Jesus once used an analogy as a comparison between what man considered true worship and that which pleased our heavenly Father. Three of the gospels recorded his comments; Matthew, Mark and Luke. Matthew's version states, "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved." The original Greek meaning of the word translated "bottle" is a leathern or skin bag used as a bottle, or wineskin.
What was Jesus speaking of? If we look at the context, he was explaining to his disciples that the Pharisees, or religious leaders of their day, had many teachings, customs and traditions that needed revisiting in the context of the new life that he was offering them. The Pharisees lived by the letter of the law, but Jesus was introducing his followers to a higher spiritual law. This law could not be contained in the requirements of the old covenant, for it would indeed replace the physical requirements of the Mosaic law with the spiritual requirements of a new covenant. Hebrews 8:10 defines it for us. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."
If we accept this new covenant today, we may also find that we need to address many of our teachings, customs and traditions in light of our Lord's teachings. If we are honest, we may find that we are trying to put our new wine into old wineskins. Many Christians would counter with, "We don't follow the old Jewish laws. We are not under law, but under grace. We accept Jesus as our Lord and savior and he has washed away our sins."
That may be true, but have we perhaps been deceived into following other ways that might be considered "old wineskins" that our Lord cannot pour new wine into? Let me give you an example. I begin with some background that will clarify this subject for you as we move along. When the Lord called ancient Israel to be his called-out people, his chosen nation, he warned them regarding the form of worship he would accept, as well as that type of worship that would be considered an abomination. When he separated them from the other nations upon the earth, he commanded them, "Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise", Deut 12:30. What type of "worship" did these pagan nations practice? What were the customs and traditions that the Lord warned his children not to follow after?
Deut 18:9-14 gives us insight into the sin of witchcraft. "When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer (a seeker of the dead). For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."
I read this and can think of so many practices that we engage in today that would not be pleasing to the Lord, based on this scripture; Fortune-telling, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot card readings, etc. Look at the increase in our nation's obsession with books, movies and video games containing satanic themes. Horror films are on the increase, the bloodier the better. In addition, Halloween is growing in popularity, second only to Christmas in sales. Do you know the origins of Halloween? There are a multitude of articles on the internet regarding Halloween and the customs and traditions associated with it. Although each focuses on a different aspect of this holiday, they all seem to agree on the earliest origins that spawned the celebration that we observe today.
The earliest celebrations from which we get our Halloween today have their origins with the ancient Celtics of Northern France, Ireland and Britain. November 1st was the first day of the Celtic new year. The night before was the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the summer or harvest season and the beginning of the dark winter season. It was believed to be the time when the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest, allowing the spirits of the dead to return to earth and roam the streets. To ward off these roaming ghosts, the superstitious Celtics would wear masks and light bonfires, carve scary faces in pumpkins and place them in their windows or leave gifts outside their houses hoping to spare themselves or their homes from harm. Celtic priests offered sacrifices of crops and animals to their dieties and practiced fortune-telling, believing that contact with the spirit world was closest during this season.
In 43 A.D. the Romans conquered the Celtic world and merged Samhain with the Roman festivals of Feralia, which commemorated the passing of the dead and that of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruits and trees. Her symbol was the apple, from which we get our custom of "bobbing" for apples today.
Eventually, Christianity began to take hold in Europe. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st All Saints Day to honor saints and martyrs. The night before became known as All-hallows Eve and later Halloween. He was attempting to replace the old Celtic practices with new traditions that reflected a more Christian view. However,the results proved to be a mixture of the earlier Celtic customs, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folklore merged together.
As European immigrants migrated to America, they brought with them many of these customs and, over the years, they were blended together forming the secular holiday we now celebrate on October 31st. Most Americans don't consider Halloween to be anything other than innocent fun. Does God feel the same way? We saw earlier in this article what he thinks of the dark practices of withcraft and the occult. Is He amused by our making light of demons, witches, ghosts, evil spirits, hauntings, and Satan himself? Is God pleased when we masquerade in costumes that depict these beings? Many would say, "It's all fun and games!" Maybe so, but it is an abomination to God and He forbids his children to partake of such things.
The Apostle Paul instructed the Christian converts in Corinth to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers or have fellowship with unrighteousness. He asks, "What communion hath light with darkness?", II Cor 6:14. He told the Ephesians, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light", Eph 5:8. He goes on to say in Eph 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The spirit world is very real. We are told in Eph 6:12 that, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places". Those who dabble in the practices of spiritism will be punished when Christ returns to earth. Rev 21:8 includes sorcerers and idolaters as those who will have their part in the lake of fire at the end time.
Christians are to keep themselves separate from evildoers and from the unfruitful deeds of darkness. There is nothing about Halloween that can remotely be considered Christian, therefore, it behooves true Christians to refrain from taking part in this holiday. We should refrain from joining in with a world that makes a habit of recycling ancient pagan customs and traditions (old wineskins) and attempting to pour Christianity into them.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Change We Can Believe In
During the last presidential campaign, the Obama camp used the slogan "Change we can believe in". The night he won the election, the air was electrified as people filled our cities' streets celebrating. It was like nothing I had ever witnessed. Unfortunately, many would say today that this isn't the change we were hoping for. But I ask you.....is it ever? I can't remember a time when there wasn't disappointment and disallusionment following the election of a new president, be he a Republican or Democrat. Let's face it! Our nation is so polarized; divided by nationality, religion, ideology and socio-economic conditions. We are indeed a melting pot so diverse, it's a mystery as to how we can possibly agree upon anything. From the halls of government to main street America, we seem to argue and fight over everything and, with new technology, we do it electronically via facebook, twitter, You Tube, you name it.
I find it interesting that our government bodies are called "houses", in light of Jesus' words, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". It is a sad state of affairs when our elected officials refuse to work together for the good of our country. They are so concerned with playing party-politics, they are taking us down the road to ruin.
There is hope on the horizon though, despite how gloomy things appear to be at the present time. However, that hope is dependent upon the realization and acceptance of a higher power who is in complete control over the affairs of man. King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon learned that lesson the hard way. He boasted of his great power and the kingdom he ruled over until the Lord punished him with madness. For seven years his dwelling was with the beasts of the field and his food the grass of oxen until he confessed that the most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever he will, Daniel 4:28-37.
Psa 75:6-7 tells us, "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another". We read in Jer 27:5, "I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed meet unto me". Again in Daniel 2:21 we see, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings".
There are several examples that come to my mind that confirm these passages. The apostle Paul spoke of God's words regarding the Pharoah of Egypt who held ancient Israel captive, saying "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth". Many years later, King Cyrus of Persia was placed in power by God for the purpose of releasing the Jews from seventy years in Babylonian captivity and allowing them to return to their homeland, Isa 44:28, 45:1-3, Ezra 1:1-2.
Through visions given to the prophet Daniel God revealed the rise and fall of kingdoms before they appeared on the scene. He was given the meaning of a dream King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had which revealed the rise of three great kingdoms that would follow his reign. They proved to be Persia, Greco-Macedonia and Rome. Read Daniel, chapter 7 for this remarkable prophecy.
Throughout history, God has intervened in the affairs of men as he willed in order to bring about his ultimate purpose for mankind. We mistakenly think we are in control. Nations fight one another for supremacy and some dare to aspire to total world domination. We cannot see what will transpire in the near future. God may allow evil to prevail for a time, as he did many times in the past. In fact, the history of the nation of Israel testifies to the veracity of that statement. God resorted to famine, pestilence and national captivity several times as punishment for their willful disobedience. He actually put it into the hearts of evil kings to come against his people according to his purpose. Then he would turn his punishment toward them in the end, destroying their nations.
