My last posts, for those who have read them, are a product of in depth (for me anyway) Bible study, combined with insight from various Pastors, prayed about for spiritual leading, and posted for someone out there who needs it. They have not been for me, or of me, but rather for whoever God is trying to reach out there.
Allow me today, to play the part of skeptic, or at least confused individual, and possibly gain some insight from people who know more about this topic than I do.
Today at church, for the second time in the past few months, a special guest Evangelist came. Now, in particular, I like his messages leading up to the end of the service when the healing is set to begin. I truly believe in supernatural healing. Where I am finding problems is how I feel when I see people getting "healed" in a church service one week, and back to normal the next. Perhaps the healing is meant to be a temporary relief of chronic back pain or something, but to see women in wheelchairs get up and walk around, only to walk right back to the wheel chair, makes me wonder if it isn't meant to be more of a temporary thing.
This evangelist has great stories of miraculous healings that I truly believe, but the two times he's come to church, the people claiming healing, seem to be the same the next week. There is no jubilance or celebration, that I can see, after the initial experience.
Now, as a faithful man of God, I would not pretend to question the mind of God, and it is quite possible these individuals (maybe they can confirm), are truly being healed fully. It's a great aspect of Christian life, but one that I don't' feel is required on a salvation level, and has potential to either further the faith, or turn non-believers away when they see a woman walk, only to sit back down.
This is going to sound uber skeptical coming from the guy who has been preaching in blogs the past few months, but I am really just seeking understanding. I know some of you out there have had miraculous healings, but can you confirm that it was permanent? When I prayed today for better vision healing, was my request too selfish? If the deaf are healed of deaf ears, couldn't a guy with glasses his whole life, get better vision?
I say it not cynically, but inquisitively, and I don't mean to call anyone's experiences into question. I just don't understand how this man who has great evangelical stories of healings, comes to town, heals, and then two weeks later, everything is back to normal. I would think there would be a more lasting evidence of his time there. Maybe there is. I don't know everyone in the church, and only a couple of those claiming healing. Maybe I need to be asking them.
I talked to another guy at church about it, sensing he felt the same way, and got the same kind of response. I don't think either of us understand it.
I believe in the supernatural power of God, but maybe I'm just not in the right place to be physically experiencing it, as manifested by tongues and healings. Everyone else in church seems to be. Maybe I want it too much. Maybe I long for that experience of being truly filled with the spirit in a moment of pure uninhibited supernatural power.
I have experienced God in many ways, but manifestation of tongues or healing are not one of them. That's not to say it can't happen. If I have faith, and am supposed to have that, it will come when it comes. In the meantime, I just wish someone who gets healed in one of those services, could come forward and explain to me, how they know. I kind of get put off because the evangelist seemed to ignore those with lesser issues in favor of those with "Fully deaf" ears, or other ailments that were fully manifested. It's almost like he is picking and choosing.
One gentelmen got up to say he was filled with the spirit and the evangelist said "I didn't ask that, I asked who has been HEALED!" Maybe it's a healer thing. Maybe they are seeking those who can be healed the greatest to best show God's power. I would like to think my friends' feet/daibetes were actually healed, but I guess without asking I won't know. And what if the pain comes back later? Does that mean it wasn't at least temporarily relieved? Jesus healed fully and totally. Jesus' apostles healed fully and totally. Do we still have that capacity in our day? With such a wicked world, I wouldn't be surprised if God pulled that power from us for the time being...after all...even the believers like me, are having trouble believing in this.
In honest inquisitiveness, seeking guidance from you Lord
-Chris
Monday, April 23, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
No Other Name
To me one there is an aspect of Christianity that sets it apart from all other religions and "paths" to God. There is a universal truth to it, straight from the mouth of Jesus, that lets me know in my heart, there really is none other. It is the most politically incorrect saying of our day. It is perceived as intolerant (as if we had a right to determine tolerance). It ties in with many other essential Christian beliefs, but stands out among the top 3 by far, and for me, the one most important to defend.
"I am the Way, the truth, and the life, and No one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6
That is a quote from Jesus. The same Jesus that the liberal Christians call a good teacher and nothing more. The same Jesus the other religions call a great prophet and nothing more. The Jesus that is compared to Gandhi and other great men and nothing more. That view of Jesus, that version of Jesus they have created, couldn't be further from the reality of who Jesus really is, was, and will be....God.
