"Now if the whole congregation of Israel commits error and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly, and they commit any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and they become guilty; when the sin which they have committed becomes known, then the assembly shall offer a bull of the herd for a sin offering and bring it before the tent of meeting... When a leader sins and unintentionally does any one of all the things which the Lord his God has commanded not to be done, and he becomes guilty, if his sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a goat, a male without defect... Now if anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and becomes guilty, if his sin which he has committed is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has committed." -Leviticus 4.13-14, 22-23, and 27-28
Let me start this post by saying how difficult these first few chapters of Leviticus are proving to be. It's all about a sacrificial system made obsolete by the death and resurrection of Jesus. But just because of that we can't ignore it. One of my college professors said this about the Old and New Testaments, "The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed." Just because something is obsolete it doesn't give us permission to skip over it. And so I am committed to writing at least one post from every chapter of the Bible.
Sin is sin, even sin committed accidentally. God says that even when a person sins and they are unaware of it, when it becomes known then they must seek forgiveness. No sin, not even the unintentional, will be overlooked by God. When we come to new life in Christ we become aware of the wrong things we had been doing. With our new life in Christ we gain a new awareness of sin, and as we become aware of them we need to confess them.
Men, are their sins you've become aware of and are not dealing with? Are you examining your life to see if there are sins you're unaware of? Is there an addictive habit that you've done for years without even thinking about? In a moment of anger you said or done something that you shouldn't have? Have you dealt with the sins that may have resulted?
Let us always examine ourselves for sin that we commit unintentionally, and as we become aware of them let us seek God's forgiveness.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Peace Offering
"Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to offer out of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the Lord. He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slay it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar." -Leviticus 3.1-2
In Leviticus 3 God is talking about the peace offering. This offering was not one made for atonement, but rather out of praise, fellowship, and thanksgiving. There was no sin involved, rather this was just something done to praise and thank God for all He had done and who He was.
Men, how often do we do this with God? How often do we set everything aside, all of our worries and frustrations, all of our deadlines and projects, and simply praise and fellowship with God? How much time do we spend simply marveling at who He is, what He has done, and what He is capable of? How much time do we actually spend in His presence simply content to be there?
I'm thinking back to times in college (sometimes I really miss those simple days) I would go up and sit in the top row of the balcony of the chapel. The only light would be that pouring in through the massive stained glass windows. I would just sit there in the presence of God, alone in the natural light, and we would just enjoy each other's company. Neither one of us would say a word, we just sat together and enjoyed the moment. I don't know the last time I've had that type of moment with God.
Life has gotten so busy, and I can remember saying in college "I can't wait to be done with school, then I'll have more time to pour into God", boy was I mistaken. How many of us have regular time like that? I know how hard it is. Kids up and moving early, demanding your attention. Taking care of them and then getting ready and off to work on time. At work all day focused on the job, driving home exhausted, and then trying to be a dad and husband until everyone else goes to bed, then trying to use the remaining hours of the night to be productive before falling into bed exhausted, only to wake about five hours later and do it all over again. When is there time to simply sit in the presence of God and enjoy His silent presence?
Let us find time to make the peace offering to God. This is offered by someone whose sins have been forgiven. This is offered by someone who is in a relationship with God. This is offered by someone who simply desires to praise and fellowship with God. Let us all make time to give the peace offering.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
In Leviticus 3 God is talking about the peace offering. This offering was not one made for atonement, but rather out of praise, fellowship, and thanksgiving. There was no sin involved, rather this was just something done to praise and thank God for all He had done and who He was.
Men, how often do we do this with God? How often do we set everything aside, all of our worries and frustrations, all of our deadlines and projects, and simply praise and fellowship with God? How much time do we spend simply marveling at who He is, what He has done, and what He is capable of? How much time do we actually spend in His presence simply content to be there?
I'm thinking back to times in college (sometimes I really miss those simple days) I would go up and sit in the top row of the balcony of the chapel. The only light would be that pouring in through the massive stained glass windows. I would just sit there in the presence of God, alone in the natural light, and we would just enjoy each other's company. Neither one of us would say a word, we just sat together and enjoyed the moment. I don't know the last time I've had that type of moment with God.
Life has gotten so busy, and I can remember saying in college "I can't wait to be done with school, then I'll have more time to pour into God", boy was I mistaken. How many of us have regular time like that? I know how hard it is. Kids up and moving early, demanding your attention. Taking care of them and then getting ready and off to work on time. At work all day focused on the job, driving home exhausted, and then trying to be a dad and husband until everyone else goes to bed, then trying to use the remaining hours of the night to be productive before falling into bed exhausted, only to wake about five hours later and do it all over again. When is there time to simply sit in the presence of God and enjoy His silent presence?
Let us find time to make the peace offering to God. This is offered by someone whose sins have been forgiven. This is offered by someone who is in a relationship with God. This is offered by someone who simply desires to praise and fellowship with God. Let us all make time to give the peace offering.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Care for Spiritual Leaders
"he remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons: a thing most holy, of the offerings to the Lord by fire." -Leviticus 2.3
When an offering was brought to be given to the Lord, a portion of it was to be taken by the priests. These men were called to the full time service of God. They didn't own land. They didn't farm or raise animals. Their life was about representing the people before God. When the people presented their offerings they also provided for the priests, and this is how God set it up.
Men, we need to take care of our spiritual leaders. They have dedicated their lives to the service of God, and the service of the people they lead. They shouldn't have to worry about how they will feed their children or pay the bills. They should be able to focus on ministry without having to worry about money. We need to set an example of taking care of our pastors.
Let us free our pastors from financial worry and allow them to focus on ministry. Let us care for our spiritual leaders.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
When an offering was brought to be given to the Lord, a portion of it was to be taken by the priests. These men were called to the full time service of God. They didn't own land. They didn't farm or raise animals. Their life was about representing the people before God. When the people presented their offerings they also provided for the priests, and this is how God set it up.
Men, we need to take care of our spiritual leaders. They have dedicated their lives to the service of God, and the service of the people they lead. They shouldn't have to worry about how they will feed their children or pay the bills. They should be able to focus on ministry without having to worry about money. We need to set an example of taking care of our pastors.
Let us free our pastors from financial worry and allow them to focus on ministry. Let us care for our spiritual leaders.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, July 28, 2014
All Need Forgiveness
"If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf... But if his offering is from the flock, of the sheep or of the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer it a male without defect... But if his offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall bring his offering from the turtledoves or from young pigeons." -Leviticus 1.3-4, 10, and 14
As God instructs His people on the process of atonement, He also makes provisions so that all may receive it. He knows that some people are wealthier than others, or that this would be the case in the future, and He makes provision for that. All men need forgiveness, and even before Jesus, salvation was available for all.
If an offering could be brought from the herd, then a male was to be brought without defect and killed. If a bull couldn't be brought, then a male sheep or goat that was without defect was acceptable as well. But suppose that a four legged animal was out of reach, was the person out of luck? No, God cares for the poor and makes provisions for them as well. Doves could be offered to make atonement as well.
God cares about all of His people, not just the ones with enough wealth to offer a bull for their sins. He loves the poor and wants them to be saved as well, and so He willingly accepts their offering of a dove as well. He made provision for all under the Law, and in Christ, He made provision for all under grace.
Men, all of us need forgiveness, and it is available for all. Is it something you have sought from God, or do you think you are unworthy, or unable, to receive it? No matter your social status, forgiveness is available for you. Grace has no requirements other than a humble, repentant heart. But forgiveness goes beyond us and God.
Do we seek and offer forgiveness with others? Do we seek to help others find the forgiveness of God? All men need forgiveness. Do we give it? Do we point others to it?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
As God instructs His people on the process of atonement, He also makes provisions so that all may receive it. He knows that some people are wealthier than others, or that this would be the case in the future, and He makes provision for that. All men need forgiveness, and even before Jesus, salvation was available for all.
If an offering could be brought from the herd, then a male was to be brought without defect and killed. If a bull couldn't be brought, then a male sheep or goat that was without defect was acceptable as well. But suppose that a four legged animal was out of reach, was the person out of luck? No, God cares for the poor and makes provisions for them as well. Doves could be offered to make atonement as well.
God cares about all of His people, not just the ones with enough wealth to offer a bull for their sins. He loves the poor and wants them to be saved as well, and so He willingly accepts their offering of a dove as well. He made provision for all under the Law, and in Christ, He made provision for all under grace.
Men, all of us need forgiveness, and it is available for all. Is it something you have sought from God, or do you think you are unworthy, or unable, to receive it? No matter your social status, forgiveness is available for you. Grace has no requirements other than a humble, repentant heart. But forgiveness goes beyond us and God.
Do we seek and offer forgiveness with others? Do we seek to help others find the forgiveness of God? All men need forgiveness. Do we give it? Do we point others to it?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Atonement Under the Law
"Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock. If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf. He shall slay the young bull before the Lord; and Aaron’s sons the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the doorway of the tent of meeting. He shall then skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces.'" -Leviticus 1.2-6
We enter the book of Leviticus, the spot where most Bible reading plans come to an end. I think part of the reason for this is that people don't understand why the book of Leviticus is in the Bible. Before we get into the above verses and how they speak to the heart of a man, let's take a minute to examine why Leviticus is a crucial part of the Bible.
Israel had been enslaved in Egypt for more than four centuries. During that time they had the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They knew what God had done for them, and what God had promised to them. But they were slaves, and after more than four hundred years, many things are lost. They didn't know how to worship God or live for God. In Exodus we see that God delivered His people and begins leading them to the Promised Land, and along the way He is teaching them, through Moses, about Himself and about how to live for Him. The book of Leviticus is God teaching His people how to worship Him and live life as He created them to live it.
The first thing that is instructed is about bringing an offering to God for atonement. For a long time I had this idea that you brought an animal to sacrifice, gave it to the priest and watched as he did the dirty work of killing it and preparing it to offer to God. Clearly I didn't pay too much attention to these verses the first time I read Leviticus. We can clearly see that it says the one who brings the animal is the one to kill it, and then to skin it and cut it up for the offering. You sin, you get to kill the animal and prepare it for the offering of atonement.
Atonement was not a spectator sport because sin is serious. And under the Law, atonement for sin meant you had to get your hands bloody. An innocent animal would be killed by your own hands so that you could be cleansed before God. I think if we could be PETA on board with this we might have less sin. If every time you sinned you had to go offer a sacrifice, that you personally had to cut the throat of, how likely would you be to sin?
Men, when we sin, something pure, beautiful, and innocent dies; Romans 6.23a says, "The wages of sin is death". Because "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6.23b) we no longer have to offer animals for forgiveness, but it was our sin that crucified the Son of God. When we sin we bring death in our own lives, and possibly in the lives of those around us. We may not have visible blood on our hands, but there is blood there. When we sin we bring death to ourselves and to others, maybe not physically, but always spiritually.
Because of the cross, we will never have to cut an animals throat to pay for our sins. But what if we lived life with the mindset of every time we sin we have to put a nail in Jesus' wrist, how often would we refrain from sin?
Atonement under the Law was a constant reminder of the severity of sin, may we always live with this in mind. And with that mindset let us strive to live above sin through the power of the cross and the empty tomb. Sin always causes death, but Jesus always gives new life to those who seek it.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
We enter the book of Leviticus, the spot where most Bible reading plans come to an end. I think part of the reason for this is that people don't understand why the book of Leviticus is in the Bible. Before we get into the above verses and how they speak to the heart of a man, let's take a minute to examine why Leviticus is a crucial part of the Bible.