The important thing to remember is that this earthly experience is but for a season. No power abides apart from God's knowledge and purpose. We often despair of the evil that reigns throughout the world and those nations that would destroy all life on this planet through their misguided, often insane leaders. Ultimately they will be brought down. One day we shall have one world government and it will be ruled by a righteous king, Jesus Christ. Let us return to the book of Daniel. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever", Dan 2:44. Jesus will take over the kingdoms of this world very soon now and set up the Kingdom of God. Only righteousness will dwell there. There will be no more pain or suffering, no war, no tears. All will live in peace and safety and no one will make us afraid. Our children will enjoy healthy, happy lives. The earth will be made new and there will be beauty everywhere. We will be healed of our diseases and our minds will be cleansed and made whole. There will be no poverty or lack for there will be plenty for all. We will be taught the statutes and judgments of God and worship only him. The entire world will be filled with the knowledge of God. In that day we will truly have change we can believe in!
I find it interesting that our government bodies are called "houses", in light of Jesus' words, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". It is a sad state of affairs when our elected officials refuse to work together for the good of our country. They are so concerned with playing party-politics, they are taking us down the road to ruin.
There is hope on the horizon though, despite how gloomy things appear to be at the present time. However, that hope is dependent upon the realization and acceptance of a higher power who is in complete control over the affairs of man. King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon learned that lesson the hard way. He boasted of his great power and the kingdom he ruled over until the Lord punished him with madness. For seven years his dwelling was with the beasts of the field and his food the grass of oxen until he confessed that the most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever he will, Daniel 4:28-37.
Psa 75:6-7 tells us, "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another". We read in Jer 27:5, "I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed meet unto me". Again in Daniel 2:21 we see, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings".
There are several examples that come to my mind that confirm these passages. The apostle Paul spoke of God's words regarding the Pharoah of Egypt who held ancient Israel captive, saying "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth". Many years later, King Cyrus of Persia was placed in power by God for the purpose of releasing the Jews from seventy years in Babylonian captivity and allowing them to return to their homeland, Isa 44:28, 45:1-3, Ezra 1:1-2.
Through visions given to the prophet Daniel God revealed the rise and fall of kingdoms before they appeared on the scene. He was given the meaning of a dream King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had which revealed the rise of three great kingdoms that would follow his reign. They proved to be Persia, Greco-Macedonia and Rome. Read Daniel, chapter 7 for this remarkable prophecy.
Throughout history, God has intervened in the affairs of men as he willed in order to bring about his ultimate purpose for mankind. We mistakenly think we are in control. Nations fight one another for supremacy and some dare to aspire to total world domination. We cannot see what will transpire in the near future. God may allow evil to prevail for a time, as he did many times in the past. In fact, the history of the nation of Israel testifies to the veracity of that statement. God resorted to famine, pestilence and national captivity several times as punishment for their willful disobedience. He actually put it into the hearts of evil kings to come against his people according to his purpose. Then he would turn his punishment toward them in the end, destroying their nations.
The important thing to remember is that this earthly experience is but for a season. No power abides apart from God's knowledge and purpose. We often despair of the evil that reigns throughout the world and those nations that would destroy all life on this planet through their misguided, often insane leaders. Ultimately they will be brought down. One day we shall have one world government and it will be ruled by a righteous king, Jesus Christ. Let us return to the book of Daniel. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever", Dan 2:44. Jesus will take over the kingdoms of this world very soon now and set up the Kingdom of God. Only righteousness will dwell there. There will be no more pain or suffering, no war, no tears. All will live in peace and safety and no one will make us afraid. Our children will enjoy healthy, happy lives. The earth will be made new and there will be beauty everywhere. We will be healed of our diseases and our minds will be cleansed and made whole. There will be no poverty or lack for there will be plenty for all. We will be taught the statutes and judgments of God and worship only him. The entire world will be filled with the knowledge of God. In that day we will truly have change we can believe in!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Reality Check
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God", Psa 14:1. I, personally, am acquainted with many people who don't really "know" God, but only a few that deny his very existence. If such a conclusion weren't so utterly tragic, it would be laughable! Soemeone uses the very mind that God created to dismiss God himself. How does one get up every morning, witness the multitude of miracles all around him, yet deny the creator of them all? How does one explain life itself in all it's forms, this self-sustaining planet that we call home and the universal order that has provided for man's continued existence for thousands of years?
The apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord; if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring", Acts 17:24-28. King David wrote in Psa 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork".
Paul wrote in Rom 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". He goes on to explain that, when men choose not to retain God in their knowledge, they become vain in their imaginations. They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools who are unable to understand truth, their hearts and minds darkened. Does man dare judge God? Does he have the audacity to think himself wiser than his creator, even to the point of questioning his very existence? Can the clay say to the potter, why have you made me this way?
Sometimes, even those who love the Lord make the mistake of questioning his wisdom. Job is a case in point. He was, according to God, a righteous man who feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. However, there came a day when Satan appeared before God and accused Job of obedience for reward. Logic followed that God had put a hedge around Job and had blessed him in all his ways. It was no great thing for Job to honor God. On the other hand, Satan argued, strike him down and watch him curse you to your face. God allowed Satan to have power over Job, except unto death. I'm sure we are all familiar with the sufferings that Satan inflicted upon this righteous man. Through it all, Job did not curse God, but he did fall victim to self pity, anger and doubt concerning God and his dealings with mankind. In his misery he cursed the day he was born. He questioned God, "If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? have I become a heavy load for you?, Job 7:20 (New Century Version throughout). He continued, "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy. I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me. Does it make you happy to trouble me?", 10: 1-3. He became increasingly paranoid as he rambled on and on, "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind, If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished", 10:8, 12-14. As he continued, he began questioning God's judgment. Why do evil people live long lives, why do good people suffer, does it do any good to pray, can we plead our case before God, why is life so short and full of trouble, what is gained by living a good life?
Finally, God had enough! It became time for Job to get a "reality check". The Lord thundered, "Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me", Job 38:2-3.
The Lord then subjected Job to question after question, Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, or when I created the sea and set the boundaries thereof? Do you know how wide the earth is or gone to where the sea begins? Have you ever ordered the morning to come forth. Can you bring out the stars on time? Do you know where light comes from? Do you know the laws of the sky or understand how they rule the earth? Can you bring forth lightning? Who created a waterway for the rain or set the path for the thunderstorm? Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or hail? Who gives food to the birds, or satisfies the hunger of lions? Have you given the horse his strength, or does the eagle fly through your wisdom? "Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him", Job 40:2.
The Lord continued to question Job until there seemed to be no end. Humbled, his only response was, "I am not worthy; I cannot answer you anything, so I will put my hand over my mouth", 40:4. The Lord, however, was not finished. "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?, 40: 7-9. Look at the Behemoth (hippopotamus). It is one of the first of all my works. Look at its powerful stomach muscles, its tail which is like a cedar tree. Though it's bones are like bronze, it's legs like bars of iron, I can destory it. What about the leviathan (sea monster)? Can you catch it on a fishhook? Can you make it a pet? No one can defeat it. People are overwhelmed just by seeing it. No other creature on earth is its equal. There is none who would be brave enough to make it angry. So, who would dare to stand up against me? Everything under heaven belongs to me!
