Looking for the Evidence

"On the basis of two or three testimonies is a man convicted (Deuteronomy 17:6), now show me the evidence" he told us. "Moses whined and griped, yet was held as faithful", one of us answered. "Yes, that's one, now give me another" he stated. "And so did Job" another answered, "Yes, now what does this tell us?" So went our Torah study last Saturday. Yes, I said our Torah study; Dianne and I have begun a study with a Messianic congregation. And the study continued through our Torah (Numb. 22:2 – 25:9) portion, the Haftara (Mica 5:6 – 6:8), and the Brit Chadasha (Romans 11:25-32,) portion. All portions were put to the same level of scrutiny.

Let me do a little explanation here, as I have stated before, The Lord has laid upon my heart to learn as much about the Hebrew culture, thinking, people as possible, so that I can come to a more full understand all of the Bible from that perspective. Will others understand portions of it better than I? Most definitely yes; but from their own perspective. But, being able to understand the culture and thinking of a people at the time they write something will help you understand their writing more completely. At some point you can only go so far with computer searches, you have to get out of the house and talk to people. I made a phone call, and was invited to attend a Messianic Church Shabbot. We were also invited to attend a Torah study on Saturday, and this is the type of study we have.

What was the question above? How does God view us? Hebrews Ch 11 has been rightfully called the "Great Chapter of Faith". Each of those listed are called faithful to God, and through faith were able to do some mighty and wonderful things. Yet each of them was human; they whined, griped, and even sinned.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (Heb. 11: 1-2)

Here they are being commended for faith, because this is how the Lord views us; as a Father. "As a father, I know that my children are not perfect, yet I cannot see their imperfections because of their achievements" our leader explained. "Our achievement, according to God, is our belief in Yeshua and through that Grace, God views us". Yes, I know, Hebrews was not on our list of Bible study, but we tended to follow the dictum of:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)

Our leader is not afraid to ask the hard questions and has the ability to focus in on the good questions with laser sharp attention. But his is not the only sharp mind of the group, the one quietly sitting at the side quickly answered a question about what the original Hebrew word used in the Torah meant. The discussions grew lively and deep, references were dug out and different translations and parallel and interlinear texts were passed around (believe me Strongs concordance was in heavy use). Do they all read and speak Hebrew, no; and neither do all the members of a traditional synagogue (I have found out).

How about you? Are you part of a Bible study? If not, find one; if you can't find one, start one yourself and invite a friend to join you. Personal Bible study in of in itself is essential you need to be regularly studying the Bible for personal growth, but a group Bible study is very important to maturity and understanding Chaverim, Solomon (Shlomo, in Hebrew) was the wisest man on earth, because he asked God not for wealth, but for wisdom to reign over Gods people, he was given both. (1 Kings 3: 5-15) He is the one who understood the need to discuss what you have read to better understand it. Let's let Shlomo end this:

  As iron sharpens iron,
       so one man sharpens another. (Prov 27:17)

 

Baruch HaShem

Why Hebrew?

When you are doing something that you feel is important, sometimes you also feel you are 'out there' and 'all alone', because you don't see anybody else doing what you are doing. You know, like the Lone Ranger of my youth (if you don't know about him, ask your parents/grandparents/great-grandparents, ok I really feel old now!). I feel that the Lord has pulled me in the direction of learning about the Hebrew/Jewish culture of the Biblical times, so that I can understand all of the scriptures more completely, and bring that fullness of the scriptures to His people, the New Testament Church. Recently, at TBC (The Benton Church) our associate Pastor Shawn made a reference in his sermon about the Symbol of the Lamb in Early Church, to the verse "The blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean" (Heb 9:13). I asked Pastor Shawn after our first service of the day, if he knew what the phrase '… and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those ceremonially unclean….' meant. No, he really didn't; after I explained the Mitzvot of the Red Heifer he was totally blown away and thrilled. He had never heard of it, or of the correlation and foreshadowing of Yeshua our Savior it represented. He asked me to relate all of this during his sermon for our second service of the day.

