With Longing For Your Mitzvot

"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up"

2012-02-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

“He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to error and is a path toward ruin for others.” (Proverbs 10:17)

What we do and say has influence on others around us – even when we don't intend it.

Proverbs 10:29, “The way of the Lord is a strength and a stronghold to the upright, but it [walking in the way of the Lord] is destruction to the workers of iniquity.”

“The [consistently] righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.” (Proverbs 12:26)

How we use that influence has real impact beyond ourselves. By what we say and do we can lead others more onto a path of righteousness or cause others to go astray.

One significant way we have influence on others is through what we speak. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].”

We can chose to encourage or discourage others by the words we speak to them.

“The tongues of those who are upright and in right standing with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value.” (Proverbs 10:20)

“The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous feed and guide many, but fools die for want of understanding and heart.” (Proverbs 10:21)

“There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Dan Reiland, an author on leadership, writes that encouragement is over 50% of a leaders job. He notes that even the most inspiring vision does not take hold in people's hearts without some form of encouragement towards it. [1]

People need affirmation and to know that others believe in them and their ability to contribute and make a difference. I know for myself, my first boss made a huge difference in my life because he encouraged and believed in me. I would not be where I am today without his encouragement in my life. He saw potential in me and then made room for me to use it.

He didn't give me the answers or tell me how to go about doing things. What made the huge difference in my life is that he believed in me. Then he empowered me and made room for me to use my gifts. When I did well, he affirmed me and when I didn't, he gave me grace (affirming who I was) while still holding me accountable to his expectations.

He often gave me very difficult and challenging responsibilities. But at the same time, they were where he saw I had gifts and could contribute. Because he was such an encouragement to me, I found myself accomplishing and meeting significant challenges that I never imagined I could. It was because of him that I decided I wanted to go into leadership myself, hoping that someday I could possibly make this same difference in other people's lives.

Dan Reiland writes, “Encouragement is a core component of hope. It helps people believe they can have and contribute to a better future. It bolsters their courage when they would otherwise shrink back. It builds their confidence to do things they never thought they could accomplish.” [2]

Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

However, encouragement is different than flattery. Encouragement is seeing God and His purposes in others and calling it out. It is affirming and strengthening others in the truth. Flattery, on the other hand is exaggeration of the truth.

Flattery looks to lie and manipulate others for ones own gain. When we flatter others, it is because we want their approval or something from them. It does not come from a heart that loves and wants the best for the other person.

Proverbs 26:28 says, “A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Encouragement always speaks life and is grounded in the truth. Because encouragement and affirmation is valuable, however, does not mean we should avoid correcting anyone.

Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful.”

Greg Boyd noted this last weekend about parenting that when disciplining our children, we can both affirm who they are and at the same time speak the truth to help them correct their behavior. [3]

An example of a statement that is both affirming and correcting is: I notice that you are gentle, kind and generous with others. It didn't fit who you are when you took the toy away from your little brother. That made me sad.

This same style of correction can be used in any type of situation. Many years ago when I ventured out into leadership, the first advice I received about giving corrective feedback was to, “Focus on the behavior not the person” as I described what needed to change.

The focus of correction is about what a person is doing and not who they are as an individual. So it is completely congruent to both affirm who someone in the truth and at the same time correct their behavior. While correction may feel uncomfortable and painful, it comes from a heart that wants and hopes the best for the other person.

Proverbs 9:8-9 says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning.”

What we speak to others not only impacts others, but our own life. Proverbs 18:20 says, “A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].”

Commentary notes about this that true satisfaction comes out of the words we speak. [4] What we see and call out in others around us has impact on who we are becoming ourselves. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” People who continually speak life to others and call it out of them, also radiate this life themselves.

The gift of encouragement reflects a deeper interdependence. The Wikipedia defines interdependence as “a relation between its members such that each is mutually dependent on the others. This concept differs from a simple dependence relation, which implies that one member of the relationship can't function or survive apart from the other(s).” [5]

Steven Covey notes that people move in stages from:

- dependence, where one cannot function without the help of others, to

- independence, where one functions by making all their own decisions and relying solely on themselves for their care, to

- interdependence where one cooperates with others to achieve a greater good than could be achieved independently. [6]

Steven Covey basically notes that one starts out their life deeply dependent on others for survival. As one gains skills and abilities, using their gifts, they find themselves coming into greater and greater independence. [7]

As people do their own thing living independently, it is not long before one realizes that they have unintended impact on others. We live in a world where life is very interdependent. For instance, as I noted a few weeks ago, rice subsidies in America have had devastating unintended consequences to the people of Haiti. People who were already hungry, were undercut on the one item they could produce.

Proverbs 13: 23 says, “Much food is in the tilled land of the poor, but there are those who are destroyed because of injustice.”

Whether we intend it or not, our choices can cause others to experience greater life or greater harm. If someone steals a car out of their own desire for gain, they cause difficulties to someone else's life. In the same way, if someone gives away their car to another, they can cause the other significant benefit.

Throughout the Proverbs, God's wisdom speaks of consequences for our choices and actions – positive and negative. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them.”

And Proverbs 11:17 says, “The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution.”

As I mentioned, these outcomes impact not only ourselves but often others as well. What we do may have intentional impact on others and/or unintended consequences that impact others.

The word of God continually directs us to become more and more aware of this interdependence, moving away from a mindset of independence. Philippians 2:21 says, “For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”

Paul instructs us to live life in a way that considers others – living in interdependence with those around us. He says in Romans 12:10-18, “Love one another with brotherly affections [as members of one family] giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of God's people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.

Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

In our relationships with others, the Word of God guides us toward moving towards others and seeking to have a positive impact on them. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.”

Where interdependence begins to lead us, as noted by Steven Covey, is on a journey to think about other's interests besides our own (think win-win) and seek to understand other's first rather than focusing on making ourselves understood (seek to understand, then be understood). [8]

And as we move further away from independence and into interdependence, we realize that we can achieve much more by including others. The Wikipedia notes, “In an interdependent relationship, participants may be emotionally, economically, ecologically and/or morally reliant on and responsible to each other.” [9]

When one functions effectively independently, they discover that they can only achieve limited outcome by themselves. But as one begins to relate in interdependent relationships, they realize how much more can be accomplished with the efforts of others.

Ultimately, where it leads us is to synergy. “Synergy is the ability to create more together with others than we can by ourselves.” It is a mindset of unlimited potential as the sum of the parts multiplies the potential of positive outcome exponentially. [10]

One example would be a team of horses. One article notes, “If one horse can pull 700 pounds and another horse can pull 800 pounds, how much weight will they pull yoked together? The answer may surprise you. The two-horse team will pull their own weight plus the weight of their interaction. Therefore, yoked together, the horses can pull 3000 pounds!" [11]

Synergy is the sixth of seven habits that Steven Covey defines that are utilized by the most highly effective people. One source notes about synergy, “If there’s something you have to do to get the most out of this habit, it’s acknowledging that there are differences between people, and that these differences are there to celebrate!” [12]

This source goes on to note, “The paradigm shift in this habit focuses around differences, they’re not annoying, they’re very precious. The moment you realize this is wonderful, and you recognize the hidden value in it. It makes you wonder why you burnt all that energy on fighting differences, when there’s so much to gain from acknowledging them.” [13]

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” sings.

1 Corinthians 12 says that we are all given different gift for the good and profit of all. It is the same God who distributes gifts which distinguish Christians from each other. And these gifts are used in distinctive varieties of service and ministration – but all serving the same Lord.

Ultimately, the body functions by each person coming fully alive to who they are, using their individual gifts to bless and serve the greater common good. While each person operates uniquely based upon how they are wired and the gifts they operate in, each gift is needed to make up the whole. And the whole is much greater than the sum of the individual parts as each person contributes what they have to offer.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 says, “For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).... For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many...

If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell? But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaption.

But if [the whole] were all a single organ, where would the body be? And now there are [certainly] many limbs and organs, but a single body.... So there should be no division or discord or lack of adaption [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest and care for one another...

Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].”

This verse goes on to say that God has appointed some in his body to be the leaders (apostles, prophets, pastor-teachers, etc.). And Ephesians 4:12 notes that in this, “His intention was the perfecting and full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church).”

A significant role of the body is ministering to others and building them up in Christ. Romans 12:5 says, “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” And Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Romans 15:2 goes on to say, “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

A significant role of leadership is helping people find their place in the body, equipping them, and empowering them to use their gifts to benefit the common good - doing the work of ministry in a way that builds others up in Christ.

Dan Reiland notes that effective leaders appreciate who people are and discover who they can become. They look for the potential in each person. He writes, “As a leader, you have the opportunity to bring out a person's best and help him to tap into his potential. The cool thing about this process is that you may see and appreciate someone's potential even before he does.” [14]

He notes that it is important to accept people the way they are, value all people as part of God's creation, and see them as a blessing rather than an interruption to what one is trying to accomplish. Typically, as Dan Reiland notes, “You find what you look for. If you look for flaws, you find them; if you look for a person's best, you find it.” [15]

Dan Reiland mentions that the best kind of leader is one who is quick to encourage and invest generously in others. It is through others that leaders can truly make a significant contribution. [16] When a leader invests a significant amount of their time in equipping and empowering others to accomplish ministry efforts, they multiply what can be accomplish exponentially and achieve synergy.

An example of someone who struggled in stepping into this role of leadership at times was Moses. After he led the Israelites out of Egypt, he thought he had to carry everything himself. He would spend all day judging between the people on their disputes The result was that he exhausted himself and people sat around waiting for him from morning to evening while Moses judged them one by one.

His father-in-law, Jethro, saw this and told him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself.” (Exodus 18:17-18)

Instead, Jethro encouraged Moses to delegate the primary responsibility for judging to able men. By setting up leaders and delegating to them the primary work, it freed Moses up for teaching the people, representing the people before God, and judging the most difficult cases. (Exodus 18:19-26)

A truly effective leader, rather than trying to accomplish everything themselves, will see the opportunity to multiply efforts and change lives through engaging others in the work of meaningful ministry. They will see the need and benefit of investing themselves in others and engaging the people in a work of higher purpose.

Dan Reiland writes, “An invitation to engage in meaningful ministry is an opportunity to change lives.” By inviting others to share in your vision, you are calling them to share in a higher purpose in a way that has meaningful impact. For those who accept the invitation, putting their hands to what their heart prompts and becoming part of a greater cause in advancing the kingdom, it has life altering impact. [18]

“ O God,
make me of some nourishment
for these starved times,
some food
for my brothers and sisters
who are hungry for gladness and hope,
that, being bread for them,
I may also be fed
and be full.”

- Ted Loder [19]

1-2, 14-18. Reiland, Dan. Amplified Leadership: 5 Practices to Establish, Influence, Build People, and Impact Others for a Lifetime. Charisma House, Lake Mary, Florida. 2011.

3. Boyd, Greg. DTR... We Need to Talk – about the kids. Sermon 2/5/11. Upper Room. Located at: http://urminneapolis.org/mediaSermons.php

4. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Pr 18:20

5, 9. Wikipedia. Interdependence. Located at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdependence. Last Accessed: 2/7/12.

6-8. QuickMBA. Management. Summary of Steven R. Covey's 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,' Located at: http://www.quickmba.com/mgmt/7hab/. Last Accessed: 2/7/12.

10, 12-13. Covey’s habit 6: Synergize. Be an Original. Located at:http://beanoriginal.net/coveys-habit-6-synergize/. Last Accessed 2/7/12.

11. Two Horse Rule. Snopes. Locate at: http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=35697. Last Accessed: 2/7/12.

19. Loder, Ted. Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers For The Battle. Innisfree Press, Inc. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1984.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. (Ps. 140:12)

2012-02-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

Psalm 146:5-9
“Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of [special revelation to] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them,
Who keeps truth and is faithful forever,
Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets free the prisoners,
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind,
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
The Lord loves the [uncompromisingly] righteous...

The Lord protects and preserves the the strangers and temporary residents, He upholds the fatherless and the widow ans sets them upright, but the way of the wicked He makes crooked (turns upside down and brings to ruin).”

Over and over, the Psalms speak about the Lord being a God who sets captive free, heals, restores, and binds up the broken. Commentary notes that He is the one “who executes justice: The descriptive phrases in v. 7 remind us of the praise of God in Psalm 103:3–6 and Psalm 107:8–10. These are the regularly recurring acts of God in response to the needs of His people (113:7–9).” [1]

Psalm 103:3-6 says about the Lord, “Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring] The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.”

Psalm 107:8-10, says, “Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and irons... “

Psalm 107:13-16 goes on to say, “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke apart the bonds that held them. Oh that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men! For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron apart.”

And Psalm 113:7-9 says, “[The Lord] raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill, that He may seat them with princes, even with the princes of His people. He makes the] children barren women to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)”

The Lord is so good. And He cares deeply about justice for the poor!! He went to the cross so that we might be set free from oppression and taste of His life. He poured out that which sustained His own life for the hungry and satisfied the need of the afflicted (Isaiah 58:10).

Isaiah 58:10 says, “And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday...

Then Isaiah 58:12 says, “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;[a] you shall raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Street to Dwell in.”

Jesus is that light that dawns on us and raises up those destitute places that have been laid to waste! Out of the tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, we were given a Light from on high that -dawns upon us. “To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.” (Luke 1:78-79)

Malachi 4:2 says, “But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gombol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.”

Commentary notes that this picture is a “figurative representation of the rays emanating from the sun, indicating the swiftness with which the healing will be applied to the righteous that need it. As the result of the healing …” [2]

And Isaiah 60:1-5 says, “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you -rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about you and see! They all gather themselves together, they come to you. Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried and nursed in the arms.

Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and tremble with joy [at the glorious deliverance] and be enlarged; because the abundant wealth of the [Dead] Sea* shall be returned to you, unto you shall the nations come with their treasures.”
* Commentary notes that the Dead Sea was considered a place of death and destitution.[3]

Psalm 147:1-6 says about Him, “Praise The Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate. The Lord is building up Jerusalem; He is gathering together the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].

He determines and counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names. Great is our Lord and of great power; His understanding is inexhaustible and boundless. The Lord lifts up the humble and downtrodden; He casts the wicked down to the ground.”

One of the significant reasons why Jesus was sent by the Father and went to the cross was to bind up and heal the brokenhearted and set captives free who are in bondage. Isaiah 42:6-7, it says about Jesus, “I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles], to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.”

Freedom and healing is the good news of the gospel!! Isaiah 61:1-3 says, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and the afflicted;”

He has sent me to:
“- to bind up up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes of those who are bound.

- To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

- To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion -to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of morning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit- that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Jesus was and is passionate about bringing justice to the poor. It is deeply in His heart. Isaiah 42:1-4 says about Him, “Behold My Servant, Whom I uphold, My elect in Whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice and right and reveal truth to the nations. He will not cry or shout aloud or cause His voice to be heard in the street.

A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not quench; He will bring forth justice in truth. He will not fail or become weak or be crushed and discouraged till He has established justice in the earth; and the islands and coastal regions shall wait hopefully for Him and expect His direction and law.”

Over and over, the Word of God speaks about God's heart of compassion for the poor and afflicted. He hears their cries and answers them with awesome deeds of righteousness (Ps. 65:5). He is our hope to the ends of the earth (Ps. 65:5).

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.”

At the same time, I know that God sometimes does not heal and set free those who are struggling in oppression and bondage. So is Jesus always willing?

In Luke 5:12-13, a man with leprosy came to Jesus, “fell on his face and implored Him, saying, Lord, if You are willing, You are able to cure me and make me clean. And [Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed! And immediately the leprosy left him.”

Sometimes perhaps He does not heal because one refuses to turn to Him and receive healing In Matthew 13:58 it says that Jesus could not do many miracles for the peoples lack of faith or unbelief. The people took offense at Him and refused to accept His authority (Matthew 13:57). Because of this, they could not receive His healing.

Psalm 91:14 says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understand My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness -trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him...”

Other times, perhaps it may take some time for a person to see their need and then humble themselves to come and receive His healing. Naaman was an example of someone who saw their need, but it took awhile for him to come to the Lord and humble himself to receive healing.

Naaman was a leper who did not know the Lord. He came to Israel expecting to be healed by a prophet because a young slave girl who waited on his wife told them that the prophet in Samaria could heal him. Then when the prophet told him to wash himself in the Jordan seven times, he refused. He was insulted and went away angry. Later, after some encouragement from his servants, he humbled himself and followed his directions. When he did humble himself and come for healing the way he had been instructed, he was healed and came to believe in God. (2 Kings 5:1-15)

Psalm 147:6 says, “The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.”

Sometimes people are in sin and rebellion and have not yet come to a place of repentance so that they could be healed. Matthew 13:15 says, “For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'”

Psalm 34:18 says that he saves those who are “humbly and thoroughly penitent.”

In Psalm 107:10-16, people were in bondage and afflicted due to their rebellion against God. Because of this, their hearts were bowed down with hard labor and there was none to help. Yet, when they “cried to the Lord in their trouble,” it says “He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke apart the bonds that held them.”

Sometimes, it seems that healing may come a small amount at a time rather than all at once. Healing may occur over a period of years as the wounds heal, the mind is renewed and one learns new realities.

As an example, fear of disaster is something I struggled with for many years and has been deeply rooted. 1 John 4:18 says that perfect love expels all fear. As much as I desired it, God did not completely heal me of this all at once. My thought patterns needed to be changed over time by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2).

As I have come to receive and trust in His love more and more over time, the way I think has changed. Rather than anticipating disaster when things go wrong, I have come more and more to trust in and expect God's goodness. His continuous love towards me has expelled my fear of disaster. I am learning that I can trust Him to always protect and care for me, even in my sin and shortcomings.

My Savior loves, my Savior lives, My Savior's always there for me” sings in the background.

Absence of healing may not have anything to do with someone's lack of faith, sin, timing, or humility in receiving. Sometimes God does not heal because it somehow demonstrates His glory in a greater measure through one's weakness.

Paul had a 'thorn in the flesh” that kept him from being haughty. He prayed three times to be delivered from it. However, God did not set him free. Instead God spoke to him, “My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your weakness].

One of my close friends struggles with a great deal of physical disabilities. She is a deeply humble woman of prayer who trusts and depends on God to get through her daily activities. While she has received some physical healing over the years, the greatest gift is that God has given her is strength and inner joy in the midst of her struggles with her physical limitations. In this, she has ministered deeply to me and others in ways that no one else could (who didn't have severe physical limitations).

James 2:5 says, “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?”

Not only does God passionately pursue us and has poured out His life to bring us freedom from prison, affliction and oppression, but it was for freedom that we were set free (Gal. 5:1). We are not to use our freedom to sin again but to serve others in love (Gal. 5:3).

As Steve Hanson mentioned this past weekend in his sermon, if we were asked what true religion looked like in action we would come up with many answers. James 1:27 cuts through all the things that we make religion about to that which matters most to God's heart.

It says in James 1:27, “External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.”

Caring about the least, the poor and uncared about matters deeply to God. Much more than any religious practice we can enter into. True religion is serving the poor. And as Mother Teresa noted, “Only holiness perfects the gift.” We don't serve the poor in our own strength, but as we abide in Christ and serve the poor from a place of worship, we radiate His love to others.

It says about Mother Teresa, “Radiating love, joy hope, peace, and enthusiasm, and with her habitual concern for the individual sufferer, she would make one feel loved and special even in one short meeting. The reason for this extraordinary effect on people was not because of any special qualities or talents she had.

Rather, it was to be found in the radiance of her personal holiness, of the power and attraction of a soul totally given to God. She was so united with God, that through contact with her, people felt that God was listening to them, helping them, caring for them, loving them.

The prayer, 'Radiating Christ,' which she prayed daily with her sisters after Mass, had become a reality in her own life. She asked in this prayer: 'Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus,' and, indeed, it was the light of His love His love that she radiated to others.

Mother Teresa reached an eminent degree of holiness through her unwavering 'yes' to God and His loving will, despite the hardships it involved.” [4]

Isaiah 62:1,4 says about Gods people, “For Zion's sake will I [Isaiah] not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until her imputed righteousness and vindication go forth as brightness, and her salvation radiates as does a burning torch...You [Judah] shall no more be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land be called Desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her], and your land be called Beulah [married]; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]."

God is raising up a people who, like Him radiate His glory and also are deeply passionate to see the poor set free from captivity, to raise up those who are broken down and see His justice established on earth. Isiah 61 4 says about His people, “And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.”

And what God starts, He sees through to the end. Isaiah 61:11 says, “For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so [surely] the Lord god will cause righteousness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations [through the self-fulfilling power of His word].

Lord, sometimes I think that I have to convince you to come and bring your justice. I forget that You are the one that put the desire in my heart. You deeply long to see restoration in places of destitution. You poured yourself out that we might have that life and freedom.

I am ever so grateful for that work in my own life. You have given me more than I could have asked or even imagined. I still remember you speaking to me that I didn't know just how destitute I was. And You execute justice not for me only, but for all who are oppressed! We long to see your justice poured forth on the earth and the devastations of many generations raised up. Let Your kingdom come, Your will be done!!

a. Commentary notes, “The coming of Christ rebuilt the house of David (Amos 9:11, 12; Acts 15:15–17).” [5]

1, 5. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 1862

3. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.

4. Mother Teresa. “Where There Is Love, There is God.” Random House, Inc. New York, NY. 2010.

"Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

2012-01-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

“All who see me laugh at me and mock me; they shoot out the lip, they shake their head saying, He trusted and rolled himself on the Lord, that He would deliver him. Let Him deliver him, seeing that He delights in him!

Yet You are He Who took me out of the womb; You made me hope and trust when I was on my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from my very birth; from my mother’s womb You have been my God.

Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Many [foes like] bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have hedged me in. Against me they have opened their mouths wide, like a ravening and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it is softened [with anguish] and melted down within me. My strength is dried up like a fragment of clay pottery; [with thirst] my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You have brought me into the dust of death.

For [like a pack of] dogs they have encompassed me; a company of evildoers has encircled me, they pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; [the evildoers] gaze at me. They part my clothing among them and cast lots for my raiment…” (Psalms 22:7-18)

Jesus says in John 13:34, “Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.”

And in John 15:12-13 He says, “This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.”

“Lord I want to give you everything, this is my offering - all of me, this is my offering” sings

Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was for a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, but stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even death of the cross!”

And Psalm 44:11-18 says, “You have made us like sheep intended for mutton [food] and have scattered us in exile among the nations. You sell Your people for nothing, and have not increased Your wealth by their price.

You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, a scoffing and a derision to those who are round about us. You make us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the heads among the people. My dishonor is before me all day long, and shame has covered my face at the words of the taunter and reviler, by reason of the enemy and the revengeful.

All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten You, neither have we been false to Your covenant [which You made with our fathers]. Our hearts are not turned back, neither have our steps declined from Your path.”

Commentary notes about this, “At other times in history there was a definite connection between suffering and sin. But in this particular case it was not so. It seemed instead that the people’s plight was due to the fact that they were God’s chosen people. It was a case of suffering for God and for His covenant. The calamities had come to a people who had not turned their backs on God or violated His covenant.” [1]

They suffered not as a result of their sin, but as a result of their faithfulness in bringing forth the gospel of Christ. Peter says in 1 Peter 2:19-24, “For one is regarded favorably (is approved, acceptable, and thank-worthy) if, as in the sight of God, he endures the pain of unjust suffering. [After all] what kind of glory [is there in it] if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you take it patiently? But if you bear patiently with suffering [which results] when you do right and that is undeserved, it is acceptable and pleasing to God.

For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps. He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips. When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but He trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.

He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. Be His wounds you have been healed.”

Paul sets an example of following Jesus and bearing up under suffering for bringing forth the gospel (and not for sin). He tells the church in 1 Corinthians 4:10-13, “We are [looked upon as] fools on account of Christ and for His sake, but you are [supposedly] so amazingly wise and prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are [so very] strong! You are highly esteemed, but we are in disrepute and contempt! To this hour we have gone both hungry and thirsty; we [habitually] wear but one undergarment [and shiver in the cold]; we are roughly knocked about and wonder around homeless.

And we still toil onto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us [wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it. When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort. We have been made and are now the rubbish and filth of the world [the offscouring of all things, the scum of the earth].”

We are to love as Jesus has loved us. Mother Teresa writes, “We must not be afraid to love. We must not be afraid to love until it hurts because love is giving until it hurts.” [2] Steve Hanson mentioned this last week when I was on a mission trip to Haiti that giving is supposed to hurt.

He noted John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” Mother Teresa writes, “Love has to be built on sacrifice. We have to give until it hurts.” [3]

“I'll be strong and courageous, I'll live my life for You and You alone my only King, because Your my God throughout the ages. Here am I. I am Yours. Send me” sings.

Steve Hanson had noted that it is not supposed to be only 10% of ourselves that we give but we are to give all of ourselves to others until it hurts. Mother Teresa writes about the poor, “And we cannot serve them just by giving them a few dollars or a few rupees from the abundance. We must give until it hurts. We must give our heart to love them and our hands to serve them whoever they may be, wherever they may be.” [4]

Mother Teresa notes, “We must give until it hurts. For love to be true it has to hurt. It hurt Jesus to love us; it hurt God to love us because He had to give. He gave His Son…” [5]

So who are the poor we are to serve? One author, Aristide, in his book, “Eyes of the Heart,” notes that at the time we entered this century, there were 1.3 billion people living on less than one dollar a day and half the population (3 billion people) living on less than two dollars a day. He notes that the top 20% of the population held 86% of the wealth and that this was an ever growing percentage of accumulation of wealth.[6]

One can lack economic resources and still be incredibly rich. They can give freely out of the abundance of their soul while not having anything financial to offer. I met people like this in Haiti. People who lacked financial resources but were full of joy, generosity, wisdom and love.

One particular individual comes to mind. While financially he may not have been considered among the wealthy or privileged, he clearly was incredibly spiritually rich. He poured out love, acceptance, and hospitality to us and others around him. The joy on his face radiated the richness of his soul. He gave of himself to us by serving, accepting and loving us.

One can be rich in God's wisdom of God and economically very poor. Solomon had taken note of someone like this. Ecclesiastes 9:13-15a says, “There was a little city with few men in it. And a great king came against it and besieged it and built great bulwarks against it. But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city.”

However, lacking financial resources often causes other suffering in the ones who lack. Aristide writes, “Behind this crisis of dollars there is a human crisis: among the poor, immeasurable human suffering...”[7]

Often those who are financially poor lack access to resources they need. They fail to receive adequate nutrition, medical care, housing, and other assistance. They also lack access to education opportunities that would help empower them and advance them and their children. They lack conveniences of technology, cars, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. that free up ones time and empower. They are reduced to a life of struggling just to survive day to day with no hope of future change.

Aristide writes that we have not reached the consensus that to eat is a basic human right and not a privilege for those who can afford it. He notes that this is an ethical crisis.”[8]

We live in a global economy and societies that cater to the privileged and those who have wealth. We have 16 choices of flavors for our morning blend of coffee. At the same time, statistics report that even in 2012, children die every day due to malnutrition. And 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water -approximately one in eight people.[9]

Aristide writes, “Global capitalism becomes a machine devouring our planet. The little finger, the men and women of the poorest 20%, are reduced to cogs in this machine, the bottom rung in global production, valued only as cheap labor, otherwise altogether disposable.” [10]

Besides lacking economic resources, people who are financially poor are often treated poorly. They are not given the human dignity and respect that they deserve. As people in the world value wealth and those who are economically successful, people who lack resources are often looked down upon and not heeded.

Ecclesiastes 9:15b-17 goes on to say about the wise poor man who saved the city, “Yet no man [seriously] remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, thought he poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heeded. The words of wise men heard in quiet are better than the shouts of him who rules among fools.”

People will follow along without question the person who drives an expensive car and wears expensive clothing. Often people immediately try to impress people who have privilege and power. However, they are also quick to question or look down upon someone who cannot afford these.

Most people will not seek out someone who is in economic poverty for advice or take their advice to heart. People in poverty can feel like they are not capable of making a good decision for themselves and look to others that are further up on the economic line to make their decisions for them.

However, ones financial position does not necissarily correlate with poverty. There are many people who are financially wealthy and have many privileges that are poor spiritually. They lack capacity to make wise decisions and/or are in bondage to addictions.

Mother Teresa speaks of the poor as all those who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, thrown away, rejected in society. They are those who have lost their human dignity, disregarded and are considered the lepers of society. [11] They are those who are desperately in need of love.

We live in a society that puts people in a line rather than a circle. We frequently put those with more privileges or power above us and those with less underneath or below us. Then we follow those 'above' and feel we have a right and knowledge to direct those who are 'below' us. Someone 'above' with privilege and power feels superior to someone 'below.'

There are several examples of living in a line in history with devastating results. Hitler justified extermination of the Jewish people on the grounds of Germany's superiority. Hitler and Nazi followers viewed life in a line where those who are superior win out and crush those underneath them – creating a superior race. Superiority is also the basis of Darwin's theories.

When one puts themselves and others in a line, they cannot love them because they are constantly comparing and competing. God did not make some people superior and others inferior. God gave all people gifts and created them in His image. The weakest part of the body that is most vulnerable is as valuable to the whole body as the strongest part (1 Corinthians 12:22). Both have something to add.

When one sees themselves as superior and others as inferior, they feel justified in oppressing others for their own gain. Solomon made the mistake of using his privilege and wealth to oppress the people for his own gain. He was more concerned with being world renown for his 'wisdom' than bringing the kingdom of God forth and serving the people. (1 Kings 10:23-24)

Often people view the world out of lenses of what Steven Covey calls a “scarcity mentality.” It is one where there are only so many pieces of the pie. We have to fight to get a piece and then protect what we have. This leads to comparison, competition and diminishing others for ones own gain.

Steven Covey talks about rather seeing the world out a lenses of an “abundance mentality.” This is where as we let go of what we have to serve others, the pie just gets bigger. We do not need to protect what we have or compare and compete with others for more. Those who have the greatest piece of the pie are in a position to empower, care for, and serve those with less so that they might have more for themselves.

So how would it look to see others as completing them in fulfilling a greater mission of good rather than competing with them for resources, power and privilege? What if rather than competing with and oppressing those who are beneath in a line, one clearly sees all others as their equals in God's eyes?

Even in some churches, I have seen privilege and power used at times to control others rather than serve others for their benefit. [a] How does it look to use one's resources, privilege and power to build up and empower others with less rather than diminish or oppress them? And what does it look like to give until it hurts?

The clock reads 3:33pm.

I think it starts with changing our paradigm. Steven Covey once noted that our behaviors are based our paradigm of the world. To change our behaviors, we need to change our paradigm. We need to change from one that maintains a scarcity mentality based upon economic resources and has ourselves at the center, seeing people in a line to one that maintains an abundance mentality and has God at the center, seeing people in a circle.

“How could I stand here and watch the sun rise, follow the mountains where they touch the sky, Ponder the vastness and the depths of the sea and think for a moment the point of it all was to make much of me. Cause I'm just a whisper and You are the thunder and I want to make much of You, Jesus; I want to make much of Your love” sings in the background.

When we have God at the center of our lives, [b] we naturally love what He loves – other people. We can see people how they were created to be. They are not objects to be used for our own advantage. Rather each person is a work of God. They are His poem, His masterpiece. Each has tremendous value.

Lord, forgive me where I have had a scarcity mentality or saw people in a line rather than a circle. Forgive me wherever I have protected or used my privileges, power, and/or resources for my own personal gain rather than empowering others.

Give us an abundance mentality and empower us to use all that we have to serve others. Teach us to give generously of our heart, time, gifts and resources until in genuinely hurts. We long to look more like You.

a. Oppression of others can be as subtle as protecting ones own resources at another's expense. This happened with agricultural subsidies. As one learns in economics class in college, subsidies protect our farmers ability to produce which protects our food supply in America. However, 'protecting' ourselves in this way has also oppressed others.

Aristide noted that the impact of American subsidies of rice on Haiti's population was devastating. He wrote, “Haiti, under intense pressure from the international lending institutions, stopped protecting its domestic agriculture while subsidies to the U.S. rice industry increased. A hungry nation became hungrier.” [12]

The Wikipedia notes about subsidies, “The impact of agricultural subsidies in developed countries upon developing-country farmers and international development is well documented. Agricultural subsidies depress world prices and mean that unsubsidised developing-country farmers cannot compete; and the effects on poverty are particularly negative when subsidies are provided for crops that are also grown in developing countries since developing-country farmers must then compete directly with subsidised developed-country farmers...” [13]

Also, having wealth and privilege can mislead one to think that they know better than those who don't have wealth and privilege on how things could best be done. Giving can be done in a way that creates more problems and pain than it does benefit for the people it is supposed to serve when one tries to conform others to their ways by their giving or has hooks attached to their giving.

