Category Archives: Chosen by God

SERVE THROUGH PRAYER

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While we certainly should agree that prayer is an important part of Christian life, we often struggle to make prayer a primary, consistent part of our lives. We interact with others frequently through out smartphones, but the same urgency is often lacking with our prayers. With our phones, we can talk with people about their needs and concerns, but in prayer, we can to God, the Creator and Sustainor of the universe, about those same needs and concerns. By intervening on behalf of others through prayer, we can change others’ lives. Step into the lives of others by praying for them. Elijah was a prophet known for his praying. God dramatically changed the trajectory of Elijah’s ministry.

                                                  Read 1 Kings 17:17-18

17 Sometime later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”

       The widow of Zarephath is unsure of Elijah’s identity when, after taking the prophet into her home, her son becomes deathly sick. By the end of the story, though, she is ready to proclaim, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth” (1 Kings 17:24). What enables such a dramatic shift in her outlook? The widow of Zarephath is unsure of Elijah’s identity when, after taking the prophet into her home, her son becomes deathly sick. By the end of the story, though, she is ready to proclaim, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth” (1 Kings 17:24). What enables such a dramatic shift in her outlook?

        Nothing less than the resuscitation of her dead child changes her mind. Elijah’s revival of her child from death to life relieves her doubt about who Elijah is, what his purposes are, and from whom his strange powers originate. Of course, she now believes he speaks God’s truth! Witnessing such a miracle would make a believer out of any of us — at least, we hope it would. But the widow’s profession of faith is not the only movement from doubt to belief in this story.

       Elijah himself is anguished by the child’s sickness. His prayer accuses God of having wrought evil in the house that has given him refuge from God’s own drought and famine (17:1). Already in this brief chapter, we learn that he has antagonized the king (17:1), received food from birds (17:2-7), and sought sustenance from a starving widow (17:8-16), all because the word of the LORD has come to him. Obedience, both his and the widow’s, seems to have been rewarded with suffering.

        Elijah does not voice this doubt publicly. In all of his interactions with the widow, he adopts a matter-of-fact tone. He does not answer the widow’s invective, in which she accuses him of singling her out and making her answer for her sins (17:18).

                          Read 1 Kings 17:19-21

19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!”

        Elijah took him out of her arms: This vivid detail shows that the widow clutched the dead child tightly in her arms. The upper room where he was staying: The term upper room “Refers to a temporary shelter or room on the roof, accessible from outside the house. Such structures are common in the Near East. This arrangement would allow the widow not only her needed privacy but would safeguard her reputation”.

       Then he cried out to the LORD: Elijah prayed with great heart and intimacy with God. He brought this seemingly unexplainable and irredeemable tragedy to God in prayer. Since he knew God led him to this widow, Elijah laid this tragedy on God and asked Him to remedy it.

        He stretched himself out on the child three times and cried out to the LORD: This was an unusual prayer technique, but Elijah had no precedent for this. It was not because of his prayer technique, but because of his faith that God answered this prayer. There is an almost irresistible desire to embellish on these wonderful accounts of the power of God. There are those who speak of one such attempt: “Syriac translation, followed by Jerome, that the lad was the prophet Jonah is totally unsatisfactory and historically impossible (cf. 2 Kings 14:25).”

       O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him: “A prayer full of powerful arguments. Thou art the Lord, that canst revive the child; and my God, and therefore wilt not, do not, deny me. She is a widow; add not affliction to the afflicted; deprive her not of the great support and staff of her age. She hath given me kind entertainment; let her not fare the worse for her kindness to a prophet, whereby wicked men will take occasion to reproach both her and religion”. 

         These words, in which the word also refers to the other calamities occasioned by the drought, contain no reproach of God, but are expressive of the heartiest compassion for the suffering of his benefactress and the deepest lamentation, which, springing from living faith, pours out the whole heart before God in the hour of distress, that I may appeal to Him the more powerfully for His aid. The meaning is, “Thou, O Lord my God, according to Thy grace and righteousness, canst not possibly leave the son of this widow in death.” Such confident belief carries within itself the certainty of being heard. The prophet therefore proceeds at once to action, to attempt to restore the boy to life.

       A prayer full of powerful arguments. Thou art the Lord, that canst revive the child; and my God, and therefore wilt not, do not, deny me. She is a widow; add not affliction to the afflicted; deprive her not of the great support and staff of her age. She hath given me kind entertainment; let her not fare the worse for her kindness to a prophet, whereby wicked men will take occasion to reproach both her and religion.

                                Read 1 Kings 17:22-24

22 The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23 Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”

        We hear that the boy is saved because “God listened to the voice of Elijah” (verse 22). This is surprising because on the surface the story of Elijah seems to be about the power of God’s word. It is a story about getting people to listen to God’s voice. Yet, at this pivotal moment in the narrative, the tide turns because God listened to Elijah’s voice. The boy’s breath returns to him because God recognizes the truth in Elijah’s protest. In this moment of crisis, in response to the truth in Elijah’s words, God mobilizes the power of life and does something God has never done before. God attends to this seemingly small thing — the death of a poor boy — with an enormous act of reversal. God pulls and saves the boy.

        When the widow sees her son revived in Elijah’s arms, she proclaims, “You are a man of God…. the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth” (verse 24). Now the woman saw that Elijah’s God could be trusted. In essence the woman confessed that she believed in the Lord God of Israel because He raised er son. The reality of the resurrection is rooted in faith in the living God. Believing in the resurrection of the body is not just for highly spiritual Christians. The resurrection forms the foundation of authentic belief in God.  Elijah does not argue, but the reader knows that while her interpretation may be accurate, it does not capture what happened in the upper chamber. The boy’s life returns because God recognized that the word of Elijah was truth.

        Even when Elijah protests against God, his word expresses God’s truth. Amazingly, God recognizes it too. Perhaps truth is not just the word of God delivered from on high. Because at least in this narrative, truth emerges out of a dialogue. In the context of this narrative, I expect a recovery of sorts. I expect a divine answer — or at least a narrator’s commentary — that communicates, somehow, that this resurrection miracle was part of God’s plan from the beginning. God thought this would be a great way to show the world that God is not only more powerful than Baal but more powerful than death.

       God provides us many opportunities to step into the lives of our friends and family members by praying for them, especially when they encounter life’s trials. Just like the widow in this story, they may hold false ideas about the nature of God or how He deals with people. As we pray and God answers our prayers, the results can lead others to turn to God in faith. When we intercede for others in prayer, we can likewise join with God in restoring lives and leading people to Christ.

