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Heavenly Father, as we intentionally seek your Love through your word as revealed through your only begotten Son, we pray that you would bless us with the gifts promised through your Holy Spirit. Help us to understand your Love through your past actions, through our present lives, and in our hope for the life to come. As we study your history in our world, may our thoughts and words be acceptable in your sight and be of benefit to one another. Lord, we desire to seek unity in you. Bless our time together we pray.
Response to Numbers 16:41-18:32
Numbers 16:41-Numbers 17.
After two years in the wilderness of Sinai, the people had been told to move in Numbers 10. As uncomfortable as that was, grumbling and complaining had become an habitual addiction to the point of mutiny by Numbers 16. No longer were the people honoring their great God of power and strength. Although He is slow to anger, our Loving Father had to discipline and earned the reputation as a God of wrath. In today's reading, a plague killed 14,700 people before Aaron's leadership was vindicated through his presence among the people which brought the plague to an end. God then has Moses collect rods from each tribe with Aaron's representing the tribe of the Levites. God makes it clear that Aaron is the leader with the budding rod which is then placed in the ark of the covenant with the 2 stone tablets and the manna.
As a child, I did not understand my Father when he disciplined me. Sometimes it felt cruel. Today, I know that His love was always there and I am a better man because of his willingness to discipline. Numbers 14:18 echoed Exodus 34:6-7 and reminded us; 'The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children..." We certainly see that playing out in the readings of the past few chapters.
We can accept the punishment of death as God calmed the rebellion of his children through discipline when we understand that death on earth has no victory when it comes to eternal life. I trust those who died in the wilderness are together with Him in paradise praising God as they have seen the story through to fruition and understand the end game. On earth, those Israelites witnessed God's power and leadership through Aaron through the miracle of the flowering rod. Following the discipline, there was beauty and providence. This sign and seal of God's sovereignty and providence was now witnessed by three gifts within the cradle of the ark which rested under the mercy seat. The gift of the law to provide peace and honor among men and with the Father. The manna - blessing from above when we experience the wilderness of little hope. Aaron's rod, prodding us to follow Him and honor the leaders He has placed within our midst.
verses in hope of the weakness of death;
Ezekiel 37:12-14 "Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.'"
II Corinthians 5:1-5; "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
Numbers 18
Now that the rebellion of the people had been disciplined, Moses was able to focus again on the establishment of the ministers of the religion of the people. Although the people had originally had access to the tabernacle, God now gave that priviledge to the Levitical tribe and it was up to them to adminster religious right to the remainder of the tribes within the camp. As they were not allotted lands and possessions as the other tribes, but were given this special access to God, they were given the tithe from the other 10 tribes. The 12 tribes (Joseph's tribe split into Ephraim and Mannasseh) were to tithe 10% which would be given to the Priests and Levites. In that culture, this became the tax as their form of government was a theocracy with God as the supreme head and the Levites became the servants of the King.
In this culture, God was supreme. The Israelite nation had become His chosen representatives on earth. Through them, He showed forth His power and authority among men. He was Father, God, and ultimate authority. We the people stand guilty before God, just as those people did that day. Although He forgives, He disciplines us toward honor as He understands our burden and the need for honor in all of our relationships as the rewards of such honor are faith, hope, and love.
We the people are guilty! We have rebelled against God. In today's reading, God required the Levites to be representatives of the guilty, bearing the iniquity of the people as servants in His house. This office of Priest or Minister was not set up so much as a position of authority, as it was to be a representative servant before God of the people serving in the house of the Lord. The people were obligated to support these representatives as they had no other inheritance. Their inheritance of God's representatives is the pain and the iniquity of the people. They received the sacrificial offerings - both by requirement and by freewill - from the people they represented. The remainder of the people were to work the land and care for the earth. All were to honor God.
Although Numbers 18 speaks to Aaron and his family as well as the tribe of Levi, it is written for all of us too. The people of God who attend His house of worship, represent the iniquity of the people. We stand in worship as representatives before God of all men. We are required to support those whom He has placed in leadership among us. Our tithes and offerings should be given in thanksgiving and honor to God in rememberance of His love for us. Our time, our talent and our treasure was received from Him and He prods us to honor Him with these gifts as such honor will enhance our lives with faith, hope, and love. They do not earn our salvation as that has already been taken care of by Jesus Christ. However, if we do not believe, by all means, give sacrificially as He understands the heart and will reward those who seek Him. Just think on these things as you give and understand the love of the Father that calls you and has provided for your salvation.
Scripture references regarding representation before God;
Isaiah 53:10b "it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes (though you make) his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
Matthew 20:25-28 "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
I Timothy 6:1-5; "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Scripture regarding tithing:
Deuteronomy 15:5-6, 15:11 "if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
II Corinthians 9:6-10; "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."(Psalm 112:9) Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
I Timothy 6:6-10a; "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."
I Timothy 6:17-19; "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Response to Mark 16:1-20
Focus on Mark 16:1-8
I Corinthians 15:55-57; "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hosea 6:2-3; "After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."
The events of this morning following the Sabbath, the first day of the week is told by all four gospel writers. (Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 23:55-24:11, and John 20:1-18). Each account tells of Mary Magdalene (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene). Each gospel writer mentions other women at the scene of the crucifiction. Luke shares that all of these women went to the tomb early Sunday morning, the first day of the week. (http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p44.htm). In checking different translations of Mark's account, the adjectives for the womens moods include 'alarmed', amazed, bewildered, trembling, astonishment, afraid, afrighted. Confusion may have been a good word also. They had gone expecting to honor the body - apparently not realizing the tomb was being gaurded and had been sealed. The angel tells them to go and tell the disciples that He is going to Galilee just as he said (Mark 14:28, Matthew 26:32). Although he met with them in Jerusalem, He also met them after they returned home to the region of Galilee (See John 21 'sea of Tiberias aka; sea of Galilee) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee.
