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Reflections on Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Moses Song Continued Deuteronomy 32:28-43
(vs 28-33) How unfortunate for the land or nation upon whom the Lord has turned His back. When fear and trepidation reign, wisdom would deem it prudent to seek the goodness of the Lord in humility and repentance. When God appears to have been lost, its time to gather together in prayer and seek where He may be found. When peace and joy are fleeting, the wise may know their will is not the will of God.
(vs 34-38) When disaster consumes and man's security is dashed; When strength and pride are burned away and humility brings men to their knees; They shall look upon the things they thought should bring them peace and realize the futility of their desire apart from the Creator's Love. Only then, as brethren united under God shall they seek their Father in prayer and meditation and grab His mighty right arm extended.
(vs 39-42) Together at last our Father shall cause us to look and see! We shall realize there were never any other God's but our Almighty! And yet, His desired relationship for all time within the family was peace and purity. At long last, as brethren, linked hand in hand raised heavenward, the blind, the deaf and the captive together shall be set free!
(vs 43) "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1); "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this - those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south." (Psalm 107:1-3) "Then all the people said 'Amen' and 'Praise the Lord.' (I Chronicles 16:36)
Thank You Moses Deuteronomy 32:44-48
The words Moses shared with the Israelites that day are just as fervent in their recitation to us as we prepare for our lives to come! Not only regarding eternal life, but more importantly tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. Let's stop toying with God and beating one another up in His name! If we truly want to live long in this land our Creator has provided for us, let's learn to love one another in His name and enjoy some love, joy, and peace with one another as long as we share the air.
Bitterness aside, Moses had lived a good long life. It was filled with triumph and heartache! He knew God as a mentor and changed the world - then and now. Through his written word, we all have come to know our Holy Father and understand our Creator from whom all blessings flow. In many ways, he has recorded for our hearing the most ancient writings of man, our first records of wisdom and knowledge. He has shared with us the developments of religion and culture from ancient Hebrew and Egyptian culture. His prophetic writings have been validated in their fulfillment. Through His hand, God has taught all of us the purity in worship He desires in contrast to the religious practices He abhors. His sacrificial atonements gave us a Messianic foretaste and he has brought us to the threshold of his successor, Joshua.
Reflections on Luke 12:35-59
Watchmen of the Night Luke 12:35-40
It is tough not to believe Luke is speaking of the same parable as Matthew spoke of in Matthew 25:1-13. Mark also reflects on this watchfulness in Mark 13:32-37. My premise is that the canonical gospel writers are each sharing the same message from their own understanding and interpretation. I can only imagine whether Luke shares from personal experience, hearing the words of Jesus, or whether he shares the story from previously written early church writings or personal interviews with live witnesses. I know many of my contemporaries would imagine there were separate stories which very well may be, but I also consider that each account of Jesus teaching are "God-breathed (inspired) and are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," (see II Timothy 3:16). At the same time and under the same guidelines; teachers, preachers, Bible scholars, and perhaps bloggers may share different God-breathed insights of Jesus life and ministry, the word of God.
Traditionally, this scripture has been used for personal salvation - just hanging out waiting for our Saviour to return and call us home! And yet, that does not bode well with the rest of scripture. This especially throws up concerns for me regarding the parable of the 10 virgins. The message has been to go out into all the world and share the Love of God and of His Christ. What good does it do us to just sit idly waiting?
Therefore, as we consider this great commission, ministering within our own back yards, we must live lives worthy of our calling, being ready for the movement of the Holy Spirit. Peter put it this way in I Peter 3:8-15.
I Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
In verses 10-12, Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16:
"Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth."
In verses 13-14 Peter reflects on the words of Jesus and Isaiah regarding the way we should live in watchfulness, both when the enemy stands in our path, and when we are faced with false prophecy or fear of things to come:
Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Isaiah 8:12 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.
I Peter 3:15b-17a steps into this time of preparedness, appropriately clothed, with that moment when one is faced with the presentation of the opportunity to share their faith, annoint another with that oil of the Spirit, as the Spirit leads: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
Beyond being prepared for the presentation of the Holy Spirit in verbal witness to our neighbor, it is also good to honor His presence within our own lives at all times. In this way, He will stay living and active within our own lives and our very lives will bear witness to His presence within bringing glory to our Father in Heaven. The strength of His Armor depends upon our investment and serves to ward off the attacks which are bound to come within our own adversity.
