GOD’S AGENDA (WILL)

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PURSUE GOD’S AGENDA

So we are all still here and the world did not end. Remember the Bible says that “no man” will know when the end of times will happen. I guess that the person saying the end would come on 5/21 was not named “no man”. Most confuse the “end of the world” with rapture. I heard that on the news at least twice. Rapture, by that name, is not in the Bible. But as you study the Bible, especially Revelations, it is clear that rapture could occur at any time, but that is not the “end of the world”.  Then the Bible clearly says it will be 7 years from rapture before Christ comes again and “ends” the world as we know it. This is God’s agenda.

Today we will spend some time pursuing God’s agenda by recognizing our accountability, holding uncompromisingly to the gospel, and living out our devotion to the church. We know that we need to commit ourselves to pursuing God’s agenda wherever it leads and whatever it costs. However, many times we all pursue our own agenda. We are going to look at three different scripture areas, all written by Paul. As a servant of God, we need to seek what God is telling us to do through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right.

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Recognize Your Accountability to God

In a recent previous lesson we talked above the immorality of Corinth, as a city. In fact, this past Sunday, the Pastor repeated all of the background and description of Corinth as we had talked in some detail before. Also I have mentioned at least twice that we all get spiritual gifts when we become Christians and it is always nice when the Pastor re-affirms specifics from our lesson (like he did over and over this past week’s sermon). That background helps us understand- again- what Paul is saying about the Corinthian church’s need for accountability. Paul starts by setting himself up as a “manager of God’s mysteries”. Managers can mean “stewards” (KJV) and describes someone who receives responsibility to care for the property of another. God’s mysteries are the hidden wonders in God’s plan that he was revealing to the Corinthians. Paul is emphasizing that they must be faithful and accountable to God. So when Paul talks about- that it is not important to be evaluated by them, or even any human court, he is not being arrogant but that we all need to be accountable only to God.   It is tempting to judge fellow Christians but only God knows a person’s heart, and He is the only one with the right to judge us and others. We are to confront those who are sinning (5:12-13) but we must not judge who is a better servant for Christ. What are we likely saying when we judge others?  (That we know best, we are better than they are and/or it is arrogance.)“Hidden in darkness” and “reveal intentions” refer to the inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know. Since our Heavenly rewards will be based, not just on outward service, but on inward devotion, only God can give the praise each deserves. So Paul affirmed that at Christ’s coming “praise will come to each one from God”. God will judge our actions and motives related to our work. God does not want to bless our agendas; rather, He wants us to pursue His.

Read Galatians 1:6-10 Hold Uncompromisingly to the Gospel

Galatians was written around 48-52 AD to churches in Galatia, located in what is not central Turkey. The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. Paul proclaims the reality of our liberty in Christ- freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord. Galatians was written to refute the Judaizers (extremist Jewish faction who were Christians within the church of the Galatians) and to all believers back to pure gospel. Paul was teaching that faith in Christ means true freedom, but many in the church were turning their back to this truth. Paul was expressing amazement that many had turned so quickly from the Lord. They were probably doing so because of their Jewish heritage. It appears they were probably doing so because of their Jewish heritage. It appears they were attempting to combine the two religions but using the law instead of faith in Christ for salvation. This teaching and beliefs were threatening these new churches in Galatia as they were trying to change the gospel about the Messiah. Paul used the comment about even if an angel from Heaven preached a gospel other than the true good news a curse would come upon the angel to indicate how important it was to maintain the proper doctrine. What do you think Paul might be thinking about any angel who may try to present another doctrine?  (Paul also warned that Satan could disguise himself as an angel of light. Satan is always trying to fool everyone.)

