Yeshua tells us that he wants us to have life and have it more abundantly. He wants good things for us, but he desires us to seek those things that are worthy. Whereas it may be true that we can attract, by the law of attraction, what we think about or what we continuously focus our attention on, many focus on that which cannot fully satisfy their deepest needs.
We see many who seek wealth, fame and fortune, power and prestige. Many seek money as a means unto itself, mistakenly believing it can solve all their problems, or cure all their ills. Millions play the lottery each week, dreaming of what they would do with their winnings. Advertisers dangle visions of cars, boats, elaborate homes, the latest fashions, bigger and better TV’s, electronic devices, computers, on and on. We live in an extremely materialistic world and I fear it is going to one day rise up and destroy us, if we don’t get our priorities right.
Yeshua tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all these “things” will be added unto us. Our relationship with our heavenly father should be our first priority. He will, in turn, take care of our needs. James 1:17 declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”. He knows what we need and what is good for us, more than we do ourselves.
We are warned in 1 John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”. He is not saying that we should not desire good things. He is speaking of lust and covetousness, seeking those things that are earthly, transient. Nothing we can gain in this life is lasting. It is temporal, fleeting. Solomon tells us it is like chasing the wind. Mark 8:36 asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Titus 2:11-12 adds, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”.
Again, it’s a matter of priorities. What is most important to us? What is it we seek? What will lead us to our eternal rewards at the end of this earthly existence? We have many examples of those who have pursued the high life, the wealth, the power, the fame, only to be destroyed by drugs or alcohol, sexual perversion, meaningless pursuits and wild living. The more they sought after the world, the more unhappy they became. The more they achieved greatness, the lower they plunged into despair and hopelessness. Many, finding no joy in all they possessed, found suicide the only solution to their misery.
True peace and happiness is not found in the things we possess. It can only be realized in a relationship with our creator. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor, educated or not, live in a mansion or shack. Joy is found in the presence of God. This earthly life can be rewarding, but it is fleeting nonetheless. The question is, “What will we do in the day of judgment?”
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Chasing the Wind
We’re one month into the new year and so-called experts tell us that most new year’s resolutions have already been abandoned. I don’t put much stock in resolutions, per se, but I often judge my actions, words and intentions throughout the year that I may be ever more pleasing to my Lord. There is one good thing about the desire of many to look to a new year as a fresh beginning and a time to make improvements in their life. It reveals that we all sense we can be better, that we have some cleaning up to do and bad habits to break. The Bible encourages this kind of reflection.
However, many resolutions involve our preoccupation with the outside of the cup, so to speak. Each year brings the same hopes and dreams; lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, exercise more. We’ve all heard these same aspirations year after year and most fall woefully short of their goals.
In addition to improving our health, we also find our desires gravitating toward vanity. People want to look better at any cost. Millions flock to plastic surgeons and gyms, seeking the perfect body or face. Supermarkets contain several isles of beauty aids and cosmetics. Beauty parlors abound. Magazines and TV infomercials tout the latest discoveries to make us look younger or to get in shape. Everything from exercise equipment to pills to lotions and potions are purchased by those hoping to tap into perfect health or the fountain of youth.
Millions also seek material possessions as a means to happiness, purchasing bigger and better houses, cars, boats and clothing. We want non-stop entertainment, spending thousands on big screen TV’s, computers, fancy phones, all the latest technology. Let’s face it. We are obsessed with the body, including our appetites and desires. We covet everything we see. We covet that which makes us feel better, that which keeps us from stopping long enough to reflect, to look on the inside. We mistakenly believe that things can satisfy the nagging emptiness within.
They cannot! None of these pursuits is wrong in themselves, for the most part. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier or to look better or have nice things. It’s just that the focus on these things as a means to happiness can never fully satisfy. We can learn a lot from Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. He tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had it all. God blessed him with wealth beyond measure and he denied himself nothing. He had numerous wives and concubines at his beck and call, he ate and drank whatever he wanted, he oversaw great building projects and a glorious palace. Leaders throughout the known world came to Jerusalem to see for themselves this great king they had heard so much about and the glory of his kingdom. What does his life reveal to us? He tells us that it is all vanity, like chasing the wind! Why? Because life is not measured by the things we have. We will all one day leave this world and we can’t take it with us. When we stand before the judgment seat of God, he will be looking at the heart, at the inside. Our relationship with him is his primary concern. If we get that right, everything else will be supplied according to his will and purpose for our lives.
However, many resolutions involve our preoccupation with the outside of the cup, so to speak. Each year brings the same hopes and dreams; lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, exercise more. We’ve all heard these same aspirations year after year and most fall woefully short of their goals.
In addition to improving our health, we also find our desires gravitating toward vanity. People want to look better at any cost. Millions flock to plastic surgeons and gyms, seeking the perfect body or face. Supermarkets contain several isles of beauty aids and cosmetics. Beauty parlors abound. Magazines and TV infomercials tout the latest discoveries to make us look younger or to get in shape. Everything from exercise equipment to pills to lotions and potions are purchased by those hoping to tap into perfect health or the fountain of youth.
Millions also seek material possessions as a means to happiness, purchasing bigger and better houses, cars, boats and clothing. We want non-stop entertainment, spending thousands on big screen TV’s, computers, fancy phones, all the latest technology. Let’s face it. We are obsessed with the body, including our appetites and desires. We covet everything we see. We covet that which makes us feel better, that which keeps us from stopping long enough to reflect, to look on the inside. We mistakenly believe that things can satisfy the nagging emptiness within.
They cannot! None of these pursuits is wrong in themselves, for the most part. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier or to look better or have nice things. It’s just that the focus on these things as a means to happiness can never fully satisfy. We can learn a lot from Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. He tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had it all. God blessed him with wealth beyond measure and he denied himself nothing. He had numerous wives and concubines at his beck and call, he ate and drank whatever he wanted, he oversaw great building projects and a glorious palace. Leaders throughout the known world came to Jerusalem to see for themselves this great king they had heard so much about and the glory of his kingdom. What does his life reveal to us? He tells us that it is all vanity, like chasing the wind! Why? Because life is not measured by the things we have. We will all one day leave this world and we can’t take it with us. When we stand before the judgment seat of God, he will be looking at the heart, at the inside. Our relationship with him is his primary concern. If we get that right, everything else will be supplied according to his will and purpose for our lives.
Bondage
The exodus was one of the most awesome events in history. Never before or after has an entire nation been called out of the world to be a set apart people for the glory of God, to be in covenant with their maker. God broke the back of Egypt, the most powerful nation on earth at that time, to free his people from bondage.
Israel’s experience was a type of the bondage that holds all mankind captive. Pharaoh was a type of Satan, Egypt a type of sin. As Pharaoh kept the children of Israel in slavery to him, so Satan’s goal is to keep God’s children under his power and control. He has successfully influenced the majority of mankind to believe that keeping God’s Torah is bondage, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is Satan’s ways that are bondage, destroying lives, stealing dreams, leaving people empty, destined to pursue that which can never result in happiness.
What keeps you in bondage? Is it alcohol, drugs, nicotine, food, gambling, pornography, prostitution, illicit sex? Are you a slave to anxiety or depression, have you been abused, ridiculed, bullied, the victim of rape, incest? Are you controlled by unhealthy emotions, such as anger, lust, greed? Are you a murderer, thief, rapist, child abuser?
We’re all in bondage to something, whether we’re willing to admit it or not. No matter what your particular situation or how far down you have fallen, there is good news. God loves you. Nothing you have done is so horrendous, so cruel, so beyond comprehension, that God’s love can’t reach you. Nothing that you have endured at the hands of another can keep you from experiencing freedom. You just have to accept it. He offers his love freely through his son, Yeshua, and it is available to all.
When Yeshua walked this earth, he met people where they were….steeped in sin, those that the religious leaders of his day spurned; publicans, tax collectors, thieves, prostitutes. He had mercy on the sick and diseased, the poor and needy, the less fortunate, the illiterate. His love healed all who reached out to him, whatever their need may have been. His loved changed lives and gave people hope. He broke the bonds of Satan and offered newness of life to all who believed upon him.
He does the same today. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done. It doesn’t matter where you are at this very moment. You can pray to him right now and ask him to heal you, clean you up and set your feet on solid ground. You can pray as King David did in Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.“ You can ask Yeshua to come into your life and give you the strength and courage to overcome the past and walk with him into a future of hope and freedom. You can turn to his word and learn his ways, ways that lead to joy and happiness, and above all love. He will give you the ability to love yourself and others, and to accept his love for you.
