WEEK TWENTY SIX
June 13, 2010 – June 19, 2010
READINGS: Leviticus 11-17:9
DAY OF ATONMENT – TENT OF MEETING
“And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, "Speak to the people of Israel, saying…"Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.”,
Do you know what I noticed as I listened to God speaking to the nation of Israel? I noticed that everything He said about being unclean was part of nature or a natural occurrence. Take a look; the animals in chapter 11, the blood of childbirth in chapter 12, the disease of leprosy in chapters 13 and 14 and the bodily discharges in chapter 15, were all part of nature. None of the uncleanness came from any choice, decision, attitude, thought, word, or deed of anyone or anything. It’s like it was part of their DNA. But the problem was that if they remained in their uncleanness they would die because it defiled the Presence of God. What now??
DAY OF ATONMENT – TENT OF MEETING
“The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the LORD and died, and the LORD said to Moses… And this shall be a statute forever for you that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins." And Moses did as the LORD commanded him” Leviticus 16
Well I knew God wasn’t going do all that talk about uncleanness and penalties without making a way to become clean. That’s what chapter 16 is all about - offerings, sacrifices and days set aside so that “atonement may be made for the people of Israel."
But notice what He told them in chapter 17: And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man shall be cut off from his people. I had to wonder about that one – why so specific? An offering was an offering right – what difference did it make where it was made?
DAY OF ATONMENT – TENT OF MEETING
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— for before the law was given, sin was in the world” Romans 5:12
Ah, I am beginning to see the connection here - the uncleanness we inherited from Adam penetrates deeper than any choice, thought word, deed or attitude we might have. Just like the nation of Israel, uncleanness is in our DNA – it’s part of our human nature (Psalm 51:5). I bet you can guess where this is going….it’s the classic Sunday school answer – JESUS!!
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
It makes sense doesn’t it? In Leviticus, God was setting the stage for Jesus. Our Day of Atonement was completed when Jesus died. No longer would we have to fear the wrath of God because of our uncleanness, no longer would our uncleanness defile the presence of God, and because Jesus rose from the dead we no longer have to fear the death that our DNA uncleanness deserves.
DAY OF ATONMENT – TENT OF MEETING
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
And of course, God had to be very specific about WHERE the sacrifice would be made because He knew that JESUS would become our “tent of meeting” and would be the ONLY way through which we can come to Him – clean and undefiled. Now that is a reason to celebrate – not just once a year on the Day of Atonement, but with every single breath we take. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM - CONSIDER THIS
WEEK TWENTY FOUR
May 30, 2010 – June 5, 2010
READINGS: Leviticus 2-7, Romans 8:1-3, Hebrews 4:14-16
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Today, on Memorial Day, since we are celebrating freedom and remembering those who sacrificed for freedom, and since Leviticus is all about sacrifice, I thought it would be a good time to think about the freedoms that we have – both living in Christ and living in the United States.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Think of the freedoms we enjoy because of Christ’s sacrifice: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man” Romans 8:1-3; “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God… Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Think of the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices of the men and women in the armed forces: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Now, picture what life was like before Christ’s once for all sacrifice:
Leviticus 2-3: When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the LORD, his offering shall be… if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering… And the priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering with a pleasing aroma.
Leviticus 4-6:7 If anyone sins unintentionally…if it is the anointed priest who sins, thus bringing guilt on the people, then he shall offer for the sin that he has committed…If the whole congregation of Israel sins unintentionally…When a leader sins…If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally… If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify…yet does not speak…"If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in any of the holy things of the LORD… If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor…. the priest shall make atonement for him for the mistake that he made unintentionally, and he shall be forgiven.
Leviticus 6:8-7:38: This is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, of the sin offering, of the guilt offering, of the ordination offering, and of the peace offering, 3which the LORD commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the day that he commanded the people of Israel to bring their offerings to the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai. The priest shall make atonement for him for the mistake that he made unintentionally, and he shall be forgiven.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
And picture what life is like without our United States freedoms…
From "The Voice of the Martyrs", March 2002: The following statistics, which show Christians persecuted for their faith, relate only to a small branch of China's giant house church movement. This small branch contains less than 500,000 members, and is less than one percent of China's Christians. These statistics cover a 19-year period through 2001.: Christians arrested: 23,686 - Christians sent away for "re-education through labor": 4,014 - Christians forced to flee to avoid arrest: 1,545 - Christians permanently handicapped by police abuse: 208 - Christians killed by police: 129
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Because of Jesus’, once for all sacrifice, we have freedom from condemnation, sin, and death, and the need to follow all those daily rules, regulations, and restrictions regarding sacrifices. Because of Jesus’ once for all sacrifice we have the freedom to approach the throne of Grace with confidence without fear of judgment or the sting of God’s wrath. And Jesus’ resurrection assures us that, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, our life in Christ will continue into eternity.