Finally, Job lay completely broken. "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. You asked, 'Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.", Job 42: 2-6.
Eliphaz asked, in Job 4:17, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" I fear that some would dare to think so. I often hear comments like, "If there is a God..." or "What kind of God would....? You can fill in the rest. We all need a reality check from time to time. The scriptures declare in Isa 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". He sees those who would question him. Psa 94:9-11 tells us, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall he not correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity". For those who would be proud or boastful against their creator, Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Very soon now, our Lord shall return to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His glory and majesty will be revealed in that day and all mankind will quake with fear. Isa 2:11-12 prophesies of that day, "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low". We all should be careful concerning the judgments we make, especially with regard to our creator. Let's take heed to the words of the apostle Paul in Gal 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
The apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord; if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring", Acts 17:24-28. King David wrote in Psa 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork".
Paul wrote in Rom 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". He goes on to explain that, when men choose not to retain God in their knowledge, they become vain in their imaginations. They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools who are unable to understand truth, their hearts and minds darkened. Does man dare judge God? Does he have the audacity to think himself wiser than his creator, even to the point of questioning his very existence? Can the clay say to the potter, why have you made me this way?
Sometimes, even those who love the Lord make the mistake of questioning his wisdom. Job is a case in point. He was, according to God, a righteous man who feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. However, there came a day when Satan appeared before God and accused Job of obedience for reward. Logic followed that God had put a hedge around Job and had blessed him in all his ways. It was no great thing for Job to honor God. On the other hand, Satan argued, strike him down and watch him curse you to your face. God allowed Satan to have power over Job, except unto death. I'm sure we are all familiar with the sufferings that Satan inflicted upon this righteous man. Through it all, Job did not curse God, but he did fall victim to self pity, anger and doubt concerning God and his dealings with mankind. In his misery he cursed the day he was born. He questioned God, "If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? have I become a heavy load for you?, Job 7:20 (New Century Version throughout). He continued, "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy. I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me. Does it make you happy to trouble me?", 10: 1-3. He became increasingly paranoid as he rambled on and on, "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind, If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished", 10:8, 12-14. As he continued, he began questioning God's judgment. Why do evil people live long lives, why do good people suffer, does it do any good to pray, can we plead our case before God, why is life so short and full of trouble, what is gained by living a good life?
Finally, God had enough! It became time for Job to get a "reality check". The Lord thundered, "Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me", Job 38:2-3.
The Lord then subjected Job to question after question, Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, or when I created the sea and set the boundaries thereof? Do you know how wide the earth is or gone to where the sea begins? Have you ever ordered the morning to come forth. Can you bring out the stars on time? Do you know where light comes from? Do you know the laws of the sky or understand how they rule the earth? Can you bring forth lightning? Who created a waterway for the rain or set the path for the thunderstorm? Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or hail? Who gives food to the birds, or satisfies the hunger of lions? Have you given the horse his strength, or does the eagle fly through your wisdom? "Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him", Job 40:2.
The Lord continued to question Job until there seemed to be no end. Humbled, his only response was, "I am not worthy; I cannot answer you anything, so I will put my hand over my mouth", 40:4. The Lord, however, was not finished. "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?, 40: 7-9. Look at the Behemoth (hippopotamus). It is one of the first of all my works. Look at its powerful stomach muscles, its tail which is like a cedar tree. Though it's bones are like bronze, it's legs like bars of iron, I can destory it. What about the leviathan (sea monster)? Can you catch it on a fishhook? Can you make it a pet? No one can defeat it. People are overwhelmed just by seeing it. No other creature on earth is its equal. There is none who would be brave enough to make it angry. So, who would dare to stand up against me? Everything under heaven belongs to me!
Finally, Job lay completely broken. "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. You asked, 'Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.", Job 42: 2-6.
Eliphaz asked, in Job 4:17, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" I fear that some would dare to think so. I often hear comments like, "If there is a God..." or "What kind of God would....? You can fill in the rest. We all need a reality check from time to time. The scriptures declare in Isa 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". He sees those who would question him. Psa 94:9-11 tells us, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall he not correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity". For those who would be proud or boastful against their creator, Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Very soon now, our Lord shall return to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His glory and majesty will be revealed in that day and all mankind will quake with fear. Isa 2:11-12 prophesies of that day, "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low". We all should be careful concerning the judgments we make, especially with regard to our creator. Let's take heed to the words of the apostle Paul in Gal 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Broken Government
There is a presentation I have seen a few times on CNN titled "Broken Government". It sheds a light on the major issues that America faces today and the inability of our leaders to provide workable solutions, due to their constant bickering and party politics. Isn't it interesting that, two thousand years ago, Jesus spoke the following, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand", Matt 12:25. If anyone knows something about broken govenment, it is our Lord. The Old Testament prophets had a great deal to say on the subject, as it was a major concern in their day as it is in ours. It should not be a surprise to anyone reading this that nothing has changed. Today's issues are the same ones ancient Israel faced thousands of years ago. We may live in a time of unprecedented advances in education, technology, industry, communication and travel, to name a few, but human nature is the same beast it's always been. As long as man resides in these sinful bodies, human nature will always play a role in his thought processes and decision-making. Without God's spirit, man is not capable of ruling himself.
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
email comments and questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
email comments and questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Through A Glass Darkly
Have you ever had an experience that, at the time, seemed like the worst thing that could happen to you? Did you look back on it later, only to discover that it changed your life for the better? That's the value of hindsight, and often hindsight reveals a clearer picture of the path our lives are taking, rather than does the moment at hand. As the saying goes, "We can't see the forest for the trees". Sometimes we need to view the broader picture over a period of time to fully grasp where we've been and where we are going.
That reminds me of ancient Israel's experiences. God chose to reveal his plan of salvation through these unlikely people. The Old Testament contains the record of their calling and the purpose for which they were set apart. The Lord freed them from the slavery of Egypt and led them on a journey through the Sinai desert into the land of Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, many years earlier. During their wilderness wandering, He taught them laws, statutes and judgments for righteous living. He also revealed to them seven annual feasts or festivals, which they were instructed to keep in their seasons upon their arrival in the promised land. These festivals were rehearsals of God's plan of redemption for mankind through Christ, a foreshadow of good things to come. They were celebrated in an agricultural context, the first four associated with the spring harvest season, the last three with that of the fall. They are at the same time both historical and prophetic, and all contain within them the role of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The first four teach the events of his first coming, which have already been historically fulfilled. The last four teach the events that will surround his second coming yet in the future. You will find them outlined in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus, but their deep meaning is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testament writings, and are in fact the theme of the entire bible.
It is obvious, however, that these people never fully grasped the reality of what they were observing. Year after year, they went through the motions, they followed the ordinances, they offered their sacrifices, the priests fulfilled their temple duties and time marched on generation after generation. When He appeared, who was the reality, they didn't recognize Him. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth", John 1:14. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not", John 1:10. Every one of the annual feasts pointed straight to Christ. Though they were observed to the letter year after year, was their meaning understood?