WHEN RACES COLLIDE

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This subject can be approached in many different ways and from a lot of perspectives. Way too many Americans pay lip service to the truth that we all are created equal. The reality is we see too many who do not always reflect that in our attitudes or relationships. Our fallen human nature seeks to make distinctions between races, but God makes no distinction. The fact is- there is only one way to bring all of us together. The answer is in the belief and surrender to Jesus as their Savior. Christ loves all equality, He died for all, and He works through all believers regardless of race. We are to follow the example of Christ and openly accept and embrace one other. The lesson in Ephesians focuses on the alienation that existed between Jews and Gentiles in the first century.

                        Read Ephesians 2:11-12

The animosity which existed between the Jews and Gentiles in the first century demonstrates that without Christ, our differences can divide us. Unfortunately, we see that animosity today between all factions: races, politics, uneducated, misinformed, religions and those who just want to not listen to try to understand people and opinions. While many of these issues were present in the first century, there were several differences. In order to see how much God has done for us, it is sometimes wise to remember what our condition was like before we were saved. The word remember is an active imperative in the Greek. In other words, it’s a command. We are commanded to remember our past, not to become guilty about it, but to remember how awful our former life was in comparison to what God has given us now.

Ephesians 2:11 is unique in the New Testament in that it is the only verse that tells us to remember our old way of life. In fact, in comparison with other passages like Philippians 3:13-14 which tells us to “forget what is behind” it seems to contradict. But when looked at carefully, both are really saying the same thing. We are not to remember so that we wallow in guilt and depression from past mistakes. Rather, we are to remember our past so that we can see what Christ has delivered us from.  Memory is a wonderful gift from God. We need to remember sin, and its effects in our lives so that we can work hard to avoid it in the future. We also need to remember the biblical stories and the times in the past when God has worked on behalf of His people. Christ tells us to take the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of what he has done for us. Remembering our sinful past is also a way to deepen our humility. Sometimes, we start to think that the way we are now is because of our own effort and ability. When we remember, as Paul commands us to do here, the way we were without the grace of God in our lives, it reminds us that the way we are now is due to God, and not our own effort or ability.

In Ephesians 2:11-12, Paul commands them to remember six things in regard to their human relationships before they were saved. The first of these six, as found in Ephesians 2:11, is that they were Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— Paul is talking here about the differences between the Jew and the Gentile. Prior to Abraham, there was no difference. But God, in choosing Abraham, created a difference. Now God created this difference so that His people could be a blessing to everyone else. The problem, however, was that many Jews saw this difference as a reason to boast and be proud and think that they were superior to the others.

But God did not choose Abraham so that the Jews would think they were superior to the Gentiles, but so that they might be a blessing and a help to the Gentiles. While some ask why we are made with differences- here seems to be the answer. God seems to indicate that we are different- but equal- so we can be a blessing to all.  And the aspect that Paul mentions here in Ephesians 2:11 about this difference between Jew and Gentile is circumcision. Since circumcision was the outward sign of the covenant with God, the Jews considered any uncircumcised male to be outside of God’s blessing and purpose. The Jews were proud of this outward sign of the covenant, and they despised anyone who was not circumcised.

In fact, “Jews said that the Gentiles were created by God to be fuel for the fires of Hell; that God loved only Israel of all the nations that he had made; that the best of the serpents crushed, the best of the Gentiles killed. “It was not lawful to render help to a Gentile woman in childbirth, for that would be to bring another Gentile into the world. The barrier between Jew and Gentile was absolute. If a Jew married a Gentile, the funeral for the Jew was carried out. Such contact with a Gentile was the equivalent of death; even to go into a Gentile house rendered a Jew unclean.”

 In Ephesians 2:11, Paul, although he was a Jew himself, mocks their arrogance by saying that the Jewish circumcision which they took so much pride in was nothing more than something done in the flesh by the hands of men. In Philippians 3:2, Paul calls them “mutilators of the flesh” and in Romans 2:29, he shows us that the real circumcision that God desires is not of the flesh by the hands of men, but of the heart, by the Holy Spirit. It is those who believe in Jesus alone and not in their own works of the flesh that are circumcised of the heart and not of the flesh. So, the first thing Paul wants them to remember is that they were Gentiles—despised by the Jews. They were without respect.

Ephesians 2:12 gives the next five things to remember about the way they used to be.  The second thing to remember is that at that time you were without Christ, What Paul means is pretty obvious. They did not have Christ. The Ephesians lived under the same problem that the rest of the world live under. They still, just like everyone else, lived under a system of rivalry, violence, scapegoating, blame, slander, accusation, and victimization. The Ephesians, for the most part, worshipped the goddess Diana, and before the coming of the Gospel, knew nothing of Jesus Christ. They were without Christ, and as such were under condemnation.  Paul tells us here that without Christ, they are lost. So, the Ephesians, before they were saved, were without respect, they were despised by the Jews, were without Christ, and the third thing, they were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.

The fourth item to remember is very similar. He says in Ephesians 2:12 that we need to remember how before we were saved, we were strangers from the covenants of promise. God never made any covenants with Gentile nations. Gentiles were included in the covenant with Abraham, and since Noah lived before Abraham, we could consider him as a Gentile, I suppose, but in broad terms, God did not make covenants with Gentile nations—only with the nation of Israel. Gentiles were considered strangers and aliens—and the Jews never let them forget it. Many of the Jewish Pharisees would pray daily, “O God, I give thanks that I am a Jew, not a Gentile.” Sounds like what we might hear today: “I am glad I am not like that person.’ Before they became Christians, then, they were without respect, without Christ, without citizenship, and without covenants.

Fifth, from Ephesians 2:12, they are to remember that before they became Christians, they were without hope. That describes the life of the unsaved person, doesn’t it? (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13). Today, depression is at an all-time high. People have no hope for the future. Hope is the profound blessing that gives meaning and security to life. “Living without hope of future joy and enrichment reduces man to a piece of meaningless protoplasm.” But Christians do have a hope for the future. And finally, we are to remember that we were without God in the world. And that final phrase, in the world, reminds us of Ephesians 2:2 showing us that it is not a good thing to be in the world.

So, the six things Paul lists here as descriptive of what the Ephesian Christians were like before they were saved are: without respect, without Christ, without citizenship, without covenants, without hope and without God. And all of these six things caused enmity and hatred and discord between Jews and Gentiles in those days.

                       Read Ephesians 2:13-18

We have already seen how the Jew hated and despised the Gentile. Now Paul uses two pictures, which would be specially vivid to a Jew, to show how that hatred is killed and a new unity has come.  He says that those who were far off have been brought near. Isaiah had heard God say: “Peace, peace to the far, and to the near” (Isaiah 57:19). When the Rabbis spoke about accepting a convert into Judaism, they said that he had been brought near. For instance, the Jewish Rabbinic writers tell how a Gentile woman came to Rabbi Eliezer. She confessed that she was a sinner and asked to be admitted to the Jewish faith. “Rabbi,” she said, “bring me near.” The Rabbi refused. The door was shut in her face; but now the door was open. Those who had been far from God were brought near, and the door was shut to no one.