Because of the sacrifices of the men and women in the armed forces and as citizens of the United States we are assured, by the first amendment, the freedom to believe in Jesus, speak about Jesus and worship Jesus as we choose.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
But consider this…. Does our freedom from sacrifice lead us to take for granted the life we have because of His sacrifice? Does our freedom from the rules, regulations, and restrictions of the law lead us to disobedience and to dishonor our Lord and Savior? Does our freedom to exercise and speak about Jesus and to worship as we choose lead us to complacency?
What if we became the new China – or the new Islam, or the new Africa - and the freedoms we enjoyed were stripped from us? Would we, as followers of Christ Jesus, take a stand for Jesus Christ in our life, our mission, and our churches? Would we be willing to risk being tortured, beaten, and even put to death for Jesus? If our answer is a resounding YES, then my question is – are we doing that now – and if not – why not????
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
This memorial Day and every day - I challenge us, as believers and followers of Christ Jesus to…“Stand up stand up for Jesus – ye soldiers of the cross – Lift high HIS royal banner, it must not suffer loss” – remembering that…”From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army He shall lead – Till every foe is vanquished and CHRIST IS LORD INDEED!!!” (Hymn 660)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
May 30, 2010 – June 5, 2010
READINGS: Leviticus 2-7, Romans 8:1-3, Hebrews 4:14-16
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Today, on Memorial Day, since we are celebrating freedom and remembering those who sacrificed for freedom, and since Leviticus is all about sacrifice, I thought it would be a good time to think about the freedoms that we have – both living in Christ and living in the United States.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Think of the freedoms we enjoy because of Christ’s sacrifice: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man” Romans 8:1-3; “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God… Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Think of the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices of the men and women in the armed forces: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Now, picture what life was like before Christ’s once for all sacrifice:
Leviticus 2-3: When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the LORD, his offering shall be… if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering… And the priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering with a pleasing aroma.
Leviticus 4-6:7 If anyone sins unintentionally…if it is the anointed priest who sins, thus bringing guilt on the people, then he shall offer for the sin that he has committed…If the whole congregation of Israel sins unintentionally…When a leader sins…If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally… If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify…yet does not speak…"If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in any of the holy things of the LORD… If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor…. the priest shall make atonement for him for the mistake that he made unintentionally, and he shall be forgiven.
Leviticus 6:8-7:38: This is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, of the sin offering, of the guilt offering, of the ordination offering, and of the peace offering, 3which the LORD commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the day that he commanded the people of Israel to bring their offerings to the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai. The priest shall make atonement for him for the mistake that he made unintentionally, and he shall be forgiven.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
And picture what life is like without our United States freedoms…
From "The Voice of the Martyrs", March 2002: The following statistics, which show Christians persecuted for their faith, relate only to a small branch of China's giant house church movement. This small branch contains less than 500,000 members, and is less than one percent of China's Christians. These statistics cover a 19-year period through 2001.: Christians arrested: 23,686 - Christians sent away for "re-education through labor": 4,014 - Christians forced to flee to avoid arrest: 1,545 - Christians permanently handicapped by police abuse: 208 - Christians killed by police: 129
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
Because of Jesus’, once for all sacrifice, we have freedom from condemnation, sin, and death, and the need to follow all those daily rules, regulations, and restrictions regarding sacrifices. Because of Jesus’ once for all sacrifice we have the freedom to approach the throne of Grace with confidence without fear of judgment or the sting of God’s wrath. And Jesus’ resurrection assures us that, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, our life in Christ will continue into eternity.
Because of the sacrifices of the men and women in the armed forces and as citizens of the United States we are assured, by the first amendment, the freedom to believe in Jesus, speak about Jesus and worship Jesus as we choose.