Aristide describes a situation where international agencies convinced Haiti's peasants that there pigs were sick and had to be killed so that they did not spread disease to other countries. These Creole pigs were extremely important to the economy and hearty -made for their environment. They ate waste products and could survive for three days without food.

Haitians were promised that better pigs would be given to them to replace these pigs when they were exterminated. Two years later, they were given pigs that required clean drinking water (unavailable to most the population) and food that cost $90 a year when the per capita income was only $130. The result was devastating to the economy. [14]

Additionally, sometimes giving does not empower but creates dependance. When one is given resources out of pity, a dependance can be created that does not help the person. In Haiti, some street kids have found that they can enjoy the freedom of running the streets freely while begging for money. Giving the street kids money because one feels sorry for them rather than figuring out how to truly help them only rewards begging and further encourages them to continue in their current way of living.

When I was in Israel on a tour some years ago, I was approached on occasion by young children who wanted a dollar. They sometimes even offered a postcard in return. I was told not to give them any money. What would sometimes happen is that their parents or guardians would keep them out of school and teach them to beg for money from tourists. By giving them money the parents/guardians were being rewarded and encouraged to keep their children from school.

Sometimes the issue is not that one is giving in a way that creates dependance, but that one is giving out of guilt, pressure, manipulation or another motive.

b. When we have God at the center and can see the world in a different light, we naturally respond to him in generosity to others. Giving generously is a response from the heart towards God.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'"

This verse speaks that giving needs to be done from the heart rather than from other motives or pressure from outside. Giving is a response from the heart towards God. It is not a burdensome duty to love God with all our heart, time and resources – it is an act of worship.

“A heart called to worship” sings in the background.

In Exodus 25:2 the Lord says, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.”

And in 1 Chronicles 29:9 it says, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”

The focus of our giving needs to flow from our heart and relationship with God. As God pours his life into us, it is out of the over-abundance that we give to others. Giving needs to be motivated by love – love from God, love of God and sharing this love with others.

Giving to earn God's or other's approval does not benefit us. Giving to be viewed as a 'good person' or to earn our way into heaven will never gain us anything. 1 Corinthians 13:3 says, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

When we give of ourselves, our gifts, our time, our resources and our heart out of worship, God does promise to prosper our efforts. In Deuteronomy 15:10, Moses tells the people to be generous towards their needy brother. He says, “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”

And where this loving and generous giving needs to begin is within our own family. Mother Teresa writes, “what I want from you is that when we look together and we see the poor in our own family, that we begin at home to love until it hurts. That we have a ready smile, that we have time for our people.” [15]

She goes on to write, “So I think it is good for us to begin to love at home. Then once we have learned to love with the love that hurts, then we will be able to give that love, our eyes will open up, we’ll see, we’ll see. Very often, we look but we don’t see or we see and we don’t want to look, and so let us begin to practice at home. That tender love for our people, the husband for the wife, for the children, for the people working in your factory.” [16]

1. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Ps 44:17

2-5, 11, 15, 16. Mother Teresa. “Where There Is Love, There is God.” Random House, Inc. New York, NY. 2010.

6-8, 10, 12, 14. Aristide, Jean-Bertrand. Eyes of the heart: seeking a path for the poor in the age of globalization. Common Courage Press, Monroe, ME. 2000.

9. Water. UNICEF/WHO. 2008. Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation: Special Focus on Sanitation. Taken from statistics at: http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/. Last Accessed: 1/23/11.

13. Wikipedia. Agricultural Subsidy. Located at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_subsidies. Last Accessed: 1/23/11.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19)

2012-01-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

“For a dream comes with much business and painful effort, and a fool’s voice with many words.” (Ecc 5:3)

Sometimes dreams can be a means of escape. We do not want to deal with our current issues we have dreams of how we would like things to be. One can come up with many ideas and feel good in the fantasy of the moment, but never put anything into making the dreams come about. People who continually do this are often coined ‘dreamers.’

Ecclesiastes 5:7 says, “For in a multitude of dreams there is futility and worthlessness, and ruin in a flood of words.”

Other times, people will have a great dream for their future but it does not come about because the person fails to invest in it or they don’t count the cost. When they come across obstacles they become discouraged and quit. Then they move on to something else.

John Maxwell suggests that it is a person’s inner fire that propels them to achieve their dream. He writes, “Put simply, desire determines destiny. As a rule, leaders attain influence proportionate to the size of the blaze burning within them.” [1]

When people are passionate about something, obstacles to not detour one’s pursuit. When they fail, they learn and get up and try again. Most people who have succeeded at anything significant have failed many, many times before they finally succeeded. They did not become discouraged or quit. Each time they learned from their mistakes, grew and got up to try again.

John Maxwell writes , “Passion makes the impossible possible. People are wired so that when their souls ignite, they no longer shrink before the barriers in front of them. That’s what makes a passionate leader particularly effective. He or she conceives of possibilities and opportunities for progress whereas dispassionate persons only see roadblocks and reasons why a vision can’t be achieved.” [2]

When we have dreams, it is important to consider what it may cost us before pursuing them. If the cost is significant, what will determine our ability to finish is our willingness to stay committed. If we are deeply passionate about what we are pursuing, any cost may seem insignificant in comparison.

Jesus asks in Luke 14: 28-33, “For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculated the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock and jeer at him, saying, This man began to build and was not able (worth enough) to finish.

Or what king, going out to engage in conflict with another king, will not first sit down and consider and take counsel on whether he is able with ten thousand [men] to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if he cannot [do so], when the other king is still a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks the terms of peace. So then, any of you who does not forsake (renounce , surrender claim to, give up, say good-bye to) all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Commentary notes, “Jesus’ call here is to follow Him in the way of rejection and suffering. A disciple will be rejected by those in the world who do not honor Christ. Therefore, a disciple must be ready to face and accept such rejection.” [3]

Just as we need to count the cost on pursing our dreams, we are to count the cost of being a disciple before entering in. Commentary goes on to note, “Christ does not give some emotional appeal to follow Him. He asks for careful consideration of the action the disciple may choose to take and whether he or she will be faithful to the task (9:57, 58).” [4]

A disciple is defined as one who is taught or a student [5]. A student is in a mode of continuous learning. They don’t think they have all the answers but are continually seeking to understand and put into practice the principles, concepts, and ideals that they gain from others.

One resource goes on to notes that the word disciple is sometimes used more specifically to indicate the twelve apostles of Jesus. They were a small inner group of believers [6] who were called to carry out the ministry of Jesus. While many can be disciples (Matthew 28:19), there were only a select few who were called to be apostles and carry His ministry out into the world (Acts 1:21-26).

Whatever we are called to, discipleship requires a response by us of deep commitment. Jesus says in Matthew 22:14, “For many are invited, but few are chosen." It is more than going along with the crowd and seeing Jesus perform miracles or provide for our needs. Being a disciple means putting following Him first in our lives.

When Jesus told the people who were following Him that they needed to believe and trust and have faith, eating His flesh and drinking His blood, many disciples became offended. They drew back and stopped following Him (Matthew 6:53-66). He asked the Twelve disciples, “Will you also go away?” (Matthew 6:67)

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God” (Matthew 6:68-69).

Discipleship is a commitment that does not turn away no matter what happens. One has counted the cost and their whole heart is in the offering. Discipleship gives all to Jesus.

Commentary notes, “The essence of discipleship is to place all things in God’s hands. Jesus wants the crowds to understand this. Following Jesus is not a trivial matter. It is not how little you can give to God, but how much God deserves.” [7]

Discipleship requires full devotion and commitment. As commentary goes on to note, one cannot be a disciple if they are not fully devoted to God. [8] If there is something that one is holding back or saying in their heart, that cost would be too much - something that they are unwilling to put in the offering, they cannot be a disciple.

“You are everything that I live for…. You are everything I breathe for” sings in the background

Following Jesus is a life of death. One must deny their desires and wishes and follow after Jesus forsaking all else. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also.]

“Here I am, all I have, take it all” sings in the background.

Jesus came not to do His own will and purpose but that of the kingdom of His fathers (John 6:38). In the same way, the disciples were called to let go of their own purposes and interests for kingdom purposes.

“And ever since I died to myself, You gave a better life to me” sings.

Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:31, “I die daily.” Paul no longer held on to his own interests. He gave them up and let the passion for Jesus’ kingdom fill him. He no longer did anything with his own purposes in mind. He gloried even in incredible difficulties and suffering to himself because he could see that through it Jesus was bringing His kingdom.

He told the church in Romans 14:7, “None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for] if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord. For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

The twelve diciples aslo gloried in their suffering when it brought the kingdom forward. They had left all to follow Jesus when they heard Him call. They looked to the things that are eternal and set their eyes heavenward rather than on the things of the world that “moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Mttw. 6:30).

As disciples, we cannot hold onto anything or put anything before Jesus. Jesus says in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple.”

The disciples told Jesus in Matthew 19:27, “Behold, we have left [our] all and have become Your disciples [sided with Your party and followed You]. What then shall we receive?”

Jesus responded in Matthew 19:28, “Truly I say to you, in the new age (the Messianic rebirth of the world), when the Son of Man shall sit down on the throne of His glory, you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Eventually, where following and leaving all led the disciples was not to rule and reign in this world like a king but to the foot of the cross. As noted in the sermon at my church last weekend, the day that Jesus was on the cross had to be the darkest day for the disciples. Their leader, rather than taking over, had died. But what they found was that His kingdom was much different than their thoughts and their desires.

Rather than being raised up on a throne, Jesus was raised up on a cross. Jesus told his disciples before his death, “You will all be offended and stumble and fall away because of Me this night [distrusting and deserting Me], for it is written, I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Matthew 26:31)

But their commitment to Jesus did not rest in their own hands. As long as they were willing to say yes in their hearts to Jesus, He turned their failures into learning and growing experiences along the way. He told them, “But after I am raised up [to life again], I will go ahead of you to Galilee”

Jesus sustains our commitment to Him. John 18:9 says, “This what He had said was fulfilled and verified, Of those whom You have given Me, I have not lost even one.”

In John 6:39 Jesus had said, “And this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I should not lose any of all that He has given Me, but that I should give new life and raise [them all] up at the last day.”

As the lives of the disciples had to have seemed to be turned completely upside down by His death, Jesus held onto them with a grip that would not let them go. In John 17:12 Jesus told His Father, “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”

While Jesus allows us to go through difficulties and struggles so that we can grow and become more like Him, He will also see us through them. We can trust that Jesus will deliver us in all our difficulties and struggles, bringing Himself glory.

Psalm 91:14-16 says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understand My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness –trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Jesus never let any of the disciples out of His hand. When Peter was sifted by Satan, Jesus had interceded for him. Jesus told Peter in Luke 32:21-22, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

“Where would I be without someone to save me, someone who won’t let me fall?” sings in the background.

And whenever the disciples strayed back towards the world or their old ways, Jesus came to get them. Jesus was faithful not to leave them in their wonderings, but bring them back into alignment with His will. Jesus knew exactly what was needed in every circumstance.

After Jesus was crucified, the disciples shut themselves in behind closed doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). Jesus came to them and called them to have peace. He showed them his hands and side. He told them, “[Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.” Having said this, “He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20:21-22)

“Sing a song of hope, sing along, God of heaven come down, heaven come down” sings.

When the disciples went back to fishing, Jesus again revealed Himself to them at the Sea of Tiberias. They were fishing and not catching a thing all night. Jesus yelled out to them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they did, they were not able to haul it in because the catch was so big (John 21:6).

They realized it was Jesus and John cried out, It is the Lord! When Peter heard this he jumped into the sea and swam back to shore to see Him. Then as they all came back to shore, Jesus had breakfast with them.

Jesus was not just having a causual breakfast, He was calling them back to follow Him. He knew just what they needed at the time to be encourged. Jesus turned to Peter and asked Him, Peter, do you love Me? When Peter responded that of course he did, Jesus told him to feed His sheep. (John 21:7-17)

Jesus called Peter once again to follow Him, laying down his life and his own agenda for kingdom purposes. He went on to tell Peter in John 21:18, “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go.”

John 21:19 goes on to say that Jesus said this “to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me!”

Coming back to what I wrote earlier, disciples are called to fully lay down their own agenda and live solely for kingdom purposes. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:15, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

As disciples we are His servants and do not have rights of our own. Paul says in Philippians 1:5-8, “Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!”

And as disciples, God grants us “[the privilege] for Christ’s sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf.” (Phil. 1:29) Peter tells the church in 1 Peter 2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

We can expect to have trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33). And as disciples of Jesus, we will be persecuted. Jesus says in John 15:20, “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”

Jesus never shrunk back form kingdom purposes because of persecution. And as His disciples we are called to the same. We are not to avoid suffering and persecution, looking how to escape, but look to Jesus on how to be faithful in the midst of it.

In Revelation 2:13, Jesus told the church of Pergamum, “I know where you live –a place where Satan sits enthroned. [Yet] you are clinging to and holding fast My name, and you did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed (martyred) in your midst –where Satan dwells.”

We are to entrust ourselves to our Savior. In John 16:33, he says about tribulations we will experience in the world, “ But take heart! I have overcome the world." As we look to Him, we too will overcome by His power. It is not by our strength but by His. He is faithful to take us through.

Revelation 12:11 says about those who were accused by Satan day and night, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Disciples are also called to love in all circumstances. Jesus says in John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

And John says in 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death."

“Give me your love for humanity” sings in the background.

Love is more than just words, love gives itself away for others benefit. James 2:16 says, "If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" Love is willing to take action and move towards others, helping them in their time of need.

And love generously forgives and hopes the best of people, alwasy seeking reconciliation. We cannot chose to be a disciple and at the same time refuse to forgive, love and reconcile with our brothers. A disciple cannot claim the right to hold onto unforgiveness because of a harm done by another. 1 John 4:20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

We are not only to love those who love us but those who are our enemies and who hate us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:43-46, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

Lord, forgive me where I have said I wanted to follow you with my lips but I did not want to pay the cost. On occasion I have refused to lay down my own rights, refused to forgive someone who caused me harm and failed to pray for those who have persecuted me. I have thought you were treating me unfairly and sometimes even complained when You were calling me to follow You. And I have failed to love others well. The more I try to follow You, the more I realize that I cannot do it in my own strength.

Thank You for your faithfulness! You do not demand performance from us but come and get us and help us to follow You. Your love is amazing! As the song sings, “Where would I be without someone to save me, someone who won’t let me fall?” We long to be your disciples and truly follow You and give You all. Would you empower us by Your Spirit to follow You.

1-2. Maxwell, John. Leadership Wired Article January 2012. Passion: The Fuel of Persistance. Located at: http://www.johnmaxwell.com/products-resources/leadership-on-demand/articles/passion-the-fuel-of-persistence/ Last Accessed: 1/8/2012.

3-4, 7-8. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S.

5-6. Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995

I AM MY BELOVED’S AND HE IS MINE

2012-01-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

Meditations from the Song of Solomon

In this compelling love story I find
Together with you my heart doest bind
Take me on a journey into your love
Let me drink deeply of thy rivers above
Encourage me to take the twists and turns
That can only come as my heart for you burns
Fill the yearnings of my heart
In seeking to find a love that doest not part
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine
In Your arms security I find
To venture out beyond myself
As you uphold me and keep me true to thyself

POEM ONE MEDITATION

Kiss me with the kisses
of your love
awakening me to life
that comes from above
Your love is better
than any wine
Draw me to run after you
into this love so divine
Your name is like an oil
that is being poured out
healing for the nations
in You can be found

You bring such joy
to my heart
You see me as lovely
though I am dark
Intoxicate me
with your sweet perfume
Your fragrance alluring
draws me closer You

Tell me my Beloved,
whom my heart seeks
Where do you lead your flock
at noon to feed?

That I may no longer
(like a vagabond) wander around
Seeking that which
only in You can be found

My heart thirsts
for what only you can provide
To sit at your feet
and drink of your wine

You have loved me to life
adorning me with silver and gold
Telling me you’re captivated
as my beauty You behold
Sometimes this
is so hard to receive
That I could catch Your eye
when in your ways You lead
Often I wish I could
give you so much more
But still on me
Your blessings You pour
You call me forth
into love divine
As all my sin
You put behind

I know I don’t deserve
such love and lavish grace
Your endless mercy
as I seek Your face
Your eyes like doves,
You’re a sacket of myrrh
Leading my choices
as your love in me you stir
You’re the song of my heart –
asleep or awake
One touch from You
and my heart doest quake!
I long to go deeper
into Your love
Beholding your face
Your eyes are as doves

POEM TWO MEDITATION

I am a lily
among the thorns
growing deeper in suffering
as on me your love adorns
Feed me with raisin cakes
as I sit under your tree
Delighting in the fruit
that You give to me

Your left arm upholding me
as Your right arm surrounds
Leaning back into Your mercy
Your goodness abounds
Draw me closer
in this divine romance
helping me to enter
the fullness of this dance

I hear my Beloved,
see how He comes
Leaping on the mountains
bounding on hills as He runs
Now peering through the lattice,
Looking through the glass
Everywhere I turn
In his love I stand

The winter is over,
the rains are gone
Flowers appear
as the season of glad songs has come
The cooing of the turtledove
can be heard in our land
As young vines blossom with fragrance
and figs are at hand
The love You lavish
is more than I can hold
as I look to You
and of Your beauty behold
I am so content
in this place of grace
seeing Your kingdom come
as I seek Your face

I hear Your voice
as You bid me to come
In the clefts of the rock
You call me Your lovely one
My face and my voice
You desire to hear
You call me beautiful
And my voice lovely to hear

Little foxes
try to spoil my rest
Creating havoc
when I think I am performing my best
Catch the little foxes
as on me Your love you shower
For the vineyards, my Beloved,
are coming into flower

I am His and
my Beloved is mine
I am in His care
a love so sublime

Before the dawn-wind rises
and the shadows flee
Return my Beloved,
I wait for thee!

Your covenant like a mountain
the promises are sure
Your goodness is bounding
through Your word

On my bed I as I sought,
the one my heart loves
Yearning for your justice
I cried out for my love
In the darkest of night
I rose to my feet
Asking and seeking
where with You I might meet

To the watchman I inquired,
‘Have you seen my love?’
I had hardly passed by
when I found my Beloved
I held fast to Him
and would not let Him go
Until I brought Him into
the deepest places of my soul

I charge you daughters
by the deer and gazelles
Do not stir or awaken
this lovesick spell!

POEM THREE MEDITATION

Here comes my Beloved
with His swordsmen by His side
All the mighty warriors
Close to Him abide
The posts of His throne are made of silver
and His canopy gold
Carried along
on praises He is enthroned
His seat majestic purple
with a back of ebony
Here comes King Solomon
to give his people peace

Daughters of Zion,
can’t you see?
This is the one
who will come for me!
Wearing the diadem
with which His mother crowned
For His wedding Day
the day His heart’s joy abounds

When You call me beautiful
behind my veil
And you find me enchanting
all else pales

Before the dawn-wind rises
before the shadows flee
I will go to the mountain
Of myrrh to be with thee

Dying to self
letting all else go
Laying down my life
as You I seek to know

Hearing Your heart
You call me to more
Out of the world
It was You I was made for

The Bridegroom -
You ravish my heart,
my sister my bride
Your love is precious
more delicious than wine
How fragrant your perfumes
as you carry my scent
Honey and milk under your tongue
as your words are spent
A single glance,
when you look my way
Captivate me
taking my heart away

You are a garden enclosed
my promised bride
A sealed fountain of love
bearing rare treasures inside
Nard and saffron,
cinnamon and spice
send forth their fragrance
as they lure and entice
A fountain of my living water
in the center that brings
streams flowing down
to all those in need

The Bride –
Awake O North wind,
come wind of the south
Breathe over my garden
and let its fragrance waft about
Let my Beloved,
into His garden come
I offer its fruits,
for my heart is won

The Bridegroom –
I come into my garden
my sister my bride
gathering myrrh and balsam
while drinking its wine

POEM FOUR MEDITATION

I sleep,
yet my heart is awake
When my Beloved comes knocking
the hour is late
Drenched with dew,
He bids me - open (my heart) up to Him
But I am caught in religion
and worried about my sin

He thrusts his hand
through the latch of my door
awakening me
once again to long for more
I opened to my Beloved
but He had already turned
My soul failed at His flight
as for Him I yearned
I called out to Him
in seeking I could not find
So I asked the watchman
and was wounded this time

I charge you daughters
that if my Beloved you find
Would you tell Him
I am so very lovesick inside!

Daughters-
What makes your Beloved
so much better than?

Bride-
My Beloved is pure
He holds my heart in His hand

Bride-
His justice and mercy
none can compare
Compassion that is endless
and qualities so rare
I have never known
one as lovely as He
Once glance from His eye
and I am brought to my knees
glorious and righteous,
strong and bold
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
yet my heart He gently holds

Daughters-
Where is the one
who is such as this?
We long for something deeper
Could a love be so bliss?

Bride-
My Beloved is available
to all who seek
He went down to care for His flock
and gather lilies

I am my Beloved's
and my Beloved loves me
Of His love daughters,
I can finally see.

POEM FIVE MEDITATION

Narrator-
She now hears the voice
of her Beloved clear -
'You are beautiful as Tirzah
my love, my dear
Unique and perfect,
choice and favored above all
Blessed and praised
as you answer your call
Coming forth
like the arising of the dawn
Fair as the moon,
bright as the sun'

Daughters-
Return O maid
that we can see
For you have been swept away
in His love for thee

Bridegroom-
Why do you gaze
upon my Bride
As she dances with me
preparing to be mine?

Bridegroom-
How beautiful are your feet
as you dance with me
Coming alive and
being set free
You hold me captive
by your charm
As I surround you
protecting you from harm
In you, my bride,
is my delight
As I dance with you
through this night

Bride -
Let the prayers
that my heart keeps
flow freely as wine
off the lips of those who sleep
Let my prayers
be offered straight to you
In all that I say
and in all that I do

I am my Beloved's
and me He desires
As He calls me into His purposes
and sets my heart on fire

Venturing out
into the fields He invites
me to share in His works
over this long dark night
As the morning appears
out to the vineyards He leads
To see the vines budding
and taste of the pomegranate trees

I long to offer You
all that I am in my love
as the fragrance of You
wafts from above
I would take you
into the darkest places of my soul
Where You would teach me
as Your face I behold

I wish I no longer worried
about what others think
but only pleasing You,
(let it be as) serving You love-spiced wine to drink

Your left arm supports me
as You embrace and hold
my eyes are on You
and my heart unfolds

Daughters of Jerusalem,
I charge you to this -
Do not awaken me out of
this love-spell until it wish

Leaning on my Beloved
on Him I have learned to depend
Whether in the desert
or in the garden bend

A love that is
stronger than death
Jealousy burning
in unrelentlessness
He is a flash of fire
upon my heart
Like a seal of love
set upon my arm
No flood can quench
or torrents drown
The flame of Yahweh
in this love I have found

In Your return
my Beloved make haste
Come leaping over the mountains
for You our hearts wait!

"For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

2011-12-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

“Why is light [of life] given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul. Who long and wait for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures. Who rejoice exceedingly and are elated when they find the grave?” (Job3:20-22)

Job had a series of incredibly big losses happen in his life. First he lost his oxen and donkeys to Sabeans who swooped down and took them away. Without them, Job had lost his ability to plow and produce. (Job 1:13-14)

Right on the heals of this, Job lost his sheep and all his servants as lightening came down from heaven and burned up and consumed them all. (Job 1:16) Before he was even done hearing about this, he found out that his camels were taken in a raid by the Chaldeans (Job 1:17).

And still reeling from all the losses, another servant came to tell him that his sons and daughters were killed by a whirlwind and he had no children left (Job 1:19). Deeply grief stricken from all the losses, amazingly, Job did not charge God (or contemplate suicide). Instead, he worshiped and magnified the Lord (Job 1:21-22).

It wasn't too long after this that Job was also stricken with physical ailments. He was covered with loathsome and painful sores from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet (Job 2:7). It was so bad that it says that when his friends saw him from far off, he was disfigured beyond recognition and so his friends lifted up their voices and wept (Job 2:12).

When Job first experienced a series of losses, it did not drive him to contemplate suicide. Losses or stressors in ones life do not necessarily always mean someone is contemplating suicide. When Job first experienced many losses, he used his internal coping mechanisms and worshiped God.

LivingWorks note that most people are resilient and and cope and manage stresses in life without turning to the option of suicide. They do this by using a variety of internal resources and by drawing upon external resources such as family and friends. [1]

Esther was someone who demonstrated resilience to difficulty and stress. Esther had experienced some significant losses in her life. She had lost both her parents. However, her uncle Mordecai took her in and raised her as her own (Esther 2:7). Esther was loved and taught to fear God and execute His commands as she was growing up with Mordecai (Esther 2:20).

Esther received a great deal of support from Mordecai who loved and believed in her. When Esther was taken into custody on the king's command into a harem as a potential wife for the king, Mordecai would daily walk before the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what would become of her (Esther 2:11).

Esther also experienced a sense of favor by God and the fruit of good choices. Her life was not riddled with only failure and loss. She had experienced some significant accomplishments.

Esther pleased Hegai, the custodian of the women of the harem and because of it, received the best location to stay within the harem (Esther 2:9). Then when Esther was called in to see the king, she took only what Hegai, the kings attendant had suggested. Esther had favor in the sight of all who saw her (Es. 2:15). As she was taken into King Ashasuerus, the king loved her. Es. 2:17 says, “And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the maidens, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”

Married to the king, Esther was informed by her maids and attendants that the king had issued a decree that all the Jews in every providence, everywhere would be exterminated. There was great mourning among the Jews. Mordecai stood by the gate clothed with sackcloth. She was exceedingly grieved and distressed (Es. 4:5).

LivingWorks notes that anticipated or potential losses can be as significant as ones that have already happened. It is the stress around it that causes the pain. Often it is the loss or potential loss of something one treasures most that results in thoughts of suicide. [2]

While the stress of losing all her kin, including Mordecai her uncle, at the hands of the man she married could have been enough to push someone to an emotional reaction, withdrawal and inaction, escape to other distractions, or destructive behavior (to self or others), Esther kept her composure.

Her first reaction was to send Mordecai garments (Es. 4:4). More than likely she hoped that if he identified with the king in his garments rather than the Jews garments of mourning, both Mordecai and herself would be overlooked and spared.

Mordecai refused to accept the garments. Esther continued not make rash decisions or judgments. She called for one of the king's attendants out to talk to Mordecai to learn what and why this was (Es. 4:5). Mordecai sent the information about Haman promising to pay to the king's treasuries for all the Jews to be destroyed and sent a copy of the decree to Esther with his request that the queen plea with the king for the lives of her people (Es. 4:7-8).

Esther was afraid and initially responded by telling Mordecai that she could be put to death for approaching the king without being summoned by him (Es. 4:11). Mordecai, called her outside herself to see the possibilities and God's divine purposes in the midst of her affliction. He said to her, “And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?”

Esther then agreed, requesting that all the Jews fast and pray for her for three nights and days and that she would then go into the king. She noted, “and if I perish, I perish.” Esther was willing to take risks and step out beyond where she was comfortable, even in the midst of incredibly stressful and difficult circumstances. She was willing to risk her life for a greater cause of saving her people.

She had an uncle who loved her deeply. He saw God's greater divine purpose in all her difficulties and challenged her out into them. He not only loved her deeply, but pointed her towards God and His purposes. Support of family and/or friends has a tremendous impact on whether one is resilient to difficulties and stress.

Esther stood in the place of being loved by Mordecai. And as he challenged her, she was also learning that she could trust God's love and step out into this as well. She was coming into who she was as the beloved. As she was called out into his greater purposes in the midst of adversity, she was coming alive to who she was in God.

Going back to Job, when things first started going terribly wrong for him, even in losing his children, Job did not fall apart. Job did have some internal resilience to difficulty. However, after his health went, he could take no more. LivingWorks notes that the event (in this case the painful boils) may itself “appear as the precipitating factor that triggers suicidal behavior, but it most cases it is a 'last straw' building on many other background circumstances.” [3]

Job had experienced significant loss. In the midst of this, he had not fully gained an understanding of God's love for him. He had learned that he was loved because he got all the actions right. The favor of God was the direct result of his own righteousness before God. In being righteous in his own strength, he never learned that he could count on God in his weakness, loss and failure.

When difficulty came upon him, he felt that God was somehow punishing him unfairly and felt terrorized by God. Job said to God in Job 7:19-10, “How long will Your [plaguing] glance not look away from me, nor You let me alone till I swallow my spittle? If I have sinned, what [harm] have I done You, O You Watcher and Keeper of men?”

Job saw an angry and accusing God behind all his difficulties and troubles. Besides not understanding or receiving the love of God which is key to resilience, Job also failed to have a support network of people who could genuinely love him and support him in his pain.

His wife actually told him that he would be better off dead. Job 2:9 says, “Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your blameless uprightness? Renounce God and die!”

His friends, while they came to support him, also saw God the same way as Job. Originally when they came, they were a great comfort. They wept with him in his pain and sat with him for seven days not saying anything because “they saw that his grief and pain were very great.” (Job 2:13)

Getting in someone's 'bucket' of pain with them and being where they are at can be tremendously healing. People begin to feel cared for and loved. As someone else genuinely hears and understands our pain with a sense of empathy towards us, we begin to feel understood. Trust then begins to develop within our relationship and we can sometimes earn the right to speak into their life in the midst of their pain.

Beginning to feel comforted enough to speak, Job then began to open his mouth. He cursed the day he was born and began to pour out his misery and thoughts of suicide before them. Often when someone is in a great deal of pain, some of their words are an attempt to share where they are at. Words can be harsh, rash, and/or destructive towards self or others.

Job explains to his friends about his grief, “For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash and wild.” The bitterness and poison from the arrows that pierced him were being drank up by his spirit (Job 6:4).

Standing in the place of hearing's someone's pain in all their vulnerability and confusion is holy ground. Unfortunately, Job's friends were sorry comforters because they believed exactly what Job did, that God must be punishing Job for his sin. They could not see the love or grace of God for Job in his weakness and pain.

They could not call Job out to see any of God's divine purposes because they could not see it themselves. They were so much like Job, when everything broke, they wanted to prop him up, put a nice smile on his face and help him get it right this time.

But Job was just too exhausted and broken at this point to prop his actions up again. Job confronted them for this and told them they were not helping. In Job 6:21. He told them, “Now to me you are [like a dried-up brook]; you see my dismay and terror, and [believing me to be a victim of God's anger] you are afraid [to sympathize with me].”

They were uncomfortable with his pain so rather than empathize with him, they tried to fix him with a get your attitude and actions right band-aid. In Job 8:6 they told him, “Then, if you are pure and upright, surely He will bestir Himself for you and make your righteous dwelling prosperous again.”

Too often, people are blamed for their pain as it being their own fault. In some cases this may be true, however, in the midst of incredible pain, the last thing one needs to hear is an attitude of blame and judgment.

Job's friends also totally ignored the invitation that Job was giving to them to talk about his feelings of suicide. They were afraid to go there. Over and over, Job sent back out the invitation to talk about it.

In Job 6:8-9 he says, “Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! I even wish that it would please God to crush me, that He would let loose His hand and cut me off!”

In Job 7:9 he says, “The eye of him who sees me shall see me no more; while your eyes are upon me, I shall be gone.”

In Job 7:16 he says, “I loathe my life.”

In Job 7:21 he says, “For now shall I lie down in the dust; and [even if] You will seek me diligently [it will be too late, for] I shall not be.”

In Job 10:1 he says, “I am weary of my life and loathe it! I will give free expression to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”

And in Job 10:19 he says, “I should have been as though I had not existed; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.”

Over and over Job made reference to the grave and his death. Skipping ahead to Job 17:1, he continued to speak, "My spirit is broken, my days are spent (snuffed out); the grave is ready for me."

With all these statements that related to his death, not once did Job's friends pick up his invitation and turn to Job and ask him directly with respect and concern, “Are you thinking about committing suicide Job?”

Often people on both sides are afraid to bring up the topic directly. As if by speaking about it one will cause another to commit suicide. Even worse is when one's friends do not take them seriously in their hints and assume their just looking for attention.

This is how Job's friends took his invitation to talk about suicide – they failed to take him seriously and thought he was saying it to seek attention. They totally ignored the invitation to explore suicide and instead responded in judgment of his intentions.

His friend responded to the invitation Job gave in 7:21 by asking him, “How long will you say these things [Job]? And how long shall the words of your mouth be as a mighty wind?”

And in Job 11:2, in response to Job's invite to explore suicide in Job 10:19, Job's friend said, “Should your boastings and babble make men keep silent? And when you mock and scoff, shall no man make you ashamed?”

They not only ignored his invitation to explore suicide with him but scoffed him for it. Most often people are not dropping hints and invites to explore suicide because they just want attention. Most often they are in a great deal of pain.