It is never too late to turn your life around. The apostle Paul persecuted the church of God and had believers imprisoned or murdered before God converted him and called him into his service. If anyone knew the power of forgiveness, it was Paul. What does he reveal to us about God’s love? Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Israel’s experience was a type of the bondage that holds all mankind captive. Pharaoh was a type of Satan, Egypt a type of sin. As Pharaoh kept the children of Israel in slavery to him, so Satan’s goal is to keep God’s children under his power and control. He has successfully influenced the majority of mankind to believe that keeping God’s Torah is bondage, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is Satan’s ways that are bondage, destroying lives, stealing dreams, leaving people empty, destined to pursue that which can never result in happiness.
What keeps you in bondage? Is it alcohol, drugs, nicotine, food, gambling, pornography, prostitution, illicit sex? Are you a slave to anxiety or depression, have you been abused, ridiculed, bullied, the victim of rape, incest? Are you controlled by unhealthy emotions, such as anger, lust, greed? Are you a murderer, thief, rapist, child abuser?
We’re all in bondage to something, whether we’re willing to admit it or not. No matter what your particular situation or how far down you have fallen, there is good news. God loves you. Nothing you have done is so horrendous, so cruel, so beyond comprehension, that God’s love can’t reach you. Nothing that you have endured at the hands of another can keep you from experiencing freedom. You just have to accept it. He offers his love freely through his son, Yeshua, and it is available to all.
When Yeshua walked this earth, he met people where they were….steeped in sin, those that the religious leaders of his day spurned; publicans, tax collectors, thieves, prostitutes. He had mercy on the sick and diseased, the poor and needy, the less fortunate, the illiterate. His love healed all who reached out to him, whatever their need may have been. His loved changed lives and gave people hope. He broke the bonds of Satan and offered newness of life to all who believed upon him.
He does the same today. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done. It doesn’t matter where you are at this very moment. You can pray to him right now and ask him to heal you, clean you up and set your feet on solid ground. You can pray as King David did in Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.“ You can ask Yeshua to come into your life and give you the strength and courage to overcome the past and walk with him into a future of hope and freedom. You can turn to his word and learn his ways, ways that lead to joy and happiness, and above all love. He will give you the ability to love yourself and others, and to accept his love for you.
It is never too late to turn your life around. The apostle Paul persecuted the church of God and had believers imprisoned or murdered before God converted him and called him into his service. If anyone knew the power of forgiveness, it was Paul. What does he reveal to us about God’s love? Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Daniel - A Mighty Man of Prayer
I want to share one of the most awesome responses to prayer I have ever heard. It involved Daniel, a man of unwavering faith in God, and is recorded in the biblical book named after him.
Da 9:1-4 "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;"
His prayer to God included heartfelt confessions on behalf of himself and his people, for the sins they had committed. He admitted their rebellion against the prophets and acknowledged that their captivity in Babylon was the result of their disregard for the commandments of their creator. While he continued praying in this manner, something remarkable happened.
Da 9:21-23 "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision."
Can any of us imagine such an awesome answer to prayer, so immediate? Do we understand the full scope of what happened here? As Daniel began praying, even before he had barely begun, the angel Gabriel was dispatched from heaven by God to go to him and reveal the meaning of the prophecies spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet. Later, Daniel was the recipient of one of the greatest prophecies recorded in scripture, one that spanned the ages culminating in the return of our Lord.
If ever we had assurance that prayer changes things, this would have to be at the top of the list. Can we have such an experience today? Yes, I think we can, if we are as dedicated in our obedience to God as was Daniel. If we read the entirety of the book of Daniel, we see a man whose faith never wavered. His prayer was one of praise, humility, confession, repentance and a call for understanding. It was not a request for personal gain. His focus was exclusively on knowing God and his will. He acknowledged God’s power and awesome glory.
Also, he was known to be a man of unceasing prayer, entering his chamber three times a day, bowing before his creator with his face toward Jerusalem. Even after the king’s decree that all petitions made to any god for thirty days other than himelf, Daniel openly continued his daily prayers to his God. Although his dedication to prayer did result in his being thrown into a lion's den, the same dedication ultimately saved his life and brought glory and honor to God..
Daniel 6:25-26 “Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.”
His great faith remains such an example for all of us. May we emulate Daniel’s dedication to God and reap the kind of relationship with him that he was blessed with.
Da 9:1-4 "In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;"
His prayer to God included heartfelt confessions on behalf of himself and his people, for the sins they had committed. He admitted their rebellion against the prophets and acknowledged that their captivity in Babylon was the result of their disregard for the commandments of their creator. While he continued praying in this manner, something remarkable happened.
Da 9:21-23 "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision."
Can any of us imagine such an awesome answer to prayer, so immediate? Do we understand the full scope of what happened here? As Daniel began praying, even before he had barely begun, the angel Gabriel was dispatched from heaven by God to go to him and reveal the meaning of the prophecies spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet. Later, Daniel was the recipient of one of the greatest prophecies recorded in scripture, one that spanned the ages culminating in the return of our Lord.
If ever we had assurance that prayer changes things, this would have to be at the top of the list. Can we have such an experience today? Yes, I think we can, if we are as dedicated in our obedience to God as was Daniel. If we read the entirety of the book of Daniel, we see a man whose faith never wavered. His prayer was one of praise, humility, confession, repentance and a call for understanding. It was not a request for personal gain. His focus was exclusively on knowing God and his will. He acknowledged God’s power and awesome glory.
Also, he was known to be a man of unceasing prayer, entering his chamber three times a day, bowing before his creator with his face toward Jerusalem. Even after the king’s decree that all petitions made to any god for thirty days other than himelf, Daniel openly continued his daily prayers to his God. Although his dedication to prayer did result in his being thrown into a lion's den, the same dedication ultimately saved his life and brought glory and honor to God..
Daniel 6:25-26 “Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.”
His great faith remains such an example for all of us. May we emulate Daniel’s dedication to God and reap the kind of relationship with him that he was blessed with.
Prayer - Accepting God's Will
Oftentimes people think of prayer as something you do in an emergency, an S.O.S. Prayer is meant to be so much more to the believer. It should be as much a part of daily life as breathing. We should be in a constant state of prayer and it should be multi-faceted. It is not only asking for something for ourselves. Our prayers should contain thanksgiving and gratitude, repentance, requests for other's needs, a desire to have a closer relationship with our creator, and they should parallel a life well lived and pleasing to God.
We should never grow weary in prayer. In the banking world, investments have various dates of maturity. When we invest in prayer, we need to accept that each prayer has a date of maturity as well. Some prayers might be instantly answered while others may take weeks, months, even years. Then there are those that are not answered according to God's wisdom. He always knows what is best for us and will not grant us anything that is not beneficial. In our limited knowledge, we cannot see the future ramifications of what we ask for today. That's where complete trust in God is so much an important part of prayer.
We've all heard the phrase, "For everything there is a time and season." That definitely applies to prayer. Sometimes, we need to trust that we may not be ready to receive what we desire in the now, but may receive in a future season. We love our children and desire to share with them all good things. However, we don't give our ten year old a new car. When he/she is seventeen and headed off to college, a new car would be an appropriate gift.
Also, while we are waiting for an answered prayer involving a present need, we may be required to gratefully accept what is in our power to handle while we wait. Never despise the day of small beginnings. Sometimes, answered prayer comes in stages. Perhaps you are unemployed and desperately need a job. Maybe your skills are not yielding the position you truly desire, but are you willing to take what you can get? Even if the pay is not what you think you can live with, you may be surprised. When you are willing to do what you can, God can multiply your efforts in ways you may never have imagined. I have experienced this in my own life and God has many times blessed my humble efforts with an amazing yield. There have been times when I absolutely did not even make enough to pay our monthly bills, yet God always supplied the balance in ways that I could not have brought about myself and we always had enough.
If you are struggling with something right now, don't lose faith. I am proof that God does hear and will answer according to His will. I have been the recipient of so many answered prayers .Some came sooner than others, some were years in the making but well worth the wait. Never give up. Never stop believing. Your next breakthrough may be only a prayer away!
We should never grow weary in prayer. In the banking world, investments have various dates of maturity. When we invest in prayer, we need to accept that each prayer has a date of maturity as well. Some prayers might be instantly answered while others may take weeks, months, even years. Then there are those that are not answered according to God's wisdom. He always knows what is best for us and will not grant us anything that is not beneficial. In our limited knowledge, we cannot see the future ramifications of what we ask for today. That's where complete trust in God is so much an important part of prayer.