It is not to be thought that the Jews were the only people who put up the barriers and shut people out. The ancient world was full of barriers. There was a time, more than four hundred years before this, when Greece was threatened with invasion by the Persians. It was the golden age of the city state. Greece was made up of famous cities–Athens, Thebes, Corinth and the rest and it very nearly encountered disaster because the cities refused to cooperate to meet the common threat. Cicero could write much later: “As the Greeks say, all men are divided into two classes–Greeks and barbarians.” The Greek called any man a barbarian who could not speak Greek; and they despised him and put up the barriers against him.

 Christ is our peace (v.14). It is in a common love of him that people come to love each other. That peace is won at the price of his blood, for the great awakener of love is the Cross. The sight of that Cross awakens in the hearts of men of all nations love for Christ, and only when they all love Christ will they love each other. It is not in treaties and leagues to produce peace. There can be peace only in Jesus Christ.

Verse 15 Paul deals with the commands. The only people who fully kept the Jewish law were the Pharisees and there were only six thousand of them, all of which could not be done on the Sabbath.  A religion based on all kinds of rules and regulations, about sacred rituals and sacrifices and days, can never be a universal religion. But, as Paul said elsewhere, “Christ is the end of the law” (Romans 10:4). Jesus ended legalism as a principle of religion. In its place he put love to God and love to men. Jesus came to tell men that they cannot earn God’s approbation by a keeping of the ceremonial law but must accept the forgiveness and fellowship which God in mercy freely offers them. A religion based on love can at once be a universal religion.

                         Here is the answer!!!

Paul goes on to tell of the priceless gifts which come with the new unity in Christ. He made both Jew and Gentile into one new man. The unity which Jesus achieves is not achieved by blotting out all racial characteristics; it is achieved by making all men of all nations into Christians. It may well be that we have something to learn here. The tendency has always been when we send missionaries abroad to produce people who wear English clothes and speak the English language. There are indeed some missionary churches who would have all their congregation worship with the one liturgy used in the churches at home. It is not Jesus’ purpose, however, that we should turn all men into one nation, but that there should be Christian Indians and Christian Africans whose unity lies in their Christianity. The oneness in Christ is in Christ and not in any external change. Paul reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God. The unity in Christ produces Christians whose Christianity transcends all their local and racial difference; it produces men who are friends with each other because they are friends with God; it produces men who are one because they meet in the presence of God to whom they all have access.

                      Read Ephesians 2:19-22

Paul uses two illuminating pictures. He says that the Gentiles are no longer foreigners but full members of the family of God. So, Paul says to the Gentiles: “You are no longer among God’s people on sufferance. You are full members of the family of God.” We may put this very simply; it is through Jesus that we are at home with God. If a person would feel shut out, and lonely in the dark- that should never happen in a church. Through Jesus there is a place for all men in the family of God. Men may put up their barriers; churches may keep their Communion tables for their own members. God never does; it is the tragedy of the Church that it is so often more exclusive than God.

The second picture Paul uses is that of a building. He thinks of every church as the part of a great building and of every Christian as a stone built into the Church. Of the whole Church the corner stone is Christ; and the corner stone is what holds everything together. Paul thinks of this building going on and on, with each part of the building being fitted into Christ. There are all kinds of architecture; but the building is a unity because through it all it has been used for the worship of God and for meeting with Jesus Christ. That is what the Church should be like. Its unity comes not from organization, or ritual, or liturgy; it comes from Christ. Where Christ is, there is the Church. The Church will realize her unity only when she realizes that she does not exist to propagate the point of view of any body of men, but to provide a home where the Spirit of Christ can dwell and where all men who love Christ can meet in that Spirit and are equal to bless others. Although we come from many backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and so forth, as believers in Jesus Christ we have equal standing before God and are brothers and sisters in Christ.

GOD SENDS HIS SON

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                       GOD SENT HIS SON

First and middle names are often used together- Betty Jean, Mary Louise, Mary Jo. The funniest is likely Billy Bob. But what is it that we should call God’s Son and what do they mean? Christians know the name Jesus Christ. Actually, Jesus is a name; Christ is a title equal to “Messiah”. Early Christians put the two together as a proper name. God came to earth as Jesus, our Savior and Immanuel. These two names tell us that He saves us and is with us. To consider these two names- Jesus Christ- in some depth can help us to arrive at a fresh understanding of Him as Jesus “Immanuel”. As I was writing this, the Christmas season was in full swing for several weeks-for our church it was the Lottie Moon Dinner Auction, Music Cantata, Deacon’s Dinner, preparations for Journey Through Bethlehem, and many personal activities. Everywhere we turn, we encounter a seasonal emphasis. However, we all need a reminder of an important truth: The significance of Christmas is something more than even a baby’s birth long ago. It is the arrival of God Himself among us. In Christ, God took the human flesh and became one of us to redeem us. Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us and thus to save us. God sent His Son.

              Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Promised to Us 

As we read in the last section, Isaiah predicted the coming of God’s Son. Isaiah’s prophecy in 9:1-7 was a beacon of hope penetrating deep darkness. God promised to send a light “who” would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. Isaiah told of God’s promise likely around 730 BC- over seven hundred years before it happened. This prophecy came during the pending attack of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians. Isaiah also had prophesied that Judah’s (Southern Kingdom) destruction would NOT be complete, but the nation’s life would be threatened severely. God said it was time to give His people a promise of hope for the ages. Isaiah presents the events as if it were the time of the child’s arrival (a child will be born for us and a son will be given to us) with an exception of what He will achieve (v. 7), when he says “… there shall be no end” and “from now on and forever”.

Do you know where and by whom the words of verse 6 were made famous today? (Handel’s Messiah musical.) One of my many blessings in serving the Lord was when I had the great honor to lead the choir in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1964 in this marvelous music (while serving in the Air Force). I believe that was one of the major reasons that I have such a fondness for the Book of Isaiah and just had to lead in its study recently. The significance of the promised names in verse 6 relates to those names for God we have studied this month. First, we are told a child would be born to us that would fulfill the promise- not adopted, not grown from an earthly king, and not appointed. To be a “Wonderful Counselor”, He is one who is able to make wise plans and whose wisdom is far beyond human capabilities. To be a “Mighty God”, He is a mighty or heroic warrior, capable of unsurpassed strength or power to accomplish His purposes and promises.  As the “Eternal Father”, He possesses constant love, concern, and provision for His people to fulfill His caring and endless rule. Then finally, the “prince of Peace” tells us of the absence of hostilities but much more than that. It means “completeness”, “soundness”, and ‘welfare”, with health and prosperity included. John 10:10 gives us the promise of a full, rich, joyful life that Jesus gives.