Jesus is God. To dispute is to ignore much of what he said himself. The oldest versions of the New Testament confirm it, the new versions repeat it. His followers died for it. His current disciples are shunned for it. Truth revolves around it.
Religion, in the sense of the word most people use it, is not really tied to Jesus at all. A coworker the other day asked if I was "religious." I replied "no" of course. Because if there was one thing Jesus hated it was the legalism of religious institution. The Pharisees of the day were on the top of his list.
Now that is not to say that the Christian church isn't a good method of worship and fellowship for Christians. I am saying when the legalistic aspect of it overshadows the two most important aspects (Bible as God's inerrant word, and Jesus as God) then it can become a problem.
I think most of our culture still associates Jesus and the church with Catholic scandal, forced worship/school attendance as children, and lacks a true understanding of the personal relationship with Christ that is at the heart of Christianity, and was at the heart of it, since his resurrection.
Now, it is stated many times throughout the New Testament books that follow the Gospels, that Christ's resurrection was accepted as a true fact. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 15, that He was witnessed by more than 500 people. A new finding at the Magdalene college, has dated manuscripts back to 50 or 60 A.D., just after Christ's death, and nearly 50-70 years earlier than previous copies. That is even earlier than the temple destruction in 70 A.D.
Paul references both the Old and New Testament in one of his letters, simultaneously, demonstrating that at least some of the Gospel writings existed in some form during the time of his writings.
In 1 Corinthians 15:13, Paul says, "But if there is no coming back from the dead, then Christ has not come back from the dead: And if Christ did not come back again from the dead, then our good news and your faith in it are of no effect." Paul trusted so fully in Christ's resurrection, that he suffered and eventually died for his testimony.
Now, in our current society with suicide bombers, Martyrdom has been essentially corrupted. In the early church days, true persecution (not that sought after for glory) and martyrdom were a real problem, and many early Christians suffered and died for their beliefs. Eleven of Twelve apostles died horrible deaths for their faith, and the one who survived initial persecution was burned badly and exiled.
Now, If Christ repeatedly pointed out that He and the Father are the same (John 10:30, John 14:10-11), and stated that he is the only means of attaining salvation from our sinful nature and actions (John 14:6), then why is there any debate to his claim of the only way.
I think it comes down to religious pluralism that is permeating society these days in the name of tolerance. Christians and non-Christians alike have taken up the stance that everyone's truth is valid and everyone's way to God is possibly correct. The early church, apostles and Christ himself would be quick to rebuke that heresy.
Jesus command us to love one another, but he also said more about hell than anyone in the Bible. He commanded us to forgive and not judge one another, but he also said that HE is the ONLY means of salvation. Jesus didn't say, after me will come a Buddha and a new prophet and incarnations of pagan gods that will be equally valid for attaining your salvation. HE never would have endorsed anything of the sort!
Jesus Christ and the Father are one. The father is a more predominant theme in the Old Testament because the Israelites were leaving a nation of many gods to follow the one true God, and could not have grasped the trinitarian concepts at that stage. Slowly through Biblical history we see the trinitarian nature revealed, and even in Genesis, the triune nature of our God is visible.
I hear so much now about Christians who are also practicing meditation and astrology and yoga and other activities that come directly from Buddhist or Pagan roots. Christ is to be our peace, our stress relief, our means of attaining whatever he desires for us to attain. There is no room in Christianity for these anti-Christian systems, and yet they now permeate the faith.
We must be ever vigilant and watchful over our Christian brother and sisters. Much like the church at Corinth, who Paul rebuked, we are to be mature in our faith, trusting fully in Christ for salvation, not other means. We are to live pure and holy lives. This includes not living together before marriage, not practicing astrology, not being drunk, and many other obvious established morals from God.
Christians like to practice pointing the finger by acknowledging someone else's sin, while stating they would NEVER stoop to something like that. Then they turn right around and start practicing their Buddhist mediation/prayers to their version of God, and consider themselves holy in God's eye. It is a lie!