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
But consider this…. Does our freedom from sacrifice lead us to take for granted the life we have because of His sacrifice? Does our freedom from the rules, regulations, and restrictions of the law lead us to disobedience and to dishonor our Lord and Savior? Does our freedom to exercise and speak about Jesus and to worship as we choose lead us to complacency?
What if we became the new China – or the new Islam, or the new Africa - and the freedoms we enjoyed were stripped from us? Would we, as followers of Christ Jesus, take a stand for Jesus Christ in our life, our mission, and our churches? Would we be willing to risk being tortured, beaten, and even put to death for Jesus? If our answer is a resounding YES, then my question is – are we doing that now – and if not – why not????
SACRIFICE AND FREEDOM – CONSIDER THIS
This memorial Day and every day - I challenge us, as believers and followers of Christ Jesus to…“Stand up stand up for Jesus – ye soldiers of the cross – Lift high HIS royal banner, it must not suffer loss” – remembering that…”From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army He shall lead – Till every foe is vanquished and CHRIST IS LORD INDEED!!!” (Hymn 660)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
Monday, March 29, 2010
PLUNGE Week 15 - Come and see, Come and Listen
WEEK FIFTEEN
March 28, 2010 – April 3, 2010
READINGS: Exodus 4:19 – 7:13; Matthew 27:32-28:10; Mark 15:21-16:8; Luke 23:26-24:8; John 19:16-21:9
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me” Psalm 66:3,5,8,16.
This Psalm resonated in my mind all week not only as I read the account of Moses, but also as I contemplated Jesus and the events that we will remember this Easter week.
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Moses did all God told him to do, but instead of making things better for the Israelites, it made them worse. So Moses did what any great leader of God would do – he went to the Lord and complained…
"O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." Exodus 5:22-23
And God responded…
“Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go… Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.'"
This week, as you read about what God was about to do for Moses and the children of Israel; take some time to contemplate on all that Jesus has done for you on the cross and what His resurrection means for you in this life and in eternity...
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see Jesus’ outstretched arms, come and listen to His cries as He bears God’s mighty acts of judgment our sins deserve… “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:45-46
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see Jesus die, come and listen to His final words as His act of redemption is complete… “Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see God’s mighty hand, come and listen to Jesus’ cry of victory, as the barrier of sin between us is destroyed forever…With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" Mark 15:38-19
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see the empty tomb, come and listen and remember the promises of God…“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Then they remembered his words” Luke 24 5b-8
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
I know that my Redeemer lives, What comfort this sweet sentence gives, He lives He lives who once was dead, He lives my ever living head.
He lives and grants me daily breath, He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there
He lives, all glory to His name, He lives my Jesus, still the same’ Oh the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my redeemer lives. Hymn 461 Vrs 1, 7, 8
HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED ALLELUIA!!!
March 28, 2010 – April 3, 2010
READINGS: Exodus 4:19 – 7:13; Matthew 27:32-28:10; Mark 15:21-16:8; Luke 23:26-24:8; John 19:16-21:9
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me” Psalm 66:3,5,8,16.
This Psalm resonated in my mind all week not only as I read the account of Moses, but also as I contemplated Jesus and the events that we will remember this Easter week.
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Moses did all God told him to do, but instead of making things better for the Israelites, it made them worse. So Moses did what any great leader of God would do – he went to the Lord and complained…
"O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all." Exodus 5:22-23
And God responded…
“Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go… Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.'"
This week, as you read about what God was about to do for Moses and the children of Israel; take some time to contemplate on all that Jesus has done for you on the cross and what His resurrection means for you in this life and in eternity...
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see Jesus’ outstretched arms, come and listen to His cries as He bears God’s mighty acts of judgment our sins deserve… “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:45-46
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see Jesus die, come and listen to His final words as His act of redemption is complete… “Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see God’s mighty hand, come and listen to Jesus’ cry of victory, as the barrier of sin between us is destroyed forever…With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" Mark 15:38-19
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
Come and see the empty tomb, come and listen and remember the promises of God…“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Then they remembered his words” Luke 24 5b-8
COME AND SEE, COME AND LISTEN
I know that my Redeemer lives, What comfort this sweet sentence gives, He lives He lives who once was dead, He lives my ever living head.
He lives and grants me daily breath, He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there
He lives, all glory to His name, He lives my Jesus, still the same’ Oh the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my redeemer lives. Hymn 461 Vrs 1, 7, 8
HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED ALLELUIA!!!