Israel had been enslaved in Egypt for more than four centuries. During that time they had the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They knew what God had done for them, and what God had promised to them. But they were slaves, and after more than four hundred years, many things are lost. They didn't know how to worship God or live for God. In Exodus we see that God delivered His people and begins leading them to the Promised Land, and along the way He is teaching them, through Moses, about Himself and about how to live for Him. The book of Leviticus is God teaching His people how to worship Him and live life as He created them to live it.
The first thing that is instructed is about bringing an offering to God for atonement. For a long time I had this idea that you brought an animal to sacrifice, gave it to the priest and watched as he did the dirty work of killing it and preparing it to offer to God. Clearly I didn't pay too much attention to these verses the first time I read Leviticus. We can clearly see that it says the one who brings the animal is the one to kill it, and then to skin it and cut it up for the offering. You sin, you get to kill the animal and prepare it for the offering of atonement.
Atonement was not a spectator sport because sin is serious. And under the Law, atonement for sin meant you had to get your hands bloody. An innocent animal would be killed by your own hands so that you could be cleansed before God. I think if we could be PETA on board with this we might have less sin. If every time you sinned you had to go offer a sacrifice, that you personally had to cut the throat of, how likely would you be to sin?
Men, when we sin, something pure, beautiful, and innocent dies; Romans 6.23a says, "The wages of sin is death". Because "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6.23b) we no longer have to offer animals for forgiveness, but it was our sin that crucified the Son of God. When we sin we bring death in our own lives, and possibly in the lives of those around us. We may not have visible blood on our hands, but there is blood there. When we sin we bring death to ourselves and to others, maybe not physically, but always spiritually.
Because of the cross, we will never have to cut an animals throat to pay for our sins. But what if we lived life with the mindset of every time we sin we have to put a nail in Jesus' wrist, how often would we refrain from sin?
Atonement under the Law was a constant reminder of the severity of sin, may we always live with this in mind. And with that mindset let us strive to live above sin through the power of the cross and the empty tomb. Sin always causes death, but Jesus always gives new life to those who seek it.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, July 26, 2014
God With Us
"Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel." -Exodus 40.34-38
The tabernacle and its items are finished, and now God instructs Moses on how to assemble all of it. When he is finished God descends in a cloud and covers the tent. His glory fills the tabernacle and Moses is unable to enter. While they were in the wilderness the presence of God determined when they moved and when they stayed put. By day the cloud would be on the tabernacle, and by night fire would be, and all of Israel was able to see that God was with them.
Men, this is what we are after in life, God's presence with us. What if God's presence was so heavy in our lives that it was literally overwhelming to the point that we couldn't enter wherever it is we spend time with Him? What if His presence was so heavy in our lives that we couldn't make a move until He decided it was time to move? And what if His presence was so heavy in our lives that when He did move, we packed up and followed without question or hesitation?
What if we would live like God was with us? What if we lived everyday in the very presence of God, completely dependant upon Him for every step we take? This is how God created for us to live. This is the intimate relationship He wants with us. Not one of total control, manipulating everything we do. But one of personal, intimate, fellowship that desires to live life as He created it to be. A life lived fully aware that God is present. A life that is lived in complete surrender to Him. A life that is lived with God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The tabernacle and its items are finished, and now God instructs Moses on how to assemble all of it. When he is finished God descends in a cloud and covers the tent. His glory fills the tabernacle and Moses is unable to enter. While they were in the wilderness the presence of God determined when they moved and when they stayed put. By day the cloud would be on the tabernacle, and by night fire would be, and all of Israel was able to see that God was with them.
Men, this is what we are after in life, God's presence with us. What if God's presence was so heavy in our lives that it was literally overwhelming to the point that we couldn't enter wherever it is we spend time with Him? What if His presence was so heavy in our lives that we couldn't make a move until He decided it was time to move? And what if His presence was so heavy in our lives that when He did move, we packed up and followed without question or hesitation?
What if we would live like God was with us? What if we lived everyday in the very presence of God, completely dependant upon Him for every step we take? This is how God created for us to live. This is the intimate relationship He wants with us. Not one of total control, manipulating everything we do. But one of personal, intimate, fellowship that desires to live life as He created it to be. A life lived fully aware that God is present. A life that is lived in complete surrender to Him. A life that is lived with God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, July 25, 2014
Praise the Work
"So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them." -Exodus 39.42-43
The work has been completed, and now it is presented to Moses for inspection. As he looks over the tent and it's supports, the items for inside out outside, and the garments for the priests, everything has been completed as God commanded. They have done the job, and done it well. And now Moses blesses them.
When the task has been completed, Moses doesn't spare his praise. He doesn't hold back the affirmation to the people. He tells them that they have done well, that God will be pleased by their work. He doesn't hide his feelings of pride and joy for the job that has been well done. He lets the people know that they have done well.
Men, how often do we offer words of praise to those who do work for us? How quickly do the words come? When our children do well in school, or do their chores, do we praise them? Do we let them know that their work did not go unnoticed, or unappreciated? Or do we treat it as if it was just an expectation for them to do it, and no comment is necessary? When our wives make a good meal do we tell them, or do we simply eat and act as if it is her duty to cook? Do we thank her for the job she does with the children? Or Outside the home?
These things are easy to miss. I personally need to work on them. I don't want good work, or work done with the right intentions, to go unnoticed. I want to be someone who praises a good job and lets others know that it has been noticed, even the small, seemingly insignificant things.
If we are people who offer praise and blessing, it becomes a joy to do work for us. If your employees know that you appreciate the job they are doing, they will more joyfully do it. If your children know that you appreciate their help around the house, and them doing well in school, it won't seem like a chore to them. If your wife knows that you appreciate all that she does, she'll respect you so much more, and be so much more joyful to bless you for your work.
Let us be men who do not hold back praise. Let us offer it quickly and freely.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The work has been completed, and now it is presented to Moses for inspection. As he looks over the tent and it's supports, the items for inside out outside, and the garments for the priests, everything has been completed as God commanded. They have done the job, and done it well. And now Moses blesses them.
When the task has been completed, Moses doesn't spare his praise. He doesn't hold back the affirmation to the people. He tells them that they have done well, that God will be pleased by their work. He doesn't hide his feelings of pride and joy for the job that has been well done. He lets the people know that they have done well.
Men, how often do we offer words of praise to those who do work for us? How quickly do the words come? When our children do well in school, or do their chores, do we praise them? Do we let them know that their work did not go unnoticed, or unappreciated? Or do we treat it as if it was just an expectation for them to do it, and no comment is necessary? When our wives make a good meal do we tell them, or do we simply eat and act as if it is her duty to cook? Do we thank her for the job she does with the children? Or Outside the home?
These things are easy to miss. I personally need to work on them. I don't want good work, or work done with the right intentions, to go unnoticed. I want to be someone who praises a good job and lets others know that it has been noticed, even the small, seemingly insignificant things.
If we are people who offer praise and blessing, it becomes a joy to do work for us. If your employees know that you appreciate the job they are doing, they will more joyfully do it. If your children know that you appreciate their help around the house, and them doing well in school, it won't seem like a chore to them. If your wife knows that you appreciate all that she does, she'll respect you so much more, and be so much more joyful to bless you for your work.
Let us be men who do not hold back praise. Let us offer it quickly and freely.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Work Together
"Now Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. With him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and a skillful workman and a weaver in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and fine linen." -Exodus 38.22-23
The Tabernacle has been completed, and we are told that Bezalel made everything that the Lord commanded Moses. But we see that he wasn't working alone. With him was Oholiab (and if we look at the previous chapters other skilled workman). Back in chapter 31 God mentions these two by name, but until now all the work has been attributed to Bezalel. But we see that he wasn't working alone. Here we are told about Oholiab, and that he was a skillful weaver and engraver, Bezalel was skilled with metals. This task was not the undertaking of one or even two men, but a group of men working together for the glory of God.
Men, we need to work together. We each have skills and our areas of giftedness, but none of us are able to do everything by ourselves. We need each other. The Spartans worked in the phalanx. Navy SEALs go out in teams. The elite of the elite don't go it alone, and neither should we. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was never alone. He never did anything by Himself, He was always working with the Father.
Let us take our individual gifts and join together to accomplish great things for the Kingdom. Let us not go it alone, because then there is no one to help us in our areas of weakness. We need each other, so let us unite and work togther.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Tabernacle has been completed, and we are told that Bezalel made everything that the Lord commanded Moses. But we see that he wasn't working alone. With him was Oholiab (and if we look at the previous chapters other skilled workman). Back in chapter 31 God mentions these two by name, but until now all the work has been attributed to Bezalel. But we see that he wasn't working alone. Here we are told about Oholiab, and that he was a skillful weaver and engraver, Bezalel was skilled with metals. This task was not the undertaking of one or even two men, but a group of men working together for the glory of God.
Men, we need to work together. We each have skills and our areas of giftedness, but none of us are able to do everything by ourselves. We need each other. The Spartans worked in the phalanx. Navy SEALs go out in teams. The elite of the elite don't go it alone, and neither should we. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was never alone. He never did anything by Himself, He was always working with the Father.
Let us take our individual gifts and join together to accomplish great things for the Kingdom. Let us not go it alone, because then there is no one to help us in our areas of weakness. We need each other, so let us unite and work togther.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Do It Right
"Now Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; its length was two and a half cubits, and its width one and a half cubits, and its height one and a half cubits; and he overlaid it with pure gold inside and out, and made a gold molding for it all around... He made a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide... Then he made the table of acacia wood, two cubits long and a cubit wide and one and a half cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding for it all around... Then he made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work, its base and its shaft; its cups, its bulbs and its flowers were of one piece with it... Then he made the altar of incense of acacia wood: a cubit long and a cubit wide, square, and two cubits high; its horns were of one piece with it. He overlaid it with pure gold, its top and its sides all around, and its horns; and he made a gold molding for it all around." -Exodus 37.1-2, 6, 10-11, 17, and 25-26
Bezalel is hard at work on the tabernacle itself. Once the structure itself is completed he begins work on the items for inside. He builds the ark and the mercy seat, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, and everything that goes with them just as God instructed. He builds them to the exact dimensions that God said. He covers them with gold, or makes them of pure gold, as God said. He doesn't cut corners, he follows God's instructions exactly, and makes the items for the inside of the tabernacle. It was tedious and detailed work, but he did it as it was supposed to be done.
Men, when we get a task how well do we do it? Do we look for ways to cut corners and get it done, or do we do everything completely as it should be? Do we do the job right, or do we try to get it done quickly?
Bezalel was chosen for the task because was a skilled workman, one who would do the job right. Are you the same way? When God calls you to do a task are you reliable and dependable to do it right? Or do you look for the fastest way to get it done no matter what corners you have to cut?
Let us be dependable and complete the tasks we are given. Let us do the job right.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Bezalel is hard at work on the tabernacle itself. Once the structure itself is completed he begins work on the items for inside. He builds the ark and the mercy seat, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, and everything that goes with them just as God instructed. He builds them to the exact dimensions that God said. He covers them with gold, or makes them of pure gold, as God said. He doesn't cut corners, he follows God's instructions exactly, and makes the items for the inside of the tabernacle. It was tedious and detailed work, but he did it as it was supposed to be done.
Men, when we get a task how well do we do it? Do we look for ways to cut corners and get it done, or do we do everything completely as it should be? Do we do the job right, or do we try to get it done quickly?
Bezalel was chosen for the task because was a skilled workman, one who would do the job right. Are you the same way? When God calls you to do a task are you reliable and dependable to do it right? Or do you look for the fastest way to get it done no matter what corners you have to cut?