I encourage all of you who may have some activity that you aren't thinking is sin, to ask yourself, if you would still be doing it if Christ was standing there in the room. I've struggled, just as everyone, with my own vices and demons, but have finally begun to overcome, knowing full well what is expected, and being without excuse.
I will close with this. In Acts Chapter 4, Peter and John were being questioned by the Sanhedrin for healing a man outside the synagogue in Christ's name. Peter is then filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks :
"...If we are questioned today about a good work done to a man who was ill, as to how he has been made well, Take note, all of you, and all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you put to death on the cross, whom God gave back from the dead, even through him is this man now before you completely well. He is the stone which you builders had no use for, but which has been made the chief stone of the building. And in no other is there salvation: for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, through which we may have salvation." Acts 4:9-12 Emphasis on 12).
Those who seek multiple paths to God, or flat out deny Christ as the only way to God, are not cogniscent of their need for a savior. They are relying on themselves to attain their own brand of salvation. But "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). We are all in need of a savior, and God, being full of love for his creation, came down to live like us, and die a penitent death on the cross, so that we wouldn't have to cover our sin with animal sacrifice, never to be clean. Through Christ's death we are made whole, and all we have to do is believe, accept the gift of salvation. Through his death we are cleansed, through repentance and turning from sin we are sanctified and filled with the spirit of God for good works. This is the part many Christians (including me) struggle with. Fully embracing God's morality, and tossing our own version out the window. Knowing we will always fall short of holiness without our mediator, Christ Jesus. God poured the wrath meant for us on himself in Christ so that we wouldn't have to experience it. His great love for us is evident everyday.
Christians don't wait any longer to start living right. Your salvations includes a repentance clause, and ignoring that will only bring heartache and a lack of blessings. Non-Christians, consider what was done for you. God in his love for you, died so that you could live eternally, if you only accept it. You may not be perfect right now. You may have some baggage. God can handle it. Turn to Jesus, and live.
May God bless you all!
Let this song by Chris Rice, motivate you to turn...it is a beautiful call to Jesus
http://youtu.be/e_4g8_e16dc
"I am the Way, the truth, and the life, and No one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6
That is a quote from Jesus. The same Jesus that the liberal Christians call a good teacher and nothing more. The same Jesus the other religions call a great prophet and nothing more. The Jesus that is compared to Gandhi and other great men and nothing more. That view of Jesus, that version of Jesus they have created, couldn't be further from the reality of who Jesus really is, was, and will be....God.
Jesus is God. To dispute is to ignore much of what he said himself. The oldest versions of the New Testament confirm it, the new versions repeat it. His followers died for it. His current disciples are shunned for it. Truth revolves around it.
Religion, in the sense of the word most people use it, is not really tied to Jesus at all. A coworker the other day asked if I was "religious." I replied "no" of course. Because if there was one thing Jesus hated it was the legalism of religious institution. The Pharisees of the day were on the top of his list.
Now that is not to say that the Christian church isn't a good method of worship and fellowship for Christians. I am saying when the legalistic aspect of it overshadows the two most important aspects (Bible as God's inerrant word, and Jesus as God) then it can become a problem.
I think most of our culture still associates Jesus and the church with Catholic scandal, forced worship/school attendance as children, and lacks a true understanding of the personal relationship with Christ that is at the heart of Christianity, and was at the heart of it, since his resurrection.
Now, it is stated many times throughout the New Testament books that follow the Gospels, that Christ's resurrection was accepted as a true fact. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 15, that He was witnessed by more than 500 people. A new finding at the Magdalene college, has dated manuscripts back to 50 or 60 A.D., just after Christ's death, and nearly 50-70 years earlier than previous copies. That is even earlier than the temple destruction in 70 A.D.
Paul references both the Old and New Testament in one of his letters, simultaneously, demonstrating that at least some of the Gospel writings existed in some form during the time of his writings.
In 1 Corinthians 15:13, Paul says, "But if there is no coming back from the dead, then Christ has not come back from the dead: And if Christ did not come back again from the dead, then our good news and your faith in it are of no effect." Paul trusted so fully in Christ's resurrection, that he suffered and eventually died for his testimony.
