5 Understandable Words for Today

"Why do you keep sinning?"  1 Samuel 2:23c NLT

These five words are sure to resonate within the hearts of many in our land today. They were spoken by a father confronting his sons about their grievous behavior in the house of worship. You see, the man was Eli, the same priest that met Elkanah and Hannah in Shiloh (see posts from August 17, 25, and September 2). 

Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They are described by Samuel as, "scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord.," neither did they hold in high esteem their responsibilities as priests. (read 2:12-13) The two brothers were complicit in their contemptible handling of the sacrifices brought to Shiloh by worshipers. They also seduced the young women who assisted at the entrance to the worship center (2:14-17, 22).

Upon first inspection, one might be led to think Eli was acting appropriately in confronting his sons with their behavior: "I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord's people are not good. If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?" (v.'s 23-25) Unfortunately, the confrontation possessed no consequences. Eli had been enabling his own sons actions for years. In fact, he had quite literally become fat from the sacrifices they misappropriated from the people's gifts which were specifically designated as a burnt sacrifice to God. It was Eli who was confronted next.

A holy man - we aren't given his name - arrived at Shiloh one day and addressed Eli with a message from the Lord. He reminded Eli of the origin for the priestly role and Aaron's designation as the one whom God had chosen to offer sacrifices, burn incense, and wear the priestly garment, and that the assignment was then passed on down the family line. Eli was then charged with the answer to his the very question he had posed to his sons: "So why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings? Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me - for you have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel!" (v.29)

The man of God then taught Eli the consequences of his own conduct: "...I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me." (v.30) In other words, it seems Eli had been weighed  in the balance, coming up short. Eli was informed that his life and the lives of his sons would soon come to an end. In fact, the branch or family line of Eli would actually become extinct. All the family would die "before their time" (v.31), and the children would all die a violent death.

I shudder to think of God's judgment... it is too great for me to consider... which is why I glory in the cross of Christ and His interceding for me at that moment. (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 8:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 12:10) Jesus is the one who intercedes when one has offended God. However, we shouldn't be deceived into thinking our actions have no consequences. Our actions affect others: our actions, our words, our body language, our attention or inattention... they are all filtered through the system of cognitive-emotional filters which elicits a judgement on them all. We are not perfect. We make mistakes... even big blunders. Perhaps we should understand the rightness of one's judgment against us, and provide greater grace to those who offend us?

Isn't it mysterious, though, how Samuel grew up under the corrupt influence at Shiloh without being affected by it? Why was he able to navigate to adulthood without even the slightest hint of influence by Eli's sons? Samuel is the one providing the entire account from his own memory of the years spent in Shiloh. Can you imagine how he must have felt hearing the words of the man of God confronting Eli? Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Samuel describes himself as: "...only a boy...", yet, as a boy who served the Lord. Not only had Hannah nurtured the boy physically in his early development, but she had poured her faith in God into his young mind, and continued to encourage her son's faith each year she visited The Tabernacle. The boy Samuel had been imprinted and inspired his own mother's faith. In fact, Samuel then describes himself in a way that would one day describe the Savior of the world:

"Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people." (v.26)

This description is very similar to Luke's description of Jesus in Luke 2:52. As profound as these two are similar, it is obvious that Samuel was indeed a type of Christ to the Jews of his day:

• He walked in righteousness, without any corruption.
• He pointed the people to God's way.
• He confronted evil with God's righteous Word.
• He was recognized by the people as an authentic prophet whose words were reliable.

Perhaps Eli's words, "Why do you keep sinning?" reached Samuel's ears at just the right time in his development, especially since Samuel witnessed the holy man's words, as well as the consequences described by the man of God to Eli. They are words for us to seriously consider today. Is there a besetting sin which grips your life, imprisoning your mind? Is there any way you may shrug off one's commission of being Jesus to the world? Have you allowed your spiritual disciplines to become lax?

God is the God of second chances. He is full of mercy. His kindness is ever pursuing each of us. Turn to Him and forsake the sin that enslaves you, and become a prisoner of hope - a slave surrendered to Christ's Kingdom and His ways.

John 3:30

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...the people have not returned..." Isaiah 9:13

This weekend I, like so many, will remember with sadness the events of September 11, 2001. I was living in Scottsdale, Arizona at the time. Every Tuesday morning my friend, Brett Schomaker, and I would meet at Coco's Restaurant at Paradise Valley Mall for Bible study and prayer. I happened to arrive early and took my seat at a booth in the back of the restaurant. As I was reviewing my thoughts from my quiet time during the week, Brett arrived with the news that a plane had flown into one of the world trade centers. I reacted with doubt, describing how a small twin engine war-plane had hit the empire state building in 1945, without any major damage to the building. Brett's reply alarmed me as he described a passenger jet, filled with jet fuel, passengers and crew,  crashing into one of the World Trade Centers in New York City.

It wasn't a moment later when a collective gasp was heard coming from the breakfast bar area. I excused myself and made a B-line to the activity. A television was mounted on the wall. I asked some of the patrons what had just happened and was told a second jetliner had struck the second tower. I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing as the news replayed the two events and the newscasters reported a national emergency and of a nation under attack.

In 2012, a Jewish rabbi published what became a best selling book, "The Harbinger". Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic Jew, intimated the attack was described in Biblical prophesy and was actually a divine warning to our nation. The book was actually the fruition of Cahn's own biblical research which he had been sharing as early as 2006. He describes how certain leader's speeches after the horrible event were omens against the United States; showing how their words were filled with pride and arrogance, not humility and mourning.

The scripture Rabbi Cahn specifically denotes is found in Isaiah 9, and I have included it in this week's blog:

"The Lord has sent a message against Jacob;    it will fall on Israel. All the people will know it—
Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria—who say with pride and arrogance of heart, 'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled,
but we will replace them with cedars.' But the Lord has strengthened Rezin’s foes against them
and has spurred their enemies on. Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west   have devoured Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away, His hand is still upraised. But the people have not returned to Him who struck them,  nor have they sought the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 9:8-13)

Surprisingly, this passage follows one of the most well know and quoted passages in all of scripture: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6-7a)

It seemed at first that a national revival was about to happen as the churches were filled to capacity the first few weeks following the tragedy. However, the revival never came; our nation never humbled herself and sought God's face with earnestness and a broken heart. Whatever you feel about Rabbi Cahn's book, the point I am simply making is the dire need of our nation for revival. I hope you are praying for such. My book, "Freedom's Foundation", may provide you some initial assistance as it takes the reader through forty days of prayer for our nation, revealing a biblical precept for freedom for each day. There are other prayer aids available that guide prayer warriors. Here is a link from one church that is pursuing one hundred days of prayer for America: 

http://files.caryfbc.org/documents/events/100%20Days%20of%20Corporate%20Prayer.pdf

There are others available through a simple Google search. Of course, I hope there will be a national revival, a great awakening in our time, when many hearts will be turned to God, which will result in a wave of renewed integrity, excellence, and compassion across all sectors of our national culture.