Paul was trying to impress on all of us that twisting the truth is more difficult to spot than an outright lie. There could be no other gospel and that were some in those Galatians who were the trouble makers. Those guilty of trying to “twist the truth” with false messages would be cursed. The actual word was a Greek term that has been carried over into English, “anathema”. It was used to translate a Hebrew word meaning devoted to God for destruction. It was, of course, totally rejected by God; like idols and valuable goods captured by Israelites in battle with their enemies which they had been commanded to destroy. Paul felt the Judaizers offenses were so serious that drastic action was warranted. In verse 10 Paul countered the charge by the Judaizers that Paul was leaving out the law by indicating it was God’s favor he sought. Paul was a servant of Christ and that he would not compromise even for the sake of popularity. Pursuing God’s agenda means holding uncompromisingly to and making known the gospel! The gospel does not have a human origin but comes from the Lord Himself (Galatians 1:11-12).

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 Live Out Your Devotion to the Church

The church at Thessalonica (in Macedonia the northern part of Greece) was very young, having been established only 2 or 3 years before this letter was written. The Thessalonians Christians needed to mature in their faith. In addition, there was a growing misunderstanding concerning Christ’s second coming. Some thought Christ would return immediately. So they were confused when their loved ones died because they expected Christ to return before hand. Paul was trying to help them understand the events of Christ’s return and that they would not know the timing, which was discussed in the latter part of this book. Paul and his companions “were like children” in that they were honest, straightforward, and without guile in their presentation of the gospel and their lives. Paul may have had in mind Moses’ portrayal of himself as a nursing mother to Israel (Numbers 11:12). He had used the same tender picture with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:14) and the Galatians (Galatians 4:19). Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians was like that felt by a mother willing to sacrifice her life for her child as was Christ who was willing to give up His own life for those who would be born again into the family of God (Matt. 20:28). Verses 7 and 8 both contain strong contrasts. Paul’s group could have been a burden; instead they were gentle nurturers. They could have shared only the gospel; instead they shared their very lives. Believers today also need to have love for other people. Love for others is one of the great motivators to share our faith. The word “dear” can mean “beloved” and is related to the word agape- unconditional love expressing itself in self-denying commitment.

Although Paul had the right to receive financial support from the people he taught, he supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18-13) so he wouldn’t be a burden to the new Thessalonians believers. Paul explained “laboring night and day” in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. Paul lived on what he made so that his motives could not be questioned, unlike the false teachers who always sought money. Are there some of those types around today? (Just turn on TV) (Billy Graham was a great example of how to do it right.) Then it says they “preached God’s gospel” which Paul said included these truths: 1) the authority and truthfulness of Scripture (v-13); 2) the deity of Christ (Roman 10:9); 3) the sinfulness of mankind (Romans 3:23); 4) Christ’s death and Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:4); and 5) salvation by God’s grace through man’s faith in God (Eph 2:8-9). Paul’s summary of the gospel is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. To ensure that Paul was believed and followed, he wanted the Thessalonians to see him as a man of integrity, devoted to the church. So he said “you are witnesses, and so is God”. Under Old Testament law it took two or more witnesses to verify truth (Numbers 35:30, Deut. 17:6 19:15, 2 Cor. 13:1). Here, Paul called on both the Thessalonians and God as witnesses to affirm his holy conduct in the ministry (2 Cor. 1:12). Paul and his companions had lived devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly, and had given sacrificially of themselves to provide spiritual leadership. Paul used three words to describe his fatherly relationship with the Thessalonians since they were his children in the faith: exhorted, comforted, and charged. They emphasized the personal touch of a loving father (1 Cor. 4:14-15). Paul is laying out the way we used to take new believers under our wing until they mature enough to stand firm in their faith. This help of new believers should continue until they are strong enough to influence others for the sake of the Good News.