Now, in our current society with suicide bombers, Martyrdom has been essentially corrupted. In the early church days, true persecution (not that sought after for glory) and martyrdom were a real problem, and many early Christians suffered and died for their beliefs. Eleven of Twelve apostles died horrible deaths for their faith, and the one who survived initial persecution was burned badly and exiled.
Now, If Christ repeatedly pointed out that He and the Father are the same (John 10:30, John 14:10-11), and stated that he is the only means of attaining salvation from our sinful nature and actions (John 14:6), then why is there any debate to his claim of the only way.
I think it comes down to religious pluralism that is permeating society these days in the name of tolerance. Christians and non-Christians alike have taken up the stance that everyone's truth is valid and everyone's way to God is possibly correct. The early church, apostles and Christ himself would be quick to rebuke that heresy.
Jesus command us to love one another, but he also said more about hell than anyone in the Bible. He commanded us to forgive and not judge one another, but he also said that HE is the ONLY means of salvation. Jesus didn't say, after me will come a Buddha and a new prophet and incarnations of pagan gods that will be equally valid for attaining your salvation. HE never would have endorsed anything of the sort!
Jesus Christ and the Father are one. The father is a more predominant theme in the Old Testament because the Israelites were leaving a nation of many gods to follow the one true God, and could not have grasped the trinitarian concepts at that stage. Slowly through Biblical history we see the trinitarian nature revealed, and even in Genesis, the triune nature of our God is visible.
I hear so much now about Christians who are also practicing meditation and astrology and yoga and other activities that come directly from Buddhist or Pagan roots. Christ is to be our peace, our stress relief, our means of attaining whatever he desires for us to attain. There is no room in Christianity for these anti-Christian systems, and yet they now permeate the faith.
We must be ever vigilant and watchful over our Christian brother and sisters. Much like the church at Corinth, who Paul rebuked, we are to be mature in our faith, trusting fully in Christ for salvation, not other means. We are to live pure and holy lives. This includes not living together before marriage, not practicing astrology, not being drunk, and many other obvious established morals from God.
Christians like to practice pointing the finger by acknowledging someone else's sin, while stating they would NEVER stoop to something like that. Then they turn right around and start practicing their Buddhist mediation/prayers to their version of God, and consider themselves holy in God's eye. It is a lie!
I encourage all of you who may have some activity that you aren't thinking is sin, to ask yourself, if you would still be doing it if Christ was standing there in the room. I've struggled, just as everyone, with my own vices and demons, but have finally begun to overcome, knowing full well what is expected, and being without excuse.
I will close with this. In Acts Chapter 4, Peter and John were being questioned by the Sanhedrin for healing a man outside the synagogue in Christ's name. Peter is then filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks :
"...If we are questioned today about a good work done to a man who was ill, as to how he has been made well, Take note, all of you, and all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you put to death on the cross, whom God gave back from the dead, even through him is this man now before you completely well. He is the stone which you builders had no use for, but which has been made the chief stone of the building. And in no other is there salvation: for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, through which we may have salvation." Acts 4:9-12 Emphasis on 12).
Those who seek multiple paths to God, or flat out deny Christ as the only way to God, are not cogniscent of their need for a savior. They are relying on themselves to attain their own brand of salvation. But "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). We are all in need of a savior, and God, being full of love for his creation, came down to live like us, and die a penitent death on the cross, so that we wouldn't have to cover our sin with animal sacrifice, never to be clean. Through Christ's death we are made whole, and all we have to do is believe, accept the gift of salvation. Through his death we are cleansed, through repentance and turning from sin we are sanctified and filled with the spirit of God for good works. This is the part many Christians (including me) struggle with. Fully embracing God's morality, and tossing our own version out the window. Knowing we will always fall short of holiness without our mediator, Christ Jesus. God poured the wrath meant for us on himself in Christ so that we wouldn't have to experience it. His great love for us is evident everyday.
Christians don't wait any longer to start living right. Your salvations includes a repentance clause, and ignoring that will only bring heartache and a lack of blessings. Non-Christians, consider what was done for you. God in his love for you, died so that you could live eternally, if you only accept it. You may not be perfect right now. You may have some baggage. God can handle it. Turn to Jesus, and live.
May God bless you all!