O that our country would return to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy... and move among us... begin with me...

steve (John 3:30)

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...they worshiped the Lord there."  1 Samuel 1:28

As we continue in our observation of Hannah's life, we enter into an episode several years after her pregnancy:

"When the child was weaned Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 'Sir, do you remember me?' Hannah asked. 'I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and He has granted my request. Now, I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.' And they worshiped the Lord there." (1 Sa. 1:24-28)

The dedication of Samuel to the Lord's service is begun and ended in moments of worship. Hannah had weaned the child and was ready to carry out her promise to God: to give him back. (see the Words for Today July 26th entry) The first act of worship is found in their sacrifice of a young bull. The sacrifice was given to God in keeping with Levitical law, as well as a symbol of atoning for sin. Many years later, the psalmist would write:

"Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god."  (Ps. 24:3)

The blood of the bull pointed to the final sacrifice of God's only Son on the cross of Calvary, and was God's requirement to atone for sin. Hannah and Elkanah wanted the gift of their son to be a pure offering to God, and to do so, they fulfilled God's requirement for their own purity before approaching God with their gift.  (read Leviticus 1:5; 3:8-12; 4:4-15 for further insight into the Levitical requirement)

The second act of worship reflected Hannah's joy and fulfillment through God's rich mercy and favor. Her prayer of praise is recorded in the next chapter (2:1-11). It was not a time of sorrow for her, as her heart was prepared to surrender her desires to God's eternal purposes. She kept her promise to God just as God had been faithful to provide her a son. Today's five understand-able words is the proof of such surrender: "...they worshiped the Lord there." (v.28) Her prayer echos with her confidence in God's sovereignty and her gratitude to Him for how God had opened her womb to bear a child (giving her confidence to bear other children). She affirms her confidence in His unchanging character by describing Him as the Rock. She revealed the hurtful actions of Peninnah, in her prayerful chant, "...He will judge your actions." Hannah even prophesies with her words, "He sets them among princes...", revealing Samuel's own influence for Israel in the years to come (Samuel anointed both Saul and David as King). 

There is another prayer of praise given to God by an expectant mother whose name was Mary. The young virgin praised God for His providence and the mysteries of His love, acknowledging God's control over our lives. (read Luke 1:46-55) She became pregnant as a virgin when the Holy Spirit created life within her womb, "and that life was the light of men." (John 1:4)

By giving Samuel back to God Hannah was dedicating her son to a lifetime of service for God. This in no way belittled her love for her son, neither did she just drop him off and forget him. In fact Hannah visited Samuel regularly, and each year, as her son grew, she brought him a priestly robe - just like Eli's! (1 Sa. 2:19) As an adult, Samuel resided in Ramah (his parent's hometown, see 1 Sa. 7:17; and 1:19-20).

We can be encouraged through the life of Hannah. She had such confidence in God to write the story of her life... and God rewarded her for her faith. In fact, Hannah had three sons and two daughters (1 Sa. 2:21). In the story of her life, we can be assured that God is in control. He will write the story of our lives as we surrender our will, our fears, our failures, our doubts, and our hurts to Him. He will work out His purpose for each of our lives to bring His name glory. 

I've got to surrender each day...

steve (Jn. 3:30)

5 Understandable Words for Today

"Whatever you think is best..."  I Samuel 1:23

Herein are five simple words which may be of great import in the conversations within marriages today... especially by husbands. You may remember the continuation of Hannah's story in this blog two weeks ago, when polygamy was exposed as both dysfunctional and outside of God's plan for marriage. However, I did show that, even in the corrupt systems of man (polygamy), God can choose to work on behalf of those whose hearts are strong for Him. Such was true in the life of Hannah.

After the memorable trip to the Tabernacle at Shiloh, when Hannah received a blessing from Eli, the priest, she became pregnant when "...the Lord remembered her plea..." (v.19).  The following year, Elkanah and his family were gearing up to take the annual trip to the Tabernacle. However, Hannah took leave from the trip. It seemed a boy had been born to Hannah, and she protected him from the rigors of the journey, stating she would take him after he had been weaned - and not only take him, but leave him there to grow up at Shiloh, serving the Lord. Elkanah agreed, speaking today's five understandable words:

"Whatever you think is best... stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promise."  (v.23)

I heard a joke once that went something like this: My wife and I don't argue very often, but when we do, I ALWAYS have the final word: YES DEAR. Now, this is not to say that wives are never wrong. However, I've often seen how God has gifted godly women with discernment, wisdom and grace to offer sound guidance in life issues... and I, for one, am thankful for my godly wife - whose love for me is a wonderful example of God's redeeming, reconciling love.

There is another short phrase that we should not ignore, though. Elkanah also encouraged his wife's heart by directing her back to the Lord's strength to provide the courage and fortitude to carryout her decision of gifting her son to the Lord for service in the Tabernacle. He knew all too well the attachment between mother and child, and I'm sure he remembered how she had struggled for this child in prayer. It would not be an easy act to deliver him to Eli as a young boy.

She kept her promise to give Samuel back. As we reflect on this extravagant personal sacrifice we see God's love reflected in Hannah's offering of her only son to the Lord... a picture of God's love for us... offering His only Son as a sacrifice for our sin. It is difficult to even fathom such a sacrifice by Hannah... giving up one's own child. As we see how she kept her promise to give him back, I am prone to wonder what we might be holding back from God.

Are there personal treasures we could offer on the altar of sacrifice toward advancing His Kingdom? Are we holding back our time? Our talents? Our skills? And, in a different way, are we holding back from giving Him our troubles, our grievous sins that enslave us, or our unforgiveness toward others?

Not holding back, not looking back, not taking back...

John 3:30

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"The Lord has honored me..."  Isaiah 49:5d

It seems the Olympics have been covered live 24/7 this past week... and there is still plenty of action to go! I love watching the athletes beam with national pride when receiving their medals, recognizing their achievement as the best in the world. As I've listened to many of those competing in the games, the following phrase has often been used: "It's just an honor to be here and represent my country." I'm sure it is, and what a joy it is to see the excellence they demonstrate in their respective sport.

As a follower of Christ, each disciple is honored with an assignment. It is a race to be sure - a race against time, as we seek to expose the world to God's redemptive love and mercy. Isaiah speaks of it in today's five understandable words. They are found in an interesting section of the prophet's inspired writing:

1. He calls for attention to his message. (49:1)
2. He declares his qualification as being called before birth. (v.1)
3. He recognizes the power of his words as being a sharp arrow in God's quiver. (v2)
4. He echoes God's message to the nation of Israel. (v.3)

Isaiah cries out for attention to a message given to him by God. He specifically addresses those in distant lands - those who are "far away" (v.1). People oftentimes think the Bible has no relevance for those in the world today. Nothing could be further from the truth. This message from Isaiah is directed to us: "people of a distant land". Then he echoes the sentiment with the phrase, "you who are far away". It seems to ring with a spirit of reconciliation. God wants those whose hearts are far away from Him to draw near to Him, and He will reciprocate the action (read James 4:8).

There was no educational pedigree cited as his qualifying authority. Instead, the prophet simply states that God had called him from before his birth. It's hard to get my mind around that phrase. It seems to  say that not only does God number our days (read Job 14:5; Psalm 139:16), but it gives credence that God is more involved in our life's direction than we may think - especially if one is called by God to deliver His Word of life. Isaiah leaves no doubt that he had been commissioned by God in verse three, describing God's call on his life: "You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory." It seems that one person may be called to represent a nation to God, so God might represent Himself to that nation through that one person. What greater honor could there be for a person? Thus the significance of today's five understandable words: "The Lord has honored me." (v.5) Perhaps, though, the real calling is to the nation Israel... just as it may be to us today: to bring God glory through our lives and our worship.

As God's messenger, Isaiah did not shrink from his calling, acknowledging God's power to anoint the message he was to carry. It appeared, though, that Isaiah was very human: at one moment he declares himself as a sharp arrow in God's quiver (v.2), only to shrink back in doubt stating his work as being useless.  I can relate... verse four echoes loudly in my heart: "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose." Have you ever felt that way? Maybe I'm the only one. However, after Isaiah's brief 'pity-party', he states he will leave the results to God - trusting in His reward. God strengthens Isaiah by reminding him of the calling he received while still in the womb of his mother (see v.5).

Isaiah then provides the full scope of the message: he was to restore the people of Israel and to be a light to the Gentiles - bringing God's salvation to the end of the earth. That's the big picture, folks... it embodies Jesus' Great Commission to the disciples and to us today: we are to be intentional in the message each of us carries, for it will echo to the nations by those arriving on our shores and who live within our borders. 

