Deuteronomy blogs 2012

Deuteronomy 1:44-2:1; "The Amorites [AM2RI(אֱמֹרִי) teaching divisions of men (tribes) earth's Idiology]... chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down from Seir [sign of sensual idiology on earth] all the way to Hormah [Holy/sacred o...f earth's tribal essence]. You came back and wept... but he paid no attention... So you stayed in Kadesh (Barnea) [generation's of untimely born]... Then we turned back and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red [Adam] Sea [sea of humanity]." (also known as the dead sea).

Genesis 1:31; "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." I John 1:5; "God is light and there is no darkness in him at all." Deuteronomy 4:39; "take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other." Luke 6:40; "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."

Faith built firm on Love, Joy, and Peace.
1. Attack that faith with a Holocaust.
2. Attack that faith with a Nakba.
3. Attack that faith with 911.
4. Who's house held?
 Our house failed. Veiled by a name.
Let's rebuild together as united associates within creation.
Let's rebuild together as associates of the Creator.
Let's honor the one who allowed us to think.

Intelligence discerns the interpretation of theological persuasions. Deuteronomy 5:7; "You shall have no other gods before[beside] me."
Sja code of the Hebrew from the Tanakh: "LA IJIJ LR ALJIM1 AChRIM1 YL-PhN2I
Sja code of the Hebrew from ...the KJV: "AChR PhN2IM1" (where's the rest?)
A Theological concern regarding religious imagery - (No other gods beside)
Psalm 110:1; "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand'"

Sja-code interpretation of Deuteronomy 5:7 Tanakh;
(Logistical teaching) (Idiological essence, Idiological essence) (logistics of Earth) (Teaching logistical essence within the idiology of humanity) (teaching sacred earth idiology of humanity) (sensuality of logistics - phonetical idiological words)
Sja-code interpretation of Deuteronomy 5:7 KJV
(Teaching sacred earth) (Phonetal words, idiology of humanity).

Deuteronomy 7:6; "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you" 7:1-2; "seven nations... Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy." Numbers 33:55; "those you allow to remain will become barbs in y...our eyes" Matthew 15:22; "A Canaanite woman... 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.' Matthew 17:15; "'Lord, have mercy on my son,' he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." Matthew 17:17; "O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" Deuteronomy 31:6; "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Mark 15:34; "Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'—which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
'Real Alchemy' pg.70 ; "wine will go through a second death as the wine becomes vinegar which fixes the spirit." Revelation 20:14-21:2; "The lake of fire is the second death... Then I saw a new heaven... I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God" Tanakh Deuteronomy 9:1; "Hear, O Israel! You are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess... great cities with walls sky-high"

‎"THE REICHT JESUS" (copyright Rick Sjaardema 3/28/2012) use with notification. ♥
"THE REICHT JESUS," The perfection of idolotry destroys culture after culture aft...
"ther fretho kvma, and thrvch-tham that betre sy that en man vnrjucht d...en wrde than felo." Oera Linda pg.28:19b. (A Tex that predates the Babel).

The Reicht Yeshuare - its all about your mind!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150905021893957&set=a.382390068956.207716.322591628956&type=1&ref=nf

I Enoch 61; "secrets of the depths of the earth and those who have been destroyed in the desert" Tanakh Deuteronomy 10:19-11:3; "You too must befriend the stranger... Take thought this day that it was not your children, who neither experien...ced nor witnessed the lesson of the Lord your God - His majesty, His mighty hand, His outstretched arm; the signs and the deeds that He performed in Egypt AGAINST..." John 19:37b; "as another scripture says, 'They will look on the one they have pierced.'"
Job 29:25; "I chose the way for them and sat as their chief;
I dwelt as a king among his troops;
I was like one who comforts mourners."

Blessed are those who mourn - for their enemy - and not just their friend.

Sja-code of Deuteronomy 13:3; "The words of idiological teachings shame your divisive sensations dispersing earth's wisdom into the sacred logics of man. The Lord your God (possessor of the essences teaching the essential idolotrous logics ...of man) grants words destroying the idiologies of that dispersive sensation through identification with shame. The teaching essence of wisdom (LOVE) tests (Your identity with god) your heart (LBB - logos of babbeling houses {Bible backwards}) and Soul (N2PhSh - words of phonetical shame - words of your PhiSh)"

He paid the price for idolotry - for YouIus! He became RE-Legion.

IOWA, The Tetragrammaton, reflects the garden of my ancestry. Her name has also included such English interpretative sacred passion letters as God, Almighty, Allah, Jesus, Y...HWH, EWE, Chavvah, IJOJ, Judge, Joy, Wrath, Woman, Ishsha, EVE; She reflects the wife or the faith of man and must be treated with the utmost respect! Please show respect for my God - and my wife - and my ancestry. Thank You! You may be an IOWait, but I'm a Frisian IOWaIT!

We all have within us the essential nutrients of our Creator. My essential nutrients tend not to be adversarial, only a Loving Tease! It's not gonna kill you.

With God as My WEapon, I shall enter my Quasar! Pay my Priest!
With God as My WEapon, I shall Craft 12 Divisions for my Yule!
With God as My WEapon, I shall never honor false teachers!
With God as My WEapon, I shall make you all bow down!
With God as MY WEapon, Palestinians need not exist!
With God as My WEapon, I shall destroy your church!
With God as My WEapon, I shall alone be Righteous!*
With God as My WEapon, I shall destroy my Country!
With God as My WEapon, I possess Eternal Laugh!
With God as My WEapon, I shall NEVER Fear YOu!
With God as My WEapon, I shall call You D'Evil!
With God as My WEapon, My Donkey speaks!
Eloi, Eloi, Llama Sabba chalk to me!
Write it on the walls of my heart.
*outraged sense of humor.
IJOJ, I you weigh
You're lacking???