Finally, Paul speaks of the sphere of eternal salvation (Colossians 1:13-14) when he says-“calls you into His own kingdom” and thus culminating in the splendor of Heaven. So verse 12 is encouraging all of us to walk worthy of God” because of God’s promise of eternal life. The Bible stresses again and again that God is guiding history and He wants us to pursue His agenda and will. Doing so brings Him glory and honor, which is the goal of all creation (Eph. 1:5-6, 14; Rev. 5:11-14). As He pursues His agenda, He invites people everywhere to pursue it with Him. Paul is saying that those who lead, need to communicate clearly and often God’s agenda. We can better pursue God’s agenda when we take three steps. First, we must recognize our accountability to God. We have a ministry as stewards of God’s work and He expects our faithfulness. Second, we must hold uncompromisingly to the gospel. There is only one gospel, and we must take a stand for the truth. Third, we must live out our devotion to the church. As we demonstrate loving concern for people and their spiritual growth, we will see God’s work advance. We can only find true and lasting fulfillment when we pursue God’s agenda (will).

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HANDBOOK FROM GOD- LEVITICUS

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BLESSINGS OF HOLINESS

The Book of Leviticus should remind us how often God had to repeat Himself to His people. Could it be that the people of Israel just didn’t understand what God meant when He said “Be Holy because I, Yahweh your God, am holy” (Lev. 19:2)? Believers today often have the same trouble. We know what it means to be “holy” unto the Lord. Leviticus 26 paints a plain picture for us to see and behold, yet for some of us we can’t seem to stay on track. Sin, we may rationalize, doesn’t “feel” bad but rather “good” while are engaged in act. We may believe just one more sin will not hurt us. Some even rely on the grace of God’s forgiveness, which is a topic apostle Paul vigorously discussed in Romans and Galatians. However, the way in which we respond to the Holy Spirit’s chastisement shows the true mettle of our Christianity. Will we repent and seek Christ’s forgiveness so that we may grow and experience the blessings of holiness or will we be stubborn and rebellious and harden our hearts? This lesson sets out three great truths, fruitfulness (how to live so that we walk in His Love), Yahweh’s presence (and the blessings that come with an intimate relationship with Him), and restoration (how to allow Yahweh to pick us back up off the floor once again, and make the fall a learning experience.)

Read Leviticus 26:3-10 Fruitfulness

Leviticus functions as a “handbook” for holiness for Israel. Chapter 26 deals with the common conduct of the nation of Israel. There is a two-pronged focus of the chapter- essentially “blessings and curses”, depending on the behavior of the supplicants. Considering first the blessings, verse 3 began with “If you follow My statutes…”. What was God’s blessings contingent upon?  (Keep my statutes but also faithfully observe my commands.)What follows this is an examination of the blessings which Yahweh promises the nation are bountiful harvest, supremacy in battle, and a crucial swelling of their numbers. Peace shall come to those who honor God, and none need to be afraid. The Lord will “have regard” for them and bounteously provide for their needs. Most significantly He will “walk among” them, and they will belong to each other. They will live securely in the land, enjoying the fruit of their labors.

The “shock value” of these first few verses is often lost on the Western conscience with the abundance of food to which we have access. In the ancient Near East, Israel and her neighbors were strongly dependent upon a yearly agricultural cycle.  This cycle included the grain harvest early in the summer months. If for any reason (drought, blight, or simply bad timing of rains) the cycle was thrown off, then often famine would be a threat. Famine brought death, disease, and destruction, and was often seen ultimately as punishment by Yahweh. We may also be surprised by how peculiar verse 6 sounds if we really think about it. We know that during biblical times wild, exotic animals inhabited Canaan, including lions and bears but God would remove them. Then reference to no sword passing through the land meant a metaphor peace. David had been told that there would always be war in his house (“the sword would never leave your house” 2 Sam. 12:10). However, this passage promises safety (no wars) if the nation would follow Yahweh’s law. So how could the Israelites go against Yahweh and refuse all of these blessings? These are the same type of decisions that we all face.