All this led to our Director of Church Ministries Lorna asking me to write up this information (condensed Readers Digest format – again, if you don't know what I am referring to, ask somebody old) to be added to the back of the bulletin next Sunday. This is awesome, I felt, as this would widen my outreach to a larger group of members of our church, and might spur others on to do the same. I also sent this information to somebody I really respect and admire; a Messianic Jew that I have recently met. Her response was so positive, that I almost wept (nay, I'll admit it here, I did cry). To have validation of something you feel so passionately about, by somebody you respect is paramount to your view of responsibility. And what is my responsibility? To 1) spread the word about the fullness of the scriptures, when read from the view of the culture of the Jews of the time; and 2) remind the church of the fact that the Abrahamic Covenant is, and will be, in effect. What, you might ask, about the 'New Covenant' we read about in the New Testament? (Heb 8:7-13) This very question came up in my Hebrew Culture class (last one meets this Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm at TBC).

The covenant mentioned in Hebrews Ch. 8 was a covenant of blood, that required daily and annual sacrifices of animals (Exodus 24:8, Heb 9:22). The book of Hebrews was written before the destruction of the second Temple (it would have talked about the Temple in a past tense rather than a present tense verbiage) yet the writer points out in Hebrews 9:22 '… without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness' with this covenant. The covenant that is being discussed here is called the Mosaic Covenant (it was mediated between The People of Israel and God by Moses) (Exodus 19:3-8) sealed by the blood of animals (Exodus 24: 3-8). The writer of Hebrews rightfully points out that with the sacrifice of Yeshua our Savior and His resurrection that The Lord God has instituted a New and Better Covenant (Hebrews 8: 13). Here the writer of Hebrews uses text from the Old Testament (well, they didn't have any other scriptures did they?) that prophesied about this new covenant.(Jer 31:31-34) He had already made the case for the fact that Yeshua is a New and Better High Priest than those serving in the Temple that day. (Heb 7: 15-22, Psalm 110:4) Therefore, yes the Mosaic Covenant is replaced with the New Covenant (Heb 8:13), but not the Abrahamic Covenant.

What is that one? The one where the Lord God himself swore to Abram (he was not yet Abraham) with a blood sacrifice (Gen 15: 7-21)
that He, the Lord, would give the land to Abrams' descendents, and told him all about when and how they would possess the land. This was odd, because as of that time, Abram was childless. In fact, earlier the Lord God had told Abram that He would make him into a great nation, that He would 'bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you,' (Gen 12:2-3) and that his descendents would number as the stars in the sky (Gen 15:5-6) Now, as this Covenant is older, and made by the Lord God Himself, without the participation of Abram, it will never pass away. What does this mean? That the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the Jews) are still Gods Chosen People.

Now, don't just take my word for this! Just because a teacher says something, doesn't make it true, look to the source (Titus 2:1). Let's look to the scriptures written by a 'Jews Jew'. Paul wrote to the Romans "I ask then: Did God reject His people? By no means!" (Romans 11:1a) Paul went on to show that God always provides a remnant of believers (Rom 11:2-6), that the national unbelief was foreseen (vs. 7-10), this unbelief is the Gentile opportunity to be grafted onto the Olive Tree of Israel, thereby taking nourishment from the root of Judaism (the scriptures and teachings of the Old Testament) (vs. 17-22), those that were broken off, if they return (believe in Yeshua their Mashiach) they will be grafted back in (vs. 23-25), the Deliverer will come out of Zion and the Nation will be saved (vs. 25-29, Isaiah 59:20-21, 27:9). The idea that Christians now inherit the distinctive Jewish promises is not taught in scripture (replacement theology – a subject for another class).

Why study Hebrew culture, chaverim? Let's let the writer of Hebrews finish this out "… as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. Just as you, who were at one time disobedient to God, have now received mercy as a result of your disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they many now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy on you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all." (Hebrews 11:28b-32)

Baruch HaShem

Requirements for Membership

We have all, at one time or another, looked at membership in a special group. Quite often these groups have special requirements in order to be a member, the stiffer the requirements, the more we desire membership. At least this is the way I felt about it. I remember my college days, yes, for a while I was a Greek; later I became known as a GDI, but we won't go there now (those that know what that means know 'nuff said). As I remember, in order to be a member of the KON frat (Kappa Omega Nu) we had to learn a song, pay a stiff membership due (the equivalent of beer and pizza for two weeks), and subject ourselves to the ritual hazing (there were no anti-hazing laws back then), oh 'yes, had to purchase the wood and carve my own paddle!