Can there be any doubt that Isaiah was predicting the coming of Jesus? Most of the attention by many concerning Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah centers on Isaiah 53, and certainly it is well-deserved. However, Isaiah tells all of the coming of the Messiah all through his book and no more evident than in Chapter 9. God promised that Jesus’ rule would be “vast” and it would increase as He reigns forever. The last part of verse 7- “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts” ensured the messianic reign would become a reality, where “zeal” means a “glowing fire” and conveys deep feelings. The term “Lord of Hosts” refers to God as the Commander of Heaven’s armies, and heavenly bodies (Rev. 19:14 “the armies of Heaven”).

                   Matthew 1:18-21 Jesus Comes

It is easy to turn the pages of our Bible from Isaiah’s prophecy of the “birth of the child” to Matthew’s account of actual birth of Jesus. Most of the time we read Luke 2:1-14, what we have called the true “Christmas Story”. However, Matthew 1:1-17 carefully trances the lineage form Abraham through David to Joseph. This stressed that Jesus was related to all people by including Rahab and Ruth. This Son of David fulfilled God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 that I mentioned last week, and of course it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. Matthew also clearly defines Mary and Joseph’s situation that led up to the birth of Jesus. Matthew tells us Mary had been engaged to Joseph before the pregnancy by the Holy Spirit. The Greek term “engaged” means betrothal. Betrothal among the Jews lasted for a year during which time the man and woman were considered married but did not live together and were not intimate. Divorce was necessary to end the betrothal even though the actual marriage ceremony had not taken place prior to Mary being “found with child of the Holy Ghost” (KJV).

What was the important role that Joseph (part of the lineage that Matthew describes) plays in the story of Jesus’ birth? (God’s message to Joseph was not intended just to save Mary from disgrace, but to save all of humanity.) The angel of the Lord that appeared to Joseph gave him the explanation and confidence to go far out of his comfort zone and believe in God’s wonderful plan. Mary’s pregnancy was the work of God’s creative power through the Spirit. God did what humans could not: He provided the Messiah who would redeem us from enslavement to sin. Joseph played very significant role in this process –not often recognized, albeit a subservient role. A message here for all of us might be to ask the Holy Spirit to be involved in our lives more completely. It is appropriate to say that the Holy Spirit that brought Jesus to earth as a human baby is the same Holy Spirit that resurrected Him on the third day after His crucifixion, and who was given to all of us upon Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:8).

               Matthew 1:22-25 Jesus Is With Us

In verses 22-23, Matthew interrupted his account of Joseph’s vision with the angel of the Lord to stress that the events surrounding Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s prophecy through Isaiah. Matthew quoted Isaiah 7:14 not as the source of the belief in Jesus’ virgin birth but to support an account already held to be true. Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled completely when the virgin Mary bore god’s Son. In Isaiah chapter 9, the power, grace, wisdom and eternal presence was predicted. Here in verse 7, we learn that God gave the Son a name of meaning- Immanuel. For Isaiah’s and Matthew’s non-Jewish readers, the word is translated: “God is with us”. As Immanuel, Jesus is more than a sign of God’s presence: Jesus is God in person. How do we think that is possible? (The “God Head” has three separate entities, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).)

Our pastor recently (on Sunday night), drew an explanation of what this really means. He drew a big circle that represented the “God Head”. The “Father” is at the head of the circle. Then in a triangle position, he put the “Son” at one point on the circle and the “Holy Spirit” at another point. So we have the “God Head” made up of all three, yet separate. This helps to explain John’s words in Revelation 5:6- “Then I saw a lamb (Jesus)… standing between the throne…” (where in 4:3 John indicates the One seated on the throne was brilliant- but not the lamb- or Jesus until Rev. 5:6). Then in Rev. 4:5, John says he sees the “sevenfold Spirit of God”, which is another name for the Holy Spirit. This helps me to believe that Jesus is with us (Immanuel), the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and is with us always, and God –the Father- puts all together and will come to the new heaven and new earth as described in Rev. 21:3.

Matthew concludes this section by telling us that Joseph married Mary (Jewish formal marriage ceremony) as he was commanded to do. Matthew also makes it clear that Joseph “did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son”. So it is clear that Joseph and Mary were actually married (formally) before the birth of Jesus but that Mary was a virgin. Joseph named Him Jesus (Yahweh saves) as he had been instructed. So God is a person with a name not a comic force or impersonal power. We can and must know Him personally through faith in Jesus. See Hebrews 11:1 for a great definition of faith. But now we see that God sent His Son for all of us.

              Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Promised to Us 

As we read in the last section, Isaiah predicted the coming of God’s Son. Isaiah’s prophecy in 9:1-7 was a beacon of hope penetrating deep darkness. God promised to send a light “who” would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. Isaiah told of God’s promise likely around 730 BC- over seven hundred years before it happened. This prophecy came during the pending attack of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians. Isaiah also had prophesied that Judah’s (Southern Kingdom) destruction would NOT be complete, but the nation’s life would be threatened severely. God said it was time to give His people a promise of hope for the ages. Isaiah presents the events as if it were the time of the child’s arrival (a child will be born for us and a son will be given to us) with an exception of what He will achieve (v. 7), when he says “… there shall be no end” and “from now on and forever”.

Do you know where and by whom the words of verse 6 were made famous today? (Handel’s Messiah musical.) One of my many blessings in serving the Lord was when I had the great honor to lead the choir in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1964 in this marvelous music (while serving in the Air Force). I believe that was one of the major reasons that I have such a fondness for the Book of Isaiah and just had to lead in its study recently. The significance of the promised names in verse 6 relates to those names for God we have studied this month. First, we are told a child would be born to us that would fulfill the promise- not adopted, not grown from an earthly king, and not appointed. To be a “Wonderful Counselor”, He is one who is able to make wise plans and whose wisdom is far beyond human capabilities. To be a “Mighty God”, He is a mighty or heroic warrior, capable of unsurpassed strength or power to accomplish His purposes and promises.  As the “Eternal Father”, He possesses constant love, concern, and provision for His people to fulfill His caring and endless rule. Then finally, the “prince of Peace” tells us of the absence of hostilities but much more than that. It means “completeness”, “soundness”, and ‘welfare”, with health and prosperity included. John 10:10 gives us the promise of a full, rich, joyful life that Jesus gives.