Let this song by Chris Rice, motivate you to turn...it is a beautiful call to Jesus
http://youtu.be/e_4g8_e16dc
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Covenants, Contracts and Kings
1 Samuel 8:5, "...and they said unto him (Samuel), Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations."
I consider this verse to be a major transition point in the Old Testament, and generally a step closer to God's eventually incarnation among us as Christ. Let me explain.
So far up to this point we have had quite a few things happen. Many people will glaze over the Genesis-Ruth books of the Old Testament, feeling the violence done by God's people within is too politically incorrect for their tastes.
I have heard many an argument against belief in God simply based off of the actions taken by Israelites throughout Numbers, Joshua and Judges. The trick is to see the context of the Israelites covenant relationship with God, and demonstrate that the giving up of nations into Israel's hands, demonstrates a love for those who would follow Him, while showing righteous judgment for those who hear the news but turn to their own gods and devices.
Israel in this day was a Theocracy, God was their king, judge, redeemer, and no other governmental system was necessary than God's law. Moses was God's favored deliverer of these laws, but it is important to realize that it was Israel who requested these laws, not God who imposed them.
If we look back, we see that Israel desires God to dwell among them, and in order for a just and Holy God to dwell with sinful man, some guidelines were necessary. Enter the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The sacrifices and offerings are meant to represent that man can never eliminate sin himself, but can only cover it temporarily with offerings. By covering their sin with frequent daily sacrifices, God dwelt among them and made them His people.
Now, In the Book of Genesis, God had made a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would inherit a certain land. The difference between a man-made covenant and a God breathed covenant should be obvious. Man is sinful and can break a promise...God will not. It would completely violate his nature to break a promise. Therefore, when viewed as a total history of Israel leaving Egypt, up until the time of Malachi's writing, we see God constantly keeping his promises.
Deuteronomy perhaps best represents this, as it basically summarizes Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 Represents part 1 of a two part decree, made by Moses to the ENTIRE nation of Israel before entering God's promised land. This is God's covenant with Israel for entry into the promised land.
"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that Jehovah thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth 2. and all these blessings shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God."(ASD)
This is the blessing portion, stating that if Israel follows God, and does not turn away to false gods and idols, He will go before them and bless them richly.
Deuteronomy 28:15 however presents the opposite end of this decree--
"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee."
The Israelites were under this covenantal relationship with God, and God truly upholds both ends of the agreement, throughout the following books of the Bible. When Israel follows his law, he blesses them and fights for them, but when they turn away, he allows them to be overtaken by foreign nations and curses to fall on them.
Key point- Even when God allows them to be cursed for their disobedience, he is always waiting to take them back, with open arms, knowing full well they will turn again. This shows us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, though emphatic on love, was the same just, holy, loving God that brought Israel out of Egypt. God simply honored his contract with Israel to the point of even cursing them (as much as it pained Him) when they turned away....the love is seen in his willingness to take them back--even after they turn constantly.
The Book of Judges has judges ruling with God's authority--for a number of years--then Israel sins--then God sends another Judge--then Israel sins...so on and so forth for many years. Blessing and curse.
If you are thinking that it is unfair for God to treat his people badly at times, you have probably skimmed over the part in Deuteronomy where the entire nation enters the covenant relationship--FULLY AWARE--of the blessings and curses mentioned.
Deuteronomy 31:16- Moses converses with God before his death, and God prophesies that Israel will turn away at times-But he also knows that when they are under the curse, they will lift their hearts and minds back to God and he will willingly take them back (Israel established this requirement by asking God to dwell among them---God just drew up the contracts)
Joshua 1:16 (to Joshua), "And they answered Joshua saying, All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go."
-Israel knew fully what was required of them, and acknowledge here and in other places that they will obey God or face pre-established consequences.
If we enter into contracts today, there are consequences for breaking them. We don't cry foul or call the individual who made the contract a meanie or jerk---we know when entering in the contract what is expected, and the consequences that will befall us for breaking that contract. This is how it was with Israel and God in the Old Testament.
We cannot look at this through the glasses of our own Democratic modern society because that isn't what Israel had. They had something better--a direct link to God--if only they would obey him. We cannot project modern day morality on past situations without fully considering the context therein.