Proverbs 4:23-26:
"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fchS9fwIznw&feature=related "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go"
If we do not exercise purity within our own lives, and withdraw from spreading God's love throughout our world with Love and action, I certainly do not feel we will lose our salvation, but we also will not experience the working of His Spirit within. In Luke 12:41 Peter asked if these attributes were for a select few or for the whole Body of Christ (Family of God). Jesus answered for anyone who would be a faithful and wise manager. He would later speak directly to Peter, and through him, the body on this issue in John 21:15-17;
"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'
Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?'
He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'
The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Unfortunately, in fear of persecution and the daunting task of loving our enemies, many churches have withdrawn from their communities and the world at large. In condemning the sin without and not addressing the sin within, they have too often become guilty of beating those within the church and outside its walls with laws of self righteousness and deceit. The history of the body of Christ stands guilty of excommunication of Children earnestly seeking God and even martyrdom. This is not only true of Christianity, but also Judaism, and Islam, plus I am certain within the strong class cultures of Hinduism and other historic and contemporary religious bodies and cultures throughout the world.
Given the context, verse 45 does not only speak of physical debauchery, but also of spiritual debauchery as we can get so puffed up with pride and righteousness that we chastise our fellowman instead of providing service within the family of God - the whole of humanity - the whole of His Creation. A self-serving religious body shall have no authority within the hearts and lives of men.
Verse 47 addresses that servant who has used the word of God to His own gain as He tramples upon the ungodly of the world; and addresses that servant who continues to live in sin regardless of the fact He knows of God's call to purity within his own life. Just as Christ came and condemned the Pharisee, so these servants shall receive severe condemnation while the ungodly who knew no better shall receive very little. For this very reason, as the Child of God reads through the scripture, they will find the majority of scripture serves to refine the Holy man. For the unsaved, there is the story of salvation and the love of God. For the maturing Christian, the whole of scripture will continue to burn away the chaff and continue to turn our hearts toward our fellowman and towards peace. Therein lies a stronger faith, validation of Hope, an empassioned Love, and earthbound joy and gladness. Within the purity of His Holiness, there is no fear of what can man do to me, but an anticipation of what can I do for man!
He Just Wanted to Scream Luke 12:49-59
Luke 12:50b "I have a baptism to undergo, and how 'distressed' I am until it is completed!"
The word distressed has been interpreted as "straightened" (perhaps as the hair on one's neck rising); "constrained" (perhaps as in one held back); "put to a hard test"; "suffer a lot of pain"; "greatly and sorely I am urged on (impelled)"; "I long for it to be finished!"; "pressed"; "very troubled"; "it consumes Me"; "like a prisoner"; (see Luke 12:50 english translations "Bible Gateway")
There are two possibilities here. Jesus is obviously anxious and afraid. And yet, fear does not fit with the rest of the passage, does it? Apart from this passage and those similar such as Matthew 10:34-35 and following, Jesus anger is generally towards the religious rulers of that day and not directed to the greater family. The same is true of God's anger within the Old Testament. It was when Jesus was dealing with the impurities and self righteousness of the Religious elite or God was dealing with the impurities and self righteousness of His Holy chosen people. Routinely, we see stories of faith exemplified outside the "elect" or "chosen" and impurity being refined within the "elect" or "chosen." Hypocrisy makes God's blood boil! But now, as he diverts our attention away from peace with the world, He speaks of the divisions within the family we are all bound to experience.
I have a son who is in prison at the time of this writing. He has been diagnosed with 'mental illness' and I often question the presence of an evil spirit! I have come to realize there is no doubt! We are all beset with evil spirits! The question is, will we hide them within or exorcise them out by the power and the Love of God! I often call them 'ideologies' which keep us from loving one another. My son and I would go round and round as we bantered over purity in faith. My son took my early tirades of "you're going to Hell if you act like that" to heart and decided that yes, he was possessed, and he probably was going to Hell so he was going to live exactly the way he was because apparently this was a foregone conclusion given the fact He didn't really feal the love of God within.