Luke 9:6-7; (without staffs or scripts) "they set out... preaching the (good news) and healing people everywhere. Now Herod [worship of earth's warriors, word of earth's shame] the tetrarch [essence of distinctions, the twin teachings of ea...rth's 'sacred' worship shames] heard about what was going on. And he was perplexed" Tanakh Deuteronomy 16:20; "Justice [YDQ (edict) Sensation of dispersion (word) generations] justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive" See Isaiah 28:

Isaiah 28:11-17a; "Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues
God will speak to this people,
12 to whom he said,
“This is the resting place, let the weary rest”;
and, “This is the place of repose”—
...but they would not listen.
13 So then, the word of the LORD to them will become:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule;
a little here, a little there—
so that they will go and fall backward,
be injured and snared and captured.

14 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers
who rule this people in Jerusalem.
15 You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death,
with the grave[b] we have made an agreement.
When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,
it cannot touch us,
for we have made a lie our refuge
and falsehood[c] our hiding place.”

16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who trusts will never be dismayed.
17 I will make justice the measuring line "

Tanakh: Numbers 14:33; "while your children roam the wilderness for forty [(ARBYIM) teaching earth's daughters (religious houses) to sense the idiolotry of man] years, suffering for your faithlessness, until the last of your carcasses is d...own" Deuteronomy 25:2-3; "If the guilty one is to be flogged, He may be given up to forty lashes. lest being flogged further, to excess, your brother be degraded before your eyes" Isaiah 53:5b; "He bore the chastisement that made us whole"
 

Nakba 1948, 911 2001, Holocaust... I Corinthians 3:13-15; "his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he ha...s built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

Acts 11:9-14; "“The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

11 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’"

Zechariah 12:10; "“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son."

Levi' Israel and Judas Maccabeus were warriors dedicated to removing "unbelievers" from the realm of the living!
YHWH Nephila became a Giant who took everything man could give until they cried out for mercy! Don't talk to me about a God of... Love as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism argue over Deuteronomy 18:15; "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet from among your own people" The law had just stated: "Let no one be found among you who consigns his son or daughter to the fire... one who consults ghosts or FAMILIAR SPIRITS (Gabriel), or one who inquires of the dead."
Deut.18:1-3; The Levites receive their portion through the fires of war - they get the shoulder, the buttox, and the stomach - these belong to the priest, same word as "In the Beginning God"... Deut.18:10a; "Let no one be found among you who consigns his son or daughter to the fire.

Will you help prepare the road of for the Spirit of Love, Joy, and Peace? As Jesus Christ has become just another idol over which nations go to war, change is required. I am not special, but through years of research, I have reversed contem...porary "wrath" theology from the Babel (BBL) and found the heart of the message (LBB - Hebrew for heart)! I can no longer do this for free! My Government is prepared to take everything I have to cover back taxes. My vehicles are all run down. If you appreciate what you are hearing, I need help! Bold? Don't let the threshers destroy cultures of war alone. Help me in more ways than adding me to more groups. I need supporters - Really! I'm just a human being!
 

Deuteronomy 21:6a; "Then all the elders [(ZQN1) weapon of a generation's primary name] of the town [(YIR) sensation of earth's idiology]... shall wash [(RChTs) Earth's sacred wars] their hands [(ID) Idolotrous Direction] over the heifer [(YGLJ) sensation of god's logistical essence (calf/eagle/angel]"

Deuteronomy 23; "No man shall marry his father's former wife, so as to remove his father's garment... No one misbegotten [(M2M2ZR) Twin divisions men's weapons (Zayin) of earth] shall be admitted into the congregation of the Lord"

Genesis 49: 1-6; "Reuben, you are my first-born, My might and first fruit of my vigor... Unstable as water, you shall excel no longer; For when you mounted your father's bed, You brought disgrace - my couch he mounted! Simeon and Levi are a pair; Their weapons are tools of lawlessness. Let not my person be included in their council, Let not my being be counted in their assembly. For when angry they slay men, And when pleased they maim oxen."

Matthew 8:12; "But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Deuteronomy 26:2-4; "first fruit of the soil... put it in a basket and go to the place... the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God" I Corinthians 15:37-43; "When you sow, you... do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed... sown in weakness, it is raised in power" Genesis 50:9-11; "Chariots and horsemen also went up with him... Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father... near the Jordan is called Abel Mizraim [divisions of earth's warriors, idiology of man]

April 10, 2010; Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalms 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26

Reflections on Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24

Saying Goodbye Deuteronomy 34
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/jordan/mount-nebo.htm "View of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo"

http://bibleatlas.org/full/beth-baal-peor.htm Beth-baal-peor is likely near Heshbon

http://net.bible.org/map.php?map=map8 topographical map of Mount Nebo and Heshbon and the valley of Moab.

Although Moses ascended Mount Nebo and Pisgah to see the promised land, Deuteronomy 34:6 claims he was buried on the plains of Moab which would eventually lie within the tribal boundaries of Gad (again, note that Gad is seen as a commander in reflection of Moses being buried within his land).  Certainly as He was dead, this portion of  Deuteronomy was written by someone else at a later date as the statement "but to this day no one knows where his grave is" is also found in verse 6.  His age and countenance served as a last testament to the miracles God wrought through this man.

With Moses' death, the Pentateuch (5 books of Moses) have come to an end.  These books also represent the Jewish Torah.  The memorial of Deuteronomy 34:9-12 remains solid as not even Jesus claimed to have the apparent face to face conversations that Moses claims to have had with God.  Joshua had received his blessing and was now prepared to lead the people in the conquest of the Holy Land.

