God is Light - Psalms 102-104

 Psalms 104:1-2 (ESV)

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

O LORD my God, you are very great!

You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

covering yourself with light as with a garment,

stretching out the heavens like a tent.

The phrase, “You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment,” is an amazing thought to ponder.   Light in our world is a positive word.  Seldom do we use that word in the negative.   We often talk about how sunshine reveals the truth in politics.  The more the narrative is exposed to the light, the more we learn the real truth.  Up until the invention of the lightbulb, mankind was limited to what they could do in the dark.   Today we really don’t see the darkness as a hinderance to our work or life style.  In fact, many people prefer working at nights.   In the Bible, light is a picture for truth and darkness for evil.   When we read about that God clothes himself in light, we should stand in awe. In essence the writer is saying that God clothes Himself in truth.   When John the Apostle saw Jesus in the book of the Revelation, notice what he writes:

Revelation 22:5 (ESV)

And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

In his Gospel account, John said it this way when speaking of Jesus:

John 1:9 (ESV)

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Jesus, when He walked the earth, said it this way:

John 8:12 (ESV)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

God wraps Himself in light because it is His nature to bring light to the world of darkness.   When we see Him we will be blinded by the light.   On the mount of transfiguration, this is what the Gospel account:

Matthew 17:2 (ESV)

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

When we see a sunrise, a sunset, the bright sun over us at noon, we need to realize that those are but deem illusions of the essence of God.  He is light.  

Support Each Other - 1 Chronicles 15-19

 1 Chronicles 19:10-15 (ESV)

Ammonites and Syrians Defeated

When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians for battle, and they fled before him. And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab's brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

The above passage records one of many battles that took place under David’s kingship.  This is one reason he was not allowed to build the Temple, but left the work to his son, Solomon.  David was a man of war and man of blood.   His life started out killing the giant Goliath.  It would end with many battles to usher in peace for Solomon to build Israel to greatness, having no enemies to stop him.  The popular line in the above text talks about Joab and his directions to his brother, Abishai.   Joab is emphasizing the plan for the attack and brings out one of the most honored traditions of military exploits:  Leave no man behind.    Joab wants to assure his brother that should the struggle against Abishai be too strong, Joab would be there for him.  He also was humble enough to tell his younger brother that if he were to struggle in battle, Abishai was to support him.   This is the make of both good leadership and great follower-ship.   The two of them would support the other.   This is a picture of the body of Christ.  Note what Paul stated in the New Testament to the Galatians:

 Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)

Bear One Another's Burdens

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

And, to the church of the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 12:24b-25 (ESV)

... But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

We are to support each other.  The enemy wants to devour each of us.  But, our support of each other enables the Spirit of God to work in us and protect us.  We are to support our brothers.  

Racism - The Root of a Power Grab - Numbers 9-12

 Numbers 12:1-10 (ESV)

Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.

10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

When Miriam and Aaron (Moses’ sister and brother) attempted to assert their authority over, or at least along side, Moses, we see God’s response.  God was into a “shared” leadership model.   Apparently, since she was impacted the most, it was Miriam who had the spirit of envy for leadership.   It is interesting that she used a ruse to initiate her coup.   In verse one we read that she had a racial prejudice bias.   She didn’t like the color of Moses’ wife’s skin.    Apparently, the nature of racism did not originate with white men (although they did their part to accelerate it).   This was one woman (a Jew) who should racial bias toward another woman (an African).    God stepped in and inter vented on the behalf of Moses and his wife, but more importantly for the character of Himself.   Miriam and Aaron were wrong in two ways.   The first was they were attempting to usurp Moses’ authority.  The second was their lack of love for another human being.   The irony here is the Miriam was, in essence, compelling about skin color of Moses’s wife, Zipporah.    God’s discipline of Miriam was to change her skin color.  She could look at Zipporah and see, because of her skin color, that she was not an Israelite.   Miriam shamed her based on what she could see on the outside.   So, God disciplined her and brought her shame (sending her outside the camp) based upon how people saw her, her skin color.   God had already commanded the people to take in the foreigner, even to eat the Passover (Deuteronomy 12).   God intervened in this attempted leadership coup.   Miriam and Aaron used racial prejudice as a reason, but the real desire here was power.  The basis for all racism.   God condemned both the racism and the power grab, two things that are often sandwiched together. God hates them both. 

What is Truly Life? 1 Timothy 4-6

 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV)

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

The word “they” in the above text is referring to the rich.  To understand Paul’s teaching to young Timothy, we have to read some of the previous verses to catch the context:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

The immediate verse before the text we are considering is directly about the rich in this world:

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Paul is telling us that there is something far more deeper than riches but nothing more dangerous.   We are, in this life, titillated by riches.  We are enticed to pursue them and we are encouraged to parade them.   Solomon told us this about the wealthy:

Proverbs 19:4 (ESV)

Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

What Paul is telling Timothy was that in his life and in his teaching to warn those who get caught up in this mirage of materialism.   He is to remind them about the contentment and abundance found in a relationship with God.   Timothy’s ministry was in Ephesus.  This was a Greek city known for its pleasures and abundance.   Those coming to Christ would have to live a different life in front of sea of debauchery and decadence.   Paul wants the church to purse godliness.  Paul even warns Timothy to make sure the members of the sure don’t but the health of their bodies before the pursuit of godliness:

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The priority of the believer is faith in Christ and good works toward mankind, through obedience.   We are not to pursue our financial gain.  We are to store of good works toward mankind that are done in faith toward Christ in order to take hold of what is “truly” life. 