My message today is this: Jesus Christ saved you from your sin! You are considered righteous in His eyes even though on earth we will not see eye to eye. There is no call for laying the burden of Hell on our fellowman as they feel guilty enough already and need to hear His call of Love that they are worthy. Rebellion and disagreements within the family are nothing more than the Spirit of God challenging the hearts of the mature to accept the worthiness of the less mature as members of His family. The call of Jesus in Luke 49:59 is a reminder of the fact that we were all born in sin and must grow up within a common love and acceptance of our Father. We must by necessity share within this heritage of a fallen humanity in need of His sustaining grace and mercy.
Therefore:
Parents; Get along with your kids and share the Love of God and forget that nonsense of wrath and judgment! The wrath and judgment will be your own if you don't grow up within the full knowledge of the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness of our Father.
Children; Honor your parents. Understand that they are Children also of our common Father (Creator) and are learning this purity thing right alongside of you. His call to worship within an atmosphere of purity and holiness is as strong for you as it is for them. Know that avoiding that purity will haunt you down throughout your life. Accept His refinement, and their discipline, within the light of His Love and holiness today.
Children of God; Love one another. Forgive one another. Do not judge one another, nor cause one another to be brought before the Judge! Allow his refining fires to purify your hearts and minds as you solve your disagreements together in forgiveness and love. Shake on it!
Spouses; Serve Him with gladness as you serve within His Kingdom and as you love and honor one another.
For more study on getting along within the family see Ephesians 5:21-6:18 and Colossians 3.
Response to Psalms 78:56-64
A Summary of His Story of Preparation Psalm 78
Allow me to reflect briefly on what has transpired in Psalm 78
(vs 1-4) Introduction calling all to hear of what has been and what shall be
(vs 5-7) God chose Israel in His plan to purify His people
(vs 8) Rebellious and Obstinate, they were representative of humanity
(vs 9-11) They lacked faith and failed to uphold God's law
(vs 12-16) Through them God exemplified His awesome power and providence
(vs 17-20) They assumed ownership of God, rebelling in pride and putting God to the test.
(vs 21-22) He judged them and disciplined them for dishonoring His Love.
(vs 23-29) In Mercy and Forgiveness, He continued His care for them
(vs 30-31) And yet, He refined them and disciplined them as any good Father should.
(vs 32-33) They rebelled and struggled to believe His love remained.
(vs 34-35) In their grief, their hearts turned toward Him in repentance and Love
(vs 36-37) As Jeshuran they relished in His blessing and became proud and complacent
(vs 38-39) In compassion and love, He showed patience with His children
(vs 40-41) Their obstinance grew and they complained, and challenged His resolve and Love
(vs 42-51) He reminded them of His power, His might, and His redemption from captivity!
(vs 52-55) He Delivered them, fulfilling His plan to bring them into the promised land.
and now the rest of the story: In accordance with my commentary on Psalm 78:1-55 the past two days, I will highlight Psalm 78:56-64 and then share correlating verses from throughout the Bible exemplifying the message of the Psalmist.
(vs 56-58) Regardless of His providence, they turned again from the Honor and Love He required
(vs 59-64) Through the resulting separation, He spread seeds of purity throughout the nations.
(vs 65-66) Their judgment was not isolated and God's refinement prepared a new era for man
(vs 67-72) Through His redemption plan, God called Judah and David back to Zion for Salvation's coming.
Hosea 7:14-16 "They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds. They gather together for grain and new wine but turn away from me.
I trained them and strengthened them, but they plot evil against me. They do not turn to the Most High;
they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt."
Psalm 106:24-27 "Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the Lord. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.
Isaiah 42:13-16a "The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. 'For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
Ezekiel 19:10-11 "'Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water. Its branches were strong, fit for a ruler's scepter. It towered high
above the thick foliage, conspicuous for its height and for its many branches.
Reflections on Proverbs 12:24
He who serves in Love will find authority among men. Yet he who abandons the way of the Lord will remain in bondage and adversity.
Until Tomorrow
Rick
Thursday, April 8, 2010
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