The honor is to represent our Lord, just as the Olympic athletes represent their respective countries. The prize is greater than gold! It's eternal. It can never be taken away. It will be given to each personally, so run this race of life to win others to the eternal prize.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  (1 Co. 9:24-25)

Honorably yours,

steve (John 3:30)

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...the Lord remembered her plea..."  1 Samuel 1:19e

You may remember the blog from two weeks ago: Hannah prayed for a child, vowing to give him back to the Lord for a lifetime of service in The Tabernacle. The priest, Eli, thought her stressful behavior was drunkenness and demanded she throw away her wine, only for Hannah to explain her sincere anguish and heart-cry to God for a child. (1:12-16) Eli sought to provide Hannah encouragement with these words: "May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of Him."  (v.17b) Those words revived her spirit and she was no longer sad. (v.18)

What dynamics could have added to Hannah's anguish? Polygamy is a marriage system which fosters many dysfunctional ideas in the mind's of the children from such relationships, as well as between the wives within the marriage. Elkanah's marriages provides an excellent case-study of such damaging practices:

1. Elkanah showed favoritism toward Hannah by giving her a choice portion of the sacrificial meal, which may have futher agitated Peninnah's treatment of Hannah. (v.5)
2. Elkanah did not intervene to protect Hannah from Peninnah's ridiculing taunts of Hannah's inability to concieve. (v.6)
3. Elkanah allowed the situation to continue for years, to the point that Hannah became completely exasperated at the situation. (v.7)
4. Elkanah did not seek to understand Hannah's despondence, even turning the issue to being all about himself and not Hannah. (v.8)

Though polygamy was part of the culture of their day, it did not make it right. From the very beginning God established the home as the union of one man and one woman (read Genesis 2:18-24). God's design describes the woman in this way: "I will make a helper who is just right for him." She was to complete and complement the man. She would help the man understand how God sees him by her redeeming love for him. She would be JUST RIGHT for him: she would be uniquely suited for his emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual, and sexual makeup.

After studying this passage again, I am brought to a higher appreciation for my wife, Sandra. I also have been brought to a deeper love for her because of the unique way God designed her to understand, unconditionally love, and cohabit with me... we have shared thirty-six years of marriage on the twenty-third of this month.

Though the marriage situation was not in keeping with God's design, Hannah loved her husband and in the due time she became pregnant. This time is described as follows:

"The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, 'I asked the Lord for him.'"   

God was faithful to hear Hannah's prayer... even within a corrupt marriage system. He will hear our prayers, too... even though we are corrupt and morally bankrupt. He looks to the heart, and tests one's sincerity and transparency. He will remember your plea... your prayers do not fall on deaf ears. Trust God to work through His time, His economy, His wisdom, and His kindness.

John 3:30

steve 

5 Understandable Words for Today

"I will go to him..." 2 Samuel 12:23

Dedicated to Darren and Becky Frame

My wife and I took a week to visit our daughter in Phoenix. She has recently become engaged and there was an engagement party we attended at her 'to-be' in-laws house. Close friends of our daughter and her fiance, as well as friends to her fiance's parents were invited. A day or two before the event, the family experienced a tragedy: their younger son, Jared, had been in a recent mountain biking accident which seemed to be the catalyst for a cascading sequence of events which led to his death just yesterday. Needless to say, his family must be devastated. Sandra and I are heart-broken for them. Our daughter has spent many hours with the family through this crisis, and I'm sure she has seen the reality of their hurt and loss.

Losing a child to death has to be the hardest earthly experience a parent can know. My own parents experienced the loss of their next to youngest daughter (I grew up with six sisters). I'll never forget their anguish over her death, even though it was a blessing in so many ways - she had been incapacitated from the effects of a radical new treatment for brain cancer. Though she lived an extra ten years, she was completely paralyzed from the cheeks down the last two years of her life. Other than experiencing the death of a spouse, I can't fathom a more significant loss to one's heart.

King David and Bathsheba experienced such a loss with their first child. Though conceived out of wedlock, the child was evidently healthy. It became ill and David spent countless hours in prayer for the child - even going without food and laying all night on the bare ground. (23:15-16) The child died on the seventh day of the illness, after which "...David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate." (v. 20)

His advisers observed how David had refused food during his entreaties to God and questioned his thinking on his behavior after the child died. David's response reflects a world view which affirms life after death, and the hope of eternity:

"I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, 'Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.' But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."  (v.'s 22-23)

"I will go to him..." is an affirmation of faith in agreeing with God's good purposes, though we may not understand them at the time. Jared's parents are fellow Believers, who have exercised their parental assignment of bringing their children up in the Lord's Way - teaching them to pray, loving them, disciplining them, and providing for their needs... all in an effort to point them to Jesus, our Savior.

Jared has experienced eternal healing, as those who profess Christ will experience one day. Yes, Darren and Becky, you will see your son again. Andrew, you will see your brother again. Family and friends, you can be assured of this promise when you have placed your faith in Christ. God's Word assures the blessing of comfort to those who mourn (Mt. 5:4), and gives us further encouragement in such times:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with My righteous right Hand. For I, The Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I Who says to you, fear not, I am the One Who help you." Is. 41:10&13

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."  1 Th. 4:13-18  NIV

"Trust in the Lord at all times you people, pour your heart out to Him, God is a refuge for us." Ps. 62:8

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles..."  2 Co. 1:3-4

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  Re. 21:4

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Ps. 34:18

" Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes, even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an expressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."  1 Pt. 1:3-9

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms... I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am."  Jn. 14:1-4

"...the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory?
 Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Co. 15:52-57

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants."  Ps. 116:15

We may have difficulty in seeing death as precious. However, in God's economy, He values our eternal souls so highly, that our entry into heaven is a glorious celebration.

O the wonders we will behold!

steve

Jn. 3:30

5 Understandable Words for Today

"I will give him back..."  1 Samuel 1:11 (NLT)

In this simple phrase is found the heart of a mother with such a profound gratitude, she was willing to not only recognize the Giver of all good things, but to acknowledge her child as God's to use as He saw fit. Let's look at this story a bit deeper.

Hannah was married to a seemingly devout man, Elkanah, who lived in the hill country of Ephraim (just north of Jerusalem). (v.'s 1:1-2) He followed a common practice of polygamy (which, by the way, does not make it right), and Hannah was one of two wives. The other wife was named Peninnah.

Each year, Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship (probably at the Passover). At the point of sacrifice, portions of the meat went to Peninnah and her children, then Elkanah would ensure one choice portion went to Hannah. Penninnah would taunt and humiliate Hannah's infertility, reducing Hannah to tears. (v.'s 3-8)

One year, Hannah got up from the sacrificial meal to pray. She was in such deep anguish and distress that Eli, the priest stationed at the entrance to the Tabernacle, accused her of being drunk, even stipulating she discard any wine she may have on her. Hannah assured Eli she was in no way defiling the Lord's sacred area by such dissipation, and conveyed her deep heartbreak over her infertility. Eli encouraged her with words affirming his agreement with her prayer request that God would grant her a child. Eli's encouragement lifted her spirits and she was no longer sad, returning to the sacrificial meal. (v.'s 9-18)

It was during her tortuous prayer to the Lord when Hannah stated this covenant to God: "...if You will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will bring him back to You." As an act of gratitude, she promised to return her first born son to the tabernacle to live his entire life and to live for God's purposes as He saw fit. Her promise would be displayed by never cutting the child's hair.

Parents of children, have you given your children into God's hands? Have you placed your children's futures into the hands of a kind benevolent Father? Have you exercised your faith in God in such a way as Hannah? Now, please understand, I'm not necessarily encouraging you to not cut your children's hair... Instead, let her example motivate all parents to trust God with our children's lives as we pray for their futures.

God bless our children with wisdom and favor.

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...be careful to obey them..." Deuteronomy 26: 16b

There is an eternal promise guaranteed from heaven's throne for those who keep God's way. In my book, "Freedom's Foundation", I outline the Decalogue and a benefit from following each command:

• God is the one true God – no other gods = no confusion.

• God will not share His glory to a man-made idol - ditto.

• God wants us to respect His name – teaches respect.

• God designed a Sabbath rest for man to rest – we all need it.