Monday, March 22, 2010
PLUNGE March 21, 2010 - March 27, 2010 - THIS IS IT
WEEK FOURTEEN
March 21, 2010 – March 27. 2010
READINGS: Exodus 1 – 4:18
THIS IS IT!!
I recently watched Michael Jackson’s movie This is it. Through song, Michael tells of his heart for the world, the pain he feels when he sees the condition the world is in, and his belief that THIS IS IT – it is time to take action to change that condition. As I began reading through Exodus, I felt the same way - THIS IS IT. In these first 3 and half chapters of Exodus, through the story of Moses, God reveals His heart for us - His people, the pain He feels when He sees the bondage of sin we are in, and the action He took to deliver us. But, more than that, I believe this is also foreshadows God’s call to us – His children, to be His hands, feet, and voice to a hurting world.
THIS IS IT – THE CONDITION!!!
“The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all… the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them…. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. Exodus 1: 5,7,12
Israel, God’s chosen nation, started with only 70 people. Then, about 300 years later, as God promised, they multiplied so greatly the land was filled with them. And the harder the Egyptians tried to stop them – even going so far as killing their boy babies – the more they grew. But there was a problem; the current Egyptian rulers didn’t know Joseph, they didn’t understand the agreement he had about Israelites and because of that, out of fear, they began to treat them unkindly. As a result, God’s people became stuck in slavery and bondage and couldn’t get themselves out.
THIS IS IT –GOD’S HEART
Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew…"I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them” Exodus 2:23-25 & 3:7-8
God’s people were in trouble and they needed help, so they cried out to the Lord. Notice how God responded: I HAVE SEEN their afflictions, I HAVE HEARD their cries, I KNOW their sufferings; I REMEMBER my covenant, I HAVE COME to deliver them. Those words speak volumes about God and His heart: his heart is filled with compassion for those in bondage; He’s present and attentive (one has to be in order to see and know what is going on); He’s faithful – never forgetting the promises He’s made, and He’s willing to take action to make it right.
THIS IS IT – GOD’S CALL
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. Exodus 3:7-10
God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from their bondage of slavery and to bring them home to the land He had promised to them over 300 years ago. As God is speaking this call to Moses, I can almost hear Him speaking the same words to Jesus: “I have seen the affliction of my people, I have heard them crying out in their bondage, I know their suffering because of their sin, I remember the promise I made (Genesis 3:15), and I am sending You down to deliver them and bring them home.”
Moses’ story foreshadowed Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord and Savior, whom God sent down to deliver us from our bondage of sin so that through His death and resurrection we would be made right with God, and be able to come home. “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31
THIS IS IT – OUR CALL
“Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21
Michael Jackson’s take on the world is not so far off – God’s world is in trouble (has been since sin entered). We have rulers and leaders that don’t remember God and we, Christians included, often don’t understand or fail to remember the place He has in this world and the authority He has over it.
THIS IS IT!! I believe Moses’ call foreshadows our call as Christians. God is telling us: “I have seen the affliction of my people, I have heard them crying out in their bondage, I know their suffering because of their sin, I remember the promise I made (Genesis 3:15), and I am sending You.” He wants our hearts to follow His heart – to see the afflictions, hear the cries of bondage, know the suffering, remember His promise, and take them to our leader – Jesus Christ.
Hark! the voice of Jesus calling “Who will go and work today? Fields are white and harvest waiting – who will bear the sheaves away?”
If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all
Let none hear you idling saying, “there is nothing I can do…” while the multitudes are dying and the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be; answer quickly when He calls you HERE AM I SEND ME SEND ME!” (Lutheran Service Book Hymn 826)
Be a person after God’s own heart – be compassionate, be present and attentive to the needs of others, be faithful to His Word – never forgetting the promises He’s made, and be willing to take action. When God calls - be willing to say – here I am - send me, send me!!!
March 21, 2010 – March 27. 2010
READINGS: Exodus 1 – 4:18
THIS IS IT!!
I recently watched Michael Jackson’s movie This is it. Through song, Michael tells of his heart for the world, the pain he feels when he sees the condition the world is in, and his belief that THIS IS IT – it is time to take action to change that condition. As I began reading through Exodus, I felt the same way - THIS IS IT. In these first 3 and half chapters of Exodus, through the story of Moses, God reveals His heart for us - His people, the pain He feels when He sees the bondage of sin we are in, and the action He took to deliver us. But, more than that, I believe this is also foreshadows God’s call to us – His children, to be His hands, feet, and voice to a hurting world.
