August 31, 2017

Freedom’s Truth

“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” Gal. 2:14

Paul was not pleased with the choices of Peter and confronted him.  Gal. 2:11-13 describes the hypocrisy, according to Paul.  Here we find Peter flip-flopping between adhering to Jewish law and setting the law aside.  Paul called him out, as we find in Gal. 2:14:  “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” After all, this is the same Peter who told Cornelius in Acts 10:34, “…In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”  Paul is telling Peter that Peter cannot have it both ways:  he cannot ask Gentiles to live as Jews if he has lived as a Gentile (at least periodically).

Freedom’s truth means there are no longer requirements under the law that will save a soul or provide for justification.  Both are acts of grace and faith – they are gifts given by a gracious God who longs to set His people free.  Peter would eventually come to his understanding of freedom’s truth and the hope is that we will be unchained from man-made traditions and customs that bind us rather than liberate us.

August 30, 2017

Prayer as Incense

“May my prayer be set before You Like incense.”  Ps. 141:2

Often I think of Anna in the Bible.  She was a widow who spent her days in the Temple.  She was what we would call today a prayer warrior.  It is very interesting the role widows had in the days leading up to Jesus and in the early church.  In my mind I picture Anna offering her daily prayers to God and God receiving them by their scent.

Prayers and incense are found together several times in Scripture.  Prayers, supplications, requests, and intercession are a pleasing aroma to the Lord.  I wonder if each one has a distinctive fragrance.  I wonder if God instantly recognized Anna’s prayers by their aroma. 

Then I turn to my prayers and I wonder if God can detect the fragrance as I set my prayers before Him like incense.  I hope they do; I hope my prayers make their way with the aroma God desires and notices.  He knows the prayers of my heart.  May He receive them as my offering.  May He answer me as He answered Anna.  May I be found in the uncontained Temple in these later years of my life, dwelling in the house of the Lord.

August 29, 2017

Take My Yoke

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Mt. 11:28-30

Yoked is an ancient Biblical principle that dates back to the Old Testament.  Israel was yoked to the law and the law was not a light yoke, but a heavy one.  The requirements of the law consistently pointed out the sin of the people and the need for atonement.

Jesus turned that idea upside down, like He did with so many Old Testament precepts.  He desired that people still be yoked, but now the yoke was no longer to the law, but to Him.  All those who were struggling and suffering, the weary and burdened, could stunningly and simply come to Jesus.  When they came to Him, Jesus would give them rest.  He would offer His yoke, one that was easy.  His burden was light.  It was a complete exchange.

Friends, this is the offer that is available to us.  If we find ourselves exhausted from the fast pace of daily living, the workload and responsibilities, the endless series of to-do lists, there is good news.  We can come to Jesus, carrying all that stuff.  He gives us rest a yoke, and a burden.  He takes all the heavy burdens we carry and gives us instead what he has to offer.  There is then easiness and a lightness replacing heaviness and gloominess.

We can learn from Jesus.  We can learn from His gentle approach to us and His humility in dealing with us.  Our Lord doesn’t force things upon us, least not His yoke.  He offers it with kindness and goodness and love.  It is up to us to accept His offer.  When we do, we will find rest for our souls.

August 28, 2017

My Presence

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Ex. 33:14

One of the ironies about prison ministry is the closer women are to getting released, the more anxious and nervous they tend to become.  There are exceptions of course, but as a rule, it becomes noticeable among the women.  After all, it is on the one hand freedom they have so longed for, and on the other hand a world on unknowns.  Will they make it?  Will they stay clean and sober?  Will they have a job, a place to live?  Will they see their children?  Will those broken relationships be restored?  It is the land of the unknown.

We encourage the women on the day of their release to be intentional about asking Jesus to take them by the hand and go with them.  It is much like this verse, and the dialogue between Moses and God.  Moses was insistent that God’s presence go with Israel.  We want the women to be equally insistent that the presence of the Lord, not confined to a tabernacle, temple, or church structure, to go with them as they leave.

The Lord’s answer provides such great comfort and hope.  Yes, He says; His presence will go with them and He will give them rest.  They will companionship on the journey and a constant reminder they are not alone.  They will be given rest – rest from worrying too much, rest in all the decision-making they find themselves doing.  They will rest in the travels through the wilderness, much like Israel.  God’s chosen people left Egypt and entered the wilderness.  God’s presence went with them.  God’s presence goes with each woman leaving prison who asks for it.

