Numbers 12: Don't be a "Miriam"

In the midst of the first few chapters of Numbers we are treated to some of the harder to read chapters in the Bible. The census taking among the Israelites, for those of us with short attention spans can sometimes seem less interesting than other chapters of the Bible. Still within the span of 2 chapters, it manages to pull the reader back in rather quickly.

I speak of Numbers 11 and 12. This blog will be specifically related to an incident in Numbers 12, but it's important to note that prior to this story, we have just seen God's anger against some of the Israelites play out in a rather firey form.

Once Moses prays to quench the fire, the LORD stops it and we proceed on to Numbers chapter 12.

Now one would think after the experience in the previous chapter, the people would have learned not to complain about Moses or their situation. But, now we find some of those closest to him, Aaron and Miriam, speaking ill of the woman Moses had married.

Miriam questions whether the LORD has spoken only through Moses. This is an envious conversation, and she is basically wondering why the LORD doesn't speak to everyone as He does to Moses.

"And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? and the LORD heard it.' Numbers 12:2

So, now you have God who hears this conversation, and in what I like to think of in terms of a parent about to scold the bickering siblings, calls all three of them into the tabernacle of the congregation for a meeting. The term "family meeting" comes to mind for me here.

God begins by saying that if there is a prophet in the camp, He will make it known to the prophet. In the case of Moses, God points out that this is not the method by which He speaks to Moses. Moses is set apart by God for special discussion.

"My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches..." Numbers 12:7

God's anger towards Miriam and Aaron is kindled at this point and He departs and the cloud departs from the tabernacle.

I can see Miriam and Aaron simultaneously breathing a sigh of relief here thinking they got away with their sin of gossip and envy. Not so.

God punishes Miriam with Leprosy. Miriam and Aaron repent of their sin beseeching Moses to speak to God on her behalf. Moses obliges and speaks to God on their behalf to effectively reduce her punishment. Miriam gets off with only a 7 day leprosy sentence, to be fulfilled outside of the camp.
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This is where I woudld like to offer some practical advice and thoughts based on the above stories. We see a couple things happening here.

1.Sin will always have consequences- Even with Christ's forgivness for us, there is always consequence to sin. Christians cannot just go around murdering people and then praying for forgiveness. If, God forbid, a Christian kills someone, they may be forgiven in Christ, but will likely be in prison their whole life, or even pay with their life. Will they miss out on Heaven? If they are truly saved and in Christ then no. But they will have a fairly miserable earthly existence at that point--filled with regret and guilt.

2. Our consequences subsequently can affect large numbers of people- IN the case of Miriam, her being outside the camp for 7 days causes all 600,000 plus Israelites to remain in that location until her punishment is fulfilled.
Imagine Miriam coming back into camp on the 7th day with everyone whispering, "there's Miriam, she's why we haven't moved in 7 days." The After consequence of the consequence of sin is that your sin can have dramatic effect on any number of people--in this case a MULTITUDE.

God loves us and may discipline us for growth- IN this story it would be easy for a non-Christian to view God as "mean spirited or harsh." But look at your own family. If you sin or do something wrong, parents punish as well. God is our great Father in Heaven, so Christians should understand that He may discipline us from time to time to help our spiritual growth. I like the word discipline because it has disciple as it's root. I think to be great disciples, we need pruning and discipline from time to time. Otherwise, we show no growth.

God's long suffering is something we should all be thankful for. The Israelites were a "stiff necked" people during this time, and always had something to complain about. Just one chapter after this, we see the men of the armies cowering at the thought of conquering a land that God had already promised them they would conquer. Friends if God says you will do something, you can rest assured He will bring you through it.

Miriam and Aaron were two people very close to one of God's favorite people Moses. Yet even they saw temptation and sin. Friends we are all sinners who have fallen short of God's glory.

God has known us since before we even came to be. He says in Jeremiah that even in the womb, he knew us and his plans for us. Salvation through Christ is a free gift. It is nothing we can earn, or even actively seek. If you feel the call of Christ in your life, rest assured, He longs for you to accept His gift.

You may have strayed and are unsure if God can take you back. He longs to take you back. You were set apart for Him and to do good works through Him. Some people may resist long enough that they become resistent to the Gospel. For them I say that if God has already decided in the time before time began that you would be set apart for him, then you will eventually realize and come to Christ.

For those of us who have felt the call of the good shepard and turned to Him already, we can rest assured in our salvation. He chose us for Himself before time began, in eternity past, and we have assurance that our shepard will never leave His sheep.