Read Leviticus 26:11-13 Presence

The wondrous presence of Yahweh promised in verses 11-13 gave Israel hope. It is very significant that He will “walk among” them, and they will belong to each other. The basis for the confident hope is given in verse 13. Imagine the joy of a slave set free. God took the children of Israel out of bitter slavery and gave them freedom and dignity. We, too, are set free when we accept Christ’s payment that redeems us from sin’s slavery. We no longer need to be bogged down in shame over our past sins. We can walk with dignity because God has forgiven us and forgotten our sin. But just as the Israelites were still in danger of returning to a slave mentality, we need to beware of the temptation to return to our former sinful pattern.

In verse 11, Yahweh says “I will place My residence among you”. This is easy to think back to the Garden of Eden when God was with Adam and Eve. A literal translation of the Hebrew in this verse would connote God “tabernacling” with men. In essence, Yahweh was saying that He would tabernacle with man and not reject the Israelites. The tabernacle was that special place where God and man had fellowship. Remember how God would come to the Israelites in a cloud to reaffirm Moses. It was a place where God determined to dwell among the His people as long as their sins were dealt with in the proper manner. What Yahweh desired for His people was that intimate fellowship that signified an ongoing, growing, loving relationship. Paul cited Leviticus 26:12 in 2 Corinthians 6:16 to connote believers as the living temple of God! Christians are that special, living holy temple that the Holy Spirit now inhabits. Yahweh extended to His people the possibility that if they followed the covenant and forsook rebellion in favor of obedience, then they could see the blessing of His presence. Of course, it ultimately would take the life of His Son, Jesus, to even make this possibility a reality. Humanity, it its fallen state, would not nor could not possess this continued reality of living with God’s presence except through the blessings of Yahweh. How does it impact you to know you have Someone in your life you will never lose? (There are a lot of feelings that come to mind—joy, confidence, hope, peace, security, etc.)

Read Leviticus 26:40-42, 45 Restoration

Verses 14-39 recount the consequences of living unholy lives, including the reversal of each aspect of fruitfulness highlighted in verses 3-10. However, God offers to return the blessings of holiness to those who seek restoration. The first step in restoration with God is to confess our sins before Him with a contrite heart. In our popular culture people often think that remorse is the same as repentance. Nothing theologically could be further from the truth biblically than such a false notion. The idea of remorse for some is nothing more than feeling sorry that one was caught in the act of sin. However, remorse does not carry with it the life changing idea of repentance- a turning away from sin and toward God for guidance. So God lays out some very strict guidelines for dealing with our sin.

These verses show what God meant when He said He is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6). Even if the Israelites chose to disobey and were scattered among their enemies. God would still give them the opportunity to repent and return to Him. His purpose was not to destroy them, but to help them grow. Our day-to-day experiences and hardships are sometimes over whelming, unless we can see that God’s purpose is to bring about continual growth in us, we may despair. The hope we need is well expressed in Jeremiah 29:11-12. “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.” To retain hope while we suffer shows we understand God’s merciful ways of retaining to His purpose.

The heart of Yahweh desires to restore His people. This is affirmed in 1 John 1:9 where God is pictured as “faithful” and “righteous” as well as forgiving of our sins. Verses 42, 45 picture this faithfulness of Yahweh, especially when He says that He will remember the covenant with their fathers whom He brought out of Egypt. This section is closed with God’s comment that “I am Yahweh”.

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SERVING-JESUS’ EXAMPLE

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BEING SERVED OR SERVING

Society has an upside down picture of greatness. People often judge true greatness by how much or power a person possesses. As model of greatness, we often choose athletes who have both power and money, but whose lives often are either selfish or immoral. Others point to film stars who have reached the pinnacle of their profession yet are many times consumed with their own little worlds. Some Christians emphasize humility and teach others that greatness is the opposite of humility. Untrue; pride is the opposite of humility. True greatness is found in serving others and living a life that will last beyond this life.