August 27, 2017

The Servant Rhoda

“Peter knocked at the outer entrance and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door.  When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, ‘Peter is at the door!”  Acts 12:13-14

This is like a comedy routine of the early church.  Peter has been in prison and it is the night before his trial.  He miraculously escapes, thanks to an angel of the Lord.  Once Peter realizes what has happened he heads to Mary’s house, where there is a group of people praying for Peter’s release.

Now for the comedy: Peter knocks on door and a servant goes to answer it.  Her name is Rhoda, which means God’s unfolded love.  As soon as she recognizes Peter’s voice, she runs back to the group to announce that Peter is there.  She forgot Peter, forgot to open the door, and Peter had to stand there, knocking away until they came to the door.  Can you picture it?

Even funnier is the response of the group, gathered to pray for Peter’s release.  They proclaim it can’t be him; he is in prison!  They tell Rhoda she has lost it and when she persists, they think it is an angel.  That would mean they believed Peter had been killed and his angel showed up.  While all this is happening, just picture Peter knocking on the door.  After all, he is a wanted man!

It makes one wonder how many times we’ve missed something, even in the name of doing what is important.  It makes one wonder if we get so immersed in praying for something that when the answer has arrived and is knocking on our door, we don’t answer it, because we are praying that which has arrived!  It gives one hope, for if the early church engaged in such endeavors, then that is good news for us.

August 26, 2017

The Lion and the Bear

“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.”  1 Sam. 17:36

The story of David versus Goliath is well known around the world.  What is interesting about this verse is the significance of David’s past experiences preparing him for the present moment.  David is letting King Saul know that as a keeper of the sheep, David has been well trained in fighting off enemy attacks.  If lions or bears came against the flock, David would defend the flock and defeat the attackers.

It is also noteworthy that David has been “keeping his father’s sheep” according to verse 34.  What a perfect picture this paints of Jesus – the One who keeps His father’s sheep.  David is resolute in his promise that Goliath will end up defeated, just like the lion and the bear.  The reason for the defeat is that Goliath is going against Israel – the armies of the living God. 

What kind of spiritual training have we received in the past that has prepared us for what we currently face?  Are there Goliaths in front of us, defying and taunting us?  If so, think back to the lessons you have learned in God’s classroom and apply them as you apply the victory that Jesus secured for you.  Fear, worry, doubt, depression – they will be like the lion and the bear, because they have defied you, part of the army of the living God.

August 25, 2017

God’s Good Pleasure

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”  Lk. 12:32

It was like a perfect storm of events that came crashing into a life.  It was a season of death, loss, illness, financial concerns, and grief.  When one wave finally subsided, another one would come.  We found ourselves at hospitals, funeral homes and cemeteries.  We grieved with those who were grieving…and yet God was with us.

In this marvelous passage of Luke, which closely connects with Matthew’s, Jesus is telling the disciples to not worry.  Life is short, God is in charge and why worry about things we have no control over?  Instead, says our Lord, seek after God’s Kingdom first and foremost.  The other things you put aside will be given to you like a bonus.

Luke’s gospel records the next verse: ” do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”  We are very much a flock in need of shepherding and Jesus provides that as our ultimate Good Shepherd.  Since we have Him in our lives caring for us, we actually can surrender the anxieties and worries, giving them to the Lord.  What we receive instead is what we are hopefully focusing on – the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom is the rule and reign of God in our lives, in our homes, and in our circumstances.

In that season of the perfect storm of events, we could weather it, because we kept our eyes on the Kingdom.. God lived up to His promise – He provided the Kingdom to us: the Kingdom of peace, of joy and of righteousness.  We were able to love and to listen, all because of what God had given us.  It was His good pleasure to do so.

August 24, 2017

The Power to Help or Overthrow

“Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, because God has the power to help or to overthrow.”  2 Chron. 25:8

God has the power to help or to overthrow.  This is an impactful sentence and powerful truth.  King Amaziah of Judah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, despite a few bumps in the road.  One of those bumps occurred when he assembled a military force to prepare for invasion.  A man of God warned the king with the verse above.

This is guidance for us as we walk with the Lord.  It can happen so suddenly that we try something on our own and go against what God has planned for us.  How many times have we asked God to bless our plan, rather than ask Him to reveal His plan to us?  We receive warnings – even if we go ahead and continue in our ways that seem good to us, God will overthrow us before the enemy.  Our plans will fail.  They may last a bit and then dwindle.  But the plans of man have no staying power.  The plans and purposes of God are eternal.