Introducing a Life of Discipleship Joshua 1:1-9

And so we begin.  There is no certainty as to the authorship of the book of Joshua, yet it grants a history and biography of Joshua's leadership of Israel until the time of His death.  Tradition and the Hebrew Bible attribute the authorship to Joshua.  They see him not only as an historian, but also as a prophet.  It is generally assumed the later chapters regarding his death were written by the Priests Eleazar and Phinehas.  It may be worthy to note that although Joshua showed military prowess and excellent leadership, God brought the people into the land of Canaan as He had promised.  What would follow would depend upon the faith and steadfastness of the people.

Interpretations of Joshua's role in Moses' camp was one of personal (assistant, aide, minister, servant...).  Joshua was generally present within the tent when Moses received the word of the Lord.  Joshua 1:1 begins with God speaking to Joshua also.  Joshua had complete confidence in success as He had carried that strong faith since the moment he had spied out the promised land some 38 years before.  He had been the representative if the tribe of Ephraim and joined Caleb, representative of the tribe of Judah in suggesting the people go in at that time. (See Numbers 13). 

The territory of conquest would reach to Lebanon and the Euphrates river of Aram on the north, west to the Mediterranian Sea.

As we have understood the law to be "Love God + Love Man" through Jesus interpretation and ministry, it may seem difficult to imagine that God would implant such a law of love for man into the hearts and minds of the Israelites as they set out to destroy entire people groups within the land of Canaan.  This certainly brings up the call for battle in the name of religion yet today and represents quite strongly the confusion  of scripture.  However, as there was an Old Covenant understanding and a New Covenant understanding, God was fully aware that the people of Joshua's day would understand the law in such a way as to conquer the Holy Land and make it Holy.  Throughout History, however, Israel has come to realize that the Lord fought their battles for them in fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  After Jesus refocussed the law on Love, refining previous understandings of even this Holy Law, modern man has no excuse to use such scripture in conquest and destruction of flesh. (see more in my commentary on Psalm 79 below)

Paul changed our focus as Christian soldiers in Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." 

In this battle and as we contend with the appearance of physical forces of evil and adversity today, we can take the encouragement of Joshua 1:7-9 to heart. "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

A Time of Preparation Joshua 1:1-11

Joshua began his conquest of the promised land delegating authority just as Moses had been mentored.  The people were to cross over the Jordan to claim God's promises.  As is common within the Kingdom of God, they entered into a three day period of preparation of their provisions and consecration before the Lord. 

Genesis 34:25 "Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city"
Genesis 40:13 "Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you "
Genesis 42:17 "And he put them all in custody for three days."
Exodus 3:18 Let us take a three-day journey into the desert " (Ex.5:18, 8:27)
Exodus 10:23 "No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived." (Exodus 10:22)
Exodus 15:22 "For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water."
Numbers 10:33 "they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for three days" (Num.33:8)
Joshua 1:11 "Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own."
Joshua 2:16 "Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way." (Joshua 2:22)
Joshua 3:2-3 "After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.'"
Joshua 9:16 "Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them."
Judges 14:13b-14 "'Tell us your riddle,' they said. 'Let's hear it.' He replied, 'Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.' For three days they could not give the answer."
Judges 19:4 "the girl's father, prevailed upon him to stay; so he remained with him three days, eating and drinking, and sleeping there."
I Samuel 9:20 "As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found."
I Samuel 20:19 "The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid when this trouble began, and wait by the stone"
I Samuel 30:12 "He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days "
I Samuel 30:13 and 15 "I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago...David asked him, 'Can you lead me down to this raiding party?' He answered, 'Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them.'" (sounds almost like 'legion' in Mark 5:7b) "Swear to God that you won't torture me!"
II Samuel 20:4 "Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself"
II Samuel 24:13 "Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague (sword of the Lord) in your land? Now then, think it over and decide" (I Chronicles 21:12)
I Kings 12:12 "as the king had said, 'Come back to me in three days.'" (I Kings 12:5, II Chronicles 10:5 and 10:12)
II Kings 2:17 "he said, 'Send them.' And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him." (Elisha had sent the men to know the truth about his master so that they would know Elijah was no longer there, but had ascended into Heaven and that God had given Elisha his blessing to carry on his ministry.)
I Chronicles 12:39 "The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them."
II Chronicles 20:25 "There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it."
Ezra 8:15 "we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there."
Ezra 8:32 "So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days."
Ezra 10:8 "Anyone who failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property"
Ezra 10:9 "Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain."
Nehemiah 2:10b -12a "they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.  I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men."
Esther 4:16 "Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Amos 4:4-5 "'Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years. (Or tithes on the third day) Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings - boast about them, you Israelites, for this is what you love to do,' declares the Sovereign Lord."
Johah 1:17 "Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights." (Matthew 12:40)
Jonah 3:3 "Nineveh was a very important city - a visit required three days."
Luke 2:46 "After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions."
Matthew 15:32 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." (Mark 8:2)
John 2:16-19 16To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!' His disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me.' [Psalm 69:9] Then the Jews demanded of him, 'What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.'
Mark 14:58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.'"
Matthew 27:40 "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" (Matthew 26:61, Mark 15:39)
Matthew 27:62b-63 "the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 'Sir,' they said, 'we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.''"
Mark 9:31-32a "He said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.' But they did not understand what he meant" (Mark 8:31, Mark 10:34)
Acts 9:8-10a "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.  In Damascus there was a disciple"
Galatians 1:15-18 shares that after his conversion, Paul spent 3 years in preparation before going back to Jerusalem and beginning his missionary work.
Acts 17:2 "As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures"
Acts 25:1 "Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem"
Acts 28:7 "There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably."
Acts 28:12 "We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days."
Acts 28:16-17a "When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers..."
Revelation 11:11 "And after the three days and a half the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them that beheld them."