THIS IS IT – THE CONDITION!!!
“The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all… the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them…. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. Exodus 1: 5,7,12
Israel, God’s chosen nation, started with only 70 people. Then, about 300 years later, as God promised, they multiplied so greatly the land was filled with them. And the harder the Egyptians tried to stop them – even going so far as killing their boy babies – the more they grew. But there was a problem; the current Egyptian rulers didn’t know Joseph, they didn’t understand the agreement he had about Israelites and because of that, out of fear, they began to treat them unkindly. As a result, God’s people became stuck in slavery and bondage and couldn’t get themselves out.
THIS IS IT –GOD’S HEART
Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew…"I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them” Exodus 2:23-25 & 3:7-8
God’s people were in trouble and they needed help, so they cried out to the Lord. Notice how God responded: I HAVE SEEN their afflictions, I HAVE HEARD their cries, I KNOW their sufferings; I REMEMBER my covenant, I HAVE COME to deliver them. Those words speak volumes about God and His heart: his heart is filled with compassion for those in bondage; He’s present and attentive (one has to be in order to see and know what is going on); He’s faithful – never forgetting the promises He’s made, and He’s willing to take action to make it right.
THIS IS IT – GOD’S CALL
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. Exodus 3:7-10
God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from their bondage of slavery and to bring them home to the land He had promised to them over 300 years ago. As God is speaking this call to Moses, I can almost hear Him speaking the same words to Jesus: “I have seen the affliction of my people, I have heard them crying out in their bondage, I know their suffering because of their sin, I remember the promise I made (Genesis 3:15), and I am sending You down to deliver them and bring them home.”
Moses’ story foreshadowed Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord and Savior, whom God sent down to deliver us from our bondage of sin so that through His death and resurrection we would be made right with God, and be able to come home. “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31
THIS IS IT – OUR CALL
“Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21
Michael Jackson’s take on the world is not so far off – God’s world is in trouble (has been since sin entered). We have rulers and leaders that don’t remember God and we, Christians included, often don’t understand or fail to remember the place He has in this world and the authority He has over it.
THIS IS IT!! I believe Moses’ call foreshadows our call as Christians. God is telling us: “I have seen the affliction of my people, I have heard them crying out in their bondage, I know their suffering because of their sin, I remember the promise I made (Genesis 3:15), and I am sending You.” He wants our hearts to follow His heart – to see the afflictions, hear the cries of bondage, know the suffering, remember His promise, and take them to our leader – Jesus Christ.
Hark! the voice of Jesus calling “Who will go and work today? Fields are white and harvest waiting – who will bear the sheaves away?”
If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all
Let none hear you idling saying, “there is nothing I can do…” while the multitudes are dying and the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be; answer quickly when He calls you HERE AM I SEND ME SEND ME!” (Lutheran Service Book Hymn 826)
Be a person after God’s own heart – be compassionate, be present and attentive to the needs of others, be faithful to His Word – never forgetting the promises He’s made, and be willing to take action. When God calls - be willing to say – here I am - send me, send me!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
PLUNGE WEEK 13 - Lessons from Israel (the man)
WEEK THIRTEEN
READINGS: Genesis 46 – Genesis 50
LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man)
As we finish our journey in the book of Genesis we see the story of Israel the man and his people come to an end and we embark on a new journey - that of Israel the Nation, God’s chosen people. Before we move on however, I couldn’t help but stop and reflect on all I have learned from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) the patriarch’s of God’s chosen people. Join me, if you will, in a little reflection on LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man):
LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man)
Genesis 46:1-3 “So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night… "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again
LESSON ONE: Start every task (day) with sacrifice to, worship of, and direction from the One true God – following and trusting in His perfect way.
• Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
• Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh
• Psalm 67:4
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
Genesis 47:4 &9 "We have come to sojourn in the land… The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers."
LESSON TWO: Remember, this is NOT our permanent home – don’t get to comfortable here. Be assured life is short and life is hard, but in the end, by God’s Grace and through Christ Jesus, we will overcome.
• John 15:19
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.
• John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
• Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Genesis 48:15-16 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."