• God promises a longer life when we honor our parents.

• God prohibits the taking of human life – establishing the sanctity of life.

• God prohibits adultery – protecting individuals, marriages, and families.

• God prohibits stealing – ensuring integrity in business and security of one’s belongings.

• God prohibits making false statements against others – preserving personal reputations.

• God wants us to be content with our life – things work better.     

(Exodus 20)

The Ten Commandments point to the coming King, the Promised One, Who was prophesied as early as the creation account (read Genesis 3:15). Jesus answered the queries of the Pharisees by recognizing the first commandment when He described the greatest commandment (read Luke 10:25-28).

In pointing to the first commandment, Jesus guarded the integrity of where God's name rests (in Jerusalem, read Deuteronomy 12:11) when He cleansed the temple (read Matthew 21:13). When we pray, we pray to God, without the distraction of money or manmade rules. The money changers sold animals to be presented for sacrifice as a redemption for the sins of those who purchased them. Jesus detested the practice to show God's disdain for their erroneous thinking: that there is an action we can do to absolve our own sin before God. They did not raise the animal. It was a sacrifice of convenience... devised to circumvent God's original intent. It became a form of idolatry as the money changers profited on the guilt of unsuspecting souls. (read Colossians 3:5)

Jesus pointed to the second commandment through His teaching: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) He was referring to the persistent need of seekers to worship what they see. In fact, he confronted such thought when he refuted the Samaritan woman's statement (read John 4:21-24), declaring God was spirit and those who worship Him do so in the spirit and in truth.

Jesus pointed to the third commandment when He used the well known description of God's name as a description of Himself. Seven times He referred to "I am..." (seven is significant number in the Hebrew language, signifying completion; read John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). He also modeled reverence for God's name as He taught the disciples to pray, "...hallowed be Thy name..." (read Matthew 6:9).

In describing the function of the fourth commandment, the Savior pointed to the Sabbath rest for man when He described that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (read Mark 2:27).

Jesus pointed to the fifth commandment of honoring one's parents when He honored His mother by arranging for her care after His death on the cross (read John 19:26-27).

The Savior pointed to the sixth commandment by His actions on the Mount of Olives when He intervened on the soldier's behalf, even immediately healing his ear which a disciple had cut off. Jesus took steps to prevent any lives being taken from any action by His disciples (read Matthew 26:51-52).

Jesus exposed the lie of adultery, the prohibition of the seventh commandment, when He offered forgiveness to the woman at the well, exposing her adulterous ways while offering her forgiveness and peace (read John 4:1-26).

The Messiah revealed the corruption of the heart found in the eighth commandment when He offered forgiveness and peace to the thief on the cross (read Mark 15:28; Luke 23:39-43).

Jesus' life pointed to the ninth commandment when He answered the inquiry by John the Baptist. Jesus confirmed to John the Baptist that He was, indeed, the Messiah when He intimated the words of Isaiah 35:5-6 (read Matthew 11:2-5). 

Finally, Jesus provided clarity of the tenth commandment in the sermon on the mount. He taught that each day would take care of itself when we are seeking God's Kingdom first (read Matthew 6:25-34).

Be careful to obey all of God's commandments. Jesus said, "...if you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15; also see John 15:10) His commandment are given to bless a life, a family, a community, and a nation. The writer of todays 5UW goes on to write:

"You have declared today that the Lord is your God. And you have promised to walk in His ways, and to do everything He tells you. The Lord has declared today that you are His people, His own special treasure, just as He promised, and that you must obey all His commands. And if you do, He will set you high above all the other nations He has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the Lord your God, just as He promised." (Deuteronomy 26:17-19)

Did you notice the five simple words, "...He will set you high..." (v.19)? When we follow God's way, God designed the natural result as having a higher perspective (more wisdom), a higher standard (seeking excellence in our work), and a higher regard for others (treating others the way we would like them to treat us).

Let's be careful to obey them,

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...let us love one another..."  I John 4:7

In light of the recent events in our country, I feel compelled to share these five words to encourage you to be intentional in communicating love to your family, friends, neighbors, work associates, and those whom God may bring to intersect with your life's path - especially those who are different than you. It seems our world has lost the understanding and application of love.

The apostle John addressed the audience of his writing as "beloved".  He cared deeply for those who would receive this letter, and wanted them to embrace the ideal of love's purpose. He went on to define love:  "...for love is of God, and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God." (4:7)  All true love, all real love, and all efforts to express authentic love are conduits of God's own expression of Himself... thus love is from God Himself.  The writer goes on to delineate the conduit for love's expression as being from those who have been born of God: the same type of experience Jesus spoke of on the evening of Nicodemus' visit. (read John 3:3-7) Only those whose hearts have been ignited by the Holy Spirit's affirmation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah raised from the dead have the actual resource to love genuinely, authentically, and with the same intentional exhibition of love given by Christ on the cross.

Those who are available as the free expression of God's love to others have invested personally in developing a relationship with God. People who love are people who have accepted the love of God through a very private interaction between spirits during time invested in God's eternal Word... this is how one comes to know God. Knowing God is a natural result of time spent in dialogue with the Healer of the heart, the Redeemer of the soul, and the Rescuer to the hopeless. The conversation is ongoing, 'interactional', private and personal. However private the interaction may have been though, God always instructed His followers to NOT keep it that way... He wanted others to know of His availability by simply calling out His name.

John continued the discourse on love by stating that anyone who does not love does not know God. (read verse 8) Anyone who acts unbecoming, unloving, overly critical, prejudicial, spiteful, hateful, etc., is simply providing evidence of a lack of any relationship with the God of the universe, or at least evidence of a lack of time spent with Him. You may say, "But Steve, we all act that way from time to time." Yes, we do. Have you ever noticed that those times come when we are far from God? When we have not spent time in His Word? When we are more focused on ourselves than others? When we are far from God, we lose touch with His ways, His Kingdom, and His voice directing each of us how to live out our lives as banners of His love... His Kingdom of Love. Jesus said others would know we are His disciples by our love for one another (and He possibly inferred love for others who are different from us as well). (read John 13:35)

The apostle Jesus loved then made an obvious observation: "...for God is love." (read verse 8) Because all love is an expression of God... then, God is love. That is the essence of God's existence and being... expressive, elaborate, and eternal.  All real love can neither be created nor destroyed, for it originates with God... just as faith originates from Him (Hebrews 12:2).  In fact, God's love is faithful. There is a great worship song that was popular a few years ago with the chorus: "Your love never fails; it never gives up; it never runs out on me."  Our expression of God's love should be no less.

Let's love one another... even if we don't understand all its nuances or the purposes God may achieve through our fragile vessel.

Love to all,

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"Can anyone become a prophet?"  1 Samuel 10:12

This simple five word question begs for an answer. What led to this question being poised? 1 Samuel 8 describes how Samuel's oldest sons, Joel and Abijah, were the executive judges for the central region of Israel in Beersheba. Unfortunately, they did not reflect the same godly characteristics of their father. This must have been difficult for Samuel to realize, as he had witnessed similar characteristics in Eli's sons during his years of service in the temple at Shiloh. (see 1 Samuel 2:23-26)  Samuel's son's: "...accepted bribes and perverted justice." (1 Samuel 8:3)

The leaders of Israel took action to end this cycle and called a meeting in Ramah to discuss the issue with Samuel. They posed three main points: (1) Samuel was aging out, (2) Samuel's sons were corrupt, (3) a proposal of a king to judge and rule would give Israel diplomatic favor by maintaining a government similar to the countries around them. (see I Samuel 8:5) The proposal did not strike Samuel as a positive one. However, he sought guidance from God Who advised him to go along with the proposal, for this was not about rejecting Samuel and his sons, as the real motivation was the nation rejecting God - a pattern adopted since being delivered from Egypt. God then advised Samuel to warn the people about the liabilities of monarchy. (see I Samuel 8:6-9)

Samuel warned the national leaders of such a major shift in governance. However, "the people refused to listen", stating, "we still want a king" (both five word phrases in 8:19). Then they totally indicted themselves with the statement: "We want to be like the nations around us." (8:20) Thus, Samuel was directed by God to anoint Saul as king. (A very intriguing episode when God used the donkeys belonging to Saul's father to lead Saul to Samuel. It's worth the quick read, found in 1 Samuel 9:1 - 10:2)

After Samuel had anointed Saul as the future king of Israel, which by the way includes the five words: "...the Lord has appointed you..." (10:1) Samuel described a sequence of events which would occur on Saul's journey back to his father's home. Samuel detailed how the Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul powerfully, stating, "You will be changed into a different person." Samuel also related how this would effect Saul to prophesy with a "band of prophets" (10:5) After this time with Samuel, Saul turned to leave and God gave him a new heart. (10:9) Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, not from the tribe of Levi. Priests and prophets were from the tribe of Levi, yet there is the record of Saul "prophesying" with the other prophets... pointing hearts to God - our Provider, our Protector, and our Personal Savior.

