"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God", Psa 14:1. I, personally, am acquainted with many people who don't really "know" God, but only a few that deny his very existence. If such a conclusion weren't so utterly tragic, it would be laughable! Soemeone uses the very mind that God created to dismiss God himself. How does one get up every morning, witness the multitude of miracles all around him, yet deny the creator of them all? How does one explain life itself in all it's forms, this self-sustaining planet that we call home and the universal order that has provided for man's continued existence for thousands of years?
The apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord; if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring", Acts 17:24-28. King David wrote in Psa 19:1, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork".
Paul wrote in Rom 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". He goes on to explain that, when men choose not to retain God in their knowledge, they become vain in their imaginations. They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools who are unable to understand truth, their hearts and minds darkened. Does man dare judge God? Does he have the audacity to think himself wiser than his creator, even to the point of questioning his very existence? Can the clay say to the potter, why have you made me this way?
Sometimes, even those who love the Lord make the mistake of questioning his wisdom. Job is a case in point. He was, according to God, a righteous man who feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. However, there came a day when Satan appeared before God and accused Job of obedience for reward. Logic followed that God had put a hedge around Job and had blessed him in all his ways. It was no great thing for Job to honor God. On the other hand, Satan argued, strike him down and watch him curse you to your face. God allowed Satan to have power over Job, except unto death. I'm sure we are all familiar with the sufferings that Satan inflicted upon this righteous man. Through it all, Job did not curse God, but he did fall victim to self pity, anger and doubt concerning God and his dealings with mankind. In his misery he cursed the day he was born. He questioned God, "If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? have I become a heavy load for you?, Job 7:20 (New Century Version throughout). He continued, "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy. I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me. Does it make you happy to trouble me?", 10: 1-3. He became increasingly paranoid as he rambled on and on, "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind, If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished", 10:8, 12-14. As he continued, he began questioning God's judgment. Why do evil people live long lives, why do good people suffer, does it do any good to pray, can we plead our case before God, why is life so short and full of trouble, what is gained by living a good life?
Finally, God had enough! It became time for Job to get a "reality check". The Lord thundered, "Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me", Job 38:2-3.
The Lord then subjected Job to question after question, Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth, or when I created the sea and set the boundaries thereof? Do you know how wide the earth is or gone to where the sea begins? Have you ever ordered the morning to come forth. Can you bring out the stars on time? Do you know where light comes from? Do you know the laws of the sky or understand how they rule the earth? Can you bring forth lightning? Who created a waterway for the rain or set the path for the thunderstorm? Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or hail? Who gives food to the birds, or satisfies the hunger of lions? Have you given the horse his strength, or does the eagle fly through your wisdom? "Will the person who argues with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God answer him", Job 40:2.
The Lord continued to question Job until there seemed to be no end. Humbled, his only response was, "I am not worthy; I cannot answer you anything, so I will put my hand over my mouth", 40:4. The Lord, however, was not finished. "Be strong, like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Would you say that I am unfair? Would you blame me to make yourself look right? Are you as strong as God? Can your voice thunder like his?, 40: 7-9. Look at the Behemoth (hippopotamus). It is one of the first of all my works. Look at its powerful stomach muscles, its tail which is like a cedar tree. Though it's bones are like bronze, it's legs like bars of iron, I can destory it. What about the leviathan (sea monster)? Can you catch it on a fishhook? Can you make it a pet? No one can defeat it. People are overwhelmed just by seeing it. No other creature on earth is its equal. There is none who would be brave enough to make it angry. So, who would dare to stand up against me? Everything under heaven belongs to me!
Finally, Job lay completely broken. "I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. You asked, 'Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.' My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.", Job 42: 2-6.
Eliphaz asked, in Job 4:17, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" I fear that some would dare to think so. I often hear comments like, "If there is a God..." or "What kind of God would....? You can fill in the rest. We all need a reality check from time to time. The scriptures declare in Isa 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". He sees those who would question him. Psa 94:9-11 tells us, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall he not correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity". For those who would be proud or boastful against their creator, Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Very soon now, our Lord shall return to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His glory and majesty will be revealed in that day and all mankind will quake with fear. Isa 2:11-12 prophesies of that day, "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low". We all should be careful concerning the judgments we make, especially with regard to our creator. Let's take heed to the words of the apostle Paul in Gal 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Broken Government
There is a presentation I have seen a few times on CNN titled "Broken Government". It sheds a light on the major issues that America faces today and the inability of our leaders to provide workable solutions, due to their constant bickering and party politics. Isn't it interesting that, two thousand years ago, Jesus spoke the following, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand", Matt 12:25. If anyone knows something about broken govenment, it is our Lord. The Old Testament prophets had a great deal to say on the subject, as it was a major concern in their day as it is in ours. It should not be a surprise to anyone reading this that nothing has changed. Today's issues are the same ones ancient Israel faced thousands of years ago. We may live in a time of unprecedented advances in education, technology, industry, communication and travel, to name a few, but human nature is the same beast it's always been. As long as man resides in these sinful bodies, human nature will always play a role in his thought processes and decision-making. Without God's spirit, man is not capable of ruling himself.