Lord Send Me Joshua 1:12-18

Some of the children of Israel had already received their promise.  Interestingly, this follows the verse on three days and there were 2 1/2 tribes.  Realizing their inheritance, they were not allowed to sit idly by as the rest of the congregation continued in battle, achieving the full harvest. In fact, verse 14 claims they were instructed to lead the people.  This reflects again the prophecy of Gad as commander of the forces in Deuteronomy 33:21.  May our Lord find our response is as theirs was in verse 16; "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go."

Our Protector, Our Deliverer Joshua 2:1-7

Joshua sent two spies into the land of the adversary - a land of giants.  They went into the enemies stronghold to document their weaknesses.  They went into a sinner's home and found even there, the protection and love of the Lord as Rahab the harlot protected them from harm. 

Through the words of Rahab, the spies found that the Spirit of God had already been at work within the promised land - and that the people there held God's chosen people, even God Himself in awe, fear, and reverence.  In Jesus day, the evil spirits also stood in awe and reverence and were obedient to the command of the Lord.  Today, we will find the world is ready for everlasting peace and God has prepared the hearts and minds of the world to enter with us into the promised land.  Our responsibility is to reach out with His spirit of Love in our hearts and minds.  We must not be afraid to talk about Love, Joy, and Peace.  We must be strong and of good courage and follow His command to go out and preach His gospel - God Loves you and has paid the penalty for your sin.  He alone has allowed your access to his throne and there is nothing you can do to shake His Love.  Go and sin no more.

This sinner's (Rahab's) only request was the same as the call from every man to those who consider themselves Children of God; "'please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death.' 'Our lives for your lives!' the men assured her" (Joshua 2:12-14a)

When we devote ourselves to the Lord's service, the adversary can mount a serious attack on our lives.  This was envisioned by Christ's parable regarding the sower of Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, and Luke 8:4-8)  Again, the concept of 3 days preparation comes up as it is good for all of us to withdraw to a solitary place and be alone with God so that we can be strengthened through such times of danger, and continue on with the task at hand.

As I envision the scarlet cord in Rahab's window, I am immediately brought back to the sacrifice of the birds and of the Red Heifer (Leviticus 14 and Numbers 19).  In both instances, there was a scarlet cord which quite obviously represented the blood of Christ shed for the sinners of the world.  His blood was shed not only for these spies, but for Rahab and her whole family.  These children of God recognized that salvation in reference to Rahab and stated in verse 17 ""This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us."  Are you willing to trade your life for your rebellious child?  Would you pay the penalty for a man on death row to bring glory to God in symbolism of your understanding of salvation?  What would it cost you in regards to eternal life? How many lives would be saved through your sacrifice?  And yet, Christ died for me, a common sinner saved by His grace.

And yet there is a reminder in Joshua 2:19, that if we mix into the world come judgement, we too shall fall prey.  This is not unlike the night of passover when the household covered by the blood of the lamb was passed over, yet the house of the Egyptian was condemned.  Within each of our lives, if we let our purity slip - if we are found in sin, we too will be judged.  This judgment not only comes from God, but from our fellowman.  The King James version states I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." If we mingle the blood of Christ with the sin of the world in our own actions and behaviours, our testimony is tarnished and we will face judgment from God and man.  For this reason also, Matthew 7:1 advises us "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

Following three days of solitutude the adversary could not find the children of God.  They then returned to the camp of the chosen and prepared for their conquest.  This is the third time we have dealt with the three days in today's reading.  Having offered life for life for the sinner, the Child of God has entered a time of purification and preparation to withstand the adversary.  They have been protectected from the adversary under the shadow of His wings and are prepared to conquer the lands held hostage by the adversary as they follow the Spirit of God, alive and well within His Kingdom. We too may lay claim to their assurance of verse 24 "The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands;" 

Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 124:7-8 "We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Reflections on Luke 13:22-14:6

Jesus teaching form Luke 13:24 corresponds with the story Matthew shared in Matthew 7.  As Matthew shared this teaching, it followed his teaching on "do not judge", don't worry about the speck in your brother's eye, don't throw pearls to swine, pray earnestly, trust in the Lord, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  All of these teachings of Matthew 7 speak of getting along with our fellowman.  As all of us know, the road to peace is narrow indeed!  And yet, according to Luke 13, this road to peace provides entry to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus answer to the question is quite evasive leaving all of us concentrated on serving within His Kingdom.  As always, there is danger that comes with the assurance of eternal life.  This was seen within the Kingdom of Israel as those who felt they were chosen pushed out those who were alien to their culture.  A certain pride and arrogance set in as they imagined an entitlement and sat in judgment upon their fellowman.  Therefore, Jesus spoke directly to them as He placed words in the mouths of those outside the door.  "We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets." (vs 26).  Many today continue to question if what they have done is enough!  The answer from scripture appears to be no, nothing you do will ever be enough; It is only what He has done in grace and mercy because of His love for your soul that you have been saved!  If you are worried, learn more about Him so that you might believe.  Then go and do what God commanded from the beginning of time.  Love God + Love Man.  Choose today what you believe; A God of Love and a Prince of Peace? Or a God of wrath and judgment who needs you to treat this world in like manner.  Who do you expect to meet on judgment day?  What can you possibly do about it?  Do not be a worker of iniquity.  What is to become of the sinner and the saint?

In today's reading of Joshua 1 and 2 we discussed the importance of "three days".  Here in Luke 13:32 it pops up again as Jesus responds to the threat of death by the rulers of this world.  (vs 32) "I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal." It may well be that the Pharisees outside of Jerusalem knew of the plot of their leaders in Jerusalem to destroy Jesus as Herod governed in Galilee and had already expressed an interest in seeing Jesus.  And yet, he had been the one to kill John the Baptist.  Needless to say, Jesus continued on the road to Jerusalem and the death He knew He must die by the religious and political leaders of His day.  They would kill Him and he would return to Galilee where He would ascend into Heaven.  We await fulfillment of His prophecy of that day when all of Jerusalem will bow the knee and every tongue in Jerusalem leads the world in that glorious confession; "Blessed is He who came and who comes in the name of the Lord!"