We've all heard the phrase, "For everything there is a time and season." That definitely applies to prayer. Sometimes, we need to trust that we may not be ready to receive what we desire in the now, but may receive in a future season. We love our children and desire to share with them all good things. However, we don't give our ten year old a new car. When he/she is seventeen and headed off to college, a new car would be an appropriate gift.
Also, while we are waiting for an answered prayer involving a present need, we may be required to gratefully accept what is in our power to handle while we wait. Never despise the day of small beginnings. Sometimes, answered prayer comes in stages. Perhaps you are unemployed and desperately need a job. Maybe your skills are not yielding the position you truly desire, but are you willing to take what you can get? Even if the pay is not what you think you can live with, you may be surprised. When you are willing to do what you can, God can multiply your efforts in ways you may never have imagined. I have experienced this in my own life and God has many times blessed my humble efforts with an amazing yield. There have been times when I absolutely did not even make enough to pay our monthly bills, yet God always supplied the balance in ways that I could not have brought about myself and we always had enough.
If you are struggling with something right now, don't lose faith. I am proof that God does hear and will answer according to His will. I have been the recipient of so many answered prayers .Some came sooner than others, some were years in the making but well worth the wait. Never give up. Never stop believing. Your next breakthrough may be only a prayer away!
Prayer - Intimacy With God
Prayer to our Father, I believe, should be conversational. The examples in the Bible indicate that. He doesn't want us to be awkward or uncomfortable speaking with him. We don't have to use flowery language or be in a certain position each time we want to pray. It is certainly a sign of worship to pray with lifted hands or bended knee, but not necessary. We don't have to save our prayers for church. He is everywhere and is always accessible. Believers can approach the throne of grace boldly through the blood of our Messiah. If we go to him humbly and sincerely, he will gladly receive us. It is his greatest desire to fellowship with us and we bring him joy when we choose to spend quality time with him.
Relationships are so important. I know how happy I am when my daughter calls me just to talk. I love coming home after a long day's work and spending time with my husband. He always wants to hear about my day and what I accomplished. I was delighted when my sister called me recently to tell me she got the new job offer she was hoping for. As dear friends come to mind, I often stop and give them a call to see how they are doing. Then there are the times when a friend will call or email me to see how I am. This is what gives life meaning. We all know how wonderful it is to share our lives with family and friends and to talk with those who care about us.
Why do we find it so hard to imagine that our heavenly Father wants the same things? We are made in his image. He is the one who placed within our hearts a desire for fellowship. He created the family structure as a pattern of the family he wants to have for all eternity. He calls us his children. Certainly he is interested in us and everything we experience. He wants us to come to him and tell him our thoughts and desires, our needs. He is there anytime we call upon him We don't need an introduction. He knows us inside and out. Nothing is hidden from his sight. Before we even ask, he knows our needs.
Why then do we pray? Because he loves us and wants to hear from us. He doesn't want us to neglect the most important relationship we can have. He wants to spend each and every day with us. If we truly love him, we should find ourselves thinking about him often. We should be eager to spend quality time with him and feel his presence in our lives.
We don't need formality when we are with those who are closest to us. We love those most with whom we can just be ourselves. This applies even more so with our creator. Next time you pray, just be yourself. Begin a conversation with God, open yourself to him honestly and sincerely, the way you would approach a loving parent. You will find, as you become more at ease, you will long for these special times and count them as the most rewarding fellowship you could ever have.
Relationships are so important. I know how happy I am when my daughter calls me just to talk. I love coming home after a long day's work and spending time with my husband. He always wants to hear about my day and what I accomplished. I was delighted when my sister called me recently to tell me she got the new job offer she was hoping for. As dear friends come to mind, I often stop and give them a call to see how they are doing. Then there are the times when a friend will call or email me to see how I am. This is what gives life meaning. We all know how wonderful it is to share our lives with family and friends and to talk with those who care about us.
Why do we find it so hard to imagine that our heavenly Father wants the same things? We are made in his image. He is the one who placed within our hearts a desire for fellowship. He created the family structure as a pattern of the family he wants to have for all eternity. He calls us his children. Certainly he is interested in us and everything we experience. He wants us to come to him and tell him our thoughts and desires, our needs. He is there anytime we call upon him We don't need an introduction. He knows us inside and out. Nothing is hidden from his sight. Before we even ask, he knows our needs.
Why then do we pray? Because he loves us and wants to hear from us. He doesn't want us to neglect the most important relationship we can have. He wants to spend each and every day with us. If we truly love him, we should find ourselves thinking about him often. We should be eager to spend quality time with him and feel his presence in our lives.
We don't need formality when we are with those who are closest to us. We love those most with whom we can just be ourselves. This applies even more so with our creator. Next time you pray, just be yourself. Begin a conversation with God, open yourself to him honestly and sincerely, the way you would approach a loving parent. You will find, as you become more at ease, you will long for these special times and count them as the most rewarding fellowship you could ever have.
Prayer - Seeking God's Face
Prayer changes things. Indeed it does! I was recently meditating on these words and was inspired to share an aspect of prayer that many may overlook, but one that is a necessary part of a successful prayer life.
You see, God wants a relationship with us. When Yeshua gave the parable about those who would claim to worship him, only to be told, “Depart from me, I never knew you”, he was actually saying, “I never had an intimate relationship with you”.
Think about it. Think about your relationship with your sweetheart, your spouse, your children, parents, your best friend. What makes these types of relationships good? It is sharing, love, communication, being together. When people love one another, they want to spend time together. They want to share their lives with each other, they communicate often, in person, on the phone, through email or texting. They think about one another when they are apart.
Sadly, many of us have a better relationship with total strangers on Facebook than we have with our heavenly Father. The things we enjoy about Facebook are the same things that we should be eager to enjoy with our Father in heaven. Facebook allows us to keep in touch, share pictures, hear the latest news about our friends and family who are far away, yet near and dear to us. Isn't this the kind of relationship our heavenly Father wants with us? We are his children and he wants to spend eternity with us. We are admonished in the Bible to "Seek his face". Prayer is an essential aspect of our relationship with him, but it should be in conjunction with “family time”. We should feel close enough to share everything with him in a familial atmosphere, We should be comfortable enough to tell him everything, to discuss our thoughts, problems, successes, fears, needs, whatever is on our mind. He will listen and, if we will receive it, he will help us and guide us. I say “if we will receive it” because often we will not. His way may, and most often does, require change in us. We cannot choose to walk disobediently before him and expect him to be there for us. We can’t just cry out to him when we need something, when we never talk with him on a regular basis.
Don’t get me wrong. There are many who have never been religious, who have never given God a second look, who find themselves at the end of their rope and suddenly realize their need of his help. They cry out in desperation and he immediately comes to bring them peace and a hope of salvation. That is the first step. The bible teaches that he will accept us just as we are, but we can’t stay just as we are. Repentance must follow. We must be sorry for our sins and turn from them. We must begin building a relationship with our Father and learning from his word, growing in understanding, becoming more and more like him every day.
If we want a successful prayer life, then we need to seek that intimate relationship with the one to whom we pray. He loves us more than we could ever know and reaches out to us daily through his Spirit. He doesn’t want to see us suffer. He wants us to enjoy abundant lives. He wants to bless us with all things, but he will not bless disobedience. Even our earthly parents will not tolerate such behavior. If we love him and believe in him enough to go to him in prayer, then certainly we should love him enough to desire a father-child relationship with him. Surely we will want to have that intimate, loving family time with him, allowing him to share in our triumphs, our failures, our daily concerns. He says in Isaiah 59:1 “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”.
Do you want God to hear and answer your prayers? Then seek a meaningful, intimate relationship with him. Seek his face. Repent of your sins and turn to him with all your heart, mind and body. He has great plans for you, wonderful gifts he wants to share with you. An abundant life awaits those who choose to come to him as “Abba”, Father.
You see, God wants a relationship with us. When Yeshua gave the parable about those who would claim to worship him, only to be told, “Depart from me, I never knew you”, he was actually saying, “I never had an intimate relationship with you”.
Think about it. Think about your relationship with your sweetheart, your spouse, your children, parents, your best friend. What makes these types of relationships good? It is sharing, love, communication, being together. When people love one another, they want to spend time together. They want to share their lives with each other, they communicate often, in person, on the phone, through email or texting. They think about one another when they are apart.