I have been a member of several 'organizations' before and after my short run with the 'frats' (need to be careful with the spelling there). I have been a 4-H member (Gold Pin Rank), Boy Scouts of America (2^nd Class as a Youth and Wood Badge as an Adult), was a member of the IBEW while I did my short stint at Boeing, and ,oh yes, I became a member of the Whitewater Masonic Lodge. Each of these organizations required you to do specific things in order to become a member, and maintain membership. Some were exclusive to those specific organizations (Masonic Lodge and IBEW), all required you to learn something and pay dues. I can honestly say I did learn something from each organization, some helpful, others questionable. But are these exclusive enough that I have wanted to maintain my membership in them, no.

There is another exclusive club that I belong to that I have maintained my membership in, and am very glad I have. This organization does not require you to learn a 'secret hand shake' like a couple of the above organizations, or to pay heavy dues like others, wear funny clothes, or be completely secretive about your activities. In fact, it is so out in the open, that it is the model of openness to the world. I'm talking about my belief in Christ as my Savior, and membership in the Family of God.

Basic membership requirements are deceptively small and simple; Belief, Acceptance, Confession. Those three steps are all it takes to be a member of this exclusive organization of the Family of God. "That's all" you ask? Yes that's all.

"Belief in what?" is the first question we are all asked. Belief that Jesus is who He says He is:

28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:28-29, 40 NIV)

Jesus says that He is Gods Son, that He came into the world so that we do not have to be separated from a Holy and Perfect God because of our sinful nature.

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only. (John 3:16 -18 NIV)

Yes, we do have to accept the fact that we humans are not perfect, if you have been alive for any length of years you can attest to the fact that no matter how hard you try, you are better at making a mess of life than you are at living a good life. So that shouldn't be a problem.

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt 16:16-19 NIV)

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2: 37-39 NIV)

"What's this confession stuff? Confess what?" Confess that you are human, therefore you fall short of being perfect (we've discussed this above) and need help getting right with the Father in heaven.

8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:8-10 NIV)

42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." (Acts 10: 42-43 NIV)

There you have it, all laid out nice and pretty. To be a part of this organization, you don't have to learn a secret handshake, be hazed, be sworn to secrecy or anything like that. What do you get out of it? Knowledge that even though you are not perfect, you are forgiven, that you are part of a Family that has a bright future.

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:2-6 NIV)

 

Baruch HaShem

 

 

 

 

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It is almost the middle of June and the wheat is almost ready for harvest. We should be having the classic hot dry days of Kansas late spring/early summer; but not this year! Record rainfalls have been recorded through the middle of the state, Oklahoma City is a river, and there have been deadly flash floods in Arkansas and Louisiana. Too much rain at the wrong time. Now, I won't be a shouter of doom and gloom, I have seen numerous wet years, when harvest time is here; I distinctly remember a time when I was in early High School, I overheard a conversation between a couple of local farmers, one who was a John Deere owner swear that his weeds were so tall in his wheat field that when he got off his tractor and walked 20 feet from it, the tractor had disappeared. I don't know if it's true, but that's what he said. It is sad and frustrating to the farmer, and all involved when you can stand on the road and look at the field and see that the field is ripe to harvest, yet can't get into the field because it is too wet. And there is more rain in the forecast.

We all run into periods like this in our lives where we just seem to get 'rained on' every day. Maybe it's at work, that co-worker who always seems to want to share those unwanted 'dirty jokes', or that supervisor (stuporvisor) that can't seem to make up their mind which way they want you to go with the project. Maybe it's the friends at work that don't understand why you don't want to go hang out with them after work at the bar (maybe you do want to, but know it wouldn't just stop there). Maybe it's at home. Whatever it is, there is a period of rain storms every day that just seem wear you down.