LivingWorks notes, “Persons at risk often want to talk about their reasons for dying. After all, thoughts of suicide are the single, most important thing happening in their lives at the moment. Talking is almost always helpful. Talking involves thinking and thinking may lead to new ways of looking at things. When reasons for dying are put into words, emotions are released and their influence on how a person views events may lesson.” [4]

At the same time, people rarely ever say directly without being asked that they plan to commit suicide. There feels like almost an aching in one's pain, 'do you really care enough to ask?' Typically, people drop hints, giving invitations to explore with them what their thoughts may be on this.

However, when the 'hints' are dropped as they clearly were with Job, it is important to explore it and ask them directly. If someone feels you are afraid to ask, they will be afraid to talk about it directly with you. It stays a taboo topic.

While one cue in itself, such as a difficult loss, does not necessarily mean there is a need to explore suicide with the other person, often (as it was the case with Job) there will be multiple cues. When assessing the possibility that someone may be contemplating suicide and how serious they may be about it, one can consider the following cues:

1. Stressful and difficult circumstances and situations [5] (often involving loss). Having difficult circumstances can be a trigger for someone to seek escape through suicide. Job spoke to his friends in Job 3:25-26, “For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me. I was not or am not at ease, nor had I or have I rest, nor was I or am I quiet, yet trouble came and still comes upon me.”

2. Physical Health [6](especially where there is pain associated with it). One suffering in physical pain from a chronic disease or difficulty is more likely to contemplate suicide as a means of escape from their pain. In the case of Job, he struggled with very painful boils that had covered his whole body. He could not escape this pain. While maybe making him feel a little better in the short run, as he scraped his skin with a broken piece of pottery, I can imagine that it only made the problem worse.

3. Hope for the future is lost. Even when someone is enduring a great deal of pain, seeing a 'light at the end of the tunnel' where things will get better can make a tremendous difference. Job had lost his hope for the future being bright. He notes in Job 6:11, “What strength have I left, that I should wait and hope? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient?” In Job 7:7 he says, “Oh, remember that my life is but wind (a puff, a breath, a sob); my eye shall see good no more.”

4. Physical Changes [7]. Loss of appetite, lack of pleasure /interest in things, difficulty sleeping, and physical fatigue are all signs that one might be suffering from severe depression and potentially contemplating suicide [8]. Job told his friends in Job 6:5-7 that he had lost his appetite for and interest in food. And in Job 7:3-4, he mentioned that he was not able to sleep. He said to his friends, “So am I allotted months of futile [suffering], and [long] nights of misery are appointed to me. When I lie down I say, When shall I arise and the night be gone? And I am full of tossing to and fro till the dawning of the day.”

5. Drastic changes in behaviors. It is common that one actually gains energy and begins to appear like things are going better for them when they have decided to commit suicide. What happens is that they are no longer wrestling with the confusion and pain of the problem but only focusing on the escape before them. In this, there is a release from the deep burdens and despair. Sometimes people may show unusual behaviors like wanting to say final words to people they care about, give away things that are of significant value to them, tie up final ends of finances or insurance, write letters, etc. They may even plan their own funeral during this time.

Besides looking at these significant cues LivingWorks outlines some additional items to consider in ones assessment of the situation:

(When I was young, for years I struggled with despair and thoughts of suicide. Often I would think about suicide at least 30 or more times in any given day. I interjected some of my own experiences with my despair at that time as examples where it seemed it may be helpful. I attempted suicide on a few occasions and had what I thought was a 'fail-safe' plan for my 18th birthday to end my life.

Fortunately, I had my son 40 days before my 18th birthday and it changed my whole life and perspective on living. Then when I became saved, God totally healed me from my struggles with despair. My life has been totally different since I found Christ and I couldn't imagine even thinking of suicide even once in a day.)

“Observe Behaviors” [9].

Crying and emotional outbursts [10] can hint that someone is going through a difficult situation that we need to inquire more about. As an example mentioned earlier, Job spoke out in his pain and his words were “rash and wild” due to his grief (Job 6:3).

And fighting [11] can provide a release for anger one doesn't know what to do with. While I picked fights with my father when I was young to protect my mother and sister because I could sense my father's anger was rising. In getting into a confrontation with my father, even though it could be painful, was also a release of some of the pain if that makes any sense.

Also, in difficulty and stressful circumstances, one may look for a way of escape. Sometimes that escape comes in the form of drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc, [12] as a distraction from the pain. However, when one does not see another way out, or perhaps has experienced additional losses as the result of trying to escape through other mechanisms, one sees suicide as a viable option.

When I was young, I would look to alcohol and drugs as a means of escape. It would help ease the pain and help me forget what was going on in my life for a period of time. Job had not turned to any of these mechanisms for escape. He kept pressing into his pain and inviting his friends into where he was at.

Recklessness or lawlessness [13] sometimes can demonstrate someone doesn't have a concern for the future and could potentially be contemplating suicide. For me, since I had determined I would commit suicide on my 18th birthday, getting good grades and accomplishments seemed irrelevant. I would frequently skip school to drink and play poker at my friends house. I had a complete lack of concern for my grades or attendance. And getting into trouble wasn't a big concern for me. I cared little for some black mark on 'my record.'

The rebellious, angry person who is in trouble with the law and excessively drinking is often viewed by society as someone who needs a strong hand of discipline and consequences for their behavior. However, what may really be underneath their acting out is a desire to die. In this case, strong future consequences rather than investigating and dealing with the underlying desire, may only quicken and solidify the person's process towards the end of suicide.[a]

Besides making poor choices and acting out in self or other directed destructive behaviors, high stress can cause some people to become immobilized with fear. They are afraid to act at all in the midst of their pain. Withdrawal or dropping out [14] can be a sign that there may be difficulty and give us a cue to inquire. For example, if someone quits their job and doesn't have a plan for how they are going to meet their financial needs, it may be a sign that they are planning their suicide.

Sometimes one can also just be sick frequently because they are struggling with staying engaged and don't want to get out of bed. When one is exhausted from difficulties, they may, in their feelings of defeat, just lay in bed not wanting to get up at all. Lack of self care and hygiene can also be a sign of difficulty and no longer caring.

Self harming behavior can also give an indication of what someone is thinking and potential suicide risk. Non-fatal suicidal behavior, according to the statistics is 40 to 100 times greater than the number of suicides [15]. While cutting, etc. does not necessarily mean that someone is feeling suicidal, it can be an indication of their self destructive thought patterns and ultimately lead to further and further self destructive behaviors.

For myself, one of the ways that I would act out in this way would be to drink myself to what would be considered lethal limits of intoxication. I would sometimes drink continually beyond my capacity with a destructive hope that I would not wake up again.

Statistics show that there are 5 to 25% more suicides that are not reported as suicides [17]. Often overdoses on drugs and alcohol and not reported suicides even though the person may very well have been thinking of suicide in their self-destructive behavior. Also, car crashes, etc. can appear like an ordinary 'accident' and have suicide intent.

Finally, prior attempts of suicide can be an indicator that they may be contemplating suicide again during difficulty. LivingWorks notes that the rate of suicide is 40% greater among those who have previously attempted suicide in the past. This is the greatest risk for a person within the first few months of a previous attempt. [16]

Often prior behavior and thought patterns can be a reflection of current behavior. If one has not learned new tools to deal with their pain and gain resilience, they are more likely to go back to the old patterns of behavior that they knew in the past when difficulty arises again.

Understand Thought [17] Processes.

Most of these were covered previously so I won't go into detail. Desiring to escape, hopelessness about the future, and feeling helpless are all cues of a lack of resilience [18]. A person who is suicidal may not see any way out. They do not know where to even start in helping themselves. They may feel totally stuck in their pain looking to others to somehow rescue them.

It can be helpful to understand a little of the person's history, environment growing up, etc. Sometimes, people who have struggled with despair for a long period of time may have had a series of failures and making wrong decisions. Or they may have a past history of someone rescuing them from their poor decisions so that they have never learned from it (someone's parents paying off the child's gambling debts for example). Or someone in their life making all their decisions for them rather than empowering them to make their own.

They may not have any past successes to look to and feel they are incapable to make a decision. Or they may have been criticized for their decisions resulting in them developing a fear around making their own decisions. In this state, they feel helpless and look to everyone else to make their decisions for them. Then they feel all the more dis-empowered to help themselves and blame the other person when it does not work.

Also, feeling alone [19], like no one cares can be a cue. When people lack a good support network, they are more likely to struggle with a lack of resilience in difficulty. Sometimes people feel like a burden to those around them. They think that in committing suicide that they are doing family and friends a favor. They don't see it as a selfish act because they feel that they are burdening those around them.

Job hinted that he felt like a burden in Job 7:20. He said to God, “Why have You set me as a mark for You, so that I am a burden to myself [and You]?”

Family and friends can sometimes become exhausted and feel drained over time in dealing with the person in their despair. They may even avoid the person struggling in pain at times feeling like it is the same story over and over again and that the person in pain does not seem to get free from. In taking themselves out, the person in despair may feel they are freeing up their family and friends to have a better quality life.

On the other hand, sometimes people can have fleeting thoughts of suicide and may not really be seriously thinking about it. When asked directly, they may say something like, 'I have thought about it on occasion but I would never do it.' 'I don't have the guts and my religious beliefs don't allow me to go there.' It doesn't mean that they are playing games or are not in a great deal of pain, but that there is an opportunity to strengthen their barriers that would keep them safe and give them tools for greater resilience.

Sometimes it helps to assess if a person has a plan to see how serious their thoughts have been about suicide. People who have taken the time and energy to create a plan for how they would go about killing themselves and possibly have even secured the means (obtained the pills, purchased the bullets for the gun, etc.) are much more likely to be in immediate risk of suicide moreso than someone who has not thought that far along.

Acknowledge and Validate Feelings

Feelings that may come up with someone who is contemplating suicide are: desperate, angry, sad, ashamed, worthless, lonely, disconnected, and/or hopeless [20]. I would also add despairing, afraid, numb, helpless, grieving, shame, sorry for self, victimized, condemnation, and/or guilt plus many others can be added to this list.

Job had spoke of many of these emotions. He said, “you see my dismay and terror...” (Job 6:21). And he said he was “bitterly disappointed.” (Job 6:20). He also noted that in this place he could not see or hear God, causing him more grief, confusion and loss.

People can be afraid to validate negative emotions because they think that somehow they are then agreeing with the person in their resolution that their situation is painful and their only option is suicide. They may try to convince the person the situation they are experiencing is really not that bad and they shouldn't feel that way. This only leaves the person in pain feeling guilty and ashamed for their emotions besides still feeling the pain.

As Job and his friends demonstrated, it only makes the situation worse to fail to validate the person in their emotions. It is not the problem from our perspective that matters but from their perspective. Their feelings of loss are based on what they see as important and treasure and not what we see as important and treasure. People's feelings in their pain are not 'wrong' and need to be dealt with.

By validating someone's emotions, you give them permission to feel. Once emotions are felt rather than stuffed, they can have freedom to release them. Acknowledging to Job that it must have been incredibly painful to lose his children and everything he owned while struggling with physical pain in the midst of it would have demonstrated understanding. Saying it must feel overwhelming and you could see why he would feel dismayed, bitterly disappointed, and completely confused could provide comfort to Job. It would have probably helped him to process where he was at. Once he began to process it, he may be able to begin to see more possibilities.

Sometimes it becomes difficult for the person to separate the problem from who they are (and also for others to separate the person from the problem). The person takes on the identity of the problem. They feel ashamed and guilty about it. They may feel a sense of condemnation and turn to self destructive behaviors as the solution. Thoughts of “I am worthless” may lead to thoughts of “I would be better off dead” and “the world would be a better place without me.”

Blame can also be an issue for some people. Blame can keep people stuck for longer periods of time in their difficulty because they are not taking responsibility for themselves or the things that they can change. Their total focus is on someone else who they cannot change and do not have control over. This just adds to their anger, frustration, justification for destructive thoughts, co-dependence, etc.

Job blamed God and could not hear his voice any longer or believe in his mercy. He says in Job 9:16, “If I called and He answered me, yet would I not believe that He listened to my voice. For He overwhelms and breaks me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause. He will not allow me to catch my breath, but fills me with bitterness.”

While we cannot often control the stressors, being able to take personal responsibility for ones own actions and ownership for one's responses can help mobilize a person and give them resilience. Also, somehow seeing God's hand in one's difficulty, not as the cause of one's pain, but seeing his mercy and goodness towards us in the midst of our problem can lead to hope for the future.

Job was unable to see God with him in his difficulties. Job says in Job 9:11, “Behold, He goes by me, and I see Him not; He passes on also, but I perceive him not.”

Hope for the Future

When someone is a Christian, it does not mean that they will not experience difficult emotions such as despair, helplessness, or hopelessness, but it does mean that they have an ultimate hope for the future that they could possibly connect with to give them strength to get through their difficulty.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. “

I was reading a story of joy that was sent out by my church. One person had shared a story that six months after their son's death, they were sitting in a place of numbness and thick darkness. Then suddenly, for a moment they could hear birds chirping again and could see the sunset in the west. They had an experience of a “pure piercing of God's JOY in my innermost being.” While it only lasted a short moment, it gave them hope enough to know that some day they could feel joy again. They wrote, “This momentary gift give me hope for the future.” [22]

Helping someone find their hope for the future can be significant. LivingWorks notes that a person has reasons for living or else they likely would not be telling you of their thoughts of suicide. They may need help discovering the reasons. Once they have, even a small and insignificant reason can give a person a reason for living and save their life. They note, “Part of your job in this task is to help the person at risk express, identify, and confirm their reason(s) for living.”[23] [b]

Job was searching for a reason to live and just needed help finding it. He said to God, “Remember [earnestly], I beseech You, that You have fashioned me as clay [out of the same earth material, exquisitely and elaborately]. And will You bring me to dust gain?” (Job 10:9)

He couldn't seem to find or grab hold of the hope for the future. He seemed to be tumbling further and further down the river of hopelessness and despair with the current pulling him under as no one reached out a hand to help him out of the deep waters.

Job told his friends, “My days are past, my purposes and plans are frustrated; even the thoughts (desires and possessions) of my heart are broken off. These [thoughts] extend from the night into the day, [so that] the light is short because of darkness... Where then is my hope? And if I have no hope, who will see [its fulfillment]? [My hope] shall go down to the bars of Sheol (the unseen state) when once there is rest in the dust.” (Job 17:11-16)

When Elihu finally spoke up, he did not explore reasons for living with Job and get him to commit to a plan for his safety. However, he had heard Job out and stayed in the bucket of Job's pain with him until he could demonstrate that he understood Job. Elihu did not judge Job but genuinely listened to his pain and was in it with him. As a result, Elihu could get to the heart of the matter with Job. Elihu spoke directly to Job's heart in humility about his believing in his own self righteousness.

In doing this, Elihu opened up Job's heart to hear from God again. And it was in hearing from God again that Job found his purpose and reason for living. Job came to a place of knowing that he was loved by God and seeing him with a new light.

He said in Job 42:5, “I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You.”

Once a person has found some reason for living, they become willing to help in the process of coming up with a plan to keep them safe. This may include removing the means from their reach (such as throwing away pills) and obtaining further medical and emotional support. This may also include making an agreement to not harm themselves and coming up with a plan for what to do when they are in a painful situation again and learning new coping tools.

Coming back to what I noted earlier, when someone knows God loves them, they can endure tremendous difficulty and remain resilient. David had went through incredible difficulties leading him to despair but he knew who he was as the beloved of God. David came out of tremendous difficulties praising the Lord.

In 2 Samuel 22:2-8 David wrote, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior -from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.”

2 Samuel 22:8, 17-18 David proclaims, “Then the earth reeled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens trembled and shook because He was angry... He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of great waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too might for me... He brought me forth into a large place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.”

Knowing that you are loved by God both can give someone the resilience they need to prevent them from ever coming to the place of despairing and contemplating suicide and it can also give someone hope for their future and they come to understand God's grace and mercy. And having hope for the future and a reason to live makes a significant difference in one's motivation and can change the course of their life.

Lord, We long to be more like Mordecai and Elihu. We long to love people into resilience, to see and call people out to a greater divine purpose, and to encourage and believe in people. We also long to genuinely hear and listen to those in pain with dignity and respect, understanding their stories, validating their emotions and calling them out into more. Teach us to truly “bear the sins and sorrows of others” [24] and love our brothers well. We long to be people who point others to God, in humility, helping them to hear from God for themselves. And helping them see and hold onto their hope for the future. Would you empower us and make us more like you.

a. For myself, the reason I was getting into trouble was to attract my father's attention away from my sister and mother. Anything my sister did wrong, I did ten times worse so that he didn't turn on her but me instead. I was drawing the negative attention away from her as a way to protect her.

For example, my sister would sometimes stay out too late with her friends and come home smelling like alcohol and cigarettes. As she started to get into more and more trouble for this, I went out and got drunk with my friends, was arrested for intoxication and thrown in jail (a holding cell) overnight. I then had to be picked up in the morning by my father. Her little bit of drinking, smoking and staying out late seemed like a minor infraction in comparison to my episodes of intoxication.

Because I was flunking school, skipping classes, and getting in trouble with the law for intoxication and other minor infractions, it accomplished what I wanted in that I drew my father's negative attention away from my sister's low grades and irresponsible behaviors. However, it also drew a great deal of discipline in my life. I was not going to be able to graduate or have a future career. I had more detention that I had years of classes to complete. Having no hope for a future solidified for me my thought process that suicide was my only option and way out.

b. Having become pregnant with my son, I suddenly looked at life differently. I had someone else I needed to protect and look out for. Giving my son up for adoption was not an option for me. Since I saw life from the perspective of my own experiences, I could only see adoption as giving my son into difficult situations with no one to protect him. When I became pregnant, I gave up drinking and smoking for the period of my pregnancy. And I started to see purpose, a reason for living. I suddenly had a future that became important and worth working towards.

I suddenly saw reasons to live and to finish school. I talked to the school and found out that if I went day and night to school and also over the summer, that I could catch some of it up. My school was incredibly gracious with me in my sudden turn around. This gave me incredible hope.

They let me count the night school for the detention I had accumulated. After doing well and working hard to make up as much of my classes as I could, they also released me early to graduate. I graduated only ½ year late from high school. Then when I went to college, I picked up what I lacked from my education.

1-21, 23. LivingWorks. Suicide Intervention Handbook. Living Works Education Inc, Calgary, Alberta. 2004. For more information on suicide intervention and promoting suicide-safer communities, see: www.livingworks.net

22. Church of The Open Door. Stories of Advent Joy. December 25th, 2011.

24. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of discipleship. The Image of Christ. Touchstone, New York, NY. 1959.

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work..

2011-12-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

“Now when [the Samaritans] the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles from the captivity were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. They came to Zerubbabel [now governor] and to the of the fathers' houses and said, Let us build with you, for we seek and worship your God as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.

But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.

Then [the Samaritans] the people of the land [continually] weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled and terrified them in building and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose and plans all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius [II] king of Persia.

And in the reign of Ahasuerus [or Xerxes], in the beginning of his reign, [the Samaritans] wrote to him an accusation against the [returned] inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Later, in the days of King Artaxes, Bishlam, Mirthredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia...

Then the king [Artaxerxes] sent an answer:... Therefore give a decree to make these men stop, that this city not be rebuilt, until a command is given by me... Then the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped. It stopped until the second year of Darius [I] king of Persia.” (Ezra 4:1-7,17-24)

During Nehemiah building the wall, there was also significant frustration by the enemy in trying to get them to stop building. However, all attempts were unsuccessful to weaken their hands, discourage them, or slow them down.

Nehemiah 2:19-20 says, “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed us to scorn and despised us and said, What is this thing you are doing? Will you rebel against the king? I answered them, The god of heaven will proper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you will have no portion or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”

Sanballet, Tobiah, and his friends mocked Nehemiah and the Jews for building. However, rather than becoming weakened and slowing down, Nehemiah 4:6 says, “So we built the wall, and all [of it] was joined together to half its height, for the people had a heart and mind to work.”

When they could not get the Israelites to slow down or weaken their efforts, Sanballet and others plotted to come and fight against Jerusalem, causing the Israelites harm and killing them. So Nehemiah set armed men behind the wall in the unprotected places as they built. (Nehemiah 4:8, 13)

The enemies plot was completely unsuccessful in slowing or stopping their efforts. Nehemiah 4:15 says, “And when our enemies heard that their plot was known to us and that God had frustrated their purpose, we all returned to the wall, everyone to his work.

Finally, Sanballat sent an open letter threatening to report them as rebels to the Persian King and requested that Nehemiah come and take counsel with them. Nehemiah refused to listen or be threatened. He replied that it was not true and then prayed to God, “now strengthen my hands!” (Nehemiah 6:8-9)

As a result, the wall was finished without being slowed down or the work stopped. Nehemiah 6:15 says, “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us feared and fell far in their own esteem, for they saw that this work was done by our God.”

In the case of Nehemiah, the efforts were unstoppable. God strengthened their hands and gave them the victory despite overwhelming obstacles. But in the case of building the temple with Zerubbabel, the efforts were slowed and the Israelites hands were weakened until work stopped.

God is sovereign and more than capable of bringing forth his plans. Psalm 33:11 says, But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

And God makes it clear that man can not stand in the way or delay His purposes from coming forth. Psalm 2 says,”Why do the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) and empty scheme? The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ).

They say, Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us. He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them]. He speaks to them in His deep anger and troubles (terrifies and confounds) them in His displeasure and fury, saying,

Yet have I anointed (installed and placed) My King [firmly] on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree of the Lord; He said to Me, You are My Son; this day [I declare] I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession.

You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like potters' ware. Now therefore, O you kings, act wisely; be instructed and warned, O you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him].

Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refjuge and put their trust ion Him!”

As these psalms make clear, God is more than capable of bringing his purposes forth. And it was in God's heart to both have the temple built and for the walls to be built. God divinely sent both Zerubbabel and Nehemiah to lead the Israelites in the work of building. While both the temple and the wall were eventually built, the temple was delayed and the walls were not.

So why were the plans frustrated and delayed with building the temple as a result of adversaries, but hands were strengthened and purposes fully accomplished in building the wall in the midst of adversity?

Commentary notes about building the temple that work had ceased because of discouragement for seventeen or eighteen years as a direct result of the Samaritans frustrating the efforts of the Israelites in building the temple. [1] The Samaritans were the people that the King of Assyria had brought to populate Samaria (2 Kings 17:24).

When they settled in the land, the settlers did not fear or revere the Lord. Therefore the Lord had sent lions among them that killed some of them. As a result, news went to the king that it was the result of the people not knowing about the God of the land.

So the king of Assyria sent one of the priests of Israel to teach the people about the laws of God and the manner of worship he required. (2 Kings 17:25-27) The people in the learned from the priest how to fear and revere the Lord. However, still they also held to and served their own gods from the land which they had been carried away (2 Kings 17:33).

While the Israelites were not to adopt the customs, intermarry with, or worship the gods of foreigners in the land, they were also not to reject foreigners who wanted to dwell with them and worship their God. Deuteronomy 10:19 says, “So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”

And Leviticus 19:34 says, “The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

In the case of building the temple, the Israelites rejected allowing the Samaritans to join them and refused to treat them as one of their own. The Samaritans had offered to help and told the Israelites that they did / would seek and worship the God of Israel (Ezra 4:2). However, the Israelites refused.

Rather than letting the Samaritans join in and teaching them to truly fear the Lord, the Israelites made it clear to them that they saw them as adversaries. The Samaritans only once rejected began to frustrate their efforts and become adversarial in return.

In the case of Nehemiah the building of the wall, however, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobaih the servant, the Ammonite were enemies from the start and had no intention of becoming God-fearing and learning the ways of the Israelites. Sanballat and his friends became exceedingly distressed when someone had came to inquire for the good of the Israelites. They immediately became angry and mocked Nehemiah's efforts.

In the book of Joshua, God used both success and defeat against ones enemies to affirm or, in His mercy, discipline the Israelites and get them to stop and check their heart motives. In Joshua 7, God had promised the Israelites that they would take the Promised land, but then when they went up against Ai, they were defeated and fled before them. As a result, the people's hearts melted and became as water (Joshua 7:1-5)

Joshua cried out to the Lord and the Lord responded in Joshua 7:11-12a, “Get up! Why do you lie upon your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. They have taken some of the things devoted [for destruction]; they have stolen, and lied, and put them among their own baggage. That is why the Israelites could not stand before their enemies, but fled before them.”

Perhaps the hands of the Israelites were weakened (rather than strengthened) when their enemies opposed them and they failed to build the temple in the face of opposition because God in His mercy wanted them to see that they had sinned. Their hearts were not right with the way they treated the Samaritans. God did not need people to build a physical temple for Him. He wanted children who would share in the works of His kingdom.

Patrick Wood writes, “In designing mankind, the Creator wasn't interested in crafting mindless droids or mechanical slaves, as if a labor force would suit His needs. What He desired were children who would freely share in the 'family business' of shaping the world we inhabit. In this sense, we are craftsmen at His side, 'created in Christ Jesus for good works' (Eph. 2:10).” [2]

It is not necessarily the 'works' themselves that God considers as being significant. So often we can get caught up in a task and, like the Israelites building the temple, we can entirely miss God's kingdom purposes right in front of us.

Patrick Wood writes that the key to doing a task isn't so much what you know but “Whom you know.” He goes on to note that what matters is our friendship “with the One who says, 'Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know' (Jer. 33:3).” [3]

He writes, “The word 'friendship' implies a bond of sharing in God's priorities that renders us trustworthy with His pearls. Friendship also implies conversation, or a desire for His guidance, which assumes our intention is to hear and obey. When this relationship becomes our lifestyle, we are positioned to embrace its relevance for all kinds of practical applications.” [4]

Too often, we (okay me here) look to God to help us to complete the task well rather than ask Him what His purpose is and enter into it. Like the Israelites building the temple, we think we know what He wants to accomplish, especially when it is ministry related.

As an example, once when I was at a prayer meeting where people were gathered together and praying in community, things did not flow together well. There was a person who seemed to come out of left field with their prayers and take everyone by surprise. Prayer became jumbled spurts with many silent moments. Because it was all over the place, you couldn't get any read on any themes God may be speaking or working.

It was easy to think that our purpose was to flow together well and feel like we had a 'productive' prayer session or heard something profound from God in all of it. In that, it would have been easy to become frustrated with the person who did not 'flow' with the rest of us, seeing them as counterproductive and desiring to exclude them. However, as a very wise woman once noted, what God is looking for is that we love each other well.

Throughout the Bible God makes it evident that what He is looking for is for a people who will love Him with their whole heart and love their neighbor as themselves. Galatians 5:14 says, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Not once does God put something tangible as the measure of our kingdom investment. We are the ones who look to what we produce. Because what is produced is something tangible and measurable, it is where we put our focus rather than on the heart behind it.

Thomas a Kempis writes, “People are wont to ask how much a man has done, but they think little of the virtue with which he acts. They ask: Is he strong? Rich? Handsome? A good writer? A good singer? Or a good worker? They say little, however, about how poor he is in spirit, how patient and meek, how devout and spiritual. Nature looks to his outward appearance; grace turns to his inward being. The one often errs, the other trusts in God and is not deceived.” [5]

Thomas a Kempis writes, “Out of a pure heart come the fruits of a good life.” it is the love in our heart as we enter into the kingdom purposes of God rather than the actual tasks we do that really matter to God. [6]

Mother Theresa once noted, “We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.”

Solomon is an example of someone who, by the world's standards, did 'great things' on earth. He made silver as common as stones (1 Ki. 10:27). He built a huge empire and his fame went throughout the world. However, he did it by oppressing the people (2 Chron. 10:10-11).

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, “The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.

If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. But if any person's work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], through he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire.”

Brother Lawrence is an example of someone who did not accomplish any great things with his life. He did not have a big ministry or even run an orphanage. If I remember right, he worked in a kitchen and later repaired shoes. Yet, in all that he put his hands to, he made it a priority to do it with great love.

It was written about him, “Brother Lawrence's only means of going to God was to do everything for the love of Him. He was therefore indifferent about what he did. All that mattered was that he did it for God. It was He, and not the activity that he considered.” [7]

It was noted about him, “He thought it was a shame that some people pursued certain activities (which, he noted, they did rather imperfectly due to human shortcomings), mistaking the means for the end. He said that our sanctification does not depend as much on changing our activities as it does on doing them for God rather than for ourselves.” [8]

While everyone else scurried around dissatisfied while trying to accomplish great things for God, Brother Lawrence lived a simple life that was full of God and full of contentment. Brother Lawrence chose the best part of life. He delighted in the Lord. He would experience a torrent of God's love, constant inner joy, and was even taken up to heaven on occasion.

Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:6 (NLT), “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”

When we set our hearts on accomplishing something (results) rather than on God, we are not fully present to the moment. Setting our hearts on God and being fully present to Him, allows us to see the moment from his perspective. We can connect to His Kingdom purposes rather than our own goals of accomplishment.

Many years ago when I was a new Christian, I wrote a poem that still resonates with me as what God is speaking to me today about being present to Him in the moment. Below is a small excerpt from it:

On great accomplishments, your heart do not set,
And over past failures, no longer fret.
Make each choice as it comes your way,
To show your love, listen and obey.

There is a place for you at the center of my heart,
Of my love, you never part.
To my will, fully give your all,
And into my hands, let your heart fall.

Our (speaking of me here) goals of accomplishment are based upon our desires for success rather than God's desires. We want to look good to others and be considered successful in our own eyes as well as other people's eyes.

Francis Chan notes that on an average day, we live caught up in ourselves rather than God. We forget that our lives are a vapor. We let worry and stress fill our days rather than delighting in God. He mentions that some people waste their lives and miss what this life is about. He later mentions that when we face God, our reputation and compliments will not matter. [9]

He writes, “The church in Sardis had a great reputation, but it didn't matter. Jesus said to them, 'I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead' (Rev. 3:1). All that matters is the reality of who we are before God.” [10]

This does not mean that we should never do anything. James asks (2:14), “What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]?”

Our works matter. Ephesians 2:10 says, “for we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made read for us to live].”

However, our works need to flow from our relationship with Christ. Francis Chan writes, “My existence was not random, nor was it an accident. God knew who He was creating, and He designed me for a specific work. He goes on to note that because we were created for this work and God has been with us from the start, He knew us before we ever existed, we need not fear failure. We do not need to worry about not meeting of living up to His expectations. He writes, “God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan, not mine.” [11]

Coming back to what I originally noted, it is not the 'works' that are significant on their own but our heart towards God and relationship with Him in doing them that matter. When we come before God on that day, he will not rank us in order of the significance of the work that we did on the earth. This is the world's perspective not a kingdom perspective.

Jesus says in Matthew 19:28-30, “Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, in the new age (the Messianic rebirth of the world), when the Son of Man shall sit down on the throne of His glory, you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And anyone and everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for My name's sake will receive many [even a hundred] times more and will inherit eternal life. But many who [now] are first will be last [then], and many who [now] are last will be first [then].”

The fruit of our labors will be evident in that day. When we look back on our lives and the value of it in that day, we will fully realize that where we had invested in loving God and loving others, it really mattered. Whatever we did for the least, we did onto Him (Matthew 25:40). And where we invested in building accomplishments or success like Solomon in his later days, it really didn't matter.

Lord, forgive me where I have had the wrong priorities. Forgive me where I thought I was doing something worthwhile when I was accomplishing results rather than looking to Your greater kingdom purposes in the moment. We long to spend our time on the things that matter. Help us to live fully present to You in the moment. And where we get focused on the task in front of us, remind us to look up. Let our moments be filled with Your presence and joy.

1. Commentary. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.
2-4. Wood, Patrick. Co-laboring with God. In Touch Monthly Magazine. pg. 15-17. January 2012.
5-6. Kempis, Thomas a. The Imitation of Christ. Dover Publications, Mineola, New York. 2003.
7-8. Brother Lawrence. The Practice of the Presence of God. Whitaker House, New Kensington, PA. 1982.
9-11. Chan, Francis. Crazy Love. David C. Cook Distributions, Colorado Springs, CO. 2008.

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

"Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long."

2011-12-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

“Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. He said, Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehospaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Tomorrow go down to them. Behold, they will come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the ravine before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You shall not need to fight in this battle; taek your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping Him. And some Levites of the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

And they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Here me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper.

When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were [self-] slaughtered;

For [suspecting betrayal] the men of Ammon and Moab rose against those of Mount Seir, utterly destroying them. And when they had made an end of the men of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. And when Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked at the multitude, and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none had escaped!” (2 Chronicles 20:14-24)

“In my life be lifted high, in my world be lifted high, in my love be lifted high”

In another battle [Judah at war with Israel] 2 Chronicles 13:15 says, “Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as they shouted, God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.”

