Have you ever started out in one direction only to find out that where you were supposed to go was the opposite way?
I had every intention of talking about consequences today. We are after all still living with the consequences of the birth of Ishmael. God, however had a totally different direction for me. One I was neither prepared for, nor interested in, but if my hearts desire is to be obedient to the Lover of my soul then I must follow Him where ever He leads me.
In my research for Genesis 16, God brought me to Galatians 4:21-31.
Paul was writing to a Church that like most of the that time (and many still today) were struggling with legalism. A group called the Judaizers were claiming that in order for the Gentiles to truly be saved they had to practice the Law. Essentially to become Jewish. Paul, however stands firm against this group and really all people who would force laws onto those who Christ had made free.
"It is for freedom that Christ had set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
In chapter 4 Paul draws an interesting parallel between slavery and freedom and Hagar and Sarah.
"For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise." Galatians 5:22 & 23
Ishmael was the result of human effort. Abram and Sarai couldn't understand how God was going to give them a child and (most likely) in their most sincere and thoughtful consideration having a child through Hagar made sense. They were not willfully disobeying God, they simply thought they had the solution.
Any efforts we make apart from God is absolutely sin, however for many of us, we actually have good intentions, and are simply not waiting on God to show us His way. Many of us have created our own Ishmaels out of the best of intentions.
This is what God called me out on.
In the spring when I started this blog, I knew 100% that it was God's plan. He had been building it in my heart for years but it wasn't until spring that He had all the pieces fit and I stepped out in obedience. I loved it. From the first lesson to the last one I wrote in June before stopping to move, I enjoyed every moment of research, every word He led me to, even the days when the writing part didn't come easy I still loved it. God made it life giving, and I dove head first into it.
It didn't take me long to realize that my idea that I could maintain this blog while traveling or even once my daughter arrived was a bit of a fantasy though. I hadn't however occurred to me that I would just have to stop. So when the move came I had every intention of starting back up as soon as I was settled in my new home.
It had taken longer then I wanted it to, but 3 weeks ago I finally started posting again, but I knew instantly something was different. I love God's Word! I could spend hours or days even studying Scripture, it never gets boring or mundane for me. Yet as I started working on these last few lessons, my heart has been far from it. It has felt burdensome and I have been frustrated with the whole process. Even when I would pray for the words, the direction help of any sort, there was a hollowness. It took this lesson for me to realize that I this time, I have stepped out into this blog alone. This is not where God would have me right now.
I will freely admit that I'm disappointed. I have loved writing the lessons and I have loved teaching God's Word for over 10 years. But I am entering a season in my life where I need to step back, for now, from public ministries and focus on my own home.
I had hoped that I would make it to a somewhat reasonable stopping place but God has said no. Thankfully I trust that if you have been following this then your heart is to follow God and He will lead you to greener pastures and bless you richly for seeking His word.
I don't understand why God would have me start this blog only to end so soon, I am a bit confused as to His reasoning but I have no doubt about His will.
Maybe someday, possibly even sooner then I think, He will bring me back to this blog. Maybe He will transform it into something completely different. What I do know is that it has been a great privilege to teach His word, but obeying God is His highest will for me.
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Giving God a helping hand: Day 2
Depending on what day it is, one of my most favorite names for God is El Roi, The God who Sees.
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
Our God sees everything!
Like I said it depends on the day whether I love that about Him or not. When I'm having a bad day, I'm mean to my husband, or say something rude to the car that just cut me off, I really like to pretend that God might have missed seeing that ugly moment. But, then there are the times that my heart is aching, I feel lonely, ugly, invisible or down right depressed, when I am hiding from the world, I am so thankful that God still sees me.
He doesn't just see us He sees us. He sees right through us. He knows our thoughts and understands our emotions better then we know our own. He sees us and loves us personally, individually, intimately.
When I was little I loved the story of Zacchaeus. He was a little man, and very unpopular because he had grown wealthy collecting taxes for Rome. All he wanted to do was see Jesus, but as Jesus passed by poor Zacchaeus was too short to see, so he climbed up in a tree to catch a glimpse. That day, lost amongst a huge crowd, struggling to see Jesus, Zacchaeus didn't just see Him, He saw Zacchaeus! Jesus the Savior, saw poor Zacchaeus up in that tree and He knew that what that sad, lost little man needed, to be seen.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10
Genesis 16 is absolutely about taking matters into our own hands, about consequences and miss-steps of faith, but it is also about a God who sees, and loves, and cares for the lost and lonely.
For some reason it is easy to skip over Hagar in this story. Even though she has a major role, since the narrative as a whole is about Abram, she becomes a minor character, a means to teaching Abram a valuable lesson. Yet that is not how God saw her. In fact God was very careful to show that though the story isn't really about her, she is very important to Him.
After running away because Sarai mistreated her, lost in the desert, alone, pregnant and likely scared, Hagar found out that she too was significant.
"The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur." Genesis 16:8
I have to stop here, "The angel of the LORD found her..." He was looking for her! God seeks us when we are lost! How awesome is that.
"And he said, 'Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?' 'I am running away from my mistress Sarai,' she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel added, 'I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.' The angel of the LORD also said to her; 'You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of you misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and every one's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.' She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me,' Genesis 16:7-13
Hagar wasn't just some slave girl to be used and mistreated, she was loved by the LORD. Though her story was part of a much bigger picture, God still had a purpose just for her. When she was lost and alone, God came and spoke words of comfort (granted some of the words might not have been all that comforting but we'll get to that tomorrow). He saw her misery and reached out to her.
That's who our God is. He's the God who sees our hidden pains. Who hears our silent cries. Hagar might have been a minor character in Abram's story but she was the lead in her own. Just because we don't know that much about her doesn't mean she was any less important to God.
You and I might feel like a minor characters in someone else's story, living our lives in the shadow of our parents, our spouse, our siblings or boss, but God sees each of us as a main character. He sees YOU!
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
Our God sees everything!
Like I said it depends on the day whether I love that about Him or not. When I'm having a bad day, I'm mean to my husband, or say something rude to the car that just cut me off, I really like to pretend that God might have missed seeing that ugly moment. But, then there are the times that my heart is aching, I feel lonely, ugly, invisible or down right depressed, when I am hiding from the world, I am so thankful that God still sees me.
He doesn't just see us He sees us. He sees right through us. He knows our thoughts and understands our emotions better then we know our own. He sees us and loves us personally, individually, intimately.
When I was little I loved the story of Zacchaeus. He was a little man, and very unpopular because he had grown wealthy collecting taxes for Rome. All he wanted to do was see Jesus, but as Jesus passed by poor Zacchaeus was too short to see, so he climbed up in a tree to catch a glimpse. That day, lost amongst a huge crowd, struggling to see Jesus, Zacchaeus didn't just see Him, He saw Zacchaeus! Jesus the Savior, saw poor Zacchaeus up in that tree and He knew that what that sad, lost little man needed, to be seen.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10
Genesis 16 is absolutely about taking matters into our own hands, about consequences and miss-steps of faith, but it is also about a God who sees, and loves, and cares for the lost and lonely.
For some reason it is easy to skip over Hagar in this story. Even though she has a major role, since the narrative as a whole is about Abram, she becomes a minor character, a means to teaching Abram a valuable lesson. Yet that is not how God saw her. In fact God was very careful to show that though the story isn't really about her, she is very important to Him.
After running away because Sarai mistreated her, lost in the desert, alone, pregnant and likely scared, Hagar found out that she too was significant.
"The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur." Genesis 16:8
I have to stop here, "The angel of the LORD found her..." He was looking for her! God seeks us when we are lost! How awesome is that.
"And he said, 'Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?' 'I am running away from my mistress Sarai,' she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel added, 'I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.' The angel of the LORD also said to her; 'You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of you misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and every one's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.' She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me,' Genesis 16:7-13
Hagar wasn't just some slave girl to be used and mistreated, she was loved by the LORD. Though her story was part of a much bigger picture, God still had a purpose just for her. When she was lost and alone, God came and spoke words of comfort (granted some of the words might not have been all that comforting but we'll get to that tomorrow). He saw her misery and reached out to her.
That's who our God is. He's the God who sees our hidden pains. Who hears our silent cries. Hagar might have been a minor character in Abram's story but she was the lead in her own. Just because we don't know that much about her doesn't mean she was any less important to God.
You and I might feel like a minor characters in someone else's story, living our lives in the shadow of our parents, our spouse, our siblings or boss, but God sees each of us as a main character. He sees YOU!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Giving God a helping hand: Day 1
You will need your Bible today.
I am not a patient person. If you knew me personally you might disagree with that statement, but believe me I am not patient. You see God has been working to build patience in me for most of my life. For most of the "big" things in life I have had to wait what feels like a ridculous amount of time for.
I meet my husband when we were 16. He had always planned on going to the Air Force Academy for school then going into the Air Force. For me that meant we could not get married until he finished school. I also could not afford to move to Colorado (nor would my parents allow it) to be near him so it also meant 4 years long distance. I had to wait 5 years to be with him, even though God had made it clear to me within the first year of dating that this was the husband He had chosen for me.
After we got married we decided to wait a few years before starting a family. After 18 months we felt we were ready. Eight years later, after too many doctors, drugs and tears, God made clear to us that conception was not how He planned to form our family. He opened the doors to adoption and my husband and I changed gears accordingly. Its now been 5 years since God changed our course, I am as sure as ever that adoption is His best and perfect plan for us, yet we are still waiting for our first child.
I hate waiting, it doesn't so much get easier the longer you wait, it just becomes routine. At least until something comes up that reminds you of how much you want what you are waiting for, or gives you an 'out' to the pain of waiting. That's when waiting become dangerous, yet that is exactly where God tends to put us. He desires spiritual maturity and that means choosing His way even when that means passing over the 'simple solution' to wait for His perfect plan.
This weeks lesson is very personal to me. I can relate to Abram and Sarai in so many different ways that this story always touches a soft spot in my heart, yet God has also used this story as a warning beacon in my life. Lets pray that we all can learn from Abram and Sarai and choose not to take the 'simple solution.'
Please read Genesis 16:1-16.
It seems like only yesterday we were discussing how great Abram's faith was. Only one chapter before this God had calmed Abram's fears with words of peace and reassurance that He would keep His promises. Abram's faith had been counted as righteousness! Now we see him and Sarai falling into fear and lack of faith and taking matters into their own hands.
We have no way of knowing exactly how much time occurs between Genesis 15 and Genesis 16, it could have been several years, a few months or even a few days (We talked before about how quickly our emotions can move us from the mountaintop to the valley). What we do know is that it had been 10 years since Abram first heard the call of God, received the promises (including many descendants) and moved out of Ur. Abram was now 86 years old and his beautiful wife, Sarai was 76. His fertility may have been waning but hers had long past departed.
Even in our world of modern medicine and science, infertility can be devastating. The pain of wanting something that seems so simple and natural for everyone else can very quickly take your mind and emotions to a very ugly place. The feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and even judgment play on your mind and can very easily push you to the place of "I will do anything to get what I want."
For Abram and Sarai infertility would have been even harder. Childlessness was seen as a curse from the gods, and they would likely have been looked down upon by the people around them. Their infertility was a very public shame. They also had few options.
While today medicine offers a wide variety of treatments, many of which are often highly effective, Abram and Sarai had only 4 options. Abram could have divorced Sarai and found a fertile wife, or he could have taken a 2nd wife. They could have adopted an heir (which was what Abram was thinking at the beginning of chapter 15) or Sarai could choose a slave to bear a child for her.*
Waiting is so hard, and waiting for something you are emotionally invested in is utterly painful. Infertility might not be something you are struggling with but I have no doubt that you have felt the pain of waiting for something. The struggle of waiting is pretty much universal, and so is wanting to take the easy way out.
For Abram and Sarai using a slave to have a baby was a completely viable option in their culture. God had told Abram that he would have an heir from his own body, when that didn't seem to be working out with his wife , plan B seemed like a rational choice. After all God hadn't said that the baby would be from Sarai's body and she was way too old to hold out hope of conceiving. Having Hagar carry a baby for them seemed like a good compromise. The problem was it wasn't God's choice. The simple solution rarely is.
As painful as it can be to wait, God's will is for us to grow through the pain so that when the waiting is over and we have what we have always wanted we will be just a little bit more like Jesus.
"...We also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God had poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, whom he had given us." Romans 5:3 & 4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
Whatever you wait for, inevitably there will be a 'simple solution' The human mind is amazing in its ability to rationalize even a the most obviously bad choice when pain is involved. We must be so careful and so prayerful to seek God's will, any other option will only lead to more pain and heartache.
God's plan is not for us to suffer in our waiting, it is to grow. To become spiritually mature. He wants us to rest in Him. To trust Him even when, in our wildest imagination, we can't see what He's going to do. He is likely going to surprise you with a better outcome then you wildest imagination could have ever conceived.
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
* Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustarted Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 87
I am not a patient person. If you knew me personally you might disagree with that statement, but believe me I am not patient. You see God has been working to build patience in me for most of my life. For most of the "big" things in life I have had to wait what feels like a ridculous amount of time for.
I meet my husband when we were 16. He had always planned on going to the Air Force Academy for school then going into the Air Force. For me that meant we could not get married until he finished school. I also could not afford to move to Colorado (nor would my parents allow it) to be near him so it also meant 4 years long distance. I had to wait 5 years to be with him, even though God had made it clear to me within the first year of dating that this was the husband He had chosen for me.
After we got married we decided to wait a few years before starting a family. After 18 months we felt we were ready. Eight years later, after too many doctors, drugs and tears, God made clear to us that conception was not how He planned to form our family. He opened the doors to adoption and my husband and I changed gears accordingly. Its now been 5 years since God changed our course, I am as sure as ever that adoption is His best and perfect plan for us, yet we are still waiting for our first child.
I hate waiting, it doesn't so much get easier the longer you wait, it just becomes routine. At least until something comes up that reminds you of how much you want what you are waiting for, or gives you an 'out' to the pain of waiting. That's when waiting become dangerous, yet that is exactly where God tends to put us. He desires spiritual maturity and that means choosing His way even when that means passing over the 'simple solution' to wait for His perfect plan.
This weeks lesson is very personal to me. I can relate to Abram and Sarai in so many different ways that this story always touches a soft spot in my heart, yet God has also used this story as a warning beacon in my life. Lets pray that we all can learn from Abram and Sarai and choose not to take the 'simple solution.'
Please read Genesis 16:1-16.
It seems like only yesterday we were discussing how great Abram's faith was. Only one chapter before this God had calmed Abram's fears with words of peace and reassurance that He would keep His promises. Abram's faith had been counted as righteousness! Now we see him and Sarai falling into fear and lack of faith and taking matters into their own hands.
We have no way of knowing exactly how much time occurs between Genesis 15 and Genesis 16, it could have been several years, a few months or even a few days (We talked before about how quickly our emotions can move us from the mountaintop to the valley). What we do know is that it had been 10 years since Abram first heard the call of God, received the promises (including many descendants) and moved out of Ur. Abram was now 86 years old and his beautiful wife, Sarai was 76. His fertility may have been waning but hers had long past departed.