Luke 22 unfolds Judas’ plot to kill Jesus (vv. 1-6). While Judas plotted to betray Jesus, Jesus prepared His disciples for His death by observing a special Passover meal to celebrate with His disciples (vv. 7-13). When the hour came for the Passover meal to occur, Jesus gathered with the disciples in an upper room and assumed the role of host in the Passover ceremony with His disciples. He explained that He would not drink the wine of this ceremony again until the kingdom of God comes (vv. 14-18). In order for us to redefine greatness, we should begin with the example Jesus gave during the last supper to determine if it is found in serving or being served.

Read Luke 22:19-23 Remember Jesus’ Examples

Jesus embodied true greatness. He exhibited humility and a servant’s spirit throughout His earthly lifetime, continuing those qualities during the final weeks as He prepared to go to the cross. Jesus gathered with His disciples to be a servant both in the Passover meal described in our verses but also by washing the disciples’ feet. Luke’s account of the Last Supper mentions two cups- verses 17-18 and verse 20. The other accounts mention only one. Luke notes that the cup of verse 20 was taken “after supper”. He likely used these words to set apart the institution of the Lord’s Supper in verses 19-20 from the Passover meal itself. Luke 22:19-20 and the other New Testament references to the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:12-26; Matt. 26:17-30; 1 Cor. 11:17-34) show why Christians observe the Lord’s Supper rather than the Passover. The divine deliverance of Israel from Egypt foreshadowed the deliverance from sin and death made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reminder: the Passover was originally when the Israelites spread animal blood over their doors to prevent their first born from being killed when God used this as the final method to free Moses and his people. So Luke and the other Gospels clearly tell us Jesus used the bread and cup to represent His body and blood as the Last or Lord’s Supper.

Verse 22 shows two important aspects of the death of Jesus. From God’s point of view, the death of Jesus was God’s plan for human redemption. However, those who were responsible for His death are held accountable for what they did. Judas was not a helpless pawn in a divine drama; otherwise Jesus would not have pronounced judgment on him for betrayal. This was followed in verse 23 by being told that the disciples argued (HCSB) or inquired (KJV) among themselves. The disciples (remember Luke the author here was not a disciple), wrapped up in their own concerns, didn’t perceive what Jesus had been trying to tell them about His approaching death and resurrection. Jesus wanted the disciples to get their eyes off themselves and get ready for what He was about to experience. He wanted them to think about their commitment to Him and His teachings. The disciples showed little humility not following the example of their Savior who was about to die on the cross for their sin. Deep down, they surely had to know the potential for betrayal rested in each one of them. In fact, the only disciple mentioned at the cross was John (Luke 19:25-27). Apparently the disciples began to look at each other with suspicion, as if they would never have it in them to betray Jesus. They should have looked at the humility of Christ who served them the supper. Do you know why we use the term “Lord’s Supper” and not “Communion”?  (The definition of Communion includes “sacraments”, which is a reference to bread and wine actually becoming Jesus’ body and blood. We believe these are only symbols, so the Lord’s Supper is a more accurate term.)

Read Luke 22:24-27 Avoid Worldly Perspectives

The word “also” in verse 24 shows that the disciples moved from their discussion of who would betray Jesus to an argument about who deserved to be regarded as greatest. This fact that they would have such as argument at this time shows how out of touch they were with their Lord. The debate revealed their worldly perspective of greatness. If greatness is determined from the world’s point of view, it would include fame, power, money and position. The disciples quickly got off target by scrambling for position and power. They forgot the example Jesus gave them in the bread and wine. Jesus contrasted the worldly view of greatness with what they had witnessed at the Passover meal. He said that “kings of the Gentiles” exercised dominion over those that they ruled. Jesus used the term “benefactors” which often applied to those who had absolute authority over their subjects, whether gods or kings. These “benefactors” would often look out primarily for their own pleasure, good, or well-being. Jesus laid down His life for good of those who would follow Him, while the earthly rulers often took the lives of their subjects for their own whims. Jesus’ desire was that His disciples embrace His attitude of service, not the world’s way of domination.