“Your glory goes beyond all fame” sings in the background.

And a story that everyone is familiar with, in Joshua 6:1-21, “the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the Lord and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them.” On the seventh day they marched around the city seven times , and on the seventh time, Joshua proclaimed, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city.”

“Well above all my purpose remains the art of losing myself in giving you praise”

In Psalm 47, the sons of Korah proclaim, “O clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy! For the Lord Most High excites terror, awe, and dread; He is a great King over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the glory and pride of Jacob, whom He loves. Selah

God has ascended amid shouting, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises in a skillful psalm and with understanding.

God reigns over the nations; God sits upon His holy throne. The princes and nobles of the peoples are gathered together, a [united] people for the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.”

“Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, For our God Reigns!” sings

Commentary notes about the victory in 2 Chronicles 20, “Praise the Lord. The battle was won by the singers, standing in the most dangerous place of all—between two armies. But they sang the Lord’s praises and routed the enemy. The choir praised God after God gave the word (v. 19), before the battle (v. 21), and after the victory (vv. 26–28), a good pattern for us to follow in our praise.

In Hebrew, Berachah means “blessing” (v. 26). Even a valley can become a place of blessing if we learn how to praise the Lord. 'Prayer changes things' is a familiar saying that is certainly true. But it is also true that 'praise changes things.' Why? Because true praise changes people, and God can work in and through people who praise Him. True praise involves faith, hope, and love, the strongest weapons in the Christian armory.” [1]

David proclaims in 1 Chronicles 16:23, “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [round] in His sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array.

Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth's peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them.

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge and govern the earth. O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever!

“The time has come to stand for all we believe in, so I for one am gonna give my praise to You... in everything I do, Yeah, all the praise goes out to You.”

Paul says in Ephesians 5:19-20, “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, at all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”

“Let justice and praise become my embrace, to love you from the inside out” sings.

The Psalms are filled with praise for God. Praising God and singing to Him out of joy and thanksgiving are to be a regular part of our lives. Psalm 33:1-3 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud and joyful sound."

Once commentary notes, “Our praise toward God is the means by which we express our joy to the Lord. We are to praise God both for who He is and for what He does (Ps. 150:2). Praising God for who He is is called adoration; praising Him for what He does is known as thanksgiving... The godly person will echo David’s words, “My praise shall be continually of You . . . And [I] will praise You yet more and more” (Ps. 71:6, 14).” [2]

The Hayfield Bible Handbook notes about praise, “Man was created to live and breathe in an atmosphere of praise-filled worship to His Creator. The avenue of sustained inflow of divine power was to be kept by the sustained outflow of joyous and humble praise to his Maker.... Such a walk of praise-filled openness to Him will cultivate deep devotion, faithful obedience, and constant joy.” [3]

According to this source, there are several important considerations in praise:

There is power in the unity of praise (2 Chr. 5:13). [4] 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 says, “And when the trumpeters and singers were joined in unison, making one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and other instruments for song and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever, then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud. So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

Praise births the victory (2 Chr. 20:15-22) [5] and causes ones enemies to be dispelled. Psalm 18:3 says, I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” As noted previously, some of the greatest victories in the bible came as a result of praise. It prepares the way for the Lord to accomplish His divine purposes.

David proclaims in Psalm 68:1-4 says, “God is [already] beginning to arise, and His enemies to scatter; let them also who hate Him flee before Him! As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before the presence of God. But let the [uncompromisingly] righteous be glad; let them be in high spirits and glory before God, yes, let them [jubilantly] rejoice! Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts -His name is the Lord -be in high spirits and glory before Him!”

And Psalm 66:1-5 proclaims, “Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth; sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Say to God, How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power shall Your enemies submit themselves to You... All the earth shall bow down to You and sing [praises] to You; they shall praise Your name in song. Selah.

Praise pushes back the advancement of darkness (Ps. 7:14-17). As the Hayford Bible Handbook notes, praise is the answer when we are tempted by inequity or if someone sins against us. [7] In our praise, God will make a covering over us and defend us against our enemy.

Psalm 5:11 says, “But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.”

Praise turns our hearts toward God and turns us away from our sins and idolatry. Psalm 67:3 says, "Let the peoples praise You [turn away from their idols] and give thanks to You, O God..." Praise will “bring the glorious presence of Jesus, driving out the desire to identify with the sinful act/or thought... Praise draws our attention to who He is rather than the circumstances we are in.” [8]

Praise ushers into God’s presence (Ps. 22:3-4). Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!” The Hayfield Bible Handbook writes, “Unquestionably, one of the most remarkable and exciting things about honest and sincere praise is taught here: Praise will bring the presence of God. Although God is everywhere present, there is a distinct manifestation of His rule, which enters the environment of praise.” [9]

Psalm 22:3 proclaims, “But thou dwellest in the holy place, the praise of Israel.”

“Show me your glory, send down Your glory, I want to see Your face” sings in the background.

Praise brings a deep sense of satisfaction [10] and contentment (Ps. 63:1-5). Psalm 63:3, 5 says, “Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips...”

Praise is not dependent upon our circumstances. Habakkuk proclaims in 3:16-17, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Praise is also an act of the will.[11] “It is not merely an exuberance overflowing with words, but a self-induced declaration of thanksgiving—a sacrifice. The praiser chooses to praise.”

Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”

Praise and thanksgiving is an offering we give to God. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

Praise has power. It frees the people from bondage and opens the prison doors, setting all the captives free (Acts 16:25-26). The Hayfield Bible Handbook notes about this, “Study this example of the power of praise, even in difficult circumstances. Beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas respond by singing a hymn of praise—a song sung directly from the heart to God. The relationship between their song of praise and their supernatural deliverance through the earthquake cannot be overlooked. Praise directed toward God can shake open prison doors! A man was converted, his household saved, and satanic captivity overthrown in Philippi. Today, as well, praise will cause every chain of bondage to drop away. When you are serving God and things do not go the way you planned, learn from this text. Praise triumphs gloriously!” [12]

We are to teach our children to praise God. Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.” They Hayfield Bible Handbook notes, “We must not merely “suppose” that children will grow up and desire God. We must be careful. Whatever we possess of God’s blessing and revelation can be lost in one generation. We must consistently praise Him and we must also teach (by example, as well as by words), so our children and our children’s children will do the same.” [13]

Sean Feucht sings, “You are good, Your love it knows no end” in the background.[a]

Praise is similar to prophesy in that it proclaims the victory and points one to what God is doing rather than focusing on one's circumstances. The Psalms are filled with both praise and prophesy. They often proclaim the victory in light of difficult circumstances.

Psalm 22:19-22 says, “But be not far from me, O Lord; O my Help, hasten to aid me! Deliver my life from the sword... Save me from the lion's mouth... I will declare Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise You.”

The Hayfield Bible Handbook writes, “Praise Releases the Spirit of Prophecy.... As we joyfully sing praise to our God, Christ comes to flood our minds with the glory of the Father’s character (“name”). There is no doubt about it—the praises of the people in the church service release the spirit of prophetic revelation—the magnifying of God through Jesus Christ. Thus, praise introduces edification, exhortation, and comfort to bless the whole body.”[14]

As we listen to the news and voices of the world, it prophesies fear and disaster at every turn. If we are not teaching our children to praise God, the world will teach our children to fear and worry.

Sean Feucht in his book, “Fire & Fragrance” notes, “many of us have allowed the voice of the liberal media and secular society to infiltrate our minds, homes, families and churches for too long. These worldly voices have been used to prophesy discouragement, strife, recession, fear, and panic while the Church was meant to set the tone with a clarion sound of life!” [15]

Sean writes, “Anyone who can read has plenty of reasons to be discouraged with sliding morals, demonic laws, and increasingly humanistic ideals celebrated worldwide. However, it takes a totally different kind of person, operating in a different perspective, bringing a different reality, to see all of this and yet live with a constant, confident hope that the Kingdom of God will not be stopped, and despite the headlines of the media, He is winning!” [16]

He goes on to write later, “It is interesting to me that when we are living in times of struggle, lack and disappointment, the Bible points to one acceptable and appropriate response: SING!” [17]

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of the world will become strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace” sings.

Corporate praise brings the victory as it releases God's provision and pushes back the darkness. At one event, as Sean was corporately releasing worship, praise and prophetic proclamation in the atmosphere, he encouraged those who were struggling with the heaviness of the world on them to sing and praise. Sean noted that the breath of God was releasing life back into these broken people and they were literally 'coming alive.' He wrote, “Hope, dreams, life, faith, and fresh energy were restored as this sound went forth....” [18]

He goes on to write, “When we release this sound of life, faith, and hope from our mouths, we can actually prophesy ourselves, our families, cities, and nations into a new season of fullness and restoration! Is that not incredible to comprehend? What a beautiful truth of this new prophetic sound God is restoring on our lips!” [19]

“I wanna sing a song for You, I wanna sing a song” sings in the background.

In corporately praising God, we can 'build an altar' to Him where He is glorified that releases a 'fragrance' that is pleasing to Him as it burns. Sean Feucht writes that the sound of worship is the fragrance that releases the sound of life, hope, restoration and salvation. [20]

He goes onto note, “Worship prepares the way!” As God is lifted up on the altar of our hearts and we release declarations of praise, it changes the very atmosphere. He talks about an experience where worship shifted the climate from fear to love, sorrow to joy, and anxiety to peace. He writes, “The atmosphere of worship and prayer cultivated space for the kiss of Heaven to reach broken humanity. People were radically and immediately healed from disease, pain, and sickness!” [21]

He notes that the largest global harvest in history will come on the heals of praise and the sounds of love and adoration coming from his blazing bride. He refers to Psalm 67:5-7,

“May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.” [22]

Sean writes about this movement, “This movement of the power of His Presence arising across the nations of the earth is far more than just a cool new religious or flashy form of godliness lacking true power. But we are literally coming together as the 'living stones' referred to in First Peter 2:5 to build a dwelling for the presence of God. It is not a new ritual, fad, or some slick structure. Our lovesick worship and pursuit is creating a hotbed for the raw presence of God as He is 'enthroned in the praises' of His people according to Psalm 22:3. From the establishment of His throne in our midst, genuine transformational power is made available to a broken humanity.” [23]

He goes on to note, “A dying world does not need our fancy buildings and programs. It needs to experience a life-altering encounter where people are marked by the glory of His Presence resting among them! As the world's citizens continue their quest to fill the ache in their hearts, we have the incredible privilege to host Him -the One who heals the heartaches -in our midst.” [24]

Sean speaks of corporate praise and worship not only only ushering in God's presence powerfully, but bringing forth true revival to the land. Sean speaks of a time where as God was lifted up, the Kingdom came to a Red Light District. In the most barren of streets, justice came pouring forth.[25]

“May Your wonders never cease” sings.

Lord, you amaze me! I do want to sing a song for You of praise. Teach us how to praise You in the midst of our difficulties and struggles. You are worthy of all praise. Too often we praise you with our lips but not enough with our hearts. As the clock was reading 3:33 as soon as I started pressing into this, I feel like it is something you have for your body in this season. Would you lift us to that place of genuine praise. May it be a pleasing fragrance to you. Let altars of praise, prayer and worship be built to you everywhere. We long to see your justice come forth on earth as it is in heaven.

1. Wiersbe, Warren W.: With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1991, S. 2 Ch 20:1

2. Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995

3-14. Hayford, Jack W. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Hayford's Bible Handbook. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995

15-25. Feucht, Sean and Byrd, Andy. Fire & Fragrance: From The Great Commandment to The Great Commission. Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Shippensburg, PA. 2010.

"He will not fail or become weak or be crushed and discouraged till He has established justice in the earth"

2011-12-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one [each] year was 666 talents. Besides what traders and merchants brought; and all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. And King Solomon made 200 large shields or bucklers of beaten gold; 600 shekels of beaten gold went into each shield.

And he made 300 shields of beaten gold, with 300 shekels of gold spread on each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Moreover, [he] made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

There were six steps to the throne and a gold footstool attached to the throne, and arms on each side of the seat, with two lions standing beside the arms. And twelve lions stood there one on either end of each of the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom before.

King Solomon's drinking vessels were all of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; silver was not counted as anything in the days of Solomon. For the king's ships went to Tarshish with Huram's servants; once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.” (2 Chronicles 9:13-22)

Francis Chan paints a vastly different picture of the kingdom of God and what it is to look like in his book “Crazy Love”. He writes, “I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them. I believe He wants us to be known for giving—of our time, our money, and our abilities—and to start a movement of “giving” churches. In so doing, we can alleviate the suffering in the world and change the reputation of His bride in America.”

In Isaiah 58:2 the Lord says that the people “delight to know My ways, as [if they were in reality] a nation that did righteousness...” He told them rather than oppressing others and seeking one's own gain out of greed, to “pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like noonday.” (Is. 58:10)

“I see a mighty breaking in of revival” sings.

Somehow after this great outpouring of the Spirit where fire fell from heaven and the glory of the Lord filled the temple in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, there was no lasting change in the king's or people's heart. There was no revival. They had this incredible outpouring of God's glory but they failed to allow it to change their hearts and lives.

When there is a true revival, people are transformed more into the likeness of Christ and there is justice for the poor. God the Lord says about and to His Son the Lord in Isaiah 42:1-4, “He will bring forth justice and right and reveal truth to the nations...I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles], to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.”

Solomon was no longer building God's kingdom but was beginning to build his own. While he was increasing his fame, wealth and 'wisdom, it was at the expense of others. He was oppressing the people, making their yoke “grievous” for his own gain (2 Chronicles 10:4).

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance with gain. This also is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility)!”

Solomon went on to write, “There is a serious and severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt... And this also is a serious and severe evil -that in all points as he came, so shall he go; and what gain has he who labors for the wind?”

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:7-10, “For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world; But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied). But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.

For the love of money is a root of all evils [a]; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.”

Not mentioned by the author of 2 Chronicles, Solomon eventually also fell into idol worship and his heart was turned away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 says, For when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not perfect (complete and whole) with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.”

Solomon did not set out to oppress the people, using them for his own fame, riches and glory. Nor did he intentionally turn away from God and to idols. Mother Teresa writes, “We must keep the heart pure. How does our heart become impure? By pride, by lies, selfishness, insincerity, especially want of sincerity.” [1]

As Mother Teresa notes we don't step into a big sin all at once but rather step by step and little by little. [2] For instance, we don't usually set out in dishonesty by stealing a car. Rather, we start by a few white lies, then a few bigger lies, then by a little cheating here and there, and maybe stealing a few candy bars from the store before we move into Grand Theft Auto.

While we will be tempted by Satan to sin, as Mother Teresa notes, just like Jesus in the wilderness, we have to chose to say yes for it to be a sin. She writes about Satan, “He can do nothing unless we want... The whole of hell can come near you, but no one can force you, no one can touch you.” [3]

She notes that temptations will come, but with our Lord, we can fight them with confidence and humility. It is our pride that often gets in the way. It is allowed by God because it is “like fire in which gold is purified.” [4] It is actually in the struggle that we come alive to our true convictions and have the opportunity to live them out.

Sometimes we can have all the right things to say, but then temptation comes and we immediately give in to it, appearing hypocritical and inconsistent. We have all heard the parable of the sower in Mark 3:3-20. What is sown of the truth is sometimes taken away at once. Other times, it is received and welcomed with joy, but does not take root deep enough. The belief is superficial. Therefore one endures a little while but once difficulties come, it is taken away. Other times, the cares of the world and temptations suffocate the Word and it becomes fruitless. It is only when the seed is received, welcomed and then takes root, enduring difficulty and temptation that it bears great fruit.

Too often, we follow after God on the 'big' things but we allow smaller sins to eat away and erode our relationship with God. In Song 2:15 the beloved says, “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom. Beloved”

As Mother Teresa notes that Satan temps us because he wants to destroy God in us. She writes, “If we allow ourselves to be unfaithful in little things and say, 'it doesn't matter,' the day will come when we want to get rid of it, and we will be so blinded that we won't know how to.” [5]

And Francis Fenelon in “The Seeking Heart” writes, “To just read the Bible, attend church, and avoid “big” sins— is this passionate, wholehearted love for God?” [6]

When asked by the scribes, Jesus noted in Mark 12:29-31 the greatest two commandments involved wholehearted love for God. He answered, “The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord; And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Deuteronomy 6:7 goes on to note that when you love the Lord wholeheartedly “[then] You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you like down and when you rise up.”

We can only pass on to our children what we have truly received. We teach our children not with our words alone, but with what we truly put as priorities in our lives. We can have all kinds of words of wisdom to give our children, but what they inherit from us is what we genuinely live.

Mother Teresa notes that love begins at home just as sin begins at home. She quotes John, “You are a liar if you say you love God and you don't love your neighbor.” She writes, “I think this is something we must all understand, that love begins at home. Today we see more and more that all the suffering in the world has started from the home.” [7]

She goes on to note, “Our children depend on us for everything -their security, their coming to know and love God... And if the parents do not show their children what love is, who else is going to show them? These children will grow up to be spiritually poor, and this kind of poverty is much more difficult to overcome than material poverty.” [8]

Children often learn to value what their parents value whether they intend to or not. In my family, my father valued working hard because his father did. His father was raised on in an orphanage where you worked to 'earn your keep.' As my father was growing up, his father owned a business as a ditch digger and was also a farmer. My father 'earned his keep' by working hard farming and helping with digging ditches all his younger years until he left home.

My father was very much a hard worker and valued this. In our family, often the value people had was somewhat based upon how hard they worked. As a result, I grew up valuing working hard. My sister and I both married men who valued working hard. In the same way, my son inherited this value. My son is exceptionally bright and considered intellectually gifted, however the first thing people at his work will say to me about him is “he is such a hard worker.”

At the same time, since my father never had opportunity to have 'fun' growing up, he broke away from the pattern of thinking that hard work was all that mattered. Besides working hard, he would go out of his way to make opportunities for our family to do some fun things.

David had passed on to his son Solomon a deep love and devotion to God and desire to walk in all his ways, calling the people to do the same. In David's last charge to Solomon, he told him, “walk in His ways, keep His statutes, His commandments, His precepts, and His testimonies, that you may do wisely and prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.” (1 Kings 2:2)

And in 1 Kings 3:3 it says, “Solomon loved the Lord, walking [at first] in the statutes and practices of David his father, only he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. “

Solomon was following the Lord wholeheartedly at first as king. Sacrificing in the 'high places” was not a compromise at this point because the temple had not yet been built. 1 Kings 2:2 says the people sacrifice in the high places..., for there was no house yet built to the Name of the Lord.” Abraham also sacrificed in the high places, on top of Mount Moriah when he offered up Isaac to God.

One of the other things that David passed on to Solomon was a value for wisdom. Solomon writes in Proverbs 4:3-5, 8, 11, “When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba], he taught me as said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and life. Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her..I have taught you in the way of skillful and godly Wisdom...”

Solomon had not started out in his ministry having learned from his father David to oppress the people for his own gain. Rather, David was someone who cared deeply for the flock that was given into his care.

Solomon having received a value for wisdom and desire to serve the people from his father, started out in ministry deeply desiring this. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what He he could give Solomon. Solomon responded, “Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chose, a great people who cannot be counted for multitude. So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people?”

Commentary notes, “This is the high privilege of the child of God. Each one's life tells what he has asked for-- “in heaven above or earth beneath.” Which shall it be, God's will and glory, or our own?”

Solomon, unfortunately, after starting out so well and after praying and seeing fire fall from heaven and the glory of the Lord fill the temple, began compromising. Solomon had success after success and was told by others how great was his wisdom and renown. He probably began to believe it himself and fed his ego it, caring more about his renown than those he served.

Solomon not only built up excessive wealth, but he also acquired many wives and concubines. In doing so, he failed to demonstrate to his children what love looked like. 1 Kings 11:3 says, He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”

It was if God directly wrote Solomon a little love note warning him of this in Deuteronomy 17:16-17. It says, "The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself or send his people to Egypt to buy horses, for the LORD has told you, 'You must never return to Egypt.' The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the LORD. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself.

Besides accumulating large amounts of silver and gold, and having many wives, 1 Kings 10:26 says, Solomon accumulated chariots and horses [from Egypt and Kue]; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

Rather than passing off a value for wisdom, integrity and faithfulness to God like his own father David, greed, power and renown are the values he passed on to his son Rehoboam. To be great, his son in his spiritual poverty thought he would have to do more than Solomon in oppressing the people to acquire for himself so that he could look good and gain renown.

Mother Teresa asks, “How do you know, love, and serve [God]? How do you prove that you love him? In the family, the father proves his love by all he does for his children, for his wife. We prove our love for Jesus by what we do, by who we are.”

Solomon failed to demonstrate what love looked like to Rehobaom – both love for God and love for others. Mother Teresa also notes, “If a father and mother are not willing to give until it hurts to be faithful to each other, and to their children, they are not showing their children what it means to love. And if their parents do not show their children what love is, who else is going to show them?” [9]

When Rehoboam was to be made king, the people came to him asking him to lighten their load and offering then to serve him. Rehoboam disregarded the counsel of the old men who spoke of love. They had told him, “If you are kind to [those] people and please them and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.” (2 Chronicles 10:7)

Instead, Rehoboam chose to go with the advice of “the young men who were brought up with him” (those who would have been raised under Solomon's leadership in his days of compromise). They told him, “Tell the people who said to you, Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter: My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”

Also, what Rehoboam saw with his father is that once he was totally established and everything was going well for him, he no longer needed the Lord. He could do it all and be successful on his own. So when Rehoboam had established himself as king and strengthened his position, 2 Chronicles 12:1 says, “he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.”

Rehoboam never realized that his lack of ability to love the people was the issue. He saw the people as something to be used for his own power, glory, and gain. He thought the reason he did not rule over the rest of Israel was because he was not 'forceful enough' when he was young and inexperienced. This is what he taught to his son Abijah.

Abijah went to war against Israel telling them, “Ought you not to know that the Lord, the God of Israel, gave the kingship over Israel to David forever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon son of David, rose up and rebelled against his Lord [the king]. And there gathered to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam son of Solomon when Rehoboam was young [as king], irresolute, and inexperienced and did not withstand them with firmness and strength.” (2 Chronicles 13:5-7)

Abijah did not forsake the Lord like his father however. Abijah called on the Name of the Lord. In the midst of the battle when Abijah was losing, he cried out to the Lord and the priest blew the trumpets, then the men of Judah gave a shout. Because Israel was in a great deal of compromise during that time, having dispersed the Levites and sacrificing to golden calves, God smote Israel before Abijah and Judah. (2 Chronicles 13:13-15)

Just because one's father follows a path of evil, or forsakes the Lord, it does not mean the children are destined to follow in the same direction. A child still has a choice. They can choose a different path than what they learned as a child growing up. .

Asa is an example of someone who chose loving God and others rather than seeking after his own gain and glory. He sought after the Lord and brought genuine revival to the land. As a result, the people had rest and peace on every side (2 Chron. 14:7).

2 Chronicles 14:2-5 says about him and his reign, “And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and high places and broke down the idol pillars or obelisks and cut down the Asherim... And commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers [to inquire of and for Him and crave Him as a vital necessity], and to obey the law and the commandment. Also Asa took out of all the cities of Judah the idolatrous high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under his reign.”

Asa also taught his son to follow in the ways of the Lord through his own faithfulness to God. 2 Chronicles 21:32 says about Jehoshaphat, “And he walked in the ways of Asa his father and departed not from doing it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord.” As Jesus notes, the most important thing we can do is learn to love – both God and our neighbor.

However, even if someone follows the Lord, it does not guarantee their child will follow in this same path. There have also been times that the 'son' has chosen evil rather than following after the ways of their father. This was the case with Jehoram, Jehoshaphat's son. In 2 Chronicles 21:6 it says about him, “He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab, for he married the daughter of Ahab and did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.”

Jehoram foremost demonstrated his greed and hunger for power in the way he behaved within his family. As soon as he was established as king, he killed all his brothers with a sword and also some of Israel's princes that he viewed as a threat.

Lord, we long for a revival where people are genuinely transformed, loving You and others with their whole hearts and bringing your justice to those around them. And we so long for our sons and daughters to inherit something of true value: how to love you and others. Would you teach us how to love You well first of all and then love well those around us, especially our families. May we not waste our time and energy on the things that don't really have any value.

a. Revelation 13:18 is the other place (other than the parallel verse in 1 Kings 10:14) where the number 666 is referenced. The verse in revelations says, “Here is [room for] discernment [a call for the wisdom of interpretation]. Let anyone who has intelligence (penetration and insight enough) calculate the number of the beast, for it is a human number [the number of a certain man]; his number is 666.”

It was Jewish tradition to refer to something previously in the bible without explaining, expecting the reader to understand because they knew the scriptures. For instance, the prophet spoke in Jude 1:11, “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion.”

While there is much debate around the interpretation of the verse in Revelation, I lean towards believing John could have been referring to 666 as “the number of the beast” in relation to 2 Chronicles 9:13 / 1 Kings 10:14 -referring to greed and oppressing of people for ones own gain.

1-5, 7-9. Mother Teresa. “Where There Is Love, There is God.” Random House, Inc. New York, NY. 2010.

6. Chan, Francis. Crazy Love. David C. Cook Distributions, Colorado Springs, CO. 2008. First chapter located at: http://www.crazylovebook.com/the_book.html Last Accessed 12/7/11.

"...I will go unto the altar of God, unto God the gladness of my joy"

2011-11-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

“Satan [an adversary] stood up against Israel and stirred up David to number Israel. David said to Joab and the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me the total, that I may know it...

And God was displeased with this [reliance on human resources], and He smote Israel. And David said to God, I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing. But now, I beseech You, take away the hateful wickedness of Your servant; for I have done very foolishly.

And the Lord said to Gad, David's seer, Go and tell David, Thus says the Lord: I offer you three things; choose one of them, that I may do it to you. So Gad came to David and said to him, Thus says the Lord: Take which one you will:

Either three years of famine, or three months of devastation before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the Lord and pestilence in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him Who sent me.

And David said to Gad, I am in great and distressing perplexity; let me fall, I pray you, into the hands of the Lord, for very great and many are His mercies; but let me not fall into the hands of man. So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel, and there fell of Israel 70,000 men.

God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and He regretted and relented of the evil and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay your hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and the heavens, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

And David said to God, Is it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I it is who has sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray You, O Lord my God, be on me and on my father's house, but not on Your people, that they should be plagued.

Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and set up an altar to the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at Gad's word, which he spoke in the name of the Lord.

Now Ornan was threshing wheat, and he turned back and saw the angel; and his four sons hid themselves. And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw him, and went out from the threshing floor and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.

Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar on it to the Lord. You shall charge me the full price for it, that the plague may be averted from the people. Ornan said to David, Take it; and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. I give you the oxen also for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for wood and the wheat for the meal offering. I give it all.

And King David said to Ornan, No, but I will pay the full price. I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offering which cost me nothing. So David gave to Ornan for the site 600 shekels of gold by weight. And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings and called upon the Lord; and He answered him by fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering.

Then the Lord commanded the [avenging] angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath. When David saw that the Lord had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there.

For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offerings were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

Then David said, Here [the threshing floor of Ornan] shall be the house of the Lord God, and here the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1-22:1)

The Lord Will Provide

The threshing floor of Ornan was located on the top of mount Moriah. It was the location that David built an altar to sacrifice to God and stopped the plague. It was also the location that David's son Solomon placed the altar and built the temple.

Moriah means 'seen by Jehovah' or 'chosen by Jehovah', Strong's #4179. It was the very place that Abraham offered up Isaac on the altar he built, telling him “My son, God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering.” (Gen. 22:8) [1]

One article writes, “The Lord God provided a ram as a substitute to die in the place of Isaac. And there Abraham raised up an everlasting memorial to his God. Read verse 14. 'And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.' The name by which God revealed himself to Abraham, 'Jehovah-jireh,' may be translated in three ways. It could be translated 'The Lord will See,' or 'The Lord will Provide,' or 'The Lord shall be Seen.' However we translate this name of our God, Jehovah-jireh expresses the idea of God seeing and of God being seen. For God, to see is to provide. You know how we sometimes say, 'I will see to it,' when we mean, 'I will take care of it,' or 'I will provide for it.' That is the meaning here.” [2]

“I will lift my eyes to You” sings in the background.

My Bible commentary notes that Abraham was speaking prophetically, referring to the “Lamb of God which He had provided for Himself, Who in the fullness of time would take away the sin of the world, and of Whom Isaac was a most expressive type.” [3]

The article referenced above notes something similar, “As these words were spoken prophetically by Abraham concerning Isaac and his substitute, they were also a direct prophecy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Substitute whom God has provided for sinners. He was, by the Spirit of prophecy, saying to us, as God provided a substitute for Isaac, so he will provide a Substitute for all his covenant people in whom the Lord will be seen. That Substitute is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He was also telling us that, as God provided for him in his time of extremity, so he will provide for all who trust him.” [4]

It was on this very ground that Ornan built his threshing floor and David “built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings and called upon the Lord; and He answered him by fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering.” (1 Chronicles 21:26)

This is a type and shadow of Jesus. It is only through Jesus that our sins are atoned for and the curse is stopped. David called on the name of the Lord and offered a pleasing sacrifice on the altar that was upon the threshing floor. God answered by accepting the offering, sending fire from heaven to consume it .

In Matthew 3:11-12 John the Baptist says about Jesus, “But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff, He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.

The Altar

An altar is a place of sacrificial worship that is done according to God's terms and not mans. True worship of God costs us something. Receiving Jesus is a free gift but following Him will always cost us. David refused to make an offering to God “which cost me nothing.” Commentary notes, “While David could have rightfully accepted these gifts without paying for them, he felt that this would not suffice as sacrifice. A true sacrifice to God required labor and investment on David’s part.” [5]

An altar, mizbeach, Strongs# 4196, also depicts a “place of slaughtering.”[6] The sacrifice was a substitute offered to atone for sin. Therefore, the altar also represented a place of forgiveness for sin.

Altars were made of earth, uncut stones, or bronze. [7] The first altar that is mentioned in the bible is when Noah, his family, and all the creatures went forth from the ark. Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean animal and bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. The Lord smelled the pleasing odor and promised never again to curse the ground because of man as the ground was cursed when Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Altars also represented a place of protection [8]: Exodus 21:14 says, “But if a man comes willfully upon another to slay him craftily, you shall take him from My altar [to which he may have fled for protection], that he may die.”

The altar was the place the Lord chose to put His name (His presence). In Deuteronomy 12:11 Moses told the people that when they entered the promised land and were given rest from their enemies, “Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His Name [and His Presence] to dwell there; to it you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes and what the hand presents [as a first gift from the fruits of the ground], and all your choicest offerings which you vow to the Lord.”

Moses was speaking of the threshing floor at mount Moriah. In 1 Kings 8:29 Solomon prayed for the temple located in this location, “That Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, My Name [and the token of My presence] shall be there...”

My bible commentary notes that the “'Name' of God is equivalent to His gracious presence... The place where God puts His Name is the place where the Lord Himself chooses to dwell.” [9]

Exodus 20:24 says, “Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.”

As one article notes that an altar represented Jesus Himself. Psalm 43:3-4 says, “Let Thy light and Thy truth bring me unto the mountain of Thy holiness, and unto Thy habitations, that I may go In unto the altar of God, unto God.” [10]

While anyone or anything that touched something that was unclean became unclean, (such as a priest touching a dead person), it was actually the opposite with the altar of the Lord. Exodus 29:37 says, “Seven days thou shalt make atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; that the altar may be a holy of holies, and everything that shall touch it shall be made holy.” [11]

The only one that could make something that was unclean, clean was Jesus. Matthew 8:3 says, “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.”

Calling on the Name of the Lord

Calling on the Name of the Lord first occurred in Genesis 4:26 when a son named Enosh was born to Seth. It says, “At that time men began to call [upon God] by the name of the Lord.”

Romans 10:13 and Joel 2:32 says, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

God answered David by sending down fire from heaven upon the offering that he made when David called on the Name of the Lord. Commentary notes, “Just as a three-year drought ended in the days of Elijah when the prophet called down fire on a sacrifice at Carmel (1 Kin. 18:38, 41), so the three-day plague God brought on Israel ended with the sacrifice at Ornan’s threshing floor.” [12]

Fire consumed the sacrifice on the altar. The sacrifice represented our need for atonement and the fire represented God fully receiving that sacrifice. Lev 9:24 says, “And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.”

Fire represents the passion and love of God (Song 8:7) , the wrath or anger of God (Lev. 10:1-2), and an aspect or an element of the Spirit that purges and purifies us from our sin, “burning up the chaff with a fire that cannot be quenched” (Matt. 3:12).