Even in our world of modern medicine and science, infertility can be devastating. The pain of wanting something that seems so simple and natural for everyone else can very quickly take your mind and emotions to a very ugly place. The feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and even judgment play on your mind and can very easily push you to the place of "I will do anything to get what I want."
For Abram and Sarai infertility would have been even harder. Childlessness was seen as a curse from the gods, and they would likely have been looked down upon by the people around them. Their infertility was a very public shame. They also had few options.
While today medicine offers a wide variety of treatments, many of which are often highly effective, Abram and Sarai had only 4 options. Abram could have divorced Sarai and found a fertile wife, or he could have taken a 2nd wife. They could have adopted an heir (which was what Abram was thinking at the beginning of chapter 15) or Sarai could choose a slave to bear a child for her.*
Waiting is so hard, and waiting for something you are emotionally invested in is utterly painful. Infertility might not be something you are struggling with but I have no doubt that you have felt the pain of waiting for something. The struggle of waiting is pretty much universal, and so is wanting to take the easy way out.
For Abram and Sarai using a slave to have a baby was a completely viable option in their culture. God had told Abram that he would have an heir from his own body, when that didn't seem to be working out with his wife , plan B seemed like a rational choice. After all God hadn't said that the baby would be from Sarai's body and she was way too old to hold out hope of conceiving. Having Hagar carry a baby for them seemed like a good compromise. The problem was it wasn't God's choice. The simple solution rarely is.
As painful as it can be to wait, God's will is for us to grow through the pain so that when the waiting is over and we have what we have always wanted we will be just a little bit more like Jesus.
"...We also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God had poured out his love into our hears by the Holy Spirit, whom he had given us." Romans 5:3 & 4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
Whatever you wait for, inevitably there will be a 'simple solution' The human mind is amazing in its ability to rationalize even a the most obviously bad choice when pain is involved. We must be so careful and so prayerful to seek God's will, any other option will only lead to more pain and heartache.
God's plan is not for us to suffer in our waiting, it is to grow. To become spiritually mature. He wants us to rest in Him. To trust Him even when, in our wildest imagination, we can't see what He's going to do. He is likely going to surprise you with a better outcome then you wildest imagination could have ever conceived.
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
* Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustarted Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 87
Friday, September 10, 2010
Questions and Covenant: Extra Credit
Okay so I have always know that there would never be enough time in each blog to cover everything that I want to share about each chapter and verse in the Bible. Most of the time I follow where God leads me in each lesson and trust that I have done justice to His Word. However Genesis 15 is so full of amazing theology and glimpses of our great and loving Father that even after finishing the weeks study I feel very strongly that there is more to be said.
So I am writing one more post for Genesis 15 with just a few details that make this chapter so much richer and beautiful.
God never wastes a detail! I maintain that even if we won't know the fullest meaning of every detail in Scripture this side of Heaven, every single detail is significant to God. He uses every word of the Bible to give us better insight into Himself and His purpose, both for us as His beloved creation and as each of us individually.
The major theme of Genesis 15 is God giving peace to a worried and wondering Abram. Hidden in the details there is more than salvation through faith alone, and God's strong affirmation that He will be faithful to keep His word.
When God told Abram to prepare for the covenant ritual He commanded 5 very specific animals to be brought, 3 even had age requirements. According to Number 19 the sacrifice of a heifer was for purification and cleansing. A goat was the levitical sacrifice for unintentional sins. When a leader was made aware of his sins he was to bring a male goat and sacrifice it before the LORD. If a member of the community sinned unintentionally, when he (or she) was made aware then they were to bring a female goat (note the higher cost for those in leadership).* The ram was sacrificed as a guilt offering. When some one broke the law in regard to the holy things of God or lies, cheats or steals, they were to bring a ram as an offering.** I find the birds to be the most interesting.
"If he cannot afford a lamb, he is to bring 2 doves or 2 young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for his sin- one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering." Leviticus 5:7
The 2 birds were a substitionary sin offering. If you couldn't afford the price of your sins, God had a back up plan.
I certainly cannot unequivocally say that God was pointing to Jesus in Genesis 15:9, but clearly God was looking forward to the sacrificial system that He would set up on Mount Sinai several 100s of years later. That sacrificial system points to directly to Jesus. God always indicated that there would have to be a substitute for our sins. How cool is that!
Another part of Genesis 15 that I didn't have time to talk about is verses 12-16. As the sun set God put Abram in to a deep sleep (in fact its the same kind of deep sleep He put Adam in when he took his rib to make Eve), then He prophesied over him. We all hope for only good things to come, but the reality is that God often uses tribulation to accomplish His will. There is something about suffering that brings us to our knees so that God can stand up for us. Pain might not be how we want to grow in Christ but you just can't argue that it is the most effective and efficient way to get there.
Abram was told that though he would die happy and old in the land of Canaan, his descendants would spend 400 years enslaved in a foreign land, but would return to Canaan with lots of stuff.
These verses will become very important when we get to the end of Genesis and the beginning of Exodus, where they begin to find their fulfillment. Its so awesome to me that long before the Israelites were enslaved by Egypt, God had already promised them that it would not last forever and that He would punish the nation that enslaved them. Not that 400 years is not daunting but God gave His word there would be freedom.
One last thing about God's prophesy is sorta hidden at the end of verse 16.
"In the 4th generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
Now I'm not going to pretend I actually understand exactly what that meant. I have no idea what the Amorites were up to at this time, nor do I have any clue as to what how God determined when their sins would "reach its full measure", but what I do know shows a loving and patient God.
The Amorites were one of the tribes that lived in Canaan. Amorite was also used as a generic name for all the people living in Canaan.*** Whether God was referring to the tribe or all the tribes in general, God was clearly giving them time before He took their land and gave it to the Israelites, and He took their land, not arbitrarily but because of their sin.
Its easy to think that because the Old Testament is about the Israelites that God did not care or was not involved with anyone else on Earth at the time. We may not see that He was wanting repentance from Canaan, but His patience in punishing them demonstrates His love. Remember, the Bible is the complete history of all God has done, it is a Love Letter, showing us how to know Him.
The last thing that I want to marvel at from Genesis 15 is what happened after the sun went down.
Abram was fast asleep while the LORD prophesied over him and he was still asleep when "a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces."
There is some debate over what the firepot and torch actually were (not all Hebrew words have clear meanings in English), and what exactly they symbolize, however two things are clear. However they represent Him, the elements represent the LORD and He walked alone among the pieces.
At first it might not seem super important that Abram played no real role in the covenant but if you think about how a covenant ritual was to be preformed it becomes striking that God did it alone. Abram didn't agree to the terms, he didn't make any promises or set any conditions, he was completely passive. God on the other hand, set the terms and conditions and made all the promises. God promised Abram the land (and by extension all of the promises of Genesis 12:1-3) without requiring anything from Abram. God alone would fulfill His promises.
There are definitely times in the Bible where God required something from someone. Later God would require Abram to be circumcised, He required the Israelites to no intermarry with the Canaanites (and there were heavy consequences for their failure to obey). Most of Deuteronomy is a list of blessing for obeying God's covenant and curses for disobedience. However all of these covenants (that I can find) have to do with living a God honoring life. There about obeying God, but when it comes to salvation, entering into the covenant of relationship with Him our role is completely passive. He set the terms and conditions, Jesus took our sins on the Cross and was raised again on the 3rd day to give us eternal life with Him. He made the promise, that we could have an intimate, loving relationship with Him, the God of the Universe. All we do is accept that He's already done it all. God alone fulfills His promises.
I hope that by adding an extra lesson to Genesis 15, you can see how utterly loving and patient our God is. He wants us to have peace, trusting that He will always do what He has promised to do. He provides the plan, we just have to step out in faith.
Genesis 15 is probably the most important chapter in the Old Testament (maybe the whole Bible), so much of the rest of Scripture is rooted in this one chapter.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write then on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:10
* Leviticus 4:22-35
**Leviticus 5:14- 6:7
*** Courson, Jon. Application Commentary: Old Testament Vol. 1. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson. 2005. pg. 72
So I am writing one more post for Genesis 15 with just a few details that make this chapter so much richer and beautiful.
God never wastes a detail! I maintain that even if we won't know the fullest meaning of every detail in Scripture this side of Heaven, every single detail is significant to God. He uses every word of the Bible to give us better insight into Himself and His purpose, both for us as His beloved creation and as each of us individually.
The major theme of Genesis 15 is God giving peace to a worried and wondering Abram. Hidden in the details there is more than salvation through faith alone, and God's strong affirmation that He will be faithful to keep His word.
When God told Abram to prepare for the covenant ritual He commanded 5 very specific animals to be brought, 3 even had age requirements. According to Number 19 the sacrifice of a heifer was for purification and cleansing. A goat was the levitical sacrifice for unintentional sins. When a leader was made aware of his sins he was to bring a male goat and sacrifice it before the LORD. If a member of the community sinned unintentionally, when he (or she) was made aware then they were to bring a female goat (note the higher cost for those in leadership).* The ram was sacrificed as a guilt offering. When some one broke the law in regard to the holy things of God or lies, cheats or steals, they were to bring a ram as an offering.** I find the birds to be the most interesting.
"If he cannot afford a lamb, he is to bring 2 doves or 2 young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for his sin- one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering." Leviticus 5:7
The 2 birds were a substitionary sin offering. If you couldn't afford the price of your sins, God had a back up plan.
I certainly cannot unequivocally say that God was pointing to Jesus in Genesis 15:9, but clearly God was looking forward to the sacrificial system that He would set up on Mount Sinai several 100s of years later. That sacrificial system points to directly to Jesus. God always indicated that there would have to be a substitute for our sins. How cool is that!
Another part of Genesis 15 that I didn't have time to talk about is verses 12-16. As the sun set God put Abram in to a deep sleep (in fact its the same kind of deep sleep He put Adam in when he took his rib to make Eve), then He prophesied over him. We all hope for only good things to come, but the reality is that God often uses tribulation to accomplish His will. There is something about suffering that brings us to our knees so that God can stand up for us. Pain might not be how we want to grow in Christ but you just can't argue that it is the most effective and efficient way to get there.
Abram was told that though he would die happy and old in the land of Canaan, his descendants would spend 400 years enslaved in a foreign land, but would return to Canaan with lots of stuff.
These verses will become very important when we get to the end of Genesis and the beginning of Exodus, where they begin to find their fulfillment. Its so awesome to me that long before the Israelites were enslaved by Egypt, God had already promised them that it would not last forever and that He would punish the nation that enslaved them. Not that 400 years is not daunting but God gave His word there would be freedom.
One last thing about God's prophesy is sorta hidden at the end of verse 16.
"In the 4th generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
Now I'm not going to pretend I actually understand exactly what that meant. I have no idea what the Amorites were up to at this time, nor do I have any clue as to what how God determined when their sins would "reach its full measure", but what I do know shows a loving and patient God.
The Amorites were one of the tribes that lived in Canaan. Amorite was also used as a generic name for all the people living in Canaan.*** Whether God was referring to the tribe or all the tribes in general, God was clearly giving them time before He took their land and gave it to the Israelites, and He took their land, not arbitrarily but because of their sin.
Its easy to think that because the Old Testament is about the Israelites that God did not care or was not involved with anyone else on Earth at the time. We may not see that He was wanting repentance from Canaan, but His patience in punishing them demonstrates His love. Remember, the Bible is the complete history of all God has done, it is a Love Letter, showing us how to know Him.
The last thing that I want to marvel at from Genesis 15 is what happened after the sun went down.
Abram was fast asleep while the LORD prophesied over him and he was still asleep when "a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces."
There is some debate over what the firepot and torch actually were (not all Hebrew words have clear meanings in English), and what exactly they symbolize, however two things are clear. However they represent Him, the elements represent the LORD and He walked alone among the pieces.
At first it might not seem super important that Abram played no real role in the covenant but if you think about how a covenant ritual was to be preformed it becomes striking that God did it alone. Abram didn't agree to the terms, he didn't make any promises or set any conditions, he was completely passive. God on the other hand, set the terms and conditions and made all the promises. God promised Abram the land (and by extension all of the promises of Genesis 12:1-3) without requiring anything from Abram. God alone would fulfill His promises.
There are definitely times in the Bible where God required something from someone. Later God would require Abram to be circumcised, He required the Israelites to no intermarry with the Canaanites (and there were heavy consequences for their failure to obey). Most of Deuteronomy is a list of blessing for obeying God's covenant and curses for disobedience. However all of these covenants (that I can find) have to do with living a God honoring life. There about obeying God, but when it comes to salvation, entering into the covenant of relationship with Him our role is completely passive. He set the terms and conditions, Jesus took our sins on the Cross and was raised again on the 3rd day to give us eternal life with Him. He made the promise, that we could have an intimate, loving relationship with Him, the God of the Universe. All we do is accept that He's already done it all. God alone fulfills His promises.
I hope that by adding an extra lesson to Genesis 15, you can see how utterly loving and patient our God is. He wants us to have peace, trusting that He will always do what He has promised to do. He provides the plan, we just have to step out in faith.
Genesis 15 is probably the most important chapter in the Old Testament (maybe the whole Bible), so much of the rest of Scripture is rooted in this one chapter.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write then on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:10
* Leviticus 4:22-35
**Leviticus 5:14- 6:7
*** Courson, Jon. Application Commentary: Old Testament Vol. 1. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson. 2005. pg. 72
Questions and Covenant: Day 3
You will need your Bible today.
Sometimes the Old Testament can be challenging to read and understand because the things that took place thousands of years ago are so foreign to us. Sacrifices, covenants, cleanliness and dietary laws have little if any resemblance to any modern day counterparts. However as strange as some of the Old Testament stories are, with a little background and a little foreground (thank God we have the Whole Bible) we can begin to see their importance and relevance.
Today's text, by any modern standard, is a bizarre account. There is much debate over the importance and meanings of each detail, but one thing should become crystal clear, God takes His promises very seriously.
Please read Genesis 15:7-21.
What was Abram's concern?
How did the LORD respond to him?
Once again (actually within the same conversation) Abram is concerned with one of God's promises to him. Since he was just commended for his faith in verse 6, it seems unlikely that Abram doubted that God would fulfill His promises, but maybe he was having a hard time wrapping his head around how all this was possible (I find both interesting and telling that God responded, in both cases, gentlely but firmly and in neither case does He actually give Abram the blueprint. God simply promised Abram that He was trustworthy).
To prove His faithfulness, God told Abram to bring Him 5 very specific animals, which Abram gathered together, cut in two (except the birds) and laid out across from eachother. It's kind of a grotesque picture, Abram standing in the desert with halved animal carcasses strune about, but God was speaking to him in a way that Abram would no longer need to worry about the "how".
Though there is some debate about the exact nature of this covenant ritual (in Genesis 15), it is clear from history that the concept would not have been foreign to Abram, in fact he was likely familiar with this process of making a contract in his culture.