In a similar story to that of Luke 13:10, Jesus again heals on the sabbath in Luke 14:1-6.  However as this story follows the concern of the local Pharisees, Jesus shows a bit more compassion to their theological views asking them to share their opinions before the healing.  Perhaps they were aware of the history of condemnation relating to their belief and kept their mouths silent.  Jesus gave them a logical argument reflecting their own concerns and actions regarding loved ones.  He had not only justified healing on the Sabbath, but had given a strong statement about the Love of God as the man was symbolized as God's son. 

Reflections on Psalm 79:1-13

Psalm 79 is another "Psalm of Asaph" written within the Babylonian captivity after the destruction of Solomon's temple.

Had I not just blogged on Luke 13:1, "there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices," and  Jesus response in Luke 13:5, "unless you repent, you too will all perish," I might treat Psalm 79 a bit differently.  As it is, the Psalm expresses a lament, a frustration, a sadness, and a hopelessness of the evil mankind has inflicted upon one another over the millenium.  Hopefully, we will be able to take away a lesson from old theologies and understandings and remove such vile attitudes against one another with a greater understanding through the all encompassing Love of God.

The prophet Isaiah claimed the word of God in Isaiah 45:5-6 to be "I am the Lord, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other."

The Bible even speaks of the beginnings of ancient mythology in Genesis 6:4 "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days - and also afterward - when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown."

The whole of the Bible tells of the beginnings of man and the beginnings of man's religions and hostilities.  Those hostilities are very visible even within scripture such as Psalm 79 and dare I say the writings of the early church leaders.  They can continue to divide us, or we can acknowledge they are there and learn from this teaching.  In light of ancient mythology although there is only one God who showed Himself to the world through Israel; In light of Christ's teachings that unless the Jews of his day repented of their sins, they would face judgment like any Gentile; In light of the fact children of God are instructed in Mark 16:15 to "preach the good news to all creation"; Given the fact we can all claim that our names are written in God's word of life through Adam; the fact "the nations" of Psalm 79:1 is rendered "the heathen" in the King James version and the Revised Standard Version would be representative of of our differences in ideologies and theologies.  Truly, the nations have entered into Israel's inheritance.  Truly, the purity of Holiness has been defiled both by Israel and by the nations as we claim to know God.

We have trampled upon the graves of all of our brethren who have suffered and died at the hands of men who felt they honored God by spilling the blood of our brethren upon the earth.  We have defied the very peace of our King.  All this for the sake of Zion, Jerusalem, His Holy dwelling.  Psalm 1 tells us where to begin in the rebuilding of His Kingdom.  "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."

Truly, religion - all religions on earth have become  a mockery, a taunt from our neighbors as we have attempted to thrive on wrath and judgment in anticipation of complete and utter destruction at the hand of a Loving God who gave His only begotten's life for all men.  We have imagined this God to be angry - and yet it has been us all along.  His refining fires have been at work cleansing our souls in peace until the next tragedy causes us to rise up with a vengeance to destroy one another like a hillbilly scuffle!  Hundreds of thousands have died as entire people groups suffer harm for the actions of individuals who knew not what they were doing.  As Man calls for God's vengeance on their enemies, God calls for man's Love towards their enemies.  And man cries out "My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"

How can God forget the sins of our forefathers until we fall to our knees in repentance and stop commiting those same sins? What more can be said except to stop immortalizing a Psalmist who condemns His brethren and understand the heart of the man?  In answer to the Psalmist's lament, He sent His only begotten Son who virtually yelled to us that the heart of the law was not legalistic righteousness, but Love, Joy, and Peace!  They Biblical author's all wrote of it as He inspired them, but few understood their message and we continue to struggle today.

We can join with the Psalmist as He prays for deliverance in Psalm 79:8-11; "Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die."

They say religion is dead - and well it might be!  They say we should not espouse a 'feel good' God, but the fruits of His Spirit allow me no other choice!  Return oh God to the hearts of your children as we honor you through Love, Joy, and Peace with our fellowman.  Turn back those ideologies and theologies that have kept us separated from thy Love.  Feed us through your word with more of the fruits of your Spirit as we choose to honor you with Joy and Thanksgiving from this time forth and forevermore.

Reflections on Proverbs 12:26

Note the footnote would change this proverb to "A righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

As exclusive theology sees the rest of the world as wicked, heathen, and foreign, it is not surprising the interpreter chose "cautious in friendship" instead of "guide to his neighbor".  For fun, check out the different interpretations of this verse as it says a lot about interpretative theologies.

Certainly, we should be aware of evil in our world and protect one another from evil.  Certainly, the guilty should be taken out of society and placed in prisons and jails.  Certainly, such jails and prisons should have counselors and guides within the safety of those walls. And certainly, we should be praying for freedom from those held in captivity from such evil.  Truth is, we are all possessed and in need of purification and refinement.  Are you willing to guide your neighbor and allow them to guide you?  Be a friend, stop being so cautious.

Until Tomorrow

Rick

April 9, 2010; Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalms 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25

Reflections on Deuteronomy 33:1-29

http://bibleatlas.org/full/mount_paran.htm
Moses blessing begins with a vision of an Almighty God of the wilderness,  Mt. Paran on the west side of the Sinai Peninsula, Mt. Sinai to the south or southeast (across the Red Sea at the base of the gulf of Aqaba in the land of the Midianites), the Seir Mountains to the east.  The Lord has shown Himself in power and great glory coming down from myriads of the Heavenly Host with refining fire in His might right hand prepared to purify the world of men.