Can there be any doubt that Isaiah was predicting the coming of Jesus? Most of the attention by many concerning Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah centers on Isaiah 53, and certainly it is well-deserved. However, Isaiah tells all of the coming of the Messiah all through his book and no more evident than in Chapter 9. God promised that Jesus’ rule would be “vast” and it would increase as He reigns forever. The last part of verse 7- “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts” ensured the messianic reign would become a reality, where “zeal” means a “glowing fire” and conveys deep feelings. The term “Lord of Hosts” refers to God as the Commander of Heaven’s armies, and heavenly bodies (Rev. 19:14 “the armies of Heaven”).

                   Matthew 1:18-21 Jesus Comes

It is easy to turn the pages of our Bible from Isaiah’s prophecy of the “birth of the child” to Matthew’s account of actual birth of Jesus. Most of the time we read Luke 2:1-14, what we have called the true “Christmas Story”. However, Matthew 1:1-17 carefully trances the lineage form Abraham through David to Joseph. This stressed that Jesus was related to all people by including Rahab and Ruth. This Son of David fulfilled God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 that I mentioned last week, and of course it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. Matthew also clearly defines Mary and Joseph’s situation that led up to the birth of Jesus. Matthew tells us Mary had been engaged to Joseph before the pregnancy by the Holy Spirit. The Greek term “engaged” means betrothal. Betrothal among the Jews lasted for a year during which time the man and woman were considered married but did not live together and were not intimate. Divorce was necessary to end the betrothal even though the actual marriage ceremony had not taken place prior to Mary being “found with child of the Holy Ghost” (KJV).

What was the important role that Joseph (part of the lineage that Matthew describes) plays in the story of Jesus’ birth? (God’s message to Joseph was not intended just to save Mary from disgrace, but to save all of humanity.) The angel of the Lord that appeared to Joseph gave him the explanation and confidence to go far out of his comfort zone and believe in God’s wonderful plan. Mary’s pregnancy was the work of God’s creative power through the Spirit. God did what humans could not: He provided the Messiah who would redeem us from enslavement to sin. Joseph played very significant role in this process –not often recognized, albeit a subservient role. A message here for all of us might be to ask the Holy Spirit to be involved in our lives more completely. It is appropriate to say that the Holy Spirit that brought Jesus to earth as a human baby is the same Holy Spirit that resurrected Him on the third day after His crucifixion, and who was given to all of us upon Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:8).

               Matthew 1:22-25 Jesus Is With Us

In verses 22-23, Matthew interrupted his account of Joseph’s vision with the angel of the Lord to stress that the events surrounding Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s prophecy through Isaiah. Matthew quoted Isaiah 7:14 not as the source of the belief in Jesus’ virgin birth but to support an account already held to be true. Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled completely when the virgin Mary bore god’s Son. In Isaiah chapter 9, the power, grace, wisdom and eternal presence was predicted. Here in verse 7, we learn that God gave the Son a name of meaning- Immanuel. For Isaiah’s and Matthew’s non-Jewish readers, the word is translated: “God is with us”. As Immanuel, Jesus is more than a sign of God’s presence: Jesus is God in person. How do we think that is possible? (The “God Head” has three separate entities, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).)

Our pastor recently (on Sunday night), drew an explanation of what this really means. He drew a big circle that represented the “God Head”. The “Father” is at the head of the circle. Then in a triangle position, he put the “Son” at one point on the circle and the “Holy Spirit” at another point. So we have the “God Head” made up of all three, yet separate. This helps to explain John’s words in Revelation 5:6- “Then I saw a lamb (Jesus)… standing between the throne…” (where in 4:3 John indicates the One seated on the throne was brilliant- but not the lamb- or Jesus until Rev. 5:6). Then in Rev. 4:5, John says he sees the “sevenfold Spirit of God”, which is another name for the Holy Spirit. This helps me to believe that Jesus is with us (Immanuel), the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and is with us always, and God –the Father- puts all together and will come to the new heaven and new earth as described in Rev. 21:3.

Matthew concludes this section by telling us that Joseph married Mary (Jewish formal marriage ceremony) as he was commanded to do. Matthew also makes it clear that Joseph “did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son”. So it is clear that Joseph and Mary were actually married (formally) before the birth of Jesus but that Mary was a virgin. Joseph named Him Jesus (Yahweh saves) as he had been instructed. So God is a person with a name not a comic force or impersonal power. We can and must know Him personally through faith in Jesus. See Hebrews 11:1 for a great definition of faith. But now we see that God sent His Son for all of us.

REVELATION: STAND FOR RIGHT

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BE READY TO STAND

How often do we seek opportunities in life for our own benefit? We look for jobs, pastime events, and responsibilities that we feel we would enjoy or for which we are prepared. While there is probably nothing wrong with that, but we need to realize that God has placed us in a specific situation- working a certain job, living in a particular location, or surrounded by different people- for a greater purpose: to point to Him and further His kingdom. There are so many people who believe that they don’t have to include God in everything or they just don’t think about God in many situations. However, when we become Christians we are to include God in everything- no matter what the event. This will put us in the right place at the right time so God can lead us to His purpose.

Read Esther 2:5-7

The events in Esther occurred during the reign of King Ahasuerus (from KJV), also known as Xerxes. He ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. In the third year of his reign, this king convened a royal banquet at Susa, his winter capital located in modern Iran. We all know this story and it happened because Queen Vashti refused to go to this banquet. So, the king dethroned her and started a search for a new Queen. This is where God entered the situation. God is always at work behind the scenes.

The story of Esther is one of the most exciting and inspiring in all the Word of God. 0″Esther” (a Persian word meaning Star) is the more familiar name of a Jewish girl named Hadassah (which is Hebrew for Myrtle). The events of the book of Esther occurred between 483 and 473 BC. They actually fit historically between Chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. If the Book of Esther was chronological placed between these two chapters, what would that do to the understanding of Ezra? By that time Babylon had been taken over by the Persians. The Jews had been given permission to return to their homeland to rebuild, and thousands did so, led by a man named Zerubbabel. However, during the 70 years of captivity many others had settled down in Babylon and preferred to stay there. The book of Esther concerns those Jews who remained in Babylon (or Persia). One of these was young Esther, an orphan whose cousin, Mordecai [MOR-da-kai], raised her as his own daughter and treated her as his own.  Esther thought of  Mordecai as her father.