The Israelites had their 'rainy seasons' too. Now, they could blame it on their Kings, but I have to lay it at all of their feet. They disobeyed God. He had warned them:

⁹ Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. ¹⁰ But
       those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction;
       he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him.

 ¹¹ Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today. (Deut 7:9-11 NIV)

He gave them many chances, yet they would 'fall away' from His love, come back, fall away again. They were no different from us as we sometimes think. They worked hard at their jobs, came home and helped out there too. They had the same wants and desires that we have; better clothes, more income, easier lifestyle. We too have been 'called out' from the world as a special group of people (2 Cor 6:14-18), to be a 'light unto the world'(Matt 5:14). Yet, we too slip up on the requirements (maybe we even balk at them) to be a Holy, Separate, People:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." (2 Cor 6:14-16, Lev 26:12, Jer 32:38, Ezek 37:27 NIV)

"But", you might ask, "how can we be a light to the world, if we are to be separate from it"? Hey, it's not easy, I know. The Israelites didn't do so well either. God gave them specific commands (mitzvot) not to intermarry (yoke yourselves with unbelievers), give treaty of friendship, or worship other gods (Deut 7:3-4, Exodus 20:3-4), yet they did. Even after they returned from 70 years of exile in Babylon, rebuilt the Temple and worshiped in it, when Ezra came to the Temple he found even some of the Priests (of the line of Aaron, as he was) were married to locals, and allowed their sons and daughters to do the same (Ezra 9:1-2).

If you read the story of Ezra (ch. 9-10) you will find that he was beyond very upset (Ezra 9:3-4), so much so that he was tearing his garment(a show of extreme distress) and cloak (even more extreme), pulling hair from his head and beard (ouch, more distress), prostrating himself before the Temple and weeping for the people, laying out and confessing their sins, praying that they be forgiven and not destroyed (Ezra 9:13-15). What happened next is what all ministers, and leaders hope and pray for in times like this; one man named Shecaniah (his name means Yaw has taken his abode) steps up out of the congregation there, and takes responsibility for the situation and the people, offers a solution (the only solution that will really work) and tells Ezra "Get up, this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it"(Ezra 10:4 NIV). The result? The Israelites (including the Priests) did separate themselves from the locals, and the country of Israel continued to exist for another 400 plus years.

How about us? How are we to 'be a light to the world, yet be separate from it'? Tough balancing act to maintain; there is in us that innate desire to be liked by our friends and co-workers, yet we need to live out our faith and be a testament to our Savior. I refer you to the Gospel of Matthew 5:15–16; we are not to hide the light that is within us, but are to:

"Instead they put it on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:15-16 NIV)

Does that mean if that annoying dude that revels in the filthy jokes tells you one more, you whap him up the side of the head with your Bible? No, (although that sounds like he just might deserve it) just let him know that you do not find it funny or comfortable having those kind of jokes told around you, or tell your 'friends' that you really don't want to join in the regular 'gossip fest' (refer to 2 Cor 6:14, above). Eventually they will get the picture and either leave you alone (did you really need friends like that anyway?), or their lives can change and your life will get better (I know, this has happened to me). Besides, what better job can we have except to 'be a light before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven'? (Matt 5:16 NIV) Here we are planting seed for a harvest that won't get flooded out, that will produce a yield of uncalculatable amount and results (and you won't lose your tractor in the field).

 

Now, Chaverim, add perseverance to your faith (2 Peter 1:5-8) and prepare for the harvest, the ground will soon dry out.

 

Barukh HaShem

 

In Whom do you Believe?

My personal Bible study the past few weeks has taken me through the Old Testament (The Tanakh) books of 1^st and 2^nd Kings and 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles. Maybe this is why I've been a little 'down' lately. These books unabashedly lay out what each of the Kings of Judah and Israel do. They start with David and march right through to Zedakiah. They can be looked at as a testament of the adage "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely". Some would say 'no wonder God allowed Judah and Israel to be destroyed; they were wicked!'. And I would answer, Yes and No.