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
email comments and questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Let's visit the writings of the ancient prophets to see if we recognize the very same nature we see in our leaders today. Isa 1:23 says, "Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them". Isa 5:23 says these, "Justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!". Isa 10:1 declares, "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed". He goes on in Isa 59:14, "And jugment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter".
Jeremiah speaks of the wicked in Jer 5:28, saying "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge". Ezek 22:27 speaks of Israel's leaders, "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain".
Micah 3:1-3 declares God's word to the leaders of His people, "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron".
These words could easily have been spoken of our leaders today. Every day we read in our newspapers or hear on TV revelations exposing the downfall of yet another politician, who fell prey to greed, corruption and dishonesty. We're all painfully aware of the Washingtom lobbyists who control legislation through bribery. We witness the chaos, power struggles and party politics that drive our government today and often wonder where it will lead. Add to that the voice of the people, which reveals how divided we have become as a nation. Our polarization is at a fever-pitch, to the point that it is becoming increasingly impossible for lawmakers to serve effectively on our behalf. If we are honest, we may find that we bear some responsibility for our disfunctional government. Many of our politicians' main focus is often on keeping his or her job. It's already evident that their votes on any issue must be balanced between following their conscience or the will of their constituents. We send them to Washington to serve, but if they don't do what we want, we kick the bums out.
I have found the same to be true of our spiritual leaders. In some denominations, a pastor is nothing more than hired help. Instead of being regarded as one within whom is the Spirit of God, who speaks the word of God, some congregations hold sway on what can or can't be preached. If he (or she) strays, the proverbial trapdoor opens and out they go. Nothing has changed. Isaiah speaks to the people of his day, "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits", Isa 30:9-10. I have personally known some ministers who knew a truth that they supressed, because they believed their congregation would not accept it. I have also seen those who dared to preach the truth and had to endure the wrath of their flock and the loss of their job. Maybe that's why so many do not speak the true word of God. It's more important for them to have a following. For some, preaching is nothing more than a job, and a very profitable one at that. Many, in the pulpits across our great land, do not know the word of God. They preach for gain and glory. They tell people what they want to hear. They fear exposing the sins of our nation, or the need for repentence. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus' day, "The blind leading the blind". Isa 56:10-11 says of Israel's leaders, "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter".
Micah 3:11 tells us regarding both civil and spiritual leaders, "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us". Have you ever heard it said, concerning America, "This is God's country", "We are a Christian nation"? It's the same thing that Israel said. We can do what we want. We are God's chosen people.
Read God's scathing judgment upon Jerusalem, His chosen city, through the prophet Ezekiel. "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst therof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them:, And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken", Ezek 22:25-26, 28. Jer 2:8 says of them, "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit". Again, in chapter 5:31, he says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
The 23rd chapter of Jeremiah is well worth reading in it's entirety. It is a scathing rebuke against Israel's spiritual leaders, but is applicable for all ages. I will paraphrase in the present tense, so as to help us see how this speaks to our nation today. The Lord pronounces coming judgment upon the pastors that have scattered his sheep, declaring that both the prophet and priest are profane, bringing wickedness into His house, the holy temple. He denounces them for prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god, and causing His people to sin. They are guilty of adultery and walking in lies. He says they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none turns from his wickedness. He tells the people not to hearken unto their words, for they speak in vain out of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They speak peace to the people telling them that they can all walk after the imagination of their own heart, yet no evil will befall them. The Lord says, if they had stood in His counsel and caused His people to hear His words, they would have turned from their evil ways. Instead, they prophesy lies in His name, deceit out of their own heart. They cause people to forget the name of the Lord. They prophesy falsely, declaring that they have heard the word of the Lord, when He has not spoken to them, causing the people to err. Habakkuk 1:4 sums up the problem, "Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth".