LESSON THREE: Leave a legacy of blessing – teach future generations about Jesus
• Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
• Deuteronomy 11:19
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
• Psalm 89:1
I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Genesis 50:24 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
LESSON FOUR: Finally, remain fixed and focused on the promises of God, in and through Christ Jesus – it’s our ONLY help and hope.
• Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
• Colossians 3:1-3
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
• Philippians 3:10-14
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Congratulations, we have read through the entire book of Genesis. One adventure behind us, more to come so don’t go away!!!
READINGS: Genesis 46 – Genesis 50
LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man)
As we finish our journey in the book of Genesis we see the story of Israel the man and his people come to an end and we embark on a new journey - that of Israel the Nation, God’s chosen people. Before we move on however, I couldn’t help but stop and reflect on all I have learned from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) the patriarch’s of God’s chosen people. Join me, if you will, in a little reflection on LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man):
LESSONS FROM ISRAEL (the man)
Genesis 46:1-3 “So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night… "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again
LESSON ONE: Start every task (day) with sacrifice to, worship of, and direction from the One true God – following and trusting in His perfect way.
• Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
• Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh
• Psalm 67:4
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
Genesis 47:4 &9 "We have come to sojourn in the land… The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers."
LESSON TWO: Remember, this is NOT our permanent home – don’t get to comfortable here. Be assured life is short and life is hard, but in the end, by God’s Grace and through Christ Jesus, we will overcome.
• John 15:19
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.
• John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
• Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Genesis 48:15-16 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."
LESSON THREE: Leave a legacy of blessing – teach future generations about Jesus
• Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
• Deuteronomy 11:19
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
• Psalm 89:1
I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
Genesis 50:24 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
LESSON FOUR: Finally, remain fixed and focused on the promises of God, in and through Christ Jesus – it’s our ONLY help and hope.
• Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
• Colossians 3:1-3
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
• Philippians 3:10-14
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Congratulations, we have read through the entire book of Genesis. One adventure behind us, more to come so don’t go away!!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
PLUNGE THE TRUTH
WEEK FOUR
READINGS: Genesis 9:18-28, Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 10, Genesis 11:10 – 12:9, Luke 3:23-38, Matthew 1:1-17
THE I PROBLEM – THE J SOLUTION
The Lutheran Study Bible describes Genesis like this: “Genesis describes the appearance of good and evil and the struggle that develops as good and evil manifest itself in people’s daily lives… the overarching theme is God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promise first spoken in Genesis 3:16” (TLSB pg. 9).
As we start a new year and a new decade, it is only fitting that we resume our journey in Genesis with the new earth after the flood. In this week readings we see, man’s I problem and God’s J solution. Be sure to follow the order of reading as it is written as it shows chronologically the order in which things occurred. Let’s begin:
THE I PROBLEM
“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words….Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’” Genesis 11:1, 4
Do you see it? Do you see the I problem? “Let us make a name FOR OURSELVES?” They wanted to be like God!!! It’s was the same desire that brought about the fall of man “But the serpent said: ‘You will not surely die…you will be like God.’” And isn’t it exactly what get us in trouble on our journey in the middle? We want to be like God!! We want to do things our way, find our own paths, make our own choices, and decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong. Satan lies to us, just like he lied to Adam and Eve: “Come on, it’s just a (fill in the blank), it won’t kill you, beside you deserve it.” But if we remember from the previous chapters, man’s heart is ONLY evil ALL the time (Genesis 6:5) and we don’t deserve anything but death. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalry, dissensions, division, envy, drunkenness (even Noah succumbed to that), orgies and things like these… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19). The consequences of wanting to be like God are grave – separation from God. But God loved us too much to let that be our permanent condition (remember He banned Adam and Eve from the tree of life so they wouldn’t stay fallen for eternity) AND He promised to provided a way out!!!
THE J SOLUTION
“The Lord said to Abram, ‘God from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation and I WILL BLESS YOU and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse and IN YOU ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED!!!”
Do you see it? Do you see the J solution? It’s THE PROMISE God first spoke of in Genesis 3:16, touched on twice in Genesis 9 (vrs 12 and vrs. 26), and restated in Genesis 12. Everything else in this week’s readings points to the line in which that promise would be fulfilled – JESUS CHRIST!!! And everything else we will read from here on in will be the unfolding of HIS story.
The blessings we receive God’s promise to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, and to us are manifested on this earth “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24) and into eternity: “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life” John 3:16. Praise God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His Promise in Christ Jesus.