The good news is that King Amaziah listened to the advice given and disbanded the troops.  Lord, help us to disband any thoughts or plans that are not of You and be positioned to receive your help as Your plans are revealed to us.

August 23, 2017

Save the Best

“…Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but You have saved the best till now.”  John 2:10

It is fascinating that the first recorded “sign” in John’s gospel is this one; the turning of water into wine at a wedding.  It is filled with imagery and symbolism.  The wedding background makes us think of the wedding supper that awaits us as described in Revelation.  The water being turned into wine is representative of what happens to every person who encounters Jesus – they are changed and transformed into “new creations in Christ Jesus.”  We are changed when we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, instantly, from water into wine, using this example.

It is interesting that when the master tasted the water/wine, he turned to talk to the bridegroom.  He didn’t talk to Jesus, or to the servants drawing the water.  He went right to the groom and gave him praise.  In this sign, Jesus is operating behind the scenes and is the groom who gets recognized.  We can again think forward to Jesus as our Bridegroom.  The master lauds the effort of the groom who saved the best for last.  The finest wine was served at the latter stages of the feast, rather than the beginning.

We cannot help but think of Jesus.  In John’s gospel, Jesus is considered “the last” and He is “the best.”  Jesus was Israel’s rescue and salvation, to be extended to encompass the world.  He was and is the best, the choicest, and the first fruits.  The next verse sums this sign up perfectly: this first miraculous sign revealed His glory and His disciples put their faith in Him.  That is what happens when we find the Son of God who has been lovingly waiting for us.  We meet; we are changed; the Lord’s glory is revealed; and we put our faith in Him.  We drink from the finest at last.

August 22, 2017

The Prudent One

“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”  Pvbs. 22:3

If only life came with visual danger signs.  The ones we see on the side of the road with large red letters, warning us of trouble ahead.  When we read the signs, we can avert disaster by re-directing our cars and taking a different route to our destination.  It may take a bit longer, but it is safer.

The person with wisdom and prudence is the one who can discern with the Holy Spirit’s assistance that danger is ahead.  It is the man or woman who can “read the signs” of trouble and find a safe place to take refuge.  It is much like hearing the siren sound and taking cover, because tornadoes are in the area.  People head to the safest place in their homes and they take cover. 

Conversely, the person lacking wisdom and discernment will not hear the siren and so continue about their day.  Or, some will hear the siren but calculate that they have enough time to do a couple more things before finding safety.  They keep going and suffer for it.

The person struggling with addiction drives through a section of town well known for its local drug dealers.  The decision to stop for lunch there or delay the lunch until the next town is the evidence of heeding wisdom.  Example after example brings us to the same point:  are we seeing the warning signs are we taking refuge?

August 21, 2017

The Tasting

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2

It was a great and joyous day when we attended the cake-tasting for our daughter’s wedding.  We drove to the bakery and met our daughter and her future mother-in-law.  As we entered the bakery, there were cakes everywhere – with all sorts of decorations, colors, and accessories.  Our server came out with a platter of different cakes.  We tasted each one, deciding upon the ones we liked and then turned to our daughter for the final decisions.  It was one of the many memorable days leading up to the big day of the wedding.  And yes, there will be cake.

Spiritual cake tastes good too, and that is the point Peter is making in this passage.  When we come to the word of God as newborns in Christ, we can handle a verse or two of the inerrant word that gets inside us and transforms us.  Through that process we have tasted the Lord’s goodness.  His word is that spiritual milk (or cake, if you want to stay with the analogy) and it causes growth in our lives.

Peter encourages his hearers to crave that kind of spiritual nourishment, since we have gotten a taste of God’s goodness.  We can find one of many examples in this epistle; in 1 Peter 1:8-9:  “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 

Try feeding on that word of God for a while.  We don’t see Jesus, but we love Him and believe in Him.  We are filled completely and thoroughly with this indescribable and unstoppable joy.  It is like being re-filled with the Holy Spirit’s leading and the word’s feeding.  It tastes so good – better than any piece of cake we’ve ever had.