Salvation is available to all, but not all will accept it. If you are unsure, or on the edge, I invite you to speak with someone about your doubts. Be honest with God. He knows you may have questions. Just know that if you pray to God in the name of His son, your prayers will be answered. Keep in mind though this may not be on a time frame you are expecting. Jesus spent 30 years preparing for a 3 year ministry. We are on God's time, not our own, and sometimes it may take years for prayers to be answered.

Christ took on all the sin of the world so that we may have eternal life. This was done out of pure LOVE for a fallen world. He is a Father longing to bring his Sons and daughters home. He is a shepard searching for his lost sheep.

Listen for the call...return to your Father in Heaven. His love knows know bounds. His mercy is never failing. His grace covers all.

Blessings my Friends :)

Pay Attention for Retention

Hello all, I know it's been awhile. Apparently I had the discipline (root word disciple..nice) to write on a Proverb a day for every day in January, but not enough to continue blogging. I have wanted to do so, but had not thought of anything worth writing about lately.

I was thinking tonight about a personal issue I've began (begun?) to notice. Let me give some background first.

I buy a lot of Christian books. I buy them on a number of subjects that I feel will help develop my understanding of God's word (though admittedly reading the "Word" would likely help as well). It started after reading the Left Behind series back in high school. From there it progressed to scholarly books on the book of Revelation and its many viewpoints. This took me back to the Gospels to find the heart of my faith and Jesus teachings--though the first time I believe I skimmed through pretty quickly.

Over time I've picked up books on everything from the Afterlife for Christians (speculation based on the Bible verse that speak to it) to Christian Relationship advice books.

In addition, recently, I've begun (began?) listening to Christian preachers on Podcasts and Videos.

I do this in part to continually grow my faith and develop my belief system, and in part to learn what I need to know to be a good witness for Christ.

Here's my problem. I cannot seem to retain all of the cool things I read/hear/watch. When someone asks something that I know I've found the answer to, I cannot for the life of me articulate it. Most non-believing friends will not be willing to sit through the same podcasts and videos to see the point I wanted to make (though I encourage them to do so) so I'm left with nothing to say, and no effective witness. It drives me crazy.

I know why I believe what I believe and I know why I know Christianity is the correct and only path to saving grace. We are all under common grace (i.e. God graces the just and unjust with life, food, rain, sun, etc...) Saving grace comes through Christ alone.

Now according to a great sermon I'm watching by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, there are 14 ways of breaking down saving grace--and I've agreed with them all, but I have no idea how to pass that info along to people who might benefit from the message.

In a sinful way I want everyone to agree with me...but the less sinful aspect of that is I desperately desire that all could come to know the joy that I know through salvation in Christ.

Now, can I articulate that?....NO! And I hate that I can't. I use the prayer "speak to me and speak through me" often, and it does help. But, I just can't retain all the great information that I want to pass along.

I could list the many podcasts, videos and sermons I want people to hear. Sermons that would likely change people's lives and minds...powerful messages that were I not already a Christian would turn me strongly that direction no matter how anti-Christian I felt.

I cannot force people to see these things and listen to them. I 'm happy when people do. I think even if some people do listen and watch they won't say anything about it, and I wish they would. I would like to know that they got something out of it...or at least why they did not agree.

This is not invitation to debate theology, but I do care about why people disagree sometimes with things I feel strongly about. I guarantee that I won't be able to articulate any rebuttal to that though--no matter how much my heart desires to do so.

So, in closing let me list some helpful Christian resources I have found lately. They may not appeal to everyone, but I would encourage everyone to at least give them a try. These are things I want to say but cannot find the words. Better speakers than me have found the words though--and articulate nicely the faith and why it truly is the greatest gift ever given (saving grace).

My Current favorite Resources 

*Updated*
Life Church Leander- http://www.yourlifechurch.org
-We began attending church here in October of 2012 and have found a great church home. The sermons are engaging, and the teaching is Biblically sound. Pastor Brian Lightsey's past sermons are in the sermon section of the Website.


Mike Fabarez (Focal Point Ministries)-http://www.focalpointministries.org-
Pastor of Compass Bible Church in California, Mike gives great scholarly teachings relevant to believers. His straightforward willingness to tackle even the tough issues of faith through in depth discussions, makes him a great resource for a more in depth Bible study.


Dr. R.C. Sproul-http://www.ligonier.org/about/rc-sproul/  

He has some great messages as well, and though I don't fully understand the reformed/calvinist mindset at times...the Bible based teaching is still relevant and engaging. His focuses on the sovereignty and holiness of God are a refreshing break from the sugar-coated God we hear about so often, and a more realistic portrayal of our sin nature and how that affects our relationship with God.