If we truly explore the Old Testament, we see God's love shining through. Though there is justice and anger, it is all in the name of Love for His people--who were stubborn enough to turn away so many times, that any one of us would have just said forget it--no more. But God in his infinite patience, stayed true to his contract/covenant with His people.
He even let strangers from other nations dwell among them and worship him--demonstrating that the other nations which Israel conquered had just as much chance to follow God. Their destruction, much like our own, is a product of our decisions--we cannot bend the rules of a covenant to fit our desires, but must follow the pre-established guidelines. If the God of Israel, our God, Jesus Christ, wants us to avoid certain practices and idols and things, we enter in that covenant knowing full well we are not to do those things. By doing them, we accept the consequences.
Friends, today we have it so much easier. The Old Testament Sacrifice system is meant to make us say "there is no way I can fulfill all those laws and be holy before God without something else." That someone else is Jesus Christ, and he stepped in to take the punishment of all the world's sin. Not as a sin covering, but as an eliminator of all the world's sin, past; present; future. All we need to do is accept God's contract. We have it in front of us (Bible) and we can choose whether what is mentioned within is acceptable to us. We acknowledge by default however that by not accepting this contract, there are consequences, as no one will be there to cover our sin. If our sin is not covered, we cannot enter into a covenant relationship with the God of the universe, and therefore face eternal separation on death.
Pray for Christ to enter your lives this Easter season. We need someone to eliminate our sins, not cover them. Christ became that willing sacrifice.
Israel chose to have laws. Israel chose to have kings, and God allowed it because they were being stubborn and refused to honor him only as king. Yet through his patience and goodness, he brought from that lineage of Kings, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Israel wanted what God knew they didn't need, but he allowed their choices to dictate the covenant..and did a little tweaking of His own to bring it about for good.
1 Samuel 8:5 represents the request for a King, that would lead to King David and Solomon, and eventually Christ--who being fully man and fully God, became King of King and Lord of Lords. We celebrate his sacrifice today, and I do hope you'll consider taking a stand this year. Put your faith in the one true King. Don't be stubborn as the Israelites were, but accept the terms and conditions of the contract for your life. God wants you to sign so you can enjoy eternal blessing with him...the pen is in your hands...will you sign?
I consider this verse to be a major transition point in the Old Testament, and generally a step closer to God's eventually incarnation among us as Christ. Let me explain.
So far up to this point we have had quite a few things happen. Many people will glaze over the Genesis-Ruth books of the Old Testament, feeling the violence done by God's people within is too politically incorrect for their tastes.
I have heard many an argument against belief in God simply based off of the actions taken by Israelites throughout Numbers, Joshua and Judges. The trick is to see the context of the Israelites covenant relationship with God, and demonstrate that the giving up of nations into Israel's hands, demonstrates a love for those who would follow Him, while showing righteous judgment for those who hear the news but turn to their own gods and devices.
Israel in this day was a Theocracy, God was their king, judge, redeemer, and no other governmental system was necessary than God's law. Moses was God's favored deliverer of these laws, but it is important to realize that it was Israel who requested these laws, not God who imposed them.
If we look back, we see that Israel desires God to dwell among them, and in order for a just and Holy God to dwell with sinful man, some guidelines were necessary. Enter the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The sacrifices and offerings are meant to represent that man can never eliminate sin himself, but can only cover it temporarily with offerings. By covering their sin with frequent daily sacrifices, God dwelt among them and made them His people.
Now, In the Book of Genesis, God had made a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would inherit a certain land. The difference between a man-made covenant and a God breathed covenant should be obvious. Man is sinful and can break a promise...God will not. It would completely violate his nature to break a promise. Therefore, when viewed as a total history of Israel leaving Egypt, up until the time of Malachi's writing, we see God constantly keeping his promises.
Deuteronomy perhaps best represents this, as it basically summarizes Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 Represents part 1 of a two part decree, made by Moses to the ENTIRE nation of Israel before entering God's promised land. This is God's covenant with Israel for entry into the promised land.
"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that Jehovah thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth 2. and all these blessings shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God."(ASD)
This is the blessing portion, stating that if Israel follows God, and does not turn away to false gods and idols, He will go before them and bless them richly.