Jesus is Lord and has Authority - John 7-9

 John 9:13-17 (ESV)

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

Throughout the book of John, the religious leaders of the day are attempting to trick Jesus, trap Jesus and/or entice Him.   Jesus was claiming to be equal with God.   The Jewish people and leaders would not tolerate that thought.   Although far from being spiritual men, these religious blow-hearts were very much concerned about religion.    These miracles that He preformed were designed to show them His glory.  Yet, even though He performed miracles, they still would not recognize the Godly power that showed He had, or the authority He had.   We can make the same mistake today.  We are all looking for a sign and the cross is supposed to be the ONLY sign we need.  Jesus is not physically around us today, but He is never-the-less he still wishes us to recognize HIs power and authority.  He is King of King and Lord of Lords.  

Your Plans vs His Plan - Hosea 1-7

 Hosea 4:1-3 (ESV)

Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel,

for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.

There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,

and no knowledge of God in the land;

there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery;

they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.

Therefore the land mourns,

and all who dwell in it languish,

and also the beasts of the field

and the birds of the heavens,

and even the fish of the sea are taken away.

The book of Hosea is the last prophet to speak to the Northern tribe of Israel, before the Assyrians destroyed it and took the people captive.   God sent Hosea to give them a warning about their behavior, direction and potential outcomes.   In the above text Hosea is telling them what God believes is the problem with them.  He tells them that the root cause of their issues is no faithfulness toward Him, no love for Him and no knowledge of Him.   When we lack knowledge of God then our behavior is unchecked.   We do not adjust our conduct unless we have a standard to compare and measure our conduct against.    Later in this same chapter Hosea states:

Hosea 4:6 (ESV)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;

because you have rejected knowledge,

I reject you from being a priest to me.

And since you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children.

Israel was supposed to be the example of God’s love and grace for surrounding nations. Instead they became a shame and a sham.  Their conduct ranged from swearing and lying to murder and adultery.   As a result of their conduct even the land revolted against them.  From the birds in the sky to the fish in the sea, the entire creation was impacted by their conduct.  Their conduct (behavioralism) was produced due there mindset (cognitive thinking).    They no longer had a belief system which meant anything goes.   When Aaron and the people thought that Moses (and Joshua) dies in the mountain, they thought they could do anything they wanted.  Failure to believe in God and/or see a representative of God and godliness, produces unchained hedonism.    We need to know God in order to change our own behavior and that of others.  

Proverbs 14:27 (ESV)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Overlook an Offense - How? - Proverbs 19

 Proverbs 19:11 (NASBStr)

A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,

And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Proverbs 14:29

He who is slow to anger has great understanding,

But he who is quick- tempered exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:18

A hot- tempered man stirs up strife,

But the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Psalm 38:13

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;

And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all offenses.

James 1:19

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

So, what do you think the Bible has to say about being slow to anger?     God tells us that He is slow to anger:

Psalms 86:15

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

If, then, God is slow to anger, how should we respond?   The difference is of course is that God NEVER "overlooks" a transgression.  God can't because He is holy.  God won't because He has PERFECT justice.   We don't and we aren’t, however.   Since we, too, are evil (like the one offending us), we can't be holy in justice.   So, Solomon is telling us we should, at times, over look the transgression.   In the above text in Psalm 39 we see David, Solomon's father, speaking about those who were trying to kill him.  He had to be as a deaf man, or a mute man.   When you think of this Proverb of overlooking a transgression we can't help but think of David overlooking Saul's pursuit of Him.  On two occasions David could have killed Saul.  In both situations he overlooked it.   Allow yourself to be cool and be willing to remember you are not the Judge.  You might and should have to overlook a transgression.

But it seems unfair to overlook it!! In 19:11 we see that it is a glorious thing in your life to “overlook” a transgression. It would seem the words are pointing to the fact that when someone sins against us and does us wrong it is to our glory to forgive them and overlook the matter. You can't argue about what is said but only that it doesn't seem fair. But, when we remember that it is God who is keeping track and keeping score, we can relax. It is only when we understand that God will care for all the injustice in the world and our part is to forgive and move on that we can practice this first. It is truly glorious when we forgive others and overlook a matter. It is only then that God can do His part and take care of the injustice in perfect love and judgment. God will take the sin (offense) of others against us and either apply it to the wrath He poured out on His Son, on the cross, or complete the justice on the person in His perfect way, in His perfect timing.  Be glorious today – overlook a matter!  Think of Jesus, when he suffered He committed Himself to His Father who “judges righteously.”  Note:

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV Strong's)

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

It is our responsibility, by faith, to overlook a matter.  

Enter With Thanks - Psalms 99-101

 Psalms 100:4 (ESV)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

We probably walk through hundreds of doors every week.  I doubt if there has ever been a study of how many doors we walk through.  Surely there has not been a study of how many times we walk through a door with “thanksgiving.”   We probably do, leaving a store, if it is the right kind of store.  If we had to get our car repaired and we walked out of the auto repair dealer, it is doubtful we walked out with thanksgiving.   Walking into a hospital is probably not a walk of thanksgiving.  But, perhaps, coming is, can be, hopeful to be.   Walking into an ice cream parlor is a great do to walk into with thanksgiving.  Especially if you money in your pocket and you are not on a diet.   Walking out is a thanksgiving walk, allow can be hard to squeeze through the door.  