Under the law, Israel was required to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins, but only as a figure of the only sacrifice that could satisfy. Heb 10:1 says, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect". Verse 3 continues, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year". Only a sinless life could satisfy the demands of the law, so our Savior came to take upon his own body the penalty for sin in our stead and redeem us from the law of sin and death. John the baptist declared of Jesus at his baptism, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world", John 1:29. I Pet 1:19 speaks of Christ as a lamb without spot or blemish. I Cor 5:8 tells us that Christ is our passover, sacrificed for us. Each year, when the children of Israel celebrated the Passover, did they grasp the reality of that event? As they sacrificed their lambs, did they know that they were reheasing the sacrifice of the Savior of the world? That very first Passover, as they took the blood of lambs and sprinkled it on the doorposts of their homes to protect themselves from the death angel, did they realize that their actions were symbolic of salvation through the blood of Christ? No, for they were only in the moment. They were about to escape Egypt and they only saw the Lord's instructions in the context of their eminent departure. As future generations would observe this miraculous event, it would be viewed only in a historical context. "And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses", Ex 12:26-27. They were unable to look down the corridor of time to that future "Lamb" that would change the world forever.
When Israel celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread by removing all leaven from their homes and eating unleavened bread for seven days, did they know it was symbolic of the removal of sin out of their lives? After accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins, we are to repent and turn from all unrighteousness and follow him into newness of life. Heb 10:26 tells us, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins". When believers repent, they are to flee the slavery of sin by removing leaven from their lives. Our bodies are spiritually the temple of God and we house the Holy Spirit, I Cor 3:16. Paul instructed the Corinthians, "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth", I Cor 5:7-8. Paul tells us in Rom 12:1-2 to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. He implores us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. No, they did not fathom the rich meaning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For them, it's meaning was only historical. Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery began on the evening of the first day of unleavened bread. It took a seven-day journey for them to completely leave the territory of their captivity. They could not see the broader plan of God in the events they were experiencing. They could not know that they were rehearsing mankind's ultimate escape from the slavery of sin, which would take seven-thousand years. They only understood the moment and what it meant to them in that generation. Future generations would remember that day as the day of their ancestor's physical deliverance. "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage", Ex 13:14.
Upon arriving in the promised land, the children of Israel began setting down roots, building homes and growing crops. Each year, when they reaped the early spring wheat harvest, they were commanded to first bring a sheaf of the firstfruits to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord to be accepted. Only then could they gather the grain. They were commanded to observe this ceremony on the holy day referred to as the Feast of Firstfruits. Did they realize what this observance represented? This festival pictures the resurrected Christ and his ascension to the throne of God to be accepted as the firstfruits of mankind. I Cor 15:20 tells us, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept". Continuing in verses 22-23 we see, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". It was on this day, following his resurrection, that Christ ascended into heaven to be accepted by his Father and receive the kingdom. Daniel saw a vision of this event many years prior to the birth of our Savior. "I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed." (Dan 7:13-14).
Fifty days later, when the children of Israel observed Pentocost, did they realize the significance of this celebration? It was historically the day that the children of Israel received the commandments at Mount Sinai. After Christ's ascension, it was the day that the early Church received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Jeremiah prophesied of this day in chapter 31:31-33, speaking of a time when God would make a new covenant with His people, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people". This feast celebrates those who are the first to trust in Christ. They receive the firstfruits of the Spirit, according to Rom 8:23. James tells us, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures", James 1:18. Revelation speaks of these as they who "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", Rev 14:4. As we read in I Cor 15:23, they are those who are Christ's at his coming.
As Israel observed the three remaining fall festivals, did they understand the future events portrayed in these feasts? As they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, were they aware of the future trumpet blast that would split the sky, ushering in Christ's second coming to this earth to establish the kingdom of God? Were they able to grasp the deep significance of this feast? The bible teaches that all who have ever died are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection from the dead. Paul taught the Christians of his day in I Cor 15:51-52, “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (in death), but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” In I Thes. 4:13-17, he told the church not to be ignorant concerning those who had previously died, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The book of Revelation speaks of the blowing of seven trumpets in the last days. When the seventh or last trumpet sounds, we are told that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. Rev 11:18 tells us of that time, yet in the future, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth".
As they kept the Day of Atonement, did they understand the penalty for sin and the terrible price that would be paid for their ultimate redemption? This day alone was a commanded day of fasting and afflicting one's soul. It was the only day the high priest could enter into the holy of holies inside the temple, to make atonement before the Lord for himself and the nation as a whole. An interesting ceremony took place on that day. The high priest would take of the congregation two goats. Lots were drawn, one for the Lord and one for the Azazel (goat of departure). The goat that drew the lot for the Lord was sacrificed as a sin offering. The azazel goat was presented alive. The high priest laid hands upon the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities of Israel upon it. Then a fit man was chosen to lead the goat into the wilderness to an uninhabited land. Did Israel comprehend what this ceremony foretold? Did they understand that Christ was to become our eternal high priest? Christ entered once for all time into the holy of holies in the heavenly tabernacle, presenting his own body as an atonement for mankind's sins. When he appears the second time, it will be without sin unto salvation (Heb 9:28). Satan will be removed from power and restrained, where he will not be able to influence man during the thousand year reign of Christ and the Saints (firstfruits). "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into a bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Rev 20: 1-3).
At the time of the grape harvest and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, did Israel foresee the reality associated with this feast? For seven days they were commanded to dwell in temporary booths or kiosks as a reminder that their ancestors lived in temporary dwellings in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. It also is a reminder that we are mortal beings living temporarily in these physical bodies as we journey to our promised land, the Kingdom of God. John 1:14 tells us that, at his first coming, Christ left his home in heaven and "tabernacled" with us in the flesh. When Christ returns to this earth the second time, he will usher in the kingdom of God and he will rule the earth with his saints for one thousand years. The Last Great Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, is symbolic of the great white throne judgment following the thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth, where all who have ever lived will stand before the judgment seat of God to be judged according to their works. Death and hell will be cast into a lake of fire, along with all those who are not found written in the book of life. When all is complete, God himself will dwell with men. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God", Rev 21:3.
Again I ask the question. Did Israel understand the reality of these annual holy day seasons? The answer is a resounding NO! Although God used the nation of Israel to rehearse the events of Christ's first and second coming, they did not have the heart to understand the deep meaning of the feasts and what they portrayed. The called-out ones or firstfruits of God, who have the very Spirit of God, have been given understanding. These comprise "spiritual" Israel. Their minds have been opened to the significance of the annual feasts, and therefore, the ultimate plan of God for mankind as well. Even so, God's ways are much higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. We can only understand in part while in these fleshly tabernacles. We can only see the shadow of good things to come until that which is perfect appears. The apostle Paul sums it up with the following words from I Cor 13:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." May God hasten the day!
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
That reminds me of ancient Israel's experiences. God chose to reveal his plan of salvation through these unlikely people. The Old Testament contains the record of their calling and the purpose for which they were set apart. The Lord freed them from the slavery of Egypt and led them on a journey through the Sinai desert into the land of Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, many years earlier. During their wilderness wandering, He taught them laws, statutes and judgments for righteous living. He also revealed to them seven annual feasts or festivals, which they were instructed to keep in their seasons upon their arrival in the promised land. These festivals were rehearsals of God's plan of redemption for mankind through Christ, a foreshadow of good things to come. They were celebrated in an agricultural context, the first four associated with the spring harvest season, the last three with that of the fall. They are at the same time both historical and prophetic, and all contain within them the role of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The first four teach the events of his first coming, which have already been historically fulfilled. The last four teach the events that will surround his second coming yet in the future. You will find them outlined in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus, but their deep meaning is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testament writings, and are in fact the theme of the entire bible.
