threw myself down in front of the LORD. I went without food and water for 40 days and 40 nights because of the sin you committed. You did what the LORD considered evil and made him furious. I was terrified of the LORD'S anger and fury. He was so angry he wanted to destroy you. But once more the LORD listened to me. The LORD also became very angry with Aaron and wanted to destroy him. But at that time I prayed for Aaron, too. Deuteronomy 9:7-20 (GW)
Pastor’s Blog
Moses was mad, really mad. Over a month with no food, many prayers for his people, finally receiving from God words to live by and what happens? As a “thank you” his people completely blow him off. What do you do when people treat you like that?
This is a fascinating passage. God plans to destroy most of Israel and then to start over with Moses and a few others. But Moses sticks with his people “against” God.
We learn again that God interacts with people and that our repentance and prayers matter. Moses’ heart for his people, interceding for them, was evident. God collaborated with Moses, heard his prayer and “changed His mind” (a necessarily limited and probably misleading wording for an act of grace by God).
This is beautiful picture of leadership. Instead of joining God in “firing” all the idolators, Moses stuck with them and prayed for their forgiveness.
How quickly do you tend to give up on people who not only let you down, but let you down in a big time way, even disrespecting your leadership?
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