What the writer of this song is talking about in the above passage is about having an intentionality about lives when it comes to our walking into the presence of God.  HIs “gates” might conjure up the gates of Jerusalem.  That would fit this section, especially if you read the proceeding psalm.   But, verse two of this song states:

Psalms 100:2 (ESV)

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Of all the “doors” we walk through, the post important door is the door of HIs presence.  That is were we are to walk each day and never walk away from.   We are to approach Him with a heart of thanksgiving.  Yes, there are days this might hard and seemingly impossible.  But, in truth, staring your day, ending your day and making all the time in between a walk of thanksgiving is a powerful way to live your life.   We are coming before Him and walking into the arena of His glory.  What is not to be thankful for in regard to that walk.    Each time you open a door to your home to leave or return think thanksgiving to God.  Each time you open the door to your car to get in and get out, think thanksgiving to God.  Each time you open a door to your work, think thanksgiving.  Each time you open the door of business to go in or out, think about a thanksgiving walk.   We are to thank God that we are in His presence no matter whether we are on the inside of the door or the outside of a door.  Be thankful. 

Dancing in Worship Leads To Death - 1 Chronicles 10-14

 1 Chronicles 13:9-14 (ESV)

And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

The above verses come on the heals of the previous celebration by David about bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem:

1 Chronicles 13:8 (ESV)

And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

David quickly went from joy to anger about the death of Uzzah.   At one moment David is dancing before the Lord in praise and adoration and the next moment he is furious with God.   God is good and then God is bad, according to David’s reaction.   We need to understand the circumstances to understand the emotion.   In David’s mind he framed the first situation (bringing the Ark back) as a great thing and that produced the feelings of joy and excitement and enthusiasm.  To the extent that he literally danced.   But, then he viewed the sticking of Uzzah dead with the mindset that God was cruel and unkind and unfair.    That produced the emotion of anger.   What David failed to see in this case is that God was acting consistent with His character.   The Ark was not just a piece of furniture being transported in the the back of a wagon.   The Ark was the place where God manifests His presence.   Instead of being in awe of God being holy and untouchable, David became angry.  The Ark was not to be carried on a cart.  It was supposed to have two poles (overlaid with gold) what they carried the Ark with on their shoulders.   But, David choose a wagon and oxen.   He had the right o dance in worship but he was wrong in his methods.   He forgot about the holiness of God and made his worship casual with his feelings and not based on conviction of God’s character.   David was not wrong to dance, but no matter what your worship looks like it is to still align with God’s word.  We can worship all we want, but we are to do so in a way that obeys God as we worship God.   

Do We Want God’s Power Over Us? Numbers 5-8

 Numbers 8:14-19 (ESV)

“Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. And after that the Levites shall go in to serve at the tent of meeting, when you have cleansed them and offered them as a wave offering. For they are wholly given to me from among the people of Israel. Instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the people of Israel, I have taken them for myself. For all the firstborn among the people of Israel are mine, both of man and of beast. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I consecrated them for myself, and I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service for the people of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary.”

When God redeemed the nation of Israel from Egypt, He set claim to the first born of all the families.   The meaning of such is that the families would be required to give their first born (son) to God for service.   God allowed them to substitute the tribe of Levi for the first born requirement.   The thought to take into our learning here is that God can claim what He wants, who He wants and how he wants them.  The non-believer probably would struggle with this thought process.  Mankind does not like the thought that someone has “claim” on their lives.  We believe we are complete Independant and autonomous in life.  Our mantra is, “Look at me, I can do as I please.”   But, that is just not true in God’s plan or purpose and procedures for life.  God has claim on us, all mankind.   In Genesis 3 we read about God’s claim on “mankind” as a whole.   In that chapter God tells them what they can and can’t do; what to do after they disobey; outlines their penalty (that fell on all mankind); and protects them from themselves.    God has claim on us. He does not muddy the waters on that claim and shows us that He is in charge of us.   The last part of the above text stress why we must agree, follow and obey this thought.   God wanted to keep all plagues from the nation.  If they did, God would protect them.  If they did not, God would discipline them by removing His divine protection.  The irony here?  We want God to use His power to protect us from a crisis (like at plague).   But, we don’t Him to have claim on us.  Power of a plague, yes!  Power over us, no!

Desire the Office, Or Don’t Serve in the Office - 1 Timothy 1-3

 1 Timothy 3:1 (ESV)

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

In chapter three of this letter the Apostle Paul is telling young pastor Timothy (and us) what the qualifications are for a “bishop” of the church.  (The terms “bishop, elder and pastor” all seem to be used interchangeable through the N.T.).   This would be important to Timothy as the church he served (the church in Ephesus) would be growing and the care for the Body having more and more demand.   Paul outlines several qualifications for this role.  But, the first qualification is a person must “aspire” for the role.  The word for “aspire” is defined by Vine as follows:

(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary) orego (ὀρέγομαι, 3713), “to stretch after,” is rendered “covet after” in 1 Tim. 6:10, KJV; RV. “reaching after.” See desire, reach.

Note the other two times it is used in the N.T.:

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV) - Here is it translated “cravings:”

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Hebrews 11:16 (ESV) - Here it is translated “desire:”

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

There are certainly individuals in the church who do NOT aspire to be the Bishop, Elder or Pastor of the Body of Christ.   But, if someone is put into that role is is not because they were voted in they day they missed the congregational meeting.   This is not a “I-will-do-it-if-no-one-else-will” moment.  This is not done in compulsory.  This is a genuine desire of the heart to want to fulfill the role.

This is also not a selfish desire.  This is not for power or claim and/or fame.  This is for the purpose of serving the Body.  The person who has this desire should ALREADY being doing the role, to some extent, but without the title.  This is not a role of “title” it is a role of “responsibility.”   This is not a place for zeal, but service.   

