February 14th, Numbers 7
Happy Valentines Day and welcome to expressions that go above and beyond. When you discover the true love of God it is a measureless blessing that when appreciated can overwhelm. On a day like Valentines day people attempt to offer expressions of love that go beyond the norm. Everyday must be Valentines day for God.
The thing I witness in today's chapter is above and beyond. We've been reading page after page of offerings God requires. Offerings that are an obligation. I don't know about you, but I've felt the weight of those requirements and rejoice that we live in a different age. But in this chapter we see the heads of the 12 tribes come up with another offering. It doesn't seem to be required, no one asked for it, God didn't seem to ask for it, and yet it's another gift.
I think to myself, where did they get more gold and silver? How does a nation of nomads have enough animals to keep up? Where is the ground worth farming that yields all these bushels of wheat and barley? I've seen pictures of this land they are in. Where do 1.5 million people with at least that many animals find the resources to not only sustain life, but to give so much of it away.
I've had a tendency to be down on the Israelites, but in some ways they do amaze me. When the circumstances around us are bleak, we tend to hoard, not give. For them and us it is about faith in the provision of God. To not just offer what he asks, but to go beyond.
Love offers more than an obligatory box of chocolates on Valentines Day, God's love and provision is always more than the bare minimum, and in the middle of the desert the twelve tribes came up with a bunch of wagons, animals, gold and silver to give their God. Above and Beyond. Praise God and thanks to those who have modeled that for me.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Num 5-6 Lent: A Great Opportunity for Life Change
February 13th, Numbers 5-6
It works out very well that this passage containing information about a Nazarite Vow comes on the same day as the beginning of Lent. Lent is a traditional time to take some sort of vow as a voluntary part of life. A Nazarite vow is the same. It is a voluntary dedication of oneself to yield to God completely.
There is no divine command, just an invitation. Men and women alike could take the vow. A Nazarite vow had a beginning and an ending point. The vow included abstaining from fermented drink, haircuts, and dead bodies. The ending of the selected time was marked with a sacrifice.
Although the Nazarite vow is an Old Testament concept there is a New Testament equivalent...
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Taking a vow is a great practice of moving into something new. Having our lives transformed through the consistent action that a vow requires. What could you vow to do differently for the next 40 days? What new thing could God awaken in your life? What life change could you celebrate Easter morning thanks to God's work in your life? Consider a vow to the Lord as an act of worship!
It works out very well that this passage containing information about a Nazarite Vow comes on the same day as the beginning of Lent. Lent is a traditional time to take some sort of vow as a voluntary part of life. A Nazarite vow is the same. It is a voluntary dedication of oneself to yield to God completely.
There is no divine command, just an invitation. Men and women alike could take the vow. A Nazarite vow had a beginning and an ending point. The vow included abstaining from fermented drink, haircuts, and dead bodies. The ending of the selected time was marked with a sacrifice.
Although the Nazarite vow is an Old Testament concept there is a New Testament equivalent...
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Taking a vow is a great practice of moving into something new. Having our lives transformed through the consistent action that a vow requires. What could you vow to do differently for the next 40 days? What new thing could God awaken in your life? What life change could you celebrate Easter morning thanks to God's work in your life? Consider a vow to the Lord as an act of worship!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Num 3-4 How to Become a Spiritually Narcissistic Do-Gooder
February 12th, Numbers 3-4
So you were born into the family of Levites. There is one career option for you, you get to be a priest. It is a high and noble calling, to represent people before God almighty. Kids from the tribe of Dan don't get to do this!!
But human nature sets in and some Levite would rather be a farmer, wood worker, fireman or photographer. So here comes the big "R" word, or the big "D" word. The words we use with our children and sound so grown up, and yet we have to live into it as well. Are you ready.....Duty, Responsibility.
Sometimes I grow a little concerned with the modern churches affection for "all things easy." We use discussions about spiritual gifts to make things sound like serving God would always be the most fun, all of the time, because a loving God would never ask me to do anything that I wasn't 100% eager to do at any moment.
It's not that I don't believe in Spiritual Gifts, but like the Priesthood...there are days! If you know what I mean. Days when duty trumps desire, days when responsibility overshadows ease. If we create a spiritual journey rooted in what I like, it's a different path than one that calls me to trust Christ. That God would be able to equip me for what he's called me to rather than only do through me what I like. One creates a Godly faithful servant, the other, a spiritually narcissistic do gooder.
Who is gifted to lead millions out of Egypt? Who is gifted to be a Priest? Who is gifted to forsake family and spend a life on the mission field? Who is gifted to be a martyr? Who is gifted to die to self and be remade as God intends...from the tribe of Levi or Dan...God's choice.