It is obvious, however, that these people never fully grasped the reality of what they were observing. Year after year, they went through the motions, they followed the ordinances, they offered their sacrifices, the priests fulfilled their temple duties and time marched on generation after generation. When He appeared, who was the reality, they didn't recognize Him. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth", John 1:14. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not", John 1:10. Every one of the annual feasts pointed straight to Christ. Though they were observed to the letter year after year, was their meaning understood?
Under the law, Israel was required to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins, but only as a figure of the only sacrifice that could satisfy. Heb 10:1 says, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect". Verse 3 continues, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year". Only a sinless life could satisfy the demands of the law, so our Savior came to take upon his own body the penalty for sin in our stead and redeem us from the law of sin and death. John the baptist declared of Jesus at his baptism, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world", John 1:29. I Pet 1:19 speaks of Christ as a lamb without spot or blemish. I Cor 5:8 tells us that Christ is our passover, sacrificed for us. Each year, when the children of Israel celebrated the Passover, did they grasp the reality of that event? As they sacrificed their lambs, did they know that they were reheasing the sacrifice of the Savior of the world? That very first Passover, as they took the blood of lambs and sprinkled it on the doorposts of their homes to protect themselves from the death angel, did they realize that their actions were symbolic of salvation through the blood of Christ? No, for they were only in the moment. They were about to escape Egypt and they only saw the Lord's instructions in the context of their eminent departure. As future generations would observe this miraculous event, it would be viewed only in a historical context. "And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses", Ex 12:26-27. They were unable to look down the corridor of time to that future "Lamb" that would change the world forever.
When Israel celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread by removing all leaven from their homes and eating unleavened bread for seven days, did they know it was symbolic of the removal of sin out of their lives? After accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins, we are to repent and turn from all unrighteousness and follow him into newness of life. Heb 10:26 tells us, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins". When believers repent, they are to flee the slavery of sin by removing leaven from their lives. Our bodies are spiritually the temple of God and we house the Holy Spirit, I Cor 3:16. Paul instructed the Corinthians, "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth", I Cor 5:7-8. Paul tells us in Rom 12:1-2 to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. He implores us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. No, they did not fathom the rich meaning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For them, it's meaning was only historical. Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery began on the evening of the first day of unleavened bread. It took a seven-day journey for them to completely leave the territory of their captivity. They could not see the broader plan of God in the events they were experiencing. They could not know that they were rehearsing mankind's ultimate escape from the slavery of sin, which would take seven-thousand years. They only understood the moment and what it meant to them in that generation. Future generations would remember that day as the day of their ancestor's physical deliverance. "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage", Ex 13:14.
Upon arriving in the promised land, the children of Israel began setting down roots, building homes and growing crops. Each year, when they reaped the early spring wheat harvest, they were commanded to first bring a sheaf of the firstfruits to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord to be accepted. Only then could they gather the grain. They were commanded to observe this ceremony on the holy day referred to as the Feast of Firstfruits. Did they realize what this observance represented? This festival pictures the resurrected Christ and his ascension to the throne of God to be accepted as the firstfruits of mankind. I Cor 15:20 tells us, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept". Continuing in verses 22-23 we see, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". It was on this day, following his resurrection, that Christ ascended into heaven to be accepted by his Father and receive the kingdom. Daniel saw a vision of this event many years prior to the birth of our Savior. "I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed." (Dan 7:13-14).
Fifty days later, when the children of Israel observed Pentocost, did they realize the significance of this celebration? It was historically the day that the children of Israel received the commandments at Mount Sinai. After Christ's ascension, it was the day that the early Church received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Jeremiah prophesied of this day in chapter 31:31-33, speaking of a time when God would make a new covenant with His people, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people". This feast celebrates those who are the first to trust in Christ. They receive the firstfruits of the Spirit, according to Rom 8:23. James tells us, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures", James 1:18. Revelation speaks of these as they who "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", Rev 14:4. As we read in I Cor 15:23, they are those who are Christ's at his coming.
As Israel observed the three remaining fall festivals, did they understand the future events portrayed in these feasts? As they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, were they aware of the future trumpet blast that would split the sky, ushering in Christ's second coming to this earth to establish the kingdom of God? Were they able to grasp the deep significance of this feast? The bible teaches that all who have ever died are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection from the dead. Paul taught the Christians of his day in I Cor 15:51-52, “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (in death), but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” In I Thes. 4:13-17, he told the church not to be ignorant concerning those who had previously died, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The book of Revelation speaks of the blowing of seven trumpets in the last days. When the seventh or last trumpet sounds, we are told that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. Rev 11:18 tells us of that time, yet in the future, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth".
As they kept the Day of Atonement, did they understand the penalty for sin and the terrible price that would be paid for their ultimate redemption? This day alone was a commanded day of fasting and afflicting one's soul. It was the only day the high priest could enter into the holy of holies inside the temple, to make atonement before the Lord for himself and the nation as a whole. An interesting ceremony took place on that day. The high priest would take of the congregation two goats. Lots were drawn, one for the Lord and one for the Azazel (goat of departure). The goat that drew the lot for the Lord was sacrificed as a sin offering. The azazel goat was presented alive. The high priest laid hands upon the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities of Israel upon it. Then a fit man was chosen to lead the goat into the wilderness to an uninhabited land. Did Israel comprehend what this ceremony foretold? Did they understand that Christ was to become our eternal high priest? Christ entered once for all time into the holy of holies in the heavenly tabernacle, presenting his own body as an atonement for mankind's sins. When he appears the second time, it will be without sin unto salvation (Heb 9:28). Satan will be removed from power and restrained, where he will not be able to influence man during the thousand year reign of Christ and the Saints (firstfruits). "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into a bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Rev 20: 1-3).
At the time of the grape harvest and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, did Israel foresee the reality associated with this feast? For seven days they were commanded to dwell in temporary booths or kiosks as a reminder that their ancestors lived in temporary dwellings in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. It also is a reminder that we are mortal beings living temporarily in these physical bodies as we journey to our promised land, the Kingdom of God. John 1:14 tells us that, at his first coming, Christ left his home in heaven and "tabernacled" with us in the flesh. When Christ returns to this earth the second time, he will usher in the kingdom of God and he will rule the earth with his saints for one thousand years. The Last Great Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, is symbolic of the great white throne judgment following the thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth, where all who have ever lived will stand before the judgment seat of God to be judged according to their works. Death and hell will be cast into a lake of fire, along with all those who are not found written in the book of life. When all is complete, God himself will dwell with men. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God", Rev 21:3.
Again I ask the question. Did Israel understand the reality of these annual holy day seasons? The answer is a resounding NO! Although God used the nation of Israel to rehearse the events of Christ's first and second coming, they did not have the heart to understand the deep meaning of the feasts and what they portrayed. The called-out ones or firstfruits of God, who have the very Spirit of God, have been given understanding. These comprise "spiritual" Israel. Their minds have been opened to the significance of the annual feasts, and therefore, the ultimate plan of God for mankind as well. Even so, God's ways are much higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. We can only understand in part while in these fleshly tabernacles. We can only see the shadow of good things to come until that which is perfect appears. The apostle Paul sums it up with the following words from I Cor 13:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." May God hasten the day!