But that's not why I'm here today; I want to look at one particular king that caught my eye, because his story is one I am afraid is being played out all over our nation in homes and in places of influence. Let's look at Joash, son of Ahazia, son of Jehoram, son of Jehosaphat, son of Asa, son of Abija, son of Rehoboam King of Juda, son of Solomon, son of David King of Israel. In order to really understand his story we need to begin with Joashs' great-grandfather Jehosaphat.
Now bear with me, I will not be repeating all of the information you can read from the books of Kings and Chronicles yourself; I will be giving just a short synopsis of the important stuff. Jehosaphat was the 4^th King of Judah (Tribes of Judah and Benjamin), he was a good king in that he walked in the ways of David and followed the ways of the Lord. He prospered and was King for 35 years. Toward the end of his reign he made a pact with Ahab, the King of Israel which angered the Lord, but for the most part he was a very good King. Jehosaphat had 7 sons, gave them money and cities and land, and they were prosperous also. (1 Kings 22:44-50, 2 Chronicles ch 17 – 20) Jehosaphat died and was buried in the City of David with the other Kings of Judah, and his oldest son Jehoram was made King of Judah.
Jehoram was not a good King, the first thing he did was put all 6 of his siblings and some of the Nasi (princes) of Judah to the sword, killed them to firmly establish his Kingship. He also followed the religious practices of the Kings of Israel, like his father-in-law Ahab, which was 'detestable in the sight of the Lord'. Jehoram was 32 years old when he became King, and reigned 8 years. (2Kings 8:16-24, 2 Chron 22:1-9) Jehoram died a lingering death of disease and was buried in Jerusalem, but not with the other Kings. Ahazia, Jehorams youngest son (you will have to read your Bible to find out why) was made King of Judah
Ahazia followed in his father Jehorams footsteps, and was influenced by his mother Athaliah, daughter of Ahab, King of Israel. Ahazia was 22 years old when he became King of Judah, and reigned 1 year. He joined Joram, King of Israel in battle against the Arameans and was killed. (see 2 Kings 8:25-29, 9:14-29, 2 Chron 22:1-9) So, Ahazias mother, Athaliah takes matters in her own hand when she hears that Ahazia is dead, and she proceeds to destroy the entire Royal family of the house of Judah! But, she reckoned without God, for He always provides a way for His plans to go forward. (Isaiah 55:11) Her sister-in-law secrets 1 year old Joash away, eventually hiding him in the Temple with her husband Jehoiadah, the Kohen HaGedolah (High priest), and they keep him safe there for 6 years, during which Athaliah ruled the land (2 Chron 22:10-12).
Here we go with the King of Judah I wanted to bring to you. At the age of 7 years old, Joash was crowned King of Judah in front of the Temple as was the custom. Athaliah didn't like it, but that didn't last long either. Joash reigned Judah for 40 years (2 Kings 11 - 12, 2 Chron. 23 - 24), and during his rule he restored the Temple and followed in the ways of David, as long as Jehoiadah was alive.
Jehoiada died at the age of 130 years of age (2 Chron. 24:15-16), after which Joash abandoned God and worshiped Asherah Poles and idols (2 Chron 24:18). He even killed a prophet of God in the courtyard of the Temple, who was sent to him to warn him that God was angry with him (2 Chron 24:20-24). Joash reigned one more year, was killed, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.


We see this all too often, even now; a strong religious leader brings many to belief in God. When they leave, stumble, or die; any number of their flock stumble or 'fall away'. Why? In whom do they have their faith? I have seen too many entire churches ripped apart, essentially destroyed because the pastor who founded and built the church stumbled in his walk with God. Why? Is it because the members of the church had their faith in the pastor, or in Jesus?
Joash was raised (literally) in the Temple by the Kohen (priests), yet when his mentor died he was like a ship without a rudder, blown by this advisor, or that advisor. He totally abandoned his faith, and began worshiping the detestable objects and idols which angered God. This reaction is seen in this day and age also; a 180 degree turn in belief.
Chaverim, know in whom you believe!