Let us be dependable and complete the tasks we are given. Let us do the job right.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Not Disqualified
"All the skillful men among those who were performing the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material, with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, Bezalel made them." Exodus 36.8
The construction of the Tabernacle and its articles is underway, and we see that Bezalel, the skillful workman God called and appointed to oversee the building process is hard at work in the service of God. The reason this stands out to me is because we don't know of Bezalel's actions with the Golden Calf.
We don't know if he took part in the worship of the idol Aaron made for the people. I'm sure there were those who did not, but we don't know, he very well may have been heavily involved in the day's festivities. If we look ahead to 1 Chronicles 2.20 we see that he is part of the tribe of Judah. Even after Moses' return, when he calls for those who were for the Lord, only the Levites come to him, so Bezalel wasn't part of that group.
Bezales' actions during this event will forever be a mystery to us. He could have gathered with other faithful followers away from the idol, refusing to take place in the idolatry. But maybe he was an active worshiper who fell into disobedience and sin. For the sake of this post, let's say the second option is true. Let's say he bought into what everyone else was doing and went along with it, worshiping a gold cow as God. Even this didn't disqualify him from the service of God. After Moses has spoken on behalf of the people and sought restoration with God, we find Bezalel hard at work building the the Tabernacle.
Men, your past does not disqualify you from serving God. No matter what you have done, no matter what your sins may be, there is grace and forgiveness. The events of your past life, your old life if you have received forgiveness, have been erased from God's mind. He does not remember them, and He does not hold them against you. When we receive new life in Christ, we are made fit for His service.
In the song "A Few Good Men" I shared yesterday it says, "He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed". When God forgives us, we are fit and called to serve Him. The past is forgiven and forgotten, and we are able to participate as skillful workmen in the service of God.
Forgiven men are not disqualified.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The construction of the Tabernacle and its articles is underway, and we see that Bezalel, the skillful workman God called and appointed to oversee the building process is hard at work in the service of God. The reason this stands out to me is because we don't know of Bezalel's actions with the Golden Calf.
We don't know if he took part in the worship of the idol Aaron made for the people. I'm sure there were those who did not, but we don't know, he very well may have been heavily involved in the day's festivities. If we look ahead to 1 Chronicles 2.20 we see that he is part of the tribe of Judah. Even after Moses' return, when he calls for those who were for the Lord, only the Levites come to him, so Bezalel wasn't part of that group.
Bezales' actions during this event will forever be a mystery to us. He could have gathered with other faithful followers away from the idol, refusing to take place in the idolatry. But maybe he was an active worshiper who fell into disobedience and sin. For the sake of this post, let's say the second option is true. Let's say he bought into what everyone else was doing and went along with it, worshiping a gold cow as God. Even this didn't disqualify him from the service of God. After Moses has spoken on behalf of the people and sought restoration with God, we find Bezalel hard at work building the the Tabernacle.
Men, your past does not disqualify you from serving God. No matter what you have done, no matter what your sins may be, there is grace and forgiveness. The events of your past life, your old life if you have received forgiveness, have been erased from God's mind. He does not remember them, and He does not hold them against you. When we receive new life in Christ, we are made fit for His service.
In the song "A Few Good Men" I shared yesterday it says, "He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed". When God forgives us, we are fit and called to serve Him. The past is forgiven and forgotten, and we are able to participate as skillful workmen in the service of God.
Forgiven men are not disqualified.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, July 21, 2014
More than Enough
"And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, 'The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.' So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, 'Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.' Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it." -Exodus 36.4-7
I'm not completely certain, but I think I can guess with some certainty that this is the only time this particular problem has occured. How many leaders, pastors included, do you know that would tell their people to stop giving to the project they were raising money for? Usually they have to keep asking for more and end up settling for much less than the original goal. But at this one point that isn't the case. The people were giving so much that they had more than enough, and they actually had to be restrained because they were still wanting to offer more.
If we had this problem today we wouldn't have so many single mothers. There wouldn't be so many children with workaholic fathers. Churches wouldn't be filled primarily with women. What would it look like if you personally gave more than enough?
It's not that God needs an abundance to accomplish His will. After all, He spoke the universe into existence from nothing. There is a song I found a few years ago by the Gaithers called "A Few Good Men". The song starts like this:
What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.
God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.
God doesn't need a gifted orator, He was working with Moses who was slow to speak. He didn't need authorities to reason away His power, which is what Pharaoh tried to do with the magicians. He doesn't even need an army, all He needs is a few good men who are willing to stand, and offer what they have to the fight. The chorus follows:
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
God simply is looking for a few good men who will trust Him, and offer what they have to His service. And He calls all of us, even those who feel that they have messed up too much to be used at all. Those who feel unworthy and that they have nothing to offer:
He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open and He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
And the chorus follows a few more times. God does not need an abundance, simply a willing heart to offer what it can. He takes what is offered and uses it greatly. But what would happen if we gave more than enough?
Men, what are you offering to God? Financially are you giving whatever you have left after the bills, and your hobbies, are paid, or do you give to God first? With your time, are you giving whatever you have left between work and falling asleep exhausted, or are you setting aside specific time with God, sacrificing something else to be with Him? With your families, are you investing in them above yourself, giving your strength to guide them spiritually? With your gifts, are you offering them primarily to God so that His Kingdom may grow, or are you looking simply to advance your career?
Are we giving more than enough to God, or is He standing there asking us to give more? Remember, God will not share our hearts, it's all or nothing. Are we willing to offer Him all that He requires and then some, or are we trying to see how little we can get by with giving up? God only needs a few good men to stand and fight; a few good men who will give more than enough. Are you willing to be one of them?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
I'm not completely certain, but I think I can guess with some certainty that this is the only time this particular problem has occured. How many leaders, pastors included, do you know that would tell their people to stop giving to the project they were raising money for? Usually they have to keep asking for more and end up settling for much less than the original goal. But at this one point that isn't the case. The people were giving so much that they had more than enough, and they actually had to be restrained because they were still wanting to offer more.
If we had this problem today we wouldn't have so many single mothers. There wouldn't be so many children with workaholic fathers. Churches wouldn't be filled primarily with women. What would it look like if you personally gave more than enough?
It's not that God needs an abundance to accomplish His will. After all, He spoke the universe into existence from nothing. There is a song I found a few years ago by the Gaithers called "A Few Good Men". The song starts like this:
What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.
God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.
God doesn't need a gifted orator, He was working with Moses who was slow to speak. He didn't need authorities to reason away His power, which is what Pharaoh tried to do with the magicians. He doesn't even need an army, all He needs is a few good men who are willing to stand, and offer what they have to the fight. The chorus follows:
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
God simply is looking for a few good men who will trust Him, and offer what they have to His service. And He calls all of us, even those who feel that they have messed up too much to be used at all. Those who feel unworthy and that they have nothing to offer:
He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open and He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
And the chorus follows a few more times. God does not need an abundance, simply a willing heart to offer what it can. He takes what is offered and uses it greatly. But what would happen if we gave more than enough?
Men, what are you offering to God? Financially are you giving whatever you have left after the bills, and your hobbies, are paid, or do you give to God first? With your time, are you giving whatever you have left between work and falling asleep exhausted, or are you setting aside specific time with God, sacrificing something else to be with Him? With your families, are you investing in them above yourself, giving your strength to guide them spiritually? With your gifts, are you offering them primarily to God so that His Kingdom may grow, or are you looking simply to advance your career?
Are we giving more than enough to God, or is He standing there asking us to give more? Remember, God will not share our hearts, it's all or nothing. Are we willing to offer Him all that He requires and then some, or are we trying to see how little we can get by with giving up? God only needs a few good men to stand and fight; a few good men who will give more than enough. Are you willing to be one of them?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Back to God
"Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments. Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the Lord. Every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them. Everyone who could make a contribution of silver and bronze brought the Lord’s contribution; and every man who had in his possession acacia wood for any work of the service brought it." -Exodus 35.21-24
Israel finally has been told about the Tabernacle, and that God will dwell among them there. And so they all begin to make contributions for the construction to begin. Everyone whose heart stirred him to contribute brought a contribution. They brought gold, silver, bronze, linen, and animal skins, and presented it so that the Lord would dwell among them.
The question we have to ask is where did they get all of this? They were slaves after all and would have not had riches. But God had told Moses that when the people were finally freed that they were to ask the Egyptians for gold and silver and clothing (Exodus 3.22, 12.35). All of their wealth was given to them because God put the fear of Israel into the Egyptians, their wealth was a gift from God. And now they are bringing it back and offering it to God.
Men, take a look around you right now, what do you own? Your house? Car? The stuff in your house? Look at your bank account. Take an inventory of your gifts and talents. Know where you got all of them? You might say you worked hard for what you have. You might say that you developed your talents over time with a lot of practice. To a point that could be true, but who allowed your work and practice to be successful? Everything that you and I own, every talent we have, is from God.
So we must ask the question, what will you do with what you have? Will you hoard it and store it for a rainy day? Will you use it to obtain more? Or will you give it back to the service of God? Will you use your house and car for ministry? Maybe you host a small group in your living room and disciple others. Maybe there is a young man who needs a ride to work. Will you use your talents to build the Kingdom? Maybe you can teach, will you teach others about God? Maybe you are a great administrator or good with finances, will you volunteer your time to the church, or those in the church who could benefit from your knowledge?
All that we have is a gift from God. When the people gave for the Tabernacle, God dwelt among them. If we offer what we have to God, He is able to dwell among us. Are you willing to give back to God?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel finally has been told about the Tabernacle, and that God will dwell among them there. And so they all begin to make contributions for the construction to begin. Everyone whose heart stirred him to contribute brought a contribution. They brought gold, silver, bronze, linen, and animal skins, and presented it so that the Lord would dwell among them.
The question we have to ask is where did they get all of this? They were slaves after all and would have not had riches. But God had told Moses that when the people were finally freed that they were to ask the Egyptians for gold and silver and clothing (Exodus 3.22, 12.35). All of their wealth was given to them because God put the fear of Israel into the Egyptians, their wealth was a gift from God. And now they are bringing it back and offering it to God.
Men, take a look around you right now, what do you own? Your house? Car? The stuff in your house? Look at your bank account. Take an inventory of your gifts and talents. Know where you got all of them? You might say you worked hard for what you have. You might say that you developed your talents over time with a lot of practice. To a point that could be true, but who allowed your work and practice to be successful? Everything that you and I own, every talent we have, is from God.
So we must ask the question, what will you do with what you have? Will you hoard it and store it for a rainy day? Will you use it to obtain more? Or will you give it back to the service of God? Will you use your house and car for ministry? Maybe you host a small group in your living room and disciple others. Maybe there is a young man who needs a ride to work. Will you use your talents to build the Kingdom? Maybe you can teach, will you teach others about God? Maybe you are a great administrator or good with finances, will you volunteer your time to the church, or those in the church who could benefit from your knowledge?
All that we have is a gift from God. When the people gave for the Tabernacle, God dwelt among them. If we offer what we have to God, He is able to dwell among us. Are you willing to give back to God?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Communicate and Teach
"Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, 'These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do:'" -Exodus 35.1
Moses has come down from the mountain and now he gathers Israel together to inform them of what God has commanded. Moses has interceded with God for their actions with the Golden Calf, and now they are ready and able to hear from God. It wasn't enough for Moses to hear from God and keep it to himself, or just to share it with Aaron and Joshua. Moses is the leader of the people of Israel, and as the leader it is his job to communicate the teachings of God to the people.