Commentary notes, “To signify that God’s anger was turned away from him, the fire that might justly have fastened upon the sinner fastened upon the sacrifice and consumed that; and, upon this, the destroying sword was returned into its sheath. Thus Christ was made sin and a curse for us, and it pleased the Lord to bruise him, that through him God might be to us, not a consuming fire, but a reconciled Father.” [13]

Fire also came down from heaven when Solomon built the temple of the Lord and then offered sacrifices to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:1-4 says, “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

Pleasing Offerings

As the offering burned, it would become a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Genesiss 8:21 says, "When the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma" when Noah had made offerings of 'clean animals' of every kind.

The offerings that were made on the altar were a form of worship of the Lord. The first time anyone made an offering to the Lord was in Genesis 4. Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground and Abel brought the firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. The Lord regarded the offering of Abel while He rejected the offering of Cain.

My bible commentary notes about this, “In bringing the offering he did, Cain denied that he was a sinful creature under the sentence of divine condemnation. He insisted on approaching God on the ground of personal worthiness. Instead of accepting God's way, he offered to God the fruits of the ground which God had cursed. He presented the product of his own toil, the work of his own hands, and God refused to receive it.” [14]

“May it be a pleasing fragrance that I bring to you, oh my lord, I am so in need of your presence...” sings

The first time that David tried to bring the ark of God's presence to Jerusalem, he tried to do it his own way. He used a new cart pulled by Oxen. They made it part way when Uzzah reached out to steady the ark and he was struck dead. (1 Chronicles 13)

David decided he would try again a second time and gathered the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. He told them they needed to consecrate themselves and said, “For the Lord our God burst out in anger against us because you Levites were not with us the first time, for we didn't inquire of Him about the proper procedures.” This time, rather than using a cart, the consecrated Levites carried the ark of God the way Moses ahd commanded according to the word of the Lord: on their shoulders using poles. (1 Chronicles 15)

In the same way, one needed to build an altar and offer sacrifices according to 'proper procedures.' In Leviticus 10:1-2, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, “offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”

Fire here was the wrath of God. Nadab and Abihu were presenting an offering in their own way and by their own will. They were not doing it based upon the commands of the Lord but their own will. They were presenting 'unauthorized fire.' As a result, fire of the Lord came out from the altar and they perished.

One commentary notes, “Since the altar speaks of Calvary, it was as if they tried to approach God in some way other than through the atoning work of Christ.” [15]

Jesus the Blessed Reality of the Shadow

When Jesus went to the cross on Calvary, He atoned once and for all for our sin. The old ways of building altars and sacrificing animals became obsolete. What was a shadow (the altar and the sacrifice) of blessed realities were fulfilled by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Hebrews 8:13 says, “By calling this covenant 'new,' he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.”

Hebrews 10:1-18 says, “Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the actual form of those realities, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. Otherwise, wouldn't they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, once purified, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take ways sins.

Therefore, as He was coming into the world, He said: You did not want sacrifice and offering, but You prepared a body for Me. You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said, 'See -it is written about Me in the volume of the scroll – I have come to do Your will, God!'

After He says above, You did not want or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), He then says, See, I have come to do Your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. By this will of God, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once and for all.

Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down a the right hand of God... Now where there is forgiveness of these (sins), there is no longer an offering for sin.”

Metaphoric Reality

While Jesus is the blessed reality and there is no longer a need for altars to atone for our sin, 'altars' still have a metaphoric reality. Isaiah 19:19 says, “On that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the center of the land of Egypt and a pillar to the Lord near her border.”

'On that day' may be referring to a specific future point in time or it may be referring to the Day of the Lord. While the pillar is a memorial to the Lord, the altar is a place of worship where the Lord is honored in a way that is pleasing to Him (according to His ways).

And Paul, speaking metaphorically, says in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Peter also notes in 1 Peter 2:5, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Lord, throughout time, You have always been the answer and the way. I am so grateful to live in the time that we can experience the blessed reality of your sacrifice at Calvary. You paid the price so that we could be holy. Thank you that You chose to dwell among men. We long to offer you worship that is a pleasing aroma to You. And we long to see your fire fall from heaven on the sacrifice of our offerings of worship.

1. Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996.

2, 4. Fortner, Don. The Names of God, Lesson #2. Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord Will Provide, Genesis 22:14. Located at: http://www.freegrace.net/dfbooks/dfnamesGodbk/NAMES2.htm Last Accessed: 11/29/11.

3, 9, 14. Commentary. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.

5. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. 1 Ch 21:24

6-7. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S. Ex 27:21

8. Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's Quick Reference Topical Bible Index. Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995 (Nelson's Quick Reference), S. 36

10-11. E. Swedenborg (1688-1772). Spiritual Meaning of Altar. Located at: http://www.biblemeanings.info/Words/Religious/Altar.htm. Last Accessed: 11/29/11.

12. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. 1 Ch 21:26

13. Henry, Matthew: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody : Hendrickson, 1996, c1991, S. 1 Ch 21:18

15. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Le 10:1

Behold, A King will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice

2011-11-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

“the Israelites did secretly against the Lord their God things not right. They built for themselves high places in all their towns, from [lonely] watchtower to [populous] fortified city. They set up for themselves pillars and Asherim [symbols of the goddess Asherah] on every high hill and under every green tree.

There they burned incense on all the high places, as did the nations whom the Lord carried away before them; and they did wicked things provoking the Lord to anger. And they served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, You shall not do this thing.

Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah through all the prophets and all the seers, saying, Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the Law which I commanded your fathers and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets.

Yet they would not hear, but hardened their necks as did their fathers who did not believe (trust in, rely on, and remain steadfast to) the Lord their God. They despised and rejected His statutes and His covenant which He made with their fathers and His warnings to them, and they followed vanity (false gods -falsehood, emptiness, and futility) and [they themselves and their prayers] became false (empty and futile). They went after the heathen round about them, of whom the Lord had charged them that they should not do as they did.

And they forsook all the commandments of the Lord their God and made for themselves molten images, even two calves, and made an Asherah and worshiped all the [starry] hosts of heavens and served Baal.” (2 Kings 17:9-16)

The Israelites were practicing sentimental religion that was handed down from their fathers and influenced by the world around them. They had lost what was most important, their heart towards God.

Jesus says in Matthew 22:37-40, “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The Israelites were stiff necked and not truly following the commandments of God in all their religious practices. They had rejected the covenant which was based upon faith in God. Instead, they had created their own god to worship. They had put God in a box and tamed Him down to something they could control, manage, and burn incense to. And they were following their parents religious practices, while all the while living according to the world.

The Israelites did not set out with intentions to worship idols and forsake God. It just happened. As they went about life, they filled themselves with the world around them and their hearts grew cold. There was a growing deterioration of their love for God. They became complacent and were going through the motions.

What was being taught to the children was no longer how to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and might as the Lord required (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). Rather, they were passing on their religious traditions. More and more, the people of Israel did what suited them and God become some sentimental reality with no real impact in their lives.

“Don't let my love grow cold, I'm calling out 'light the fire again'” sings in the background.

The picture I have of this for today is when people go to church and go through all the motions that they learned, while never really encountering, knowing and fearing the Lord. The Lord is not something that makes them stand in awestruck wonder and amazement, or tremble at the knees. But their God is a sentimental family tradition handed down. They dress up and go to church on Sunday because they feel like 'good people' for doing so.

They identify themselves as Christians and toss God into their conversations as a sentimental rag doll that they carry around with them. They uphold all the traditions of faith but their hearts are not burning with God's love. Maybe someone who wears a cross around their neck, never swears, and serves at their church. They have a nice well behaved family, contribute to causes, and their family is seen in the community as 'godly people.'

But their heart is not truly transformed and changed by God. They are not moved with His compassion. Rather they care about what they think is the 'right thing to do' or what would look best/ be socially accepted by those around them. They are not coming alive in God but being conformed to the world's view of what a nice 'Catholic, Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, or Pentecostal, etc. should look like.

“Were gonna follow You” sings in the background.

Brennan Manning asks, “Is the kingdom that He proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women who go to church on Sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read the Bibles every now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody?” [1]

It is because we often live this way that we lack passion for God in our everyday walk. Brennan Manning writes that by “extinguishing the spirit that burns in the gospel, we scarcely feel the glow anymore... Because we approach the gospel with preconceived notions of what it should say rather than what it does say, the Word no longer falls like rain on the parched ground of our souls. It no longer sweeps like a wild storm into the corners of our comfortable piety. It no longer vibrates like sharp lightning in the dark recesses of our nonhistoric orthodoxy. The gospel becomes, in the words of Gertrude Stein,

…. a pattering of pious platitudes spoken by a Jewish carpenter in the distant past.”[2]

Often, like the church of Sardis (one of the end time churches in Revelation) we are so busy living out of our spiritual activities that don't realize that we are spiritually dead and need to repent. We somehow get our Christianity turned around and start believing it is all about what we do for God.

Yet, we are not left to die in our religious traditions. Brennan Manning notes that Jesus chose to give everything on a cross as a demonstrative sign of His absolutely furious love for men and women. He writes that what he calls, 'baptism by fire,' is “available to anyone who steadfastly seeks to move beyond theoretical abstractions to living experience, intensely real.” [3]

Often, just like the Isrealites, what God has to do is shake us free from our traditions and turn our little apple cart upside down in hopes that we will let go of it and turn to Him. And when we repent and turn to God, He meets us there.

Brennan Manning writes, “The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose against with but one purpose in mind: to make brand -new creations. Not to make people with better morals, but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the ominipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love.” [4]

Sometimes we start out with more than religious tradition but then grow complacent. Instead of loving God with our whole heart and standing in amazement of who, He is, we begin to go through the motions of what is expected of us. We go through the motions of religion rather than living in relationship with God.

“Beautiful, beautiful, I'm lost for more to say” sings in the background.

Brennan Manning notes that “We have all experienced the sadness of a Christian life that is secure, well regulated, but basically impoverished.” He challenges a Christian lifestyle that is radically different. One of “constant prayer, total unselfishness, buoyant, creative goodness, and unbridled involvement in God, His church, and the well-being of His children.” [5] One where we love the Lord with all of our hearts, mind, strength and entire being.

Brennan Manning writes, “Holiness is a terrifying word when spoken by the living God. Living the paschal mystery, dying daily to self, and rising to newness of life in Christ is a fearful thing to contemplate, much less live. Yet there is something smoldering in His invitation -Come, follow Me!” [6]

Complacency happened with one of the seven end time churches. The Lord says to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:3-5, “I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.”

Complacency, the Hebrew word sha'anan, Strongs #7600 means to be at ease in a prideful or arrogant sense. [7] One feels secure in their circumstances and with their life so they are arrogantly resting secure in that which cannot provide true security.

Proverbs 1:32 says that “the careless ease of [self-confident] fools shall destroy them.”

It is during difficulties, trials and tribulations that false complacency becomes evident. During these times, people find that sentimentality and religious traditions are superficial and lacks any substance to uphold them in their pain.

Zephaniah in his short book warns people that 'the day of the Lord' will bring judgment on the people who sit in complacency or religious tradition. 'The day of the Lord' is often used to refer to the period of time before the Lord's coming. In that 'day' Zephaniah notes that it will be a day of the Lord's vengeance where idols will be overthrown (1:3).

In 'that day' it will be made clearly evident who is genuinely following the Lord and those who are following religious traditions while worshiping their own God. Zephaniah says that the Lord will stretch out his hand against those “who worship the starry host of heavens upon their housetops and those who [pretend to] worship the Lord and swear by and to Him and yet swear by and to [the heathen god Molech or] Malcam [their idol king], and those who have drawn back from following the Lord and those who have not sought the Lord nor inquired for, inquired of, and required the Lord [as their first necessity].”

“Gotta wake up the world” sings in the background.

The Lord proclaims that 'in that day' He will punish those who have become complacent and are no longer truly following after God. Zephaniah 1:12 says, “And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men who [like old wine] are thickening and settling on their lees, who say in their hearts, The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil.”

“In this world we will have trouble, but You have overcome the world” sings.

Too often we think of the end times in terms of God's wrath poured out in judgment. However, the end times are truly about God coming for His beloved. He is jealous for His bride. And the day of His coming to be one with His bride is the day of joy of His heart. It is a time where He sets everything right.

God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were his enemies, God died on the cross for us. (Romans 5:8). “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)

Brennan Manning writes, “All that really matters is this: Have you experienced the furious longing of God or not?” [8]

He goes on to write, “This very question provoked the brilliant Karl Rahner to prophesy: 'In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic (one who has experienced God for real) or nothing at all.'” Then Brennan notes, “In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.” [9]

As Isaiah 32 makes evident, in the midst of the shaking during the end times, there will be no room for complacency or false religion. One will have to chose to be a mystic or nothing at all. No longer will people be able to hold onto their religious sentimentality and image while putting their confidence in something outside God.

Isaiah 32:1-4 says, “Behold, A King will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. And each one of them shall be like a hiding place from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land [to those who turn to them].

Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed or dimmed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. And the mind of the rash will understand knowledge and have good judgment, and the tongue of the stammerers will speak readily and plainly.”

As one commentary notes, Isaiah is primarily speaking of leaders of the kingdom. The 'King' is Jesus and the princes (sar, Strongs H8269) are the religious head's and elders that represent the 'King' to the people. [10,11]

Commentary goes on to note “The four similes for the future King’s protection and provision of His people contrast with Israel’s present incompetent leadership (28:7; 29:9, 10; 30:1, 2; 31:1, 2). Clear eyes and listening ears are figures for the future sensible leadership, in contrast to the present senseless, foolish leadership. The people’s eyes and ears would also be opened (6:9, 10; 29:18, 24; 35:5; 42:7); similarly, they would have a heart that is understanding and a tongue that speaks plainly.” [12]

Another commentary notes that Isaiah “sees a time when the blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, and the ignorant shall understand knowledge (da˓at, moral cognition or personal discernment, not doctrine). Thus, the prophet sees a day when people will not only know the teaching about God (for that was true in the prophet’s own time), but when morality shall be based upon spiritual knowledge. It will also be a time when all immoral societal evaluations shall be reversed. For example, the vile person shall no longer be called liberal (gracious).” [13]

Isaiah 32:5-9 goes on to say, “The fool (unbeliever and the ungodly) will no more be called noble, nor the crafty and greedy [for gain] said to be bountiful and princely. For the fool speaks folly and his mind plans iniquity: practicing profane ungodliness and speaking error concerning the Lord, leaving the cravings of the hungry unsatisfied and causing the drink of the thirsty to fail.

The instruments and methods of the fraudulent and greedy [for gain] are evil; he devises wicked devices to ruin the poor and the lowly with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is just and right. But the noble, openhearted, and liberal man devises noble things; and he stands for what is noble, openhearted, and generous.”

While it is not stated, it is implied from the first verses in Isaiah 32 that he still speaking particularly about religious leaders and elders. No longer will those religious leaders and others who are greedy for gain and manipulative be seen as bountiful and princely when everything is shaking. They will be seen as empty and barren as they really are, leaving the hungry unsatisfied and those thirsty parched.

Commentary notes, “The coming of Christ will reveal men in their true light. The fool and the knave will be exposed as such (and punished accordingly). “ [14]

It is a time when religious tradition and those who have polished the outside of the cup while being filled with unrighteousness will no longer prevail. People will no longer honor those who look good on the outside and have the right things to say. As times are more difficult, people need what is real and has substance.

Commentary goes on to note, “The generous man also will be manifested and blessed.”[15] Often we think of generosity as giving away what we have left over and feels comfortable for us. However, true generosity will be called out from us in the end times. What God asks from us is not what we have left over, but to give Him ourselves in entirety.

Brennan Manning writes, ”it is natural to feel fear and insecurity when confronted with the radical demands of the Christian commitment. But enveloped in the lived truth of God's furious love, insecurity is swallowed up in the solidity of agape, and anguish and fear give way to hope and desire. The Christian becomes aware that God's appeal for unlimited generosity from His people has been preceded from His side by a limitless love, a love so intent upon a response that He has empowered us to respond through the gift of His own Spirit.” [16]

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Isaiah 33:9-15 goes on to say, “Rise up, you women who are at ease! Hear my [Isaiah's] voice, you confident and careless daughters! Listen to what I am saying! In little more than a year you will be shaken with anxiety, you careless and complacent women; for the vintage will fail, and the ingathering will not come.

Tremble, you women who are at ease! Shudder with fear, you complacent ones! Strip yourselves bare and gird sackcloth upon your loins [in grief]!

They shall beat upon their breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine, for the land of my people growing over with thorns and briers – yes, for all the houses of joy in the joyous city. For the palace shall be forsaken, the populous city shall be deserted; the hill and the watchtower shall become dens [for wild animals] endlessly, a joy for wild donkeys, a pasture for flocks.

Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is valued as a forest.”

Those who are complacent will not have enough oil in their lamps to make it through the dark night (tribulation) until He comes. The shaking will leave them in stress and anxiety where they will fall away or turn to God and cry out to him.

Isaiah calls the complacent to awaken out of their slumber and repent that God might come and heal the land, pouring out His spirit from on high and making the wilderness a fruitful field (see 2 Chron. 7:14).

“So we cry out Your Name, El Shaddi, God of grace, Lord Most High, Jesus Christ. We rely on You Adonai, God of grace... “ sings

Commentary notes about these verses in Isaiah that judgment will fall on the complacent and troubles will “continue until the Spirit is poured out at the Second Advent of Christ.” [17] At the time nearing His return, in God's justice, the 'high places' of honor in the world's eyes will be deserted. While the places that had been laid to waste for many generations (barren land) will become fruitful fields.

The gospel will no longer be a stale and predictable [18] set of rules that provide comfort and safety. People will no longer be able to hold to their religious tradition of conforming to expectations. As tribulation and testings increase in the midst of God pouring out His Spirit, life will break forth.

Brennan Manning challenges us to sit with a quote from Henri Nouwen: “When the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian.” [19]

Isaiah 32:16-19 says, “Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) will abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.

My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places. But it [the wrath of the Lord] shall hail, coming down overpoweringly on the forest [the army of the Assyrians], and the capital city shall be utterly humbled and laid prostrate."

The outpouring of God's Spirit in the end times brings God's justice in the form of judgment and restoration. Commentary notes, “Social justice and righteousness will permeate every aspect of life, resulting in peace, quietness, safety, and confidence.” [20]

While everything around is shaking and those living in tradition or complacency are being called to repent, the people of God stand firm in His love. They have a continual supply of oil and genuine peace in the mist of the storm.

Brennan Manning writes, “Contemplation of the furious longing of God is elevated to a dramatic level in those rare and unforgettable moments when our faith, hope, and love are raised to an unprecedented level by the Holy Spirit's active intervention, much like being in that boat as the storm hits.” [21]

He notes, “When the night is bad and my nerves are shattered and the waves break over the sides, Infinity speaks. God Almighty shares through His Son the depth of his feelings for me, His love flashes into my soul, and I am overtaken by mystery. These are moments of kairos -the decisive inbreak of God's fury into my persona life's story. It is then I face a momentous decision....I can escape below into skepticism and intellectualism, hanging on for dear life. Or, with radical amazement, I can stay on deck and boldly stand in surrendered faith to the truth of my belovedness, caught up in the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God. And learn to pray.” [22]

Isaiah 32 ends with a promise that all that is sown in this season, will reap abundantly. Isaiah 32:20 proclaims, “Happy and fortunate are you who cast your seed upon all waters [when the river overflows it banks; for the seed will sink into the mud and when the waters subside, the plant will spring up; you will find it after many days and reap an abundant harvest], you who safely send forth the ox and the donkey [to range freely]” (vs. 20).

This verse sounds very similar to Ecclesiastes 11:1, “cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.”

Clarke's Commentary on the Bible writes about Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast thy bread upon the waters - An allusion to the sowing of rice; which was sown upon muddy ground, or ground covered with water, and trodden in by the feet of cattle: it thus took root, and grew, and was found after many days in a plentiful harvest. Give alms to the poor, and it will be as seed sown in good ground. God will cause thee afterwards to receive it with abundant increase.” [23]

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible notes about this verse in Isaiah 32, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters,.... In places well watered and moistened, and so fit to receive the seed sown, which grows up, and brings forth much fruit, and amply rewards the pains of the sower, who on that account is happy. These words are directed to the ministers of the Gospel in the latter day; the word is compared to seed, and the preachers of it to sowers of seed, who have a commission to preach the Gospel to every creature; and in the latter day, in the spiritual reign of Christ, to which the whole paragraph refers, they will sow the seed of the word "by many waters"; or among great multitudes of people, signified hereby, and with great success, great numbers both of Jews and Gentiles will be converted:

that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass; which were used in ploughing and tilling the earth, and in making it fit to sow the seed in it, and to eat off the heads of grain when it is grown thick and full, which some think is here meant; and the one might also be used to gather it in when ripe, and the other to tread and thresh it, as the Targum and Jarchi interpret it; there being a law given the Jews, that these two should not work together, Deuteronomy 22:10 and from hence it may be concluded, that these words refer to a time when this law should be abolished; and the Jews themselves apply it to the times of the Messiah; and it undoubtedly points to Gospel times, and even to those times when the Jews shall be converted, and great numbers among the Gentiles also, who shall join together in spreading the Gospel, and in promoting the interest of Christ.” [24]

At the time of this end time outpouring of the Spirit, a great multitude will turn to Christ - both Jew and Gentile! Brennan Manning writes, “Go now, beloved brothers ans sisters, aflame with what you know to do: Love! Do not keep silent. Do not keep quiet, until righteousness goes forth like brightness and salvation is a torch burning. Until all nations see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called, 'The evidence of God's love in the world.' Invite all the God's feast of furious love.” [25]

Father, when I read the words of Brennan Manning, I realize how religious and complacent my love often grows. Forgive me! Too often I go through the motions and try to get it all right, conforming to mine and others expectations while not truly living out the gospel -plunged into mystery.

Lord, as my clock read 3:33 yesterday afternoon when I looked up, I feel like we are moving into an hour where the complacent will be awakened and religious traditions will no longer be sufficient. I long to see the fullness of Your Spirit poured out and those who are destitute experience true life. Let your justice come forth.

Let Your light burn brightly in our hearts. Fill us with the certainty of your furious longing for intimacy with us. That we would not live lives impoverished with religion and complacency, but in abandon to the the wonder and mystery of Your love. Let our lives be fully alive in You! And let our lives burn brightly as the evidence of your love in the world.

1-6, 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25. Manning, Brennan. the furious longing of God. David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO. 2009.

9, 11. Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996.

10. Strong, James: The New Strong's Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1996, S. H8269

12. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S. Is 32:1-4

13, 15, 17, 20. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Is 32:1

14. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 1347

23. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible. Ecclesiastes 11:1. Located at: http://biblecommenter.com/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm. Last Accessed: 11/21/11.

24. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible. Isaiah 32:20. Located at: http://gill.biblecommenter.com/isaiah/32.htm. Last Accessed 11/21/11.

love one another, even as I have loved you... By this all men will know...

2011-11-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

“Let Your eyes be open to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, to hearken to them in all for which they call to You. For You separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be Your heritage, as You declared through Moses Your servant when You brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.” (1 Kings 8:52-53)

The word use as heritage here is the Hebrew word nachalah, Strongs # 5159. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that “the basic translation of nachalah is 'inheritance: 'And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee”' (1 Kings 21:3). The word more appropriately refers to a 'possession' to which one has received the legal claim.” [1]

Vine's Dictionary goes on to note, “Metaphorically, Israel is said to be God’s 'possession': 'But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day' (Deut. 4:20). Within the special covenantal status Israel experienced the blessing that its children were a special gift from the Lord (Ps. 127:3).”[2]

What made the Israelites unique, as commentary notes is that God had made a covenant with them. In a covenant, they “would make solemn vows to one another: 'Everything I have is yours. When you have a battle, I will be there with you in that battle... Your debts are my debts. Your family is my family.'” [3]

The Israelites were called to live separate from the ways of the other nations. Deuteronomy 7:6 says, “For you are a holy and set apart people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.”

In Exodus 19:4-6, the Lord told Moses to tell the Israelites, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [ consecrated, set apart to the worship of God].”

As God's special people they were to live according to His commands and under the umbrella of His love. Song 2:4 says, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”

“For I have nothing without You” sings in the background.

Over and over, it was God's love that carried His people through. Deuteronomy 32:9-13 says, “For the Lord's portion is His people; Jacob (Israel) is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, in the howling void of the wilderness; He kept circling around him, He scanned Him [penetratingly]. He kept him as the pupil of His eye.

As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, He spread abroad His wings and He took them, He bore them on His pinions. So the Lord alone led him; there was no foreign god with Him. He made Israel ride on the high places of the earth, and he ate the increase of the field; and He made him suck honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock.”

God continually kept His eye on Israel and led His people forth in His love for them. Isaiah 49:15-16 says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me.”

And it was God's presence that distinguished the Israelites from all other peoples. In Exodus 33:15-16, Moses said to the Lord, “If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here! For by what shall it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight? Is it not in Your going with us so that we are distinguished, I and Your people, from all the other people upon the face of the earth.”

It was through the covenant that the people of Israel where also a people of God's presence. Haggai 2:5 says, “According to the promise that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit stands and abides in the midst of you; fear not.”

Zechariah 2:10 says, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD.”

It was God's presence and power that made the Israelites known to the other nations around them. Numbers 14:14 says, “They [the inhabitants of the land] have already heard that you, LORD, are with these people and that you, LORD, have been seen face to face, that your cloud stays over them, and that you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.”

They were to be a light to draw others to God. Many times in the Bible, when the Israelites came into an area, the people had already heard of them.

When the spies from Israel came to the house of Rahab while spying out the land of Jericho, she told them, “I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror is fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Shihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

People had a fear of the Lord because of the Israelites and then were drawn to know Him for themselves. Solomon saw this and prayed In 1 Kings 8:41-43 for the newly built temple, “Moreover, concerning a stranger who comes from a far country for the sake of Your name [and Your active presence]-- For they will hear of Your great name (Your revelation of Yourself), Your strong hand, and your outstretched arm -when he shall pray in [or toward] this house,

Hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger asks of You, so that all peoples of the earth may know Your name [and Your revelation of Your presence] and fear and revere You, as do Your people Israel, and may know and comprehend that this house which I have built is called by Your Name [and contains a token of Your presence].”

It was the glory of the Lord upon the Israelites as they were set apart for God that made Him evident to other nations. Isaiah 60:1-3 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

“You shine like the Morning Star.... Jesus, what a wonder You are” sings in the background.

As the Old Testament is a shadow of the New Testament, the people of God being set apart as His inheritance, a holy nation and kingdom of priests bringing the good news of the gospel as His glory arises around them and His banner of love over them is a shadow. It is what Jesus brings to us through the covenant we enter into by His blood.

Revelation 1:5-6 says about His end time church, “To Him who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, and formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father -to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”

We have been chosen, set apart and adopted as the Father's own children through Jesus. Ephesians 1:4-6,11 says, “Even as [in His love] he chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him as was His kind intent]- [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of his glorious grace (favor and mercy) which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved....

In Him we also were made [God's] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own will, so that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!”

Brennan Manning writes, “The awesome love of our invisible God has become both visible and audible in Jesus Christ, the glory of the only Son filled with enduring love.” [4]

He goes on to note that the love of Christ is beyond knowledge. Paul prays for us to comprehend this love beyond knowledge in Ephesians 3:17-19, “That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth . And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” [5]

We are filled up to all the fullness of God as we comprehend His love for us. So often we try to become holy, set apart and transformed by our actions and getting it right (okay speaking of me here). However, it is only His love that can fill us and transform us.

And this love has been poured out freely into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit “is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it -to the praise of His glory.”

Commentary notes that by Jesus “believers are sealed; that is, separated and set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to him. The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance.” [6]

This commentary goes on to note,” The earnest is part of payment, and it secures the full sum: so is the gift of the Holy Ghost; all his influences and operations, both as a sanctifier and a comforter, are heaven begun, glory in the seed and bud. The Spirit’s illumination is an earnest of everlasting light; sanctification is an earnest of perfect holiness; and his comforts are earnests of everlasting joys.” [7]

The Spirit shines forth in our hearts filling us with His love and transforming us into His likeness. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this come] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

And it is God's presence through us and His love poured forth in our hearts that reveals Christ to the world. Isaiah 40:5 says, “And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.”[a]

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 says, “For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.”

As commentary notes, “God does not shine in our hearts simply to give us this knowledge, but rather that through us the knowledge might shine to others. 'We are not the terminals of our blessings or exercises, but the channels.' (Selected)

A Scriptural illustration of this is found in the life of Paul himself. On the road to Damascus, God shone in his heart. He realized that the One whom he had hated and who he thought was buried in a Judean tomb was the Lord of glory. From that day he went out to spread the light of the knowledge of the glory of God as it is found in the face of Jesus Christ.”[8]

“With unveiled eyes they see Your glory” sings in the background.

As Paul went out to spread the gospel, it was not just with persuasive words, but in demonstration of the Spirit's power (1 Cor. 2:4). Paul says in Romans 15:19, "[Even as my preaching has been accompanied] with the power of signs and wonders, [and all of it] by the pwoer of the Holy Spirit. [The reuslt is] that starting from Jersualem and as far round as Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel [faithfully executing, accomplishing, carrying out to the full the good news] of Christ (the Messiah) in its entirety."

Jesus was given as a covenant to the people, not just so people could 'hear' the good news preached, but that it could be demonstrated in power. Isaiah 41:6-7 says, "I will give You [Jesus] for a covenant to the poeple [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles], to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison."

One article notes that God's glory is a manifestation of His power that reveals His love. [9] This article notes, “The Hebrew word for “glory” is Kabod; it basically means weight. In science it would be the mass of an object of matter. It is the substance of a person or thing. For God, it is who He is, His character and power. We know that God is love, (1stJohn 4:16); love is God’s character and power. God’s glory manifests and reveals His love.

Moses asked God to see His glory. This was God’s reply, 'I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion' (Exodus 33:19).” [10]

“That we would be burning and shining lamps... Open up the heavens Lord, let Your power go forth to open up every prison door” sings.

The article I noted above mentions, all the “signs, wonders, and miracles that Jesus did were manifestations of the glory of God, manifestations of His love and power. This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. (John 2:11)

The needs of people are an opportunity to reveal and manifest God’s glory, His compassion. When Jesus heard that, He said, 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' (John 11:4) As Jesus moved with compassion the power and love of God was revealed. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)” [11]

The article I noted above mentions, “As ministers of the New Covenant we are to reveal God’s glory, His compassionate and powerful love to a world in need. 'Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:6-8)” [12]

One manifestation of God's power that reveals His love and compassion is healing. Jesus frequently brought healing to those He encountered. Brennan Manning writes, “Healing becomes the opportunity to pass off to another human being what I have received from the Lord Jesus; namely His unconditional acceptance of me as I am, not as I should be.” [13]

He goes on to note that inner healing of the heart often occurs in another through the touch of affirmation. He writes, “To affirm a person is to see the good in them that they cannot see in themselves and to repeat it in spite of appearances to the contrary.” [14]

He notes that affirming someone and calling the good out of them despite their weaknesses is not “some Pollyanna optimism” that is blind to reality. Rather, he writes, “When a person is evoked for who she is, not who she is not, the most often result will be the inner healing of her heart through the touch of affirmation. [15]

'Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Phil. 4:8 NASB)” [16]

Brennan goes on to note that when we read the Gospels carefully, we notice the extraordinary gift He had to not only bring physical healing, but inner healing to the soul. Brennan refers to Zacchaeus, who had climbed up a tree to see Jesus. Where everyone else isolated and shunned Him, Jesus invited Himself to his house for dinner. [17]

The woman caught in adultery, Mary Magdalene and the woman at the well were also examples of Jesus bringing inner healing to those around Him by treating them with dignity and respect. Jesus saw something more in the people around Him than what was on the surface. And He took the time and effort to call it out of them.

“You could not bear the distance any longer, so You came down and took on flesh” sings in the background.

Brennan asks, “Is there a Zacchaeus in your life? Somebody that everybody's given up on? Judged incapable of any further good?” [18]

As Brennan goes on to note, we are not identified as His disciples because we wear a cross, don't swear or go to church. He writes, “No, you'll be identified as His by one sign only: the deep and delicate respect for one another, the cordial love impregnated with reverence for the sacred dimension of the human personality because of the mysterious substitution of Christ for the Christian...

'A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you... By this all men will know' (John 13:34-35 NASB).” [19]

Lord, when I think about the people who have most impacted my life, it has been those who loved me when I have been undeserving and those who have believed in me. They saw, affirmed and called something out of me. I wouldn't be where I am today without them in my life. I am so deeply grateful for each one of them. I long to be more like this myself.