Though the sequence of events leading to this 'new heart', may seem different, the outcome is still the same today: when people's hearts are changed by the power of God's Spirit, the NATURAL outcome is (1) to prophecy (to agree with others who prophecy, as Saul agreed with the band of prophets); (2) to tell others about the life change which occurred; and (3) to be a different person than you were previously, with a new heart (a new world view - God's righteous view for oneself and mankind).  The same occurs with the Christ follower once one begins to follow Christ. His/her life is transformed over time, resulting in a new heart, a new perspective - and a changed person from what he/she used to be. 

 We, like Saul, may not have the spiritual pedigree of the Billy Graham family, though when God calls us and ignites the change in our hearts, we are just as reliable a source to proclaim His salvation as Billy Graham.

Can anyone become a prophet? Well, according to this scripture..... YES! As God calls and anoints one to proclaim His message of redemption to the world and through the transforming power of God's Spirit in us.

Turn your heart to Christ. Let Him create in you a new heart - a pure heart (Psalm 51:10); then tell everyone in your circle of influence about Christ's life-changing power and how God changed you into a different person.

for Christ alone,

steve (John 3:30)

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...you have rejected the Lord."   Numbers 11:20

Before beginning to inspect this simple phrase, please read Numbers 11.

The first sign of trouble in any camp is complaining. It's difficult to intercept and disperse the effects of complaining, as oftentimes it comes as the first cousin to gossip. It's like splitting open a feather pillow on a windy day and then trying to gather all the feathers which were blown away. When the people of Israel began to complain, the writer described what God was doing: "...and the Lord heard everything...".

Oftentimes, we may think that God's ear is only bent towards the prayers of His children. Here, however, we see how God's ears hear EVERYTHING. Just as nothing is hidden from God's eyes (see Proverbs 15:3), so every word we speak does not get past our Lord's scrutiny (see Matthew 12:36). This complaining by His own people whom He had chosen and delivered from slavery did not set well with the Lord. In fact, God sent a raging fire that caused the lives of some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. The people cried out to Moses for help and Moses interceded for the people of God - only then did the fire stop. (Jesus can calm a storm; God can quench a fire - or make it burn without consuming the fuel source!) That place was named, Taberah - what we would call Hell or "the place of burning". (v.3)

There were some foreigners who had joined the enormous Israeli caravan who began to crave the good things of Egypt: meat, fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. They infected the Israelites with the same craving, causing them to sin against God. God had been providing manna for their desert journey... they complained of the manna. Upon hearing this complaint, God declared today's five understandable words and worked two unusual miracles:

First, the Lord instructed Moses to call a meeting of seventy recognized leaders of Israel in front of the tent housing the Tabernacle. God told Moses that He would descend and converse with Moses there in front of them all, and would then take some of the Spirit which filled Moses and share it among those gathered before the Tent of Meeting. He then directed Moses to have the leaders prepare themselves through a ritual to purify themselves, after which they would be provided meat that would take a month to consume. In fact, God declared that those who complained of the manna and whined for meat would gag on the meat God would send and become sick. Moses responded to God in an understandable way. He basically said, "Get real. We've got six hundred thousand foot soldiers, and You are saying there will be enough meat for a month? If we butchered all our flocks and herds and caught all the fish in the sea we wouldn't have enough." (v.'s 16-22) Now, this statement came from the man who had seen the plagues and the parting of the sea. He still had not gotten it, had he?

God challenged Moses' response by asking Him one question, "Has my arm lost its power?", and said Moses would see with his own eyes whether God's word would come true or not. (v. 23) After Moses gathered the seventy leaders together, the Lord descended in the form of a cloud, and they all prophesied (they all testified of God's greatness and power). In fact, two leaders who had stayed behind in camp also began prophesying at the same time! (v.'s 26-27)

The second miracle occurred when God sent a strong wind that brought quail from the sea, that fell all around the camp for miles in every direction. The people were able to gather as much as they could. In fact, no one gathered less than fifty bushels! (v.'s 31-32) As the people were field dressing the foul, gorging themselves on the meat, and hanging much of it out to dry (cure), they became sick with a severe plague, and many died. They named the graveyard where they buried all those who had whined for meat, "graves of gluttony". (v. 34)

How does a story like that relate to us today? It seems we often dream of the good ole' days: a time when things were better: the food tasted better; the stresses were less; we were comfortable in our routines. Then God rustled the nest of our lives and we took a new job, or were relocated or reassigned to a new work... things changed. We resist change. In fact, we just plain don't deal very well with change. I'm not talking about coinage either. The Israelites had forgotten the harsh conditions in which they lived and had rewritten the history so drastically that one would think the nation lived in luxury instead of slavery. (Re-writing history is always a dangerous practice.)

Whining and complaining does not solve anything, yet the human condition often embraces this response to change when there is a lack of personal resources or because of the con-sequences of poor decisions, etc. God desires to show us His sufficient grace for each and every moment. God wants to turn our whining into winning by strengthening us with resolve to be overcomers. (read Romans 8:31-39) (For more verses on being an overcomer, go to this web address: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Overcomers)

As a nation, we have rejected the Lord... we are just now seeing the beginning of God's hand of discipline on our nation: less productivity, higher crime, greater debt, and the collapse of the traditional home. We have become a nation of whiners, complaining about what we should be entitled to possess without the responsibility of working to achieve, provide, and protect. In my book, Freedom's Foundation, I describe the blessings and curses that are consequential to either embracing or rejecting God's way. (read the vignette number forty) Join me in repenting for our nation, encouraging Christ followers to turn from sin and pray - seeking God's face, that He would forgive our sin and heal our land. (read 2 Chronicles 7:14)

John 3:30

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...his name will not disappear..."  Ruth 4:10d

I've always been intrigued with magicians, people who have practiced the skill to make things disappear or appear using slight of hand that cannot be detected by the casual observer. But they are in reality only tricksters. They make us think something has happened when, actually, he/she has only disguised it to appear that way. With God though, He raises Kingdoms up and brings them down. He spoke the world into being, and His Son, Jesus, could calm a raging see by His command - and it was done without a slight of hand maneuver.  Mahlon's name was important to Boaz and the people of his day because of the how God also preserved the name of Perez.  I promised you that I would share the significance of Perez's name being mentioned in the account of Ruth's marriage to Boaz. However, let me warn you... this is going to get messy.

God works through the worst of circumstances to bring about a good end. Only God can turn the despicable acts of others into a blessing. The relationship between Lot and his daughters brought about two tribes who were considered related to the Jews - yet tainted. Thinking that all of the world had been destroyed, Lot's daughters came up with a scheme to continue the race of man. Their plan resulted in the birth of bastard sons from an incestuous relationship with their father. This was accomplished by Lot's daughters getting him drunk. There thinking was faulty and without faith, for they did not trust God to work through their dire circumstance and continue the human race through His own methods (He could have created two other men from the dust of the earth). Yet, through this corrupt action, God, in His time, brought about the life of Ruth, who teaches us about full trust in God's ways to protect and provide for His children.