God uses mankind to lead mankind.  We ought not to take that lightly.  We are to aspire to service in any fashion God wants.   But, we are not to do so without a heart’s desire to fulfill the task.  

Spiritual vs Temporal Truths - John 5-6

 John 6:66-71 (ESV)

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

Jesus has just finished a long discourse on the topic that He is the Bread of Life.  He had fed the five-thousand with a few loaves and fishes and they came back the next day, wanting more.   They liked the fact He could do so much with so little (a lesson in and of itself).  But, what they really liked was the free food.  Who doesn’t like free food.  Much less free food made out thin air.   They instantly made the connection that each day in the wilderness wandering of their fore-fathers, God gave them “mana” from heaven.  That sustained the nation for 40 years.   These same Jewish peoples now thought that Jesus was going to provide them food from heaven, but by way of break and fishes.   This is truly a group of people who are mistaking the physical with the spiritual.  Jesus tells them that in on sense they are right.  He is the “mana” from heaven , sent by His Father, God, to feed them. HE IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.  To this they are bewildered.  They just don’t get it.  Jesus is talking about the spiritual, they are focused on the physical.  But, when the disciples are asked about this truth, Peter makes the connection.   Since on many occasions the disciples were very slow to make these spiritual growth steps, it was awesome that Peter “got it.”    Yet, there is bad news.  Yes, Peter (speaking for himself and the other disciples) gets it, but Jesus lets them know that there is one person (Judas) who does not get it and will not get it.  Despite all the miracles and teaching, some will not get it.   Some will only be focused on the hear and now.  Judas was this little band of believers’ treasurer.   He held the money bag.  He was focused on the hear and now and NOT on the Bread of Life.   He would betray Jesus for a year’s salary.   One year’s worth vs an eternity in glory.   Some will go away from Jesus because it is just to hard to grasp and the temporal is more titillating for them.   Those who see the spiritual truth will have what Peter’s called, “The words of enteral life.”  Those who reject will be left with a useless bag of money.  

Prayer Power - Daniel 7-12

 Daniel 9:20-23 (ESV)

Gabriel Brings an Answer

While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

What actually happens when we pray.  Perhaps the above passage from the life of Daniel can give us some insight.   It is no secret that Daniel was a praying man.  His enemies had him tossed into the lion’s den because of his consistent habit of praying.  When Daniel prayed, we read, that “word went out.”   The angel Gabriel tells Daniel that his prayers created activity in heaven.   That is an amazing truth.   His prayers actually moved the angel Gabriel to leave heaven and minster to Daniel.   Daniel’s prayers moved God to provide to Daniel insight and understanding.  We should never underestimate how prayer opens up a conduit for the wisdom of God to flow from above to us (James 1).   God not only began to answer Daniel’s prayer, He did so with a desire to enlighten Daniel on other great matters.   The answers that follow in these chapters are much greater than Daniel actually prayed about.   When we pray that opens up the door of heaven for God to speak to us and give us wisdom on many areas, much to our amazement.   Mostly, however, Daniel’s prayer opened up the door for understanding.   Daniel prayed confessed his sins (and the sins of the nation) and presented a plea before God for mercy.  But, like Solomon, when you ask for one thing from God you get much, much more.   Solomon didn’t ask for riches, but rather wisdom.  But, he received riches, as well.  Daniel didn’t ask for understanding, he asked for mercy for his sins, but he received much, much more.   Prayer is the channel by which we, on earth, move God, in heaven to act on our behalf.  Never underestimate the power of prayer.  It opens the doors of heaven for God to become even more active in your life.  

Friendship - Proverbs 17-18

 Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:18 (ESV)

One who lacks sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)

The one who states his case first seems right,

until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

In the above proverbs the Hebrew word, reya, is translated as “friend (2x) neighbor, and other.”   The point of these four proverbs is their relationship with someone and the benefit that the relationship provides.  

1. A friend (17:17) is there for adversity in your life. Perhaps even more so than a brother.  

2. A friend (17:18) will be there to witness when you do something foolish (and, assuming, point it out so you avoid it)

3. A friend (18:17) will examine what has been said and bring clarity and accuracy to the discussion. 

4. A friend (18:24) will stick by you through thick and thin.   A friend does not allow circumstances to impact relationships in a negative way.   

Proverbs has much to say about friendship.   We are to build relationships with others, knowing full well that God has created them to produce righteous and wise living in our lives.   That is the entire point of the book of Proverbs.   Friends are a means that God uses in our lives to build wisdom.  

Would Your Name be Listed as a Warrior for Christ? 1 Chronicles 5-9

 1 Chronicles 7:1-2 (ESV)

Descendants of Issachar

The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600.

1 Chronicles 7:5 (ESV)

Their kinsmen belonging to all the clans of Issachar were in all 87,000 mighty warriors, enrolled by genealogy.

1 Chronicles 7:7 (ESV)

The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five, heads of fathers' houses, mighty warriors. And their enrollment by genealogies was 22,034.

1 Chronicles 7:9 (ESV)

And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, was 20,200.

1 Chronicles 7:11 (ESV)

All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, able to go to war.

War much?   In 1 Chronicles the author(s) are putting together a list of those in Israel’s history.  Remember, they had been taken off to captivity.  Now they were returning.  They were dong a head count of who was returning and had to assure they knew from what tribe people were from.  The Messiah would come from this returning remnant.   So, it was important to get their heritage and lineage correct.    In the above passage we read about the tribes of Issachar and Benjamin.  We read particular about their warrior members of their tribe.  The irony here is that they are coming back from captivity and their warriors were defeated.  But, never-the-less we read about them and are to take note of numbers.   The take-a-way for us is that God notices those who fight for Him and His people.  We are not much warriors today in the Body of Christ.   Our passive natures tend to make us more pew sitters than war mongers.    It is noted that we are, however, supposed to be fighting for God.  Ours is a spiritual warfare.  Note:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

We are to take on the whole armor of God to fight the spiritual battle before us and against the forces of evil, on every side.  If God were to write a new Chronicle and outlined those who warred for the church against the forces of evil, would our name be included in the list? 