Sadly, many of us have a better relationship with total strangers on Facebook than we have with our heavenly Father. The things we enjoy about Facebook are the same things that we should be eager to enjoy with our Father in heaven. Facebook allows us to keep in touch, share pictures, hear the latest news about our friends and family who are far away, yet near and dear to us. Isn't this the kind of relationship our heavenly Father wants with us? We are his children and he wants to spend eternity with us. We are admonished in the Bible to "Seek his face". Prayer is an essential aspect of our relationship with him, but it should be in conjunction with “family time”. We should feel close enough to share everything with him in a familial atmosphere, We should be comfortable enough to tell him everything, to discuss our thoughts, problems, successes, fears, needs, whatever is on our mind. He will listen and, if we will receive it, he will help us and guide us. I say “if we will receive it” because often we will not. His way may, and most often does, require change in us. We cannot choose to walk disobediently before him and expect him to be there for us. We can’t just cry out to him when we need something, when we never talk with him on a regular basis.
Don’t get me wrong. There are many who have never been religious, who have never given God a second look, who find themselves at the end of their rope and suddenly realize their need of his help. They cry out in desperation and he immediately comes to bring them peace and a hope of salvation. That is the first step. The bible teaches that he will accept us just as we are, but we can’t stay just as we are. Repentance must follow. We must be sorry for our sins and turn from them. We must begin building a relationship with our Father and learning from his word, growing in understanding, becoming more and more like him every day.
If we want a successful prayer life, then we need to seek that intimate relationship with the one to whom we pray. He loves us more than we could ever know and reaches out to us daily through his Spirit. He doesn’t want to see us suffer. He wants us to enjoy abundant lives. He wants to bless us with all things, but he will not bless disobedience. Even our earthly parents will not tolerate such behavior. If we love him and believe in him enough to go to him in prayer, then certainly we should love him enough to desire a father-child relationship with him. Surely we will want to have that intimate, loving family time with him, allowing him to share in our triumphs, our failures, our daily concerns. He says in Isaiah 59:1 “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”.
Do you want God to hear and answer your prayers? Then seek a meaningful, intimate relationship with him. Seek his face. Repent of your sins and turn to him with all your heart, mind and body. He has great plans for you, wonderful gifts he wants to share with you. An abundant life awaits those who choose to come to him as “Abba”, Father.
The Prodical Son
Most Christians know the story of the prodical son, but may never have understood it's underlying message regarding Israel's destiny. As with all of Yeshua's parables, it was two-fold. There was the simple, yet inspiring story of a father's unconditional love, but within it lay a hidden meaning below the surface.
The key players in the story are the father (God), the oldest son (Judah) and the youngest son (Israel). The Bible speaks at length concerning how the children of Israel became two separate nations. Ten of the tribes rejected Solomon's son as their king and formed their own nation north of Jerusalem, with Samaria as their capital. Judah, or the Jews, along with the Levites and at least a portion of Benjamin, remained "at home", with Jerusalem as their capital. This is Mt. Zion, the city of God, the holy city from which the law of God shall spring forth in the last day.
When Israel rejected Jerusalem and set up their own government and their own king, they also rejected the commandments of their God. Over time, they followed after the gods of the pagans dwelling in their midst. They turned from the Sabbath and were guilty of idolatry. They ignored the holy seasons, the annual festivals of their God, in which all males were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem according to the commandment.
Over time they lost all knowledge of the true worship of God. Despite repeated warnings from their prophets, they continued on in their apostasy until they were completely destroyed by an enemy, the Kingdom of Assyria. Most of those who were not killed were led away as captives to foreign lands, where they would set down roots and their offspring grow up as Gentiles, retaining no knowledge of their heritage. These were, indeed, prodical children. However, over time, teachers came to them with the story of Yeshua, the Messiah who died for their sins. Many began to repent and turn from the evil ways they had adopted. They were given access to the word of God and began to long for His righteousness. In every land they migrated, they brought this knowledge with them. As they traveled further and further northwest from their original homeland, some found their way to a new land, America. They built their government on the principles laid down in the word of God and adopted Christianity as their new religion. However their culture began to change. Their religion became segmented and divided, with numerous denominations and factions. Through the years, they have enjoyed many blessings and much prosperity in their new land, but their greed and increasing immoral behavior is moving them closer to losing it all. Like the prodical son in Yeshua's parable, they are about to hit rock bottom.
Judah only remained in their homeland yet, as time marched on, they too followed in the footsteps of Israel. Years after Israel had been removed from the land, Babylon came with a vengeance and destroyed their land, their homes and their beloved temple. For seventy years they served in Babylon until Persia overthrew Babylon and the new king, Cyrus, allowed the Jews to return home. Although many did not choose to return, having begun new lives in this foreign land, others returned and rebuilt their homes and, more importantly, their temple. Unfortunately, they closed themselves off from the world, separating themselves in order to remain "holy" before their God. Never again would they be removed from their land. The Pharisees enacted numerous laws (takanot) to keep the masses in line. They laid heavy burdens upon the people, oral laws and traditions, to control the people. They accepted none of other cultures unless they were willing to convert to Judaism. They were the older son in Yeshua's parable.
The prophecies tell of a time, yet in the future, when the prodical son, Israel, will lift up his eyes in a foreign land and look to Jerusalem. He will realize what has become of him and he will make his way home again. The older son, Judah, will not be happy that his brother is returning and will not readily accept him. He is a Gentile in his sight. He doesn't follow the "laws" of their religion nor obey the oral traditions of the elders, the Talmud. He is now a hated "Christian" who believes strange doctrines and practices different customs. He will be jealous of him and of the Father's joy in seeing His son return to the fold. However, both sons have a lot to learn. Neither has learned the lessons that they must. The Father will have to teach both how he wishes to be worshipped and how they can truly have abundant lives.
Many prophecies give a detailed account of these future events. The Father will yet join these two houses together once more and enter into a renewed covenant with them. He will place his laws in their hearts and minds. They will become one nation in his hand and serve him in his righteous kingdom.
The key players in the story are the father (God), the oldest son (Judah) and the youngest son (Israel). The Bible speaks at length concerning how the children of Israel became two separate nations. Ten of the tribes rejected Solomon's son as their king and formed their own nation north of Jerusalem, with Samaria as their capital. Judah, or the Jews, along with the Levites and at least a portion of Benjamin, remained "at home", with Jerusalem as their capital. This is Mt. Zion, the city of God, the holy city from which the law of God shall spring forth in the last day.
When Israel rejected Jerusalem and set up their own government and their own king, they also rejected the commandments of their God. Over time, they followed after the gods of the pagans dwelling in their midst. They turned from the Sabbath and were guilty of idolatry. They ignored the holy seasons, the annual festivals of their God, in which all males were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem according to the commandment.
Over time they lost all knowledge of the true worship of God. Despite repeated warnings from their prophets, they continued on in their apostasy until they were completely destroyed by an enemy, the Kingdom of Assyria. Most of those who were not killed were led away as captives to foreign lands, where they would set down roots and their offspring grow up as Gentiles, retaining no knowledge of their heritage. These were, indeed, prodical children. However, over time, teachers came to them with the story of Yeshua, the Messiah who died for their sins. Many began to repent and turn from the evil ways they had adopted. They were given access to the word of God and began to long for His righteousness. In every land they migrated, they brought this knowledge with them. As they traveled further and further northwest from their original homeland, some found their way to a new land, America. They built their government on the principles laid down in the word of God and adopted Christianity as their new religion. However their culture began to change. Their religion became segmented and divided, with numerous denominations and factions. Through the years, they have enjoyed many blessings and much prosperity in their new land, but their greed and increasing immoral behavior is moving them closer to losing it all. Like the prodical son in Yeshua's parable, they are about to hit rock bottom.
Judah only remained in their homeland yet, as time marched on, they too followed in the footsteps of Israel. Years after Israel had been removed from the land, Babylon came with a vengeance and destroyed their land, their homes and their beloved temple. For seventy years they served in Babylon until Persia overthrew Babylon and the new king, Cyrus, allowed the Jews to return home. Although many did not choose to return, having begun new lives in this foreign land, others returned and rebuilt their homes and, more importantly, their temple. Unfortunately, they closed themselves off from the world, separating themselves in order to remain "holy" before their God. Never again would they be removed from their land. The Pharisees enacted numerous laws (takanot) to keep the masses in line. They laid heavy burdens upon the people, oral laws and traditions, to control the people. They accepted none of other cultures unless they were willing to convert to Judaism. They were the older son in Yeshua's parable.