So what did Jesus mean by “whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest”?  (The youngest are considered the lowliest with the least standing. The way up for Jesus was down.)The greatest in Jesus’ order were those who took on the responsibilities of the younger who served their elders. The Jesus asked a leading question in verse 27 to help the disciples catch the point. He mentioned the person at the table and the one serving the table, then, He asked which of the two was greater. In our society normally the greatest are being served. Ask any waiter at a restaurant, and this idea of entitlement from the people they serve the waiter will encounter this attitude. Jesus explained the reversal of importance from the world’s view when He said “But I am among you as the One who serves”. Jesus described true greatness as humble living and self-sacrifice. Every Christian needs a servant’s heart.

Read Luke 22:28-30 Adopt a Kingdom Perspective

Jesus promised to give the disciples rights and privileges as leaders in His kingdom. They had adopted a Kingdom perspective to order their lives. Jesus would build His kingdom of such people. He called His disciples “the ones who stood by Me in My trials”. The disciples had remained with Jesus in spite of plots by religious leaders against His life. They had seen the fickleness of the crowds yet remained with Him. They invested in His kingdom rather than trying to build their own. Those who want to be served are more interested in their own kingdoms. Those who serve are more interested in His kingdom. In spite of the disciples’ dispute about who should be the greatest, it was still about their desire to serve in His kingdom.

The disciples had adopted a Kingdom perspective instead of a worldly one. So Jesus was saying that He would make a covenant with them for rewards in heaven. The idea (with a different Greek word) appears in Luke 12:32 for the Father making covenant with His people to give them the Kingdom. In this case Jesus makes the covenant and confers the Kingdom. Jesus offered to us the same Kingdom that the Father had given to Him. Jesus was indicating that the disciples would participate in the kingdom of God., which had present and future implications. The promise of future rewards in verses 28-30 needs to be viewed in light of verses 24-27. Jesus spoke words of assurance in verses 28-30. Because the disciples had continued with Him, He was assuring them they would share in the joys of the coming kingdom. However, He did not pace any of them in places of honor above others.

In the new Israel (New Heaven), the twelve will occupy places comparable to the places of the twelve tribes of ancient Israel. In heaven, we will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom without an environment inclined toward sin and trial. Jesus was describing two future rewards for us for living with a Kingdom perspective on earth. First, the faithful would eat and drink at His table in His kingdom. Second, the reward for living with a Kingdom perspective involved a responsibility in heaven. Jesus said that those who belong to His kingdom would sit on thrones. In Revelations 5:10, John heard the song of the 24 elders that said of the redeemed, “You made them a kingdom and priest to our God, and they will reign on the earth”. This means in the future we will reign over all the earth (Luke 22:29-30).

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Adopt the Right Perspective-MOSES

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THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Meaning and purpose come in life as we deepen our walk with God and trust Him completely. Believers want to know that their lives count for something beyond just getting through the day. When we take the time to step back and see the big picture, we understand what really matters for time and eternity. Life can have meaning now, and we can make a difference in the world around us now. God gave Moses a song that would help Israel see the big picture. This song can teach the believer what matters for time and eternity.

Read Deuteronomy 32:1-4 God is Worthy

Moses had grown old (120 Years old), and knew God would not let him enter the Promised Land (Deut. 32:2). Moses also knew that when Israel crossed the Jordan, they would need some type of testimony to remind them of the covenant they had made with God at Sinai. So Moses wrote down the words of the law and entrusted them to the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant (31:9). He instructed them to read the law on a regular basis to all Israel so that they might learn to fear the Lord and follow Him (31:10-13). However, God Knew Israel was a rebellious and stubborn nation (31:16-18). He commanded Moses to do one more thing. God directed Moses to give Israel another witness, a song (31:19). The ancient Near East gives us evidence of songs of all kinds from 3000 BC onward.