According to tradition, when men needed to make a binding contract they would take an animal and cut it in half. After working out the terms and conditions of the arrangement they would walk together between the pieces, reciting the terms of the of the contract. The idea was that if either partner broke the pact it would be to them as it was to the animal, death.* This was a very serious oath and no one entered into it lightly.
In fact in Jeremiah 34 we learn the gravity of going back on a covenant of this kind.
The king of Judah had made a covenant with his people, before God, that they would all free their slaves, which they did. However after a while the people who had made the covenant began to enslave once again the people they had set free. God did not take this lightly.
"Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom for your fellow countrymen. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD- 'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. The men who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces. The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priest and all the people of the land who walked beween the pieces of the calf, I will hand over to their enimies who seek their lives. Their dead bodies will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth." Jeremiah 34:17-20
When Abram asked the LORD for confirmation that someday the land would actually be his, God responded by have Abram prepare a covenant ritual to show the seriousness of His promises. Certainly God did not need to preform this ritual, He is incapable of lying or failing to follow through. He was hardly saying to Abram that if He failed to give him the land He would die. Yet God chose this ritual, that symbolized the most serious agreement that men could enter into because He knew that Abram would understand the gravity of the agreement. Without understanding the "how" Abram would be able to rest knowing God would fulfill His promise.
God almost never gives us the detailed blueprints of our lives. I'm not sure it is because the faith it takes to walk with Him one step at a time gives Him glory (which of course it does) or because if we knew what was coming we'd still have doubts and fear. Either way what God does want is for us to be able to rest in Him. We can trust Him.
The more sure we are that He will keep His word to us the less we have to wonder about how. I'm a big fan of journaling (though I've slacked off a bit recently). When you write down your prayer requests, your struggles and what you hear from God you can always look back on them and see the how.
Years ago I was really struggling with wanting to serve God, but we had just moved and didn't really know how to find a place to serve. In a matter of a few weeks, God put me in a place where was able to help out with a youth group and a church we had just started going to. Within a few months I quit my job, and began working as the Youth Pastor's secretary. It became the best job I've ever had (to date) and one of the most blessed seasons in my life. The fact that I journaled then has given me a great reminder that God has a plan, I just need to trust Him.
"God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19
*McGee, Dr. J. Vernon. Audio Commentary on Genesis 15:6-21. www.blueletterbible.com
Sometimes the Old Testament can be challenging to read and understand because the things that took place thousands of years ago are so foreign to us. Sacrifices, covenants, cleanliness and dietary laws have little if any resemblance to any modern day counterparts. However as strange as some of the Old Testament stories are, with a little background and a little foreground (thank God we have the Whole Bible) we can begin to see their importance and relevance.
Today's text, by any modern standard, is a bizarre account. There is much debate over the importance and meanings of each detail, but one thing should become crystal clear, God takes His promises very seriously.
Please read Genesis 15:7-21.
What was Abram's concern?
How did the LORD respond to him?
Once again (actually within the same conversation) Abram is concerned with one of God's promises to him. Since he was just commended for his faith in verse 6, it seems unlikely that Abram doubted that God would fulfill His promises, but maybe he was having a hard time wrapping his head around how all this was possible (I find both interesting and telling that God responded, in both cases, gentlely but firmly and in neither case does He actually give Abram the blueprint. God simply promised Abram that He was trustworthy).
To prove His faithfulness, God told Abram to bring Him 5 very specific animals, which Abram gathered together, cut in two (except the birds) and laid out across from eachother. It's kind of a grotesque picture, Abram standing in the desert with halved animal carcasses strune about, but God was speaking to him in a way that Abram would no longer need to worry about the "how".
Though there is some debate about the exact nature of this covenant ritual (in Genesis 15), it is clear from history that the concept would not have been foreign to Abram, in fact he was likely familiar with this process of making a contract in his culture.
According to tradition, when men needed to make a binding contract they would take an animal and cut it in half. After working out the terms and conditions of the arrangement they would walk together between the pieces, reciting the terms of the of the contract. The idea was that if either partner broke the pact it would be to them as it was to the animal, death.* This was a very serious oath and no one entered into it lightly.
In fact in Jeremiah 34 we learn the gravity of going back on a covenant of this kind.
The king of Judah had made a covenant with his people, before God, that they would all free their slaves, which they did. However after a while the people who had made the covenant began to enslave once again the people they had set free. God did not take this lightly.
"Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom for your fellow countrymen. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD- 'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. The men who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces. The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priest and all the people of the land who walked beween the pieces of the calf, I will hand over to their enimies who seek their lives. Their dead bodies will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth." Jeremiah 34:17-20
When Abram asked the LORD for confirmation that someday the land would actually be his, God responded by have Abram prepare a covenant ritual to show the seriousness of His promises. Certainly God did not need to preform this ritual, He is incapable of lying or failing to follow through. He was hardly saying to Abram that if He failed to give him the land He would die. Yet God chose this ritual, that symbolized the most serious agreement that men could enter into because He knew that Abram would understand the gravity of the agreement. Without understanding the "how" Abram would be able to rest knowing God would fulfill His promise.
God almost never gives us the detailed blueprints of our lives. I'm not sure it is because the faith it takes to walk with Him one step at a time gives Him glory (which of course it does) or because if we knew what was coming we'd still have doubts and fear. Either way what God does want is for us to be able to rest in Him. We can trust Him.
The more sure we are that He will keep His word to us the less we have to wonder about how. I'm a big fan of journaling (though I've slacked off a bit recently). When you write down your prayer requests, your struggles and what you hear from God you can always look back on them and see the how.
Years ago I was really struggling with wanting to serve God, but we had just moved and didn't really know how to find a place to serve. In a matter of a few weeks, God put me in a place where was able to help out with a youth group and a church we had just started going to. Within a few months I quit my job, and began working as the Youth Pastor's secretary. It became the best job I've ever had (to date) and one of the most blessed seasons in my life. The fact that I journaled then has given me a great reminder that God has a plan, I just need to trust Him.
"God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19
*McGee, Dr. J. Vernon. Audio Commentary on Genesis 15:6-21. www.blueletterbible.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Questions and Covenant: Day 2
You are going to need your Bible today.
I've often heard people say that if someone had told them years ago that they would be where they are now they would never have believed it.
Imagine someone saying to you that in 5 years you will be a missionary in Senegal (that's in Africa). It's possible that some of you might be thinking "bring it on!" but most of us would have a hard time wrapping our brains around the idea. If we look around at our lives it would be hard to believe that we would quite our jobs, move or leave our families and friends and travel half way around the world to a country that we know very little (if anything) about. In fact some of you (like myself) are incredibly thankful that this is a hypothetical situation because it's more then a little scary.
Lets read Genesis 15:2-6.
At 75 years old Abram had been told that he would become a great nation, a great man, he would be blessed and he would be a blessing (I love that God always seems to start off a little vague in His promises. It's so much easier to say "Okay, God's gonna do something with me." than it is to believe He going to make you a missionary, or a preacher). Now Abram is somewhere in his 80s (maybe 90's I'm not sure) and God tells him that he's going to father a child.
I have no problem imagining that Abram stood there a little stupidly trying to comprehend what God had just told him. He had been resigned to the idea that his most trusted servant, Eliezer would inherit his estate since clearly he and Sarai were past their fertile prime. Being told that a son from his own body would be his heir must have been hard to wrap his brain around.
Yet he believed God!
The Hebrew word used for believed in verse 6 is aman. It means; to trust, believe, rely, to be enduring.* It meant more then just Abram believed God's Word to be true, but that he believed God's specific word to him was reliable. It was a faith that led to action.** Abram believed not just that God could do what He said, but that He would do it.
"Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6
This verse is a big deal!
This verse it the foundation of Paul's teaching in Romans and Galatians, Salvation through faith alone. It wasn't Abram's works that made him righteous, in fact he wasn't any more righteous than you or I am, it was his faith that that covered over him with righteousness. The Bible says it was "credited" to him.
If you think about it, credit is an advance. When you take out a loan, you are given the money up front, but the intention is that at a certain point the loan will be repaid. Abram was given righteousness "on credit" but instead of him being responsible to repay the debit (which he could never do) Jesus paid the debt on the Cross thousands of years later.
On the other side of the Cross, we draw upon the righteousness that Jesus already paid over 2 thousand years ago. Salvation on both sides of the Cross is through faith alone. Faith that God's Word is True, not just in an intellectual factual way, but in a life altering, changing who I am and how I live kind of way.
"It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith." Romans 4:13
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he promised. This is why 'it was credited to him as righteousness'. The words, 'it was credited to him' were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness- for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." Romans 4:20-24
How awesome is that! Abram could only look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises, not knowing what exactly they would look like. We have the luxury of looking back on the full revelation of God's love in the form of Jesus nailed to the Cross to pay our sin debt.
Abram was given a glimpse of a future that should have been unbelievable to him. At 80 something years old, with a wife in her 70's it should have been ridiculous to think that he was going to father a child, yet he embraced it! He believed that God could and would keep His promises. That is an awesome kind of faith.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1 & 2
"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6a
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers. 1996. pg. 1504
* Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Books. 2008. pg. 93
I've often heard people say that if someone had told them years ago that they would be where they are now they would never have believed it.
Imagine someone saying to you that in 5 years you will be a missionary in Senegal (that's in Africa). It's possible that some of you might be thinking "bring it on!" but most of us would have a hard time wrapping our brains around the idea. If we look around at our lives it would be hard to believe that we would quite our jobs, move or leave our families and friends and travel half way around the world to a country that we know very little (if anything) about. In fact some of you (like myself) are incredibly thankful that this is a hypothetical situation because it's more then a little scary.
Lets read Genesis 15:2-6.
At 75 years old Abram had been told that he would become a great nation, a great man, he would be blessed and he would be a blessing (I love that God always seems to start off a little vague in His promises. It's so much easier to say "Okay, God's gonna do something with me." than it is to believe He going to make you a missionary, or a preacher). Now Abram is somewhere in his 80s (maybe 90's I'm not sure) and God tells him that he's going to father a child.
I have no problem imagining that Abram stood there a little stupidly trying to comprehend what God had just told him. He had been resigned to the idea that his most trusted servant, Eliezer would inherit his estate since clearly he and Sarai were past their fertile prime. Being told that a son from his own body would be his heir must have been hard to wrap his brain around.
Yet he believed God!
The Hebrew word used for believed in verse 6 is aman. It means; to trust, believe, rely, to be enduring.* It meant more then just Abram believed God's Word to be true, but that he believed God's specific word to him was reliable. It was a faith that led to action.** Abram believed not just that God could do what He said, but that He would do it.
"Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6
This verse is a big deal!
This verse it the foundation of Paul's teaching in Romans and Galatians, Salvation through faith alone. It wasn't Abram's works that made him righteous, in fact he wasn't any more righteous than you or I am, it was his faith that that covered over him with righteousness. The Bible says it was "credited" to him.
If you think about it, credit is an advance. When you take out a loan, you are given the money up front, but the intention is that at a certain point the loan will be repaid. Abram was given righteousness "on credit" but instead of him being responsible to repay the debit (which he could never do) Jesus paid the debt on the Cross thousands of years later.
On the other side of the Cross, we draw upon the righteousness that Jesus already paid over 2 thousand years ago. Salvation on both sides of the Cross is through faith alone. Faith that God's Word is True, not just in an intellectual factual way, but in a life altering, changing who I am and how I live kind of way.
"It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith." Romans 4:13
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he promised. This is why 'it was credited to him as righteousness'. The words, 'it was credited to him' were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness- for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." Romans 4:20-24
How awesome is that! Abram could only look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises, not knowing what exactly they would look like. We have the luxury of looking back on the full revelation of God's love in the form of Jesus nailed to the Cross to pay our sin debt.
Abram was given a glimpse of a future that should have been unbelievable to him. At 80 something years old, with a wife in her 70's it should have been ridiculous to think that he was going to father a child, yet he embraced it! He believed that God could and would keep His promises. That is an awesome kind of faith.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1 & 2
"Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6a
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers. 1996. pg. 1504
* Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Books. 2008. pg. 93
Monday, September 6, 2010
Questions and Covenant: Day One
You are going to need your Bible today.
Genesis 15 is one of my (many) favorite chapters in the Bible. It is the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan for humankind. I am always amazed at how carefully God planned our Salvation and how creatively and lovingly He wove His plan into Scripture. He could have written a "How to Manual" but He chose to write a Love Letter. The repercussions of what took place in chapter 15 reverberate throughout the entire Scripture. Theologically speaking, it introduces the concepts of faith and covenant, for Abram (and us too) it is the calming of fears. I hope you find this weeks study as wonderful as I do, and that you see the God who wrote it as beyond Awesome.
We're going to start with a very tiny piece.
Read Genesis 15:1.
Look back at Genesis 14, what had just occurred?
It might seem strange that God came to Abram to calm his fears after conquering the 5 kings, but then again from the human perspective he had just made enemies of 5 powerful kings. Abram was no fool, he knew he had won the day because the LORD was with him, but unfortunately that knowledge didn't win over his emotions. Abram had stepped out in faith, he didn't attack the 5 kings completely unprepared, but he also didn't take the time to really think about it (or to talk himself out of it). Afterward, when he looked back on what he had done, it's not surprising that fear would creep into his heart. He and his 318 men had managed what 4 other kings had failed to do, but now there were 5 angry kings and Abram had no way of knowing if they were running home, tails between their legs, or plotting revenge. Hindsight might be 20/20 but sometimes our emotions can distort the view?
Have you ever taken a step of faith that turned into a great personal victory only to look back and see all the dangers you could have fallen into if God hadn't been there?
It is unbelievable to me how quickly Satan attacks after a moment of triumph. Fear and pride are so easy to fall into once we've had a moment to think about what just took place.
My husband and I were in a horrific car accident some years back. We were hit head on on the interstate (we were going the right direction). By what was clearly the hand of God, after flipping and rolling into the median we landed on our wheels with no greater injury then some bruises. By all accounts it was a miracle that we were alive let alone virtually unharmed. The next day in Church we praised God for His saving mercy and celebrated with our friends His great love.
I think it was only a matter of day after the accident, when I began to think about it, that the trauma of what had happened hit me. More then the fear that I could die was the realization that my husband could die and leave me. From the moment that fear entered my heart it grew like wildfire. If he was out of my sight (say working to put a roof over our heads and food on the table) I was a mess, terrified that something would happen and I'd be without him.
God had done a miracle in my life by sheltering me and my husband from what could have been a fatal blow yet rather then joy all I had was fear.
God had given Abram a sound victory but he was afraid. He was probably wondering if God was going protect him from the repercussions. How quickly we forget the faithfulness of God.
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse..." Genesis 12:3a
From the first time God spoke to Abram, He had promised that He would protect him. Abram had nothing to fear God was on his side. Thankfully God is patient beyond measure and very aware of our human frailties. God knew that fear had crept into Abram's heart so God came to him to bring him peace.
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and your very great reward." Genesis 15:1
Can you imagine the LORD in His infinite power, Creator of the Universe, speaking such gentile and loving words to you. He is our shield, our protection, and security. He is our strength when it seems like the world is attacking us. He is also our very great reward, our treasure and our future. What a blessed reminder that He is the lover of our soul, He speaks words of peace into our fears and calms our hearts.