August 20, 2017

Dropped Bindings

“As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands.”  Judges 15:14

Samson approaches the town of Lehi, whose name means ‘jawbone.’  That is fascinating, given that Samson is about to use a fresh jawbone shortly.  As the Philistines threaten him, Samson experiences the powerful Holy Spirit come upon him.  This supernatural power and strength allows Samson to break free with ease from the two new ropes that had been used to tie him up.

We need the supernatural strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  We may face situations that feel like ropes binding us, and shackling us.  We have tried everything we could humanly think of to break free and nothing has worked.  As we reach the end of our plans, ideas, and efforts, we run into Jesus.  He reminds us that He has given us who follow Him the Holy Spirit, as our Helper.  It is His Spirit that allows us to state with faith, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’  We must remember it is only “through Christ.”  As we call to mind the presence of the Holy Spirit within us and realize we have access to Him and His power, we can call for His help.  He will help us.

Ropes and chains and shackles begin to loosen their grip and some may instantly fall off us as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit.  We are being set free in areas of our lives for the glory of God, and after that, for our benefit.  Oh to know the wondrous working power of His might in our lives!

August 19, 2017

Bless those who Curse You

“…bless those who curse you…” Lk. 6:28

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus looks at the disciples and shares with the Beatitudes, followed by woes.  He then lays down the challenge in verses 27-31:

·         Love your enemies

·         Do good to the haters

·         Bless the ones who curse you

·         Pray for the people who have mistreated you

·         Turn the other cheek

·         Let someone have your coat

·         Give things away

·         Treat others as you want to be treated

There it is in plain language for us, just as it was for the disciples.  Followers of Jesus are called to be a blessing people.  We are not called to be a cursing people.  Every time we bless those who have mistreated us, or in this case, cursed us, we are unleashing the Kingdom of God.  God’s reign and rule of peace and joy and hope and victory assault the place of cursing – and overturn it.  You see friends; our blessing will outweigh the cursing.  That is good news.

It is worth noting that Jesus experienced all this.  Return to that scene with Jesus on the cross and consider again what He did.  He loved His enemies.  He did good for those who hated Him, by asking God to forgive them.  He blessed those who cursed Him.  He prayed for the ones who beat Him, accused Him, and taunted Him.

As He was struck, He turned the other cheek and did not retaliate in any way.  They took His garments.  All that belonged to Jesus was taken away from Him.  He did not demand it back.

What is our response?

August 18, 2017

Gifts God Gives

“To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness..” Eccl. 2:26

Solomon writes in the Book of Ecclesiastes about trying to find the meaning of life.  Within his search, he discovers so much is pure folly.  Eccl. 2:26 is a truth about those who please God and seek to please Him.  To those, the Lord gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

Wisdom, written about extensively in Proverbs, is guidance on how to live our lives in accordance with God’s commands.  It is guidance and instruction with practical application.  In this way it is different than knowledge, which in Hebrew is the word, da’ath, and comes from the Hebrew root word, yada.  This means knowledge that comes from relationship.  As our relationship with the Lord deepens and grows, our knowledge will grow.

We also will receive from the Lord happiness, which actually translates as joy.  We might recognize joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5.  Joy is deeply rooted within us, much like peace, when it is a fruit of the Spirit.  Such joy allows us to walk through the “valleys’ in our lives still holding onto hope, faith, and gladness for all the Lord has provided.

Let us be continually seeking to please the Lord, who gives us these three great gifts: wisdom; knowledge; and joy.

August 17, 2017

Handle the Word of Truth

“Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Tim. 2:15

I vividly remember sitting in the living room of our then pastor’s home.  His wife and I were discussing women’s ministry and women’s Bible Study.  She proposed an idea: let’s study God’s word in Scripture, with no books, study guides, or other teaching aids.  Just good old fashioned Bible Study.  It changed everything, for the women in the study and for the spiritual growth of the church.

Paul is encouraging Timothy to work at studying God’s word so he could handle it properly and “rightly divide the truth.”  That can only be done after immersing oneself in the totality of the word.  This is what I was afforded the opportunity to do: to sit under the “whole counsel of God’s word teaching.”  What a gift!

God’s treasure trove of truth is worth exploring, learning, digging deeper, and mining.  It requires effort, commitment, and time.  It is a great benefit to anyone wanting to know Jesus better, as we will learn more about Him.  It will lead us to Him.  Since God’s word is active and alive, it is at work in our lives when we apply ourselves to it and it applies itself to us.