Leadership Over Spiritual Matters, Matters - Numbers 1-4

 Numbers 3:5-10 (ESV)

Duties of the Levites

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle. They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle. And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the people of Israel. And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. But if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death.”

The tribe of Levi was to be completely focused on the Tabernacle and all that went with the worship aspect of the nations’ s life.   They were to be the people who set the Tabernacle up and those to took it down.  They were the ones who would carry all the furniture as the nation moved from one place to other.   They were to be the ones who guarded the Tabernacle from anyone was not a Levite.    The Levites were to be the ones who watched over the nation.  They were the priest.  Earlier in Leviticus we read that they were even the authority in the camp who watched over diseases within the camp. If someone became ill (that would threaten the entire nation), the Levites were consulted.    Their role was overseer of the entire life of the nation.     

There is an interesting parallel in the book of Hebrews when we think of today’s pastor/elder/bishop role.  Note:

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Of course today we don’t see pastors/elders/bishops play the role of doctor to the ill or security guard to the property of the church, but we do see that the leadership of today’s church is supposed to watch over the souls of the Body of Christ.   That is their role and their responsibility.  They will be held accountable for that function, just as the Levites were for Israel. 

Spiritual leadership in God’s plan has a serious responsibility.   It should not be taken lightly or entered into lightly.   God has a role for leadership to play in the life of His people.  If given that role one is to live it out with all gravity and sincerity.   

Don’t Be Lazy in the Church - 2 Thessalonians

 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 (ESV)

Warning Against Idleness

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

The above passage is the crux of the enter letter Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica.   The members there had been lead to believe (by false teachers) that the return of Christ had already happened and Paul wanted them to be aware that it had not. But, also, that in waiting for His return we were not to become idle.  We were to be diligent in our work for the Kingdom of God.   In the above passage we have several things that we can hold on to:

Verse 6:  We are to stay away from others who want to choose idleness as their life style.   Note we are not only to refuse to join them we are to stay away from them. 

Verse 7 & 8: We are to follow Paul’s example of having a strong work ethic for the Kingdom while the Lord delays His return.  We are to WORK for the Kingdom, not just WAIT for the Kingdom. 

Verse 9: We are not to claim our “rights.”  This is such a great truth for today’s world.   Believers, today, are stuck in a world of “my rights.”   Paul was willing to lay his own rights down in order to demonstrate the character and lifestyle of a believer working and waiting for the return of Christ.  It is not our rights we should be fighting for. It is His way!

Verse 10:  Those that are not going to fight for the way of the truth and do the work for the truth should not benefit from provisions of the church.  That is a tough balance to strike.  The church is to help those in need.  But, those who refuse to work for the Kingdom are not to benefit from the Kingdom.   

Verse 11:   The failure to work for the Kingdom creates a character of laziness and gossiping.   This is the “talk, don’t walk the walk” group.   When we are not actively fighting for the mission of the church we will end up fighting agains the mission of the church.   

Verse 12:   We are to both COMMAND and ENCOURAGE those who are being idle.   There is an admonition portion of our ministry to them, as well as a consolation portion.  We are not to condemn.  We are to move them along in love and accountability.   

The return of Christ is imminent.  We are not to be idle.  We are to stay awake and work for that Kingdom:

Matthew 24:42 (ESV)

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Nothing is Hidden from God - John 3-4

John 4:16-19 (ESV)

Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

When we were kids we thought it was weird that our mothers seem to know everything we did.  They didn’t, of course.  But, they had an uncanny way of making us think that they did.  Although we often did things they did not know about, they made us feel like they did.   We seldom got away with anything.   (Of course, now I know it was my sister’s narcing me out.)

Jesus, however, is not like mothers.   Jesus is omniscient.  He, like the Father, knows all things.   In the above passage the “woman at the well” marvels that God tells her about her past indiscretions (sins).   She believes Jesus must be a prophet.  It is interesting that she does not immediately fall down and confess the unholiness in her heart and seek forgiveness.  That will come, as we see the story unfold.  But, she at first is in awe of Jesus’ knowledge of her past.  She will eventually run to the village and tell everyone. They will believe her and, eventually, engage with Jesus and believe Him.   But, at first, she is simply struck by the thought that Jesus knows her life.    

We, of course, having the entire cannon of Scripture know this.   We have read verses lie these, over and over again:

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Psalms 33:13-15 (ESV)

The LORD looks down from heaven;

he sees all the children of man;

from where he sits enthroned he looks out

on all the inhabitants of the earth,

he who fashions the hearts of them all

and observes all their deeds.