It was God's Word that washed my fears aways as well. A dear friend recommended to me a councilor. This was no sit on a couch and tell her how you feel counceling. I had tapes to listen to, books to read and questions to answer, all of it straight from the Bible. Peace is found in Jesus. God's Word is the only thing that gives us lasting peace and can calm our fears.
Abram may have gotten to hear the voice of God in a vision (and I have to admit that would be amazing) but we have His perfect and complete Love Letter. Every word is straight from His heart to bring nourishment to ours.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Genesis 15 is one of my (many) favorite chapters in the Bible. It is the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan for humankind. I am always amazed at how carefully God planned our Salvation and how creatively and lovingly He wove His plan into Scripture. He could have written a "How to Manual" but He chose to write a Love Letter. The repercussions of what took place in chapter 15 reverberate throughout the entire Scripture. Theologically speaking, it introduces the concepts of faith and covenant, for Abram (and us too) it is the calming of fears. I hope you find this weeks study as wonderful as I do, and that you see the God who wrote it as beyond Awesome.
We're going to start with a very tiny piece.
Read Genesis 15:1.
Look back at Genesis 14, what had just occurred?
It might seem strange that God came to Abram to calm his fears after conquering the 5 kings, but then again from the human perspective he had just made enemies of 5 powerful kings. Abram was no fool, he knew he had won the day because the LORD was with him, but unfortunately that knowledge didn't win over his emotions. Abram had stepped out in faith, he didn't attack the 5 kings completely unprepared, but he also didn't take the time to really think about it (or to talk himself out of it). Afterward, when he looked back on what he had done, it's not surprising that fear would creep into his heart. He and his 318 men had managed what 4 other kings had failed to do, but now there were 5 angry kings and Abram had no way of knowing if they were running home, tails between their legs, or plotting revenge. Hindsight might be 20/20 but sometimes our emotions can distort the view?
Have you ever taken a step of faith that turned into a great personal victory only to look back and see all the dangers you could have fallen into if God hadn't been there?
It is unbelievable to me how quickly Satan attacks after a moment of triumph. Fear and pride are so easy to fall into once we've had a moment to think about what just took place.
My husband and I were in a horrific car accident some years back. We were hit head on on the interstate (we were going the right direction). By what was clearly the hand of God, after flipping and rolling into the median we landed on our wheels with no greater injury then some bruises. By all accounts it was a miracle that we were alive let alone virtually unharmed. The next day in Church we praised God for His saving mercy and celebrated with our friends His great love.
I think it was only a matter of day after the accident, when I began to think about it, that the trauma of what had happened hit me. More then the fear that I could die was the realization that my husband could die and leave me. From the moment that fear entered my heart it grew like wildfire. If he was out of my sight (say working to put a roof over our heads and food on the table) I was a mess, terrified that something would happen and I'd be without him.
God had done a miracle in my life by sheltering me and my husband from what could have been a fatal blow yet rather then joy all I had was fear.
God had given Abram a sound victory but he was afraid. He was probably wondering if God was going protect him from the repercussions. How quickly we forget the faithfulness of God.
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse..." Genesis 12:3a
From the first time God spoke to Abram, He had promised that He would protect him. Abram had nothing to fear God was on his side. Thankfully God is patient beyond measure and very aware of our human frailties. God knew that fear had crept into Abram's heart so God came to him to bring him peace.
"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and your very great reward." Genesis 15:1
Can you imagine the LORD in His infinite power, Creator of the Universe, speaking such gentile and loving words to you. He is our shield, our protection, and security. He is our strength when it seems like the world is attacking us. He is also our very great reward, our treasure and our future. What a blessed reminder that He is the lover of our soul, He speaks words of peace into our fears and calms our hearts.
It was God's Word that washed my fears aways as well. A dear friend recommended to me a councilor. This was no sit on a couch and tell her how you feel counceling. I had tapes to listen to, books to read and questions to answer, all of it straight from the Bible. Peace is found in Jesus. God's Word is the only thing that gives us lasting peace and can calm our fears.
Abram may have gotten to hear the voice of God in a vision (and I have to admit that would be amazing) but we have His perfect and complete Love Letter. Every word is straight from His heart to bring nourishment to ours.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sorry
The Bible studies will be back up and running as of Monday September 6th.
I'm terribly sorry that what was supposed to be a 6 week hiatus turned into 2 1/2 months. It has been more difficult then I expected to get into a routine in my new home.
We will pick up right where we left off with Genesis Chapter 15.
Thank you for your patience.
April Fry
I'm terribly sorry that what was supposed to be a 6 week hiatus turned into 2 1/2 months. It has been more difficult then I expected to get into a routine in my new home.
We will pick up right where we left off with Genesis Chapter 15.
Thank you for your patience.
April Fry
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Short Break
I will be spending the next few weeks moving across country and getting settled in my new home. I had hoped that I would be able to continue to post through the transition, however with so much to do I realize now that I cannot possibly to all things well. Right now I must concentrate on the my family and take a short break from writing Bible study. I will begin posting again mid-July and we will pick up where we left off.
I can't wait to write about Genesis 15, it is arguably the most important chapter in the Old Testament.
Thank you for your patience.
April
I can't wait to write about Genesis 15, it is arguably the most important chapter in the Old Testament.
Thank you for your patience.
April
Friday, June 11, 2010
A Strange Encounter Day 3
You will need your Bible today.
In more recent years there has been the suggestion that Melchizedek was actually a preincarnate Christ. There are several places in the Old Testament where a stranger appears, who is either Commander of the Lords army, or the Angel of the Lord that can rightly be attributed to Jesus; Abraham pleaded with a Stranger over the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 18), Jacob wrestled with an Angel, who blessed him and changed his name (Genesis 32:22-32), and a Man, who looked "like a son of the gods" appeared in the blazing fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When we look at Hebrews 7, however, it seems odd for the author to compare Jesus to Himself.
Whoever Melchizedek was, what was important to the Holy Spirit (for Biblical purposes) was his role as king and priest. Giving him an identity apart from king and priest, would have deminished him as a type or model of Jesus.
"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
*** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapid, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg 82
Today is our last day with Melchizedek. It never ceases to amaze me that the Holy Spirit could inspire so much from 3 little verses in Genesis. It should give us great reassurance that the Bible is a wonderful, Supernatural Book. If Melchizedek points directly to Jesus, then then certainly there is more to the Old Testament then meets the eye. God is so awesome to reveal Jesus through stories and prophecy, centuries before He walked the earth. We have so much more to uncover, but first lets finish up with Melchizedek.
I highly recommend that you read all of Hebrews chapter 7 (actually 6:13- 8:6) to get a full grasp of how Melchizedek modeled Christ, yet we don't have time to go through it all.
Please read Hebrews 7:11- 8:1 for today.
Yesterday we saw how by omitting information about the person Melchizedek, the Holy Spirit made him a type or model of Jesus. Had his history or later events been added to the Bible, he would not fit the mold. The Holy Spirit is always deliberate with information.
"Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days of end of life, like the Son of God [Melchizedek] remains a priest forever." Hebrews 7:3
In a very real way every layer of the Old Testament points to Jesus. When the LORD gave Moses the Law, He included the role and responsibilities of the priests. The priests were to intercede on behalf of the nation of Israel, atoning for their sins before God. The priests however were, like all people, sinful themselves and therefore had to purify themselves, through sacrifice, before they could offer sacrifice for the people. The sacrifices themselves had to be done continually because the blood of bulls and goats couldn't actually take away sin, they were shadows and reminders of the One who could.
"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming- not the reality themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship...But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, becasue it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goat to take away sins...Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifice, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God...because by one sacrifice he had made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:1-2, 4, 11-12 &14
The Levitical priest and their sacrifices were shadows of Christ, but it is Jesus alone who is able to actually forgive our sins. In the Old Testament the word for atonement implies a covering over, or pushing ahead of sin.* The Greek word used in the New Testament means the sin-debt has been paid in full and removed.** Jesus is the fulfullment and perfection of what the Law required.
And because Jesus is eternal, He is always interceding on our behalf before the Father. While the Levitical priests were only able to enter into the Holy Place to perform their duties according to the Law, and only the high priest could enter into the Holy of Holies, and that just once a year, through Jesus we have constant and continual access to the Father. Jesus is always there to take our cares and concerns to the Father.
"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."Hebrews 7:24, 25
Again Jesus is the fulfillment and perfection, the Levitical system was a model or type so that we might know the greatness of Jesus and all that He has done for us.
The Levitical system was the center of worship for the Jews. By the time Jesus came, it had been an institution for about 1400 years. That's a very long time to follow a tradition, it was difficult even for Jewish believers to understand that anything, even Christ, could supercede the Law. By using Melchizedek as a model, the writer of Hebrews showed that even before the Law God had made clear that One would come who would perfect the Law and be far greater than it.
Still Melchizedek is quite a mystery. Over the centuries (milenia) many people have come up with interesting suggestions as to who he might have actually been (remember Melchizedek is a title). Jewish tradition claims that Melchizedek was actually Shem, the son of Noah, and ancester of Abram (and Jesus).*** According to Genesis 11:11, Shem lived for 500 years. Having survived the Flood and recieved the blessing from Noah, its not impossible that Shem became priest of God Most High, as well as king of Salem (which by the way, later became Jerusalem).
In 2 of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Melchizedek is said to be Michael the archangel.*** However it is unlikely that God would place an angel as a physical king over any city, and Michael specifically would be less likely. Every Biblical reference to Michael is as protector and defender of God's covenant people, it is a bit of a stretch (for me) for him to take a role other than that.
In more recent years there has been the suggestion that Melchizedek was actually a preincarnate Christ. There are several places in the Old Testament where a stranger appears, who is either Commander of the Lords army, or the Angel of the Lord that can rightly be attributed to Jesus; Abraham pleaded with a Stranger over the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 18), Jacob wrestled with an Angel, who blessed him and changed his name (Genesis 32:22-32), and a Man, who looked "like a son of the gods" appeared in the blazing fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When we look at Hebrews 7, however, it seems odd for the author to compare Jesus to Himself.
Whoever Melchizedek was, what was important to the Holy Spirit (for Biblical purposes) was his role as king and priest. Giving him an identity apart from king and priest, would have deminished him as a type or model of Jesus.
"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
* Hebrew- Greek Key Word Study Bible, NIV. pg 1524
** Hebrew- Greek Key Word Study Bible, NIV pg. 1634
*** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapid, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg 82
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A Strange Encounter Day 2
You will need your Bible today.
Melchizedek may seem like a strange interloper in the story of Abram's victory over the 4 kings, but he probably would have settled into obscurity had it not been for King David. Outside of Genesis 14, there is only one other verse in the Old Testament that refers to Melchizedek and it has some interesting implications.
Please read Psalm 110:1-7
Though many of the Psalms are prophetic, Jesus declared this one was all about Him.
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 'What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?' 'The son of David,' they replied. He said to them, 'How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' If David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?' No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions." Matthew 22:41-46
Psalm 110 is all about the Messiah (specifically about the 2nd coming when He comes to conquer and reign). Tucked into this psalm is our only other Old Testament reference to Melchizedek.
"The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4
At the time David was king this would have been a very strange thing to say, yet the Holy Spirit wanted us to understand that the Christ was be unique in His role.
About 600 years after Abram entered Canaan, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Before heading to the Promised Land (Canaan), the LORD brought them to Mount Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that Moses received the 10 commandment, the blueprints for the Tabernacle and the rules and regulations for daily life, and worship. There the LORD appointed the tribe of Levi to be His priests. They were to be separate from the other tribes and were not allowed to be king. Judah was the tribe that God had appointed to the royal kingship, and the kings were not allowed to take on the role of the priest (Judah was also the tribe that the Messiah would come from). God very specifically separated the two roles.Yet David, speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit exalts the priest king Melchizedek over the priesthood of Levi and the kingship of Judah. The Messiah would be both King and Priest like Melchizedek.
Out of seemingly nowhere, David (by the Holy Spirit) used Melchizedek to describe the Messiah, then he vanished again until Hebrews. Psalm 110:4 quoted in both chapters 5 and 6 but in chapter 7 Melchizedek takes center stage as a clear foreshadowing of the Christ.
"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." Hebrews 7:1-3
I've said it before but it bears repeating, sometimes its not what the Holy Spirit includes in Scripture that is important but what the Holy Spirit excludes.
Melchizedek showed up on the scene of Genesis 14 with no history and we leave him there with no future. He merely exists (to our knowledge) within the confines of 3 verses. The lack of background, what his personal name was (Melchizedek is a title), who his parents were, when he was born, as well as the lack of information after his appearance in Genesis allowed the Holy Spirit to draw a better parallel between him and Jesus (We don't have to assume that Melchizedek was really never born or never died, though some believe it and that's okay). Without having a (recorded) beginning or end Melchizedek never stopped being a priest to God Most High, which is a beautiful model of Jesus who has ascended to Heaven to be our High Priest forever.
"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood." Hebrews 7:24
Jesus is our High Priest right now interceding for us before the throne of God. He is also our King, He is our ruler and Lord of our hearts and minds (at least He should be). However the day is coming when He will return to this Earth to be King and Priest over all Creation.
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3
Melchizedek may seem like a strange interloper in the story of Abram's victory over the 4 kings, but he probably would have settled into obscurity had it not been for King David. Outside of Genesis 14, there is only one other verse in the Old Testament that refers to Melchizedek and it has some interesting implications.
Please read Psalm 110:1-7
Though many of the Psalms are prophetic, Jesus declared this one was all about Him.
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 'What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?' 'The son of David,' they replied. He said to them, 'How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' If David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?' No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions." Matthew 22:41-46
Psalm 110 is all about the Messiah (specifically about the 2nd coming when He comes to conquer and reign). Tucked into this psalm is our only other Old Testament reference to Melchizedek.
"The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4
At the time David was king this would have been a very strange thing to say, yet the Holy Spirit wanted us to understand that the Christ was be unique in His role.
About 600 years after Abram entered Canaan, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Before heading to the Promised Land (Canaan), the LORD brought them to Mount Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that Moses received the 10 commandment, the blueprints for the Tabernacle and the rules and regulations for daily life, and worship. There the LORD appointed the tribe of Levi to be His priests. They were to be separate from the other tribes and were not allowed to be king. Judah was the tribe that God had appointed to the royal kingship, and the kings were not allowed to take on the role of the priest (Judah was also the tribe that the Messiah would come from). God very specifically separated the two roles.Yet David, speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit exalts the priest king Melchizedek over the priesthood of Levi and the kingship of Judah. The Messiah would be both King and Priest like Melchizedek.
Out of seemingly nowhere, David (by the Holy Spirit) used Melchizedek to describe the Messiah, then he vanished again until Hebrews. Psalm 110:4 quoted in both chapters 5 and 6 but in chapter 7 Melchizedek takes center stage as a clear foreshadowing of the Christ.
"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." Hebrews 7:1-3
I've said it before but it bears repeating, sometimes its not what the Holy Spirit includes in Scripture that is important but what the Holy Spirit excludes.