There is a correlation between the spiritual health of a nation and the manner in which it is governed. When the Lord chose Israel to be his nation, He was to be their total authority in both civil and spiritual matters. There was no separation of church and state. When a nation refuses to hear the word of the Lord, it's leaders cannot possibly lead in righteousness. Wisdom and judgment come from the Lord. Without His guidance we are like rudderless ships, directionless, cast out to sea. America's government is indeed broken, but it follows a broken connection to God and His eternal laws. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We do not live by absolute authority.
It will not always be so! I have good news for those who long for righteous government. Our Lord is soon to return to this earth to usher in the kingdom of God. Make no mistake. The entire world will one day live by his commandments. Dan 2:44 tells us of the day when our God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. It will replace all the present governments of this world. David tells us in Psa 145:13 that it will be an everlasting kingdom. Jesus' message at his first coming was concerning the future establishment of this kingdom, where only peace and righteousness will dwell. Read my article titled "Good News" to get a glimpse of what it will be like in that day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth", Luke 11:2. That should be the constant prayer of all who love the Lord and look for His coming.
email comments and questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Through A Glass Darkly
Have you ever had an experience that, at the time, seemed like the worst thing that could happen to you? Did you look back on it later, only to discover that it changed your life for the better? That's the value of hindsight, and often hindsight reveals a clearer picture of the path our lives are taking, rather than does the moment at hand. As the saying goes, "We can't see the forest for the trees". Sometimes we need to view the broader picture over a period of time to fully grasp where we've been and where we are going.
That reminds me of ancient Israel's experiences. God chose to reveal his plan of salvation through these unlikely people. The Old Testament contains the record of their calling and the purpose for which they were set apart. The Lord freed them from the slavery of Egypt and led them on a journey through the Sinai desert into the land of Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, many years earlier. During their wilderness wandering, He taught them laws, statutes and judgments for righteous living. He also revealed to them seven annual feasts or festivals, which they were instructed to keep in their seasons upon their arrival in the promised land. These festivals were rehearsals of God's plan of redemption for mankind through Christ, a foreshadow of good things to come. They were celebrated in an agricultural context, the first four associated with the spring harvest season, the last three with that of the fall. They are at the same time both historical and prophetic, and all contain within them the role of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The first four teach the events of his first coming, which have already been historically fulfilled. The last four teach the events that will surround his second coming yet in the future. You will find them outlined in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus, but their deep meaning is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testament writings, and are in fact the theme of the entire bible.
It is obvious, however, that these people never fully grasped the reality of what they were observing. Year after year, they went through the motions, they followed the ordinances, they offered their sacrifices, the priests fulfilled their temple duties and time marched on generation after generation. When He appeared, who was the reality, they didn't recognize Him. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth", John 1:14. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not", John 1:10. Every one of the annual feasts pointed straight to Christ. Though they were observed to the letter year after year, was their meaning understood?
Under the law, Israel was required to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins, but only as a figure of the only sacrifice that could satisfy. Heb 10:1 says, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect". Verse 3 continues, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year". Only a sinless life could satisfy the demands of the law, so our Savior came to take upon his own body the penalty for sin in our stead and redeem us from the law of sin and death. John the baptist declared of Jesus at his baptism, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world", John 1:29. I Pet 1:19 speaks of Christ as a lamb without spot or blemish. I Cor 5:8 tells us that Christ is our passover, sacrificed for us. Each year, when the children of Israel celebrated the Passover, did they grasp the reality of that event? As they sacrificed their lambs, did they know that they were reheasing the sacrifice of the Savior of the world? That very first Passover, as they took the blood of lambs and sprinkled it on the doorposts of their homes to protect themselves from the death angel, did they realize that their actions were symbolic of salvation through the blood of Christ? No, for they were only in the moment. They were about to escape Egypt and they only saw the Lord's instructions in the context of their eminent departure. As future generations would observe this miraculous event, it would be viewed only in a historical context. "And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses", Ex 12:26-27. They were unable to look down the corridor of time to that future "Lamb" that would change the world forever.
When Israel celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread by removing all leaven from their homes and eating unleavened bread for seven days, did they know it was symbolic of the removal of sin out of their lives? After accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins, we are to repent and turn from all unrighteousness and follow him into newness of life. Heb 10:26 tells us, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins". When believers repent, they are to flee the slavery of sin by removing leaven from their lives. Our bodies are spiritually the temple of God and we house the Holy Spirit, I Cor 3:16. Paul instructed the Corinthians, "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth", I Cor 5:7-8. Paul tells us in Rom 12:1-2 to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. He implores us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. No, they did not fathom the rich meaning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For them, it's meaning was only historical. Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery began on the evening of the first day of unleavened bread. It took a seven-day journey for them to completely leave the territory of their captivity. They could not see the broader plan of God in the events they were experiencing. They could not know that they were rehearsing mankind's ultimate escape from the slavery of sin, which would take seven-thousand years. They only understood the moment and what it meant to them in that generation. Future generations would remember that day as the day of their ancestor's physical deliverance. "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage", Ex 13:14.