Deuteronomy 28:15 however presents the opposite end of this decree--
"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee."
The Israelites were under this covenantal relationship with God, and God truly upholds both ends of the agreement, throughout the following books of the Bible. When Israel follows his law, he blesses them and fights for them, but when they turn away, he allows them to be overtaken by foreign nations and curses to fall on them.
Key point- Even when God allows them to be cursed for their disobedience, he is always waiting to take them back, with open arms, knowing full well they will turn again. This shows us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, though emphatic on love, was the same just, holy, loving God that brought Israel out of Egypt. God simply honored his contract with Israel to the point of even cursing them (as much as it pained Him) when they turned away....the love is seen in his willingness to take them back--even after they turn constantly.
The Book of Judges has judges ruling with God's authority--for a number of years--then Israel sins--then God sends another Judge--then Israel sins...so on and so forth for many years. Blessing and curse.
If you are thinking that it is unfair for God to treat his people badly at times, you have probably skimmed over the part in Deuteronomy where the entire nation enters the covenant relationship--FULLY AWARE--of the blessings and curses mentioned.
Deuteronomy 31:16- Moses converses with God before his death, and God prophesies that Israel will turn away at times-But he also knows that when they are under the curse, they will lift their hearts and minds back to God and he will willingly take them back (Israel established this requirement by asking God to dwell among them---God just drew up the contracts)
Joshua 1:16 (to Joshua), "And they answered Joshua saying, All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go."
-Israel knew fully what was required of them, and acknowledge here and in other places that they will obey God or face pre-established consequences.
If we enter into contracts today, there are consequences for breaking them. We don't cry foul or call the individual who made the contract a meanie or jerk---we know when entering in the contract what is expected, and the consequences that will befall us for breaking that contract. This is how it was with Israel and God in the Old Testament.
We cannot look at this through the glasses of our own Democratic modern society because that isn't what Israel had. They had something better--a direct link to God--if only they would obey him. We cannot project modern day morality on past situations without fully considering the context therein.
If we truly explore the Old Testament, we see God's love shining through. Though there is justice and anger, it is all in the name of Love for His people--who were stubborn enough to turn away so many times, that any one of us would have just said forget it--no more. But God in his infinite patience, stayed true to his contract/covenant with His people.
He even let strangers from other nations dwell among them and worship him--demonstrating that the other nations which Israel conquered had just as much chance to follow God. Their destruction, much like our own, is a product of our decisions--we cannot bend the rules of a covenant to fit our desires, but must follow the pre-established guidelines. If the God of Israel, our God, Jesus Christ, wants us to avoid certain practices and idols and things, we enter in that covenant knowing full well we are not to do those things. By doing them, we accept the consequences.
Friends, today we have it so much easier. The Old Testament Sacrifice system is meant to make us say "there is no way I can fulfill all those laws and be holy before God without something else." That someone else is Jesus Christ, and he stepped in to take the punishment of all the world's sin. Not as a sin covering, but as an eliminator of all the world's sin, past; present; future. All we need to do is accept God's contract. We have it in front of us (Bible) and we can choose whether what is mentioned within is acceptable to us. We acknowledge by default however that by not accepting this contract, there are consequences, as no one will be there to cover our sin. If our sin is not covered, we cannot enter into a covenant relationship with the God of the universe, and therefore face eternal separation on death.
Pray for Christ to enter your lives this Easter season. We need someone to eliminate our sins, not cover them. Christ became that willing sacrifice.
Israel chose to have laws. Israel chose to have kings, and God allowed it because they were being stubborn and refused to honor him only as king. Yet through his patience and goodness, he brought from that lineage of Kings, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Israel wanted what God knew they didn't need, but he allowed their choices to dictate the covenant..and did a little tweaking of His own to bring it about for good.
1 Samuel 8:5 represents the request for a King, that would lead to King David and Solomon, and eventually Christ--who being fully man and fully God, became King of King and Lord of Lords. We celebrate his sacrifice today, and I do hope you'll consider taking a stand this year. Put your faith in the one true King. Don't be stubborn as the Israelites were, but accept the terms and conditions of the contract for your life. God wants you to sign so you can enjoy eternal blessing with him...the pen is in your hands...will you sign?
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