August 16, 2017

The Breath of the Almighty

“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”  Job 33:4

I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit.  He made me and it is His breath that gives me life.  One of the things I try to be thankful for daily is this “breath of life.”  Waking up in the morning and able to breathe – thank You Lord for the gift of Your Spirit’s breath in my lungs, that life-giving and life-sustaining breath.

It is the breath of the Almighty, which is interesting.  El Shaddai   is the name of God Almighty, powerful and the One who is all sufficient.  This name reflects God’s omnipotence.  It was El Shaddai who made the covenant with Abraham, as found in Genesis 17:1:  “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before me and be blameless.”  I pray to and worship the God of all sufficiency, who can meet my needs and care for me, using the descriptive name of El Shaddai.

This breath (or Spirit) of the God of all sufficiency continues to give me life.  It is humbling, awesome, and causes me to bow before my Maker with thankfulness, praise and worship.  In that worshipful moment of acknowledging the greatness of God and smallness of me, I inhale the breath of life with thankfulness and exhale that sustaining breath of life with praise.

August 15, 2017

Walk By Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  2 Cor. 5:7

This morning I prayed.  You might not think that is anything especially terrific; except when I prayed, one of my prayers was 400 years into the future.  I have been praying for quite some time now for my as yet unborn grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on.  With an average life expectancy of 80 years covering 5 generations, by my calculation that is 400 years forward – should the Lord tarry His return.

It is obvious that I pray this prayer by faith, not by sight.  My daughter will be married this summer.  She and her future husband hope to be parents one day and so, I pray this prayer.  It is one of the many marvelous and yet mysterious things about prayer:  it is speaking from this realm into an unseen realm.  It is communicating from time into timelessness.  Earth connects with heaven and, I hope, heaven comes down to kiss earth with a perfect and holy and just and true answer. 

The point is this: I do not have to see it, or feel it, to believe it.  It is a prayer with confidence in an Almighty God who is an Everlasting Father.  This prayer strengthens me, encourages, and fills me with hope.  I see – absolutely nothing.  But by faith I am confident this prayer reaches the inclined ear of my Father, whose heart beats for me, my daughter, and those five generations.  Lord may Your will be manifested in their lives.

August 14, 2017

I Will Gather Still

“I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”  Isaiah 56:8

This is what the Lord said to the prophet Isaiah – “I will gather still to them besides those already gathered.”  These great chapters in Isaiah 52 through 55 all foretell of the Suffering Servant, Jesus.  He would be the One who would come to rescue Israel, restore, Israel, and renew the covenant promises of old.  Indeed when we read these chapters, we find such truths.  When we arrive at chapter 56 of Isaiah, we discover something else:  God’s great rescue operation would not be limited to Israel.  Foreigners, or what we might call Gentiles, who called upon the name of the Lord, would also be brought into this great family and house of blessing.  What hope!

These words echo in our hearts and spirits today, as we who follow Jesus await His return and pray, ‘Come Lord Jesus.’  God is gathering still.  The great rescue operation predicted in the days of Isaiah had begun when a carpenter’s son ministered good news and demonstrated the good news in His life, death, and resurrection.  That same rescue plan is still in effect.  God is gathering still others to join the royal family He has already gathered – Jew and Gentile formed into the one new man in Christ. 

May it be the prayer of our hearts this day, Lord gather still while there is still time to gather. 

August 13, 2017

Prayer for the Church

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Eph. 1:15-23

This is  Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians.  Let’s explore this precious prayer to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Paul is asking God to provide for the church.  It is noteworthy that Paul’s prayer can be our prayer for the church.

• Paul prays for the church to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him;
• Paul prays for the eyes of the church’s understanding to be enlightened – in order that the church might know:
• The hope of His calling;

o   The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints;

o   The exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe;

§  Which God worked in Christ when He raised Him and seated Him in the heavenly places;

§  Above all power, principality, might, and dominion, and name;

§  Putting all things under His feet; and,

§  Giving Him to be the Head over all things to the church;

§  Which is His body – the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

This is a powerful way to pray for the church!  It is important to note that Paul, who was Jewish, wrote this prayer in order that the people comprising the church at Ephesus might have “knowledge of Him.”  Paul was not writing about head-knowledge.  Paul was praying for heart-knowledge – that the very eyes of hearts would be opened to see things in new and different ways; the ways that God sees.  Such heart-knowledge, or experience, comes through the spirit of wisdom and revelation. 