Throughout the world, the people seek God.  He carries them in the palm of His hand.  He loves them and has redeemed them through this plan He carried out through His chosen line of Israel from whom shall come the Messiah.  It is to them Moses speaks in Deuteronomy 33 although His words now ring true to the greater family of God.  The Lord is indeed the God of Jeshurun (the upright). As Mary of Luke 10:39, let us gather at his feet with ears wide open, worshiping together our King of Peace!

Moses gave the law, being quite straight foward about the Love and Purity within.  The people of Israel rejected that law and spent many generations imagining the people of the world to be their enemy.  Eventually, according to their own prophecy, a Messiah came as the embodiment of that law.  As they still could not recognize the love and refinement (discipline)  He represented, they killed him (John 7:19).  And yet, what they intended for harm, God had intended for the good of all mankind.  This too had been prophesied. (Isaiah 53:5, Hebrews 9:23-28)

Jeshurun's  Representation Deuteronomy 33:6-29

To the tribes of Israel, Moses now gives this blessing:

http://www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/Map-Canaan-Twelve-Tribes.jpg tribal map

(vs 6) Reuben (see a son), the firstborn had lost his birthright for sleeping with Israel's concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22).  Under his banner, he was stationed with Simon and Gad south of the tabernacle in the wilderness.  Israel had cursed him in Genesis 49:4 stating "you will no longer excel," Moses kept his blessing short in Deuteronomy 33:6 ""Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few."  Perhaps Reuben represents the dangers of entitlement and hypocrisy as Children of God have the tendancy to sleep in the joy of their salvation and withold her from the greater family of God.

(vs 7) Judah (praise), had become first in line although he was the fourth born son.  Simeon and Levi had lost their birthright for their violence, driving the family from their home in Shechem.  The Tribe of Judah was stationed under their banner to the east of the tabernacle in the wilderness with Issachar and Zebulan.  He would return from the Babylonian captivity with Benjamin and Simeon and would be used of God to bring forth the Emmanuel.  Israel spoke of this in Genesis 49:10 stating "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff..." Moses calls upon God to hear him, bring him, and help him against his foes.  Judah may well represent our Glory to God for our salvation within His Kingdom.

(vs 8-11) Levi, centered within the temple grounds amongst the tribes in the wilderness, was the 3rd son of Jacob and Leah.  His name in Hebrew is 'lawah' meaning 'joined'.  He received no inheritance among the people as they would be priests and ministers before God among the people and with the tabernacle.  Israel (Jacob) had joined a curse upon them with Simeon calling for their division and scattering amongst the people.  Moses speaks in a much more positive way regarding their calling to be set apart for God.  The Thummim and Urim were pieces on the breastplate of the Priest representing righteousness and truth, or light and perfection.  They were separated even from their families from age 30-50 devoting themselves to the law.  Moses asks for God's blessing and vindication of their office.

Malachi 2 gives the Priests and ministers, those called to bring people back to God, then and now a stern warning regarding their office, not to become partial when it comes to spreading this Love from God: Malachi 2:7-9 "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction - because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,' says the Lord Almighty. 'So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law."  The purpose of the Levite was to represent the way, the truth, and the life for men to find God.

(vs 12) Benjamin was Israels 12th and final male child.  He was second son of Rachel, who died in childbirth - naming him Ben-o-ni (son of my sorrow).  Jacob (Israel) changed his name to Benjamin (son of my right hand or son of the south).  Perhaps referring to his youthful appetite, Jacob called him a revenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey" in Genesis 49:27.  His increase in the wilderness was second only to Manasseh.  Moses spoke of God's nearness, protection and love regarding Benjamin.  Perhaps Benjamin references the young men of the earth, the warriors, God's acceptance of fallen man.  Towards the end of the book of Judges, the tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out, but being the least of the tribes of Israel, they would produce its first King.  Together with Simeon they would remain with Judah when Israel split into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

(vs 13-17) Joseph was 11th son of Israel and first son of Rachel.  Sold into slavery, he became a ruler in Egypt where his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim were born.  Joseph's descendants, as represented by Ephraim and Manasseh were more than those of any of his brothers as they prepared to enter the promised land.  Ephraim, second son of Joseph, would eventually be the ruling tribe of the Israeli Kingdom, often referred to as the Northern Kingdom.  Ephraim was known for his bow and his might!  Jacob (Israel) bestowed great blessings on Josephs children in Genesis 49:24-26.  Moses also calls great blessings upon them both from the heavens and the earth.  He calls for favor of him that dwelt in the bush referencing to his initial meeting with God in Exodus 3:2 and 4.  He calls him a prince which was fulfilled in the Kings of Israel.  Moses speaks of his people being pushed to the ends of the earth!  Certainly, by 1948 when Israel was called back to the Holy land, they were spread throughout the earth.  Together Ephraim and Manasseh represented the Kingdoms and peoples of the Earth through whom God shall grant his blessings.  Their names also may denote forgetting the sorrow of what lay behind given the anticipation of the fruitfulness of the coming harvest.

(vs 18-19) Issachar and Zebulan represented Israel's 9th and 10th sons.  They were the 5th and 6th sons of Leah.  Their names represent honor and service.  Both had seen great increase in numbers over 40 years in the wilderness.  Jacob (Israel) had blessed them in Genesis 49:13-15, seeing Zebulan as a welcome to the promised land and Issachar His place of pleasant rest.  Moses adds the reference of Zebulan going out and bringing home the harvest as Issachar would represent the house of God where His children would grow strong in the nurture of right worship.  Present day Nazareth, home of Jesus, now lies within the hill country of Zebulan, above the Kishon River off the Mediteranian sea.

Isaiah 60:5 "Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come."

Zebulan and Issachar joined Judah under their banner as they camped to the east of the Tabernacle and they followed Moses and the Levites through the wilderness as they would set out from camp.