Upon arriving in the promised land, the children of Israel began setting down roots, building homes and growing crops. Each year, when they reaped the early spring wheat harvest, they were commanded to first bring a sheaf of the firstfruits to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord to be accepted. Only then could they gather the grain. They were commanded to observe this ceremony on the holy day referred to as the Feast of Firstfruits. Did they realize what this observance represented? This festival pictures the resurrected Christ and his ascension to the throne of God to be accepted as the firstfruits of mankind. I Cor 15:20 tells us, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept". Continuing in verses 22-23 we see, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". It was on this day, following his resurrection, that Christ ascended into heaven to be accepted by his Father and receive the kingdom. Daniel saw a vision of this event many years prior to the birth of our Savior. "I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed." (Dan 7:13-14).
Fifty days later, when the children of Israel observed Pentocost, did they realize the significance of this celebration? It was historically the day that the children of Israel received the commandments at Mount Sinai. After Christ's ascension, it was the day that the early Church received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Jeremiah prophesied of this day in chapter 31:31-33, speaking of a time when God would make a new covenant with His people, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people". This feast celebrates those who are the first to trust in Christ. They receive the firstfruits of the Spirit, according to Rom 8:23. James tells us, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures", James 1:18. Revelation speaks of these as they who "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", Rev 14:4. As we read in I Cor 15:23, they are those who are Christ's at his coming.
As Israel observed the three remaining fall festivals, did they understand the future events portrayed in these feasts? As they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, were they aware of the future trumpet blast that would split the sky, ushering in Christ's second coming to this earth to establish the kingdom of God? Were they able to grasp the deep significance of this feast? The bible teaches that all who have ever died are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection from the dead. Paul taught the Christians of his day in I Cor 15:51-52, “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (in death), but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” In I Thes. 4:13-17, he told the church not to be ignorant concerning those who had previously died, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The book of Revelation speaks of the blowing of seven trumpets in the last days. When the seventh or last trumpet sounds, we are told that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. Rev 11:18 tells us of that time, yet in the future, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth".
As they kept the Day of Atonement, did they understand the penalty for sin and the terrible price that would be paid for their ultimate redemption? This day alone was a commanded day of fasting and afflicting one's soul. It was the only day the high priest could enter into the holy of holies inside the temple, to make atonement before the Lord for himself and the nation as a whole. An interesting ceremony took place on that day. The high priest would take of the congregation two goats. Lots were drawn, one for the Lord and one for the Azazel (goat of departure). The goat that drew the lot for the Lord was sacrificed as a sin offering. The azazel goat was presented alive. The high priest laid hands upon the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities of Israel upon it. Then a fit man was chosen to lead the goat into the wilderness to an uninhabited land. Did Israel comprehend what this ceremony foretold? Did they understand that Christ was to become our eternal high priest? Christ entered once for all time into the holy of holies in the heavenly tabernacle, presenting his own body as an atonement for mankind's sins. When he appears the second time, it will be without sin unto salvation (Heb 9:28). Satan will be removed from power and restrained, where he will not be able to influence man during the thousand year reign of Christ and the Saints (firstfruits). "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into a bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Rev 20: 1-3).
At the time of the grape harvest and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, did Israel foresee the reality associated with this feast? For seven days they were commanded to dwell in temporary booths or kiosks as a reminder that their ancestors lived in temporary dwellings in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. It also is a reminder that we are mortal beings living temporarily in these physical bodies as we journey to our promised land, the Kingdom of God. John 1:14 tells us that, at his first coming, Christ left his home in heaven and "tabernacled" with us in the flesh. When Christ returns to this earth the second time, he will usher in the kingdom of God and he will rule the earth with his saints for one thousand years. The Last Great Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, is symbolic of the great white throne judgment following the thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth, where all who have ever lived will stand before the judgment seat of God to be judged according to their works. Death and hell will be cast into a lake of fire, along with all those who are not found written in the book of life. When all is complete, God himself will dwell with men. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God", Rev 21:3.