There is a most unusual fact about the book of Esther–one which might not be noticed with a casual reading of it. God is not mentioned once in the entire book. No one is ever specifically said to be praising Him, or praying to Him. On the surface it seems like a totally secular story. This is not because the writer did not believe in God. (Quite the contrary!) He has done it by design, as a kind of literary device, suggesting a God who was hidden but at work. When the Jews went into captivity, it was because they had turned their backs on God, and had departed from His ways. They were out of fellowship with Him. God was absent from their lives. But although this was so, the Lord had not ceased to love His people. In Esther, we see the Lord working behind the scenes to rescue them. Though His presence is not obvious, the Lord acts in a wonderful way to deliver the nation from harm.

Verses 2-4 reveal an ironic twist to the situation. The king’s servants had found an added way in which the rebuffed king could avenge himself and prove his authority. Queen Vashti had refused to parade before him and his friends. Therefore, instead of having only one woman parade before him, he would have all the beautiful young virgins in his kingdom at his beck and call. The Persian historic custom was that the king would marry only Persian, but the story seems to be saying the king called in women of non-Persian background (this may have played into the story later).

In verses 5-11, the writer (officially unknown but possibly Ezra or Nehemiah) paused his narrative to some background information about two persons. Then specifically in these three verses (just read), the writer spoke briefly about Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, who left Jerusalem in the deportation of 597 BC. This may be the same Mordecai mentioned in Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7. Mordecai probably held some type of minor position in the government. As indicated in Ezra, the Babylonians deported the best

of Judah’s leadership and used these leaders to good advantage during the exile (does that remind us of Daniel?). Mordecai followed the Jewish tradition of relatives taking care of their own kinfolk, especially in the case of orphans and widows. The relationship between Mordecai and Esther had a significant bearing on what the author was about to tell. The story also reveals the unexpected way God worked in behalf of His chosen people.

Read Esther 2:8-10

Verse 8 picks up the main thread of the story again. The king’s officers brought many beautiful maidens to the palace, as ordered. Esther quickly gained the favor of Hegai (the one in charge of the women). She received the best place in the harem, as well as ointments, food, and seven maids from the king’s house to attend her during her twelve-month beauty program (verse 12). Verses 8-9 clearly imply that Hegai considered Esther the most likely choice to fill Queen Vashti’s place. Mordecai had instructed Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity or her relationship to him. The writer did not explain why. Presumably it related to prejudice between Jews and Persians. The narrative gives no reason to believe that Esther refused non-kosher food or followed other Jewish regulations during that time. In the meantime, Mordecai checked on her daily to see how she fared (v.11).

With virtually no rights and little access to the king, it was better for Esther not to reveal her identity. While boldness in stating our identity as God’s people is our responsibility, at times a good strategy is to keep quiet until we have won the right to be heard. This is especially true when dealing with those in authority over us. But we can always let them see the difference God makes in our lives.

In Esther 2:11-14, the writer informed us of Mordecai’s faithfulness to his cousin after her entrance into the king’s harem. Esther demonstrated loyalty to his instructions, and Mordecai’s actions reflected his fidelity to her. Daily he walked by the harem’s courtyard to check on Esther in her new surroundings. After the woman appeared before the king the first time, we learn that woman would never entered the king’s presence again unless he specifically summoned her. However, Esther was not the queen yet, as we learn more in the next verses.

Read Esther 2:15-17

Here we find out the name of Esther’s father-Abihail, which means “my father is powerful”. Also, Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. Esther used good strategy in winning the king’s approval. She followed Hegai’s advice and asked for nothing except what Hegai told her to request. She found favor in the sight of all, but especially the king. He finally made her queen in the seventh year of his reign.

Verse 16 says Esther was taken to the king in the tenth month which was known as Tebeth, in a seventh year of the king’s reign. The tenth month in the Hebrew calendar overlaps our months of December and January, and it was a rainy month. This is yet another indication that the Hebrew time is different than ours as I wrote in my article on the Sabbath. Esther 1:10-22 and 2:1-4 gives us indication that after Queen Vashti refused to appear at the banquet the position may have been vacant for 4 years. During that time King Ahasuerus had fought unsuccessfully against Greece- one of Daniel’s five “future” kingdoms. This factor helps to explain the lengthy lapse of time before his selection of a new queen. Esther had been waiting to see if she was the choice of the new queen.

Verse 17 reveals that Esther’s wait and preparation had not been in vain. The king loved Esther more than all the other women. Esther had won the favor and approval of the king and he placed the crown on Esther’s head. God placed Esther on the throne even before the Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction (3:5), so that when trouble came, a person would already be in the position to help. No human effort could thwart God’s plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. So just as God placed Esther in her position to help her people, as described later in the Book of Esther, God also places us in situations where we can help others. This is another case where it shows that God is in control. God may be placing us in a position where He wants us when the need arises. Vashti’s name does not appear again in the Book of Esther. Esther was ready to stand and play a major role in God’s deliverance of His people.

LEARN TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HAVE MORE JOY

REVELATION: What are Christians Affirmations? They are a method to reprogram your mind to gain spiritual confidence in agreement with God's word. It is a marvelous way to gain an amazing insight into God's loving character. Affirmations that lift your life.

CHRISTIANS AFFIRMATIONS WILL GIVE A BETTER OUTLOOK ON LIFE

 

REVELATION: GOD’S STORY- Part 5

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GOD DWELLS AMONG HIS PEOPLE

In this week’s lesson, we are going to explore that healthy relationship of blending obedience with presence. This lesson is important because God wants His people to live in His presence and experience His glory. To experience the loving presence of God, we must follow God’s plan for our lives. Beginning in Exodus 25:1 and extending through Exodus 31:18, God gave Moses instructions concerning the construction of the tabernacle and related issues. So we will take a brief tour of God’s “home” on earth, which He commanded the Israelites to build after He established a covenant with them at Mount Sinai. Exodus 25-40 describes in great detail the blueprints and building of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Consider why so much time would be spent in God’s Story to describe a tent. I have furnished a print of that “tent” for us.

Read Exodus 26:30-33 Follow God’s Plan

We can learn a great deal about God in a tour of His temporary earthly home. God told Moses “you are to set up the tabernacle”. The pronoun “you” is singular, so Moses was given the responsibility for getting the job done. Moses is the one to who God gave the covenant- Ten Commandants. God was trusting Moses again! The term “tabernacle” means dwelling place or home. Thus God wanted a home for Him in the midst of His people. Yet God’s presence with His people was tied to their obedience. When the Lord instructed Moses to set up the tabernacle “according to the plan”, He was referencing to the specifications given to Moses “on the Mountain”. Obviously, God could dwell anywhere on earth at any time He chose. The real issue at hand was whether His people desired His divine presence enough to follow God’s plan exactly. So this became an issue of free choice for the Israelites.