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I Once Was Blind
There is a moving account in the book of John that lifts my spirit every time I read it. It is found in John, chapter 9, and it involves Jesus' healing of a blind man. The story follows that Jesus and his disciples were walking one sabbath day, when they encountered a man that had been blind from birth. Jesus spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle, placed the clay over the blind man's eyes and told him to go wash in the pool of Saloam. The man did as he was told and came back seeing. Many, who had known him to be blind, began to question him. He recounted the events of his healing, of how a man named Jesus had annointed his eyes with clay and told him to go and wash, and how he was given his sight. He was brought before the Pharisees, the religious leaders, to be questioned. Over and over again they grilled him to explain to them how he came to see, and who it was that healed him. They called for his parents to confirm that he, indeed, had been born blind. You see, because the healing occurred on the sabbath day, the Pharisees were reluctant to accept this miracle. There was division among them, some saying that Jesus could not be a man of God because he did not keep the sabbath day, and others claiming that a sinner could not have performed such a miracle. Again they sent for the man to tell them exactly what had happened to him. Hearing their arguments, "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see", John 9:25.
His boldness angered the Pharisees and they turned on him, cursing and reviling. They discounted Jesus as a man of God, claiming that they didn't even know where he came from. The man wasn't to be silenced. He stood his ground and questioned how it was that they didn't know where Jesus came from, and yet he had opened his eyes? He reminded them that God doesn't hear sinners, but only those who do His will. If Jesus were not a man of God, how could he have performed such a miracle? That really stirred them up and they answered, "Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?", John 9:34. They threw him out of their midst, where he again encountered Jesus and worshipped him.
What the Pharisees didn't recognize was that they were spiritually blind. The chapter ends with the following, "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind". Some of the Pharisees asked him if he was referring to them. He answered, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remains".
Why were the Pharisees at such odds with Jesus? Why did they hate him so much? Primarily because he saw through them. They may have been the religious leaders, but they really did not care for the people. They were only concerned with keeping their power. During the time of Christ, Israel was under Roman occupation. The Jews were allowed to practice the customs and traditions of their faith, as long as they didn't cause trouble for the government. The Pharisees kept a tight reign on the general populace, flaunting their authority and keeping the people in subjection to their teachings. They saw Jesus as a trouble-maker. He didn't follow their traditions and often made fun of them. Once he quoted the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men".
Matt, chapter 23 records a scathing denunciation of the Pharisees spoken by Jesus to the multitude. He began by telling the people that, although the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses' seat and their teachings were to be observed, their works were not to be copied. He followed with a list of grievances that he leveled against them. Over and over, he called them blind guides, hypocrites, snakes! They were not what they appeared to be. Everything they did was for show to be seen and admired of men.
- They put unbearable burdens on the people that they themselves would not carry.
- They did their works and charities to be seen of men.
- They loved the uppermost rooms at the feasts and chief seats in the synagogues.
- They loved the greetings in the marketplaces of Rabbi, Rabbi!
- They shut the door that leads to the kingdom, not entering in themselves, and denying entrance to those who would enter.
- They tithed down to the least herb, yet dismissed the spiritual requirements of the law; judgment, mercy and faith.
- They were like cups and dishes that were clean on the outside, yet inside filled with extortion and excess.
- They were like tombs that were painted white on the outside, but inside were filled with dead men's bones and all manner of unclean things.
In contrast, Jesus advocated an entirely different way of living for those who would follow him. Read Matt, chapters 6 and 23.
- Do not perform your good works and charities to be seen or praised of men. The hypocrites sound the trumpet before them in the synogogues and the streets to receive the glory of men.
- Do not pray publicly, to be seen of men, but privately to your Father in secret. Be not as the hypocrites, who pray standing in the synogogues and in the street corners to be seen of men.
- Do not use vain repetitions in your prayers, as do the heathen. They think they will be heard for much speaking.
- When you fast, do not draw attention to yourself, putting on a long face, to be noticed and admired of men, but secretly before your Father in heaven.
- Do not take upon yourself the title of father (in the spiritual sense), and call no man father upon the earth, for one is your Father in heaven, and you are all brethren.
Every lesson had the same theme. God doesn't appreciate a form of worship that is done primarily for show. Again and again, Jesus emphasized that we not display our personal worship to be admired of men, but secretly, saying that our Father, who sees in secret will reward us openly. The Pharisees sought the praise of men rather than that of God. They added a multitude of man-made laws to keep the people under authority, and make themselves look righteous. Jesus told them that they made the commandment of God of no effect by their traditions. Concerning them, he told his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch", Matt 15:14.
If we follow the teachings of our Lord to keep our worship pure and sincere, to the glory of God, not to the praise of man, His blessings will abound toward us and we will be able to proclaim, "I once was blind, but now I see".
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
His boldness angered the Pharisees and they turned on him, cursing and reviling. They discounted Jesus as a man of God, claiming that they didn't even know where he came from. The man wasn't to be silenced. He stood his ground and questioned how it was that they didn't know where Jesus came from, and yet he had opened his eyes? He reminded them that God doesn't hear sinners, but only those who do His will. If Jesus were not a man of God, how could he have performed such a miracle? That really stirred them up and they answered, "Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?", John 9:34. They threw him out of their midst, where he again encountered Jesus and worshipped him.
What the Pharisees didn't recognize was that they were spiritually blind. The chapter ends with the following, "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind". Some of the Pharisees asked him if he was referring to them. He answered, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remains".
Why were the Pharisees at such odds with Jesus? Why did they hate him so much? Primarily because he saw through them. They may have been the religious leaders, but they really did not care for the people. They were only concerned with keeping their power. During the time of Christ, Israel was under Roman occupation. The Jews were allowed to practice the customs and traditions of their faith, as long as they didn't cause trouble for the government. The Pharisees kept a tight reign on the general populace, flaunting their authority and keeping the people in subjection to their teachings. They saw Jesus as a trouble-maker. He didn't follow their traditions and often made fun of them. Once he quoted the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men".
Matt, chapter 23 records a scathing denunciation of the Pharisees spoken by Jesus to the multitude. He began by telling the people that, although the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses' seat and their teachings were to be observed, their works were not to be copied. He followed with a list of grievances that he leveled against them. Over and over, he called them blind guides, hypocrites, snakes! They were not what they appeared to be. Everything they did was for show to be seen and admired of men.
- They put unbearable burdens on the people that they themselves would not carry.
- They did their works and charities to be seen of men.
- They loved the uppermost rooms at the feasts and chief seats in the synagogues.
- They loved the greetings in the marketplaces of Rabbi, Rabbi!
- They shut the door that leads to the kingdom, not entering in themselves, and denying entrance to those who would enter.
- They tithed down to the least herb, yet dismissed the spiritual requirements of the law; judgment, mercy and faith.
- They were like cups and dishes that were clean on the outside, yet inside filled with extortion and excess.
- They were like tombs that were painted white on the outside, but inside were filled with dead men's bones and all manner of unclean things.
In contrast, Jesus advocated an entirely different way of living for those who would follow him. Read Matt, chapters 6 and 23.
- Do not perform your good works and charities to be seen or praised of men. The hypocrites sound the trumpet before them in the synogogues and the streets to receive the glory of men.
- Do not pray publicly, to be seen of men, but privately to your Father in secret. Be not as the hypocrites, who pray standing in the synogogues and in the street corners to be seen of men.
- Do not use vain repetitions in your prayers, as do the heathen. They think they will be heard for much speaking.
- When you fast, do not draw attention to yourself, putting on a long face, to be noticed and admired of men, but secretly before your Father in heaven.
- Do not take upon yourself the title of father (in the spiritual sense), and call no man father upon the earth, for one is your Father in heaven, and you are all brethren.