Men, it is crucial that we are spending time in the presence of God. It is important for that time to be a genuine time of worship and hearing from God. But it is also important that we share what God is teaching us. Our role, as the spiritual leader of our household, involves us teaching our families about God. We learn from God so that we may teach others about God.
God blesses us so that we can bless others. He teaches us so that we can teach others. If we hoard our blessings and teachings, we aren't doing what God intended. We are meant to be poured into, and then pour out into others. The Sea of Galilee has water pour into it from three tributaries that come down from the mountains. It then pours water out into the Jordan River. It is a sea that is full of life and sustains life because it is poured into and pours out.
Follow the Jordan south to the Judean wilderness and you'll reach the Dead Sea. This sea has water pour into it from the Jordan River, but it's the lowest place on earth. Water collects there but never flows out. The water is so dense from all of the minerals that you float effortlessly on the water. But there is no life in the sea, and it is appropriately named Dead.
If all we do is be poured into, then we ultimately become useless, and don't sustain life, just like the Dead Sea. But if we spend time with God and learn from Him, and then pour out what we've learned to others then we give life, just as the Sea of Galilee does.
Let us spend time in the presence of God so that we may communicate and teach others about Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses has come down from the mountain and now he gathers Israel together to inform them of what God has commanded. Moses has interceded with God for their actions with the Golden Calf, and now they are ready and able to hear from God. It wasn't enough for Moses to hear from God and keep it to himself, or just to share it with Aaron and Joshua. Moses is the leader of the people of Israel, and as the leader it is his job to communicate the teachings of God to the people.
Men, it is crucial that we are spending time in the presence of God. It is important for that time to be a genuine time of worship and hearing from God. But it is also important that we share what God is teaching us. Our role, as the spiritual leader of our household, involves us teaching our families about God. We learn from God so that we may teach others about God.
God blesses us so that we can bless others. He teaches us so that we can teach others. If we hoard our blessings and teachings, we aren't doing what God intended. We are meant to be poured into, and then pour out into others. The Sea of Galilee has water pour into it from three tributaries that come down from the mountains. It then pours water out into the Jordan River. It is a sea that is full of life and sustains life because it is poured into and pours out.
Follow the Jordan south to the Judean wilderness and you'll reach the Dead Sea. This sea has water pour into it from the Jordan River, but it's the lowest place on earth. Water collects there but never flows out. The water is so dense from all of the minerals that you float effortlessly on the water. But there is no life in the sea, and it is appropriately named Dead.
If all we do is be poured into, then we ultimately become useless, and don't sustain life, just like the Dead Sea. But if we spend time with God and learn from Him, and then pour out what we've learned to others then we give life, just as the Sea of Galilee does.
Let us spend time in the presence of God so that we may communicate and teach others about Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Presence of God
"It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him." -Exodus 34.29
When Moses came down from the mountain the first time, the people we worshiping the Golden Calf. He had brought the tablets of the covenant that God had made with the people, but in his anger he threw them to the ground and they shattered. The people were unworthy to receive them, and Moses was furious that they had turned so quickly from God. And so God instructed Moses to cut out two more stone tablets, and to bring them up the mountain and He would write on them like the first time. Moses does, and he spends another forty days on the mountain with God.
When he returns for the second time with the tablets of the covenant, his face is shining. He has spent forty days in the presence of God. For forty days he has been sustained by the words of God alone. He has been face to face with God, and when he returns from his "quiet time" the people can tell that he has been with God.
Men, what is the result of your quiet time/devotional time/prayer hour/whatever you call it? Can people tell that you have spent time with God, genuine time? Your face may not be actually glowing, but is your attitude and demeanor evidence that you have been in the presence of the Creator? Or is your alone time with God something done hastily to check it off of a spiritual to do list. Five minutes in the Bible with no idea what you even read, followed by a general two minute prayer for the day, and then it's business as usual.
If we would be men of God then we have to have time on the mountain alone with God. We have to have time where we are sustained by God alone, otherwise our lives look like the seven minutes in the last sentence of the previous paragraph. That type of life doesn't yield a man of God, and it doesn't give one a glowing face. We must spend daily time in the presence of God. Time where we are completely alone with Him, sustained by Him.
Where is your mountain? Where do you go to be in the presence of God?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
When Moses came down from the mountain the first time, the people we worshiping the Golden Calf. He had brought the tablets of the covenant that God had made with the people, but in his anger he threw them to the ground and they shattered. The people were unworthy to receive them, and Moses was furious that they had turned so quickly from God. And so God instructed Moses to cut out two more stone tablets, and to bring them up the mountain and He would write on them like the first time. Moses does, and he spends another forty days on the mountain with God.
When he returns for the second time with the tablets of the covenant, his face is shining. He has spent forty days in the presence of God. For forty days he has been sustained by the words of God alone. He has been face to face with God, and when he returns from his "quiet time" the people can tell that he has been with God.
Men, what is the result of your quiet time/devotional time/prayer hour/whatever you call it? Can people tell that you have spent time with God, genuine time? Your face may not be actually glowing, but is your attitude and demeanor evidence that you have been in the presence of the Creator? Or is your alone time with God something done hastily to check it off of a spiritual to do list. Five minutes in the Bible with no idea what you even read, followed by a general two minute prayer for the day, and then it's business as usual.
If we would be men of God then we have to have time on the mountain alone with God. We have to have time where we are sustained by God alone, otherwise our lives look like the seven minutes in the last sentence of the previous paragraph. That type of life doesn't yield a man of God, and it doesn't give one a glowing face. We must spend daily time in the presence of God. Time where we are completely alone with Him, sustained by Him.
Where is your mountain? Where do you go to be in the presence of God?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Anger Makes More Work
"So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments." -Exodus 34.28
Moses had already spent forty days on the mountain with God. The first time God cut two tablets out of stone and wrote on them. Moses then carried them down the mountain and was ready to share the words of God with the people, but instead of waiting expectantly he found them worshiping an idol. He was furious, and in his anger he smashed the two tablets that God had given him.
Think about that for a moment. Moses was holding in his hands something that God had touched. The tablets not only were cut by God, but they had His hand writing on them. Take that in for a moment. Moses was holding something that God had personally written on. And then he gets angry and smashes them. How angry would you have to be to destroy something that God touched, wrote on, and handed to you? I've had my share of angry moments. I've put a hole in a wall before (I was in fifth grade), I've thrown my phone, I've taken my machete and chopped up some fallen trees (that one was at least productive), and I've run three miles in a category 2 snow storm (to avoid putting my fist through my desk). In all of that, I've never been angry enough to rip my Bible apart, or even throw it. I can't imagine the rage that Moses must have been feeling in that moment.
There are times anger can be productive, as in when I chopped wood and went running. There are times when anger is even a good reaction to have, when it is righteous and moves us to action against sin and injustice. But it is important to realize that anger will result in more work.
When our anger is righteous it moves us to action. It pushes us to do something about a wrong in the world. We see something that isn't right, and we want to do what we can to make it right. This is what God does after all. Think back to Genesis 2, God saw that something wasn't good, and so He made it good. That is the image we are created in, we see wrong and we work to make it right. This is a good thing, this is part of what we were made for. But we live in a fallen world, and our anger isn't always righteous.
Sometimes we get angry for the wrong reasons. We're tired, we're irritable, or sometimes we just feel like being angry. We break things, either physically or emotionally, and once we calm down and realize it, we have to go to work trying to repair it. Some things are easier to fix than others. A hole in a wall is a lot easier to fix than your wife's broken heart, or your children's shattered trust.
Men, your anger will result in more work. Some of it is good. Those things you see that are wrong and you want to do something about it, let it drive you, and let the righteousness of God guide your actions as you join Him in bringing restoration. But those other times, the times that are probably far more common, that only lead to destruction, let us work to control those. The time we have to spend fixing the damage we do is time we can't spend fixing the injustices around us.
Moses was angry because the people had turned away from God in just over a month, and as a result he smashed the tablets God had made. His anger resulted in him having to cut out two more tablets, hike back up the mountain carrying them, and go another forty days without food and water.
Anger always makes more work, the question is what kind of work is it making? What kind of damage does it repair, that of a fallen world, or that of a man who lost control?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses had already spent forty days on the mountain with God. The first time God cut two tablets out of stone and wrote on them. Moses then carried them down the mountain and was ready to share the words of God with the people, but instead of waiting expectantly he found them worshiping an idol. He was furious, and in his anger he smashed the two tablets that God had given him.
Think about that for a moment. Moses was holding in his hands something that God had touched. The tablets not only were cut by God, but they had His hand writing on them. Take that in for a moment. Moses was holding something that God had personally written on. And then he gets angry and smashes them. How angry would you have to be to destroy something that God touched, wrote on, and handed to you? I've had my share of angry moments. I've put a hole in a wall before (I was in fifth grade), I've thrown my phone, I've taken my machete and chopped up some fallen trees (that one was at least productive), and I've run three miles in a category 2 snow storm (to avoid putting my fist through my desk). In all of that, I've never been angry enough to rip my Bible apart, or even throw it. I can't imagine the rage that Moses must have been feeling in that moment.
There are times anger can be productive, as in when I chopped wood and went running. There are times when anger is even a good reaction to have, when it is righteous and moves us to action against sin and injustice. But it is important to realize that anger will result in more work.
When our anger is righteous it moves us to action. It pushes us to do something about a wrong in the world. We see something that isn't right, and we want to do what we can to make it right. This is what God does after all. Think back to Genesis 2, God saw that something wasn't good, and so He made it good. That is the image we are created in, we see wrong and we work to make it right. This is a good thing, this is part of what we were made for. But we live in a fallen world, and our anger isn't always righteous.
Sometimes we get angry for the wrong reasons. We're tired, we're irritable, or sometimes we just feel like being angry. We break things, either physically or emotionally, and once we calm down and realize it, we have to go to work trying to repair it. Some things are easier to fix than others. A hole in a wall is a lot easier to fix than your wife's broken heart, or your children's shattered trust.
Men, your anger will result in more work. Some of it is good. Those things you see that are wrong and you want to do something about it, let it drive you, and let the righteousness of God guide your actions as you join Him in bringing restoration. But those other times, the times that are probably far more common, that only lead to destruction, let us work to control those. The time we have to spend fixing the damage we do is time we can't spend fixing the injustices around us.
Moses was angry because the people had turned away from God in just over a month, and as a result he smashed the tablets God had made. His anger resulted in him having to cut out two more tablets, hike back up the mountain carrying them, and go another forty days without food and water.
Anger always makes more work, the question is what kind of work is it making? What kind of damage does it repair, that of a fallen world, or that of a man who lost control?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
God Doesn't Share
"Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God— otherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they would play the harlot with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might play the harlot with their gods and cause your sons also to play the harlot with their gods." -Exodus 34.12-16
Israel is preparing to enter a pagan land. They worship false gods with immoral and barbaric practices, and God commands His people to have nothing to do with them. When they enter the land they are to make no covenants with the people who inhabit it. Rather they are to destroy their worship practices. They are to tera down their altars, smash the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles. There is to be no worship in the land except to the Lord.
God is jealous for the hearts of His people, and He will not compete with anything else for it. God will not share our hearts, with Him it is all or nothing. If His people want to chase after false gods and engage in pagan practices that is there choice, but they will forfeit God's presence and His blessings. God wants to be with His people. He wants to bless them. And so He tells them to have nothing to do with everything that is false. Sadly, as we'll see, they choose what is not God over and over.