The prophecies tell of a time, yet in the future, when the prodical son, Israel, will lift up his eyes in a foreign land and look to Jerusalem. He will realize what has become of him and he will make his way home again. The older son, Judah, will not be happy that his brother is returning and will not readily accept him. He is a Gentile in his sight. He doesn't follow the "laws" of their religion nor obey the oral traditions of the elders, the Talmud. He is now a hated "Christian" who believes strange doctrines and practices different customs. He will be jealous of him and of the Father's joy in seeing His son return to the fold. However, both sons have a lot to learn. Neither has learned the lessons that they must. The Father will have to teach both how he wishes to be worshipped and how they can truly have abundant lives.
Many prophecies give a detailed account of these future events. The Father will yet join these two houses together once more and enter into a renewed covenant with them. He will place his laws in their hearts and minds. They will become one nation in his hand and serve him in his righteous kingdom.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Faith in Action
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith (persuasion, moral conviction) is the substance (support) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen.
Our English language is made up of numerous abstract terms, i.e. love, hope, faith, trust, grace, that have no concrete meaning other than how we as individuals define them. Their meanings vary depending on each person’s experiences.
The Hebrew language, on the other hand, is made up of concrete terminology and it’s definitions are well-defined and built on a solid foundation. For instance, let’s take the word “faith”. We tend to think of faith only in terms of belief. When we read in a modern English bible that we are saved by grace through faith, we think strictly in terms of the mind. We tend to think that our salvation is secured by a belief system, an acceptance of Christ as our savior.
For the patriarchs of old, faith was far more than that. In their language, faith was something tangible, evidenced by action. Faith was proved by how they lived their lives. Remember James’ words in James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “faith” chapter. It catalogs a list of some of the greatest believers of all time. They all have one thing in common. Their faith was witnessed by their actions.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel OFFERED unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, MOVED with fear, PREPARED an ark to the saving of his house.
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, OBEYED.
Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, OFFERED up Isaac.
We learn of Moses, Joseph, Sarah, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, Rahab, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Hebrews 11:33-34 tells us these are those who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Others were tortured for their faith and some gave up their very lives. Their assurance of the future resurrection and the world to come, resulted in lives lived in anticipation of the glory that awaited them.
Heb 11:35-40 “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
These all died and are at rest until the day of the Lord, the day in which our savior will return for his saints, both living and dead. Perfection is the reward of those from all ages who have put their faith in the Lord and have obtained a “good report” through faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
We each have our own race to run, even as these had theirs. Their example lives today for us, that we might follow in their footsteps. We also have the example of our savior who gave himself for us. He certainly exemplified faith in that he put his eternal life on the line for our salvation. From the very foundation of the world, he looked far into the future and determined that, through mankind, he would bring forth children for the kingdom, that he would share his glory with us on into eternity. We can certainly see that his faith (persuasion, moral conviction) was the substance (support) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen.
Our English language is made up of numerous abstract terms, i.e. love, hope, faith, trust, grace, that have no concrete meaning other than how we as individuals define them. Their meanings vary depending on each person’s experiences.
The Hebrew language, on the other hand, is made up of concrete terminology and it’s definitions are well-defined and built on a solid foundation. For instance, let’s take the word “faith”. We tend to think of faith only in terms of belief. When we read in a modern English bible that we are saved by grace through faith, we think strictly in terms of the mind. We tend to think that our salvation is secured by a belief system, an acceptance of Christ as our savior.
For the patriarchs of old, faith was far more than that. In their language, faith was something tangible, evidenced by action. Faith was proved by how they lived their lives. Remember James’ words in James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “faith” chapter. It catalogs a list of some of the greatest believers of all time. They all have one thing in common. Their faith was witnessed by their actions.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel OFFERED unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, MOVED with fear, PREPARED an ark to the saving of his house.
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, OBEYED.
Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, OFFERED up Isaac.
We learn of Moses, Joseph, Sarah, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, Rahab, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Hebrews 11:33-34 tells us these are those who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Others were tortured for their faith and some gave up their very lives. Their assurance of the future resurrection and the world to come, resulted in lives lived in anticipation of the glory that awaited them.
Heb 11:35-40 “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
These all died and are at rest until the day of the Lord, the day in which our savior will return for his saints, both living and dead. Perfection is the reward of those from all ages who have put their faith in the Lord and have obtained a “good report” through faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
We each have our own race to run, even as these had theirs. Their example lives today for us, that we might follow in their footsteps. We also have the example of our savior who gave himself for us. He certainly exemplified faith in that he put his eternal life on the line for our salvation. From the very foundation of the world, he looked far into the future and determined that, through mankind, he would bring forth children for the kingdom, that he would share his glory with us on into eternity. We can certainly see that his faith (persuasion, moral conviction) was the substance (support) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen.
The Renewed Covenant
The Bible is filled with duality, shadow pictures and symbolism of that which is yet to come, that which is perfect. Hebrews, chapters 7-10 offers us a detailed account of the role and purpose of the tabernacle and Levitical priesthood as a pattern of the heavenly.
The covenant that God made with the children of Israel at Sinai included the establishment of an earthly tabernacle and priesthood. It was ordained by God that the tribe of Levi would occupy the priesthood, dedicated to the service of temple worship on behalf of the nation. When the children of Israel entered the promised land, each tribe was given a portion of land as their inheritance. Levi’s inheritance was the Lord, and as such, their brethren were instructed to bring their tithes and offerings to the storehouses throughout the land for the support of these Levites who served in the temple.
Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Both the temple itself and the priesthood were patterned according to God’s specific instructions. Hebrews 8:5 “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”
Hebrews 9:2-4 “For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.”
The priests went daily into the first room, where they performed their temple service. Only the high priest was allowed entry into the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, once each year on the Day of Atonement. He brought with him a blood sacrifice, for himself as well as for the nation as a whole. These rehearsals were carried out year after year, generation after generation. Hebrews 9:9-10 “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.”
These were only figures, shadows of the sacrifice of our savior as our eternal High Priest. These earthly sacrifices could not cleanse mankind from sin or a guilty conscience. They were instituted as a substitute until he appeared, whose eternal priesthood they foretold.
His coming ushers in a change in the priesthood. He serves in a heavenly tabernacle, not made with hands. Because his life has no beginning and no end, he is our faithful High Priest forever. He offers the perfect sacrifice, his own body, which is able to cleanse once and for all those who trust in him.
The old covenant is set aside for the new. The shadow fades as the reality appears. There is no longer a need for earthly priests to continually offer the blood of bulls and goats to picture the remission of sins. The perfect sacrifice has been presented, once and for all. Through him we enter into a new (renewed) covenant.
Hebrews 10:16-17 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
The renewed covenant supercedes the old one that had been written on tables of stone, but does not nullify it. The problem was not with the torah, but with the hearts of the people. Hebrews 8:8-10 “For finding fault with THEM, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 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”. Paul tells us in Romans 7:12 “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”
God’s law is perfect. The problem lies with mankind, who does not have a heart to keep it. Our savior and High Priest has opened the way for us into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil that once separated mankind from the Father, We now have access to him through the blood of Yeshua. We can enter into the renewed covenant now by allowing him to put his laws in our hearts and minds. Isaiah prophecies of a day when the Kingdom of God reigns on this earth.
Isaiah 2:3 “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
The covenant that God made with the children of Israel at Sinai included the establishment of an earthly tabernacle and priesthood. It was ordained by God that the tribe of Levi would occupy the priesthood, dedicated to the service of temple worship on behalf of the nation. When the children of Israel entered the promised land, each tribe was given a portion of land as their inheritance. Levi’s inheritance was the Lord, and as such, their brethren were instructed to bring their tithes and offerings to the storehouses throughout the land for the support of these Levites who served in the temple.
Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Both the temple itself and the priesthood were patterned according to God’s specific instructions. Hebrews 8:5 “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”
Hebrews 9:2-4 “For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.”
The priests went daily into the first room, where they performed their temple service. Only the high priest was allowed entry into the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, once each year on the Day of Atonement. He brought with him a blood sacrifice, for himself as well as for the nation as a whole. These rehearsals were carried out year after year, generation after generation. Hebrews 9:9-10 “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.”
These were only figures, shadows of the sacrifice of our savior as our eternal High Priest. These earthly sacrifices could not cleanse mankind from sin or a guilty conscience. They were instituted as a substitute until he appeared, whose eternal priesthood they foretold.
His coming ushers in a change in the priesthood. He serves in a heavenly tabernacle, not made with hands. Because his life has no beginning and no end, he is our faithful High Priest forever. He offers the perfect sacrifice, his own body, which is able to cleanse once and for all those who trust in him.