Focus on Mark 16:9-20
note in the Tyndale house Publishers "The One Year Bible" 'The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.
Verse 9 refers to the story shared in John 20:11-18 which introduces us to Mary Magdalene (see also the website above). The disciples were obviously still in mourning as Jesus had only been dead a little over 36 hours. This passage mentions the two men from Emmaus who are recorded in Luke 24:13-35. The great commission is given in verse 15-16. I was unable to find a comparable verse in the other gospels regarding this account which reflect the phrase "he who does not believe will be condemned." Regardless of whether or not this is an original text, it does not state that such an individual is going to hell. Absolutely, they stand in condemnation until they believe! The great commission as given in Matthew, Luke, and Acts, only commissions the disciples to go into all the world and preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations, peoples, and all of creation and to baptise all who believe. Nothing is ever stated about telling anybody they are going to hell. No other writing ever says anything about playing with deadly snakes or drinking poison either. These acts would not be advisable just because we find them in the Bible.
Therefore, as we go out into all the world, it is good if we know the gospel we are to preach. I feel the church is in error by preaching eternal damnation for those who do not believe. I do believe it is good to preach repentance as I feel that each child of God (you and me) has a yearning to become one again with the Father. Just as an angry child, hurt and lost, many stand in rebellion because they have not understood the Love of the Father. However, the Spirit is at work and it is imperative that we do not work against the work of the Spirit. This message is one of Love, Joy, and Peace. We shall be moving next into the gospel of Luke, so I will share two verses from there that shed light on what I am trying to say;
Luke 1:50 "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation."
Luke 2:10-14 "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ (Hebrew 'Messiah' both mean "the Anointed One) the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (John 3:17 "He is not willing that any should perish!)
Luke 3:6-9; "And all mankind will see God's salvation." (Isaiah 40:3-5) John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
personal note: If you feel the axe is at the root of your ministry, get back on track regarding God's plan of salvation and Love and get off election and wrath - they only cause envy and strife among your fellow man.
Luke 4:18-19; "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Isaiah 61:1,2)
Luke 6:27-36; "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 12:5-7; "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (He has the power, but that's not the plan; honor - don't be afraid)
Luke 12:10; "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." (If the Spirit of God desires all men and claims to be at work in all men, who are we to condemn any man? - love the sinner, hate the sin - by calling any man the anti-christ, you may be countering Christ.)
Luke 17:20b-21; "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within (among) you."
Luke 24:45b-47; "he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, 'This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'
Response to Psalm 55:1-23
Distress in time of treachery: Psalm 55:1-15
This Psalm is attributed to David. He is overwhelmed with dread and feels the eyes of his enemy upon him. It would almost appear in this first section that he were the young David residing within the house of Saul who wished to kill him and had even attempted to pin him to the wall with his spear on several occasions. (I Samuel 18-19). However, seeing that a close friend has betrayed him, it appears more likely this represents II Samuel 15-16 when Absolom, his son, seeks the help of David's friend and counselor Ahithophel. Fear was not a stranger to David, who was well known for his battle prowess, bravery, and faith.
This Psalm could easily be applied to Jesus emotions as He faced the evils in this world, including the betrayal of Judas. It certainly reflects all of our emotions as we face the storms of life, especially when friends let us down.
Regardless of how alone David felt, he always knew God was with him. He imagined that God was always on his side, which certainly was true. However, his imaginations were that God was against those who were against him - even Ahithophel who was his confidant and counselor. However, his prayer of righteousness placed his heart at ease and voiced his petition before God.
That same attitude can be held by us. Verse 22; "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;"
When praying regarding our physical enemies, we can pray for deliverance, but we must also pray for peace, for understanding, and for forgiveness. A favorite Psalm of mine is Psalm 139 as David inadvertently exposes his heart before our merciful Heavenly Father. Given the rest of the biblical message, I have no doubt prayers of hatred for our fellowman do not follow after the heart of God Listen:
Psalm 139:19-24; "If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord,
and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, (uh, yeah!) and lead me in the way everlasting.
I cannot ask God to search me and know my heart because I know there is an offensive way in me! I am certain there was in David also and I know there is in you! These offensive ways within us are the real enemies! These ideologies and demons within are what I imagine when I read this Psalm. How can I hate you when I too am but a fallen human being trying to make it on earth. There are oppressive and brutal evil men on earth and they too suffer demons and offensive ways. But there is a way into any heart. The Bible says so.
O Lord, heal each of us from our offensive ways. cast them down into the lowest pit; those thoughts of hate, bloodthirst, and treachery. They affect me and my brothers here on earth. Let thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. Let us seek your peace and let us find it! In thee do we trust.
Response to Proverbs 11:7
I feel quite certain this verse speaks of the wicked man's earthly ambitions. Seeking power on earth is a vain attempt. Whatever we gain will be lost in death. We can provide earthly goods for our children, but with them come much evil and separation from what is really important. Seek Him who has the power after death! For that is all that matters. I cannot tell you what awaits you on the other side if you die a wicked man. Choose life, freedom, and the pursuit of the Father of Love, Joy, and Peace now!
Until tomorrow
Rick
Friday, March 12, 2010
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