Men, how many times have we found ourselves there? We know what God has commanded; we know what is right, and yet we find ourselves moving toward something that is more enticing. A lot of these pagan practices revolved around sex, you can understand the draw, but all of them led to destruction and defilement. And whenever we choose something that is not of God, no matter what the draw might be, wealth, power, prestige, etc. we end up in the same place.
All Israel had to do was devote themselves completely to God. All they had to do was destroy every item used to worship a false god and not make a covenant with those who engaged in that worship. All we have to do is not engage in the things that God has warned us against. We know what they are, you know what they are, and if we live in obedience we will enjoy God's presence and provision. But only if He has our full hearts.
God will not share your heart. Will you let Him have it all, or will you choose to worship a false god?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel is preparing to enter a pagan land. They worship false gods with immoral and barbaric practices, and God commands His people to have nothing to do with them. When they enter the land they are to make no covenants with the people who inhabit it. Rather they are to destroy their worship practices. They are to tera down their altars, smash the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles. There is to be no worship in the land except to the Lord.
God is jealous for the hearts of His people, and He will not compete with anything else for it. God will not share our hearts, with Him it is all or nothing. If His people want to chase after false gods and engage in pagan practices that is there choice, but they will forfeit God's presence and His blessings. God wants to be with His people. He wants to bless them. And so He tells them to have nothing to do with everything that is false. Sadly, as we'll see, they choose what is not God over and over.
Men, how many times have we found ourselves there? We know what God has commanded; we know what is right, and yet we find ourselves moving toward something that is more enticing. A lot of these pagan practices revolved around sex, you can understand the draw, but all of them led to destruction and defilement. And whenever we choose something that is not of God, no matter what the draw might be, wealth, power, prestige, etc. we end up in the same place.
All Israel had to do was devote themselves completely to God. All they had to do was destroy every item used to worship a false god and not make a covenant with those who engaged in that worship. All we have to do is not engage in the things that God has warned us against. We know what they are, you know what they are, and if we live in obedience we will enjoy God's presence and provision. But only if He has our full hearts.
God will not share your heart. Will you let Him have it all, or will you choose to worship a false god?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
When God Shows Up
"Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.' Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship." -Exodus 34.6-8
Moses is back on the Mountain, alone, and meeting with God. God shows ups and passes in front of him, and Moses' reaction is to quickly fall on his face in worship of God. He doesn't say "Hi". He doesn't start telling God all of his problems. He doesn't present any request to God. He falls on his face and begins to worship. This is the only appropriate action in this moment. God is there, and His presence demands, and deserves, our worship.
Men, what is your reaction when God shows up? Do you pour your problems on Him right from the beginning? Do you begin talking to Him about everything you need Him to do for you? Or do you fall on your face and worship the King of the universe?
Let our only reaction to God's presence be our instant worship. When He shows up, let us fall on our faces before Him. Let us humbly give Him our worship that He alone is worthy of.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses is back on the Mountain, alone, and meeting with God. God shows ups and passes in front of him, and Moses' reaction is to quickly fall on his face in worship of God. He doesn't say "Hi". He doesn't start telling God all of his problems. He doesn't present any request to God. He falls on his face and begins to worship. This is the only appropriate action in this moment. God is there, and His presence demands, and deserves, our worship.
Men, what is your reaction when God shows up? Do you pour your problems on Him right from the beginning? Do you begin talking to Him about everything you need Him to do for you? Or do you fall on your face and worship the King of the universe?
Let our only reaction to God's presence be our instant worship. When He shows up, let us fall on our faces before Him. Let us humbly give Him our worship that He alone is worthy of.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, July 14, 2014
With God
"Then he said to Him, 'If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?" -Exodus 33.15-16
Moses' prayer continues, and he says to God, "If You don't go with us, then don't move us on from here." I'm sure Moses is anxious to get to the Promised Land. These people haven't been the easiest bunch to live with. They spend a lot of time complaining, or sinning, and I'm sure it was like traveling with a couple little kids who kept screaming in the back seat and asking "Are we there yet?"
Plus it was the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham. After centuries the people would finally be in the land that God had sworn to give to them, a land flowing with milk and honey. This is the place that God had intended for them to be, and finally they would be there. And all of this is taking place before they have been sentenced to forty years of wandering. I'm sure Moses wanted to get there fast, but he wanted to be with God more, and so his prayer was to stay put unless God was going with them.
Men, think about the places you're thinking about going. Whether it be for a new job, a better school system for your kids, or maybe downsizing to a smaller home as an empty nester. Is your prayer, "God unless You go with me, don't lead me there"? It's easy to get caught up in our plans, our hopes, and our dreams that we neglect to seek God's presence. All of these things could be good things that fall within God's will for our lives, but if He isn't present in them, it's a mistake to go.
It was God's will for the people of Israel to reach the Promised Land, but Moses didn't want to go anywhere without God. If we take a new job and God isn't there what do you think happens? Stress we can't manage, we pour more into the job than into our families, life becomes about work. If we go somewhere for the schools and God isn't there what happens? Our kids don't adjust well, maybe it's at the wrong time in life, they lose relationships that they weren't supposed to be done with yet. If we downsize a house and God isn't there what happens? We run off to Florida and live with a bunch of retired people when our wisdom and experience is needed elsewhere to raise up young men.
But if we refuse to go unless God is with us, then these problems go away. I'm not saying we won't have any problems where we end up, but we'll be in the center of God's will and He will be with us. The timing will be right, the place will be right, and everything will fall into place.
Let us never move unless God is going with us, leading us forward. Let us go with God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses' prayer continues, and he says to God, "If You don't go with us, then don't move us on from here." I'm sure Moses is anxious to get to the Promised Land. These people haven't been the easiest bunch to live with. They spend a lot of time complaining, or sinning, and I'm sure it was like traveling with a couple little kids who kept screaming in the back seat and asking "Are we there yet?"
Plus it was the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham. After centuries the people would finally be in the land that God had sworn to give to them, a land flowing with milk and honey. This is the place that God had intended for them to be, and finally they would be there. And all of this is taking place before they have been sentenced to forty years of wandering. I'm sure Moses wanted to get there fast, but he wanted to be with God more, and so his prayer was to stay put unless God was going with them.
Men, think about the places you're thinking about going. Whether it be for a new job, a better school system for your kids, or maybe downsizing to a smaller home as an empty nester. Is your prayer, "God unless You go with me, don't lead me there"? It's easy to get caught up in our plans, our hopes, and our dreams that we neglect to seek God's presence. All of these things could be good things that fall within God's will for our lives, but if He isn't present in them, it's a mistake to go.
It was God's will for the people of Israel to reach the Promised Land, but Moses didn't want to go anywhere without God. If we take a new job and God isn't there what do you think happens? Stress we can't manage, we pour more into the job than into our families, life becomes about work. If we go somewhere for the schools and God isn't there what happens? Our kids don't adjust well, maybe it's at the wrong time in life, they lose relationships that they weren't supposed to be done with yet. If we downsize a house and God isn't there what happens? We run off to Florida and live with a bunch of retired people when our wisdom and experience is needed elsewhere to raise up young men.
But if we refuse to go unless God is with us, then these problems go away. I'm not saying we won't have any problems where we end up, but we'll be in the center of God's will and He will be with us. The timing will be right, the place will be right, and everything will fall into place.
Let us never move unless God is going with us, leading us forward. Let us go with God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Knowing God
"Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people." -Exodus 33.13
Moses already speaks with God like no one else ever has. The two of them meet and speak face to face as friends. But look at Moses' prayer here. He wants to know the ways of God so that he might know God. He prays that he has found favor in the sight of God so that his prayer will be answered and he will continue to find favor in the sight of God. Moses, the man who had one of the most intimate relationships with God, simply wants to know God more.
Men, what is your prayer? Is it to simply know God's ways so that we may know Him? What if it was? What if our primary prayer was to know God more? We would have to live our lives in a manner that was worthy to receive that knowledge to begin with. But once we began to learn more about Him, we would want to continue to know more. And the more we learned, the more we would want to live it out, which leads to us finding favor in God's sight so that He can continue to teach us more of His ways.
Moses, the man of God, simply prayed that God would teach him more about Himself. Moses just wanted to know God more, and it's because of this that God was able to reveal so much to him. And the more Moses knew about God, the more he was able to instruct Israel about God and how to live.
If we would seek to teach others about God, we must first know Him ourselves. And the more we know Him the more we can share. The more we are able to share, the more we can help others grow. Will you seek to know God? Will that be your prayer?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses already speaks with God like no one else ever has. The two of them meet and speak face to face as friends. But look at Moses' prayer here. He wants to know the ways of God so that he might know God. He prays that he has found favor in the sight of God so that his prayer will be answered and he will continue to find favor in the sight of God. Moses, the man who had one of the most intimate relationships with God, simply wants to know God more.
Men, what is your prayer? Is it to simply know God's ways so that we may know Him? What if it was? What if our primary prayer was to know God more? We would have to live our lives in a manner that was worthy to receive that knowledge to begin with. But once we began to learn more about Him, we would want to continue to know more. And the more we learned, the more we would want to live it out, which leads to us finding favor in God's sight so that He can continue to teach us more of His ways.
Moses, the man of God, simply prayed that God would teach him more about Himself. Moses just wanted to know God more, and it's because of this that God was able to reveal so much to him. And the more Moses knew about God, the more he was able to instruct Israel about God and how to live.
If we would seek to teach others about God, we must first know Him ourselves. And the more we know Him the more we can share. The more we are able to share, the more we can help others grow. Will you seek to know God? Will that be your prayer?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Another Man Called to Lead
"Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp. And it came about, whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent. Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent." -Exodus 33.7-11
After the incident with the golden calf Moses goes and makes atonement for the people, and God has them leave the mountain, heading to the Promised Land. But at this point, God Himself no longer goes with them. Instead He sends His angel ahead of them because He said if He were to go with them, He would destroy them. The continue on their journey to Canaan, and when they stop to make camp Moses would set a tent up outside the camp where he would go and meet with God.
Moses and God would talk face to face, as two friends having a conversation. Imagine what that would be like; to have that kind of intimacy with God. And in the final verse we see an essential attribute of a leader. When Moses would leave the tent and return to camp, Joshua would stay behind.
The first time that verse hit me I immediately thought of Joshua 1, as Joshua is preparing to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God promises him to be with him as he was with Moses. Why can this promise be made? Because Joshua sought God like Moses did. When Moses left the tent of meeting Joshua stayed behind. And it is important to note that at this time Joshua has no idea that he will be the next leader of Israel, Moses doesn't even know that yet. It isn't until Numbers 27 that we find this out. Joshua stays behind in the tent of meeting, and does not depart. He can lead like Moses, because he sought God like Moses.
Men, what kind of leader, what kind of man, do you want to be? Who is the man you admire most? Who is the man about whom you say, "I hope I can be half the man he is."? What makes them the way they are? Are you striving to be like them by doing what they do? I'm not saying to copy them in every aspect of their lives, but do you live like they live?
The man I admire most is the wise "old" Sage I've mentioned before. We have different passions, different strengths, and our hearts break for different things, but I want to live as he lives, fully devoted to Kingdom work, always focused on glorifying God. God probably won't use me in the same way He has used this man, we're different people, but if I seek to live as he has lived, God can use me in the same capacity.
Moses and Joshua had very different ministries, but God was with them equally because they sought Him equally. We have no record of Aaron doing this, even as a priest, and Aaron failed. But Joshua ended up being a great leader who began the conquest of the Promised Land. Two men were called to lead, one failed, the other didn't.