Melchizedek showed up on the scene of Genesis 14 with no history and we leave him there with no future. He merely exists (to our knowledge) within the confines of 3 verses. The lack of background, what his personal name was (Melchizedek is a title), who his parents were, when he was born, as well as the lack of information after his appearance in Genesis allowed the Holy Spirit to draw a better parallel between him and Jesus (We don't have to assume that Melchizedek was really never born or never died, though some believe it and that's okay). Without having a (recorded) beginning or end Melchizedek never stopped being a priest to God Most High, which is a beautiful model of Jesus who has ascended to Heaven to be our High Priest forever.
"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood." Hebrews 7:24
Jesus is our High Priest right now interceding for us before the throne of God. He is also our King, He is our ruler and Lord of our hearts and minds (at least He should be). However the day is coming when He will return to this Earth to be King and Priest over all Creation.
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God." Revelation 21:3
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Strange Encounter Day 1
This week we are get to focus on 3 verses from Genesis 14. It might seem strange that 3 verses would require a week onto themselves, but thanks to the writer of Hebrews there is more than enough to work with. Today we will stay mostly in Genesis though as we begin to look at a strange character who's role is small but who's impact is huge.
"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram be God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." Genesis 14:18-20
Abram's run in with Melchizedek is a little strange right from the start. Abram was coming home after defeating the 4 Mesopotamian kings, bringing with him the people and the plunder that belonged to the 5 Canaanite kings that had rebelled. Salem and its king had not been involved at all in the battle, yet Melchizedek comes out to the place where the king of Sodom went to meet Abram. As if his showing up wasn't odd enough, what he brings with him is bizarre for the time.
It was common in ancient times when battles were over for the victors to share a meal while they worked out the details of sharing the spoils. Yet the feasts were usually grand and included meat, while Melchizedek brought out only bread and wine.* Bread and wine may have been a peculiar feast at that time, but in light of the New Testament it is quite significant.
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Luke 22:19 & 20
Melchizedek was not just the king of Salem, he was priest of God Most High who had come out to bless Abram, a worshipper of God Most High. He brought with him the sacraments of communion to celebrate God's victory of the enemy. What we do to remember the Cross and Jesus victory over the enemy, they did looking forward, foreshadowing the yet future Cross.
In the Hebrew God Most High is El Elyon, which is a pretty exact translation; God above all others, supreme, transcendent, Creator and Possessor of all things. The implication here is that El Elyon is universal, He is sovereign over all creation and therefore God of all creation. He may have chosen Abram to be His man and his descendants to be His people, His example to all the earth, but He is not their God only. He is every one's God (whether they acknowledge Him or not).**
"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." Psalm 115:3
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and disposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20 & 21
Melchizedek was priest of The God of the universe and clearly attributes Abram's victory to Him.
"And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." Genesis 14:20
The victory was El Elyon's and Abram paid tribute to God through His priest, by giving Melchizedek his tithe.
Tithing is a fairly uncomfortable topic. The idea is sound, everything belongs to God and we acknowledge His gifts to us by returning 10% to Him. Certainly living on 90% should be plenty, but the reality is that giving tithe to God takes faith probably more then it takes discipline. In a few of the commentaries I looked at the authors assumed that Abram was giving tithe out of the plunder from defeating the 4 kings. I'm not a Bible scholar but I think he gave more then just what he had captured, especially in light of the fact that he kept none of the plunder. Verse 20 says that Abram gave a tenth of everything. Considering that he and Lot separated because combined they had too much, I think Abram was extremely wealthy. I think everything would include his own personal wealth. Giving away other peoples stuff doesn't honor God, and tithing with wealth that isn't yours shows no faith. I believe (totally personal opinion) that Abram would have thought as King David would:
"But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for [the land]. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
I do find it interesting that after Abram gave a 10th to Melchizedek, the king of Sodom piped up with a quick compromise. Its almost like he was worried Abram would give everything away and he's end up with nothing. Abram however returns to the king of Sodom everything that was his, people and stuff.
What is even more interesting to me is that Melchizedek was king of Salem, Salem means peace. While Bera was the king of Sodom, which means flaming or burning. Even their names imply opposites, Melchizedek means king of righteousness, while Bera means son of evil.*** In a very real way Abram was standing between the representatives of God and the world (Satan), and he made the clear declaration that he was on the side of the LORDs.
The 3 verses alone give us much to think about, Melchizedek seems to be more then he appeared to be. For the next 2 days we will look at what the writer of Hebrews had to say about this strange encounter and get to see glimpses of our King of Righteousness.
"The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:5 & 6
* Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 82-83
** Moore, Beth. The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nashville, TN. Lifeway Press. 2005. pg.31
*** Smith, Stelman & Judson Cornwall. The Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names. Gainsville, FL. Bridge-Logos Publishers. 1998. pgs. 229, 170 & 36
"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram be God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." Genesis 14:18-20
Abram's run in with Melchizedek is a little strange right from the start. Abram was coming home after defeating the 4 Mesopotamian kings, bringing with him the people and the plunder that belonged to the 5 Canaanite kings that had rebelled. Salem and its king had not been involved at all in the battle, yet Melchizedek comes out to the place where the king of Sodom went to meet Abram. As if his showing up wasn't odd enough, what he brings with him is bizarre for the time.
It was common in ancient times when battles were over for the victors to share a meal while they worked out the details of sharing the spoils. Yet the feasts were usually grand and included meat, while Melchizedek brought out only bread and wine.* Bread and wine may have been a peculiar feast at that time, but in light of the New Testament it is quite significant.
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Luke 22:19 & 20
Melchizedek was not just the king of Salem, he was priest of God Most High who had come out to bless Abram, a worshipper of God Most High. He brought with him the sacraments of communion to celebrate God's victory of the enemy. What we do to remember the Cross and Jesus victory over the enemy, they did looking forward, foreshadowing the yet future Cross.
In the Hebrew God Most High is El Elyon, which is a pretty exact translation; God above all others, supreme, transcendent, Creator and Possessor of all things. The implication here is that El Elyon is universal, He is sovereign over all creation and therefore God of all creation. He may have chosen Abram to be His man and his descendants to be His people, His example to all the earth, but He is not their God only. He is every one's God (whether they acknowledge Him or not).**
"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." Psalm 115:3
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and disposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20 & 21
Melchizedek was priest of The God of the universe and clearly attributes Abram's victory to Him.
"And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." Genesis 14:20
The victory was El Elyon's and Abram paid tribute to God through His priest, by giving Melchizedek his tithe.
Tithing is a fairly uncomfortable topic. The idea is sound, everything belongs to God and we acknowledge His gifts to us by returning 10% to Him. Certainly living on 90% should be plenty, but the reality is that giving tithe to God takes faith probably more then it takes discipline. In a few of the commentaries I looked at the authors assumed that Abram was giving tithe out of the plunder from defeating the 4 kings. I'm not a Bible scholar but I think he gave more then just what he had captured, especially in light of the fact that he kept none of the plunder. Verse 20 says that Abram gave a tenth of everything. Considering that he and Lot separated because combined they had too much, I think Abram was extremely wealthy. I think everything would include his own personal wealth. Giving away other peoples stuff doesn't honor God, and tithing with wealth that isn't yours shows no faith. I believe (totally personal opinion) that Abram would have thought as King David would:
"But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for [the land]. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
I do find it interesting that after Abram gave a 10th to Melchizedek, the king of Sodom piped up with a quick compromise. Its almost like he was worried Abram would give everything away and he's end up with nothing. Abram however returns to the king of Sodom everything that was his, people and stuff.
What is even more interesting to me is that Melchizedek was king of Salem, Salem means peace. While Bera was the king of Sodom, which means flaming or burning. Even their names imply opposites, Melchizedek means king of righteousness, while Bera means son of evil.*** In a very real way Abram was standing between the representatives of God and the world (Satan), and he made the clear declaration that he was on the side of the LORDs.
The 3 verses alone give us much to think about, Melchizedek seems to be more then he appeared to be. For the next 2 days we will look at what the writer of Hebrews had to say about this strange encounter and get to see glimpses of our King of Righteousness.
"The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:5 & 6
* Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 82-83
** Moore, Beth. The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nashville, TN. Lifeway Press. 2005. pg.31
*** Smith, Stelman & Judson Cornwall. The Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names. Gainsville, FL. Bridge-Logos Publishers. 1998. pgs. 229, 170 & 36
Friday, June 4, 2010
Abraham and Lot Day 3
You will need your Bible today.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b
When Lot was taken captive by the 4 kings of Mesopotamia, trouble had come to Abram as well. He could have ignored it, after all Lot was in this mess because he had chosen to live among the people of Sodom, but Abram loved Lot and chose instead to rescue him. God had told Abram that He would protect him, and after the lesson learned in Egypt I have no doubt that Abram believed God, yet it's interesting that he already had a small army ready to go.
"When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan." Genesis 14:14
Abram had 318 men that lived in his household and were loyal to him from birth ,that were already trained. He didn't send them to boot camp after he heard about Lot, or quickly run through some tactical training with them, they were already ready for battle. Abram was prepared for whatever trouble he might find in Canaan.
Did keeping so many men battle ready in his home show a lack of faith in God's promise of protection?
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair- every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:6-11
God expects us to trust Him above all else, but He also expects us to be wise. Jesus warned us that there would be trouble, in Him we have victory, but that doesn't mean we can be foolish. Christian's still need to wear their seat belts, avoid dark alleys at night, and go to the doctor when they are sick. Its not that God can't save us if we are foolish enough to walk off the top of a 10 story building but when Satan tried to convince Jesus to try it, Jesus answered, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test." (Matthew 4:7) which is sound advice. If Jesus wasn't flippant with God's protection then we probably shouldn't be either.
We have to make wise choices that avoids trouble when it is avoidable. Abram had a small army living under his roof, but he didn't go out looking for trouble, he avoided it when he could.
"Avoid every kind of evil" 1 Thessalonians 5:22
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:8b-11
"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:2-5
God wants us to stay far away from sin. Not tolerate it like Lot did, but separate ourselves from it. The farther away from sin we are the less likely we are to get into trouble. Unfortunately trouble isn't always avoidable. Abram didn't do anything wrong, yet he couldn't leave Lot in captivity. When we can't avoid trouble, we need to already be prepared. We might not have an army at our disposal but we are told where to get some armor.
Please read Ephesians 6:10-18
You may be familiar with the Armor of God, but how often do you really put it on? Paul is quick to explain that our battle isn't against other people but against sin, and the powers that encourage it. Lets face it we have an enemy, and if we are making the slightest impact in this world for God (which God expects us to do), then we are targets. Of course Satan isn't our only enemy, our flesh (human nature) wars within us as well. God promises to protect us, but He gives us armor for a reason.
Truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, and salvation give us a firm foundation. When trouble comes these you have to know God's truth from the world's lies. Righteousness is acting on God's Truth, its making right choices, which keeps you safe, while understanding the Gospel, that Jesus came as our Salvation and will return as our Lord, keeps us from getting too comfortable in this world. Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, trusting that He knows what He's doing with our lives is vital when trouble comes. Of course salvation is the cornerstone of our protection. Being part of God's family places us under His wing or protection. Finally our weapon is the Word and pray. God's Word tells us what is True, and righteous. The Bible shows us who Jesus is, so that we can have faith and salvation. When trouble is headed right for us, its knowing God's Word that keeps us standing our ground.
Abram was ready when trouble came. He and his army didn't waste time wondering what he should do. Abram knew God, God who is the source of wisdom, he knew what was right and he acted immediately. He didn't try to compromise with the 4 kings, he didn't make peace with them, he also didn't compromise with the 5 kings when he returned their people and belongings.
"The king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.' But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me." Genesis 14:21-24
By the world's standards Abram had every right to take the plunder he had reclaimed, but he wasn't living by the world's standards. When the battle was over Abram nothing to do with the wickedness of Sodom and the other kings. He had saved his nephew, which was his only goal, and new that God wanted him to stay separated from corrupting influences. By refusing to take the plunder, he acknowledged that the victory was the LORDs and the LORD would continue to provide.
In this world we will have trouble, its inevitable, but God gives us the wisdom and the tools to be prepared. With Him we will always be the victor.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b
When Lot was taken captive by the 4 kings of Mesopotamia, trouble had come to Abram as well. He could have ignored it, after all Lot was in this mess because he had chosen to live among the people of Sodom, but Abram loved Lot and chose instead to rescue him. God had told Abram that He would protect him, and after the lesson learned in Egypt I have no doubt that Abram believed God, yet it's interesting that he already had a small army ready to go.
"When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan." Genesis 14:14
Abram had 318 men that lived in his household and were loyal to him from birth ,that were already trained. He didn't send them to boot camp after he heard about Lot, or quickly run through some tactical training with them, they were already ready for battle. Abram was prepared for whatever trouble he might find in Canaan.
Did keeping so many men battle ready in his home show a lack of faith in God's promise of protection?
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair- every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:6-11
God expects us to trust Him above all else, but He also expects us to be wise. Jesus warned us that there would be trouble, in Him we have victory, but that doesn't mean we can be foolish. Christian's still need to wear their seat belts, avoid dark alleys at night, and go to the doctor when they are sick. Its not that God can't save us if we are foolish enough to walk off the top of a 10 story building but when Satan tried to convince Jesus to try it, Jesus answered, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test." (Matthew 4:7) which is sound advice. If Jesus wasn't flippant with God's protection then we probably shouldn't be either.
We have to make wise choices that avoids trouble when it is avoidable. Abram had a small army living under his roof, but he didn't go out looking for trouble, he avoided it when he could.
"Avoid every kind of evil" 1 Thessalonians 5:22
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:8b-11
"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:2-5
God wants us to stay far away from sin. Not tolerate it like Lot did, but separate ourselves from it. The farther away from sin we are the less likely we are to get into trouble. Unfortunately trouble isn't always avoidable. Abram didn't do anything wrong, yet he couldn't leave Lot in captivity. When we can't avoid trouble, we need to already be prepared. We might not have an army at our disposal but we are told where to get some armor.
Please read Ephesians 6:10-18
You may be familiar with the Armor of God, but how often do you really put it on? Paul is quick to explain that our battle isn't against other people but against sin, and the powers that encourage it. Lets face it we have an enemy, and if we are making the slightest impact in this world for God (which God expects us to do), then we are targets. Of course Satan isn't our only enemy, our flesh (human nature) wars within us as well. God promises to protect us, but He gives us armor for a reason.
Truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, and salvation give us a firm foundation. When trouble comes these you have to know God's truth from the world's lies. Righteousness is acting on God's Truth, its making right choices, which keeps you safe, while understanding the Gospel, that Jesus came as our Salvation and will return as our Lord, keeps us from getting too comfortable in this world. Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, trusting that He knows what He's doing with our lives is vital when trouble comes. Of course salvation is the cornerstone of our protection. Being part of God's family places us under His wing or protection. Finally our weapon is the Word and pray. God's Word tells us what is True, and righteous. The Bible shows us who Jesus is, so that we can have faith and salvation. When trouble is headed right for us, its knowing God's Word that keeps us standing our ground.