¹⁴ "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. ¹⁵ 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." (Joshua 24:14-15 NIV)

And as Paul instructed the Ephesians:

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For 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. ¹³Therefore 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. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV)

Barukh HaShem

Personal Responsibility

Anger, arguments, recrimination; "You're not going to let me go because you're mad at me". It wasn't because he had not done his house work or homework; no, I was the mean person who was mad at him (yes I was angry because I knew he could do better than a D in the class). He couldn't accept the fact that his actions were the cause of loss of privilege, so he had to transfer the anger to somewhere, or someone else. This is a normal reaction that all of us can quickly fall into, 'it's the other guys fault, not mine'; denial of personal responsibility.

In the Old Testament book of Numbers, we find the Children of Israel traveling. Ch 16 is just after the fiasco of the spies going into the Promised Land and bringing back a bad report of the land, Sin of the Spies (Chet HaMeraglim). Because the congregation of the People would not believe Caleb and Joshua, and they doubted Gods ability to help them conquer the land, God sentenced that generation to not be able to cross over into the Promised land. When this sentence sunk home they became angry and murmured against God. A group of them, under the leadership of Korah (Korach) (a cousin of Moses and a Levite), with the support of a couple of leaders from the tribe of Reuben challenged Moses and Aaron as leaders and Priests of God.

"You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?" (Numbers 16;3 NIV)

Moses was shocked! He fell onto his face on the ground (vs. 4). I don't know, it doesn't say it, but maybe he was expecting a bolt from God himself to come out of the Tabernacle and take this blasphemer out. This scenario continues to play out with Moses taking the Levites that followed Korah to task, reminding them that they get to stand before the congregation ministering on the people, helping Aaron and his sons. They don't have to 'work' for their food, it is supplied from the sacrifices, the people take care of them! He then calls for Dathan and Abiram two of the Reubenites that were leaders of the opposition with Korah. They refuse to come, they start whining! You know the sound, I know you can hear it now:

"We will not come! ¹³ Isn't it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord it over us? ¹⁴ Moreover, you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!" (Numbers 16:12b - 14 NIV)

"I won't come, I won't come, you can't make me, I won't come." You know the whine (line); we as parents have heard (or will hear) this numerous times. Using the age-old arguments that are nonsensical; 'you aren't doing what you said you would'. Again, they are deceiving themselves, trying to twist the story so that they don't have to bear the consequences of their defiance. Remember, these are Reubenites, at this point, that are trying to set themselves up as priests!

This story ends very tragically for these three main characters; Korah, Dathan and Abiram. After God shows all the People who He has appointed as the Kohen HaGodol (High Priest of God) they, their families, livestock, tents, everything was swallowed up by the ground; in front of the assembly of the People of Israel (vs. 20 – 34). Wow! One second they are there, next; gone. And the people fell down and worshiped the Lord, and everything was okay, right? Not hardly; these are people who have been told that they are going to die in the wilderness, they have some definite denial issues.

 ⁴¹ The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. "You have killed the LORD's people," they said.

 ⁴² But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the Tent of Meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. ⁴³ Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the Tent of Meeting, ⁴⁴ and the LORD said to Moses, ⁴⁵ "Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once." And they fell facedown. (Numbers 16:41 – 45 NIV)

They still won't accept the responsibility of the sin they have committed. Here Moses doesn't try to plead with God for the people, he does tell Aaron to 'Make Atonement' in other words, to plead the case for the people to God:

 ⁴⁶ Then Moses said to Aaron, "Take your censer and put incense in it, along with fire from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started." (Numbers 16:46 NIV)

Even though Aaron hurried as fast as he could, 14,700 people died. They died for their sins of disbelief, arrogance and defiance against God. Even though Aarons cloud of incense was raising a cloud of pleasing aroma to God, and it was just covering the sins of the people, it was enough.

Do you remember Pastor Robs sermon on prayer? The one where he reminded us that the prayers of the saints are a continual incense before God (Rev. 5:8). Chaverim, Satan is always looking for an easy way to cause us to 'slip up'. One of the easiest is to whisper 'It wasn't your fault' in our ear. That clerk doesn't know how to count change. Did he really say I couldn't do that? But I'm late!