Moses was not only a great prophet but also a song leader. He changed his form of his message from sermons to singing, which mad it easier to remember. All of us show were involved in Vacation Bible School in the past or other types of Bible training as kids remember the songs that were sung and the stories if these songs better than sermons or talks. This is a big reason that Veggie Tales are so popular (even Larry’s Silly Songs). God told Moses to write down the song and teach it to the people. This song gives a brief history of Israel. (Wish I knew the melody to go with the words.) Moses’ song reminds the people of their mistakes, warns them to avoid repetition of those mistakes, and offers the hope that comes only in trusting God. God intended for this song to testify against Israel because He knew they would worship other gods and break the covenant (32:20-21). Then by remembering the song, they would repent and seek forgiveness.

This poem (song) is one of the most beautiful and eloquent compositions in the Old Testament. The poem begins with Moses calling upon the heavens and earth to listen…to the words that he would speak. Two literary issues need to be pointed out here. First, the song follows the common practice of Hebrew poetry in repeating the basic meaning of one line in the following line or lines. This gives beauty and depth to the song. So Moses says “pay attention” to the heavens and “listen” to the earth. Second, the song uses simile to draw attention to the poem’s thought. For an example, the teaching of the song falls “like rain”, and the words “settle like dew”. “Like” signals a simile, a figure of speech where one thing is compared to another. This helps us understand why this poem/song is so well respected by so many. Then Moses calls God “The Rock”. What is the significance of this? (This represents the stability and permanence of God and is followed by a series of phrases which elaborates the attributes of God as the Rock of Israel. It also declares God’s Greatness.)

Read Deuteronomy 32:5-9 Humanity is Willful

Verse 5 picks up on the second great theme of the poem. In stark contrast to God’s faithfulness, Israel has acted like a “devious and crooked generation”. First, the song reminds God’s people that they have already “acted corruptly toward Him”. Second, the song also points prophetically to the future when Israel would turn their attention to pagan gods, breaking the covenant at Sinai and turning their back on the Lord. In doing so, they would not be acting like His children. The second line of verse 5 is difficult to translate. The Hebrew word “defect” in Holman, is “spot” in KJV, “blemish” in American Standard, or “shame in NIV. The “defect” and the term “perfect” (v.4) (or unblemished) are used to designate sacrificial animals that are either unacceptable or acceptable for worship (Lev. 22:21; Numbers 19:2). So unlike God’s deeds and actions, which are “perfect” (Deut. 32:4), Israel’s were defective and unacceptable. The moral blemish or “defect” was Israel’s willfulness: a desire to reject God as the Father and act as disobedient and willful children. IN Matthew 17:17, Jesus used the phrase like “a perverse and crooked generation” to describe an unbelieving generation and Paul (Philippians 2:15) talks about the dark world of mankind in rebellion against God.

Moses directly addressed Israel in verse 6 and continued the indictment in a series of rhetorical questions. These show that Israel failed to realize God’s requirements were not wearisome burdens but were the result of God’s covenant love. Moses urged them to “remember the days of old”. Then he uses the title “Most High”, which is Genesis 14 refers to Yahweh or God, to say that was who gave the nations their inheritance (Amos 9:7; Deut. 4:20). This was “dividing the human race” into separate nations. God wanted Israel to be “His own” special possession (Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2). With such a lofty position and role, the betrayal and corruption of Israel starkly highlights their wickedness. What reaction do you have or what do these verses say to you? (God is God and we are not!)