We can either rejoice that God sees all our deeds, or run and hide.   But, that is the truth of the God we serve.  We think we can hide things from Him.  Unlike our mothers, HE IS omniscient.    God sees all and knows all and will hold all men accountable for their deeds and actions.  Nothing is unbidden from God. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said it this way:

 Luke 8:17 (ESV)

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

Defeating Envy in the Work Place - Daniel 1-6

Daniel 6:1-5 (ESV)

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

Envy is a bad thing.  Especially in the work place.   The above story is old in age, but realities fresh in the present.   Daniel was a favored worker and was destined to be promoted even higher into the ranks of the Persian emperor.   His peers, however, did not want him to succeed and to “rule” over them.   Instead of trying to match him on merits, they created a way to sabotage him.  They realized his reputation was to firm to corrupt him, so they had to create a law against his most central passions: His relationship with God.   You know you are walking with God when your enemies knows the only way they can get an advantage over you is to create a law against your walk with God.  Daniel was not the least worried about their attack.  Later we learn that Daniel did nothing to change his behavior. It would send him to the lion’s den.  Godly character will always increase ungodly envy.   Envy attempts to get what others have, not on your own merit, but circumventing the path of merit.   Daniel’s Godly character was real and that allowed him to continue his path of obedience and ignore the envy of his peers.  The response to envy is continued Godly character despite circumstances.  

Good Leaders Have Righteous Hearts - Proverbs 16

 Proverbs 16:12-15 (ESV)

It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

A king's wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

Leadership is often the subject of Solomon’s many proverbs.   He, as a king, knew a little about this.  But, we have to remember, when he became king he was quite young, perhaps in his teens.   God came to him to offer anything he wanted.   The normal teem with that opportunity would probably take great riches.  Solomon choose wisdom in order to be able to lead:

1 Kings 3:7-9 (ESV)

And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

In the above passages we see that wisdom given to Solomon written out in the proverbs.   A wise king will:

1. Establish their leadership in righteousness and hate evil.   Very few leadership books start out with this admonition.   Solomon is giving us something that other writers never did or will.   If you want to be a good leader, seek first and foremost God’s righteousness. 

2.  Speak what is right.  Out of the heart flow the issues of life.  (Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.). Since we are leading in righteousness, we ought to speak righteousness.   The tongue reveals the heart.   The reason we have two-faced leaders today is because that is what is in their hearts.  

3. Good leaders know how to appease the wrath of other leaders.   The ability to work with someone who is angry and wrathful is a mark of a great leader.   

4. Good leaders bring great favor onto others.   A good leader, with a single look, can show great favor on others.   A good leader is aware of their non-verbal behavior and how it can reveal the heart.   So, the face is the window to the heart.  A righteous leader will have a great heart of grace that shows up on their face.   Their demeanor will be like a fresh rain in the spring to wash away the dirt of winter.  

Good leadership begins with a heart of righteousness that flows through the leaders every actions.  

Know God - Psalms 93-95

 Psalms 93 (ESV)

The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.

Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Your throne is established from of old;

you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD,

the floods have lifted up their voice;

the floods lift up their roaring.

Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

mightier than the waves of the sea,

the LORD on high is mighty!

Your decrees are very trustworthy;

holiness befits your house,

O LORD, forevermore.

There are a lot of things in life we can know.   We can know about our jobs.  We can know about our hobbies.  We can know about great people. We can know about our gardens.  We can know about our families.  But, the one thing we really should know, is about God.     Not just know “about” Him, however, but “know” Him, personally.  

In the above passage we read about God.  We read about several aspects of His character. If we want to know both “about” God and really “know” Him, we will need to understand what the writer is saying:

1. God is majestic.   When we think of something has having “majesty” we think of the most important things.  We think of the things that have the highest honor.  That is God. God is “robed” in majesty.  

2. God eternal.   We read in the above passage that God is from “everlasting.”  God was here before time and will be here after time.   God is established for ever.   

3. God is omnipotent.  We read that God has “put on strength” as a belt.  We read that He is powerful over floods of waters.   He is more powerful than all the waves of the sea.  

4. God is truth.  We read that God’s “decrees” are “trustworthy.”   That means all that God plans, says and carries out is in perfect truth and is trustworthy.   What in life can you say that about, except God?

5. God is holy.   The above passage ends with the fact that God is holy in His character.   There is not sin in God. Therefore none of His plans are flawed.  None of His ways are corrupt.  We can fully lean into God and know that He will be pure in His dealings with us. 

When we see God’s character, know how He conducts His plans, we can rejoice that God is perfect in His dealings with us.   We can rest in knowing Him for who He is.  

God Weaves Our Mistakes Into His Plans - 1 Chronicle 1-4

 1 Chronicles 3:5 (ESV)

These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel;

The book of Chronicles is a “chronicle” of, primarily, Judah, after their return from captivity.   The “chronicler” has, as his (their) purpose to assure that the tribe of Judah (representing Israel) is pure.   From this returning people will, eventually, come the Messiah. It is important to chronicle these things as it shows God’s faithfulness to His promises.  God promised that God would, forever, have someone from David’s lineage to sit on the throne.   The Messiah, Jesus, would be the final name on the list.  He would and will sit on THE throne.    

In the above verses we see the “chronicler” add the sons born to David via Bathsheba.   It is significant to note that Bathsheba is on the list.  Remember, this was David’s adulterous affair.   Solomon, Bathsheba’s son, would sit on the throne and that would be the last king over the United Kingdom.   David’s past sin would be a step along the process that God would redeem in order to make sure that His promises would be fulfilled.   We can rejoice that God takes our past mistakes and weaves them, by His grace, into His plans and even uses them to accomplish His plans.  