Every lesson had the same theme. God doesn't appreciate a form of worship that is done primarily for show. Again and again, Jesus emphasized that we not display our personal worship to be admired of men, but secretly, saying that our Father, who sees in secret will reward us openly. The Pharisees sought the praise of men rather than that of God. They added a multitude of man-made laws to keep the people under authority, and make themselves look righteous. Jesus told them that they made the commandment of God of no effect by their traditions. Concerning them, he told his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch", Matt 15:14.
If we follow the teachings of our Lord to keep our worship pure and sincere, to the glory of God, not to the praise of man, His blessings will abound toward us and we will be able to proclaim, "I once was blind, but now I see".
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Fear Not
Our world is spinning out of control under the weightiest issues we have ever had to face in all of history. With increased wars and terrorism, disease epidemics, failing financial markets, rising unemployment, homelessness, natural disasters and climate changes, we are on the brink of a global meltdown. Truly we are entering the time of trouble that Jesus Christ warned of in Matt 24:21, "For then (the end time) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Amidst this backdrop, more and more people are losing hope and sinking into the depths of despair. Hate crimes are on the rise and many have abandoned even the most fundamental principles of humanity. The Apostle Paul wrote of these times in II Tim 3:1-4, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away".
There are multiple reasons to live in fear today and we witness the toll that fear has had on the human family. Millions of people suffer with major mental and emotional issues, resulting in an enormous rise in the use of drugs and alcohol. Many attempt to drown out their problems and fears through substance abuse, both legal and illegal. Sadly, all too many find suicide the only alternative.
The bible reveals the only way to overcome fear and every other negative emotion. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths", Proverbs 3:5-6. He is your creator and your heavenly Father. Surely you can trust him to take care of you. Think about it! Can you really put your trust in any other source? People die, stock markets crash, relationships fail, you can lose your job, illness can strike, a natural disaster can destroy your possessions. There is nothing and no one upon this earth that you can absolutely, one hundred percent put your trust in. II Cor 1:9 says we cannot trust in ourselves. I Tim 6:17 tells us we cannot trust in uncertain riches.
Why not try the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8), the one who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)? What have you got to lose? He can drive away our fears with his comforting words. He tells us there is no reason to worry about anything for he will always take care of us if we trust in him. Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these "things" (meaning the necessities of life), shall be added unto us, Matt 6:33. Read verses 25-34 where Jesus instructs us not to entertain any anxious thought about our needs, such as food or clothing. There is nothing to be gained by worry and stress. He knows we need those things and we can be assured that he will provide for those who put their faith and trust in him. He will take care of our today and our tomorrow as well. We are told in Heb 13:5 to be content with what we have, for he will never leave or forsake us. Paul tells us in I Tim 6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content". Matt 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you". The passage goes on to say that, if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more so our heavenly Father? Heb 10:38 tells us, "Now the just shall live by faith...".
What is faith? Heb 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Sometimes it may seem difficult to live by faith in God. We can't see him. We wonder if he sees our trials, if he hears us when we call out to him in the darkness of our lives. I can assure you that he does see and hear, but we must put our full trust in him. Oftentimes, the distractions of this world keep us so preoccupied that we have no time for him until we need him. We rather trust in the tangibles in our lives. You know what I mean......job, home, family, 401(k), education, the government (Lord help us!). Trusting in these only contributes to fear; the fear of losing them.
Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe". Proverbs 28:26 adds, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered". Jeremiah 17:5 gives us a sober warning, "Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord". Verse 7 counters with, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is".
I would be remiss though if I didn't tell you that trust must accompany obedience. Isa 59:1-2 warns, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear". In order for God to hear our prayers, we must first humble ourselves before him and ask his forgiveness for our sins. II Chron 7:14 quotes our Lord, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Isa 1:18 encourages us with God's call, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up". I Pet 5:6-7 also says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".
Mark 12:29-30 quotes Jesus as saying, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment".
If we will submit ourselves fully to God, we have absolutely nothing to fear. He gives grace to the humble. He will help all who put their trust in him. Don't fret or lose hope if he doesn't answer immediately, though, because he always knows what is best. We must always trust in his timing and his wisdom. Read my article "Times & Seasons" for more insight into the subject of patience.
If you are truly placing all your hope and trust in God, and striving to live in obedience to his word, then "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus", Phil 4:6-7.
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
There are multiple reasons to live in fear today and we witness the toll that fear has had on the human family. Millions of people suffer with major mental and emotional issues, resulting in an enormous rise in the use of drugs and alcohol. Many attempt to drown out their problems and fears through substance abuse, both legal and illegal. Sadly, all too many find suicide the only alternative.
The bible reveals the only way to overcome fear and every other negative emotion. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths", Proverbs 3:5-6. He is your creator and your heavenly Father. Surely you can trust him to take care of you. Think about it! Can you really put your trust in any other source? People die, stock markets crash, relationships fail, you can lose your job, illness can strike, a natural disaster can destroy your possessions. There is nothing and no one upon this earth that you can absolutely, one hundred percent put your trust in. II Cor 1:9 says we cannot trust in ourselves. I Tim 6:17 tells us we cannot trust in uncertain riches.
Why not try the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8), the one who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)? What have you got to lose? He can drive away our fears with his comforting words. He tells us there is no reason to worry about anything for he will always take care of us if we trust in him. Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these "things" (meaning the necessities of life), shall be added unto us, Matt 6:33. Read verses 25-34 where Jesus instructs us not to entertain any anxious thought about our needs, such as food or clothing. There is nothing to be gained by worry and stress. He knows we need those things and we can be assured that he will provide for those who put their faith and trust in him. He will take care of our today and our tomorrow as well. We are told in Heb 13:5 to be content with what we have, for he will never leave or forsake us. Paul tells us in I Tim 6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content". Matt 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you". The passage goes on to say that, if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more so our heavenly Father? Heb 10:38 tells us, "Now the just shall live by faith...".
What is faith? Heb 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Sometimes it may seem difficult to live by faith in God. We can't see him. We wonder if he sees our trials, if he hears us when we call out to him in the darkness of our lives. I can assure you that he does see and hear, but we must put our full trust in him. Oftentimes, the distractions of this world keep us so preoccupied that we have no time for him until we need him. We rather trust in the tangibles in our lives. You know what I mean......job, home, family, 401(k), education, the government (Lord help us!). Trusting in these only contributes to fear; the fear of losing them.
Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe". Proverbs 28:26 adds, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered". Jeremiah 17:5 gives us a sober warning, "Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord". Verse 7 counters with, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is".
I would be remiss though if I didn't tell you that trust must accompany obedience. Isa 59:1-2 warns, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear". In order for God to hear our prayers, we must first humble ourselves before him and ask his forgiveness for our sins. II Chron 7:14 quotes our Lord, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Isa 1:18 encourages us with God's call, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up". I Pet 5:6-7 also says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".
Mark 12:29-30 quotes Jesus as saying, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment".
If we will submit ourselves fully to God, we have absolutely nothing to fear. He gives grace to the humble. He will help all who put their trust in him. Don't fret or lose hope if he doesn't answer immediately, though, because he always knows what is best. We must always trust in his timing and his wisdom. Read my article "Times & Seasons" for more insight into the subject of patience.
If you are truly placing all your hope and trust in God, and striving to live in obedience to his word, then "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus", Phil 4:6-7.
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
Your Greatest Asset
Times have been looking quite bleak for many people as we enter this new year. Resolutions abound as we reflect on the events of the previous year and what changes we wish to make in 2010. Statistics verify that most resolutions are soon forgotten as we get caught up in the business of life, usually before the end of January. The majority of us don't seem to have much staying-power when it comes to remaining on course. We begin each new year with the best of intentions, but don't have the will, ability or support to follow through.