When we experience healing, we know Jesus as Healer!  When we experience restoration, we know Him as Restorer.  It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that revelation and wisdom comes.  When we have peace in our lives, we know Him as Jehovah-Shalom.  Each experience draws us closer to the Lord. 

August 12, 2017

The Encampment

“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banners of his family.”  Num. 2:1-2

Num. 2:1-34 detailed the encampment.  This chapter is fascinating and filled with vital information, God patterns, and God principles.  Judah was on the east side, to the right.  It was seen as a position of honor.  Issachar and Zebulun joined this tribe.  Their mother was Leah.  Moses, Aaron and their sons were the Levites specifically chosen to reside on that side.  This was also recognized as the front line in battle – in total, the 3 tribes had 186,400 soldiers.  Num. 2:9 states they would be the first to break camp.  The standard of Judah was the lion.

To the south was Reuben, followed by Simeon and Gad.  Their mothers were Leah and Zilpah, her handmaiden.  The banner of Reuben was a man.  The Kohathites were the Levites chosen to occupy the south side.  The total number was 151,450 of warriors.  They would be the second to break camp.

On the west was Ephraim, whose banner was a bull.  Manasseh and Benjamin joined him.  Rachel gave birth to Benjamin, and to Joseph (who then had Ephraim and Manasseh).  This west side totaled 108,100.  The Gershonites were the Levites occupying this side.  Ephraim would be the third to break camp.

To the north side was Dan and his standard was an eagle.  Asher and Napthali joined him.  Their mothers were Bilah an Zilpah.  The total fighting force was 157,600.  The Mahlites and Mushites were the Levites chosen to live on the north side.  Dan would be the last to break camp.

When re-organized based on troop size, you will find the encampment takes the shape of a cross.  Also noteworthy is Num. 2:17, “And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out everyone in his place, by their standards.”  The Levites would always be in the middle of the encampment.  

August 11, 2017

Bearing Burdens

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For each one shall bear his own load.”  Gal. 6:1-5

We find in this passage very specific guidance on how to deal with others and ourselves as it relates to sin.  Paul is stating when we see someone else struggling with sin, the first thing we need to do is “consider ourselves.”  Are we in a place of spiritual health and maturity to be able to lovingly and gently restore our brother or sister?  Are we willing to bear our brother or sister’s burdens?  Do we pray for them?  Do we bless them?  Do we walk with them, even if it is in silence?  Paul is clear that we must examine ourselves before determining if we are called to be the one to restore the brother or sister caught up in sin.  The reason is simple:  if we are not in the proper spiritual place, we may well be tempted to sin.  

We are called to bear one another’s burdens, for this is love.  In so doing, we fulfill the law of Christ: to love one another as Christ loves us.  Rom. 15:1 states: “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves.”   Jesus came as our role model to show agape – the unconditional love that expects nothing in return, is for the person’s best interests, and is what the person needs, not wants. 

We should consider ourselves soberly and honestly.  Verse 3 reminds us to think of ourselves humbly, lest we get puffed up.  Rom. 12:3 declares: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”  In chapter five we presented the precept of submission as a key to the Christian journey.  In this chapter we present the precept of humility.  It is a sign of humbleness to submit to the authority and Lordship of Jesus.  Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”   Perhaps the ultimate expression of humility is found in Psalm 113:5-6, “Who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?” 

August 10, 2017

Our Overwhelming God

“From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”  Ps. 61:2-3

Father, I pray that You would overwhelm that which overwhelms us.  May Your perfect love and authority be displayed so that those things that appear to be controlling us, hindering us, and besetting us are totally and completely overwhelmed by You.

May You come with the gentle power that disrupts, disturbs, and destroys those obstacles that are in our way.  Let the force of Your unfailing love and relentless compassion be like the waves coming to wash over us and separate us from those obstacles.  May each and every hindrance go out with receding tide.

Lord, lead us to the Rock that is Jesus the King.  Bring us to the safe place where we can re-gain our footing and not stumble.  Thank You that when we are led to Jesus, we are led to a place higher than ourselves, greater than ourselves; a place that filled with awe and splendor and beauty – all because You are there.

You have been our refuge so many times before; the cleft in the Rock where we can hide away.  You have been our strong tower and sanctuary from the adversary.  We come to You once again, seeking Your presence, Your power, and Your protection – and we find it in You.

Hear our cry O God and listen to our prayer.