No one could see God’s face but He provided the visible symbol of His presence. The passages dealing with the instructions for and construction of the tabernacle demonstrated God’s desire to dwell among His people. These instructions include the curtain, described in verse 31, separated the two sacred rooms in the Tabernacle- the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The priest entered the Holy Place each day to commune with God and to tend to the incense altar, the lampstand, and the table with the Bread of the Presence. The Most Holy Place was where God Himself dwelt, His presence resting on the atonement cover, which covered the Ark of the Covenant. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place. Even he could do so only once a year (on the Day of Atonement) to make atonement for the sins of the nation as a whole. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the curtain in the Temple (which had replace the Tabernacle) tore from the top to bottom (Mark 15:38), symbolizing our free access to God because of Jesus’ death.

No longer did people have to approach God through priests and sacrifices. This set the stage for all of us to pray directly to God and not for any of us to go through intermediary. But think back to the curtain that God had Moses make and its direct, real connection to God’s Story and understand our God as a God of details. Just as He has attended to the details of the construction of His tabernacle, He attends to the details of our lives and redemption.  Hebrews 8:5 points out the earthly tabernacle was a precise copy or replica of God’s heavenly home. Now we see that having a precise copy or replica was to remind the people God’s ultimate purpose was to have them dwell with Him eternally.

Read Exodus 29:43-46 Encounter God’s Presence

Now God promised to manifest His presence among the people. Thus the tabernacle would become the place where Israel’s God revealed Himself and lived among His people. Moreover, God desired for His people to encounter His presence. God Told Moses He would meet with the Israelites at the tabernacle (tent of meeting). The term “meet” carried the idea of an appointment, a set time when people would gather to hear God’s words. As a result of God’s presence, the place would be consecrated, literally “made holy” by God’s glory. God promised the full weight of His majesty on behalf of the people as they met to praise and to thank Him for all He had done for them.

God promised to consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. By consecrating, or making things holy, God was instructing what was done there would be acceptable to Him. God also promised to consecrate Aaron and his sons. The priesthood belonged to Aaron and his descendants, as part of God’s ordained purposes for them to serve as priests. However, it is imperative for us to note that Moses, the priests, and Israel were just going through the symbols. The actual consecration of bot objects and persons was done by God. His grace made them effective. The purpose of this ritual and this consecration was that God would “dwell among the people of Israel” (v. 45). This ritual was to help them know that He was the God who had redeemed them from Egypt. The final phrase “I am the Lord their God” (v. 46) is uniquely a covenant phrase. Because they were His people through the Exodus and the covenant, they had a special ritual of worship. Why is encountering God’s presence regularly with other believers so important? (Sharing His love, care and promise.)

Read Exodus 40:34-38 Acknowledge God’s Glory

A lot has occurred from chapter 29. We know that the people grew restless while Moses was receiving God’s instruction and resorted to idol worship. Remember, God had called Moses to the top of the mountain four times. Moses destroyed the golden calf and then interceded for the wayward Israelites (32:1-34:35). Once the sin of idolatry had been removed from the camp (32:27-35), God began the restoration of the broken covenant. This gave Mosses a new vision of God. Moses knew that only God could reinstate the covenant as it had originally been God’s gift. So Moses pled for a continued reassurance of God’s presence and blessing through God’s pardon. God gave Moses reassurance that the covenant was being reinstituted (34:10). When Moses came down from the presence of God (34:29-35), Moses’ face was glowing. The attitude of the people toward Mosses reflected the awe with which they held for him, after seeing his face (34:30). So the tabernacle was completed as God had instructed.

The symbol of God’s presence had descended from the mountain and moved to the tabernacle. God revealed His glory in “the cloud” that covered the tabernacle.
The cloud” was first mentioned in Exodus 13:21-22. The cloud represented God Himself. This visible movement served to demonstrate to both Moses and Israel that God accepted and approved their labors. The glory of God so filled that tent that no longer could even Moses enter the Most Holy Place. The people broke their camps and made their marches in obedience to the lifting or settling of the cloud. God was now the people’s constant companion and guide. God is our constant companion and guide. The final reminder of the fire by night very likely referred to the burning presence of God’s glory. 500 years later, Solomon built the temple, replacing the tabernacle, and God filled it with His glory in the same way.

As the book of Exodus ends, the Israelites are free, redeemed people. On the way to the land of promise, accompanied and guided by the almighty God. So it has ever been. Those who have been redeemed by God are guided and sustained through the wilderness as they journey to the new land of promise- eternity. In God’s Story, God always leads those whom He has redeemed.

REVELATION: GOD’S STORY- Part 4

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GOD INSTRUCTS HIS PEOPLE

So we have reached the Ten Commandments in God’s Story. These are God’s rules for the road of life. We can relate to God only on His terms. He establishes the standards to live as His people. These commandments are so important, Moses repeated them to the Israelites shortly before he died (Deut. 5:1-21). As we examine this aspect of God’s Story, let’s remember God’s commands are given out of His love and knowledge of what is ultimately best for us. We live victoriously when we choose to live in obedience to God’s commands.

Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-8 Be Loyal to God

Being loyal to God means understanding His covenants! We see the merging of two great covenants as we study God’s Story in Exodus 20. Through the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:2-3; 15:5-21; 22:17-18), God promised to make of Abraham a great nation. The covenant was initiated by God, unilateral, and obligated God to Abraham and his descendants. The second covenant was the Mosaic Covenant. This covenant was initiated by God and obligated Him to Israel, but it also obligated Israel to the Lord and mandated their obedience (Ex. 19:4-6). This bilateral covenant carried the terms of the relationship we know as the Ten Commandments. How does verse 2 promote loyalty to God? (He is the source of everything and demonstrated the power to get the Israelites out of slavery. He promises to stay with us.)  What specific ways are we commanded to express royalty to God? (No other gods before Him. Make no idols. Don’t forget what He has done for us. Make God our first priority and honor His name. Be respectful of others.) So all of this fits into God’s Grand Story! Only through loving God and people do we truly follow His instructions.

Regardless of how we divide the individual Commandments, it is obvious that they fall into two basic sections. The first Commandments clearly governed the relationship between Israel and God, while the latter ones related to their relationship with one another. Many people mistakenly rush past Exodus 20:1 to get to the actual Commandments. This introductory statement points out several fundamental facts. First, the covenant was given by God. He “spoke all the words” of the commandment covenant. Israel did not enter into negotiations with God about it. They could only accept or reject it. By accepting the covenant, they were accepting the lordship of Yahweh; otherwise if they reject it, they were rejecting His lordship. Second, the covenant was rooted in Yahweh’s historical acts. God was laying claim to Israel’s allegiance because He had first redeemed them. While never minimizing the importance of the covenant, we should never magnify it over God’s redemptive act in Exodus. Third (and less significant) Israel was reminded of their heritage as slaves. They were free not because of their power but because God’s power. There was no basis for pride.