Lord, would you give us eyes to see beyond the surface? Would you fill our hearts with Your love and empower us to see and call out life in others. Give us eyes to see and hearts to heal the Zacchaeus' and Mary's around us. Fill our hearts with your compassion that we may manifest your love and display your glory to the world around us.

"And love, love is the only way, the way the kingdom comes... and love, love it will conquer all, this is our weapon of goodness" sings.

a. Commentary notes, “The ultimate revelation of the glory of the Lord will be in His glorious kingdom (60:2; Zeph. 3:14–17), where the Savior King dwells in the presence of His people for all eternity (Rev. 22:1–5)” [20]

1. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:121

2. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:121

3. Mulinde, John with Daniel, Mark. The Wake-Up Call: To Radically Abandon Our Lives To God. World Trumpet Mission. Orlando, Fl. 2011

4-5,13-19. Manning, Brennan. the furious longing of God. David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO. 2009.

6-7. Henry, Matthew: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody : Hendrickson, 1996, c1991, S. Eph 1:3

8. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. 2 Co 4:6

9-10, 12. Seek God Ministries. “The Glory of God: the manifestation and revelation of His love.” Located at: http://www.seekgod.org/message/gloryofgod.html. Last Accessed: 11/15/11.

20. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S. Is 40:5-6

God wants you to be... eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock...

2011-11-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

“The Last words of David: David son of Jesse says, and the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel says...

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock over Israel said to me, 'When one rules over men righteously, ruling in the fear of God, He dawns on them like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, when the tender grass springs out of the earth through clear shining after rain.'

Truly does not my house stand so with God? For He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. For will He not cause to prosper all my help and my desire?” (2 Samuel 23:3-5)

Commentary notes, “David voiced God’s expectations for rulers. Bringing blessing like the light dawn after the rain, like a clear morning, like tender grass—each of these similes speaks of new life, purity, and refreshment. The function of the king was not to impoverish the nation. Instead, the king was to ennoble the people as he presented to them the refreshing will of God.” [1]

In some translations, it says, “Although my house be not so with God” in verse 5. Commentary notes about this, “David realized that he had not been perfect, but he fully trusted in God to provide whatever is needed in the future to give rise to a righteous king.” [2]

David was thinking back to the promise God made to him that God would establish the throne of his kingdom forever. In 2 Samuel 7:16 God told David, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before you; your throne shall be established forever.”

Commentary notes, “ An everlasting covenant. This is David’s hope for the future of his house; it is the ground of his prophetic insight into the future. The covenant is expressed in II Samuel 7:8–16 and in the ultimate sense refers to the Son of David expectation fulfilled in Jesus Christ.” [3]

God was looking for a faithful son to inherit His kingdom. While David made many mistakes and sinned along the way, his heart was continually to seek God and put His will first over pleasing man. David was not faithful in the sense that he never got his sights off God or behaved appropriately, but that when he realized he chose wrongly, he turned and repented.

Philip Yancey writes in his forward of, All is Grace about Brennan Manning, “He admits in these pages to having broken all Ten Commandments several times over (murder, Brennan?). Each time he begged for forgiveness, repented to God and to his friends, and got up off the floor to keep walking. Like Christian, the everyman character in The Pilgrim's Progress, he progressed not by always making right decisions but by responding appropriately to the wrong ones.” [4]

Saul on the other hand chose to please people instead of God. He had fell into idolatry and genuinely cared more for what the people thought of him and that he was honored in his position than God.

Samuel had told the people when they asked for a king and they realized they had sinned, “Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider how great are the things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king shall be swept away.” (1 Samuel 12:24-25)

When Saul saw the men of Israel were scattering because the Philistines gathered to fight with Israel, Saul became nervous and offered the burnt offering to God (which he was forbidden to do) rather than waiting for Samuel.

When Samuel confronted him about this, rather than repent, Saul defended himself and made excuses. Samuel went on to tell him in 1 Samuel 13:13, “You have done foolishly! You have not kept the commandments of your God which He commanded you; for the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”

The Lord says in Exodus 20:3,5-6, “You shall have no other gods before or besides Me... You shall not bow down yourselves to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, But showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Samuel went on to tell Saul in 1 Samuel 13:14, “But now your kingdom shall not continue; the Lord has sought out [David] a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince and ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded You.”

Saul never repented (turned from his sin of idolatry) but he continued along the same path. He looked and went through the motions of someone who was God-fearing but he was really more concerned about his approval and his position. When Saul chose to 'honor God' it was full of self-interest and was at the expense of someone else rather than himself.

For example, when Saul did not hear from God on going down after the Philistines, he began to cast lots to see whose sin had caused God to be silent. He promised that whoever it was that caused this, would surely die (1 Samuel 14:39). After casting lots, when they came out pointing to Jonathan, Saul discovered he had tasted a little honey when Saul had commanded that no one eat food before evening, Saul ordered him to die (1 Samuel 14:44).

What mattered to Saul was his own dignity and honor. He wanted to win with the Philistines because he wanted to look successful in the people's eyes. And when his very own son got in the way of his success and honor, he was quickly ready to cause his demise.

Yet Saul asked for mercy for himself when he was caught in much greater sins -even though he never repented to God. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul had brought Agag king of Amalek back and kept the best spoil. Rather than repent, he made an excuse and claimed it was to offer to God.

Samuel told him in 1 Samuel 15:23, “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king. Then Saul begged Samuel for mercy. Not because he felt bad about his sin against God but because he was afraid Samuel would not honor him and the people would turn against him.

In 1 Samuel 15:30 Saul says, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, I pray you, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord your God.”

What matters to God is the genuine heart towards God and desire to repent for our sins. “We all need grace... how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me” sings in the background.

When the prodigal son came home in Luke 15 he expected to be treated as he deserved – as a slave that had squandered his inheritance. Instead, his father was generous with him. His father ran out to meet him and embraced him. He put the best robe on him, gave him a ring and sandals, and made him a feast. He fully restored his son. And to the older son who was faithful all along, the father told him “you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”

While the prodigal son was squandering his inheritance, his father did not rescue him from this. It was only once the son turned from his sin, learned his lesson and turned back to his father. When he did, he was not kept at an arms length or required to prove his worth, or even earn back his position. He was fully restored and forgiven out of grace.

“All the debts are paid. We're gonna be okay... There will be a day when love will show its face and wipe the tears away and all will stand amazed” sings in the background.

David was invited to see how God was a God of restoration in 2 Samuel 14. David was confronted by the woman of Tekoah for leaving his son Absalom, who had sinned greatly, banished and not bringing him back.

In 2 Samuel 14:13-14 the woman of Tekoah told him, “For in speaking this word the king is like one who is guilty, in that [he] does not bring home his banished one. We all must die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. And God does not take away life, but devises means so that he who is banished may not be an utter outcast from Him.”

However, as Absalom was brought back into the land, he never repented nor was he restored. He was angry and bitter towards David. David had continued to ignore the underlying conflict between them about the injustice done to Tamar. As a result, rather than genuinely turn his life around, Absalom made every effort to undermine David. Eventually he won the hearts of the people away from David and took the kingdom from him. He even got David's best friend and counsel, Ahithophel to turn against him. ( 2 Samuel 15-17)

In Isaiah 58, God confronted the leadership for their lack of repentance and hard heartedness towards God. They were going through the motions of seeking after Him, but their motives were worldly. They wanted God to bless them and give them 'righteous judgments.' God told them to stop seeking their own success and profit in their business, driving hard their workers and extorting from them by not paying them a fair wage. He wanted them to repent.

God instead told them to care about those who worked for them. They were supposed to help people get free from oppression rather than being the oppressor. They were to meet the needs of those around them and share their bread with those who are hungry rather than take advantage of them for their own benefit. And rather than closing out those who were not a benefit to their bottom line, they were to make time for people -especially family.

God told them in Isaiah 58:8, “Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

As noted previously by commentary, the function of the leader was not to impoverish the people by using them for their own gain. [5] This is clearly seen as the way of the world. Instead, the leader is to add value to the people and empower them, giving them an inheritance and making them more rather than diminished.

Saul often wavered between seeking to please the people to gain their approval and then using and driving people for his benefit. In 1 Samuel 14:24 it says about a day where the Lord had delivered the people of Israel in battle, “But the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had caused them to take an oath, saying, Cursed be the man who eats any food before evening and until I have taken vengeance on my enemies. So none of the men tasted any food.”

Later it notes that the men of Israel were exhausted and very faint. They were totally depleted. Saul's concern was not for the condition of his men but in delivering results and obtaining the victory so he could look good. When the men of Israel finally came upon the spoil from the victory they began to eat the sheep, oxen and calves raw with blood in them. (1 Samuel 14:32)

David on the other hand genuinely cared about people. He gave them an inheritance rather than take from them and drive them into the ground for his own gain. He also did not compete with his people but drew the best out of them and gave them room to grow. David came along side of his people, invested in them, modeled the fear of the Lord and empowered them.

In 2 Samuel 23:15-167, when David was hiding in the cave of Addullam he was longing for a drink from the well at Bethlehem. Three of his mighty men heard him speaking about this and broke through the army of the Philistines and drew him water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate and brought it to David. He refused to drink it and poured it out before the Lord.

In 2 Samuel 23:17 David said, “Be it far from me, O Lord, to drink this. Is it not [the same as] the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives? So he would not drink it.”

David feared the Lord and put Him first in his life. David cared most of all what God thought. Kings were 'expected' to always act dignified in public. In 2 Samuel 6:16 Michal, David's wife, saw him leaping and dancing in public while he was wearing priestly linen garments rather than acting dignified in kingly robes. She despised David for it.
She had learned how important keeping up impressions were from her father Saul.

Michal confronted him on it and David told her, “It was before the Lord, Who chose me above your father and all his house to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord. Therefore will I make merry [in pure enjoyment] before the Lord. I will be still more lightly esteemed than this, and will humble and lower myself in my own sight [and yours]. But by the maids you mentioned, I will be held in honor.” (2 Samuel 6:21-22)

David led by grace rather than judgment and criticism. The people who sought him out as a leader were those who desperately needed to taste grace for themselves. It says in 1 Samuel 22:2 when David was hiding from Saul because he wanted to kill him, “And everyone in distress or in debt or discontented gathered to him, and he became a commander over them. And there were with him about 400 men.”

David was constantly teaching the people who followed him what was right in God's eyes and how to fear the Lord. In 1 Samuel 26, David took the water jug and spear by Saul while he was sleeping at night when he was out in the wilderness hunting down David. David then when he got a safe distance away woke Saul and told him about it. Rather than do him any harm, he worked to bring peace in their relationship.

In 1 Samuel 26:22-24 David told Saul, “See the king's spear! Let one of the young men come and get it. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not stretch forth my hand against the Lord's anointed. And behold, as your life was precious today in my sight, so let my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.”

David also didn't get threatened when things didn't go his way. After receiving God's promise to be king over Israel, he was received by the house of Judah while the rest of Israel rebelled and chose another leader. In 2 Samuel 2:10 Ish-bosheth was anointed king over Israel.

David did not become indignant or react in a retaliatory manner, taking matters into his own hands. Instead he waited seven and a half more years for God to bring his promises to pass. Then when he was fully established, 2 Samuel 5:12 says David “perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel and that He had exalted his kingdom for His people Israel's sake.”

David saw that his calling as king was not to give him a position of power but to serve the people. His first responsibility was the benefit of the people he served and meeting their needs. The Wikipedia notes about servant leadership, “The general concept is ancient. Chanakya wrote, in the 4th century B.C., in his book Arthashastra:

'the king [leader] shall consider as good, not what pleases himself but what pleases his subjects [followers]' 'the king [leader] is a paid servant and enjoys the resources of the state together with the people.'” [6]

In a servant leadership model, the leader does not feel entitled to take special privledges and be treated differently than the rest of the people under them. They hold themselves to at least as high of a standard as they call their people to. Like David, they only ask of their people what they are willing to do themselves.

As the Wikipedia mentions, servant leadership is an obligation to help and serve others. They write, “Openness and persuasion are more important than control.” And note that a person who is a servant leader is committed to the growth of their people. [7]

The Wikipedia goes on to mention , “A servant leader is convinced that people have an intrinsic value beyond their contributions as workers. Therefore, she should nurture the personal, professional and spiritual growth of employees. For example, she spends money for the personal and professional development of the people who make up her organization. The servant leader will also encourage the ideas of everyone and involve workers in decision making.” [8]

In another note, the Wikipedia notes, “Unlike leadership approaches with a top-down hierarchical style, servant leadership instead emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power. The objective is to enhance the growth of individuals in the organization and increase teamwork and personal involvement.” [9]

To enter into servant leadership, one needs humility. David was someone with a great deal of humility. He did not have a sense of self importance which allowed him to put himself aside and help others get ahead. It also freed him from having to defend his own ego. When David was being hunted down by Saul he told him, “After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog? After a flea?”

An article on servant leadership by Regent University notes:

Murray (1982) describes humility as 'the blossom of which death to self is the perfect fruit' (p. 91). He says 'the highest glory of man is in being only a vessel, to receive and enjoy and show forth the glory of God' (p. 110). Only if man is willing to be nothing in himself may God be all.'

'Sandage and Wiens (2001) suggest that 'Christian humility involves the willingness to take a humble relational posture (when appropriate) by surrendering the motives of selfish ambition and grandiosity while considering the needs of others above one’s own' (p. 206). They say humility allows one to keep their accomplishments and talents in perspective, and includes being focused on others rather than being self-focused.

Hunter (2004) explains the paradox of humility in leadership by saying humble leaders realize they came into the world with nothing and will leave with nothing. People mistakenly associate being humble with being overly modest, passive, or self-effacing. To the contrary, humble leaders can be very bold when it comes to their sense of values, morality, and doing the right thing. They view their leadership as an awesome responsibility that affords them a position of trust and stewardship to take care of the people entrusted to them. Humble leaders are very willing, even eager, to listen to the opinions of others, including those with contrary opinions.” [10]

At the root of servant leadership is love. One must love the people they serve and want them to see them flourish rather than diminish. They genuinely care about people, learn from people, make room for them, call the best out of them, and add value to their lives wherever possible. They take time to get to know who people are and what is important to them.

Love is evident by the fruit that is produced. Rather than burn people out, David built people up. 2 Samuel 23 outlines the “mighty men whom David had.” Many of them accomplished tremendous feats in battle and slew their own Goliath. And it was obvious that they knew they were cared about as they would even storm through the line of the Philistine army to draw water out of a well and bring it to David. (2 Samuel 23:16)

Lord, forgive me where I have allowed myself to be conformed to the system of the world around me rather than serving others out of love. I find it hard to keep my footing in a fast paced environment that does not always feel conducive to servant leadership. Help me to live by my values and who you made me to be rather than by trying to live up to other's expectations. And help me to love and serve those above me as well as those below me well.

I pray the quote I have in my prayer room wall over us, “Let every day be a day of humility; [Let us] condescend to all the weaknesses and infirmities of [our] fellow creatures; cover their frailties, love their excellencies, encourage their virtues, relieve their wants, rejoice in their prosperities, compassionate their distress, receive their friendship, overlook their unkindness, forgive their malice, be a servant of servants.”

1. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. 2 Sa 23:3

2, 3, 5. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 632

4. Manning, Brennan. All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir. David C Cook. Colorado Springs, Co. 2011.

6-9. Wikipedia. Servant Leadership. Located at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_leadership#Characteristics_of_being_a_servant_leader Last Accessed: 11/9/11.

10. Waddell, Jane T. Regent University: School of Leadership Studies. “Servant Leadership.” Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, August 2006. Article Located at: http://regent.edu/acad/global/publications/sl_proceedings/2006/waddell.pdf Last Accessed: 11/9/11.

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

2011-11-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

David said to Saul in 1 Samuel 24:15, “May the Lord be judge and judge between me and you, and see and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hands.”

“I will fear no evil For my God is with me, And if my God is with me, Whom then shall I fear” sings

David trusted himself in the hands of God. Saul told David that he could not fight against Goliath because he was just an adolescent while the opponent had been a warrior from his youth (1 Samuel 17:33). In 1 Samuel 17:37, David responded, “The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”

When David came against Goliath, David approached him with a slingshot and a few stones and told him, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of host, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defiled.” (1 Samuel 17:45)

“Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name... cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name” sings.

David went to to proclaim, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:46-47)

David's heart desire was to honor God and not himself. He stepped out in faith to war against Goliath and God met him there. However, it was not the first time that David had placed himself into the hands of God. Over and over, David had learned in the small battles of life that he could count on God when he stepped out in faith to do what was on his right according to his heart. As he continuously stepped out and exercised his faith, he grew in his ability to trust God.

In 1 Samuel 17:34-36 David had told Saul, “Your servant kept his father's sheep. And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it. Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God!”

As I have mentioned in previous journals, it is through the covenant of God that we have protection from our enemies. Deuteronomy 28:7 says, “The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

“My hope is in You, show me Your ways” sings.

However, we must look to God and entrust ourselves to Him, realizing that we cannot defeat our enemies in our own strength or skill. John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “this overcoming is not done by human power, nor is it done by human effort. Only God can accomplish such a work; that's the reason he calls us to abandon our lives to him... Self cannot deliver you from self, and God is calling us to understand that only he can do that work.”[1]

Surrender means to relinquish control to another. It also means to declare yourself defeated and give yourself up to another.[2] Surrender to God implies the realization of our defeat in our own strength, surrendering control over our lives and entrusting ourselves to God. It is a choice we make in the moment.

Over and over, David entrusted himself to God when he was in trouble. Because of this, he was willing to step out in faith where most would not. And when he did, he saw over and over again that God met him there.

When he was in a cave hiding from Saul, David wrote Psalm 142:

“I cry to the Lord with my voice; with my voice to the Lord do I make supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed and fainted [throwing all its weight] upon me, then You knew my path.

In the way where I walk they have hidden a snare for me. Look on the right hand [the point of attack] and see; for there is no man who knows me [to appear for me]. Refuge has failed me and I have no way to flee; no man cares for my life or my welfare.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my loud cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. Bring my life out of prison, that I may confess, praise, and give thanks to Your name; the righteous will surround me and crown themselves because of me, for You will deal bountifully with me.”

“I know in my heart there must be a way to sing a great song, a greater song to You on the earth” sings.

Near the end of David's life, when he saw that God was faithful over and over to deliver him from the hands of his enemies, David wrote Psalm 18:3-19/ 2 Samuel 22:4-20

"I call on the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised, and I ma saved from my enemies. For teh waves of death enveloped me; the torrents of destruction made me afraid. The cords of Sheol were entangling me; I encountered the snares of death.

In my distress I called upon the Lord; I cried to my God, and He heard my voice from His temple; my cry came to His ears. Then the earth reeled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens trembled and shook because He was angry.

Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under His feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; He was seen upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness His canopy around Him, gathering of waters, thick clouds of the skies.

Out of the brightness before Him coals of fire flamed forth. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice. He sent out arrows and scattered them; lightning confused and troubled them. The channels of the sea were visable, the foundations of the world were uncovered at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breat of His nostrils.

He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of great waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth into a large place; He delivered me because He delighted in me."

David knew God was faithful, so even when he had sinned greatly, like when he took a census of the Isrealites and men of war, David would rather trust himself in the hands of God than man. David said to the prophet in 2 Samuel 24:14, "I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are many and great; but let me not fall into the hands of man."

However, David did not always trust Himself to the care of God. There were some times that David's heart became weak. In 1 Samuel 27:3, David dwelt with Achish at Gath living in the land of the Philistines while lying and pretending to serve them.

Commentary notes, “The truth is that David had gone through such a long period of persecution and threatening circumstances that he had fallen into a bit of mistrust of God Himself. God had sworn to make him king, to rid him of his enemies, to give him a sure house; yet here he was in a panic, concluding that God had forsaken him and that if he was to remain alive he must manage himself. It was very dishonoring to God. But God was standing by His stricken child, waiting for the moment when he would realize his own utter helplessness and turn in blessed surrender to the almighty arms of Him who had been watching over him all along.” [3]

Even Abraham, a man of incredible faith, faltered in his belief in the care of God from time to time. In Genesis 12:13, he asked his wife to say that she was his sister when they went down to Egypt during a famine. He was afraid that when the people saw how beautiful she was, they would kill him and take her. So instead of standing in faith and trusting God, he lied and let the prices of Pharaoh take her into Pharaoh's harem (Genesis 12:15).

It is an act of our will and a step in faith to surrender. John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “If we let go of our life and surrender our will completely to God but we do not trust him, then we will be afraid all the time. We will shake and tremble.” He notes that while we may surrender at the time, we will take it back when we are afraid. This was the case with Abraham and David when they stumbled – they were afraid and took back control. [4]

They go on to write, “Instead of figuring out my future, I entrust my life completely to the One who knows the plans he has for me (Jeremiah 29:11). This is a deep place of releasing your life into God's hands. He is the potter and he shapes our lives (Isaiah 64:8). We can trust him to use even the trials of life to shape us into the vessels he wants us to be so that we can fulfill the work he has ordained for us. I trust him to carry me through the fires and the floods because he said he would. There can then be a releasing of my life unto him.”[5]

A few days ago I was half asleep laying in bed thinking of all the things I had to get done at work. As my mind wondered to getting them done, I had this picture of me saying (singing) in my heart, “neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate me from His love.” As I sang this in my half dream/half awake I saw myself stepping out in faith in areas that were very uncomfortable for me and just trusting His love for me.

“I can sing of Your love forever” sings.

Just like it was for David and Abraham, it is fear that sometimes keeps me from trusting God and stepping out in faith. John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “I can tell you from experience that the real root to our struggle to surrender stems from fear, but we must be willing to trust God and let him lead us past our fears. He is taking us deeper into himself, and he will take us through our fears into the place where we really trust him and are able to fully surrender our lives to him.”[6]

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel go on to note that it is love that makes surrender possible. [7] In order to be able to surrender our lives to God, not taking matters into our own hands, we need to understand how deeply loved we are by God and that nothing we could do would ever keep his love from us. It is in an atmosphere of His grace that we grow more into His likeness as we give up control to Him.

They write, “The very foundation of our relationship with God is based on covenant, so to understand the love of God, we must have a deeper understanding of covenant. God formed covenant in human society so that we would understand and be certain of his love, which is solid and not ambiguous, like the emotions or feelings we can have. It is something that is secure and certain; a firm foundation that we can stand on.” [8]

When our hearts are fully abiding in the love of God, we freely surrender over our circumstances to Him and place them in His hands. We trust Him that He knows best and can fully care for us. We fully surrender to Him.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “A key to abiding, where our focus, love, and hearts are given over totally to the Lord and where we are walking and living in faith, is believing that God is who he says he is and that we are who he says we are. We must fight the fight of faith to hold onto that belief and not yield it to our enemy.” [9]

Sometimes (okay speaking for myself) what happens is that circumstances happen that cause us (me) distress, frustration or fear and then we (I) find ourselves suddenly feeling very 'unsurrendered.' Often rather than surrender our circumstances and the distress or fear to him, we (I) either start going in the wrong direction or try to fix everything so that we (I) can get back to a place of rest.

We need to hand our circumstances over to Him, trusting His care for us. When we are feeling afraid and it is hard to surrender, like David, we can strengthen ourselves in the love of God.

Is. 30:15 says, "For thus said the Lord God, the holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not."

1 Samuel 30:6 says, “David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Other words for encourage, the Hebrew word chazaq, Strongs #2388, are to make bold, firm, resolute, and prevail in the sense of conquer. The Vine's Complete Expository dictionary notes that this word was used in a personal sense when Moses “was commanded to 'charge Joshua, and encourage him' (Deut. 3:28)” to possess the land. [10]

This commentary goes on to note, “The covenant promise accompanies the injunction to 'be strong and of a good courage': '… For the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' (Deut. 31:6).” [11]

As we remind ourselves of who God is and His love for us, it strengthens us His in love. It is not that we first loved Him but that He first loved us (1 John 4:19). And as we receive this love and become surrendered to Him, we are free to give our lives away to others.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write “it is not our life being lived through him, but God's life living through us. When we really learn to abide, a life flows through us that is not our own.”[12]

They go on to note, “The enemy wants to compel us to devour each other so that we are wounded and divided, disunified and torn apart (John 10:10), but Jesus told us that we must love each other the way he loved us (John 15:12)....

As we love one another the way that Christ loved us -with generosity, sacrifice, and abundance of love -we will make an impact on those around us. Jesus said that we are to love each other in that way, and that by doing that – by loving each other the way that he loved us -the world would know that we are his (John 13:34-35). They will see something in us they have never seen anywhere else.” [13]

Rather than judging, criticizing and devouring each other, we strengthen our our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in God's love as we abide in the love of Christ. An example of this is Jonathan, who saw that David needed encouragement and came to him to strengthen him in God.

1 Samuel 23:16-17 says, “And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went into the wood to David [at Horesh] and strengthened his hand in God. He said to him, Fear not; the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father knows that too.”

Jonathan had the rightful position of king as the next in line after Saul. However, by the spirit, Jonathan saw that God was calling David to that position. Rather than be jealous and envious, competing with David for the role, Jonathan came along side of David and called it out of him. He willingly laid down his rights and what would be considered 'fair' by the world's standards to see God's purposes come forth.

It mattered more to Jonathan to see God's purposes come forth for David than have a position or a title for himself. In Genesis 4:9, Cain asks the Lord, “Am I my brothers keeper?” And all through the Bible, God goes to great lengths to make evident the answer to that question for His children.

John Piper notes that God has ordained us as believers to be related to other Christians “in such a way that we can help each other fight the fight of faith successfully day in and day out until the end.” He notes that the biblical basis for this is in Hebrews 3:12–14,

“Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have shared in Christ, if we hold our first confidence firm to the end.” [14]

John Piper notes four things we can learn from the passage in 1 Samuel 23:15-18. First, he notes that one of our deepest needs is for brothers and sisters in Christ to strengthen our hands in God. We all need encouragement from others. We need people we open our hearts to and allow to speak into our lives. [15]

It is such an honor and privilege when someone opens their heart and life to you, allowing you to speak into their life. It is a place of great trust. I always feel like I am standing on such holy ground when someone shares their heart with me.

People need other people to call out the life of God in them. I have noticed that when people are struggling with severe emotional difficulties or feelings of depression and hopelessness, they most often have a significant lack of a caring support network. There are either a lack of people to speak into their lives and/or the people that are their support network (such as family) are speaking things that are detrimental to them, causing harm.

Second thing that John Piper notes we can learn is that “strengthening a person's hand in God involves conscious effort.” He writes, “It is intentional. You don't just do it on the fly; you rise and go down to Horesh. Verse 16: 'And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose, and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.'” [16]

We need to be available to God to be used by Him in strengthening another person. We need to be present to God and present to the other person, allowing God to flow through us and touch their life. Just as indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit gives light, guidance, and counsel to meet our every need, He is available through us to give this light, guidance and counsel to others.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “He provides the flow of life; it is not our life being lived through him, but God's life living through us. When we really learn to abide, a life flows through us that is not our own.” [17]

Third, John Piper notes, “The strength we are to give each other is strength in God, not in ourselves.” [18]. There is a temptation to draw others to ourselves as their source. However, as friends of Jesus, we are to continually point others to Christ who is their source of strength and life.

We are to call out and name the life of God in others. Encourage others about the plan and purpose that God has for them. In this, they truly become strengthened in the truth and established in what God has for them.

When we draw them to ourselves rather than point them to God, we create a dependence upon us as their source and to provide what they need. We draw them away from God, who is their true source.

I recently ran into a young friend I had not seen for awhile. She noted that she had finally ended a friendship with a counselor who had been directing her for some time. At the time she was seeing him, she was struggling terribly with her faith in God.

What had happened in this relationship, however unintentional it may have been, is that this young lady had become dependent upon the counselor to make her decisions for her. She saw herself as incapable of making good choices and didn't learn to look to God. She began to feel the need to check with her counselor on all decisions. After ending her relationship with this counselor, she began to grow again in the Lord and is doing much better.

What I feel I can learn from this is that while it is life giving to encourage someone in what God has for them, validating their right choices and empowering them, one must be careful not to direct another or to see oneself as having the answers for another. It is easy to be flattered by someone who is looking to us for answers. However, we need to continually point others back to seek God. Our life giving words should strengthen the truth rather than be the source of direction for another.

This leads into John Pipers fourth and final point, that we strengthen each other by reminding each other of the promises of God. [19] As we speak God's promises over another, it strengthens them in them and it pulls them closer to God – who is the source of these promises.

God has an individual purpose and a plan for each of us that He is working into our lives. As we see the hand of God moving in another's life and speak it forth – identifying it and calling it out, we confirm and affirm them in the promises of God. It is only in fulfilling His purposes that people obtain genuine fulfillment in life.

Lord, forgive me where I have at times chose fear over trust and surrender. I pray that we would be a people who fully trust in you and are surrendered to you in every circumstance. May we daily abide in your love. Fill us with Your Spirit and give us the freedom to step out in faith to give your love away freely to all we encounter.

1, 4-9, 12-13, 17. Mulinde, John with Daniel, Mark. The Wake-Up Call: To Radically Abandon Our Lives To God. World Trumpet Mission. Orlando, Fl. 2011

2. Surrender Definition. Encarta® World English Dictionary[North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft. Located at: http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=define+surrender&qpvt=surrender+definition&FORM=DTPDIA. Last Accessed: 11/1/11

3. Commentary. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.

10-11. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:250

14-16, 18-19. Piper, John. DesiringGod. “Strengthen Each Other's Hands in God.” Located at: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/strengthen-each-others-hands-in-god. Last Accessed: 11/1/11.

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

"Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps."

2011-10-25T20:41:00.001-07:00

“And Boaz said to her [Ruth], I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to a people unknown to you before. The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (Ruth 2:12) Ruth was a Moabite woman who ended up in the lineage of Jesus.

Commentary notes, “Ruth is a prophecy, than which none could be more beautiful and engaging, of the entrance of the heathen world into the kingdom of God. She comes forth out of Moab, and idolatrous people full of wantonness and sin, and is herself so tender and pure. In a land where dissolute sensuality formed one of the elements of idol worship, a woman appears, as wife and daughter, chaste as the rose of spring and unsurpassed in these relations by any other [human] character in Holy Writ... Ruth's confession of God and His people originated in the home of her married life. It sprang from the love which she was permitted to embrace Israelites... The conduct of one Israelitish woman [Naomi] in a foreign land was able to call forth a love and confession of God like that of Ruth...” [1]

Ruth loved Naomi so much so that she left her country and all she knew to follow her back to Bethlehem. When Naomi told her two daughter-in-law's to turn back to their own land so that they could marry again, Orpah turned back and Ruth refused.

Ruth told Naomi, “Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts me from you.”

“Your love oh Lord reaches to the heavens, Your Faithfulness stretches to the skies” sings

As Ruth followed in faith Naomi and her God, leaving her friends, family, and gods behind, she found herself in the midst of God's much bigger story. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “We are torn out of our own existence and set down in the midst of the holy history of God on earth. There God dealt with us, and there He still deals with us, our needs and our sins, in judgment and grace. It is not that God is the spectator and sharer of our present life, howsoever important that is; but rather that we are the reverent listeners and participants in God's action in the holy sacred story, the history of Christ on earth. And only in so far as we are there, is God with us today also.” [2]

Ruth went out gleaning in the field for grain in order for Naomi and her to have food, and 'just happened' to find herself gleaning in the field of Boaz. Boaz immediately noticed Ruth when she saw her gleaning in his field and asked about who she was. When he found out that she was the Moabitish girl who came back with Naomi, he asked her to glean only in his field and instructed his servants to watch out for her. (Ruth 2:3-9)

God had already went ahead of her and made a way for her. Ruth had tremendous favor with Boaz. She fell on her face and asked Boaz, “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should notice me, when I am a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10)

Boaz responded, “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and mother and land of your birth and have come to a people unknown to you before.” (Ruth 2:11)

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, she had lost sight of God's goodness to her. She told the town, “Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)

Yet, despite her struggle with bitterness, Naomi allowed God to use her powerfully in Ruth's life. Naomi spoke God's wisdom into Ruth's life.

“Don't you know I've always loved you, and I always will” sings in the background.

When Naomi heard of all that Boaz did for Ruth and saw what great favor she had, she realized it was the hand of the Lord behind it. She told Ruth, “Blessed be the of the Lord who has not ceased his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said to her, The man [Boaz] is a near relative of ours, one who has the right to redeem us.” (Ruth 2:20)

“I will find my strength in the shadow of Your wings” sings.

Naomi proceeded to instruct Ruth to lay at the feet of Boaz on the threshing floor when he winnowed his barely and told her exactly what to say and do. As commentary notes, this was a Jewish custom of the day for a woman who was seeking to come under the protection of a kinsmen redeemer.