After losing her husband in death, God once again showed how he can work things out for the good through the life of Ruth... to bless her and her future heirs. This woman of Moabite heritage became the grandmother of the second King of Israel!  A family member of her deceased husband, Mahlon, was moved with compassion for Ruth and took legal actions that would protect and provide for her.  Boaz became her "Kinsman-redeemer".  As such, his life points to Christ, Who, to us, is closer than a brother (the ultimate Kinsman) and is our Redeemer (the One Who blesses our life for things to work out for the good).

When Boaz worked through the customs of that day to redeem Ruth's life, he was blessed by the city leaders and those who witnessed his actions of kindness. Boaz announced: "Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion, and Mahlon. I have acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon's widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown." (Ruth 4:9-10)

The name of each person is significant. God knows each of us intimately and has a plan for our lives. In fact, in the townspeople's blessing, they pronounced: "Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah." What is the significance of Perez's life?

Welllllll.... prepare yourself again.... it's about to get even messy'er'. Follow along with me in your Bible as I seek to describe the events of Genesis 38. Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. Tamar was first married to Er, Judah's oldest son who was evil, so God took his life. Tamar became Judah's daughter-in-law a second time when Judah arranged for his next oldest son, Onan, to marry her (the Kinsmen-Redeemer). Onan viewed any child born from that arrangement to be the son/daughter of the deceased brother (I know, it seems odd, doesn't it).   So, knowing that the child would not be "his" (even though genetically it would have been),  Onan "wasted his seed" (demonstrating his lack of faith in God to work all things out for the good) so Tamar would not get pregnant. God viewed this action as evil, too, for which Onan's life was taken as well. (I warned you this was going to get messy, but there's more...)

Tamar, widowed twice over, was sent to live with her father, but not before Judah promised to her that she would return when his youngest son, Shelah, grew up, at which time she would become his wife (Shelah would then become the kinsman redeemer). We don't know how many years passed, but we are told it was a long time, when Judah's wife, the daughter of Shua, died.  Tamar, impatient by the amount of time passing for Judah's youngest son to grow up, took matters into her own hand (do we ever do that?): she discovered that Judah was on his way to shear some of his sheep in a nearby village; discarded her widows garb; dressed herself in a veil; and strategically stationed herself along the road for Judah to notice her.  And notice her he did!  He thought she was a prostitute! He made arrangements to "do business" with her - giving as pledge (for payment) his own cord with his seal (an important article for business transactions within the region), as well as his staff. Judah impregnated his own daughter-in-law (without even knowing it - I'm not sure how that happened), and sent the "fee" of a young goat by way of his long time Adullamite friend, Hirah. (Judah had been friends with Hirah a long time. He actually lived with him for a while, and met his Canaanite wife at that time.)   Judah had described Tamar as a shrine prostitute by the side of the road.  Hirah was to deliver the young goat to her, but was unsuccessful in locating a shrine prostitute anywhere in the area.

Three months passed and the news of Tamar's pregnancy traveled through the region's gossip grapevine, finally reaching the ears of Judah, who ordered that she be brought out and burned to death. As she was being brought out, she had a messenger return the articles he had left behind that day. Knowing he would become the target of judgment, her life was spared. She gave birth to twin sons: one, whose hand came out first, and to whose wrist a midwife tied a scarlet thread; and the other, who broke out ahead of the first child with the scarlet thread. The one who broke out first was named Perez. The second child was named Zerah.

Perez, however, became the forefather of Boaz - acknowledging the significance of God's hand in working all things out for the good. You see, the future is no different than the past to God. We live in linear time, but God resides in all time. He was working, even through the contorted events that brought Perez into this world, to make things work together for Ruth... and for us... for the lineage of Christ, as described in Matthew 1:3-5, includes the lives of Judah, Perez, and a Moabite woman named Ruth. God takes the messes we make of life and turns them into blessings. Trust Him today to making all things work together for good in your life, just as He did in these messy lives.

Though Mahlon's name is not mentioned again... he was not forgotten... his name did not disappear from the fabric of history, and neither will yours when you place your life in His hands.

Giving my messes to Him,

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"You are all witnesses today."  Ruth 4:10d

Last week's blog revealed the anointed calling in the life of Boaz to be Ruth's redeemer. You see, due to the death of her husband, the culture of that day adopted the biblical conditions for a widow to be "redeemed" or rescued by the living closest relative of her deceased husband. The term Kinsmen-redeemer is used only seven times in the NIV Bible - and they are all found in the book of Ruth. The purpose for being her kinsmen-redeemer was to preserve the family's land inheritance established upon the land grants given once the Israelites conquered the promised land. (Leviticus 25:23)

Boaz, it seems, wanted to do right by Ruth. As we saw last week, he instructed his workers to set aside some of the harvest for her and her mother in law, Naomi. He also was upright in how he treated her when he could have taken advantage of her the evening he had finished the day eating and drinking, and - feeling no pain - he went to sleep at the end of the grain pile. (Ruth 3:7-11) He was knowledgeable enough on the practice of kinsmen-redeemer, that he explained to Ruth what he would do, because there was another man who was more closely related to her dead husband than he. He did not chase her away, but invited her to stay through the night in his grainery and he would seek to redeem her himself in the morning at the city gates - which is exactly what happened. (Ruth 3:12-4:10)

At the end of the interaction with the elders and family members, it was agreed that Boaz would be the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz sealed the deal with today's 5 Understandable Words: "You are all witnesses today." He made it a public proclamation. He was not ashamed of Ruth and his ability to redeem her. He secured her husband's inheritance. As a result those standing at the city gates blessed him with these words: "May you prosper in Ephratha and be famous in Bethlehem. And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah." (Ruth 3:11-12) (I'll discuss the significance of Perez next week)

Well, Ruth did have children. In fact, her first son was named Obed. He became the father of Jesse who was the father of King David. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David! A Moabite woman! (see last week's blog to understand the significance of that statement) King David was described as, "a man after God's own heart." (I Samuel 13:14) And, of course, the description of Jesus' lineage in Matthew includes Ruth. So, you see, the blessing by the people at the city gates was actually prophetic - pointing to the One true Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Weddings are a beautiful event when focused on God's precepts of love and fidelty - just as exhibited through both Ruth and Boaz. Let their story encourage you today to trust God in providing His Redeemer for you... in your life situation.

As God is my witness... He will make a way...

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...one of our family redeemers."  Ruth 2:20c

In the days when Judges ruled the nation of Israel, there was a man named Elimelech who,  because of a severe drought, left his home to live in a region east of Israel. He took his wife, Naomi, and his two sons. They were able to establish a life for themselves, though Elimelech died at some point, leaving his wife and two sons to carry on.  The sons married Moabite women, but ten years later they died.  (Ruth 1:1-5)

The Moabites were descendents of Moab, the son of Lot and great-nephew of Abraham. Moab was the result of Lot's incestuous relationship with one of his daughters who thought all civilization had been destroyed (remember, she had to flee with her parents and sister when Sodom and Gomorrah were annihilated). (Genesis 19:30-36) The Moabites, then, were related to the Jews, though seen as corrupt in origin and religious practice - though there have been discoveries that confirm the culture could write in Hebrew.  

One of the Moabite wives was named Ruth. Through her life, God writes a wonderful story which reflects devotion, love, sacrifice, blessing, and redemption. You see, after the father and two sons had died, Naomi advised the young women to return to their mothers and seek out a new life for themselves. She must have loved them deeply for the concern she had for their future (knowing she could not provide for them). In fact, the story records a moment when she kissed them good-bye and they all three broke down and wept. (Ruth 1:8-9)

At first Naomi's daughters-in-law would not hear of it. They obviously loved her as they stated their desire to return to Judah with their beloved mother-in-law. (1:10)  However, Naomi restated her reasons for the young women to return to their homes. One of them kissed her and departed for home. Ruth, however, was committed to the family she had grown to love, and she replied with one of the most memorable passages in scripture:

"Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people; and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!"  (1:16-18)

Once they had returned to Judah, in the town of Bethlehem (you may have heard of this town before, as it is the birthplace of Christ, the Redeemer of mankind), Ruth took the initiative to glean in the barley fields, as it was at the beginning of the barley harvest. (1:22-2:2) Gleaning was most often done by the poor or destitute, who had to first get permission from the landowner to enter the property and work in the sections of the fields that had already been harvested. It was back-breaking work that required attention to detail in search for those stalks and fallen grains left behind by the harvesters. It usually took an entire day just to get enough for one person's daily meal.