Abram was ready when trouble came. He and his army didn't waste time wondering what he should do. Abram knew God, God who is the source of wisdom, he knew what was right and he acted immediately. He didn't try to compromise with the 4 kings, he didn't make peace with them, he also didn't compromise with the 5 kings when he returned their people and belongings.
"The king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.' But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me." Genesis 14:21-24
By the world's standards Abram had every right to take the plunder he had reclaimed, but he wasn't living by the world's standards. When the battle was over Abram nothing to do with the wickedness of Sodom and the other kings. He had saved his nephew, which was his only goal, and new that God wanted him to stay separated from corrupting influences. By refusing to take the plunder, he acknowledged that the victory was the LORDs and the LORD would continue to provide.
In this world we will have trouble, its inevitable, but God gives us the wisdom and the tools to be prepared. With Him we will always be the victor.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Abraham and Lot Day 2
You will need your Bible today.
After becoming so wealthy that the land could not support them both together, Abram gave Lot the pick of the land. Lot who was young and ambitious choose the land that looked the best and offered opportunities for trade and to further increase his wealth.
"So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company; Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." Genesis 13:11 & 12
While Abram trusted God to prosper him where ever he went, Lot trusted his eyes and went where he was sure he would prosper. Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. While the land may have been lush the area was already gaining a reputation.
"Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD." Genesis 13:13
Please read Genesis 14:1-24
Lot was more concerned with what could benefit him financially then what could harm him morally. When the 4 kings attacked, Lot was no longer living outside of Sodom, he'd moved inside and was guilty by association.
A major theme in the New Testament is sanctification; it means to be made holy, devoted to God. The main idea it that something that is sanctified is set apart from what is common.* Christians are supposed to stand out, be different from those around us.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14
(We often associate this verse specifically with marriage but it should be applied to all our close relationships)
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." 1 Peter 1:15
God wants us to be in the world as salt and light, showing the world who Jesus is. When we are immersed in the culture and become part of this world, its much harder to maintain your saltiness, and brightness. The tendency is to become tolerant, or desensitized and remain silent about sin. The world sees Christian silence as condoning sin, not tolerance.
Abram on the other hand had separated himself from the "world" and chose to dwell where he could hear God. (Interestingly Hebron means communion or fellowship**) God blessed him not only by renewing the promise of the land, but when Lot's choice led to trouble, God gave Abram the victory.
God wants us to be holy, set apart and distinct from the world. He does not want us to disengage from the world. Abram may have gone after the 4 kings to rescue his nephew, but he saved everyone. His heart was still tender.
Sometimes we think of being separate from the world as being above it, but that's not God's intention. Jesus, who was with God at Creation and is God, came to earth as a man. He didn't lord over men, but became a servant offering himself as the perfect sacrifice for our salvation. He ate dinner with tax collectors and spoke to women with bad reputations because He loved them and wanted them to be made whole, but His most intimate relationships were with His disciples. They are the ones He spent time with, fellowshipped with, and lived with.
We need to imitate Christ; be in this world and love it but not be like it.
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers 1996. pg 1572
** Courson, Jon. Application Commentary: Old Testament Vol. 1. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson. 2005. pg. 63
After becoming so wealthy that the land could not support them both together, Abram gave Lot the pick of the land. Lot who was young and ambitious choose the land that looked the best and offered opportunities for trade and to further increase his wealth.
"So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company; Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." Genesis 13:11 & 12
While Abram trusted God to prosper him where ever he went, Lot trusted his eyes and went where he was sure he would prosper. Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. While the land may have been lush the area was already gaining a reputation.
"Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD." Genesis 13:13
Please read Genesis 14:1-24
Lot was more concerned with what could benefit him financially then what could harm him morally. When the 4 kings attacked, Lot was no longer living outside of Sodom, he'd moved inside and was guilty by association.
A major theme in the New Testament is sanctification; it means to be made holy, devoted to God. The main idea it that something that is sanctified is set apart from what is common.* Christians are supposed to stand out, be different from those around us.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14
(We often associate this verse specifically with marriage but it should be applied to all our close relationships)
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." 1 Peter 1:15
God wants us to be in the world as salt and light, showing the world who Jesus is. When we are immersed in the culture and become part of this world, its much harder to maintain your saltiness, and brightness. The tendency is to become tolerant, or desensitized and remain silent about sin. The world sees Christian silence as condoning sin, not tolerance.
Abram on the other hand had separated himself from the "world" and chose to dwell where he could hear God. (Interestingly Hebron means communion or fellowship**) God blessed him not only by renewing the promise of the land, but when Lot's choice led to trouble, God gave Abram the victory.
God wants us to be holy, set apart and distinct from the world. He does not want us to disengage from the world. Abram may have gone after the 4 kings to rescue his nephew, but he saved everyone. His heart was still tender.
Sometimes we think of being separate from the world as being above it, but that's not God's intention. Jesus, who was with God at Creation and is God, came to earth as a man. He didn't lord over men, but became a servant offering himself as the perfect sacrifice for our salvation. He ate dinner with tax collectors and spoke to women with bad reputations because He loved them and wanted them to be made whole, but His most intimate relationships were with His disciples. They are the ones He spent time with, fellowshipped with, and lived with.
We need to imitate Christ; be in this world and love it but not be like it.
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers 1996. pg 1572
** Courson, Jon. Application Commentary: Old Testament Vol. 1. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson. 2005. pg. 63
Monday, May 31, 2010
Abraham and Lot Day 1
You will need your Bible today.
The problem with having your faith tested it that it requires faith.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (might be worth memorizing this verse, we'll use it a lot in the next few weeks)
Abram, I imagine, was pretty excited about all the promises that God had given to him. It took him no time to pack up the his wife, nephew and all their stuff after his father died and get going into Canaan. On top of blessings, fame, more descendants that can be counted, protection, and all people in the earth receiving blessing through him, when he entered into Canaan, God promised him the land as well.
I wonder if Abram was just a little bit impatient for all the promises to be fulfilled? When he watched as the land turned to dust and he fled to the more fertile lands of Egypt, I wonder if he thought he was crazy to have believed in God's promises? Certainly he could no longer imagine how things could turn out the way God said they would.
When God promises big stuff it always requires big faith. Big stuff for you might be a spouse, a home, a job, a child. It could be healing from cancer, surviving loss, or waiting on someone you love to fall in love with Jesus. What might be a huge promise for me, might not even register for you, but that doesn't mean its small. We don't all get promised land, fame and kingdoms, but God does give us all promises that will stretch our faith, if we are willing to obey Him.
God wants good things for us, but the most important thing He wants from us is faith. God wants us to trust Him, even when we don't fully understand His plan.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8 & 9
Please read Genesis 13:1-17.
Abram's lack of faith while in Egypt had led to a pretty humiliating situation. When his human eyes couldn't see the goodness of the LORD, he started to question His ability to fulfill any of the promises. Abram decided to take matters into his own hands to protect himself and as a result lost his wife and his dignity. God, who is always faithful, had to restore what Abram had messed up. With his wife and all his belongings returned to him, Abram headed back to Canaan.
"From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where he tent had been earlier and where he have first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD." Genesis 13:3 & 4
There are really only two options when we sin. We can hide like Adam and Eve did, embarrassed and ashamed or we can acknowledge that we made a mistake and run back to the arms of our Savior. Our human pride seems to prefer hiding, God, however wants repentance. Repentance implies changing direction, turning from the path of sin toward the path of righteousness, toward God.* Abram, in the most literal since turned around and headed straight toward where he knew God was. Abram repented of his lack of faith and positioned himself where he knew God was with him.
Soon after arriving in Bethel, trouble began. Abram had been blessed (even through his disobedience) and become very wealthy. Lot, his nephew had also reaped the rewards of God's promise to Abram, and was wealthy in his own right. Too much money, stuff and apparently animals became too much for the land they shared so the obvious choice was to part ways.
Abram was the head of the household, and Lot's elder, it was his right to choose which plot of land he wanted and send Lot off somewhere else, but he let Lot decide.** The plains of the Jordan were fertile pasture land, with a few cities that could be traded with. From where Abram and Lot were standing it was the best land in sight. Lot chose the plain and pitched his tent close to the city of Sodom, while Abram headed back up into the mountains toward Hebron, about 40 miles away.*** On the way God renewed his promise to Abram that all the land he saw would belong to his offspring, forever.
Sometimes (most of the time) faith is believing despite what you see. Through Abram's repentance, his faith had grown. He had learned that God was faithful, even when the land turned to dust, and more importantly, even when he had made a mess. When the time came to separate from Lot, Abram didn't need to chose what looked like the best of the land, he knew that God could bless him anywhere, so he let Lot have the choice, and God blessed him for his faith.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1 & 2
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers. 1996. pg. 1651
** Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Books. 2008. pg. 75
*** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 77
The problem with having your faith tested it that it requires faith.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (might be worth memorizing this verse, we'll use it a lot in the next few weeks)
Abram, I imagine, was pretty excited about all the promises that God had given to him. It took him no time to pack up the his wife, nephew and all their stuff after his father died and get going into Canaan. On top of blessings, fame, more descendants that can be counted, protection, and all people in the earth receiving blessing through him, when he entered into Canaan, God promised him the land as well.
I wonder if Abram was just a little bit impatient for all the promises to be fulfilled? When he watched as the land turned to dust and he fled to the more fertile lands of Egypt, I wonder if he thought he was crazy to have believed in God's promises? Certainly he could no longer imagine how things could turn out the way God said they would.
When God promises big stuff it always requires big faith. Big stuff for you might be a spouse, a home, a job, a child. It could be healing from cancer, surviving loss, or waiting on someone you love to fall in love with Jesus. What might be a huge promise for me, might not even register for you, but that doesn't mean its small. We don't all get promised land, fame and kingdoms, but God does give us all promises that will stretch our faith, if we are willing to obey Him.
God wants good things for us, but the most important thing He wants from us is faith. God wants us to trust Him, even when we don't fully understand His plan.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8 & 9
Please read Genesis 13:1-17.
Abram's lack of faith while in Egypt had led to a pretty humiliating situation. When his human eyes couldn't see the goodness of the LORD, he started to question His ability to fulfill any of the promises. Abram decided to take matters into his own hands to protect himself and as a result lost his wife and his dignity. God, who is always faithful, had to restore what Abram had messed up. With his wife and all his belongings returned to him, Abram headed back to Canaan.
"From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where he tent had been earlier and where he have first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD." Genesis 13:3 & 4
There are really only two options when we sin. We can hide like Adam and Eve did, embarrassed and ashamed or we can acknowledge that we made a mistake and run back to the arms of our Savior. Our human pride seems to prefer hiding, God, however wants repentance. Repentance implies changing direction, turning from the path of sin toward the path of righteousness, toward God.* Abram, in the most literal since turned around and headed straight toward where he knew God was. Abram repented of his lack of faith and positioned himself where he knew God was with him.
Soon after arriving in Bethel, trouble began. Abram had been blessed (even through his disobedience) and become very wealthy. Lot, his nephew had also reaped the rewards of God's promise to Abram, and was wealthy in his own right. Too much money, stuff and apparently animals became too much for the land they shared so the obvious choice was to part ways.
Abram was the head of the household, and Lot's elder, it was his right to choose which plot of land he wanted and send Lot off somewhere else, but he let Lot decide.** The plains of the Jordan were fertile pasture land, with a few cities that could be traded with. From where Abram and Lot were standing it was the best land in sight. Lot chose the plain and pitched his tent close to the city of Sodom, while Abram headed back up into the mountains toward Hebron, about 40 miles away.*** On the way God renewed his promise to Abram that all the land he saw would belong to his offspring, forever.
Sometimes (most of the time) faith is believing despite what you see. Through Abram's repentance, his faith had grown. He had learned that God was faithful, even when the land turned to dust, and more importantly, even when he had made a mess. When the time came to separate from Lot, Abram didn't need to chose what looked like the best of the land, he knew that God could bless him anywhere, so he let Lot have the choice, and God blessed him for his faith.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1 & 2
* Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, NIV. Chattanooga, TN. AMG Publishers. 1996. pg. 1651
** Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Books. 2008. pg. 75
*** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 77
Friday, May 28, 2010
Abraham:7 big blessings and one big Oops Day 3
You will need your Bible today.
Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and i in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Jesus is the source of all righteousness, apart from Him nothing is good enough, yet somehow we all seem to try to do things on our own from time to time. There is this inner struggle to let God have control of our lives, while there is a part of us doesn't want to let go. Paul calls it our sinful nature, or flesh.
Today we'll see Abram, in the flesh.
Please read Genesis 12:10-20
I don't think it's any coincident that mountains always come with valleys. I imagine as Abram was standing on mountains of Canaan (where we left him last time), he was pretty glad he had obeyed the LORD and traveled to this new and strange place. Every pasture, highland and city as far as his eyes could see would one day belong to his children. What an awesome blessing, but soon a famine over took the land and there wasn't enough food or water for everyone. I can't speak for Abram but I'd suddenly feel pretty disappointed with my new inheritance. Disappointed or not, Abram packed up the little family and moved south into Egypt.
Few things can send us so quickly into our flesh as fear. The very natural need to feel safe permeates almost everything we do. In the car we put on our seat belts, follow the rules of the road, buy cars with airbags, and crumple zones. At home we wash our vegetables, throw away bad meat, lock our doors, install smoke detectors, baby gates, outlet covers, and security alarms. Even if it isn't at the forefront for your mind, safety is always underlying everything you do. Making wise choices to keep you and your family safe isn't sin, but being in constant fear for your safety makes you vulnerable.
If fear make you vulnerable, then fear coupled with disappointment is a disaster in the making. Abram was clearly worried that his beautiful wife would attract the wrong kind of attention. He was afraid that Egyptians would kill him so that they could possess her. God had promised Abram that He would protect him and keep him safe, but Abram's fear got the best of him and he chose to handle the situation himself. Maybe after watching his promised land turn to dust in the famine, he wasn't feeling so good about God's promises anymore.
God however was faithful, He always is. When Abram lost his wife to the Pharaoh, God struck his entire household with a horrible illness. God also apparently revealed to Pharaoh the reason for the illness, he was a little upset with Abram for the little ruse.
Abram's deception cost him. He had broken faith with the LORD, lied to the Pharaoh, and compromised his wife's dignity. He was still alive but at a price, and it still took the LORD's faithfulness to get him out of the predicament that he put himself in. Under God's protection, Abram was able to leave Egypt with his wife and all his belongings and travel safely back toward Canaan.
Faith takes constant effort. Everyday we have to chose to follow Jesus and fight the urge to try life on our own. Blessings and joy can make faith seem a little easier, while disappointment and fear can knock your feet out from under you. God, however is always faithful. He promises to never leave or forsake us, to give us an abundant life and home with Him in eternity. When our eyes are on Him we can walk through the valleys of our lives without fear, while holding onto the joy of our last mountain top and the hope for the next one. Everyone stumbles, everyone falls sometimes, the question is do you sit down and pout or dust yourself off and refocus on Jesus?