The old covenant is set aside for the new. The shadow fades as the reality appears. There is no longer a need for earthly priests to continually offer the blood of bulls and goats to picture the remission of sins. The perfect sacrifice has been presented, once and for all. Through him we enter into a new (renewed) covenant.
Hebrews 10:16-17 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
The renewed covenant supercedes the old one that had been written on tables of stone, but does not nullify it. The problem was not with the torah, but with the hearts of the people. Hebrews 8:8-10 “For finding fault with THEM, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 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”. Paul tells us in Romans 7:12 “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”
God’s law is perfect. The problem lies with mankind, who does not have a heart to keep it. Our savior and High Priest has opened the way for us into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil that once separated mankind from the Father, We now have access to him through the blood of Yeshua. We can enter into the renewed covenant now by allowing him to put his laws in our hearts and minds. Isaiah prophecies of a day when the Kingdom of God reigns on this earth.
Isaiah 2:3 “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
The Overcomers
In my last post, I said that Yeshua is our eternal high priest and the one who daily makes intercession for us before the throne of God.
Speaking of the Levitical system, we read in Hebrews 5:1-4 “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”
In like manner, Yeshua did not take this honor unto himself. Hebrews 5:5 “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”
Yeshua is God’s Son, yet….Hebrew 5:8-9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
We are told that these are the foundation of our faith, the starting point. In the previous verses, the writer tells his readers that they are dull of hearing and unable to understand the “meat” of the word. They are content to stay with the “milk” and are not equipped to handle solid food. Hebrews 5:13-14 “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
We are to grow in our faith and become skillful in the path of righteousness, following the example of our savior. If we fail to grow in our walk with Yeshua, we will be tempted to turn back into the life we left behind.
Hebrews 6:4-6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
Isn’t that what Israel did after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (a picture of sin)? We already learned that their disobedience resulted in their not being able to enter into the rest that God promised them. What admonition is the believer given in light of their example? Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Again, Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him?”
The apostle Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” He compared the life of the believer to a race. 1Corinthians 9:24-25 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” Hebrews 12:1b “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.“ Those who seek to master any discipline must be dedicated and single-minded, laying aside all distractions, that they may perform at the highest level. Paul said he kept his body in subjection.
Eight times in the book of Revelation, we are told that it is the overcomers who will receive the reward of eternal life.
Re 2:7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Re 2:11 He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Re 2:17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Re 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Re 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Re 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Re 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Re 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Believers often quote Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast“. Do we, however, read the very next verse? Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
It is not our works that will bring us into our rest, but the works that Yeshua has prepared for us." Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform(finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
The “works” and “gifts” that the believer possesses are not resident within himself/herself, but those that Yeshua has provided. Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: For our part, we need to yield ourselves to him and learn to be obedient to him in all things. He has given his “Torah”, instructions for righteous living and eternal life. May we all consider our ways, that we may be granted access into his glorious kingdom.
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Speaking of the Levitical system, we read in Hebrews 5:1-4 “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”
In like manner, Yeshua did not take this honor unto himself. Hebrews 5:5 “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”
Yeshua is God’s Son, yet….Hebrew 5:8-9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
We are told that these are the foundation of our faith, the starting point. In the previous verses, the writer tells his readers that they are dull of hearing and unable to understand the “meat” of the word. They are content to stay with the “milk” and are not equipped to handle solid food. Hebrews 5:13-14 “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
We are to grow in our faith and become skillful in the path of righteousness, following the example of our savior. If we fail to grow in our walk with Yeshua, we will be tempted to turn back into the life we left behind.
Hebrews 6:4-6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
Isn’t that what Israel did after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (a picture of sin)? We already learned that their disobedience resulted in their not being able to enter into the rest that God promised them. What admonition is the believer given in light of their example? Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Again, Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him?”
The apostle Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” He compared the life of the believer to a race. 1Corinthians 9:24-25 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” Hebrews 12:1b “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.“ Those who seek to master any discipline must be dedicated and single-minded, laying aside all distractions, that they may perform at the highest level. Paul said he kept his body in subjection.
Eight times in the book of Revelation, we are told that it is the overcomers who will receive the reward of eternal life.
Re 2:7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Re 2:11 He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Re 2:17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Re 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Re 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Re 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Re 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Re 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Believers often quote Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast“. Do we, however, read the very next verse? Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
It is not our works that will bring us into our rest, but the works that Yeshua has prepared for us." Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform(finish) it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
The “works” and “gifts” that the believer possesses are not resident within himself/herself, but those that Yeshua has provided. Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: For our part, we need to yield ourselves to him and learn to be obedient to him in all things. He has given his “Torah”, instructions for righteous living and eternal life. May we all consider our ways, that we may be granted access into his glorious kingdom.
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Our Eternal High Priest
I previously spoke of the “eternal rest” awaiting those who are faithful and obedient to God. The children of Israel who departed Egypt were unable to enter their rest, that being the promised land, because of unbelief and disobedience to their calling. Their example has been given to us as a warning lest any of us should fall short of reaching the soon-coming rest that awaits us at the end of days. We have been admonished to make our calling and election sure. However, we are all sinners and have fallen woefully short of the glory of God. We cannot obtain his mercy and grace by our own efforts. How then can we make our calling and election sure?
We are more than able, through faith in our savior, who has paved the way for us with his blood, having paid the penalty for our sins, and who now sits at the right hand of the majesty on high as our eternal high priest. He daily makes intercession before his father on our behalf. Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
He knows our weaknesses, our faults, and the temptations that bombard us on a daily basis. He laid aside his heavenly robe in exchange for a fleshly body such as ours and tabernacled among us. He can be merciful because he has experienced our physical journey and knows the path laid out before us.
There are many today that feel unworthy to approach that throne of grace. False religion has made them believe that an earthly intercessor is still necessary, be it a minister or priest as a go-between, someone “worthy” enough to approach God’s heavenly throne. Many are encouraged to confess their sins to this earthly intercessor, who will pray for them. This is not what scripture teaches us.
Yeshua, at his crucifixion, broke down the barrier between God and man. During the time he walked the earth, this barrier was the holy of holies in the temple at Jerusalem. It housed the ark of the covenant, a representation of the throne of God, and could only be accessed once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, when he made intercession first for his own sins and then for the nation as a whole.
Upon Yeshua‘s sacrifice, the veil that covered that most holy place was rent in two from top to bottom, symbolically providing direct access for every believer to God’s throne. We no longer need an earthly priest to intercede for us. Our eternal high priest has provided the way to God’s throne, where our prayers are received.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not worthy to pray directly to your heavenly father. Yeshua shed his blood to open up the way for the believer to humbly and reverently approach our God in heaven. We can go to him anytime, anywhere and know that he hears us. However, we must approach him in faith, coupled with obedience. Hebrew 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.
We are more than able, through faith in our savior, who has paved the way for us with his blood, having paid the penalty for our sins, and who now sits at the right hand of the majesty on high as our eternal high priest. He daily makes intercession before his father on our behalf. Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
He knows our weaknesses, our faults, and the temptations that bombard us on a daily basis. He laid aside his heavenly robe in exchange for a fleshly body such as ours and tabernacled among us. He can be merciful because he has experienced our physical journey and knows the path laid out before us.
There are many today that feel unworthy to approach that throne of grace. False religion has made them believe that an earthly intercessor is still necessary, be it a minister or priest as a go-between, someone “worthy” enough to approach God’s heavenly throne. Many are encouraged to confess their sins to this earthly intercessor, who will pray for them. This is not what scripture teaches us.
Yeshua, at his crucifixion, broke down the barrier between God and man. During the time he walked the earth, this barrier was the holy of holies in the temple at Jerusalem. It housed the ark of the covenant, a representation of the throne of God, and could only be accessed once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, when he made intercession first for his own sins and then for the nation as a whole.
Upon Yeshua‘s sacrifice, the veil that covered that most holy place was rent in two from top to bottom, symbolically providing direct access for every believer to God’s throne. We no longer need an earthly priest to intercede for us. Our eternal high priest has provided the way to God’s throne, where our prayers are received.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not worthy to pray directly to your heavenly father. Yeshua shed his blood to open up the way for the believer to humbly and reverently approach our God in heaven. We can go to him anytime, anywhere and know that he hears us. However, we must approach him in faith, coupled with obedience. Hebrew 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.
The Sabbath Rest
Hebrews, chapters 3 and 4 give us the example of Israel, who failed to stay faithful to God’s calling. They continually tried his patience during their wilderness wandering and the adults who departed Egypt never entered the promised land God had prepared for them.
Numbers 26:65 “For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.”