¹⁵And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

 ¹⁷Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. ¹⁹My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, ²⁰remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5: 15-20 NIV)

 

Let us remember and take personal responsibility and pray for forgiveness.

Barukh HaShem

 

One Thing

"One thing, Daddy, one thing". Memories of our children flood my mind as I contemplate the scripture of this meditation. As children we want it all, yet our loving parents rightfully limit us to 'One thing". This is a learning experience in patience, sharing, and focus. We have to decide what that "One thing" is that we really desire.

During my morning bible study and meditation, I consulted one of my 'spiritual mentors', John Parsons of hebrew4christians.com. I have mentioned him before. John also writes for Zola Levet's web site (levet.com), as well as others. This morning his meditation was on a Psalm of David (Psalm 27:4), this was slightly unusual in that it wasn't even in the parashah (section of Torah for study) of the week. If you want to check out his meditation, search for 'First things First" under his meditations.

My focus is similar, yet goes in a slightly different tangent. Whereas John focused on the word seek; I on the other hand step back slightly and take a larger look at the scripture.

⁴ One thing I ask of the LORD,
       this is what I seek:
       that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
       all the days of my life,
       to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
       and to seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4 NIV)

Before we get into the "one thing", lets' widen our binocular field of view and really look at the whole Psalm 27. Obviously David is under oppression, more than likely from his King Saul (vs. 2-3, 5-6, 12) and cries out that the Lord not forget or forsake him (vs. 7, 9), yet he remains confident in his Lord (vs. 1-3,5-6,13-14) to save him and give him rest. How many of us are going through similar problems, probably not as physical as David's' with Saul going after him with spear and sword. Yet, they are as damaging in that money, emotional, marriage problems all take their toll on our lives. We too need to cry out to the Lord "Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;" (vs. 9) and humble ourselves and pray for his deliverance (yeshuah).
Why is David so confident in his assurance that The Lord will be with him? Because of the "one thing" David was called 'a man after Gods heart' (1 Samuel 13:13). David only sought (desired, searched for, strived earnestly for) to 'dwell in the house of the Lord', to be able to rest and meditate on the Lord (vs. 4). This is what David actively reached for. Yes, David actively stumbled through his life, but each time he returned to his "one thing" and God had mercy on him, and 'now my head will be lifted above my enemies around me," (vs. 6a)
I am reminded of Tevye of Fiddler on the Roof who, when singing about being a rich man (If I Were a Rich Man), one of the most touching parts is when he realized that, as a 'rich man' he would not have to work all day, he would be able to go to his synagogue and read and meditate on the scriptures and God all day. We all have those dreams of being rich, wondering what we would do all day with ourselves, don't we? David was rich, he was the anointed King of Israel, as such he would have access to the treasuries of the kingdom. Yes, he could do anything he wanted, except build his Temple to the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-17), yet his "one thing" was to "dwell (shivti – to remain, to sit) in the house of the Lord kol-yemei (all the days, completed, of my life; essentially from now until I die) to la'chzovt benoam-YHWH (gaze, behold the unsurpassing beauty, or pleasantness of the Lord) and ulevakker (inquire, seek; an active verb is used here for meditation in NAS) beheichalov (in His palace or temple) (Psalm 27:4).
I have a question here. How could David "gaze upon the beauty of the Lord"? There are no statues of the Lord (Exodus 20:3,4) David could look at, he couldn't even enter the Mishkan (Tabernacle)(Numbers 1:51) to see the Holy articles, let alone the Aron Habereet (Ark of the Covenant). According to the translation of the Hebrew above, when we meditate on the words of the Lord, we are actively seeking the face of YHVH.


La'chzovt benoam-YHVH, chaverim, ulevakker beheichalov, gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, my friends, and seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4b)

Contributions from your plenty

In the book of Numbers, beginning with the 11^th chapter we are following the Israelites after they have left Sinai and are heading toward their promised land. This is a people who have seen the miracles of the Lord, have even heard his voice giving them the Ten Commandments and the entire calamity after that. We follow these people with wonder as they complain about having 'only manna to eat'.