Commentary notes, “The Law of Moses required that when a man died childless, a close relative should marry the widow (Deut. 25:5–10), thus perpetuating the family name and keeping the land in the family. It was especially important that when a man died without a son, someone should marry his widow so that a son would be born and the name carried on.” [3]

When Boaz awoke to find Ruth at his feet, she told him. “I am Ruth your maidservant. Spread your wing [of protection] over your maidservant, for you are a next of kin.” (Ruth 3:9)

Psalm 5:11-12 proclaims, “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield.”

Boaz answered her, “Blessed be you of the Lord, my daughter. For you have made this last loving-kindness greater than the former, for you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for you all you require, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability).” (Ruth 3:10-11)

Boaz followed through by going through the proper Jewish customs and eventually purchasing all the Elimelech's and Chilion's and Mahlon's from the hand of Naomi. When he did, he also took Ruth to be his wife and restored the name of her deceased husband (Ruth 4:10). Ruth and Boaz conceived a son together by the hand of the Lord that was the ancestor of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:17).

And Naomi was comforted in her grief. The women saw it was the hand and great care of God and said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, Who has not left you this day without a close kinsman, and may his name be famous in Israel. And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher and supporter in your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” (Ruth 4:14-15). Naomi then became the child's nurse (Ruth 4:16).

“My hope is in You, show me Your ways” sings.

As Boaz is a type and shadow of Jesus as our kinsman redeemer, Naomi is a type and shadow of the Holy Spirit as she kept pointing Ruth into the greater purposes of God for her life.

Naomi loved Ruth with a genuine godly love that was not seeking to draw Ruth to herself or suck the life out of the relationship by gaining approval and validation. When someone is trying to get their needs met out of human love, they manipulate situations and control to get what they desire.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer notes, “Human love is directed to the other person for his own sake, spiritual love loves him for Christ's sake. Therefore, human love seeks direct contact with the other person; it loves him not as a free person but as one whom it binds to itself. It wants to gain, to capture by every means; it uses force. It desires to be irresistible, to rule.” [4]

Bonhoeffer goes on to note that spiritual love can love ones enemy while human love cannot. The reason is that spiritual love does not 'desire' to obtain something but rather serves and gives. He writes, “Human love makes itself an end in itself... Spiritual love, however, comes from Jesus Christ, it serves him alone...” [5]

When we are trying to get something out of our relationships to meet our own needs, it is an idol. While this kind of love can still serve and look a little like spiritual love, there are hooks in it. The person loves and serves with a desire to obtain something from it. And if the person does not get their needs and desires met from the relationship, they stop serving and giving.

Naomi did not try to manipulate, dominate or control Ruth in any way. She was not trying to meet her own needs from Ruth. Rather, she gave Ruth complete freedom in her choices. Naomi was serving God and continually pointing Ruth towards her destiny. Naomi offered Ruth God's love and God's wisdom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Bonhoeffer writes, “Human love produces human subjection, dependence, constraint; spiritual love creates freedom of the brethren under the Word.”

Idolatrous love sees ourselves and the relationship as the 'end' we are seeking. However, spiritual love realizes that it is only Christ that can fulfill myself and others and places Christ between every relationship.

Bonhoeffer writes, “Because Christ stands between me and others, I dare not desire direct fellowship with them. As only Christ can speak to me in such a way that I may be saved, so others, too, can be saved only by Christ himself.” [6]

Spiritual love does not have 'desire' or any hidden agenda that is seeking one's own benefit. Nor does it try to form and shape others into a certain mold. Rather, it sees the other as Christ's workmanship, and in His image. The only 'desire' that spiritual love has is that Christ would be formed in them and they would come into His purpose and destiny for their lives.

Bonhoeffer writes, “Spiritual love recognizes the true image of the other person which he has received from Jesus Christ the image that Jesus Christ himself embodied and would stamp on all men. Spiritual love, as Bonhoeffer notes, will pray and speak to Christ about the person more than the person about Christ. [7]

Often we try to love others in our own strength. However, our human love always has hooks in it. Naomi could only give away this kind of spiritual love freely to Ruth if she was herself being filled by it. We love because He (Christ) first loved us (1 John 4:19). We must first receive His love before we can give it away to others.

Jesus says in John 15:9, “I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].

One of the ways we allow ourselves to experience Him and love us to life is through meditating on His Word. And according to Bonhoeffer, it is through our meditation in the Word of God that we speak forth life into others lives, helping come into alignment with their destiny. [8]

Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law].”

And Jesus says in Luke 6:45, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”

Bonhoeffer writes, “How shall we ever help a Christian brother and set him straight in his difficulty and doubt, if not with God's own Word? All our own words quickly fail. But he who like a good 'householder... bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.' (Matt. 13:52), he who can speak out of the abundance of God's Word, the wealth of directions, admonitions, and consolations of the Scriptures, will be able through God's Word to drive out demons and help his brother.” [9]

Isaiah 26:9 says, “When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.”

And Jesus says in John 15:7, “If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.”

As we abide in Christ and help our Christian brothers and sisters to come into alignment with Him and His purposes, we are helping them to find genuine fulfillment. It is only in Christ and coming in line with His greater purposes that we find fulfillment in life.

Isaiah 26:12 says, “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

Spiritual love will direct us towards our destiny in Christ which will bear fruit in our lives. Bonhoeffer writes, “spiritual love creates the fruits that grow healthily in accord with God's good will in the rain and storm and sunshine of God's outdoors.” [10]

It was the spiritual love that Naomi had for Ruth that drew her to come to know the Lord herself and follow the path that God had for her. And it was the spiritual love that Naomi had for Ruth that directed Ruth into her destiny.

Mordecai was also someone who demonstrated this kind of spiritual love. He spoke into Esther's life and helped her to get in alignment with God's purposes. When Esther became queen, Mordecai sent word to Esther about Haman convincing the king to issue a decree to destroy all the Jews (Esther 4:8).

Esther was afraid to approach the king about it so Mordecai told her, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” (Esther 4:14)

Just as it took faith for Ruth to leave behind all that she knew to follow Naomi to an unknown land, it took faith for Esther to approach the king and petition him for her life and the life of her people. Esther responded to Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”

“Take my time on this earth, let it glorify all that You are worth. I am nothing, I have nothing, without You.”

As Ruth and Esther both stepped out in faith and got into position in the purposes of God for their life, God met them there. In the past, I have struggled with thinking that I have to not only say yes to God's purposes and step into them by faith, but I have to somehow be worthy and deserving of His blessings and favor.

The fruit of this is both navel gazing and self-righteousness. I have constantly worked hard to get everything right and get my behaviors in line with God. Then when I did get my behaviors right, I felt self-righteous which is sin.

"I want to make much of Your mercy, I want to make much of Your cross" sings.

However, John 1:16 says, "From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another.

As Steve Wiens mentioned this last weekend, we cannot earn the favor of God. It is a gift as we are to receive with thanksgiving as we do all things in the name of Jesus (Col 3:17) [11]

Whenever someone stepped out in faith in the Bible and was in alignment with God's greater purposes and His timing, God met them there -despite their weaknesses and failures. They didn't have to wait until they got everything right. An example of this is Saul.

God gave Saul the position of king and blessed him in it. He was anointed by Samuel, and when he stepped into the role and called people to go to war with the Ammonite's on behalf of the men of Jabesh, the terror of the Lord fell on the people and they all came out in one consent. (1 Samuel 11:7).

It was not lack of God's support for Saul that took Him out of the position, but Saul's jealousy of David and his continual choice to please people over choosing to please God that eventually derailed him. Saul had made his position an idol. God established and powerfully anointed Saul, but Saul's lack of character and refusal to repent and choose God over his position eventually caused his downfall.

This was the same with Sampson. When Sampson stepped into the position God called him to in faith, God met him there and anointed him to fulfill his purposes. Over and over, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon Sampson to deliver the people from the Philistines.

Delivering God's people from the Philistines was the position that God had called Sampson to as judge. Judges 15:14-20 says, “And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting to meet him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon [Sampson], and the ropes on his arms became as flax that had caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands.

And he found a still moist jawbone of a donkey and reached out and took it and slew 1,000 men with it. And Samson said, With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey I have slain 1,000 men! …

Sampson was very thirsty, and he prayed to the Lord and said, You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant, and now shall I die of thirst and fall int the hands of the uncircumcised? And God split open the hollow place that was at Lehi, and water came out of it. And when he drank, his spirit returned and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore [the spring of him who prayed], which is at Lehi to this day. And [Samson] judged (defended) Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.”

Sampson however, didn't fully have a heart to honor God. Sampson's main derailers were relationships with women and self-centered behavior. He had made a idol of the women he was attracted to and of himself and his supernatural strength. The reason that Sampson fought with the Philistines was not because his heart was broken by seeing the oppression of the Israelites and/or that he wanted to see God glorified. He fought with the Philistines for personal revenge (mainly relating to issues with women). In the end, he died getting vengeance because the Philistines were making a sport of him. (Judges 16)

“I want to give my all and no less. I want to live my life with no regrets. I listen to the call, because you gave it all. So when You put me to the test, I'm gonna give You no less” sings.

In the case of Saul and Sampson, at the root of their derailment was their idolatry. David, on the other hand, demonstrated a lack of character when he had an affair with Bathsheba and then murdered her husband. While he experienced consequences for his choices, it did not derail him from fully fulfilling his purposes because he turned back to God.

Ultimately, what really matters is our relationship with Christ. While Sampson and Saul may have been powerfully anointed to fulfill the purposes God called them to, they missed out terribly on what mattered most. They chose idolatry over God and failed to love Him with all their heart, strength, soul and mind (Deut. 6:5).

Lord, forgive me where I have failed to love others with a genuine spiritual love. Too often I have had hooks in my love and have really been trying to meet my own needs for validation or approval.

Align us with Your heart and purposes. Empower us to be a people who love others with a genuine spiritual love. Help us to be a people who continually push people towards You and Your greater purposes. And most of all, in entering into the purposes you have for us, help us to be a people who don't miss out on what matters most -loving You with all that we are. You are worthy of all we have to give.

"I give You my life, take it and let it be used to make much of You."

1. J. P. Lange Commentary. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.

2, 4-10. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY. 1954.

3. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Ru 3:8

11. Wiens, Steve, Associate Senior Pastor. In the Name of Jesus. Church of The Open Door, Maple Grove, MN. Located at: http://www.thedoor.org/ under Recent Messages. Last Accessed 10/26/11.

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

“Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God...”

2011-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

“The Lord gave them rest round about, just as He had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies withstood them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hands. There failed no part of any good things which the Lord had promised to the house of Israel; all came to pass.” (Joshua 22:44-45)

My Bible commentary notes, “All through the time of Joshua's leadership he kept giving as his warrant of faith the fact that the Lord had spoken, the Lord had promised. The word of God is the guaranty of faith. Genuine faith always advances on the authority expressed in Hebrews 13:5,6, 'He [God] Himself has said... So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say...'” [1]

Over and over, Joshua reminded the people that it was the Lord who was fighting for them and establishing them in the land. It was not the strength of man but God. It was according to the promise God had made to them.

Joshua told all of Israel in his farewell address in Joshua 23:3,5,9-10, “And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; for it is the Lord your God Who has fought for you... The Lord your God will thrust them out from before you and drive them out of your sight, and you shall possess the land, as the Lord your God promised you...

For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; and as for you, no man has been able to withstand you to this day. One man of you shall put to flight a thousand, for it is the Lord your God Who fights for you, as He promised you.”

In Exodus 14:14 Moses had told the people that when they entered into the Promised Land, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.”

However, there came a time that the Lord would no longer fight for the Israelites. In Judges 2:1-3, the Angel of the Lord spoke to them and said, “I brought you up from Egypt and have brought you to the land which I swore to give to your fathers, and I said, I will never break My covenant with you; And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; but you shall break down their altars. But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? So now I say, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

It was because they forsook God and broke His covenant by serving other gods that the Lord no longer fought for them. Judges 2:11-15 says, “And the people of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, Who brought them out of the land of Egypt.

They went after other gods of the peoples round about them and bowed down to them, and provoked the Lord to anger. And they forsook the Lord and served Baal [the god worshiped by the Canaanites] and the Ashtaroth [female deities such as Ashtoreth and Asherah].

So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He gave them into the power of plunderers who robbed them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could no longer stand before their foes. Whenever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn to them; and they were bitterly distressed.”

“Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for, faithfulness, faithfulness is what I need, faithfulness faithfulness is what You want from me.”

In Joshua 23:11-13, Joshua had told the people, “Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God, for if you turn back and adhere to the remnant of these nations left among you and make marriages with them, you marrying their women and they yours, know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations from before you; but they shall be a snare and trap to you, and a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”

My Bible Commentary notes that “Everything depended on whether or not Israel would continue to be faithful to the covenant.” [2] To serve other gods was to transgress the covenant (Joshua 23:16). Forsaking the covenant they had with God, they no longer had the same protection from their enemies.

Rather than overtaking their enemies they are overtaken by them as they served others gods. And as a result of their unfaithfulness, they experienced oppression by the enemy. Then when they cried out to the Lord, He saved them.

Over and over in the book of Judges, when the people of God were unfaithful to God and bowed down to idols, they experienced oppression from their enemies and then when they cried out, God sent a judge to deliver them. Judges 4:8 says about the Israelites, [Formerly] they chose new gods; then war was in the gates.”

They were warned to 'be very watchful' to love the Lord. Watchful is the Hebrew word shamar (Strongs #8104) and it means to be on one’s guard or to tend to well (like you would a garden). [3]

When we neglect and fail to take responsibility to guard and nurture our relationship with Christ, it is easy to begin to be conformed more like the people around us. We have a tendency to naturally desire to fit into roles and expectations of the world without thinking too much about it.

We begin to conform or adhere to the practices of the people around us. To adhere is the Hebrew word dabaq, Strongs #1692. It means to cleave, cling, giving our loyalty and devotion. [4] In the case of the Israelites, instead of honoring God the people where honoring, valuing and giving their devotion to what the people in the land around them valued/honored.

The Israelites failed to drive out the enemy and did not break down the altars to their gods. Instead, they conformed to the people of the area's way and worshiped what they worshiped. And they turned back to the ways of their fathers, following religious tradition rather than having any heart for God.

The Israelites did not consciously intend to transgress the covenant with God and turn to other god's. What happened is that they became complacent and neglectful in tending their relationship with the Lord. Rather than tearing down the altars of the people in the land, they joined in worship of their gods. In Judges 2:1-4 when the Angel of the Lord confronted them for their failure to obey God, the people lifted up their voice and wept.

This is not just a problem of the Old Testament, this happened in the New Testament church as well. Paul confronts the Corinthians for the conforming to the ways of the world and unbelievers. He tells them in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?

What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor. And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note, “God does the work of setting us apart. We do not have to try to become perfect in our own strength; we only need to surrender ourselves to him. As he works to set us apart, he will strip away the layers of sin in our life.” [5]

They go on to note that the world system is the most influential area in our lives and has the strongest pull against our ability to be surrendered and set apart. They write, “The system of our world becomes what everybody around us lives in and the way our mindsets function. We have become completely adapted to it.” We too easily conform and go along with status quo (okay, we in this case is me). [6]

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Too often we waiver between the ways of the world and ways of God. Joshua 24:14-15 told the people, “Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Saul is an example of someone who wavered between the ways of the world and ways of God. While He followed God's orders to attack the Amalekites, Saul did not destroy everything as commanded. He kept the best for himself. When confronted by Samuel, Saul's concern was in how he was perceived by the people rather than God (1 Samuel 15). He feared the people over God (1 Samuel 15:24). John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note, “Saul's heart was set on pleasing the people and maintaining a good image before them.” [7]

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel challenge, “If we are not living for God in certain areas, then for whom are we living?” And note that Saul loved his reputation and image before the people and made it an idol.[8]

They ask, “How many times do we perform the same kind of acts of disobedience as Saul because we don't want to antagonize people, willfully holding back from obeying if we sense that people may not approve?” The fear of man can cause us to disobey God or try to please and submit to others rather than God. [9]

Sometimes rather than risk 'rocking the boat' by tearing down altars to false gods, we try to accommodate and live with the enemy like some of the Israelites. We put off any confrontation or dealing with issues often telling ourselves we can somehow make things work by our own strength or we need to wait for the right time.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that procrastination of God's will is not because we don't love God, but because we are not wholly yielded. They write, “the more we procrastinate, the harder our hearts become. By postponing obeying the Lord, we are quenching the voice of the Holy Spirit, the only voice who can lead us to repentance.” [10]

Eventually if we allow the world around us to conform us by going along and by procrastinating taking action, we begin to think like the world. John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “Eventually, we become so programmed to and by our world system that we no longer even feel concerned or convicted by the sins that beset us. We have the strength and support of our world. We are anchored to that world; we are part of it and it is part of us.” [11]

in 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah confronted the people for their double mindedness. He said to them, “How long will you halt and limp between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal, then follow him.”

James says that the one who wavers “is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and tither and tossed by the wind (v. 1:6). He goes on to say, “[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]” (James 1:8).

James goes on to confront the church for their worldly passions, letting their love for the world drive their behaviors. He tells them, “You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war.” (James 4:2)

He goes on to say, “You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us years over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love?”

I had a dream a few nights ago about fire. There was an increase in fire and it was burning everywhere I turned. I was trying to run and get away from it but I couldn't because it seemed to be burning everywhere on earth. The fire was not a 'godly fire' but a 'worldly fire'. I felt that God may be speaking through it that we are coming into a season where conflict is more prevalent in peoples lives due to worldly envy and people's dissatisfaction with their own lives.

Rather than being overcome by evil, we are called to overcome evil by the power of God. We are not only to live in the land, but dispossess the enemy and tear down altars to the false gods. Rather than being conformed to the world's standards, we are to possess the land and establish altars to worship God.

“Lord I want it all to be for You Jesus, be my magnificent obsession sings.”

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that everyone faces pulls and pressures of the world, “but the ones who thrive and don't fall back -those who overcome -are those who determine to follow the Lord no matter what they face. Even when they are confronted with their worst fears, when everything withing them rises up to say, 'Conform! Go back to the way the system wants,' they press through and submit to what God asks of them.

Those who preserver are those who begin to see God uproot and change the system like he did to the system of Egypt through Moses. But, sadly, the ones who are intimidated by the system or who cower as the system begins to put pressure on them will see the new life and zeal that was in them begin to deteriorate, dry up, and go away. This means that we must begin to follow the Lord and be set free from the dictates of the system.” [12]

The difference between those who preserver and those who conform is a result of where our focus is at. When our focus is on self and our wants or on others as our source of validation, approval, acceptance, etc. we will be led astray. Often this focus leads to us manipulating or controlling others to get what we want.

It is only in Jesus that we find our life. When our eyes are fully on Him and He is supplying all that we need, we are free to serve our brothers in love. Rather than being conformed to the world around us to try to get our needs met from it, we abide in the vine and bear His fruit of righteousness -bringing His kingdom.

Trials and difficulties can actually help us to see where we are trying to get our life from the world so we can be set free. In Judges 3:1-2 it says that the Lord actually left nations in the Promised Land without driving them all out for the good of the people -so that those who had not previously experienced war could be proved by it.

It says, “Now these are the nations which the Lord left to prove Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not previously experienced war in Canaan; It was only that the generations of the Israelites might know and be taught war, at least those who previously knew nothing of it.”

Commentary notes that “the presence of the enemy in the land was an opportunity for teaching, testing, and trusting. The younger generation could learn how to fight, and that would keep them from taking their inheritance for granted. God could test His people and encourage them to trust Him for victory.” [13] Another commentary goes on to note that this testing “was by fire, so to speak. The idea of testing implies difficulty and adversity... Here God was testing Israel to refine it.” [14]

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort of fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

War requires faith to initiate it and believe that God has gone before and make the way. When Barak went out and waged war against Sisera, he did it based upon a word from Deborah. She said to him, “Up! For this is the day when the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Is not the Lord gone out before you?”

We war not in our own strength but look to the author and finisher of our faith – our great commander – to make the way. Moses had told Joshua and all Israel in Deuteronomy 31:3, “The Lord your God will Himself go over before you, and He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them.”

In Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Moses goes on to say, “Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you... It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit] (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm).”

The weapons we fight with are not of the flesh but spiritual. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NLT) “We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.”

This requires surrender to God. In Judges 5:9 Deborah and Barak sang that the commanders of Israel offered themselves willingly among the people. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved...”

Coming back to what I noted earlier, sometimes we try to keep the peace by ignoring war. Rather than having the faith to go to battle, we choose convenience and our own comfortability over conflict. True peace only comes about through dispossessing the enemy from the land. An example of this is with Deborah and Barak, after they dispossessed the enemy, the land had peace and rest for forty years (Judges 5:31).

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “Ease and convenience have become our idols... And if we are not living for God in certain areas, then whom are we living?” [15]

Other times we are tempted to fight with worldly weapons and take matters into our own hands. Rather, we are to crucify our sinful natures along with its passions and desires and live by and keep in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:24-25).

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel ask, “How do we know we are living according to the flesh or to the Spirit?” And answer, “Examine our mind and the fruit in our life. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires and treasures; those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires and promotes.” [16]

When we have our minds and hearts set on what the Spirit desires rather than our own or other peoples desires, it promotes true peace. True peace does not mean no conflict. John 15:19 says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

God's wisdom is upside down from worldly wisdom (1 Cor. 2:13). James 4:17-18 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).

And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].”

Lord, too often I realize I try to 'keep the peace' by going along with the world system. I fail to tear down the altars of other gods or confront the world system. I have been sometimes trying to please people (seeking man's approval, validation and acceptance over Yours). In trying to get my needs met from the world, I have served idols. I have allowed the world system to conform me and rather than pushing back, I have went along at the expense of your will. Forgive me!

“I will not forget that you said you'd always bring me through to who I want to be, making every part of me about you.”

We long to be those who genuinely worship you and build altars of worship to you wherever we go. Give us 'watchful' spirits to love You in all that we do. Set us apart. Help us become free from the world system and give us the courage and faith we need to go to war where needed, tearing down altars to false gods rather than bowing down to them. As it sings in the background, “ I [we] give you my life, take it and let it be used to make much of You.”

“I want to make much of You Jesus... I want to live today to give You the praise that You are so worthy of” sings.

1-2. The Amplified Bible. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1987.

3. Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. H8104

4. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:37

5-12, 15-16. Mulinde, John with Daniel, Mark. The Wake-Up Call: To Radically Abandon Our Lives To God. World Trumpet Mission. Orlando, Fl. 2011

13. Wiersbe, Warren W.: With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1991, S. Jdg 3:1

14. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, S. Jdg 3:1-2

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. (Ps. 107:20)

2011-10-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

“For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Now then, I pray you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my fathers house, and give me a sure sign, and save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all they have, and deliver us from death.” (Joshua 2:10-13)

Commentary notes that Rahab’s use of God’s personal name Yahweh, translated here as Lord, indicates that she had come to faith in the living God (v. 11). God had graciously opened the heart and mind of a foreign prostitute to accept Him as Lord. the terror of you has fallen on us: Israel’s reputation went before them. God already had dramatically delivered the Israelites in many ways, and the report had been spread throughout the nations. Rahab mentioned two miraculous deliverances: the crossing of the Red Sea and the victories over two kings east of the Jordan, Sihon and Og (v. 10; see Ex. 14; Num. 21:21–35). [1]

Rahab had heard of the powerful actions of the Lord and believed in Him. She proclaimed when 'we' heard of it, 'our' hearts melted. Being the local harlot, she probably knew this through her relations with local men and leadership. She was judged not on her previous acts of harlotry but on her willingness to believe in God. She bound a scarlet cord in her window and her and her whole household were saved.

Hebrews 11:31 says, “[Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity].”

Rehab was not only totally forgiven for her sin, she was given a place of honor. She was in the lineage of Jesus. She was the mother of Boaz. Matthew 1:5 says, “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth (another foreigner, a Moabitess, who came to receive God, Ruth 1:16), Obed the father of Jesse...”

Those who would not believe and turn to God when they knew of His miraculous acts were destroyed. Joshua 6:17 says, “And the city and all that is in it shall be devoted to the Lord [for destruction]; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.”

It was because of their unrepented wickedness they were destroyed. Deuteronomy 9:4 says, “Do not say in your [mind and] heart, after the Lord your God has thrust them out from before you, It is because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in to possess this land -whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you.”

Whenever anyone repented and turned to God, no matter their sin, they were spared judgment. God spared the entire city of Nineveh even though the people were acting 'exceedingly wicked' when Jonah walked through the city and proclaimed that God would destroy it in forty days and the people repented. Jonah 2:5 says, “So the people of Nineveh believed in God and proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth [in penitent mourning], from the greatest of them even to the least of them." God saw they turned from their evil and spared the entire city (Jonah 3:10).

Later, Nineveh was destroyed because they failed to trust in God but instead turned against Him to other gods. Nahum 1:7-9 says, “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understand) those who take refuge and trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood He will make a full end of [Nineveh's very] site and pursue His enemies into darkness. What do you devise and [how mad is your attempt to] plot against the Lord? He will make a full end [of Nineveh]; affliction [which My people shall suffer from Assyria] shall not rise up the second time.”

Nahum 3:4 goes on to say that judgment was all because of their turning away from God. It says, “All because of the harlotries [of Nineveh], the well-favored harlot, the mistress of deadly charms who betrays and sells nations through her whoredoms [idolatry] and people through her enchantments."

Over and over in the Bible the Lord has made it clear that He judges man not based upon their past history of sinfulness or the extent of their sin, but based upon their heart towards Him and their belief in Him.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 when Samuel was looking for who God would anoint the next king, the Lord tells Samuel that while man looks at outward appearances, the Lord looks at the heart. He passed by all the ones who would fit the role by man's standards and instead picked David, a man after God's own heart.

When Jesus was on the earth, He showed incredible forbearance and grace to those who had a reputation for a sinful past. Rather than judge them like the rest of the world and cast them aside, He paid particular attention to them. He treated them with respect. He met them in their place of sin with forgiveness and grace.

As an example, Jesus sat down by a well to rest in Samaria. The Samaritan’s were treated less than Jews. They were considered beneath them and filthy. A Jew would never ask a Samaritan for something to drink or even notice them.

Jesus not only made it clear that He noticed this woman, He asked her for something to drink. She was taken back and asked, “How is it that You, being a Jew, as me, a Samaritan [and a] woman, for a drink? For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans” (John 4:9).

He goes on to become vulnerable with her as He offers Her living water. He then lets her know that He already knows she has had five husbands and the man she is living with is not her husband (John 4:18).

And in Luke 7:37 a woman who was “an especially wicked sinner” saw He was reclining at the table in the Pharisees house and she took an alabaster flask of perfume and broke it at His feet, washing them with her tears and wiping them with her feet.

The Pharisee who invited Him, said to himself, “If this Man were a prophet, He would surely know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him -for she is a notorious sinner (a social outcast, devoted to sin)” (Luke 7:39). Jesus responded by telling the Pharisee a parable to help him to understand that those who are forgiven much will love much while those who have been forgiven little, will love little. (Luke 7:47)

It wasn't that the woman needed more forgiveness than this Pharisee because of her past, but that she all the more realized her need and received forgiveness in brokenness in her sin. Often when we feel self righteous, we don't see how blind, poor and naked we are.

Many years ago when I was in college and a single mom, I was talking to a classmate and comparing notes as we were both interviewing. He had asked me who all I was interviewing with. I had received an invitation to interview with a few of the highly noted firms because of my high GPA. As it turned out, this classmate was turned down to interview with these companies. When he heard I had been given an interview, he became indignant and said to me, “I can't believe these companies would consider someone like you.”

It wasn't that this man was really better than me or more righteous than me. However, being a single mom and hearing the comments continually about it, there was no hiding that I was a sinner under the rug for me. Because of my troubled past, it was probably a lot easier to realize my need for grace and forgiveness, being genuinely grateful when I came to the Lord and was forgiven and cleansed from my past.

Those who the world would look up to and honor while they looked down on everyone else, He called to repent and turn from their self-righteous hypocritical pretending.

In Matthew 23:25-28 Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and plate, so that the outside might be clean also.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been white-washed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men's bones and everything impure. Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity.”

While Jesus confronted the hard-hearted self-righteous Pharisee, He gave dignity to those the world would look down on and judge. He was drawn to their areas of need and brokenness rather than offended by it.

Jesus looked at the heart, not at actions. David says in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Jesus hears and answers the cry of the poor and needy. Isaiah 41:17 says, “The poor and needy are seeking water when there is none; there tongues are parched with thirst. I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.'

“You have new mercy for me everyday, Your love never fails” sings in the background.

God meets us in our brokenness with mercy and loving-kindness rather than judgment. He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust (Ps. 103:14). David proclaims in Psalm 103:1-13, “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-

Who forgives [every on of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each on of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!

The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed. He made know His ways [or righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.

He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge. He has not deal with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His Mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him {with reverence, worship, and awe].”

However, God does not 'overlook ' sin. He forgives sin as we repent and turn back to Him. And while He is longsuffering, He eventually brings His judgment through consequences to our places of unrepented sin so that we will turn to Him, repent, and cry out in our distress and trouble.

Psalm 107,27-28 says, “They reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man and are at their wits' end [all their wisdom has come to nothing]. Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.”

Sometimes He gives us over to our sin when we continue along in it without repenting. We taste the full consequences and emptiness of a life filled with sin. Paul says in Romans 1:28-29, “And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or descent but loathsome, until they were filled (permeated and saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, iniquity, grasping and covetous greed, and malice.”

He does not allow us to find contentment or what we really need in places of sin. We find them empty and barren. Psalm 107:33-34 says to praise Him because, “He turns rivers into a wilderness, water springs into a thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a barren, salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.”

He meets sinners in their places of need. He restores us and brings 'beauty for ashes' in our places of brokenness. The good news of the gospel is for the meek, poor and afflicted (Is. 61:1a). Jesus was sent to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and the eyes of those who are bound (Is. 61:1b).

Rather than being covered with shame for our sins, He came “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion -to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit -that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Not only does He take our broken mess and shame and turn us into 'oaks of righteousness,' but He then calls us to restore others. Isaiah 61:4 says, “And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."

“Show us Your face, pour Your love down and cover me” sings.

He not only has mercy on us, bringing us healing and restoration in our places of shame, but then He calls us to do the same for others. Isaiah 61:6 goes on to say, “But you shall be called the priest of the Lord; people will speak of you as the ministers of our God.”

As 'ministers of our God,' just like Jesus, we are to bring good news to the meek, poor and afflicted. Through the Spirit of God, we are sent to 'bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and the yes of those who are bound.” (Is. 61:1)

Isaiah 61:7 goes on to say, “Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall posses double [what they had forfeited] everlasting joy shall be theirs.”

And just as our shame has been covered over and we have been given what we need -forgiveness and grace, we are to do the same for others. Rather than shame others for their sin, we are to set the captives free. Proverbs 29:7 says, “The righteous understands the cause of the poor, but the wicked is unconcerned.”

I say all this and feel like I 'know' this. However, it is easier to 'understand' than it is to put it into action sometimes. An area that it is especially hard for me to give dignity to others and not judge them in their sin and look down on them has to do with prostitution.

When I was young, one of my very close friends ended up going into prostitution for a season of time. It wasn't because she thought it would be a great thing to do with her life or was even making a choice. She was in incredible pain and was running from things she didn't know how to handle. She was drowning in feelings of shame, fear and confusion. In trying to get away from all the pain and brokenness in her life, she ran right into more.

I find that I still have feelings of anger about the injustice of her pain. What makes me most angry is that grown men took advantage of her incredibly painful life and brokenness by using her for their own desires. The took her misery and added more pain to her life for their own benefit.

In the past, I have found it incredibly difficult to give dignity to someone who told me they had been with a prostitute. I have found myself more like the self-righteous Pharisee, looking down my nose at them thinking in disgust that they deserve everything bad that could possibly happen to them as a result.

If I had lived in the time of Jesus and saw Him walking along and going over eat at the house of men who had been involved in using prostitutes, I have no doubt I would be offended. I would probably have walked up to Him and asked Him if He knew whose house it was that He was going to eat dinner at. I would think to myself, If He is really knew what He was doing, He would be hanging around with those men who are terrible sinners.

However, recently I came to discover that men who use prostitutes are also very broken people. In their loneliness and trying to escape from their pain, they are trying to meet their need for love through prostitution. What happens is that they come up incredibly empty. Sometimes even with devastating consequences such as HIV. Nobody wins and everybody is broken.

Mother Teresa writes, “I think it's very difficult to realize what it is to be lonely unless you face it, same thing for people who speak about hunger. Unless they experience in their life, hunger, it is very difficult for them to understand the pain of hunger. Same thing for loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted, unloved, uncared. Like for example our patients that are shunned by everybody, the lepers...” [2]

Just as my friend needed people in her life that would give her dignity, covering her shame despite her past and extending a hand of grace, so do men who use prostitutes. They need God to meet them in their places of brokenness with human dignity, extending God's hand of mercy and healing for their broken past.