Notice the verses that tell us why they were not able to enter into the land. Verse 10, “They do always err in their hearts, and “They have not known my ways.” Verse 12, “An evil heart of unbelief”. They entered not in because of unbelief, personified by sin and disobedience. We are told that the word preached to them did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. They hardened their hearts against their creator through the deceitfulness of sin.
To those who sinned in the wilderness God swore “They shall not enter into my rest”. Hebrews 4:1 opens with an admonition for the believer, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
Although those to whom the promise was first given did not enter that rest because of unbelief, that rest still remains and some will enter in. Heb 4:6, 8-9, 11 “Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
The Bible is filled with duality, a former fulfillment and a latter fulfillment. The children of those who died in the wilderness did enter the promised land, a physical rest. This was a foreshadow of the eternal rest awaiting us today. This was God’s plan from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:4 “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works”. Hebrews 4:9-10 “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his“.
The previous scriptures speak of God’s rest by referencing the seventh day of creation week. That may seem strange to those of us who have been raised with a Gentile, Western mindset which has no concept of God’s reckoning of time. Because we have exchanged much of the original teachings of the Bible with man-made concepts and ideas, we have lost the keys that are vital to our understanding of God’s plan for mankind.
Dedicated students of the word of God recognize the patterns he uses to fulfill his purposes. As God worked six days during creation week and rested the seventh, he has given man six thousand years to do all his work, the seventh thousandth being the Sabbath rest of the Messiah. 2Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day“. God placed intermediate fulfillments between the two. The seventh day of each week is to be a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Every seventh year is to be a rest for the land and a release of debt.
Annually, the day of Pentecost is calculated by weekly Sabbaths. Leviticus 23:15-16 “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days.”
The Jubilee year, likewise, is calculated by annual Sabbaths. Leviticus 25:8-10 “And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family“.
Yeshua came to earth and tabernacled with man four thousand years in the span of human history. Two thousand years have elapsed since that time. We are approaching the thousand year Sabbath alluded to in the book of Hebrews. This is the rest that awaits those who are faithful to their calling in Messiah.
Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”.
Revelation 20:5 “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished”.
I can’t help but wonder. Hebrews 4:9 says “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” This is interpreted as “a keeping of the Sabbath”. Is it possible that those who honor God’s holy Sabbath now will enter their eternal rest when the thousand year Sabbath appears? Could it be that those who have replaced God’s seventh day Sabbath with Sunday (the day of the Sun God) do not rise until the Sabbath is over? It is certainly food for thought. One thing is sure. The Sabbath will be kept in God’s Kingdom on into eternity.
Isaiah 66:23 “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.”
It behooves us all to consider our ways now, whether we will follow the traditions of men or the word of God. Hebrews 4:1 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
Numbers 26:65 “For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.”
Notice the verses that tell us why they were not able to enter into the land. Verse 10, “They do always err in their hearts, and “They have not known my ways.” Verse 12, “An evil heart of unbelief”. They entered not in because of unbelief, personified by sin and disobedience. We are told that the word preached to them did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. They hardened their hearts against their creator through the deceitfulness of sin.
To those who sinned in the wilderness God swore “They shall not enter into my rest”. Hebrews 4:1 opens with an admonition for the believer, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
Although those to whom the promise was first given did not enter that rest because of unbelief, that rest still remains and some will enter in. Heb 4:6, 8-9, 11 “Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
The Bible is filled with duality, a former fulfillment and a latter fulfillment. The children of those who died in the wilderness did enter the promised land, a physical rest. This was a foreshadow of the eternal rest awaiting us today. This was God’s plan from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:4 “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works”. Hebrews 4:9-10 “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his“.
The previous scriptures speak of God’s rest by referencing the seventh day of creation week. That may seem strange to those of us who have been raised with a Gentile, Western mindset which has no concept of God’s reckoning of time. Because we have exchanged much of the original teachings of the Bible with man-made concepts and ideas, we have lost the keys that are vital to our understanding of God’s plan for mankind.
Dedicated students of the word of God recognize the patterns he uses to fulfill his purposes. As God worked six days during creation week and rested the seventh, he has given man six thousand years to do all his work, the seventh thousandth being the Sabbath rest of the Messiah. 2Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day“. God placed intermediate fulfillments between the two. The seventh day of each week is to be a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Every seventh year is to be a rest for the land and a release of debt.
Annually, the day of Pentecost is calculated by weekly Sabbaths. Leviticus 23:15-16 “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days.”
The Jubilee year, likewise, is calculated by annual Sabbaths. Leviticus 25:8-10 “And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family“.
Yeshua came to earth and tabernacled with man four thousand years in the span of human history. Two thousand years have elapsed since that time. We are approaching the thousand year Sabbath alluded to in the book of Hebrews. This is the rest that awaits those who are faithful to their calling in Messiah.
Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”.
Revelation 20:5 “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished”.
I can’t help but wonder. Hebrews 4:9 says “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” This is interpreted as “a keeping of the Sabbath”. Is it possible that those who honor God’s holy Sabbath now will enter their eternal rest when the thousand year Sabbath appears? Could it be that those who have replaced God’s seventh day Sabbath with Sunday (the day of the Sun God) do not rise until the Sabbath is over? It is certainly food for thought. One thing is sure. The Sabbath will be kept in God’s Kingdom on into eternity.
Isaiah 66:23 “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.”
It behooves us all to consider our ways now, whether we will follow the traditions of men or the word of God. Hebrews 4:1 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
The Household of Faith
As Abraham was called out to seek a home that God prepared for him, a land that he and his offspring would eventually inherit, so are believers called out of this world that we may one day enter our eternal home. By faith, Abraham obeyed God and lived out his calling, as did his son Isaac and grandson, Jacob. Jacob’s descendents left behind 400 years of slavery in Egypt and wandered in the desert 40 years before their offspring, by faith, entered their promised land. We wander in our own wilderness today. The world we live in is not our permanent home. We seek the resting place God has prepared for us and, by faith, we shall enter if we hold fast to the end.
Hebrews 3:1-6 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”
2 Peter 1:10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
We are called to be the house (family) of God. 1 Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Philippians 2:12 admonishes us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. As I move forward, I hope to shed light on why the children of Israel who left Egypt, those who were literally redeemed by the blood of the lamb, did not enter their promised land. Their experience is an example for us today.
Hebrews 3:7-8 “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”
We have a calling. If we have accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savior, we have the hope of salvation and eternal life. However, it is not to be taken lightly. Our salvation is something that is worked out over our lifetime, through faith and obedience. Those to whom the gospel was first preached did not enter in because of unbelief. May we learn from their experience, that we may enter into our rest.
Hebrews 3:1-6 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”
2 Peter 1:10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
We are called to be the house (family) of God. 1 Peter 2:5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Philippians 2:12 admonishes us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. As I move forward, I hope to shed light on why the children of Israel who left Egypt, those who were literally redeemed by the blood of the lamb, did not enter their promised land. Their experience is an example for us today.
Hebrews 3:7-8 “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”
We have a calling. If we have accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savior, we have the hope of salvation and eternal life. However, it is not to be taken lightly. Our salvation is something that is worked out over our lifetime, through faith and obedience. Those to whom the gospel was first preached did not enter in because of unbelief. May we learn from their experience, that we may enter into our rest.
Our Calling and Election
In my previous post on angels, I discussed how God now speaks to us through his son, Yeshua, whom he has appointed heir of all things. The scriptures make it clear that he was the creator of all things in the beginning, that it was he who dealt with the partriarchs of the Old Testament and led their offspring through the wilderness into the promised land. It was he who delivered the commandments to Moses at Sinai, the one who made a covenant with the children of Israel. He is our savior, the one who sacrificed himself for our sins.
Hebrews 2:1 begins with a warning. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”
In the past, angels ministered the word to those whom God called to be his children. Hebrews 1:14 “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Angels were dispatched to Sodom to save Lot and his family from destruction. The Lord oftentimes sent angels to speak to the heirs of salvation; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It was the angel Gabriel who spoke with Daniel, who appeared unto Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, and who visited the young virgin chosen as the mother of our Lord. We are told in Galatians 3:19 that the law was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator (Moses).
Now that our salvation has appeared bodily in the form of a man and has chosen to tabernacle among us in the flesh, we are warned to listen all the more diligently to his teaching and keep his words, lest we fall short of our calling and election into his family, “lest at any time we should let them slip(run out as leaking vessels)”.
Remember Yeshua’s words, Matthew 9:16-17 “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.”