In the midst of the duty and responsibility becomes an ever increasing awareness of the indwelling Christ. More valuable than the feel good moments of service, and more staying power for moments of doubt, and a peace that can be lived in as a result of clarity in doing what God asks of us.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Num 1-2 No Number Bigger Than One
February 11th, Number 1-2
Well the start of numbers does not disappoint in regards to it's name sake. God asks Moses to number the men over 20 who are able to serve in the army. The total number was 603,550. Add to that an equal number of women and all children under 20, plus all of the Levites. That's a significant population. Moses was a shepherd and now in charge of over a million people. Ever felt in over your head?
Numerous places in the Bible God asks leaders to number people. Sometimes people get in trouble because the way they numbered, or they numbered when they weren't supposed to. Numbers get tossed around, we number things for a lot of reason. Why does someone want to number their military?
Armies number themselves to see if they have an advantage. More is better(we'll get to Gideon later). Less requires a well thought our strategy(like Moses raising his arms, as long as they are raised they win). I'm guessing that is not a time honored strategy taught at any of our military institutions.
Numbers become for us a little "g" god. Our reliance is in numerical advantage. Trust is rooted in something other than God. it's why I love Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
Sometimes God asks us to number some things, but it's never a replacement for trusting in Him. God is ONE and any other number could never be bigger. Years ago the US Army chose the slogan "An Army of One." In God's case, nothing could be more powerful.
Well the start of numbers does not disappoint in regards to it's name sake. God asks Moses to number the men over 20 who are able to serve in the army. The total number was 603,550. Add to that an equal number of women and all children under 20, plus all of the Levites. That's a significant population. Moses was a shepherd and now in charge of over a million people. Ever felt in over your head?
Numerous places in the Bible God asks leaders to number people. Sometimes people get in trouble because the way they numbered, or they numbered when they weren't supposed to. Numbers get tossed around, we number things for a lot of reason. Why does someone want to number their military?
Armies number themselves to see if they have an advantage. More is better(we'll get to Gideon later). Less requires a well thought our strategy(like Moses raising his arms, as long as they are raised they win). I'm guessing that is not a time honored strategy taught at any of our military institutions.
Numbers become for us a little "g" god. Our reliance is in numerical advantage. Trust is rooted in something other than God. it's why I love Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
Sometimes God asks us to number some things, but it's never a replacement for trusting in Him. God is ONE and any other number could never be bigger. Years ago the US Army chose the slogan "An Army of One." In God's case, nothing could be more powerful.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lev 26-27 God's blessings are large but not required
January 10th, Leviticus 26-27
Sometimes we make life to complex, most of the time it's really very simple. Chapter 26 makes it all very, very clear...
God wants to bless with rain in season, land that bears fruit from one harvest to the next. That we would live secure, unafraid, harmful animals removed and our enemies flee. Children everywhere, with a need to throw away old stuff, because your storehouse will need more space for the new harvest. Walking hand in hand with God, no longer slaves or a yoke around our necks, able to stand upright, physically and in our hearts. All we have to do is what God asks of us.
If we don't then we get to live in panic and anxiety, with a heart that aches. Seeds are sown in vain and enemies eat what comes up. Pestilence, enemies, nature, faintness of heart, weakness and strife can be yours if you'd like to say no to God.
This fall when the school shooting in Newtown happened, people angry at God asked where he was. The answer is rather simple. He was where we have asked him to be, outside of our life. God respects people a great deal. When people don't want God in their life, he won't push his way in. Our lives reflect an invitation or rejection of God with us. God shows us what happens as a result. I invite you to the blessing side of the equation.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Lev 24-25 Justice, Mercy, God's Blessing
February 9th, Leviticus 24-25
What is Justice? There seems to be two(or maybe three) sides to this coin. First we find these verses in Leviticus 24. It is the eye for an eye code. Injury for injury, break for break, life for life. To some, this sounds a bit harsh. But let me interject that before we get too immersed in how bad this might sound, it is a break from the the more normal view of justice that people have.
The normal view of justice that mankind has when there is no restraint is eye for head, life for entire families life and all your belongings and the offender's existence stricken from the record forever. Victims never want something equal from someone, victims want offenders to pay at levels that are over the top. You killed my cow, I kill your herd. God's instruction here is to show some constraint to the injustice of justice that human nature seeks.
I say all of that, because it seems there is a new understanding that all of these thoughts are wrong. Life for life is defined by me as life taken wrongfully is paid for by life taken justly. But some are rearranging the terms using the word violence. Seeing both acts as violence and that all violence is evil. Change the word from justice to violence and words are being used to incite a bunch of feelings into the system of justice. Our symbol for justice here in America is the lady blindfolded with a scale. Feelings are what make people want more than justice, and it seems to also make want people less than justice feeling bad for people who have done wrong.