Again I ask the question. Did Israel understand the reality of these annual holy day seasons? The answer is a resounding NO! Although God used the nation of Israel to rehearse the events of Christ's first and second coming, they did not have the heart to understand the deep meaning of the feasts and what they portrayed. The called-out ones or firstfruits of God, who have the very Spirit of God, have been given understanding. These comprise "spiritual" Israel. Their minds have been opened to the significance of the annual feasts, and therefore, the ultimate plan of God for mankind as well. Even so, God's ways are much higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. We can only understand in part while in these fleshly tabernacles. We can only see the shadow of good things to come until that which is perfect appears. The apostle Paul sums it up with the following words from I Cor 13:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." May God hasten the day!
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
That reminds me of ancient Israel's experiences. God chose to reveal his plan of salvation through these unlikely people. The Old Testament contains the record of their calling and the purpose for which they were set apart. The Lord freed them from the slavery of Egypt and led them on a journey through the Sinai desert into the land of Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, many years earlier. During their wilderness wandering, He taught them laws, statutes and judgments for righteous living. He also revealed to them seven annual feasts or festivals, which they were instructed to keep in their seasons upon their arrival in the promised land. These festivals were rehearsals of God's plan of redemption for mankind through Christ, a foreshadow of good things to come. They were celebrated in an agricultural context, the first four associated with the spring harvest season, the last three with that of the fall. They are at the same time both historical and prophetic, and all contain within them the role of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The first four teach the events of his first coming, which have already been historically fulfilled. The last four teach the events that will surround his second coming yet in the future. You will find them outlined in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus, but their deep meaning is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testament writings, and are in fact the theme of the entire bible.
It is obvious, however, that these people never fully grasped the reality of what they were observing. Year after year, they went through the motions, they followed the ordinances, they offered their sacrifices, the priests fulfilled their temple duties and time marched on generation after generation. When He appeared, who was the reality, they didn't recognize Him. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth", John 1:14. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not", John 1:10. Every one of the annual feasts pointed straight to Christ. Though they were observed to the letter year after year, was their meaning understood?
Under the law, Israel was required to offer sacrifices to atone for their sins, but only as a figure of the only sacrifice that could satisfy. Heb 10:1 says, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect". Verse 3 continues, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year". Only a sinless life could satisfy the demands of the law, so our Savior came to take upon his own body the penalty for sin in our stead and redeem us from the law of sin and death. John the baptist declared of Jesus at his baptism, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world", John 1:29. I Pet 1:19 speaks of Christ as a lamb without spot or blemish. I Cor 5:8 tells us that Christ is our passover, sacrificed for us. Each year, when the children of Israel celebrated the Passover, did they grasp the reality of that event? As they sacrificed their lambs, did they know that they were reheasing the sacrifice of the Savior of the world? That very first Passover, as they took the blood of lambs and sprinkled it on the doorposts of their homes to protect themselves from the death angel, did they realize that their actions were symbolic of salvation through the blood of Christ? No, for they were only in the moment. They were about to escape Egypt and they only saw the Lord's instructions in the context of their eminent departure. As future generations would observe this miraculous event, it would be viewed only in a historical context. "And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses", Ex 12:26-27. They were unable to look down the corridor of time to that future "Lamb" that would change the world forever.
When Israel celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread by removing all leaven from their homes and eating unleavened bread for seven days, did they know it was symbolic of the removal of sin out of their lives? After accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins, we are to repent and turn from all unrighteousness and follow him into newness of life. Heb 10:26 tells us, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins". When believers repent, they are to flee the slavery of sin by removing leaven from their lives. Our bodies are spiritually the temple of God and we house the Holy Spirit, I Cor 3:16. Paul instructed the Corinthians, "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth", I Cor 5:7-8. Paul tells us in Rom 12:1-2 to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. He implores us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. No, they did not fathom the rich meaning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For them, it's meaning was only historical. Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery began on the evening of the first day of unleavened bread. It took a seven-day journey for them to completely leave the territory of their captivity. They could not see the broader plan of God in the events they were experiencing. They could not know that they were rehearsing mankind's ultimate escape from the slavery of sin, which would take seven-thousand years. They only understood the moment and what it meant to them in that generation. Future generations would remember that day as the day of their ancestor's physical deliverance. "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage", Ex 13:14.