Mother Teresa notes that “the greatest injustice done to the poor is not so much that we have deprived them of material things but that we have deprived them of that dignity of the child of God, of the respect we owe to a person who [we] think, “They are good for nothing, they're lazy,'...” [3]

We are not to judge anyone in their sin. We are to leave judgment to God. Mother Teresa writes, “Jesus said very clearly, 'Do not judge. If you do not judge you will not be judged.' But when a sister is doing something wrong you cannot say it is right. The act is wrong but why she is doing that you do not know... the intention you do not know. When we judge we are judging the intention of the sister, of the poor.” [4]

When we give human dignity to a person and do not judge them for their faults or sin, we are not approving of the sin, we are giving them room to repent. It is Christ's kindness that leads people to repentance. When people feel judged, they are quick to cover up their offenses and defend themselves.

When someone sins against us, rather than responding back by judging their intentions and 'punishing' them by our actions, we turn to God and wait on Him for how to deal with it. Hosea 12:6 says "Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually."

Sometimes the ones we fail to see as the poor in need of God's mercy is in our own home, work or places we go regularly. We can give dignity to the homeless man on the street but then come home and fail to give dignity to our spouse in their poverty or weakness. When they are at their worst, we may judge them for it rather than extending grace and meeting them in their place of need. Sometimes we expect them to minister to our needs rather than ministering to their places of poverty.

Mother Teresa writes about Jesus, “He makes Himself the hungry one, the naked one, the homeless one, the sick one, the one in prison, the lonely one, the unwanted one, and He says, 'You did it to Me.' He is hungry for our love, and this is the hunger of our poor people. This is the hunger that you and I must find. It may be in our own home.” [5]

Jesus died for all of us in our brokenness. We are all sinners who are in need of a Savior. Isaiah 53:4-7 says, “Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has made to light upon Him the guilt and iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.”

Lord, forgive me for the so many times I have judged others in their sin. Thank You that You meet us in our places of sin and brokenness with healing and forgiveness rather than judgment or condemnation. Help us to be people who extend this same grace to others, building up their broken places with love and your forgiveness. Let us be a people who truly share the good news of the gospel with all we meet.

1. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Jos 2:9

2-5. Mother Teresa. "Where There Is Love, There Is God: A Path to Closer Union with God and Greater Love for Others." Random House, Inc., New York. 2010.

May [you] love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land..

2011-10-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

“and I [Moses] stayed on the mountain, as the first time, forty days and nights, and the Lord listened to me at that time also; the Lord would not destroy you.

And the Lord said to me, Arise, journey on before the people, that they may go in and possess the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but [reverently] to fear the Lord your God, [that is] to walk in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being.

To keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Behold, the heavens and the heaven of heavens belong to the Lord your God, the earth also, with all that is in it and on it. Yet the Lord had a delight in loving your fathers, and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day.

So circumcise the foreskin of your [minds and] hearts; be no longer stubborn and hardened. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the terrible God, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger or temporary resident and give him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger and sojourner, for you were stranger and sojourner, for you were strangers and sojourners in the land of Egypt.

You shall [reverently] fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and by His name and presence you shall swear. He is your praise; He is your God, Who has done for you these great and terrible things which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heavens for multitude.” (Deuteronomy 10:10-22)

Commentary notes, “Moses again reminded them of his second stay on Sinai when for forty days and forty nights he interceded for them. God heard, withheld judgment, and told them to go in and possess the land. Jehovah’s desire for His people was summed up in the words 'to fear ... to walk ... to love ... to serve ... to keep' (vv. 12, 13). All of God’s commandments were designed for their good (v. 13b). Moses encouraged them to obey God because of His greatness (v. 14), His sovereign choice of Israel as His special people (v. 15), His righteousness and justice (vv. 17–20), and His past favors to the nation (vv. 21, 22). A circumcised heart (v. 16) is one that obeys. [1]

Coming back to what I wrote last week, God is a covenant-keeping God. Moses had interceded several times for the Israelites in their stubbornness, hard-heartedness and rebellion that God would not forget His covenant with them.

Moses interceded forty days and forty nights, drinking no water or eating no food, the first time on the mountain when at the end of the time he received the tables of the covenant that the Lord wrote with His own finger (Deut. 9:9-11).

When God told him that the Israelites had already turned away to worshiping idols, Moses prayed that God would not destroy the people but remember His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, promising to multiply his seed as the stars of the heavens and that they would inherit forever the land that was promised (Exodus 32:13).

When Moses came down from the mountain, he found that the Israelites had sinned and turned away to idols breaking the covenant. He then went again up to the Lord to make atonement for their sin (Ex. 32:30). He fell down before the Lord, fasting and praying without food or water for another forty days because of all the sin they had committed in their idolatry (Deut. 9:18).

Then again, the people of God became rebellious against the Lord and refused to trust in Him or rely on Him and enter into the Promised Land. Moses fasted and prayed another forty days and nights that the Lord would not destroy His people (Deut. 9:25).

He prayed that God would remember His covenant made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and not look at the stubbornness of the people or the wickedness of their hearts (Deut 9:27). He reminds God, “Yet they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your mighty power and by Your outstretched arm” (Deut. 9:29).

Then again, when Moses went for the second time up the mountain of God to receive the tablets of covenant he stayed there forty days and forty nights interceding that God would not destroy His people (remembering His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) (Deut. 10:1,10).

Atone or atonement in the verb found in Exodus 32:30 is the Hebrew word kapar, Strongs #3722. It means to cover over or propitiate. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that it “is first found in Gen. 6:14, where it is used in its primary sense of “to cover over.” Here God gives Noah instructions concerning the ark, including, “Cover it inside and out with pitch” (rsv).” [2]

Every time the people sinned, God made provision for the people through a covenant – first through the ark, then through Abraham and his seed, providing the law and intercession of Moses for them to enter into God's promises, and finally through Jesus.

Steve Wiens noted on twitter a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “It is not love which sustains your marriage; it's your marriage which sustains love." [3] Marriage was made to be a shadow of the covenant of God with us (Ephesians 5:31-32). Through difficulties and failures, 'better or worse', the covenant promises still stand.

In my own marriage, over time and having been through much together, having stayed committed through difficulties and differences actually has changed our love. It becomes more settled that we are partners and there for each other no matter what happens. We know that there are going to be ebbs and flows in romantic feelings, but underneath, we both know we deeply love and are committed to each other.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note, “The very foundation of our relationship with God is based on covenant... God formed covenant in human society so that we would understand and be certain of his love, which is solid and not ambiguous, like the emotions or feelings we can have. It is something that is secure and certain; a firm foundation we can stand on. They go on to note that we often see covenant more as contract which is based upon self interests. Covenant, on the other hand, puts the interest of the other above self." [4]

There is also an exchange in the covenant. John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that when a covenant was made there was an exchange of: 1. Mantles or authority. The weaker party now had the authority of the party they were joined with. 2. Weapons. The parties agreed that they would fight each others battles. 3. Names. This represents all that a person owns, their identity and reputation. 4. They exchanged a meal. They broke bread together pledging that they would make pledges to care for each other. [5]

Moses labors of interceding for the Israelites that God would remember His covenant and making atonement for them were shadows of what was to come through Jesus. So are sacrifices on the altar for sin a shadow of the work of Jesus.

Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant to us. Isaiah 49:8-9a says, "Thus says the Lord, In an acceptable and favorable time I have heard and answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you; and I will preserve you and give you for a covenant to the people, to raise up and establish the land [from its present state of ruin] and to apportion and cause them to inherit the desolate...heritages, saying to those who are bound, Come forth, and to those who are in [spiritual] darkness, Show yourself [come into the light of the Sun of righteousness]."

Being led into the Promised Land based upon covenant promises and not because of our own righteousness is also a shadow of the New Covenant. We are given the land and caused to inherit it not because of our own righteousness but we enter the covenant based upon faith in Christ and it is His righteousness that causes us to possess the land and dispossess the enemy.

Deuteronomy 9:5 says, “Not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your [minds and] hearts do you go to possess their land; but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out before you, and that He may fulfill the promise that your Lord swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jesus is our atonement once and for all for sin. We have entered a new Covenant by His blood. The old has passed away and we are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) with the covenant law written on our hearts rather than stone tablets.

Hebrews 8:8-12 says, “For if that first covenant had been without defect, there would have been no room for another one or an attempt to institute another one. However, He finds fault with them [showing its inadequacy] when He says, Behold, the days will come, says the Lord, when I will make and ratify a new covenant or agreement with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers on the day when I grasped them by the hand to help and relieve them and to lead them out from the land of Egypt, for they did not abide in My agreement with them, and so I withdrew My favor and disregarded them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

And it will nevermore be necessary for each on to teach his neighbor and his fellow citizen or each one his brother, saying Know (perceive, have knowledge of, and get acquainted by experience with) the Lord, for all will know Me, from the smallest to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more.”

Sometimes I have heard it taught that we can force God to move by our actions of obedience. I have also thought this myself at times in my mind somewhere – if only I could be obedient and get it all right, then God will move and dispossess the enemy. His kingdom would come around me in greater measure. Scriptures such as “What does the Lord your God require of you but to... “ get my attention for all the things I need to put on my list to please God.

Yet I know that all the times that He has moved in my life have not been because I get it all right. It is not because of my righteousness. The times that God has moved in my life most powerfully is when I have sought Him, cried out to Him and He has had mercy on me. His heart has went out to me because He loves me.

Trying to get Him to move by actions of obedience really has to do with manipulation. When I have struggled with strongholds in my life, He has set me free from the things that have held me back not because of my righteousness. He has seen my heart that genuinely desired to honor Him in my life. Sometimes He sets me free as I am seeking Him when I am not even specifically asking to be set free.

God is still enthroned above the mercy seat. God is not looking for a people who can keep the commandments in their own strength but rather love Him, fear Him, and desire to serve Him and walk in all His ways. As we look to Him, He brings us into the Promised Land, giving us life, as we trust and rely on Him as our source.

Our part is to seek Him, love Him, worship Him, and delight in Him and He bears the fruit of righteousness in our lives. Paul prays for the Church in Philippi in Philippians 1:11, “May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].”

Coming back to what I wrote last week and a question that John Mulinde and Mark Daniel ask, “How Do We change the Spiritual Environment?” They write, “Once we come to recognize the spiritual environment around us, our only response is to turn to the Lord... If our hearts are truly seeking Jesus, we will produce an environment conducive to the Holy Spirit.” [6]

As I wrote last week, Francis Fragipane notes that the Spirit of Christ is within us. He notes that “Our goal is not to tell the world about Christianity but to reveal the glory of Christ. We are not called to imitate Jesus in detached obedience but to actually let Him shine through us to mankind.” [7]

Through the covenant, we carry the glory of the Lord inside us and out to the world. Just as darkness creates a spiritual atmosphere over its area of influence, God creates a canopy of glory over us that grows brighter and brighter as the day of His coming draws near. (Is. 4:2-6)

When Moses came down from the mountain after seeking out and spending time with God, his face radiated the glory of God. However, his glory was a fading glory. Paul notes, how much more must that glory which is through Christ be permanent.

Paul says in 2 Cor 3:7-9, “Now if the dispensation of death engraved in letters on stone [the ministration of the Law], was inaugurated with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its brilliance, [a glory] that was to fade and pass away, Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? For if that which was but passing and fading away came with splendor, how much more must that which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor!

Our job is not to try to be holy so we shine with the brightness of His glory, but like Moses, our job is to seek Him with all our hearts. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might."

Rather than being governed by the Law, we are governed by the Holy Spirit who does the work in us as we seek Him and allow Him access to our lives.

Paul goes on to say in 2 Cor. 3:18, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, we are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

“The purest place, I will draw near, do what it takes to keep me hear, in the center of Your heart” sings

Our seeking Him needs to be because we genuinely desire to know Him not because we desire something from Him. Even if it is His kingdom purposes we desire.

And our service to God flows out of this relationship. Deuteronomy 28:47 says, "Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you].

When I am trying to get Him to move on my behalf because of my actions, this is really about exalting whatever goal I have above my relationship with Him. And when I am focused on getting all the actions right, my eyes are not on Him and my relationship with Him but on myself. The fruit from performanced based religion is self-righteousness. And serving Him becomes a duty and obligation when I do it in my own strength and efforts.

Moses notes that in seeking to love and serve God with our whole hearts we also need to “circumcise the foreskin of your [minds and] hearts.” And John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that one of the biggest stumbling blocks in a life fully given over to the Lord is our mind.[8]

They write, “Many times, because we try to process everything through our minds, we don't recognize that our mind is causing us to stumble. We sometimes get stuck because we are trying to process things according to our way of understanding or the way we have been brought up to see things. We are not open to letting God shape our understanding; instead, we try to package things inside our own already established mindsets.” [9]

They go on to note that we need to allow God to reshape our mindsets. Wisdom that comes from our own mind and ways of thinking are rooted in self-centeredness. They write that the moment we begin to focus on ourselves, our role, and our importance, we lose a sense of contentment in Him. [10]

They go on to write, “This happens to everyone if we don't pay attention to our Maker and make Him [I would emphasize our relationship with Him and not His purposes] the center of our existence. The Bible says that all things were made by God and for God; not for us. We cannot make things about us (Colossians 1:16); we cannot rotate the world around us.”[11]

One of the areas that I struggle with my mindset and way of thinking has to do with responsibility. While it has came out on a few assessments as my greatest strength, it is also one of my greatest weaknesses. The positive side to this is that I take ownership for outcomes and am highly committed to seeing things through to completion. However, it also gets me into trouble as I often feel a sense of obligation and ownership for more than what I should.

I had a dream sometime ago where everything in my room came flying around and crashing to the ground as a messenger from God gave me a message about Jesus returning. One of the things that came tumbling to the ground was a large, oversized table top. I wanted to try to salvage it and pick it back up again but it was too heavy and everything was a mess. I have came to realize that this was my sense of over-responsibility.

When God shares with me about His kingdom purposes, rather than just being grateful that He would call me friend, I too often take ownership for His outcomes. I feel responsible for doing everything I know how to bring His purposes about. I start focusing on working hard towards seeing His purposes come about in every way I know how (often in my own strength). The purposes sometimes begin to become central rather than Christ.

Accomplishing His kingdom purposes can become more important than my relationship with Him at times. I feel accountable to somehow to make His will happen and keep trying to get it right. While feeling a sense of accountability to whatever God is calling me to I don't think is a bad thing, I take too much ownership upon myself.

I also struggle with this sense of over-responsibility for the people God places on my heart pray for regularly. If someone I have been praying for struggles in their walk with God and with entering into all God has for them, I feel responsible. I feel like I completely failed them and failed God if they stumble and fail. I think to myself that I just didn't get it right and I need to work harder and be more focused.

What happens in this is that I can loose all sense of joy as I am working to accomplish His purposes. Then when He does bring His purposes about, I am too tired out from all my works in trying to get everything right to even be excited with Him. It becomes all about my works and doing my responsibilities rather than His goodness, friendship and wonderful generosity.

It is through the power of the Spirit that we circumcise our hearts and minds by putting to death these works of the flesh and the self life. Paul says in Romans 8:9-13, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Too often, I am tempted to work hard in my own efforts to put to death the works of the flesh and self life by the Spirit. However, it is not by our efforts or might but by His Spirit. His Spirit does the work as we look to Him and surrender ourselves and our circumstances to Him.

In Acts 16:31 and Silas say in the AMP Bible, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.”

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “Surrender is the releasing of our lives to God. It is beginning to be aware that I don't have control, I don't know the way, and I can't overcome the flesh, the world, or the enemy in my own strength.... There is this sense of humbling ourselves and coming to the end of self.” [12]

He goes on to note that surrender is letting go of control and trusting. He notes that God never put the burden on us to accomplish His will in our human effort. We are called to come and release our lives to him. We are to allow him to do in us what we cannot do in ourselves. [13]

They write, “This overcoming is not done by human power, nor is it done by human effort. Only God can accomplish such a work; that's the reason he calls us to abandon our lives to him... Self cannot deliver you from self, and God is calling us to understand that only he can do that work.” [14]

Lord, forgive me for the ways I try to accomplish things in my own strength and take responsibility for that which is not mine to take. Thank you for Your love and faithfulness. Help me to surrender all to You.

We are so grateful for your love that covers us all the day long. We are invited to rest securely between your shoulders as you uphold us with your everlasting arms. We entrust our lives completely to the One who knows the plans he has for us (Jer. 29:11).[15] We release our lives into Your hands. We trust You to carry us through the fires and floods because of Your covenant promises and Your deep love for us.[16] You are more than able to sustain us.

Deuteronomy 33:12, “Of Benjamin he said: the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; He covers him all the day long, and makes His dwelling between His shoulders.

Deuteronomy 33:26-27, 29, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun [Israel], Who rides through the heavens to your help and in His majestic glory through the skies. The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destory! And Israel dwells in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone in a land of grain and new wine; yest, His heavens drop dew. Happy are you, O Israel, and blessing is yours! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the Shield of your help, the Sword that exalts You!”

Deuteronomy 32:9-11, "For the Lord's portion is His people; Jacob (Israel) is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, in the howling void of the wilderness; He kept circling around him, He scanned him [penetratingly]. He kept him as the pupil of His eye. As an eagle that sitrs up her nest, that flutters over her young, He spread abroad His wings and He took them, He bore them on His pinions."

1. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Dt 10:10

2. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:10

3 Wiens, Steve. http://twitter.com/@stevewiens

4-6,8-16. Mulinde, John with Daniel, Mark. The Wake-Up Call: To Radically Abandon Our Lives To God. World Trumpet Mission. Orlando, Fl. 2011

7. Frangipane, Francis. Shelter Of The Most High: Living your life under the divine protection of God. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2008

Most Scripture quotations take from The Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

....for over all the glory will be a canopy...

2011-09-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

“And Moses said to the judges of Israel, Each one of you slay his men who joined themselves to Baal of Peor.

And behold, one of the Israelites came and brought to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and of all the congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting [over the divine judgment and the punishment].

And when Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand and went after the man of Israel into the inner room and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman through her body. Then the [smiting] plague was stayed from the Israelites.

Nevertheless those who died in the [smiting] plague were 24,000. And the Lord said to Moses, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the Israelites, in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My jealousy.

Therefore say, Behold, I give to Phinehas the priest, My covenant of peace. And he shall have it, and his descendants after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” (Numbers 25:5-13)

The clock reads 3:33 pm.

Psalm 106:28-31 says about the Israelites, “They joined themselves also to the [idol] Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices [offered] to the lifeless [gods]. Thus they provoked the Lord to anger with their practices, and a plague broke out among them.

Then stood up Phinehas [the priest] and executed judgment, and so the plague was stayed. And that was credited to him for righteousness (right doing and right standing with God) to all generations forever.”

Worship of Baal of Peor

Since Balak could not get Balaam to curse the Israelites, with the help and teaching of Balaam, Balak sought instead to lure Israel to sin against God -getting Him to turn against them as they broke covenant and caused their own demise. The daughters of Moab were sent to seduce the men of Israel to sacrifice to their gods.

The Israelites began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab, who invited the Israelites to sacrifice to their gods. Numbers 35:3 says, “So Israel joined himself to [the god] Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.”

Worship of Baal of Peor was associated with eating sacrifices offered to idols, seduction and sexual lewdness (Rev. 2:14). One commentary writes, “Baal was the local heathen god worshiped at Peor. This was the god of the Moabite mountains who took his name from Mount Peor … Immorality was a regular part of Baal worship.'”[1]

Eating the food offered to idols had to do with joining yourself in worship to these gods. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:17-18, “For we [no matter how] numerous we are, are one body, because we all partake of the one Bread [the One Whom the communion bread represents]. Consider those [physically] people of Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners of the altar [united in their worship of the same God?”

Mount Peor was one of the locations that Balaam practiced divinity, meeting with omens and signs in the natural world in hopes of cursing Israel. He had Balak build seven altars, preparing seven bulls and seven rams on the top of [Mount] Peor as an offering to the gods (Numbers 23:28-30).

The smiting plague represents God's divine judgment against national sin. It spread quickly through the body and caused death of the people. Phinehas the priest executed judgment by standing up against the open display of the sin in zealousness. In doing so he made atonement for the children of Israel. And because of it, it was credited to him for righteousness to all generations forever. He was given a covenant of an everlasting priesthood to him and his descendants after him. Phinehas was not only jealous for his own holiness but for the holiness of the congregation. “He made atonement for the people by his zealous actions.” Commentary goes on to note, “National justice prevents national judgments.” [2] [a]

“Dethrone powers and principalities; Tear down the gods of this age and raise up Your Son” speaks/sings in the background.

Influence of Baal of Peor Throughout History

After the plague as a result of Israel playing the harlot with the daughters of Moab and joining themselves to the god Baal of Peor, the Lord told Moses to provoke hostilities with the Midianites and attack them. (Numbers 25:18)

While the Israelites won the battle, they failed to totally eliminate the Midianites. They took captive the women, children, flocks and their goods. Moses was angry and said to them, “Have you let all the women live? Behold, these caused the Israelites by the counsel of Balaam to trespass and act treacherously against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and so a [smiting] plague came among the congregation of the Lord.” (Numbers 31:15-16)

The Israelites failed to be totally cleansed and eliminate the effects from worship of the god Baal of Peor. In Joshua 22, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar by the Jordan as a witness for future generations (not to offer sacrifices). When the other Israelites heard of it they, misunderstood their intention and sent Phinehas with ten chiefs to confront them.

Phinehas confronted them for turning away from following the Lord and rebelling. He asked them, “Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed even now, although there came a plague [in which 24,000 died] in the congregation of the Lord, that you must turn away this day from following the Lord?”

“High Above every other name... You are above all things” sings

Baal of Peor still has had powerful influence in the world throughout the ages. Not only influencing the world, but still trying to defile and corrupt the church just as this influence did in the times of the Israelites.

Among the church in Corinth, this spirit of immorality had its influence among them. Paul confronts the church in 1 Cor. 5:1, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, impurity of a sort that is condemned and does not occur even among the heathen; for a man has [his own] father's wife.”

Paul tells them not to be worshipers of false gods in 1 Cor. 10:7. He reminds the church of that the struggles of the Israelites in worshiping false gods and craving and lusting after desires of the flesh were to serve as a warning. In 1 Cor. 10:6,8 he says, “Now these things are examples (warnings and abominations) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did... We must not gratify evil desire and indulge in immorality as some of them did -and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell dead in a single day!

Commentary notes about this, “The ancient Israelites were notorious idolaters. Even though the true God had brought them out of Egypt, they insisted on worshiping lifeless idols. Furthermore, the ancient Israelites engaged in sexual immorality, a sin that also plagued the Corinthians (5:1; 6:18). twenty-three thousand: The account in Numbers gives the figure twenty-four thousand (Num. 25:6–9). There are several possible reasons for the difference. Some have suggested that Paul’s number reflects the number that died in one day, while the Numbers account may be a record of all who died in the plague. Another explanation may be that the Numbers account includes the death of the leaders (Num. 25:4) while Paul’s figures do not.” [3]

Paul goes on to write in 1 Cor. 10:11, “Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period).”

“Today dethrone principalities... This is our warfare, our intercession, Jesus reigns over the nations” sings.

Paul also addressed the church of Corinth for eating food offered to idols [as they did in Baal of Peor worship]. He recognized and identified that there are demonic forces at work that were behind it.

In 1 Cor. 10:19-22, “What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is [intrinsically changed by the fact and amounts to] anything or that an idol itself is a [living] thing? No, I am suggesting that what the pagans sacrifice they offer [in effect] to demons (to evil spiritual powers) and not to God [at all]. I do not want you to fellowship and be partners with diabolical spirits [by eating at their feasts]. You cannot drink the Lord's cup and the demons' cup. You cannot partake of the Lord's table and the demons' table. Shall we thus provoke the Lord to jealously and anger and indignation? Are we stronger than He [that we should defy Him]?”

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Spiritual forces have significant influence in the world. We need only look around and see billboards on main streets, look at overly revealing clothing, watch some TV or listen to some music videos to encounter worship of Baal of Peor. This spiritual influence is everywhere you look.

This same spiritual influence is present in the end times – influencing both the world and infiltrating the church. Just as the Midianite woman and Israelite paraded flagrantly in front of the Israelites who were weeping and repenting, this spirit still manages to work its way into religious settings in the end times.

It was addressed with one of the seven churches in Revelation. In Revelation 2:14 the Lord addresses to the church in Pergamum. He tells them “I have a few things against you: you have some people there who are clinging to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to set a trap and a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, [to entice them] to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and to practice lewdness [giving themselves up to sexual vice].”

Demonic Influence and Regional Sin

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that that there are three main influences that hold people captive and bring spiritual death. The first is being conformed to the pattern of the world, allowing it to shape our thinking and guide us into its patterns and ways. The second is the lust of the flesh, thoughts and desires of our sinful nature. The third is works of the ruler of the kingdom of the air – demonic influence. [4]

This is based upon Ephesians 2:1-3 which says, “And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins in which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. {You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still consistently works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of [God].

Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our sense and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.”

These authors write about demonic forces, “Just as there is a hierarchy in the angelic realm, such as angels, archangels, seraphim, cherubim, etc, there is also a hierarchy of dark spiritual forces, including principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness over territories.” [5]

Just as there can be an 'open heaven' over an area where it seems that spiritual things are easily accessible and talking with God seems easy, there are also areas that have a great deal of darkness.

These authors write, “These spiritual powers and principalities of darkness over territories can begin to affect the whole spiritual environment over an area. For instance, in a particular area, you may find that darkness is thick over a territory and that the things of God (faith, prayer, and love, for instance) are difficult to do.” [6]

The Lord tells the church of Pergamum, “I know where you live -a place where Satan sits enthroned. [Yet] you are clinging to and holding fast My name, and you did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness. My faithful one, who was killed (martyred) in your midst -where Satan dwells.” (Rev. 2:13).

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that certain spiritual forces have greater influence in certain areas. An example would be Las Vegas where gambling, greed and sexual sins are evident in the atmosphere of the city and they are known for (have an image) that is based upon the spiritual forces that are the undercurrent of the territory. [7]

Sometimes spiritual forces seem to have very strong influence over an area for a period of time. Riots where masses rise up in violence and destroy property and brutally attack others for no significant reason appear to have some demonic influence behind them.

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note that as people are impacted by the powers and principalities in their territory it pushes people into greater and greater ungodliness. The forces begin to affect more the thinking, lifestyle and relationships. As people submit and become more open to their influence, it becomes stronger and darker. [8]

Sometimes the influence seems harmless, but as we wade into it more, it gets more and more a hold on our lives. Before you know it, we seem to be held captive. For instance, a married man may see a woman across a restaurant and give her a 'harmless glance'. However, next time he sees someone that catches his eye, he may stop by to have a 'innocent chat.' Eventually, his 'harmless interest' leads to an affair.

The eventual consequences of these influences are always destructive. Using the previous example with a real life story, one day while he is out with his 'girlfriend,' his daughter spots him. And she ends up being the one to tell her mother, resulting in the parents ugly divorce. The pain causes tremendous destruction in the daughters life and she consoles herself by drugs and alcohol. While it started with an 'innocent look,' it ended with the destruction of his family and his daughter. Probably not what this husband/father had in mind when he started out.

Hosea 8:7 says, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." And Paul says in Galatians 6:8, “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel note the demonic forces and influence can not only create spiritual environments over a city, principalities can become entrenched over entire areas and influence the people in them. [9]

An example of this with Baal of Peor would be sexually explicit music lyrics and videos which have become popular. As people connect with them, it starts influencing the way they think, dress and behave. Often children who are not monitored will be influenced the most by these forces. What they hear and see becomes their way of viewing life.

So what is our role as Christians in all this?

Throughout Numbers, one thing was evident above all – God's care and jealousy for the people of Israel. He had made a covenant with them to be their God. He led them, cared for them and guided them out of bondage and into freedom despite their sin and failures along the way.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 says, “For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God's Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea, and each one of them [allowed himself also] to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [they were thus brought under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set apart to the service of God];

And all [of them] ate the same spiritual (supernaturally given) food, and they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ.”

John Mulinde and Mark Daniel write, “God is a Covenant-Keeping God. God had covenant all the way from the beginning of time. He bound himself in this covenant and he took it seriously. God said to his people all throughout the Bible, 'I am covenanting myself to you, I will not forsake you, I will reveal myself as God. Your part is that I will be your God. Give yourself to me; you will worship no other thing. Your love will be to me, your loyalty will be to me, you will abandon yourself to me, you will trust in me, you will submit to my ways. I will be your God and you will be my people, and I will show myself mighty among you. You will be a blessing unto the nations of the world.'

All throughout Scriptures he says, 'You have broken our covenant.' He would say, 'I will fight your battles,' And any time they would look to other nations to help them in their battles, he would accuse them: 'You have broken covenant. They cannot protect you; I can protect you.' When Israel turned to other gods or other sources to meet their needs or take care of their situations, he would say, 'You are committing adultery against me!' It wasn't that they just started going with the ways of the other nations, they broke covenant!

The whole basis of relationship with God is covenant. It's not just a moral code, a belief system, or a religious experience; it is God's ways. God give us this security in him over and over, saying all throughout the Bible, 'I am a covenant-keeping God.' (Deuteronomy 7:9, Nehemiah 9:32, Daniel 9:4).” [10]

Through this covenant we are provided freedom from being under the control of and held captive by demonic forces. Hosea 2:16-19 says, “and it shall be in that day, says the Lord, that you will call Me Ishi [my Husband], and you shall no more call Me Baali [my Baal]. For I will take away the names of Baalim [the Baals] out of her mouth, and they shall no more be mentioned or seriously remembered by their name.

And in that day I will make a covenant for Israel with the living creatures of the open country and with the birds of the heavens and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will break the bow and the sword and [abolish battle equipment and] conflict out of the land and will make you lie down safely. And I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy.”

It is through faith in Christ that we enter into this covenant and receive His protection from the enemy. Romans 4:16 says, “Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor), to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants -not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is [thus] the father of us all.”

“How great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God” sings

And just as it is possible for spiritual forces of darkness to have influence over an area, it is also possible for the glory of the Lord to influence an area. Isaiah 60:1-2 says, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Francis Fragipane notes that the Spirit of Christ is within us. He notes that “Our goal is not to tell the world about Christianity but to reveal the glory of Christ. We are not called to imitate Jesus in detached obedience but to actually let Him shine through us to mankind.” [11]

Through the covenant, we carry the glory of the Lord inside us and out to the world. Just as darkness creates a spiritual atmosphere over its area of influence, God creates a canopy of glory over us that grows brighter and brighter as the day of His coming draws near.

Isaiah 4:2-6 says, “In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be excellent and lovely to those of Israel who have escaped. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem and for eternal life.

After the Lord has washed away the [moral] filth of the daughters of Zion [pride, vanity, haughtiness] and has purged the bloodstains of Jerusalem from the midst of it by the spirit and blast of judgment and by the spirit and blast of burning and sifting.

And the Lord will create over the whole site, over every dwelling place of Mount Zion and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be a canopy (a defense of divine love and protection). And there shall be a pavilion for shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge and a shelter from storm and from rain.”

Francis Frangipane asks, “How does this glory come? And answers, “God is leading the church into a baptism of fire. He has purposed to wash away the 'filth of the daughters of Zion' (Is. 4:4). He has set His heart to purge the 'bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning' (v. 4). The purer we become, the greater the glory that will shine through us.” [12]

“How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God!”

Lord, We long to see your glory on display in our region. Just as the song sings, we long that all would see how great is our God. We long to have a canopy of glory over our area rather than the influence of spiritual forces of darkness. Purify us and purge us from any influence of Baal of Peor. Let your glory shine through Your bride.

"To Him Who ever loves us and once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, and formed us into a kingdom (a roayl race), priests to His God and Father -to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it)." (Rev 1. 5-6)

a. Could it be that God's people as 'a kingdom of priests' who are to be his glory on display on the earth, through Christ are part of this everlasting priesthood promised to Phinehas and his descendants after him --executing God's judgment (through righteousness)in zealousness for Him which stays the plague that is the result of the darkness Baal of Peor brings?

1. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 301

2. Henry, Matthew: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody : Hendrickson, 1996, c1991, S. Ps 106:13

3. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. 1 Co 10:7

4- 10. Mulinde, John with Daniel, Mark. The Wake-Up Call: To Radically Abandon Our Lives To God. World Trumpet Mission. Orlando, Fl. 2011

11-12. Frangipane, Francis. Shelter Of The Most High: Living your life under the divine protection of God. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2008