Christianity is NOT Another Form of Aristocracy - 1 Thessalonians 4-5

 1 Thessalonians 4:12 (ESV)

so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

In the Greek culture the more your rose in status, the less you did in manual work.  That was the reward for intellectual and social gain.   In the Greek aristocracy, those with the most worked with their hands less.   Those who did the work were the slaves and the working class.   However, those were also the main group that became the Body of Christ.  The aristocrats thought the preaching of the Gospel was foolishness.  The working class found strength, significance and, more importantly, freedom in Christ.    However, that brought to them the idea that since they were free in Christ, they no longer had to fulfill their obligations in life, i.e. working and providing for themselves and their families.   Add to this thought that the early church thought that Christ’s return was imminent and you find a group of believers who thought they could kick back and live off the church.  Paul wants them to know that there was three things wrong in their thinking:

1. Christ return is coming but that was not a reason to be idle.  That comes after the above verse, but it is significant to their thought process.   Yes, Jesus was coming, but idleness was not a quality the demonstrated Jesus will for them.  Paul wanted them to know they were to be found “working” when Jesus returns, not “resting.” 

2. In the above verse the reason for them to cease from their idle behavior is because it is not a good testimony to the world around them.   Paul emphasizes the fact that what we do on the inside of the church impacts those that are watching on the outside of the church.   

3. Paul also wants them to know they are not to live in a way that they, with intentionality, depend on others.    The Church did have a practice of showing brotherly love by caring for one another.  Note:

Acts 4:32 (ESV)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

The phrase “everything in common” meant they shared food, clothing, homes, etc.  When people came to Christ they often loss their occupations and were tossed out of their families.  Paul wants to warn the church to not take advantage of that brotherly love simply because you don’t want to work anymore.   

Christianity was not another form of aristocracy.   Many false teachers were teaching the Gospel in that way.  Paul was providing teaching to prevent them from thinking that way.  

Be Angry, But Sin Not - John 1-2

John 2:13-17 (ESV)

(Jesus Cleanses the Temple)

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

The above story is, according to some commentaries, is occurring at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.   Others believe John has jumped right to the end of Jesus’ ministry.   Whether there was one or two “cleansing” of the Temple can be debated at another time.  The significance is that Jesus’ righteous anger was on full display.  Those coming to Jerusalem for Passover needed to have an animal sacrifice to offer.   Traveling at great distances made that a struggle, so capitalism materialized in the Temple court.  This defiled the Temple.  Jesus quotes a portion of Psalm 69 and drives the merchants away from the area.   Having a desire to stand up for God is a marvelous character quality for the believer.   It is interesting that we see Jesus have “zeal” but not sin in anger.   Remember, Jesus was without sin.   We are sinners.   Our anger is seldom without sin.   Notice what James told the early church:

James 1:19-20 (ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

It is difficult to determine what is righteous anger and what is sinful anger.   Paul told the church at Ephesus:

 Ephesians 4:26 (ESV)

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

That we will have anger.  But, the anger is to last for a brief moment and be resolved by the end of they day.    God confronted Jonah about his anger.  Jonah was angry because God redeemed his enemies, the Ninivites.   God asks him, “Do you do well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:1-5).   Jesus was able to demonstrate a zeal for God and purify with that zeal.   He worked the righteousness of God through that zeal.   However, our anger does not work the righteousness of God.   We are to put away our anger.  We are to allow God to do His part.  Our part is to confess our anger and ask God to redeem us from it.  When we do confront others about sin, as Jesus did here, notice how Paul states we should do it:

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

We are to confront sin, but we are to do so in a Spirit of gentleness and meekness.  

The Glory of God Makes Us Significant - Ezekiel 43-48

 Ezekiel 47:1-2 (ESV)

Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side.

In Ezekiel 43 we read about how God’s glory fills this Temple the prophet is describing.   The Temple is filled with God’s glory.  In the above text we read about a river of water that starts small and then (in later verses in their chapter) if turns into a full river.   This, too, is an expression of God’s glory filling the place.   We see that God’s glory is what changes a simple description of walls and measurements and land into a kingdom for God.  It is His presence.     The Tabernacle Moses was told to construct was boards and curtains and worship tools.  But, with God’s glory it was a place the people could meet God.  The Temple that Solomon built was full of God’s glory and it was changed from pillars of gold to the presence of God.   God will do this same thing in the final chapter of His plan with Israel.  

But, God is also filling us with His Glory.   Note:

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Whether it is a tabernacle made out of curtains, a temple made out of ivory columns, or the new Jerusalem temple, or our flesh and bones, none of it has any worth or significance unless it is filled with the glory of God.  His presence in our lives gives of significance in value. Without his presence we are nothing but a dying heart.

The Heart Knows the Heart - Proverbs 14-15

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about depression:

Proverbs 14:10

The heart knows its own bitterness,

And a stranger does not share its joy.

When we see a person's face we can often discern their heart.   Those going through great difficulty often don't have a way to hide the connection between the heart and the muscles of the head.  Frowns on the lips are often caused by wrinkles in the heart.  Yet, although we may "see" the conflict in the heart we cannot really know the depth of the bitterness that resides there.   We may have our own experience, which although similar to the one we see, is never the same.   To say, "I know how you feel," is a polite phrase; one often uttered as a replacement for unknown words of assurance.   When we can't help others we at least want them to know that we can relate.  But, Solomon says we can't.  Only the person who carries the heart can know the pain and the joy of it.  We might often see a lingering glow of self-confidence beaming from the face.  But, we lack the depth of knowledge to know the real excitement and joy that precipitates the bursting forth of the springs of splendor.   Only the heart knows the heart.   We can emphasize, sympathize and over analyze, but we can never truly realize what the heart is feeling.   A stranger doesn't know its pain or share its joy.  The believer  knows not the pain in the heart masked by the unbelievers false smirk.   The unbeliever knows nothing of the unending peace within the heart of the believer despite the confused and contrite look on their cancer informed face.  But, Christ, while on this earth felt all the pains, frustrations, disappointments, etc. that we feel.  We can go to Him because He CAN relate to us. He has felt the rejection in the heart (read what happened to Him in Matthews 27).  He has felt the fear (in the garden He prayed that the cross would be removed from His path).  Yet, He felt all that without sin so that He might represent us and that He might be able to relate to us. We don't know what is in the heart of others but Jesus does.