Upon arriving in the promised land, the children of Israel began setting down roots, building homes and growing crops. Each year, when they reaped the early spring wheat harvest, they were commanded to first bring a sheaf of the firstfruits to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord to be accepted. Only then could they gather the grain. They were commanded to observe this ceremony on the holy day referred to as the Feast of Firstfruits. Did they realize what this observance represented? This festival pictures the resurrected Christ and his ascension to the throne of God to be accepted as the firstfruits of mankind. I Cor 15:20 tells us, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept". Continuing in verses 22-23 we see, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming". It was on this day, following his resurrection, that Christ ascended into heaven to be accepted by his Father and receive the kingdom. Daniel saw a vision of this event many years prior to the birth of our Savior. "I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed." (Dan 7:13-14).
Fifty days later, when the children of Israel observed Pentocost, did they realize the significance of this celebration? It was historically the day that the children of Israel received the commandments at Mount Sinai. After Christ's ascension, it was the day that the early Church received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Jeremiah prophesied of this day in chapter 31:31-33, speaking of a time when God would make a new covenant with His people, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people". This feast celebrates those who are the first to trust in Christ. They receive the firstfruits of the Spirit, according to Rom 8:23. James tells us, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures", James 1:18. Revelation speaks of these as they who "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", Rev 14:4. As we read in I Cor 15:23, they are those who are Christ's at his coming.
As Israel observed the three remaining fall festivals, did they understand the future events portrayed in these feasts? As they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, were they aware of the future trumpet blast that would split the sky, ushering in Christ's second coming to this earth to establish the kingdom of God? Were they able to grasp the deep significance of this feast? The bible teaches that all who have ever died are asleep in their graves awaiting a resurrection from the dead. Paul taught the Christians of his day in I Cor 15:51-52, “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (in death), but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” In I Thes. 4:13-17, he told the church not to be ignorant concerning those who had previously died, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The book of Revelation speaks of the blowing of seven trumpets in the last days. When the seventh or last trumpet sounds, we are told that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ. Rev 11:18 tells us of that time, yet in the future, "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth".
As they kept the Day of Atonement, did they understand the penalty for sin and the terrible price that would be paid for their ultimate redemption? This day alone was a commanded day of fasting and afflicting one's soul. It was the only day the high priest could enter into the holy of holies inside the temple, to make atonement before the Lord for himself and the nation as a whole. An interesting ceremony took place on that day. The high priest would take of the congregation two goats. Lots were drawn, one for the Lord and one for the Azazel (goat of departure). The goat that drew the lot for the Lord was sacrificed as a sin offering. The azazel goat was presented alive. The high priest laid hands upon the head of the live goat and confessed all the iniquities of Israel upon it. Then a fit man was chosen to lead the goat into the wilderness to an uninhabited land. Did Israel comprehend what this ceremony foretold? Did they understand that Christ was to become our eternal high priest? Christ entered once for all time into the holy of holies in the heavenly tabernacle, presenting his own body as an atonement for mankind's sins. When he appears the second time, it will be without sin unto salvation (Heb 9:28). Satan will be removed from power and restrained, where he will not be able to influence man during the thousand year reign of Christ and the Saints (firstfruits). "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into a bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Rev 20: 1-3).
At the time of the grape harvest and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, did Israel foresee the reality associated with this feast? For seven days they were commanded to dwell in temporary booths or kiosks as a reminder that their ancestors lived in temporary dwellings in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. It also is a reminder that we are mortal beings living temporarily in these physical bodies as we journey to our promised land, the Kingdom of God. John 1:14 tells us that, at his first coming, Christ left his home in heaven and "tabernacled" with us in the flesh. When Christ returns to this earth the second time, he will usher in the kingdom of God and he will rule the earth with his saints for one thousand years. The Last Great Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, is symbolic of the great white throne judgment following the thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth, where all who have ever lived will stand before the judgment seat of God to be judged according to their works. Death and hell will be cast into a lake of fire, along with all those who are not found written in the book of life. When all is complete, God himself will dwell with men. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God", Rev 21:3.
Again I ask the question. Did Israel understand the reality of these annual holy day seasons? The answer is a resounding NO! Although God used the nation of Israel to rehearse the events of Christ's first and second coming, they did not have the heart to understand the deep meaning of the feasts and what they portrayed. The called-out ones or firstfruits of God, who have the very Spirit of God, have been given understanding. These comprise "spiritual" Israel. Their minds have been opened to the significance of the annual feasts, and therefore, the ultimate plan of God for mankind as well. Even so, God's ways are much higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. We can only understand in part while in these fleshly tabernacles. We can only see the shadow of good things to come until that which is perfect appears. The apostle Paul sums it up with the following words from I Cor 13:12. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." May God hasten the day!
email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com
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