(vs 20-21) Gad was stationed to the South with the tribes of Reuben and Simeon.  He was Israel's 7th son and Zilpah (maid of Leah)'s firstborn son.  His name means 'good fortune'.  Jacob (Israel) had prophesied that Gad would be attacked, but would emerge victorious (see possible fulfillment see I Chronicles 5:18-22).  Gad had emerged from the wilderness as a tribe of purpose and as a military leader.  Gad had claimed land east of the Jordan with Reuben and Mannasseh.  I Chronicles speaks of the land intoned by Moses in verse 21; I Chronicles 5:16 "The Gadites lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and on all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended."  Perhaps in our spiritual battle, Gad represents the beautiful land which is ours to possess and our claim of victory over the attacks of temptation which are bound to come.  He represents our inheritance and victory over adversity.

(vs 22) Dan was stationed with Asher and Naphtali to the North of the tabernacle in the wilderness.  He was firstborn of Bilhah (maid of Rachel) and 5th son of Israel (Jacob).  It would appear he was instramental in the defeat of Og, King of Bashan, under the leadership of Gad.  Rachel named Dan with reference to "He Judged" as she found worthiness before God through him.  Jacob envisioned his deliverance in Genesis 49:18 and Moses speaks of this tribe as a child of the King (lion's cub).  In last day's theology, it is often noted that Dan is not mentioned in Revelation 7 with the sons of God's chosen people.  Of all the tribes, Dan appeared to have struggled the most with impurity in worship and received a small, separated inheritance.  He indeed appears to be cut off and separated from the Love of God, but may well represent His surprise deliverance come judgment day.

Wisdom 5:4-6 "fools that we were! His life we accounted madness, and his death dishonored.  See how he is accounted among the sons of God; how his lot is with the saints (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:12)! We, then, have strayed from the way of truth (Proverbs 4:18, John 12:35), and the light of justice did not shine for us, and the sun did not rise for us (Isaiah 59:6-14)." (this quote from the book of Wisdom is also Messianic and is used here in reference to Dan through personal insight only and certainly may not reflect then intent of the original writer)

(vs 23) Naphtali (wrestled) was Israel's (Jacob's) 6th son, second by Bilhah, and younger full brother of Dan.  Together with Asher, they camped under the banner of Dan to the north of the tabernacle during the 40 years in the wilderness.  Through poetry, Jacob (Israel) blessed Naphtali's use of words in Genesis 49:21.  Moses envisions Naphtali to find the favor and full blessing of the Lord, and possession of the lake.  They would be established on the shores of Galilee where Jesus would share most of his ministry.  The first disciples predominatly came from the land of Naphtali. From them, we have recieved the words of Jesus, the cornerstone of our unity, and yet a double edged sword refining us towards peace and purity.


(vs 24-25) Asher was stationed to the North of the tabernacle under the banner of Dan during the 40 years with Dan and Naphtali.  He would also receive land to the North between them and their Mediterranian shorline.  Younger brother of Gad by Zilpah (maid of Leah), Asher was Israel's 8th son. Jacob (Israel) spoke of the richness of his food in Genesis 49:20.  Moses blesses him to be esteemed by his brothers, walking in the way of the annointed. 

Psalm 147:12-14 reflects verse 25 "Extol the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion, for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

Reflecting on Asher's prominence on the northwest corner of Israel, providing borders by land and sea; considering the blessings of their seacoasts and climate; Accepting the words of scripture on their behalf; We might consider their representation of God's protection and providence within His Kingdom as He watches over His children.  He alone is our strength and shield against adversity.  Asher means happiness, and scripture often reflects that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Asher then becomes our Joy and Strength in the Lord.

Poor brother Simeon, second son of Israel and Leah did not receive mention by Moses in Deuteronomy 33.  Leah had given Simeon his name as she felt the Lord had 'heard' that she was hated.  Israel had cursed him for his violence in Genesis 49:7 saying that he would be scattered throughout Israel with Levi.  As Moses and Aaron were from the tribe of Levi, the Levites were given honor and position among the people, but Simeon was adopted into the land of Judah according to Joshua 19.  During the 40 years within the wilderness, they had lost well over half their population with 18000 less men than the next largest tribe.  There is strong speculation that they were a dominant tribe involved in the adultery with the daughters of Midian and we do know it was a Simeonite leader whom Phineas singled out according to Numbers 25:14.  There is some speculation of a civil war against the Simeonite clan which would lead to Moses not mentioning his name, nor writing of the history.  Other ancient documents speak of the widows of Simeon marrying into other tribes.  We do know they were united with the tribe of Judah in Joshua 19 and remained a part of Judah into the Babylonian captivity.  They were the castoffs, the despised, the aliens, yet they remained enjoined to the children of God and remained a part of God's family.  Their name was not forgotten by God. (Revelation 7:7)

(vs 26) As referenced on April 7, 'Jeshurun' is poetic reference to Israel, thus consecrated, upright, holy, and chosen.  Pronounced, (Yeh-shoo-ron), the term is used 4 times in the Bible. Deuteronomy 32:15; Deuteronomy 33:5, 26; and Isaiah 44:2. 

Moses waxes poetic in these closing words to the Israelites.  Some may question how much Moses knew of God's plan of salvation.  I feel it is safe to say he knew what he knew and He wrote what God inspired him to write.  In his documentation of what he had read of history and what he recorded as the words of the Lord, he appears to percieve that the Israelites are the only chosen people of God and that everyone else is doomed to perish.  Given his moment in history, how could he imagine anything else?  And yet, we have witnessed Messianic texts and inspirations throughout his writings which have opened that salvation up to all man and exemplified this God of Love in spite of the necessary discipline and refinement.

We certainly can take Moses' words to heart as He describes this God of Jeshurun who rides majestic through the skies to our rescue!  We too can experience that protection and safety within His embrace as He holds us through adversity.  We too can experience His blessings both now and forevermore.  The joy of Moses' God is our strength also!  He is our strength and shield.  Hear, oh people of the world, the Lord our God, the Lord is One and there is no other.  Prepare your hearts and run to the Great 'I Am'! Come to Zion.