Let me give you a more positive perspective on your resolutions. First of all, I commend you for having the desire to be a better person in the upcoming year. That shows me that you are not satisfied with the status quo. You see room for improvement and that is always a step in the right direction. This can catapult you beyond desire to definite actions that can lead to awesome blessings in your life. However, making resolutions year after year that repeatedly fall by the wayside can leave even the most positive a little dejected, to say the least. You begin to analyze your life in a negative light, believing that you are just a loser, that you have no hope of becoming the truly great person that you know you could be.
Well, I have good news for you! I don't care who you are; your age, sex, race, occupation, opportunities or past failures, challenges or upbringing. You possess an asset that, when activated, can take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. That asset is YOU! You have, within yourself, the greatest resource at your disposal. You were created in the image of your heavenly Father and that includes His attributes and creativity, as well as access to His wisdom and knowledge. You are capable of far more than you ever dreamed as a God-given right, by virtue of your inheritance. What inheritance, you may ask? Why, the inheritance that Christ gained for us through his death on the cross. When you accept his sacrifice for your sins, you are adopted into the family of God with all of the resulting benefits and rights, (Rom 8:14-17). As a child of God, you have 24/7 access to God's holy spirit (John 16:13), an open prayer line to God's throne (Phil 4:6-7), the ministry of God's holy angels (Heb 2:13-14) and the daily intercession of Jesus Christ, our elder brother and high priest (Heb 7:25). You have the greatest support system imaginable. How can you fail?
There is, however, a key to unlocking your unlimited potential. Luke 10:27 records, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself". Your success in life absolutely depends on this. Matt 7:12 offers the following, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets". If you will honor God in obedience to His word and esteem others better than yourself, placing their best interests above your own, you will unleash the most powerful forces of the universe into your world. It is in the unconditional service to others that you unlock the blessings that are needed in your own life. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".
Everyone has something to share with others. I have heard many people comment that they have no gifts, no talents, nothing to offer. Some mistakenly assume that, when the bible speaks of gifts and talents, it is speaking exclusively of ministries such as that of a prophet, pastor or teacher. There are unlimited gifts and talents and everyone has many, if they will open their minds and hearts to releasing them for the wellbeing of others.
Gifts and talents don't all have to do with religious affiliation, or even natural abilities such as athleticism or musical talent, or that of an author or speaker. Everyone can do something and has the ability to turn that something into service to others.
Let me offer an example. You attend religious services each week in worship. Each person in that room has needs or challenges in their lives, as well as opportunity to meet the needs of others. Think about the individuals in just that one congregation, and how you can be of service to any or all of them. Can you cook, sew, babysit, mow yards, provide household maintenance, shop, read, visit, call, pray, encourage? Can your occupational talents be of help to someone? Are you a tax preparer, and accountant, a brick mason, carpenter, electrician, plumber, hair dresser, lawyer, doctor, housewife, teacher? Do you have any money left over each month that could help stock a foodbank? Do you have clothes that don't fit anymore that could be recycled to help the needy? I could go on and on. The point is, there are a myriad of opportunities to be of service to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers.
You would be amazed at the difference you could make in the lives of others. Not only would you receive the deep satisfaction that comes with serving the needs of others, you would experience the reward of having your own needs met in the process. The more you give, the more you receive. The more you receive, the more you have to give. It is a never-ending circle that results in the satisfying life you always dreamed of.
In conclusion, I would like to share an interesting and enlightening book I just finished reading. I know it will really excite you and motivate you to get out there and find someone to serve. It is titled "The Go-Giver" and can be found on the authors' website www.thegogiver.com. You will come away with a fresh perspective that will spur you on to really becoming your own greatest asset.
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Let me give you a more positive perspective on your resolutions. First of all, I commend you for having the desire to be a better person in the upcoming year. That shows me that you are not satisfied with the status quo. You see room for improvement and that is always a step in the right direction. This can catapult you beyond desire to definite actions that can lead to awesome blessings in your life. However, making resolutions year after year that repeatedly fall by the wayside can leave even the most positive a little dejected, to say the least. You begin to analyze your life in a negative light, believing that you are just a loser, that you have no hope of becoming the truly great person that you know you could be.
Well, I have good news for you! I don't care who you are; your age, sex, race, occupation, opportunities or past failures, challenges or upbringing. You possess an asset that, when activated, can take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. That asset is YOU! You have, within yourself, the greatest resource at your disposal. You were created in the image of your heavenly Father and that includes His attributes and creativity, as well as access to His wisdom and knowledge. You are capable of far more than you ever dreamed as a God-given right, by virtue of your inheritance. What inheritance, you may ask? Why, the inheritance that Christ gained for us through his death on the cross. When you accept his sacrifice for your sins, you are adopted into the family of God with all of the resulting benefits and rights, (Rom 8:14-17). As a child of God, you have 24/7 access to God's holy spirit (John 16:13), an open prayer line to God's throne (Phil 4:6-7), the ministry of God's holy angels (Heb 2:13-14) and the daily intercession of Jesus Christ, our elder brother and high priest (Heb 7:25). You have the greatest support system imaginable. How can you fail?
There is, however, a key to unlocking your unlimited potential. Luke 10:27 records, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself". Your success in life absolutely depends on this. Matt 7:12 offers the following, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets". If you will honor God in obedience to His word and esteem others better than yourself, placing their best interests above your own, you will unleash the most powerful forces of the universe into your world. It is in the unconditional service to others that you unlock the blessings that are needed in your own life. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".
Everyone has something to share with others. I have heard many people comment that they have no gifts, no talents, nothing to offer. Some mistakenly assume that, when the bible speaks of gifts and talents, it is speaking exclusively of ministries such as that of a prophet, pastor or teacher. There are unlimited gifts and talents and everyone has many, if they will open their minds and hearts to releasing them for the wellbeing of others.
Gifts and talents don't all have to do with religious affiliation, or even natural abilities such as athleticism or musical talent, or that of an author or speaker. Everyone can do something and has the ability to turn that something into service to others.
Let me offer an example. You attend religious services each week in worship. Each person in that room has needs or challenges in their lives, as well as opportunity to meet the needs of others. Think about the individuals in just that one congregation, and how you can be of service to any or all of them. Can you cook, sew, babysit, mow yards, provide household maintenance, shop, read, visit, call, pray, encourage? Can your occupational talents be of help to someone? Are you a tax preparer, and accountant, a brick mason, carpenter, electrician, plumber, hair dresser, lawyer, doctor, housewife, teacher? Do you have any money left over each month that could help stock a foodbank? Do you have clothes that don't fit anymore that could be recycled to help the needy? I could go on and on. The point is, there are a myriad of opportunities to be of service to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers.
You would be amazed at the difference you could make in the lives of others. Not only would you receive the deep satisfaction that comes with serving the needs of others, you would experience the reward of having your own needs met in the process. The more you give, the more you receive. The more you receive, the more you have to give. It is a never-ending circle that results in the satisfying life you always dreamed of.
In conclusion, I would like to share an interesting and enlightening book I just finished reading. I know it will really excite you and motivate you to get out there and find someone to serve. It is titled "The Go-Giver" and can be found on the authors' website www.thegogiver.com. You will come away with a fresh perspective that will spur you on to really becoming your own greatest asset.
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
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