One more thought: After the flood, God saw what the people were plotting and said: “Behold they are one people and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6-7
I find it thought provoking to know that God saw the power of being united as one people, with one language and one purpose.
Just imagine what could happen if instead of uniting to make a name for ourselves, we unite in JESUS NAME and go out into the world as one people with one voice, for one purpose only – to declare the power of JESUS!! Hmmm, I can only imagine!!!
May God bless your time with Him this week.
Heavenly Father, almighty and awesome God, we come before You in humble awe. You are the One true God, and there is none other like you. Forgive us Father when we desire to make a name for ourselves rather than living in the name that You have given us. Come we pray and bless our hearts and minds as we study Your Word. May it strengthen us in the knowledge of Your Son, may it unite us to be bold in proclaiming, as one voice, the Gospel of Jesus, and may it spark in us a passion to share that Gospel with others so that they too may learn of Your saving Grace. In Jesus Name we pray - AMEN!!!
READINGS: Genesis 9:18-28, Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 10, Genesis 11:10 – 12:9, Luke 3:23-38, Matthew 1:1-17
THE I PROBLEM – THE J SOLUTION
The Lutheran Study Bible describes Genesis like this: “Genesis describes the appearance of good and evil and the struggle that develops as good and evil manifest itself in people’s daily lives… the overarching theme is God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promise first spoken in Genesis 3:16” (TLSB pg. 9).
As we start a new year and a new decade, it is only fitting that we resume our journey in Genesis with the new earth after the flood. In this week readings we see, man’s I problem and God’s J solution. Be sure to follow the order of reading as it is written as it shows chronologically the order in which things occurred. Let’s begin:
THE I PROBLEM
“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words….Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’” Genesis 11:1, 4
Do you see it? Do you see the I problem? “Let us make a name FOR OURSELVES?” They wanted to be like God!!! It’s was the same desire that brought about the fall of man “But the serpent said: ‘You will not surely die…you will be like God.’” And isn’t it exactly what get us in trouble on our journey in the middle? We want to be like God!! We want to do things our way, find our own paths, make our own choices, and decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong. Satan lies to us, just like he lied to Adam and Eve: “Come on, it’s just a (fill in the blank), it won’t kill you, beside you deserve it.” But if we remember from the previous chapters, man’s heart is ONLY evil ALL the time (Genesis 6:5) and we don’t deserve anything but death. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalry, dissensions, division, envy, drunkenness (even Noah succumbed to that), orgies and things like these… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19). The consequences of wanting to be like God are grave – separation from God. But God loved us too much to let that be our permanent condition (remember He banned Adam and Eve from the tree of life so they wouldn’t stay fallen for eternity) AND He promised to provided a way out!!!
THE J SOLUTION
“The Lord said to Abram, ‘God from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation and I WILL BLESS YOU and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse and IN YOU ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED!!!”
Do you see it? Do you see the J solution? It’s THE PROMISE God first spoke of in Genesis 3:16, touched on twice in Genesis 9 (vrs 12 and vrs. 26), and restated in Genesis 12. Everything else in this week’s readings points to the line in which that promise would be fulfilled – JESUS CHRIST!!! And everything else we will read from here on in will be the unfolding of HIS story.
The blessings we receive God’s promise to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, and to us are manifested on this earth “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24) and into eternity: “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life” John 3:16. Praise God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His Promise in Christ Jesus.
One more thought: After the flood, God saw what the people were plotting and said: “Behold they are one people and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6-7
I find it thought provoking to know that God saw the power of being united as one people, with one language and one purpose.
Just imagine what could happen if instead of uniting to make a name for ourselves, we unite in JESUS NAME and go out into the world as one people with one voice, for one purpose only – to declare the power of JESUS!! Hmmm, I can only imagine!!!
May God bless your time with Him this week.
Heavenly Father, almighty and awesome God, we come before You in humble awe. You are the One true God, and there is none other like you. Forgive us Father when we desire to make a name for ourselves rather than living in the name that You have given us. Come we pray and bless our hearts and minds as we study Your Word. May it strengthen us in the knowledge of Your Son, may it unite us to be bold in proclaiming, as one voice, the Gospel of Jesus, and may it spark in us a passion to share that Gospel with others so that they too may learn of Your saving Grace. In Jesus Name we pray - AMEN!!!
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