Now, in order to understand the rest of the story, it is necessary to know the Hebrew culture of that day. You see, the kinsmen redeemer (in Hebrew, the Goel), was established in Levitical law to provide for women in the nation whose husbands had died. It was an effort to sustain the family inheritance as well as to provide a family heir if there was none. (For a more thorough understanding of this practice, go to this link that will give a short description with annotations: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/kinsman-redeemer.html)

As it happened, Ruth ventured into the field of a certain man named Boaz, who just "happened" to be a relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. (2:3) In this account, the first recorded words out of Boaz's mouth were another simple five word phrase: "The Lord be with you!" Of course, it may have been a cultural norm to greet people in this manner throughout Israel, though it is significant to see Boaz as more than just the words he spoke.... he practiced what he preached. Boaz inquired about the new face in his fields and learned of the sad news brought back by Naomi and Ruth. He showed great benevolence to Ruth. In fact, he immediately approached her and informed her she would not have to go to any other fields, and to follow the young women harvesters (giving her a fresher yield). He also warned the young men not to harass her in any way. He even gave her 'carte blanche' authority to his workers' water! (2:8-9)

Ruth worked all day that first day, not knowing Boaz had arranged for his workers to leave extra behind for her gleaning, filling her basket! (2:17-18) She took it home to Naomi, telling her of the day's events. Upon seeing the great supply, Naomi remarked, "May the Lord bless him!"  Naomi explained to Ruth that Boaz was one of her deceased husband's closest relatives, describing him with today's five simple words, "...one of our family redeemers."

So, you see, a story of bitter disappointment became God's story of devotion, love, and sacrifice displayed by a loving daughter-in-law; and a story of blessing and redemption to her for her faithfulness and courage. Ruth's story should remind us that God is working all things together for good to those who love God, and Ruth made the commitment to follow the God of Israel when she committed her heart and life to Ruth. (Romans 8:28)

Is there a family redeemer in your family? What opportunity is there for God to use you in a similar way as he did with Boaz? What traits can we learn from the life of Ruth in relating to our in-laws?

Thanking God for our Great Redeemer!

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...cling tightly to the Lord..."  Joshua 23:8

In Joshua's final words to Israel, he exhorted them: (1) not to compromise the Lord's directive to conquer the land they had entered, (2) not to deviate from God's Law given through Moses (the 10 Commandments), (3) not to associate with the evil people still remaining in the land yet to be conquered, (4) not to serve, worship, swear by, or mention the names of the idol gods of the remaining indigenous tribes, (5) to cling tightly to the Lord.

Joshua credited Israel's God - the One true God - for routing the enemies they had encountered up to that point. (v.9) Joshua encouraged the Israelite army, stating, "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you..." (23:10)

There was a clear reason Joshua directed the nation in this way. They were in hostile territory. Their very lives were at stake. Their very way of life was hanging on the balance. The future of their nation was clearly at risk. So, just how were they to "cling tightly to the Lord"? The same way one (with only one life preserver) would in the middle of an ocean being tossed about by a tempest. Cling to Him... your life depends upon it. Your community won't survive without Him. Your nation will not see another generation without the sustaining power of God's hand.

Immerse yourself in a community of faith. As much as you are able to in this frenetic world, seek out fellowship with other followers. By doing so, you benefit by their: encouragement, accountability, partnership, collective wisdom, and communal benevolence.

Dive into God's Word, the living manual for a victorious life, because this life will bring you trouble. (read John 16:33) God's Word allows us to get a close-up view of the mistakes of others in history, the hero's of the faith, the precepts for holy living, and the guidance on how to become and make disciples. 

Cling to the one Who saved you... He is the "life saver" that will keep you afloat through the tempests of life. Do not keep your eyes on your problems, but on The One Who strengthens you to overcome your problems. (Read Philippians 4:13) Cast all your cares upon Him Who cares for you. (Read 1 Peter 5:7) And cling to Him as if your life depends on it.... because it does!

Christian, we are entering a time when Believers will increasingly find themselves in hostile territory. Christians around the world are being persecuted and martyrd at a higher rate than at any time in history (check out the website, www.persecution.com). America's way of life: the freedoms we've enjoyed for over two hundred years, is in jeopardy. Your community may see you as the catalyst for strength and encouragement. Your nation may be radically changed by your strong stance for God's Kingdom. Your family will be blessed for generations by your steadfast faith and confidence placed in The One Who both raises up and brings low. (Daniel 2:21)  Trust in His plan. Shine like light in darkness. Love all. Stand for what is good and right. Seek to build bridges with those far from God.

Clinging to Him daily,

steve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ecHXC8lic

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...the time to be careful..."  Deuteronomy 8:11

The Israelite nation was warned multiple times to "Be careful never to forget..." (Deuteronomy 4:9, another simple phrase of five understandable words!) the Laws of the Lord and the miracles they had seen through the deliverance from Egypt and the sustenance in the desert. Before and after they entered the promised land, Moses and Joshua reviewed the blessings and the curses that would follow for either following or rejecting God's law.

One description of the blessings of following God's law is found in Deuteronomy 4:1-14:

1. "...you will display your wisdom..." (v.6) A nation that follows God's laws will be like cream that rises to the top - it will become an example of goodness to the world. In fact, God tells Moses that nations will exclaim, "How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation." (v.6b)
2. "...I will personally instruct them..." (v.10) God wants to be personal to each of us. He desires relationship, communion, and interaction with us. Jesus promised this same precept when He described how the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth (read John 16:13; He will guide us in understanding the Word of Truth). I find that the more I get into God's Word, the more God's Word gets into my heart and mind. There are plenty of blessings in following God's Word. For example, when we honor our father and mother, we are promised a long life. God knows the number of our days, just as He knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7).
3. "...He will not abandon you..." (Deuteronomy 4:31) In fact, God will fight your battles for you! Imagine God working behind the scenes to confound the enemy! (Deuteronomy 1:30) Moses asserted that man can search through history's story and not find another episode like the one of God establishing a nation like the nation of Israel. Our founding fathers believed that America might have been established in a similar way to reveal His wisdom and power. Moses declared that God revealed Himself through His mighty acts of deliverance to show there is no other God. (read Deuteronomy 4:35-39)
4. "...all will be well with you and your children." (Deuteronomy 4:40; 6:2) Obedience is an action of love and thankfulness to the parent. Think about it. A child is obedient to a parent that lovingly disciplines, provides, instructs, and nurtures. Yes, all children will have their moments, but children will be naturally inclined to understand that a loving parent provides and protects.

Knowing these benefits motivates Christian parents to teach the precepts of God's law to their children, relatives, and neighbors. Wholehearted commitment is expected by God, and we are not to take lightly the responsibility to convey His laws for living: (from Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

• We are to be repetitious in exposing His laws. (v.7) Repetition is a standard teaching method.
• We are to discuss their meaning at home and as we go about our daily work, as well as when we are beginning and ending the day. This reveals to the children the importance of God's way. (v.7b&c)
• We are to bind them to our hands. (v.8) This could be a way of teaching the children a commandment for each of their fingers - a way to memorize the decalogue.
• We are to wear them on our foreheads. (v.8b) Perhaps this meant to have garments embroidered with the ten commandments. In other words, God wants us to be continually reminded of both our vertical relationship with Him and our horizontal relationship with each other.
• We are to write them on the doorposts of our house and on the gates to our property. (v.9) Proclaiming to our neighbors the wisdom of God for right living is nothing we should ever be ashamed of doing. Exposing God's way to a lost and dying world is simply an effort to ignite another candle of life with the fire of God's Word.