Reflections on Luke 13:1-21

I Make All Things New Luke 13:1-9

(vs 1-5) How difficult it is for most of us to imagine the purity of animal sacrifice could make a difference for our forgiveness.  And yet, that was the situation within Jerusalem at the time of Christ.  There is no mention of the situation with Pilate and the Galileans blood in any other reference to help with our understanding of this passage.  Jesus uses the setting to establish a teaching that repentance and forgiveness shall be for Jew and Gentile alike.  The hearers that day as well as the reader today understood Jesus was not speaking of the physical death of these Galileans, but something far more serious - spiritual death.  The main ingredient of the message for all of us was repentance establishing spiritual life! - not to worry anyone about physical death.  The same message rang true regarding the tragedy at the tower of Siloam.

(vs 6-9) As a landscaper, I know the importance of the cultural practice spoken of.  As our roots need to be exposed to air as well as dried of excessive water, it is good practice to remove some of the earth from time to time as the earth has a tendency to build up and choke the life of the tree.  Adding fertilizer also is beneficial, both when applied directly to the tree and other plants in the surrounding area. 

Jesus came to give life.  His message was not so different than his cousin John's in that they both spoke of the importance of repentance and forgiveness of sins.  We often understand that to be our own repentance and God's forgiveness, but Jesus appears to grant God's forgiveness as a preknown fact.  He spends more time expressing the need of forgiving our fellowman.  Regarding the law, he said in Matthew 7:12 "in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." In verse 13 he called this the "narrow gate" which few understand. 

His teaching on the fig tree brings up the common biblical number '3' which the most obvious reference is found in John 2:19 ""Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." Through His coming death, God is changing the old understanding of the law according to Revelation 21:5 "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Knowing this gave Christ the assurance that he could tell the worst of sinners that their sins were forgiven as He instructed them to go and sin no more.  Do this in remembrance of Him.

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/388663/2318775 (warning: good song, passionate video)

This parable follows the tower of Siloam and the intermingling of the Gentile blood with the blood of the Israelites.  Indeed, Christ died for all men.  All those represented in the life and times of their brethren,  The chosen of God as represented by Levi; The discarded and abandoned as we reflected were represented by Simeon; The forgotten of the world who were caught up in impure worship as represented by Dan.  He calls all of us to scrape off the soil of this earth and expose our roots.  Bask in the nutrients of creation itself and in the moisture of of His Spirit and His Word - His Love.  Join your roots with those of your fellowman and bear fruit towards His glory as grow strong towards the heavens bearing fruit towards the earth beneath. Grow strong so that you can avoid the diseases that you know can devour your life and sustenance.  Flourish so that the master's grace and mercy continues to cultivate your presence within His orchard.

Come and Sing Luke 13:10-17

(vs 10-17) In Luke 4:18, Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, (the blind) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

The symbiance between the Father and his only begotten Son was physically present and walked among men.  Not only was this the Lord's day, but this was the year of the Lord's favor!  What better day than the Lord's day, and what better place than the Lord's house, to heal our diseases - providing release from our captivities!  And yet, the evil spirits were all around and the toughest adversary resided within the leadership of the church as they carried the weight and chains of religious rules and regulations.  They could not even recognize that the very power of the Father they desired to serve was present and active amongst them.  Consider their inability to witness the beauty of the power displayed before them as their eyes were darkened by envy, strife, and murder as they deemed the very Son of God within their midst to be the difilement  as He would not honor their rules of conduct and worship!  Would that they too could be cleansed and their eyes would be opened!  Yet, just as Pharoah would not let the people go, so these rulers were blinded by darkness and could not witness the power of the Father Himself being displayed within their midst.  All this so that scripture and redemption would reach fulfillment by their hands.  They knew not what they were doing.

What better day than the Lord's day to release the burden of laws and regulations and celebrate the year of the Lord's favor!  What better day to celebrate before Him with praise and thanksgiving!  What better opportunity than to enter His House and celebrate His Love and faithfulness, leaving behind the captivities and adversities of Life!  What better day to celebrate salvation and witness His power and Love!  What better day to join with the family of God and feast within the blessings of our Holy Father.  What better day to leave behind our world of woe and raise the roof with one voice shouting Our God Reigns!  What better day to be filled with His power and Love and allow Him to bless our coming in and our going out to change our world!  Joshua 24:14b-15 "Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Gladly!

Only a Spark Luke 13:18-20

How can you, just one individual, change the world into one of Love and Peace?  After 5770 years (Hebrew calendar based on years since creation from their reading of scripture) how can you make a difference as we step away from Cain's actions against his brother and return a creation united in His Love back to our Creator?  It begins by Loving God within.  It grows by building up your family and friends in Love.  It grows through cultivation, exposing the roots and receiving the breath of God and receiving the dew of His Spirit and the nutrients of His Word.  He promises that His seed in your soul will grow into the tallest of trees as the fruit of His Spirit covers all those around you, naturally planting His seed in their souls, cultivating new trees and so on and so on until the yeast of His Love is established throughout this bread of life and we are reunited with our Father at His table and can all partake together.  

Reflections on Psalm 78:65-72

In reflecting on Psalm 78 on April 8, I covered today's reading also.  Return to that blog for a full summary of Psalm 78.  Here are excerpts from that blog covering today's reading:

(vs 65-66) Their judgment was not isolated and God's refinement prepared a new era for man

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;


(vs 67-72) Through His redemption plan, God called Judah and David back to Zion for Salvation's entrance.

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 12:25

Why burden a man with worry? Why not build one another up in Love? 

Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
I Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Until Tomorrow

Rick

April 8, 2010; Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalms 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24

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