Basic to God’s claim upon Israel was that He was to have their sole allegiance. The words “before” (KJV) and “besides” (HCSB) offer the same meaning that this First Commandment made no claim to Yahweh’s being the only God. That comes much later in Israel’s history. So this statement –commandment- was that Israel could not have other gods. So God was claiming that “YOU SHALL HAVE ME”. This Commandment speaks to our contemporary culture from two directions. To those who would seek to pace their allegiance in God and in any other source of power; it is God’s demand for total commitment. On the other hand, for those who think there is no god at all, it is the divine claim that a person must have God.

The Second Commandment was not a prohibition against art work but against anything that might take the place of God in Israel’s understanding. In the ancient world, the idol maker was in many ways a theologian. His intention, in many cases, was not to say- “My god has the body of a lion or calf, the legs of a bull, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a man.” Rather he was saying, “My god has the speed of a lion and power of a bull, is exalted as the eagle, and has wisdom of a man”. So the idol makers were attempting to describe their god’s attributes. The basic thrust of the Second Commandment, in Moses day and is true today, was the prohibition against substituting anything for God. This situation is a real problem in today’s Christianity. Many today have the tendency to substitute allegiance to certain words and phrases that describe God for a genuine submission to God Himself. Even orthodox descriptions (like God is similar to a benevolent uncle) can become an idol. While not the full meaning of this problem, what we should do instead is compare the love of the mother to God’s love (although it never really measures up)- not God to some earthly person or thing. Can you think of other words or phrases that wrongfully compare God’s attributes to earthly items? (Anything that says God is like something on earth.) Nothing must be allowed to take God’s place in our lives.

Before moving to the Third Commandment, phrase “the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (NLT) is tucked in verse 5 (not read). For years this word “jealous” bothered me because of the connotation it has in modern society, until I learned it should better be translated “zealous” God. This word focuses upon an action rather than upon an emotion. It speaks of the fact that God will act to prevent Israel’s unfaithfulness only to transform it, if it occurs.

The Third Commandment may be the most misunderstood of all the Commandments. The usual interpretation is that it applies to cursing. Although, it certainly applies to such language! To apply its meaning so narrowly alone, is almost to misunderstand it completely. Basic to its proper and full understanding is to go back to the Old Testament concept of “name”. In seeking to grasp the meaning, we must also consider the fact that among ancient people, divine names were considered to have some magical properties. It would appear that this Commandment was clearly a prohibition against assuming that the mere use of the name of God would produce results (like some magic). God will not be manipulated by those who seek merely to use His power. The presence of God in anyone’s life should produce visible fruit.

The Fourth Commandment is the longest of all the Commandments (v. 8-11- but we are reading only verse 8) and also has been frequently misinterpreted. “Remember” should not be translated as an imperative but as a continuing action. The main feature of this Commandment is that a day that is holy is one which is devoted to God’s special purpose. It governs the use of all time, not just the seventh day.            We all are responsible for the use of the time that God has given us. The seventh day was peculiarly devoted to God’s service, but all time was a stewardship for Him. The early Christian churches began by keeping the Jewish Sabbath, which is Saturday, and the Lord’s Day Sunday- because of the resurrection of Christ. As the gospel spread to non-Jewish people, the Sabbath was dropped and the Lord’s Day was the only day set apart. So we Gentiles may be given credit for this switch, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The Commandment does not necessarily command that Saturday be kept but that one day in seven be set apart especially for God. The real problem occurs when we try to define how to keep a day holy (a discussion for another time). Man’s responsibility is twofold: We must demonstrate that we recognize the holy nature of the day set apart for God and we must keep all time as God’s gift (think about the gift of eternity).

Read Exodus 20:12-17 Be Respectful of Others

In God’s Grand Story the first three Commandments are vital to God that we understand them as much as humanly possible. That is why I spent a lot of time on them. Now we connect them to the other Commandments. If we stay loyal to God, we inevitably will be respectful of others. In Matt 22:3-40, we find Jesus’ answer when asked what Commandment was the greatest of all.  Jesus said “love the Lord your God” (v.37). Jesus added a second command, so important He did not separate it from the first: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (v.39). This two part answer summarized the whole of God’s instruction to His people (v.40). God revealed His expectations for how people were to relate to one another by focusing on the home. The Fifth Commandment is based on the assumption the parents would honor God by teaching their children His ways (Deut. 6:7). Also like the fourth, it was stated in terms of continuing action. Paul, in Ephesians 6:2, took it one step further when he addressed the adults of the covenant community in Ephesius and was extending it to old parents- senior citizens.

Then the Sixth through the Tenth Commandments are short, fairly easily understood commands. It starts with the right to live, which covers abortion as well as killing another man, woman, or child. Then we learn that God places high value on marriage between a godly man and a godly woman, as this relates back again to the home. Then God states that He places high value for personal property. This is also extended to the need for each person to “carry their weight”. This command and the ninth tell us the need to respect others when it says to be an honest witness when disputes arise. While it doesn’t specifically say “Do not Lie”, speaking truth is always the right thing to do but refraining from lying misses the legal context of bearing false testimony. Finally the Tenth Commandment wrapped up God’s instruction dealing with your neighbor. To covet is to wish to have the possessions of others. It goes beyond simply admiring someone’s possession or thinking “I’d like to have one of those”. Covet is envy- resenting the fact that others have what you don’t. Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found only in Him. Coveting is the first step down the road of disrespecting others.

Read Exodus 24:4-8 Be Committed to Obedience

To this point in this lesson, we have examined the terms set forth by God to Moses, by which the covenant people were to relate to Him and to others. God demands His people’s loyalty to Himself alone. However, we have yet to see the people’s response. First we see Moses’ response. To understand this unusual covenant ratification ceremony, we need to understand the Bible’s view of sin and forgiveness. God is sovereign judge of the universe and He is also absolutely holy. So He condemns sin and judges it worthy of death. Moses uses the animal’s blood (substitute for the sinner) as proof that one’s life had been given for another and to show that the sinner could once again approach God because something had died in the sinner’s place. This brought unanimous positive response from the people. They agreed to “do and obey everything that the Lord commanded”. In this case, both “do” and “obey” express emphatically the peoples’ compliance. Once the people demonstrated willingness to live by God’s commands, Moses took the other half of the blood, to show that the penalty for their sin had been paid and they could be reunited with God. Through this symbolic act God’s promises to Israel were reaffirmed. “Nothing But the Blood”! Christ’s sacrifice invoked similar imagery for His own blood at the Last Supper (Matt. 26:28 & Mark14:24) as God’s Story continues.