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. they are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Galatians 5:16 & 17
Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and i in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Jesus is the source of all righteousness, apart from Him nothing is good enough, yet somehow we all seem to try to do things on our own from time to time. There is this inner struggle to let God have control of our lives, while there is a part of us doesn't want to let go. Paul calls it our sinful nature, or flesh.
Today we'll see Abram, in the flesh.
Please read Genesis 12:10-20
I don't think it's any coincident that mountains always come with valleys. I imagine as Abram was standing on mountains of Canaan (where we left him last time), he was pretty glad he had obeyed the LORD and traveled to this new and strange place. Every pasture, highland and city as far as his eyes could see would one day belong to his children. What an awesome blessing, but soon a famine over took the land and there wasn't enough food or water for everyone. I can't speak for Abram but I'd suddenly feel pretty disappointed with my new inheritance. Disappointed or not, Abram packed up the little family and moved south into Egypt.
Few things can send us so quickly into our flesh as fear. The very natural need to feel safe permeates almost everything we do. In the car we put on our seat belts, follow the rules of the road, buy cars with airbags, and crumple zones. At home we wash our vegetables, throw away bad meat, lock our doors, install smoke detectors, baby gates, outlet covers, and security alarms. Even if it isn't at the forefront for your mind, safety is always underlying everything you do. Making wise choices to keep you and your family safe isn't sin, but being in constant fear for your safety makes you vulnerable.
If fear make you vulnerable, then fear coupled with disappointment is a disaster in the making. Abram was clearly worried that his beautiful wife would attract the wrong kind of attention. He was afraid that Egyptians would kill him so that they could possess her. God had promised Abram that He would protect him and keep him safe, but Abram's fear got the best of him and he chose to handle the situation himself. Maybe after watching his promised land turn to dust in the famine, he wasn't feeling so good about God's promises anymore.
God however was faithful, He always is. When Abram lost his wife to the Pharaoh, God struck his entire household with a horrible illness. God also apparently revealed to Pharaoh the reason for the illness, he was a little upset with Abram for the little ruse.
Abram's deception cost him. He had broken faith with the LORD, lied to the Pharaoh, and compromised his wife's dignity. He was still alive but at a price, and it still took the LORD's faithfulness to get him out of the predicament that he put himself in. Under God's protection, Abram was able to leave Egypt with his wife and all his belongings and travel safely back toward Canaan.
Faith takes constant effort. Everyday we have to chose to follow Jesus and fight the urge to try life on our own. Blessings and joy can make faith seem a little easier, while disappointment and fear can knock your feet out from under you. God, however is always faithful. He promises to never leave or forsake us, to give us an abundant life and home with Him in eternity. When our eyes are on Him we can walk through the valleys of our lives without fear, while holding onto the joy of our last mountain top and the hope for the next one. Everyone stumbles, everyone falls sometimes, the question is do you sit down and pout or dust yourself off and refocus on Jesus?
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. they are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Galatians 5:16 & 17
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Abraham:7 big blessings and one big Oops Day 2
It's really easy to idealize our heroes. Somehow it just isn't enough that their behavior was heroic, we need to believe that they are special, different, unique in their heroism. Of course maybe our intentions aren't so grand. Possibly we want to believe that there is something special about them that gave them the strength, or ability so we don't have to turn the mirror back on ourselves.
Hebrew lore is full of stories about Abraham. Many of the stories center around his righteousness even as a child. Abraham grew up in Ur, one of the capital cities for moon-god worship. His father Terah, according to Joshua 24:2, worshipped other gods, and many of his family member's names were associated with the moon-god. Yet according to tradition Abraham was supposedly defiant against his father's idol worship and chose to worship the LORD.*
It isn't impossible that Abram worshipped the LORD, after all Shem, Noah's son was still alive, maybe he preached the one true God to Abram. Yet it is equally likely that having grown up in a pagan home, surrounded by idolatry and moon-god worship, that Abram too worshipped idols. Still the Bible is completely silent on Abram's faith prior to God's call. Whether Abram was a pagan idol worshipper or the only faithful among idolaters,what is most important is that when he came face to face with the LORD, he didn't just worship Him, he obeyed.
"The LORD had said to Abram,"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you...So Abram left, as the LORD had told him." Genesis 12: 1 & 4a The Bible makes no claim that Abram was unique, only that he was willing to obey God. God honored him for his obedience with the greatest blessings mankind could imagine.
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you." Genesis 2a
Abram's wife Sarai was unable to have children. Infertility can be devastating. A woman's body was created to make babies. Few things can make a woman feel less womanly and more insecure than infertility. In ancient times people believed fertility was a gift from the gods, and being barren a curse. Children were not just important as heirs and symbols of status, but they were vital to keep the family line going. Abram had every right, in his culture, to abandon his wife for her failure, and she could have been shunned by society for having angered the gods.** Sarai may have been one of the most beautiful women in the world, but her inability to give Abram an heir put her on shaky ground.
God's very first promise to Abram is that He will bless him with so many children that they will be their own nation. God promised to take one of Abram's (and his cultures) biggest insecurities and turn it into countless blessings. God's promise not only blessed Abram but also demonstrated God's love for Sarai and the importance of fidelity in marriage.
"I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" Genesis 12:2b
Even in ancient times everybody wanted to be somebody. The whole point to the tower of Babel was that the people wanted to make a name for themselves. I heard the most depressing survey a few months ago. Most teens (who took the survey) no longer want to grow up to doctors, astronauts, actors or musicians, they just want to be famous. They want to live the life of the people they see on TV and in movies, yet they don't have desire to accomplish anything. God cannot honor our selfish desire to be famous, yet when we are willing to follow Him, He will make a name for us. When we are willing to be used by God to bless others, He sets us apart and makes us special. God made Abram's name so great that we're still talking about him thousands of years later. God wants us to have a legacy, but one based on obedience to Him.
"I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse" Genesis 12:3a
Fear can be debilitating. Abram would be an alien in Canaan. He would not have any of the rights of a citizen, and he would require the kindness and permission of the local landowners when he wanted to settle in any area or let his flocks and herds graze.*** He would have no rights, and no protection by the laws of the land.
God promised Abram that He would provide his protection. He had nothing to fear when he entered into Canaan because God was going before him. God alone has the authority to protect and provide, and He gave His word to Abram.
"And all peoples on the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3b
The greatest blessing that God has given was Jesus. Nothing even comes close to how amazing it is that the God of the Universe would send His only Son to die so that we could have a relationship with Him! Jesus is the most loving, most generous, most unbelievable gift God could give and He promised Him to Abram.
I don't know whether Abram understood right away what God meant by the whole "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you," but certainly over time we'll see that he figured it out. Either way, Abram believed that God had something awesome in store for him and he packed up his wife, nephew and all their stuff and set out right away for Canaan. When they arrive God had one more promise to add, He promised Abram that someday his descendants would be given the land.
Abram left his home, his extended family, a country were he could most certainly thrive to follow after the LORD. In return God gave him a new home, with the promise of vast descendants and land that they would someday thrive in. God doesn't just take things away, He replaces them with things that are better.
I don't know what kind of boy Abram was. Maybe he was he did stand out as righteous in a pagan land, but I tend to think he was just like anybody else on his block. It might be nice to think that he was righteous from birth, it certainly would give us a little scapegoat, but the Bible tells us that only Jesus was righteous and He is who makes us righteous. In Him we can be heroes of our faith just like Abraham.
* Moore, Beth. The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nashville, TN. LifeWay Press. 2005. pg. 12
** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustarted Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. 2009. pg. 68-69
*** Staliman, Robert. "A Wandering Aramean" in They Spoke From God: A Survey of the Old Testament. Edited by William C. Williams. Springfield, MO. Gospel Publishing House. 2003. pg 184-185
Hebrew lore is full of stories about Abraham. Many of the stories center around his righteousness even as a child. Abraham grew up in Ur, one of the capital cities for moon-god worship. His father Terah, according to Joshua 24:2, worshipped other gods, and many of his family member's names were associated with the moon-god. Yet according to tradition Abraham was supposedly defiant against his father's idol worship and chose to worship the LORD.*
It isn't impossible that Abram worshipped the LORD, after all Shem, Noah's son was still alive, maybe he preached the one true God to Abram. Yet it is equally likely that having grown up in a pagan home, surrounded by idolatry and moon-god worship, that Abram too worshipped idols. Still the Bible is completely silent on Abram's faith prior to God's call. Whether Abram was a pagan idol worshipper or the only faithful among idolaters,what is most important is that when he came face to face with the LORD, he didn't just worship Him, he obeyed.
"The LORD had said to Abram,"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you...So Abram left, as the LORD had told him." Genesis 12: 1 & 4a The Bible makes no claim that Abram was unique, only that he was willing to obey God. God honored him for his obedience with the greatest blessings mankind could imagine.
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you." Genesis 2a
Abram's wife Sarai was unable to have children. Infertility can be devastating. A woman's body was created to make babies. Few things can make a woman feel less womanly and more insecure than infertility. In ancient times people believed fertility was a gift from the gods, and being barren a curse. Children were not just important as heirs and symbols of status, but they were vital to keep the family line going. Abram had every right, in his culture, to abandon his wife for her failure, and she could have been shunned by society for having angered the gods.** Sarai may have been one of the most beautiful women in the world, but her inability to give Abram an heir put her on shaky ground.
God's very first promise to Abram is that He will bless him with so many children that they will be their own nation. God promised to take one of Abram's (and his cultures) biggest insecurities and turn it into countless blessings. God's promise not only blessed Abram but also demonstrated God's love for Sarai and the importance of fidelity in marriage.
"I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" Genesis 12:2b
Even in ancient times everybody wanted to be somebody. The whole point to the tower of Babel was that the people wanted to make a name for themselves. I heard the most depressing survey a few months ago. Most teens (who took the survey) no longer want to grow up to doctors, astronauts, actors or musicians, they just want to be famous. They want to live the life of the people they see on TV and in movies, yet they don't have desire to accomplish anything. God cannot honor our selfish desire to be famous, yet when we are willing to follow Him, He will make a name for us. When we are willing to be used by God to bless others, He sets us apart and makes us special. God made Abram's name so great that we're still talking about him thousands of years later. God wants us to have a legacy, but one based on obedience to Him.
"I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse" Genesis 12:3a
Fear can be debilitating. Abram would be an alien in Canaan. He would not have any of the rights of a citizen, and he would require the kindness and permission of the local landowners when he wanted to settle in any area or let his flocks and herds graze.*** He would have no rights, and no protection by the laws of the land.
God promised Abram that He would provide his protection. He had nothing to fear when he entered into Canaan because God was going before him. God alone has the authority to protect and provide, and He gave His word to Abram.
"And all peoples on the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3b
The greatest blessing that God has given was Jesus. Nothing even comes close to how amazing it is that the God of the Universe would send His only Son to die so that we could have a relationship with Him! Jesus is the most loving, most generous, most unbelievable gift God could give and He promised Him to Abram.
I don't know whether Abram understood right away what God meant by the whole "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you," but certainly over time we'll see that he figured it out. Either way, Abram believed that God had something awesome in store for him and he packed up his wife, nephew and all their stuff and set out right away for Canaan. When they arrive God had one more promise to add, He promised Abram that someday his descendants would be given the land.
Abram left his home, his extended family, a country were he could most certainly thrive to follow after the LORD. In return God gave him a new home, with the promise of vast descendants and land that they would someday thrive in. God doesn't just take things away, He replaces them with things that are better.
I don't know what kind of boy Abram was. Maybe he was he did stand out as righteous in a pagan land, but I tend to think he was just like anybody else on his block. It might be nice to think that he was righteous from birth, it certainly would give us a little scapegoat, but the Bible tells us that only Jesus was righteous and He is who makes us righteous. In Him we can be heroes of our faith just like Abraham.
* Moore, Beth. The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nashville, TN. LifeWay Press. 2005. pg. 12
** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustarted Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. 2009. pg. 68-69
*** Staliman, Robert. "A Wandering Aramean" in They Spoke From God: A Survey of the Old Testament. Edited by William C. Williams. Springfield, MO. Gospel Publishing House. 2003. pg 184-185
Monday, May 24, 2010
Abraham:7 big blessing and one big Oops Day 1
You will need your Bible today.
What are the most important things in your life? Family, home, financial security, friends, maybe status, or education is really important to you. Most of us (at least if you are doing a daily Bible Study) would say that God is the #1 thing on our list, and we know He should be, but would you be willing to give up everything else on your list for Him? If God asked you to pack up and leave the town you have spent your whole life in would you? What if He told you to quite your job without the security of a new one? Could you leave your family and friends behind and start fresh in a new and completely different place if He asked?
Even in the age of Facebook, email, cell phones and digital pictures leaving what you know and are comfortable with isn't easy. Imagine leaving everything behind knowing you will probably never hear from, or see your family and friends again, hitting the road without GPS, googlemaps or even an atlas. For many of us that would be one of the scariest things imaginable.
Please Read Genesis 11:27- 12:9
The Ur that Abram was from was most likely in the southern tip of Mesopotamia, on the southern edge of the Eurphrates River, near the Persian Gulf. Ur was one of the most cosmopolitian cities in the Ancient Near East. It was a center for manufacturing, shipping and trade, had feritile land for farming, and a huge temple to the popular moon-god, Sin.* Life in Ur was safe, comfortable, and offered plenty of potential for getting rich. Abraham had been born and raised in Ur. Whether he was a city dweller, or his family farmed land outside the city limits, he was used to a certain standard of living.
In contrast Canaan was more like the wild west. Though it was well positioned on the trade routes of the Fertile Cresant, moving goods from Mesopotamia around the desert and down into Egypt, it wasn't heavily populated. There were several nomadic groups that dwelt in Canaan and some had begun to settle into towns and cities. However it was wild and rustic and compared to Ur and the cities of Mesopotamia, it was uncivilized and backward.** God told Abram to leave not just the world he knew, but all the comforts of a large urban area and spend the rest of his life living in a tent, in a strange, unsophisticated, rural country.
According to Genesis 11:31, it would seem that Terah, Abram's father, was the leader of the little family group that set out from Ur headed to Canaan, yet Acts 7 tells us that the LORD had appeared to Abram in Ur. In ancient times the eldest male was always the head of the household. Abram would most likely have gone to his father with the Words the LORD had said to him. One of Terah's sons had died prematurely leaving a grandson, Lot to be looked after, while his son Nahor had a wife and family to look after. It makes sence that when Abram came to his father with plans to travel to the east that Terah would not want him to travel alone. However it also makes since that Terah, having not heard from the LORD himself, and being the patriarch of the family would have decided to travel to the edge of Mesopotamia, but no futher. Haran was another bustling city about 700 mile from Ur, and oddly about 80 miles off the path to Canaan.*** He had allowed Abram to leave Ur, but was probably not willing go further then the world he knew and was comfortable in.