You, too, are another man called to lead, what is your approach to the preparation?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
After the incident with the golden calf Moses goes and makes atonement for the people, and God has them leave the mountain, heading to the Promised Land. But at this point, God Himself no longer goes with them. Instead He sends His angel ahead of them because He said if He were to go with them, He would destroy them. The continue on their journey to Canaan, and when they stop to make camp Moses would set a tent up outside the camp where he would go and meet with God.
Moses and God would talk face to face, as two friends having a conversation. Imagine what that would be like; to have that kind of intimacy with God. And in the final verse we see an essential attribute of a leader. When Moses would leave the tent and return to camp, Joshua would stay behind.
The first time that verse hit me I immediately thought of Joshua 1, as Joshua is preparing to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God promises him to be with him as he was with Moses. Why can this promise be made? Because Joshua sought God like Moses did. When Moses left the tent of meeting Joshua stayed behind. And it is important to note that at this time Joshua has no idea that he will be the next leader of Israel, Moses doesn't even know that yet. It isn't until Numbers 27 that we find this out. Joshua stays behind in the tent of meeting, and does not depart. He can lead like Moses, because he sought God like Moses.
Men, what kind of leader, what kind of man, do you want to be? Who is the man you admire most? Who is the man about whom you say, "I hope I can be half the man he is."? What makes them the way they are? Are you striving to be like them by doing what they do? I'm not saying to copy them in every aspect of their lives, but do you live like they live?
The man I admire most is the wise "old" Sage I've mentioned before. We have different passions, different strengths, and our hearts break for different things, but I want to live as he lives, fully devoted to Kingdom work, always focused on glorifying God. God probably won't use me in the same way He has used this man, we're different people, but if I seek to live as he has lived, God can use me in the same capacity.
Moses and Joshua had very different ministries, but God was with them equally because they sought Him equally. We have no record of Aaron doing this, even as a priest, and Aaron failed. But Joshua ended up being a great leader who began the conquest of the Promised Land. Two men were called to lead, one failed, the other didn't.
You, too, are another man called to lead, what is your approach to the preparation?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, July 11, 2014
Refusal to Own Failure
"Then Moses said to Aaron, 'What did this people do to you, that you have brought such great sin upon them?' Aaron said, 'Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil. For they said to me, "Make a god for us who will go before us; for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." I said to them, "Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off." So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.'" -Exodus 32.21-24
Moses is back, and he's angry. So angry in fact that he smashed the two stone tablets that God had written and given to him on the mountain. He takes the golden calf, throws it in the fire, and then grinds it into a powder which he adds to the water source and makes the people drink it. And then he confronts Aaron.
Aaron messed up. He knew he had, but instead of owning his failure, he like Adam way back in the garden, paces the blame. It wasn't his fault, the people made him, he said. And it wasn't as if he had done it on purpose, he just put the gold in the fire and it miraculously became a calf on its own. I'm wondering what Moses' face looked like as he got this explanation.
Aaron knew he had lost control, messed up, and led the people into sin and shame. But still he couldn't admit it. Even in all the chaos he was still trying to cover his own backside by passing the blame on to the people and chance. He was trying to save face, and so he lies and fails to own his failure.
Men, this has been the case since the first one of us messed up. Adam passed the blame to Eve, Aaron passed it to the people, and today we push the blame off on whoever we think we can get away with. Why are we so proud that we can't own our failures? Why are we so terrified of making mistakes that we try to save face at someone else's expense? How many times have you tired to use the excuse, "It just happened by itself"?
It doesn't take a man to pass the blame. Every time one of us tries we are refusing to play the man. Let's not be like Adam, or Aaron, let's be men. When we mess up, let's suck it up, own it, and move on. Let's man up and deal with the consequences of our failures, and then learn from them. Let's be men, and own our failure.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses is back, and he's angry. So angry in fact that he smashed the two stone tablets that God had written and given to him on the mountain. He takes the golden calf, throws it in the fire, and then grinds it into a powder which he adds to the water source and makes the people drink it. And then he confronts Aaron.
Aaron messed up. He knew he had, but instead of owning his failure, he like Adam way back in the garden, paces the blame. It wasn't his fault, the people made him, he said. And it wasn't as if he had done it on purpose, he just put the gold in the fire and it miraculously became a calf on its own. I'm wondering what Moses' face looked like as he got this explanation.
Aaron knew he had lost control, messed up, and led the people into sin and shame. But still he couldn't admit it. Even in all the chaos he was still trying to cover his own backside by passing the blame on to the people and chance. He was trying to save face, and so he lies and fails to own his failure.
Men, this has been the case since the first one of us messed up. Adam passed the blame to Eve, Aaron passed it to the people, and today we push the blame off on whoever we think we can get away with. Why are we so proud that we can't own our failures? Why are we so terrified of making mistakes that we try to save face at someone else's expense? How many times have you tired to use the excuse, "It just happened by itself"?
It doesn't take a man to pass the blame. Every time one of us tries we are refusing to play the man. Let's not be like Adam, or Aaron, let's be men. When we mess up, let's suck it up, own it, and move on. Let's man up and deal with the consequences of our failures, and then learn from them. Let's be men, and own our failure.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Much of God
"The Lord said to Moses, 'I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.' Then Moses entreated the Lord his God, and said, 'O Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, "With evil intent He brought them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth"? Turn from Your burning anger and change Your mind about doing harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants to whom You swore by Yourself, and said to them, "I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heavens, and all this land of which I have spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever."' So the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people." -Exodus 32.9-14
God has seen the act of idolatry that Israel has committed, and He is angry. He's put up with so much from this group of people, but this act is the last straw. After everything that He has done for them, after all they have seen Him do, they make a golden calf and worship it declaring it to be the god who brought them out of Egypt.
Alone on the mountain God says to Moses, "I'm going to wipe them out and start over with you. The things I promised to Abraham I promise to you, and will fulfill in you. I will make you a great nation." Most people wouldn't have thought twice. They would have said, "Go get them God, they deserve it. I won't let you down." But Moses is not most people. Instead of jumping at the opportunity for greatness, he talks to God, and changes His mind.
Moses is being offered the chance for greatness, the head of the chosen nation that will bring the greatest blessing the world has ever known, and he turns it down. He looks out for God's character and reputation above his own. He is more concerned with God looking good than himself. Moses is the leader we should strive to be like. How many of us could do what he did?
Men, what is your focus, to make God look good, or yourself? Over the past few weeks I've started to think about songs I've forgotten. By this I mean those worship songs that were so popular 10-15 years ago and we thought we'd be singing them forever but we haven't heard them in almost a decade. There is one called "Much of You" and it reminds us that our purpose is not to draw others to us, to bring glory to ourselves, but instead to make much of God.
Moses sets the example of making much of God. He is being offered greatness, but instead turns it down so that God may be glorified for His mercy. He is living to make much of God. Let the same be said of us. Make much of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has seen the act of idolatry that Israel has committed, and He is angry. He's put up with so much from this group of people, but this act is the last straw. After everything that He has done for them, after all they have seen Him do, they make a golden calf and worship it declaring it to be the god who brought them out of Egypt.
Alone on the mountain God says to Moses, "I'm going to wipe them out and start over with you. The things I promised to Abraham I promise to you, and will fulfill in you. I will make you a great nation." Most people wouldn't have thought twice. They would have said, "Go get them God, they deserve it. I won't let you down." But Moses is not most people. Instead of jumping at the opportunity for greatness, he talks to God, and changes His mind.
Moses is being offered the chance for greatness, the head of the chosen nation that will bring the greatest blessing the world has ever known, and he turns it down. He looks out for God's character and reputation above his own. He is more concerned with God looking good than himself. Moses is the leader we should strive to be like. How many of us could do what he did?
Men, what is your focus, to make God look good, or yourself? Over the past few weeks I've started to think about songs I've forgotten. By this I mean those worship songs that were so popular 10-15 years ago and we thought we'd be singing them forever but we haven't heard them in almost a decade. There is one called "Much of You" and it reminds us that our purpose is not to draw others to us, to bring glory to ourselves, but instead to make much of God.
Moses sets the example of making much of God. He is being offered greatness, but instead turns it down so that God may be glorified for His mercy. He is living to make much of God. Let the same be said of us. Make much of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
A Man Who Failed to Lead
"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, 'Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' Aaron said to them, 'Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.' Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, 'This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.' Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, 'Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.' So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play." -Exodus 32.1-6
Moses has been on the mountain for a while, a long while, and the people are beginning to get restless, maybe even a bit scared, worried, and desperate. They turn to Aaron for guidance and leadership, and ask him to make them a god to go before them. And here we see Aaron, the man chosen by God to serve as High Priest, leads the people away from God.
Think about what Aaron has been through in the recent past. He's been the mouthpiece of God to Pharaoh. He's performed the wonders of God. He has been side by side with his brother Moses as they have done God's work to free the people. He has spoken God's messages, and had God's power flow through him. And God has selected him to represent the nation of Israel before Him. Aaron should have pointed them to God, but instead he makes them an idol of gold.
Aaron, in his role, is supposed to point the people to God. Instead, he makes them a golden calf, and points them towards a lifeless idol. He is supposed to offer sacrifices to God for the people, instead he builds an altar to the idol he has made and organizes a festival of worship to it. He is doing everything he was called to do as a priest, but the focus is away from God. Instead of drawing the people to the true Lord, he has led them astray. He has failed to lead.
Men, we've been called to lead others to God. When people look to us, where do we point them? Do we lead them towards God by our words and actions, or do we point them towards a golden calf? We have been called to serve as priest, pointing others to God, but are we living out this calling? How often do we point people away from God by our attitudes and actions? How often do we fail to lead?
Aaron may have caved under the pressure. He may have given in after hours, or even days, of resisting wore down his resolve. But I think it was something deeper as we'll see when we look at another man called to lead. The one we choose to be like will determine whether or not we fail to lead.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses has been on the mountain for a while, a long while, and the people are beginning to get restless, maybe even a bit scared, worried, and desperate. They turn to Aaron for guidance and leadership, and ask him to make them a god to go before them. And here we see Aaron, the man chosen by God to serve as High Priest, leads the people away from God.
Think about what Aaron has been through in the recent past. He's been the mouthpiece of God to Pharaoh. He's performed the wonders of God. He has been side by side with his brother Moses as they have done God's work to free the people. He has spoken God's messages, and had God's power flow through him. And God has selected him to represent the nation of Israel before Him. Aaron should have pointed them to God, but instead he makes them an idol of gold.
Aaron, in his role, is supposed to point the people to God. Instead, he makes them a golden calf, and points them towards a lifeless idol. He is supposed to offer sacrifices to God for the people, instead he builds an altar to the idol he has made and organizes a festival of worship to it. He is doing everything he was called to do as a priest, but the focus is away from God. Instead of drawing the people to the true Lord, he has led them astray. He has failed to lead.
Men, we've been called to lead others to God. When people look to us, where do we point them? Do we lead them towards God by our words and actions, or do we point them towards a golden calf? We have been called to serve as priest, pointing others to God, but are we living out this calling? How often do we point people away from God by our attitudes and actions? How often do we fail to lead?
Aaron may have caved under the pressure. He may have given in after hours, or even days, of resisting wore down his resolve. But I think it was something deeper as we'll see when we look at another man called to lead. The one we choose to be like will determine whether or not we fail to lead.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Skills for Service
"and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:" -Exodus 31.6b
As God finishes giving Moses the instructions for the tabernacle we see this important note. All those who are skillful have been given that skill by God. The skills they have are to be used for His service. He has listed two here by name, Bezalel and Oholiab, two men who are skilled to do the work needed for the tabernacle's completion. They have been given skills, and the time has come to offer them in service to the One who gave them.