Pastor Paul Sheppard- http://podcast.pastorpaul.net/
-A great resource for everyone. His preaching style is casual but convicting and he is quite humorous at times. These podcasts have been truly helpful to myself and Juliet lately in growing our faith.

Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill- http://marshill.com/media/sermons
-A Biblically sound pastor out of Seattle, WA with a younger congregation (hence his casual dress) and a very honest and open attitude about things of the faith. Not afraid to speak his mind...which can be helpful for non-believers who have always had everything sugar coated for them.
http://marshill.com/media/religionsaves/grace - An excellent approach to common and saving grace

Dr. R.T. Kendall- http://rtkendallministries.com/  
His podcasts are available online and in particular his question and answer sessions in Britain were very enlightening. He used to preach at Westminster Abbey in England.

I hope that you will all take some time out of your schedules to check these resources out. They each offer different, but equally Biblical perspectives that give great insight into our faith.

God Bless

In the Beginning...

I decided to break from my Old/New Testament daily readings today and browse through the Book of John. I had heard it is the best place for new believers to start, and I know I'm not to the point of pastor level belief yet, so I thought it could be enlightening. What I discovered surprised me.

As I Read John 1 Verse 1, the phrase "in the Beginning" struck me. I had heard it before. I recalled back to Genesis 1:1, and it clicked. Theses two books have some striking parallels between them, and I may have gained new insight (at least in my opinion) of the symbol of Jacob's Ladder. I am no scholar or preacher, but I took some notes to help me recall. I'll speak to that momentarily.

Genesis 1:1- In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth
John 1:1- In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

The greek for this "word" translates as logos. In college and even now I don't fully understand the whole logos, pathos and ethos thing, but I know it is significant to note that "The Word" in this situation is referencing Christ.

Now look at the two together. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. They coincide rather nicely--and coincidentally (or perhaps not) represent two of the most key Books in the Bible- one from Old Testament, one from New Testament.

I began reading further, curious as to what I might find...

Genesis 2:3- And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it He rested from all his work which God had created and made.

John 1:3- All things were made through Him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.

A further confirmation of the role of the triune God in creation of all that exists. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit existed three in one since the creation. In the beginning...

With my appetite for more interesting parallels not satisfied, I dug a bit deeper....

The following one seemed similar to me at first, but I realize in Genesis it is speaking of creating man and in John it was referencing life being in Christ and the life being the light of man--still the man and creation theme caused me to put them side by side.

Genesis 2:7- And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul


John 1:4- In Him was life; and the life was the light of man

Life through Christ-the light of man

I read further through John and saw a very profound statement to me.
John 1:10-11- He was in the world (God/Christ), and the world was made through Him, and the world knew Him not. He cam unto HIS own, and they that were HIS own received Him not.

This made me sad. Imagine you created an existence. A creation with the capacity to love the creator. It was their decision ultimately, but being the embodiment of love (amongst other things), there was a real desire to have the creation respond to your love.

Now imagine you visit creation, in the flesh, fully God while fully man, and they reject you. Even when they see you perform miracles to prove your divinity, even when they see proof that you are the creator, they prefer to continue in their own ways.

If you go to visit your children and they reject you because they would rather not have to answer to authority, would that hurt your heart? IF they reject you because they want their way to be the right way, despite the truth, wouldn't it hurt?

I see pain in this verse. Pain at how far the creation He loved so dearly had fallen, how far WE have fallen. We rejected Him. He came to save us from our iniquity, and we crucified Him for it. We denied outright truth in pursuit of lies. And we still do this today, sadly.

Finally, I approached the end of John Chapter 1 and noticed a phrase that reminded me something else from Genesis (though later in the book). A reference to angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

Genesis 28:12- And he (Jacob) dreamed. And behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to Heaven. And behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it (the ladder).

John 1:51- And He (Jesus) saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the Heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

Was Jacob's "ladder" a vision of Christ? I don't know, but I find it a striking parallel.

This is what really proves the Bible to be all it claims. Just because one verse doesn't always make sense, doesn't mean you cannot find it's parallel, or its descriptor, somewhere else in the text. Context is everything. Perceived contradictions in content have all but been dismissed by scholars who know to read the Bible as one unit, not as individual Books with no connection. The story runs throughout, hundreds of authors over thousands of years. We can see here that even the first book Genesis, and the 4th Book of the New Testament, so many years later, still hold true to God's claim that He is Who He is. God was there at the beginning, God created us and all that is around us. He sent His Son-as a sacrfice, to cleanse us of our sin. We rejected His Son---though it was all part of the soverign plan, it is still a painful thought.

I put Christ on the Cross. You put Christ on the Cross. He still loves us. We need only call on him, and seek his forgiveness, purchased by His Blood, for you and for me.