Read Deuteronomy 32:36-39, 43 God’s Ways are Wonderful

The main purpose of these verses is to establish the truth of God’s grace: despite Israel’s arrogant rebellion, God still loved His people and would willingly have compassion on them. In contrast to Israel’s willful actions, “God’s Ways are Wonderful”. Verse 36 is the promise that the Lord will judge Israel as a nation, but that the nation is composed of both righteous and wicked. It seems to be saying that God helps the righteous (His servants) by destroying the wicked- a prediction of what is to come also. This verse also tells us what had to happen before Israel could experience God’s mercy. What was it? (When Israel’s “strength “to rebel was “gone”.) In the next two verses, Moses uses rhetorical questions again to say that trust in any other possible source of strength will prove useless. Then verse 39 contains a noble declaration of God’s nature. In contrast to the inability of idols, the God of Israel “alone” is “He”- the living God. “There is no God” but Yahweh- this makes the strong point that He alone is the Only One capable enough to offer help and protection. It spells out that God’s hand holds the power of “death” and “life”, and He alone can exercise the power to “wound” and “heal”. Then it says “No one” could be rescued “from” His “hand”- which exclaims that when a person is a true child of His no one can take them away. This is the forerunner of “once saved, always saved”.

The final verse (43) of the song boldly proclaims that the Lord will “avenge the blood of His servants” and execute “vengeance” on “His adversaries”. This is a reference to the second Coming and the last days for the wicked. In addition, He “will purify” both ”His land and His people”. The Hebrew verb translated “purify” actually means “to make atonement”. This indicates that hope exists for reconciliation between God and His people. This atonement would find its fulfillment and fullness in Christ Jesus (Ezekiel 16:60-63; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17) on the Cross (this is referenced in Psalms 79:9.) Verse 43 is quoted by Paul in Romans 15:10; as does the writer of Hebrews in 1:6. As an end result, all “nations” would be called on to “rejoice” with Israel for God’s wonderful ways.

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ISAIAH-SUFFERING SERVANT

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ISAIAH 53:1-3 THE SUFFERING SERVANT

This is the fourth and most compelling of Isaiah’s servant songs (52:13- 53:13). It contains the clearest description of the suffering Christ –although Isaiah never uses the name Christ – it did not exist in human speech yet.  Isaiah begins with a sharp contrast: the Servant is valued by God, but rejected by man (52:13-15). Eager for a powerful ruler, God’s people see no beauty in the carpenter of Galilee, despite His good works (53:1-2). Despised by His own people Christ was a sufferer, not a conqueror (v. 3). His affliction might be seen as evidence of God’s displeasure, but His suffering actually is for us, that we might be healed by His wounds (blood). Time and time again, Isaiah calls the Messiah – the Suffering Servant.

Appearances are still deceiving. Let’s not look at a person’s cash, clothing or even their differences from us, but at their commitment and compassion. Probably, we all have heard the thought of how would we react if a man dressed in a long, torn robe with saddles and dirty feet came in our church before we knew that person was Jesus. The values that demonstrate human culture are far from the values held by God. What seems beautiful and majestic to most human beings has no attraction for God. The true beauty of Jesus was His willingness to suffer and the true majesty was in His humility. We need to concentrate on making ourselves beautiful – to God!

It is hard for me to understand why so many of the Jewish people have refused to accept Jesus with all of the Old Testament signs, prophecy, fulfilled promises, and proof that Jesus is the savior for which they were looking. It may be somewhat easier to understand how non-Jews (today or back in Jesus’ day), with little or no Old Testament knowledge have rejected Him. However, we must not misunderstand Jesus’ purpose. He came to save -not to rule or conqueror. Isaiah says it so clearly that He dies “for the transgression of My people”- yet so many of Isaiah’s people rejected Him and so many still do! Isaiah also believed strongly that the “Suffering Servant” would come for all- even Gentiles. Isaiah was so instrumental in setting the stage for the Gentiles to accept salvation.

This is the message we need to be prepared to tell everyone, in a gentle, loving way. No matter who “they” are or what their appearance, we need to show the love and humility of Jesus. He showed that love and humility in His life and in His death.

Prayer

As we praise your name, we seek your help, wisdom, healing, patience, love, mercy and grace. We thank you for your blessings each day and for the promise of eternal salvation if we but believe, confess and commit. We ask for the Holy Spirit to be present with us and to guide as we seek your will for our lives. Lord, help us to share your love with others and give us the humility to serve you.

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