Death and Dying - Psalm 90-92

 Psalms 90:9-11 (ESV)

For all our days pass away under your wrath;

we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

The years of our life are seventy,

or even by reason of strength eighty;

yet their span is but toil and trouble;

they are soon gone, and we fly away.

Who considers the power of your anger,

and your wrath according to the fear of you?

Psalm 90 was written by Moses, just prior to his death.   It is a prayer for the nation of Israel who will soon enter the promise land without Moses.  He will die for his disobedience and not take part in the promise of the land.  In the above text he is referring to both the nation and individual man.   His conclusion of life is that our entire life is really lived under the “wrath” and “anger” of God (see verses 7-8).    We all will die and death is the ultimate reminder of God’s wrath.    Those who come to Christ, of course are free from God’s wrath (Romans 8:1), but, in truth, we still live under it every day and feel the consequences of it each moment and circumstances of our lives.   

In these three Psalms (90-92), we see references to our age and our passing.  In the above verses we are reminded that our time is short and that we are passing away under God’s wrath.  We are told that our “span is but toil and trouble.”   In the song written in Psalm 91 we are told that in our “long life” God will “satisfy” us.   Note:

Psalms 91:14-16 (ESV)

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Note what the writer of Psalm 92 tells us about our life and death:

Psalms 92:12-15 (ESV)

The righteous flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the LORD;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green,

to declare that the LORD is upright;

he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

What we learn from these three passages is:

1. Our time on earth is limited. 

2. Our time on earth is characterized by living under God’s wrath.

3. Our time on earth, if blessed, is in spite of God’s wrath and is God showing us His divine favor. 

4. Our time on earth will draw to a close in BOTH pain and suffering, but, for those who walk with God, in fruit and declaration of God’s power and might. 

We know we will all die.  But, the way we die and how we live to the end is in direct proportion to our walk with God and desire to obey and follow Him in faith.  

The Ruin of Sin - 2 Kings 21-25

 2 Kings 25:8-12 (ESV)

In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month—that was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon—Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. And he burned the house of the LORD and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. And the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the multitude, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile. But the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.

Psalms 79:1-4 (ESV)

How Long, O LORD?

A PSALM OF ASAPH.

O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;

they have defiled your holy temple;

they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

They have given the bodies of your servants

to the birds of the heavens for food,

the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out their blood like water

all around Jerusalem,

and there was no one to bury them.

We have become a taunt to our neighbors,

mocked and derided by those around us.

Jerusalem was to be God’s shining light on a hill.  It was to be the beacon of hope to the nations.   The Temple was to hold the glory of God.   This holy city was to be the attraction of the world.    Yet, the people who lived in it defiled their relationship with God and now it will lay in ruins for that disobedience.   We can only imagine the devastation that was happening over this great city.  But, this is what sin does.  Walking in disobedience to God destroys what was supposed to be a glorious witness for Him.   Sin destroys lives and recks havoc on all it touches.   Families fall apart.   Churches are destroyed.  Eventually nations are ruined.   This is what happens when we walk in disobedience to God’s Word.   In Proverbs 7 we read about the naive one who wanders off and is taken captive by the folly of sin.  Here is the conclusion of this young life:

Proverbs 7:21-23 (ESV)

With much seductive speech she persuades him;

with her smooth talk she compels him.

All at once he follows her,

as an ox goes to the slaughter,

or as a stag is caught fast

till an arrow pierces its liver;

as a bird rushes into a snare;

he does not know that it will cost him his life.

Jesus - Our Showbread - Leviticus 22-24

 Leviticus 24:5-9 (ESV)

Bread for the Tabernacle

“You shall take fine flour and bake twelve loaves from it; two tenths of an ephah shall be in each loaf. And you shall set them in two piles, six in a pile, on the table of pure gold before the LORD. And you shall put pure frankincense on each pile, that it may go with the bread as a memorial portion as a food offering to the LORD. Every Sabbath day Aaron shall arrange it before the LORD regularly; it is from the people of Israel as a covenant forever. And it shall be for Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place, since it is for him a most holy portion out of the LORD'S food offerings, a perpetual due.”

Hebrews 9:1-2 (ESV)

The Earthly Holy Place

Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.

In the Holy Place the priest was to arrange in two rows, six loaves of bread.  This Showbread was had several purpose and/or symbols:

1. It was first and foremost to be an offering to God.   It is first mentioned in Exodus 25.  Like all things Tabernacle, it was to be something that the people brought to God in honor, worship and recognition of His provision for them and glory over them. 

2.  It was to be a symbol of God’s provision of bread for the people.   Jesus would later say the following: 

John 6:35 (ESV)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Since “bread” is often referred to and believed to be one of the essentials of life, we can see the imagery and purpose for us in both the Old Testament Tabernacle and Jesus stating that He would not be their “bread.”

3.  It was to provide some sustenance for Aaron and his sons, the priests.   God’s people, in worshipping God, provided also food for the priest.  The same is true today as we provide tithes and offerings,  that is meant to provide for the families of those we call to minister to us and among us.   

4. The New Testament Church, in celebrating the Holy Communion uses bread to signify Christ’s broken body on the Christ.    We are to rejoice that He gave His life for us and continues to be before God to represent us (like the Showbread was continually before God).   

Jesus is the Bread of Life.