Yeshua came preaching repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God. Yes, we are saved by grace through faith. Yes, he alone is our salvation. However, Philippians 2:12 admonishes believers to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. After accepting the glorious gift of our savior, we are to continue unto good works. Our obedience to his word is to be the testimony of our faith. We are to leave our old way of life behind and become new creatures in Christ, that we may bring glory to his name.
Hebrews 10:26-29 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
Indeed, how shall we escape if we neglect (be careless of, make light of) so great salvation? Let us seek to follow his teaching and his example, that we may stand in that day. May we hear those words, well done my good and faithful servant.
Hebrews 2:1 begins with a warning. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”
In the past, angels ministered the word to those whom God called to be his children. Hebrews 1:14 “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Angels were dispatched to Sodom to save Lot and his family from destruction. The Lord oftentimes sent angels to speak to the heirs of salvation; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It was the angel Gabriel who spoke with Daniel, who appeared unto Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, and who visited the young virgin chosen as the mother of our Lord. We are told in Galatians 3:19 that the law was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator (Moses).
Now that our salvation has appeared bodily in the form of a man and has chosen to tabernacle among us in the flesh, we are warned to listen all the more diligently to his teaching and keep his words, lest we fall short of our calling and election into his family, “lest at any time we should let them slip(run out as leaking vessels)”.
Remember Yeshua’s words, Matthew 9:16-17 “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.”
Yeshua came preaching repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God. Yes, we are saved by grace through faith. Yes, he alone is our salvation. However, Philippians 2:12 admonishes believers to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. After accepting the glorious gift of our savior, we are to continue unto good works. Our obedience to his word is to be the testimony of our faith. We are to leave our old way of life behind and become new creatures in Christ, that we may bring glory to his name.
Hebrews 10:26-29 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
Indeed, how shall we escape if we neglect (be careless of, make light of) so great salvation? Let us seek to follow his teaching and his example, that we may stand in that day. May we hear those words, well done my good and faithful servant.
The Ministry of Angels
Continuing my study of the book of Hebrews, I discover a greater understanding of the role that angels play in God’s plan of salvation for mankind.
Previously the writer revealed Yeshua as the one who created the world and brought all things into existence. He also is our savior, having sacrificed his very life for his creation. Phillipians 2:9 tells us “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” We are told in Hebrews 1:4-7 “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
Hebrews 1:13-14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Hebrews 2:5 “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.”
Through these passages, we get a glimpse of the role of angels. God has created man in His image and chosen to beget His family through us. Angels are to be the ministers or servants of those who are heirs of salvation. 1Peter 1:12 “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1Corinthians 6:3 “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”
Through his death, burial and resurrection, Yeshua is the firstborn of many brethren. We are the ones who are to be heirs of salvation. Although we are yet lower than the angels while in our fleshly bodies, we will one day be glorified with Messiah and will rule with him over all of his creation, including angels.
Heb 2:6-10 “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
God has created all things according to His purpose and each creation has its own role in His ultimate plan. Angels are to be our ministers, our helpers as we become what God intends us to become. They bow to the same God we do. They are sons of God, but their function is far different from ours. They faithfully carry out their role according to the responsibilities they have been given. They are not to be worshipped.
In Matthew 4:10 , Yeshua told Satan, “ Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Paul warned believers in Colossians 2:18 “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”
Man’s preoccupation with the worship of angels has created a boon for retailers today. Images of angels abound and the sale of “all things angels” are a huge industry. We may mean well, but we need to always be willing to reconsider the beliefs we have inherited and let the word of God shine a light on them.
The first two commandments should be our guide into these matters. Exodus 20:3-4 “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
Previously the writer revealed Yeshua as the one who created the world and brought all things into existence. He also is our savior, having sacrificed his very life for his creation. Phillipians 2:9 tells us “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” We are told in Hebrews 1:4-7 “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
Hebrews 1:13-14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Hebrews 2:5 “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.”
Through these passages, we get a glimpse of the role of angels. God has created man in His image and chosen to beget His family through us. Angels are to be the ministers or servants of those who are heirs of salvation. 1Peter 1:12 “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1Corinthians 6:3 “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”
Through his death, burial and resurrection, Yeshua is the firstborn of many brethren. We are the ones who are to be heirs of salvation. Although we are yet lower than the angels while in our fleshly bodies, we will one day be glorified with Messiah and will rule with him over all of his creation, including angels.
Heb 2:6-10 “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
God has created all things according to His purpose and each creation has its own role in His ultimate plan. Angels are to be our ministers, our helpers as we become what God intends us to become. They bow to the same God we do. They are sons of God, but their function is far different from ours. They faithfully carry out their role according to the responsibilities they have been given. They are not to be worshipped.
In Matthew 4:10 , Yeshua told Satan, “ Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Paul warned believers in Colossians 2:18 “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”
Man’s preoccupation with the worship of angels has created a boon for retailers today. Images of angels abound and the sale of “all things angels” are a huge industry. We may mean well, but we need to always be willing to reconsider the beliefs we have inherited and let the word of God shine a light on them.
The first two commandments should be our guide into these matters. Exodus 20:3-4 “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
Our Creator, Our Savior
I am doing a study of the book of Hebrews, but as I do, I find so many correlating biblical texts that enhance my understanding of the subject matter at hand. The bible interprets itself, but its revelation is buried throughout its pages. We are encouraged to dig for these hidden treasures and discover the mysteries that lie deep beneath the surface.
The book of Hebrews interestingly opens much the same way that the books of Genesis and John do, by introducing the reader to our creator.
Hebrews 1:1-3 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made“.
Through these passages, we get a glimpse of our creator prior to his physical birth as a human being. It was he who made the worlds. As the very Word of God, it was he who spoke the words, “Let there be light”.
Colossians 1:15-17 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
From the beginning, he was with the Father in heaven, clothed with glory and honor. In his final hours upon earth, he prayed to his Father, John 17:4-5 “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
It was he, the one who died for our sins and became our savior, that walked and talked with our forefathers. It was he who was in the garden with Adam, who spoke with Abraham, who led the children of Israel through the wilderness, who wrote the commandments with his own finger, who called the prophets of old.
John 1:18 “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
From the beginning it was decreed that our creator would also be our savior, the sacrifice for our sins.
Revelation 13:8 “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
How can we possibly fathom so great a love? How can our minds contain such revelation, that the one who brought the worlds into existence, by whom all things consist, who holds all power in his hands, could possibly humble himself for his creation and lay down his very life for us? Why would he do such a thing? David asked the same long ago, “What is man that thou art mindful of him.”
Hebrews 2:10 “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
Our creator, believe it or not, is creating a family. His desire is to share his awesome glory with mankind. The bible walks us through the various stages of this divine plan from Genesis to Revelation. Every event, every prophecy speaks to us of God’s plan to share eternity with his creation. That there be no doubt of his unending love for us, he gave the ultimate gift by laying aside his glory in exchange for a human tabernacle, shared our humanity, preached the coming kingdom of God, and ultimately gave his own life for our sins that we might through his sacrifice be given eternal life.
The book of Hebrews interestingly opens much the same way that the books of Genesis and John do, by introducing the reader to our creator.
Hebrews 1:1-3 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made“.
Through these passages, we get a glimpse of our creator prior to his physical birth as a human being. It was he who made the worlds. As the very Word of God, it was he who spoke the words, “Let there be light”.
Colossians 1:15-17 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
From the beginning, he was with the Father in heaven, clothed with glory and honor. In his final hours upon earth, he prayed to his Father, John 17:4-5 “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
It was he, the one who died for our sins and became our savior, that walked and talked with our forefathers. It was he who was in the garden with Adam, who spoke with Abraham, who led the children of Israel through the wilderness, who wrote the commandments with his own finger, who called the prophets of old.
John 1:18 “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
From the beginning it was decreed that our creator would also be our savior, the sacrifice for our sins.
Revelation 13:8 “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
How can we possibly fathom so great a love? How can our minds contain such revelation, that the one who brought the worlds into existence, by whom all things consist, who holds all power in his hands, could possibly humble himself for his creation and lay down his very life for us? Why would he do such a thing? David asked the same long ago, “What is man that thou art mindful of him.”
Hebrews 2:10 “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
Our creator, believe it or not, is creating a family. His desire is to share his awesome glory with mankind. The bible walks us through the various stages of this divine plan from Genesis to Revelation. Every event, every prophecy speaks to us of God’s plan to share eternity with his creation. That there be no doubt of his unending love for us, he gave the ultimate gift by laying aside his glory in exchange for a human tabernacle, shared our humanity, preached the coming kingdom of God, and ultimately gave his own life for our sins that we might through his sacrifice be given eternal life.
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