We are told to be careful not to forget the Lord, Who rescued you from slavery (remember my last blog - we are all slaves to sin until God rescues us). (Deuteronomy 6:12) In fact, God's way is so life-giving that it is described by God Himself in this way: "...people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:3)

TODAY'S five simple words follows this description in warning the people, "...the time to be careful!" The most important time to be careful is when you have plenty to eat, plenty to do, plenty of property, and plenty of house to live in. We are not to become proud and forget our relationship with a personal God. How would you feel if someone forgot you after you had gone to great lengths for them? God exhorts us to: "Remember the Lord your God. He is the one Who gives you power to be successful..." (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Sandra and I have always sought to take these passages of scripture to heart in teaching our children to walk in His way. We are praying for the next generation to know the joy of knowing Him.

He must increase, I must decrease.

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...our old self was crucified..."  Romans 6:6

Understanding this precept of the Christian faith to some (like myself) can take a lifetime. In his letter to the Romans, Paul reveals the issue of all humanity: sin (read Romans 1). The apostle then discloses sin's origin, its destructive power, God's right to judge sinners, and the peace that comes through faith for all who would believe. He also describes the 'last nail in the coffin' of sin: when we reckon ourselves dead to its power. Just how is this done?

As Christ died on that cruel cross, He paid the ransom, the debt caused by our sin. This was necessary to absolve our rebellion against God and His way, thus fulfilling the requirement of the law concerning sin. (read Romans 3:10-26)

What is sin and why is it so significant? Sin is rebellion against God and His way. (Romans 3:23) The significance of sin is found in its temporal and eternal ramifications:

1. In this life, sin separates us from God and His righteous precepts. Thus we lose the wisdom to navigate through life's snares and become entangled in sin's trap. (read Isaiah 59:2)
2. In the life to come - the afterlife - we may be eternally separated from God because we refused Him in our temporal life. (read Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

Paul seeks to convey the certainty that if we die with Christ, we will be raised with Him as well. In other words, we may not necessarily go out and get crucified, but we die to our old self of selfishness that insisted on our own way instead of God's way of truth, redemption, and restoration. (read Galatians 2:20) Also, Paul asserts that when Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, we also died with Him (v. 6). We were also buried with him when we were submerged in the baptismal waters (v. 4), and, just as Christ rose from the grave, being raised in baptism symbolizes the new life we now have in Christ.

So, then we must reckon ourselves dead to sin's influence, power, and enslavement. (read v. 11, notice the 5 words: "...count yourselves dead to sin...") We can do this as we realize we are alive to Christ and surrendered to His power. ("...alive to God in Christ...") In this way, we have been set free from sin's power ("...you have been set free..." v.22).

Is there a sin that you've struggled with all your life? Is there a pattern of sin that needs to be addressed? Let it breathe its last in your mind and heart as you die to sin and live to Christ. Can you hear it gasping yet, seeking to claw its way back into your life? Don't let it. Put the final nail in sin's coffin through the power of the One Who conquered sin with three nails.

Embrace the cross,

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"...remember that you were slaves..."  Deuteronomy 23:18

The nation of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years because of their rebellious nature. God judged AN ENTIRE NATION of over one million people by His authority over sin. Sin is simply insisting on our way over God's way, our will over His will. After forty years, an entire generation of new Israelites were brought into the world; and during those years the rebellious generation that had been freed from slavery, witnessed the plagues of Egypt, walked through parted seas, seen the destruction of the Egyptian army, and seen the miraculous provision by God on their journey to the promised land all died as their judgment for not trusting God with the ability and might to enter into the land and vanquish its wicked inhabitants. In fact, other than Moses, only two citizens remained alive who had been twenty years of age when they left Egypt: Joshua and Caleb. (Nu. 32:11)

As they were preparing to enter the promised land, Moses instructed the nation's leaders to follow the ten commandments and then provided civil laws for legal disputes in the new nation. The elder Moses provided clarification to promote a society that was meant to practice good and moral living. He reviewed the practice for their national holidays, the proper treatment of the Levitical tribe, recognizing false prophets, implementing cities of refuge for accidental or unintentional homicides, logistics to follow before going to war, criminal and civil law, as well as regulations and expectations for their worship and piety, From time to time in the discourse Moses instructs the people to never forget that they were once slaves. In today's simple phrase, Moses instructs the nation to provide true justice to foreigners living among them, and to the widow and orphaned children. True justice included providing for the poor who would work in the fields and orchards after the harvest, gathering the leftovers. True justice treats all people equally, giving people an opportunity to improve one's life.

How would such instruction benefit us in today's world? First, we should never forget that we were once slaves to sin. (Jn. 8:33-36; Ro. 6:17-23; Ga. 5:1) We have been freed from sin's chains and are given the power to be over-comers to live victorious lives, allowing us to experience life to the fullest. (Jn. 10:10) By recalling our fallen nature and celebrating our new life in Christ, we might be less inclined to judge others harshly and seek to reveal another's impropriety through gentleness and grace... not through humiliation and intimidation. I know I am guilty of the latter and seek to build bridges with others through a gentle loving discourse, as hard as that is to do in this post-modern/post-truth world.

Secondly, we should ponder and pray about our own prejudices toward foreigners who may legitimately be in our country to escape mistreatment, corrupt governmental leaders, despots, etc., to seek a better life elsewhere. Given the increasing refugee problems happening in Europe, it should be evident that the same is coming to our shores. Our treatment of these people groups will tell a lot about the faith and practice of Christians who are called to show the love of Christ in a lost and dying world. After praying over our shortcomings concerning others who do not have the same skin color or religious practice, we should determine to present our lives as conduits of Christ's love to others we may meet, even becoming intentional at reaching out to others in an effort to build bridges of reconciliation - in the hopes of reaching others with the good news of Christ's love and sacrifice for us.

There are some excellent efforts being made to connect to this new wave of immigration: offering ESL classes at your church; welcoming newcomers with a simple gift, tracts in their own language (Pastor Tony Ghareeb offers some excellent tracts to reach Muslims arriving to our shores. You can reach him by email: ghareebt@yahoo.com.); and discussion cafes are quickly becoming another excellent tool for evangelicals to connect with both immigrants and their own community (see: http://lifetreecafe.com/what-is-lifetree/ ).

Remembering I was once a slave... thanking God I've been set free.

Jn. 3:30

steve

5 Understandable Words for Today

"Jesus said, 'It is finished'."  John 19:30

These five words declare God's perfect work of redemption for mankind as displayed through the torture and agonizing death of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Greek word that is translated, "It is finished", is actually one word:  Τετέλεσται. It is pronounced, "Te-tel-es-ti (with a long 'I' at the end), and is packed with meaning. It literally means to bring to complete finality or end, or an obligation fulfilled.

In Jesus' day, the word was used in business. It would be written on a parchment as proof of receipt for product, or as proof of payment for goods - i.e. 'paid in full'. In law, the word was used to record a deed's financial fulfillment or satisfaction; and was also used to note the legal standing of one who had been once imprisoned, being set free after paying his/her debt to society.

There is a debt each of us is burdened with fulfilling and are unable to fulfill. The Bible puts it this way: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23  The apostle Paul is describing how each of us comes up short in God's eyes. There is a deficit that needs to be accounted for, a debt which we are unable to meet. Jesus paid that debt. Our sin, our rebellious nature, condemns us to a deserved punishment of eternal separation from God. But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) He bore the punishment meant for us by taking our place at the scourging post, in the walk of humiliation, and on the cross. (Isaiah 53:4)

So, now the debt is paid. Accept this free gift today and know the hope of heaven's eternal joy.

Well done, my Lord...  well done...

Have a blessed Easter,

steve