Men, each of us has skills, how are you using yours? Are you focused on getting ahead with your gifts and talents, or advancing the Kingdom? Are you using your mind to promote your ideas, or to instruct and disciple others? Are you using your skills selflessly or selfishly?
Back in Genesis we saw that God told Abraham and his descendants that through them all the families of the world would be blessed. We are blessed to be a blessing. And in the the same way we are skilled to serve. God does not equip us to live for ourselves, but for Him. He empowers us so that we can fulfill the work that He has called us to do. Each of us is called, and each of us is equipped.
Will you use your skills for service?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
As God finishes giving Moses the instructions for the tabernacle we see this important note. All those who are skillful have been given that skill by God. The skills they have are to be used for His service. He has listed two here by name, Bezalel and Oholiab, two men who are skilled to do the work needed for the tabernacle's completion. They have been given skills, and the time has come to offer them in service to the One who gave them.
Men, each of us has skills, how are you using yours? Are you focused on getting ahead with your gifts and talents, or advancing the Kingdom? Are you using your mind to promote your ideas, or to instruct and disciple others? Are you using your skills selflessly or selfishly?
Back in Genesis we saw that God told Abraham and his descendants that through them all the families of the world would be blessed. We are blessed to be a blessing. And in the the same way we are skilled to serve. God does not equip us to live for ourselves, but for Him. He empowers us so that we can fulfill the work that He has called us to do. Each of us is called, and each of us is equipped.
Will you use your skills for service?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, July 7, 2014
A Man Called to Lead
"Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps. When Aaron trims the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations... Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year; he shall make atonement on it with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once a year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord... You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister as priests to Me." -Exodus 30.7-8, 10, and 30
God has called Aaron to leadership. He is to serve as High Priest before the Lord, and represent the people. It is his duty, and privilege, to oversee the work of the tabernacle, and to represent the people before God. He is the one who will bring the blood of the sin offering before God to make atonement for the sins of the people. It is a great honor and a great responsibility.
Aaron's job is to point others to God. This is the life God has called him to. He has equipped him with holy clothes that set him apart. He has put him through the ceremony of ordination. Now He lays out specific tasks for him. I wonder how he felt that day? I wonder what thoughts were going through his mind? I imagine he felt a mix of pride and humility, excitement and nervousness, joy and fear. And I bet if we were could ask him, he'd be able to tell you all the details of that day. Where he was, what he was doing.
Men, it is a tremendous honor to be called into the service of God. It is an even bigger honor to be called into leadership for God. All men are called to be leaders. Maybe God has made this calling evident to you already, and maybe He hasn't yet. Maybe you've reached the point where God begins to give you the specifics, and maybe He's still being very vague.
Let us always remember who it is who has called us, and appointed us as leaders. Whether it be leaders of a church, a business, or a family, you have been called to lead by God. May you realize that your position is yours so that you can point others to Him. That He is the one who has called you to leadership, and placed you there.
May our focus always be on Him who called us to lead. Sadly, this isn't what we'll see with Aaron.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has called Aaron to leadership. He is to serve as High Priest before the Lord, and represent the people. It is his duty, and privilege, to oversee the work of the tabernacle, and to represent the people before God. He is the one who will bring the blood of the sin offering before God to make atonement for the sins of the people. It is a great honor and a great responsibility.
Aaron's job is to point others to God. This is the life God has called him to. He has equipped him with holy clothes that set him apart. He has put him through the ceremony of ordination. Now He lays out specific tasks for him. I wonder how he felt that day? I wonder what thoughts were going through his mind? I imagine he felt a mix of pride and humility, excitement and nervousness, joy and fear. And I bet if we were could ask him, he'd be able to tell you all the details of that day. Where he was, what he was doing.
Men, it is a tremendous honor to be called into the service of God. It is an even bigger honor to be called into leadership for God. All men are called to be leaders. Maybe God has made this calling evident to you already, and maybe He hasn't yet. Maybe you've reached the point where God begins to give you the specifics, and maybe He's still being very vague.
Let us always remember who it is who has called us, and appointed us as leaders. Whether it be leaders of a church, a business, or a family, you have been called to lead by God. May you realize that your position is yours so that you can point others to Him. That He is the one who has called you to leadership, and placed you there.
May our focus always be on Him who called us to lead. Sadly, this isn't what we'll see with Aaron.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Ordained as Men
"Then you shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. You shall slaughter the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear and on the lobes of his sons’ right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet, and sprinkle the rest of the blood around on the altar. Then you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments and on his sons and on his sons’ garments with him; so he and his garments shall be consecrated, as well as his sons and his sons’ garments with him." -Exodus 29.19-21
Here in Exodus 29 God is instructing Moses on how to ordain priests of the service of God. The first thing we notice is that there is death and blood involved. Hands are placed on the head of a ram, the ram is slaughtered, and the blood is placed on the priest and then sprinkled on the altar. They are being consecrated and set apart for service to God. Just as their garments were to be holy and set apart for work in the tabernacle, so their lives are to be set apart in service to God. It's a serious calling, and a serious process.
Men, we have been called to be priests. We have been charged with the spiritual instruction of our families. It is a serious task. We don't sprinkle blood on an altar, or put some on our ear lobes, thumbs, or big toes, PETA would go nuts if we did. That ceremony is gone, but we need ceremony still.
When I worked through The Way of the Wild Heart the book talks about the intentionality of raising boys into manhood. It takes about initiation, and about ceremony, and how we've lost it. Being a man is a serious thing, it's a serious calling. Sadly too many do it casually and selfishly. This is not what God created and called us to do.
We are to be men, set apart, and ordained by God to lead others to Him. We are set apart for His holy work, and it is a serious undertaking. Let us treat it as such. Let the masculine journey not be something we neglect, or do half-heartedly. Let us pour ourselves fully into it, realizing that if we don't something much more valuable than a ram is going to die.
Let us allow God to ordain us as men.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Here in Exodus 29 God is instructing Moses on how to ordain priests of the service of God. The first thing we notice is that there is death and blood involved. Hands are placed on the head of a ram, the ram is slaughtered, and the blood is placed on the priest and then sprinkled on the altar. They are being consecrated and set apart for service to God. Just as their garments were to be holy and set apart for work in the tabernacle, so their lives are to be set apart in service to God. It's a serious calling, and a serious process.
Men, we have been called to be priests. We have been charged with the spiritual instruction of our families. It is a serious task. We don't sprinkle blood on an altar, or put some on our ear lobes, thumbs, or big toes, PETA would go nuts if we did. That ceremony is gone, but we need ceremony still.
When I worked through The Way of the Wild Heart the book talks about the intentionality of raising boys into manhood. It takes about initiation, and about ceremony, and how we've lost it. Being a man is a serious thing, it's a serious calling. Sadly too many do it casually and selfishly. This is not what God created and called us to do.
We are to be men, set apart, and ordained by God to lead others to Him. We are set apart for His holy work, and it is a serious undertaking. Let us treat it as such. Let the masculine journey not be something we neglect, or do half-heartedly. Let us pour ourselves fully into it, realizing that if we don't something much more valuable than a ram is going to die.
Let us allow God to ordain us as men.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Holy Clothes
"You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty... You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty." -Exodus 28.2, 40
God is now giving instructions for the garments that the priests are to wear as they enter to perform their duty of service before Him. The garments are to be holy, not that the material is holy, but that the garments are used for a holy purpose. This attire is worn only during service to God, it is not used for ordinary tasks of chopping wood, collecting manna, or fetching water. These garments are intended for a holy purpose.
And they are for glory and beauty. Only the priests wore something like this. The clothing of the people did not come close to these garments. It was a symbol of their responsibility and duty. People saw the priest as the men who represented them before God. They stood apart and were known by their appearance. And it was something that warranted respect. This was a high calling from God, and those who served honorably and rightly, deserved the respect of the people.
Men, do you look like a priest? We don't wear special garments today, but each of us is called to spiritually lead our own families. Do our wives look at us and see someone who goes to God for them (Not that they can't seek God themselves, but do they see a spiritual leader)? Do our children see us as someone who is living with honor and righteousness? Do they seem something worthy of respect and worthy of imitation?
The role of the priest was to represent the people before God, because of Jesus' sacrificial death all of us now have that opportunity personally. We do not need a priest to tell us our sins are forgiven, or to go to God on our behalf, we have the right to do it ourselves. As men, as fathers, our children's view of God will be greatly shaped by what they see in us. Are we wearing priestly garments that allow them to see the love and goodness of God, inspiring them to follow Him?
What are you wearing? Is it holy?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God is now giving instructions for the garments that the priests are to wear as they enter to perform their duty of service before Him. The garments are to be holy, not that the material is holy, but that the garments are used for a holy purpose. This attire is worn only during service to God, it is not used for ordinary tasks of chopping wood, collecting manna, or fetching water. These garments are intended for a holy purpose.
And they are for glory and beauty. Only the priests wore something like this. The clothing of the people did not come close to these garments. It was a symbol of their responsibility and duty. People saw the priest as the men who represented them before God. They stood apart and were known by their appearance. And it was something that warranted respect. This was a high calling from God, and those who served honorably and rightly, deserved the respect of the people.
Men, do you look like a priest? We don't wear special garments today, but each of us is called to spiritually lead our own families. Do our wives look at us and see someone who goes to God for them (Not that they can't seek God themselves, but do they see a spiritual leader)? Do our children see us as someone who is living with honor and righteousness? Do they seem something worthy of respect and worthy of imitation?
The role of the priest was to represent the people before God, because of Jesus' sacrificial death all of us now have that opportunity personally. We do not need a priest to tell us our sins are forgiven, or to go to God on our behalf, we have the right to do it ourselves. As men, as fathers, our children's view of God will be greatly shaped by what they see in us. Are we wearing priestly garments that allow them to see the love and goodness of God, inspiring them to follow Him?
What are you wearing? Is it holy?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, July 4, 2014
Specific Gift
"For the gate of the court there shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver, with their four pillars and their four sockets." -Exodus 27.16
As God continues to show Moses the plans for the tabernacle, He gets more specific as to who is to do certain tasks. Before it was simply a skilled craftsman, but now He specifically says it is to be the work of a weaver. This specific task involves a making a screen of material and fine twisted linen. There may have been a skilled craftsman with metal work, but he wouldn't be able to do this job. A skilled carpenter wouldn't be able to work with fabric like he could acacia wood. God specifically says that this is a job for a weaver.
Each of us have gifts, not all of them are the same, and that's the way it's supposed to be. We are unique, and we need eachother. All of us are called to the service of God, but not all of us are needed at the same time for every task. Sometimes a skilled weaver is needed, other times a skilled metal worker, and other times a skilled carpenter. But it is only when all of them combine their skills that the whole project can be completed.
Men, what is your reaction when your specific skill is not needed? Do you react in anger and bitterness? With jealousy? Or do you react with joy and humility? No one can do it all, God made it that way on purpose. But all of us have a skill to offer to His service. Is yours being finely tuned so that you are a skilled craftsman? Or are you neglecting it because you aren't needed at this moment?
Right now I'm not serving in full time ministry. I'll be honest, it's frustrating at time. Some Sunday's it's hard to get up and go to church because I'm just an attendee. It would be very easy to be angry and bitter, saying "God if this is what You're having me do, I'm not doing it because it isn't what I want." But where is that attitude going to get me? In the same situation until I learn my lesson, or worse, it could make me turn away from God completely.