I have a very dear friend who in her mid 20s was called to the mission field. She was young, beautiful and full of life and absolutely on fire for the Lord. God didn't just call her to the mission field, He called her to some of the darkest, feared, occult filled countried in the world. Her parents wanted her to get married, have babies, and have a safe career, to do all the normal, healthy things that our culture desires. They too loved the Lord, but they were terrified for their precious daughter and were relentless in trying to discourage her from her calling. They wanted her to love God and obey Him, just not in such scary, unknown places. It was very hard for my friend to resist her parents but she chose to obey God. It wasn't easy but she'll tell you it was worth it.
Sometimes, no matter how well meaning, the people we love hinder our walk with God. Even Christian families, and friends can have a hard time supporting us when God calls us to something unknown, or countercultural. It is human nature to prefer what is safe, comfortable and known, but God wants us to step out in faith. We need to trust Him, even when it flies in the face of the people we love. Its not that we shouldn't love and honor our friends and family, only that we must love and honor God more.
God may never ask you to leave the life you have, to leave your job, or your home. He may never ask you to travel to strange and scary countries, or sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor, but He will ask you to trust Him. Someday you will have to step out in faith in one way or another. What will you chose?
Abram, left Ur and landed in Haran for a few years, but when his father died he took off again for Canaan. Abram, may have stalled out for a bit, but he took a huge leap of faith and followed the LORD. The blessings he received have changed this world forever. What kind of influence do you have?
"If you love me, you will obey my command." John 14:15
* Halley, Henry H. Halley's Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan Publishing House. 1965. pg. 88-89
What are the most important things in your life? Family, home, financial security, friends, maybe status, or education is really important to you. Most of us (at least if you are doing a daily Bible Study) would say that God is the #1 thing on our list, and we know He should be, but would you be willing to give up everything else on your list for Him? If God asked you to pack up and leave the town you have spent your whole life in would you? What if He told you to quite your job without the security of a new one? Could you leave your family and friends behind and start fresh in a new and completely different place if He asked?
Even in the age of Facebook, email, cell phones and digital pictures leaving what you know and are comfortable with isn't easy. Imagine leaving everything behind knowing you will probably never hear from, or see your family and friends again, hitting the road without GPS, googlemaps or even an atlas. For many of us that would be one of the scariest things imaginable.
Please Read Genesis 11:27- 12:9
The Ur that Abram was from was most likely in the southern tip of Mesopotamia, on the southern edge of the Eurphrates River, near the Persian Gulf. Ur was one of the most cosmopolitian cities in the Ancient Near East. It was a center for manufacturing, shipping and trade, had feritile land for farming, and a huge temple to the popular moon-god, Sin.* Life in Ur was safe, comfortable, and offered plenty of potential for getting rich. Abraham had been born and raised in Ur. Whether he was a city dweller, or his family farmed land outside the city limits, he was used to a certain standard of living.
In contrast Canaan was more like the wild west. Though it was well positioned on the trade routes of the Fertile Cresant, moving goods from Mesopotamia around the desert and down into Egypt, it wasn't heavily populated. There were several nomadic groups that dwelt in Canaan and some had begun to settle into towns and cities. However it was wild and rustic and compared to Ur and the cities of Mesopotamia, it was uncivilized and backward.** God told Abram to leave not just the world he knew, but all the comforts of a large urban area and spend the rest of his life living in a tent, in a strange, unsophisticated, rural country.
According to Genesis 11:31, it would seem that Terah, Abram's father, was the leader of the little family group that set out from Ur headed to Canaan, yet Acts 7 tells us that the LORD had appeared to Abram in Ur. In ancient times the eldest male was always the head of the household. Abram would most likely have gone to his father with the Words the LORD had said to him. One of Terah's sons had died prematurely leaving a grandson, Lot to be looked after, while his son Nahor had a wife and family to look after. It makes sence that when Abram came to his father with plans to travel to the east that Terah would not want him to travel alone. However it also makes since that Terah, having not heard from the LORD himself, and being the patriarch of the family would have decided to travel to the edge of Mesopotamia, but no futher. Haran was another bustling city about 700 mile from Ur, and oddly about 80 miles off the path to Canaan.*** He had allowed Abram to leave Ur, but was probably not willing go further then the world he knew and was comfortable in.
I have a very dear friend who in her mid 20s was called to the mission field. She was young, beautiful and full of life and absolutely on fire for the Lord. God didn't just call her to the mission field, He called her to some of the darkest, feared, occult filled countried in the world. Her parents wanted her to get married, have babies, and have a safe career, to do all the normal, healthy things that our culture desires. They too loved the Lord, but they were terrified for their precious daughter and were relentless in trying to discourage her from her calling. They wanted her to love God and obey Him, just not in such scary, unknown places. It was very hard for my friend to resist her parents but she chose to obey God. It wasn't easy but she'll tell you it was worth it.
Sometimes, no matter how well meaning, the people we love hinder our walk with God. Even Christian families, and friends can have a hard time supporting us when God calls us to something unknown, or countercultural. It is human nature to prefer what is safe, comfortable and known, but God wants us to step out in faith. We need to trust Him, even when it flies in the face of the people we love. Its not that we shouldn't love and honor our friends and family, only that we must love and honor God more.
God may never ask you to leave the life you have, to leave your job, or your home. He may never ask you to travel to strange and scary countries, or sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor, but He will ask you to trust Him. Someday you will have to step out in faith in one way or another. What will you chose?
Abram, left Ur and landed in Haran for a few years, but when his father died he took off again for Canaan. Abram, may have stalled out for a bit, but he took a huge leap of faith and followed the LORD. The blessings he received have changed this world forever. What kind of influence do you have?
"If you love me, you will obey my command." John 14:15
* Halley, Henry H. Halley's Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan Publishing House. 1965. pg. 88-89
** Mullins, Robert. "What was the Old Testament World?" in They Spoke From God: A Survey of the Old Testament. edited by William C. Williams. Springfield, MO. Gospel Publishing House. 2003. pg. 151-171
*** Walton, John H. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Volume 1. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan. 2009. pg. 67-68
Friday, May 21, 2010
Intro to Abraham Day 2
You will need your Bible today
One of my favorite things about the Bible (okay I have lots of favorites when it come to Scripture) is that no ones life is sugar coated. In the world of academia, scholars love to argue about how accurate a work of history can be. It is generally thought that history is written by the victors and therefore one sided. Though to some degree this is true, certainly many ancient peoples have had their history absorbed into that of a conquering nation, but it isn't always the case. Throughout the Old Testament Israel is as often (maybe more often) captive to a foreign nation as they are captors. In the New Testament Israel is under the thumb of Rome, clearly the history in the Bible is not from the perspective of the victor. Scripture is about Redemption, it is filled with flawed people, poor choices, sinful behavior and all the negative consequences that come with sin. Knowing that the great godly men and women of the Bible messed up over and over again and still managed to please God should give us hope. We would never be able to relate to Abraham if the only parts of his life that were written in Scripture were his triumphs. What makes Abraham great is that even in his many failures, he grew toward God, he let them humble him and grow his faith. When Abraham took one step backward, he turned around and took two steps forward. That is exactly what we are to do. There is no avoiding mistakes, we will make them. The goal is to learn from them, grow closer to God and begin to make fewer mistakes. We'll never be perfect this side of Heaven, but neither was Abraham. God doesn't ask us to be perfect, He asks us to cling to Him, to trust Him, to follow Him.
We will find as we study Abraham that there are many ways in which his relationship with the LORD is very similar to Christians today. Today we are going to look at just one of the similarities, the one that allowed Abraham to press on toward God even when he messed up.
Please read Acts 7:2-8
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed, not some of it, all of it. Therefore we can trust that when the New Testament speaks about the Old Testament we receiving further, deeper or clearer understanding of what happened in the past. Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling party) gives a general overview of the history of Israel, but he reveals a detail about father Abraham that we don't find in Genesis, its this detail that to me makes all the difference.
Genesis 12 starts out, "The LORD said to Abram," we don't know from the Genesis text how Abram heard the LORD, only that he did and that he obeyed. In Acts 7:2, Stephen says that, "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham." I don't know about you, but to me that makes a huge difference! I know people who have read the Bible, literally read the Word of God, but still don't follow Him. There are people sitting in pews in our churches that hear the sermons every week, but spend the rest of the week denying Christ with their lives. What makes the difference? A face to face encounter with the Most High God!
I don't usually like to tell stories (I'm really a bad storyteller), especially ones not in the Bible but I heard this story on the radio a few months ago and it has stuck with me.
A young man from the church wanted to have a strong, life long relationship with God, so he went to speak with one of the elders in his church. The young man found the elder sitting on the front porch with his dog. He said to him, "Sir, how is it that you have followed the Lord all of your days with passion and faith? Most men I know start out passionate but eventually have seasons of doubt or backsliding, you never have." The elder said to the young man, "Do you see my dog here lying on the porch? A few weeks ago he saw a rabbit run through the yard and he took off after it. During the chase many of the neighborhood dogs, hearing the excitement joined in following after my dog. After a while though the other dogs would slow down and eventually went home. The only one that continued the chase was my dog." The young man looked at the elder a bit puzzled and asked, " What does that have to do with faith?" The elder smiled at the young man and said, "The difference between my dog and all the others was that while the others heard the barking and excitement, my dog was the only one who actually saw the rabbit." How ever the LORD appeared to Abraham, in a dream, in person, whatever, Abraham didn't just hear the Word, he experienced His presence and took off after Him. James 2:23 tells us that Abraham was called "God's friend!" Abraham met God and then pursued a relationship with Him, a personal relationship. Abraham knew God to be trust worthy, so he was able to trust Him. He also knew that God was faithful and forgiving, so when he messed up he knew God would forgive him.
All of the "greats" in the Bible were people who actually experience God. When you've know the power of His love and goodness all you want is more. Moses encountered God on the side of Mount Sinai and because of his relationship with God he endured 40 years in the desert with a grumbling, grouchy, sometimes hostile nation. Paul suffered his entire ministry.
"I have worked harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the county, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches." 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
And yet toward the end of his life Paul wrote to Timothy;
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
How did Paul keep the faith? He encountered God on the road to Damascus, he experienced the Lord and knew that God was faithful.
Whats the difference between Christians who fill up pews and Christians who live for the Lord? Knowing God, not just with your head but with your heart as well. As Christians we receive the filling of the Holy Spirit, we can know God even more intimately then Abraham did.
We will spend the next several weeks studying the life of Abraham. We will walk with him as he makes some seemingly stupid mistakes, sometimes more then once. We will also witness him become a changed man, a man that is called God's friend. Abraham didn't just know of God, he actually knew God and we will see that that is what make the difference.
If you want a victorious life, be God's friend.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good;; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8
One of my favorite things about the Bible (okay I have lots of favorites when it come to Scripture) is that no ones life is sugar coated. In the world of academia, scholars love to argue about how accurate a work of history can be. It is generally thought that history is written by the victors and therefore one sided. Though to some degree this is true, certainly many ancient peoples have had their history absorbed into that of a conquering nation, but it isn't always the case. Throughout the Old Testament Israel is as often (maybe more often) captive to a foreign nation as they are captors. In the New Testament Israel is under the thumb of Rome, clearly the history in the Bible is not from the perspective of the victor. Scripture is about Redemption, it is filled with flawed people, poor choices, sinful behavior and all the negative consequences that come with sin. Knowing that the great godly men and women of the Bible messed up over and over again and still managed to please God should give us hope. We would never be able to relate to Abraham if the only parts of his life that were written in Scripture were his triumphs. What makes Abraham great is that even in his many failures, he grew toward God, he let them humble him and grow his faith. When Abraham took one step backward, he turned around and took two steps forward. That is exactly what we are to do. There is no avoiding mistakes, we will make them. The goal is to learn from them, grow closer to God and begin to make fewer mistakes. We'll never be perfect this side of Heaven, but neither was Abraham. God doesn't ask us to be perfect, He asks us to cling to Him, to trust Him, to follow Him.
We will find as we study Abraham that there are many ways in which his relationship with the LORD is very similar to Christians today. Today we are going to look at just one of the similarities, the one that allowed Abraham to press on toward God even when he messed up.
Please read Acts 7:2-8
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed, not some of it, all of it. Therefore we can trust that when the New Testament speaks about the Old Testament we receiving further, deeper or clearer understanding of what happened in the past. Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling party) gives a general overview of the history of Israel, but he reveals a detail about father Abraham that we don't find in Genesis, its this detail that to me makes all the difference.
Genesis 12 starts out, "The LORD said to Abram," we don't know from the Genesis text how Abram heard the LORD, only that he did and that he obeyed. In Acts 7:2, Stephen says that, "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham." I don't know about you, but to me that makes a huge difference! I know people who have read the Bible, literally read the Word of God, but still don't follow Him. There are people sitting in pews in our churches that hear the sermons every week, but spend the rest of the week denying Christ with their lives. What makes the difference? A face to face encounter with the Most High God!
I don't usually like to tell stories (I'm really a bad storyteller), especially ones not in the Bible but I heard this story on the radio a few months ago and it has stuck with me.
A young man from the church wanted to have a strong, life long relationship with God, so he went to speak with one of the elders in his church. The young man found the elder sitting on the front porch with his dog. He said to him, "Sir, how is it that you have followed the Lord all of your days with passion and faith? Most men I know start out passionate but eventually have seasons of doubt or backsliding, you never have." The elder said to the young man, "Do you see my dog here lying on the porch? A few weeks ago he saw a rabbit run through the yard and he took off after it. During the chase many of the neighborhood dogs, hearing the excitement joined in following after my dog. After a while though the other dogs would slow down and eventually went home. The only one that continued the chase was my dog." The young man looked at the elder a bit puzzled and asked, " What does that have to do with faith?" The elder smiled at the young man and said, "The difference between my dog and all the others was that while the others heard the barking and excitement, my dog was the only one who actually saw the rabbit." How ever the LORD appeared to Abraham, in a dream, in person, whatever, Abraham didn't just hear the Word, he experienced His presence and took off after Him. James 2:23 tells us that Abraham was called "God's friend!" Abraham met God and then pursued a relationship with Him, a personal relationship. Abraham knew God to be trust worthy, so he was able to trust Him. He also knew that God was faithful and forgiving, so when he messed up he knew God would forgive him.
All of the "greats" in the Bible were people who actually experience God. When you've know the power of His love and goodness all you want is more. Moses encountered God on the side of Mount Sinai and because of his relationship with God he endured 40 years in the desert with a grumbling, grouchy, sometimes hostile nation. Paul suffered his entire ministry.
"I have worked harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the county, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches." 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
And yet toward the end of his life Paul wrote to Timothy;
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
How did Paul keep the faith? He encountered God on the road to Damascus, he experienced the Lord and knew that God was faithful.
Whats the difference between Christians who fill up pews and Christians who live for the Lord? Knowing God, not just with your head but with your heart as well. As Christians we receive the filling of the Holy Spirit, we can know God even more intimately then Abraham did.
We will spend the next several weeks studying the life of Abraham. We will walk with him as he makes some seemingly stupid mistakes, sometimes more then once. We will also witness him become a changed man, a man that is called God's friend. Abraham didn't just know of God, he actually knew God and we will see that that is what make the difference.
If you want a victorious life, be God's friend.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good;; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8
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