⁴Now the^(G) rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also^(H) wept again and said,^(I) "Oh that we had meat to eat! ^5(J) We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. ⁶But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at." (Numbers 11:4-6)

This manna that they were complaining about they could boil it, grind it and bake it into cakes that 'tasted like cakes baked in oil' (Num 11:8). That sounds to me like cake doughnuts! Wow, cake doughnuts every morning, yet they were complaining, and wanting meat. As an avid meat eater, I can understand about wanting meat every now and then. Again, we read this with wonder at times, and we say to ourselves, 'wow, they have daily miracles presented to them, they don't have to work hard for their food they are provided daily, and yet they grumble at God!

This story goes on, and reaches its' high point with the sending of the spies in to Canaan to search out the land. They were to report back what they found, the fortifications of the cities, and what the agricultural aspects of the land were like. We remember the story as the eight spies return with fearful reports, but Caleb and Joshua try to remind the people that The Lord is on their side. Yet the people rebelled against God:

 ¹Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people^(A) wept that night. ²And all the people of Israel^(B) grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or^(C) would that we had died in this wilderness! ³Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword?^(D) Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" ⁴And they said to one another,^(E) "Let us choose a leader and^(F) go back to Egypt." (Numbers 14:1-4)

If Moses and Aaron had not fallen on their faces immediately and prayed and interceded for the people, The Lord would have destroyed the people right there and then. Instead, the Lord meted out a judgment that was to remind the people in the future that God is farsighted, fair yet strong in His judgment:

²⁰Then the LORD said, "I have pardoned,^(AB) according to your word. ²¹But truly, as I live, and as all^(AC) the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, ^22(AD) none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these^(AE) ten times and have not obeyed my voice, ^23(AF) shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it. (Numbers 14:20-23)

Yet within all this miraculous story, this is not what was brought to my attention this morning. My study took me on to chapter 15 of Numbers, and again there were these laws about sacrifices (ugh, more sacrificial laws. To a priest they would be like amortization tables to a CPA), yet tucked into these laws is this little jewel:

¹³Every native Israelite shall do these things in this way, in offering a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ¹⁴And if a stranger is sojourning with you, or anyone is living permanently among you, and he wishes to offer a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he shall do as you do. ¹⁵For the assembly,^(P) there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. ¹⁶One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you."

 ¹⁷The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ^18(Q) "Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you ¹⁹and when you eat of^(R) the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the LORD. ^20(S) Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a^(T) contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. ^21(U)
Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations. (Numbers 15:13-21)(emphasis mine)

God is talking to Moses about the future; "and when you eat of the bead of the land"… He is promising these rebellious people that yes God will honor his promise and His people will live in the land, not them personally, but their families will. He goes on to talk about when they make bread dough, something so simple that was done on an almost daily basis.

Contributions to the Lord are to be from our plenty. If you haven't made bread by hand before, once you get all the dough mixed together, you've got to let it rest and rise. Now you are at the point of dividing the dough out into separate loaves. This is when you have your plenty; now I can divide out my loaf as a contribution for the Lord. I have this huge mound of dough, yes my arms and back are tired from mixing, but I've got this beautiful, fragrant, elastic mound of potential bread ready to be divided and shaped into separate loaves for the family. They will be so happy when they bite into this fresh warm bread. But first, make a contribution loaf for the Lord; it was He that supplied the essentials to make the bread. Through His grace and mercy I can provide for my family and myself.

Is that what I am doing, writing my check for my contributions to the church, or whomever I give my money to, out of my plenty? Or, do I look at what's left in the account and go, uuhm, I'll write a check for this much; God knows I mean to give more later. Yes, I used to do that too.

One law one rule for all alike, native or sojourner. All who attend, or even the visitor are to make their contributory offerings to the Lord. Does that mean, if I visit my sisters church I need to make a contribution to them also? My feeling here is for me personally; if God puts it on my heart to contribute to the mission of their church I had better do it, and out of the plenty He has provided; He has promised that He will supply our need if we are faithful.

Read Psalm 112 chaverim and Praise His Name

Baruch HaShem