Some say that the New Testament is a new way. That forgiveness is the order of the day. That all sounds nice until my family is murdered and the judge simply asks me to forgive the person and lets them go free. People then cry out for justice.
Overjustice, Justice, Underjustice Certainly subject for debate.
Good News: The Year of Jubilee The year of restoration. An underlying theme in this is the realization that the land is not to be swallowed up by a few to lord it over many, rather that the land is on loan for a certain number of growing seasons. When you buy land your actually purchasing the number of crops you can get off the land before you give it back in the Year of Jubillee. How much better would it be if we saw our lives as leasing what is God's. Holding it with an open palm instead of a clenched fist.
A year for trusting God's provision. In the sixth year a crop that is three times what it is in a normal year. All of this is about putting our trust in Christ that he will provide for our needs.
In the song "My Jesus I love thee" one of the lines says "I'll praise thee as long as Thou lendest me breath." From matters of justice to the realization that life is on loan all I can really think to say is... COME LORD JESUS COME.
What is Justice? There seems to be two(or maybe three) sides to this coin. First we find these verses in Leviticus 24. It is the eye for an eye code. Injury for injury, break for break, life for life. To some, this sounds a bit harsh. But let me interject that before we get too immersed in how bad this might sound, it is a break from the the more normal view of justice that people have.
The normal view of justice that mankind has when there is no restraint is eye for head, life for entire families life and all your belongings and the offender's existence stricken from the record forever. Victims never want something equal from someone, victims want offenders to pay at levels that are over the top. You killed my cow, I kill your herd. God's instruction here is to show some constraint to the injustice of justice that human nature seeks.
I say all of that, because it seems there is a new understanding that all of these thoughts are wrong. Life for life is defined by me as life taken wrongfully is paid for by life taken justly. But some are rearranging the terms using the word violence. Seeing both acts as violence and that all violence is evil. Change the word from justice to violence and words are being used to incite a bunch of feelings into the system of justice. Our symbol for justice here in America is the lady blindfolded with a scale. Feelings are what make people want more than justice, and it seems to also make want people less than justice feeling bad for people who have done wrong.
Some say that the New Testament is a new way. That forgiveness is the order of the day. That all sounds nice until my family is murdered and the judge simply asks me to forgive the person and lets them go free. People then cry out for justice.
Overjustice, Justice, Underjustice Certainly subject for debate.
Good News: The Year of Jubilee The year of restoration. An underlying theme in this is the realization that the land is not to be swallowed up by a few to lord it over many, rather that the land is on loan for a certain number of growing seasons. When you buy land your actually purchasing the number of crops you can get off the land before you give it back in the Year of Jubillee. How much better would it be if we saw our lives as leasing what is God's. Holding it with an open palm instead of a clenched fist.
A year for trusting God's provision. In the sixth year a crop that is three times what it is in a normal year. All of this is about putting our trust in Christ that he will provide for our needs.
In the song "My Jesus I love thee" one of the lines says "I'll praise thee as long as Thou lendest me breath." From matters of justice to the realization that life is on loan all I can really think to say is... COME LORD JESUS COME.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Lev 22-23 Remembering Well
February 8th, Leviticus 22-23
Tradition: the living faith of the dead.
Traditionalism: the dead faith of the living.
Tradition is a great thing. It informs us about our past. Gives us a way to remember important things that we might otherwise forget. God invites his people to remember well. Remember God's provision, his faithfulness, his power, his holiness, our need of Him.
Somehow writing down that we should remember these things seem a little dry or potentially uninspiring. But if you or I wrote down our traditions surrounding birthdays, Christmas, thanksgiving, or any of the othe things we celebrate it might not capture the true richness of those moments. As you read about the traditions God asks his people to remember, don't just hear a list. God asks us to remember great things. The definitions at the beginning of this article are a reminder of the difference between remembering and remembering well. What are some great things you want to remember about God?
Tradition: the living faith of the dead.
Traditionalism: the dead faith of the living.
Tradition is a great thing. It informs us about our past. Gives us a way to remember important things that we might otherwise forget. God invites his people to remember well. Remember God's provision, his faithfulness, his power, his holiness, our need of Him.
Somehow writing down that we should remember these things seem a little dry or potentially uninspiring. But if you or I wrote down our traditions surrounding birthdays, Christmas, thanksgiving, or any of the othe things we celebrate it might not capture the true richness of those moments. As you read about the traditions God asks his people to remember, don't just hear a list. God asks us to remember great things. The definitions at the beginning of this article are a reminder of the difference between remembering and remembering well. What are some great things you want to remember about God?
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