That hasn't been my attitude this time (because I've learned from past experiences) and though my personal skill is not being called upon at the moment, I'm doing what I can to hone it. I write this blog, I'm helping teach a couple classes at church focused on new believer growth, and I'm getting ready to attack my Master's here in the next few weeks. I'm working to prepare my specific gift as much as I can, so that when it is needed I'm able to offer it.
We are all gifted in a specific area, find yours, develope it, be ready to use your specific gift.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
As God continues to show Moses the plans for the tabernacle, He gets more specific as to who is to do certain tasks. Before it was simply a skilled craftsman, but now He specifically says it is to be the work of a weaver. This specific task involves a making a screen of material and fine twisted linen. There may have been a skilled craftsman with metal work, but he wouldn't be able to do this job. A skilled carpenter wouldn't be able to work with fabric like he could acacia wood. God specifically says that this is a job for a weaver.
Each of us have gifts, not all of them are the same, and that's the way it's supposed to be. We are unique, and we need eachother. All of us are called to the service of God, but not all of us are needed at the same time for every task. Sometimes a skilled weaver is needed, other times a skilled metal worker, and other times a skilled carpenter. But it is only when all of them combine their skills that the whole project can be completed.
Men, what is your reaction when your specific skill is not needed? Do you react in anger and bitterness? With jealousy? Or do you react with joy and humility? No one can do it all, God made it that way on purpose. But all of us have a skill to offer to His service. Is yours being finely tuned so that you are a skilled craftsman? Or are you neglecting it because you aren't needed at this moment?
Right now I'm not serving in full time ministry. I'll be honest, it's frustrating at time. Some Sunday's it's hard to get up and go to church because I'm just an attendee. It would be very easy to be angry and bitter, saying "God if this is what You're having me do, I'm not doing it because it isn't what I want." But where is that attitude going to get me? In the same situation until I learn my lesson, or worse, it could make me turn away from God completely.
That hasn't been my attitude this time (because I've learned from past experiences) and though my personal skill is not being called upon at the moment, I'm doing what I can to hone it. I write this blog, I'm helping teach a couple classes at church focused on new believer growth, and I'm getting ready to attack my Master's here in the next few weeks. I'm working to prepare my specific gift as much as I can, so that when it is needed I'm able to offer it.
We are all gifted in a specific area, find yours, develope it, be ready to use your specific gift.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Skillful Workmen
"Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman... You shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman." -Exodus 26.1, 31
God continues to instruct His people on the construction of the tabernacle. Here He begins to describe how they are to make the tent itself, and in these two verses we see that the work is to be done by a skillful workman. They aren't just supposed to grab the first volunteer, it needs to be someone who knows what they are doing. Someone who has trained and developed their skills to be able to do the intricate work that is required. Afterall this is going to be the place where God dwells, it demands their very best.
As I read this text my mind goes back several years. I think it was late in college, but it could even have been late high school. My grandpa and I were going to the church my dad was serving at to build some cupboards in order to hide jobs that were done halfway decades earlier. In the fellowship hall the electric panel was placed in the middle of the one wall, right in plain sight. In the men's room the plumbing looked like it had been thrown together in about ten minutes, and all of it was running, fully exposed, up the corner. I don't remember most of that day, but I remember my grandfather saying, "No one would ever do that kind of job in their own house, so why is it good enough for God's?"
If we enter into the service of God, which all of us are called to do, then it is our duty and responsibility to develop our skills for His service. God has created, called, and equipped us to take part in His story, we need to be prepared.
Men, are you honing your skills so that when the call comes for a skillful workman you can be seriously considered for the task? Or is your mindset more along the lines of "Anything is good enough for God"?
There is a difference between, "Anything is good enough" and "This is the best I can do". I remember being in a church in Thessaloniki, Greece and wondering what Paul would have said about the ornamentation of the building had he been there today. I asked a professor I was with who brought up that question and told me about a time he was at a church on an island somewhere in the South Pacific. He said that Sunday the people of the church had covered the altar with tropical flowers. They didn't have the gold to decorate as the church in Greece did, but the offered the best they had.
What do you offer? The best you can, or the leftovers because it's "Good enough"? Let us always strive to give our very best to God, and always strive to improve so that we may continue to offer Him better and better. Let us hone our skills so that we may be called upon as skillful workmen.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God continues to instruct His people on the construction of the tabernacle. Here He begins to describe how they are to make the tent itself, and in these two verses we see that the work is to be done by a skillful workman. They aren't just supposed to grab the first volunteer, it needs to be someone who knows what they are doing. Someone who has trained and developed their skills to be able to do the intricate work that is required. Afterall this is going to be the place where God dwells, it demands their very best.
As I read this text my mind goes back several years. I think it was late in college, but it could even have been late high school. My grandpa and I were going to the church my dad was serving at to build some cupboards in order to hide jobs that were done halfway decades earlier. In the fellowship hall the electric panel was placed in the middle of the one wall, right in plain sight. In the men's room the plumbing looked like it had been thrown together in about ten minutes, and all of it was running, fully exposed, up the corner. I don't remember most of that day, but I remember my grandfather saying, "No one would ever do that kind of job in their own house, so why is it good enough for God's?"
If we enter into the service of God, which all of us are called to do, then it is our duty and responsibility to develop our skills for His service. God has created, called, and equipped us to take part in His story, we need to be prepared.
Men, are you honing your skills so that when the call comes for a skillful workman you can be seriously considered for the task? Or is your mindset more along the lines of "Anything is good enough for God"?
There is a difference between, "Anything is good enough" and "This is the best I can do". I remember being in a church in Thessaloniki, Greece and wondering what Paul would have said about the ornamentation of the building had he been there today. I asked a professor I was with who brought up that question and told me about a time he was at a church on an island somewhere in the South Pacific. He said that Sunday the people of the church had covered the altar with tropical flowers. They didn't have the gold to decorate as the church in Greece did, but the offered the best they had.
What do you offer? The best you can, or the leftovers because it's "Good enough"? Let us always strive to give our very best to God, and always strive to improve so that we may continue to offer Him better and better. Let us hone our skills so that we may be called upon as skillful workmen.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
What's Available
"They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high... You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold... You shall make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long and one cubit wide and one and a half cubits high... You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried." -Exodus 25.10, 13, 23, and 28
As God begins to give instructions for His earthly dwelling place, we notice that a certain type of wood is used, acacia wood. Do you know why acacia wood was used? Because it was available. God instructed the people to use the wood that was at hand for the construction of the Tabernacle and some of its artifacts. They are traveling through the desert at this point, not a forest with choice pine or cedar. Acacia is what was there, and so acacia is what God used.
But He doesn't leave it as it is. He takes this wood that had great qualities, strength and resistance to insects and water, and then makes it fit for Himself. The wood is covered with gold. God takes the common, the available, and uses them for His service. He takes an oridinary branch and turns it into a gold covered pole that will carry a sacred chest. He takes a common tree and has it turned into a gold chest that will hold the mercy seat where He will meet with His people.
Men, are you available? God has given you gifts that make use ideal for service. Acacia wood is strong, and therefore good for construction. It resists insects and water making it durable and long lasting. But those properties do no good if the tree is 1,000 miles away. Your gifts are of no use to God if they aren't available. If you aren't willing to be used by Him then what good is your gift of speaking, or leadership?
You may feel that your skills aren't ready for service, that they are underdeveloped. Don't worry, God takes what is available, and makes it ready to serve Him. He had the wood covered with gold, and He will take your gifts and develop them. He will cover you with the Holy Spirit, making you fit to serve Him.
God uses what is available, are you?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
As God begins to give instructions for His earthly dwelling place, we notice that a certain type of wood is used, acacia wood. Do you know why acacia wood was used? Because it was available. God instructed the people to use the wood that was at hand for the construction of the Tabernacle and some of its artifacts. They are traveling through the desert at this point, not a forest with choice pine or cedar. Acacia is what was there, and so acacia is what God used.
But He doesn't leave it as it is. He takes this wood that had great qualities, strength and resistance to insects and water, and then makes it fit for Himself. The wood is covered with gold. God takes the common, the available, and uses them for His service. He takes an oridinary branch and turns it into a gold covered pole that will carry a sacred chest. He takes a common tree and has it turned into a gold chest that will hold the mercy seat where He will meet with His people.
Men, are you available? God has given you gifts that make use ideal for service. Acacia wood is strong, and therefore good for construction. It resists insects and water making it durable and long lasting. But those properties do no good if the tree is 1,000 miles away. Your gifts are of no use to God if they aren't available. If you aren't willing to be used by Him then what good is your gift of speaking, or leadership?
You may feel that your skills aren't ready for service, that they are underdeveloped. Don't worry, God takes what is available, and makes it ready to serve Him. He had the wood covered with gold, and He will take your gifts and develop them. He will cover you with the Holy Spirit, making you fit to serve Him.
God uses what is available, are you?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Offering
"Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution." -Exodus 25.2
God is preparing a dwelling place for Himself among the people. His presence will be there in a place of residence. But in order for this to be accomplished the people need to raise a contribution. When they left Egypt they plundered the Egyptians because God gave them favor in the sight of the Egyptians. The were slaves, who left as freed rich men. And now God is asking for a portion of what they received so that He may dwell among the people.
But God doesn't want them to give it out of obligation; He only wants those who feel moved to give, to give. He wants the offering to be made freely and joyfully, not out of compulsion. God gave them all that they have, and He's asking for those who are willing to give back so that He can bless them even more.
If we look at our lives honestly, we'll see that everything we have is from God. We came into this world with nothing, not even clothes on our back, but as we go through life we acquire things. Some obtain more than others, but all of us get things because God allows it. The question becomes are we willing to give back to Him? Are we willing to take our stuff, that isn't ours and if it lasts longer than our lives will go to someone else, if it doesn't get thrown out somewhere along the way, and invest it for God?
Men, are you willing to make a contribution for God? Is your heart moving you to invest? And it isn't just with money, though that is the context here. Are you willing to invest your time? Each minute is a gift from God that we didn't earn. Are you willing to invest your talents? Those are things we didn't earn either, God blessed us with them so that we could bless others. Are you willing to invest your experience? Some have lived a long time, and had both success and failures, are you willing to pour those things into the life of a young man you know? Are you willing to invest your life? It isn't your's, and its length is unknown. Are you willing to spend it in service to something greater than yourself?
God asks us to give back to Him from what He has given us. If we are willing the results will be more blessing. God will bless us with His presence. He will bless us with provision. The point of giving is not to receive the blessing, and if we do it that way we've missed the point. The point is obedience and love for God. The people gave because their hearts were moved by all that He had done for them.
How is your heart moved?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God is preparing a dwelling place for Himself among the people. His presence will be there in a place of residence. But in order for this to be accomplished the people need to raise a contribution. When they left Egypt they plundered the Egyptians because God gave them favor in the sight of the Egyptians. The were slaves, who left as freed rich men. And now God is asking for a portion of what they received so that He may dwell among the people.
But God doesn't want them to give it out of obligation; He only wants those who feel moved to give, to give. He wants the offering to be made freely and joyfully, not out of compulsion. God gave them all that they have, and He's asking for those who are willing to give back so that He can bless them even more.
If we look at our lives honestly, we'll see that everything we have is from God. We came into this world with nothing, not even clothes on our back, but as we go through life we acquire things. Some obtain more than others, but all of us get things because God allows it. The question becomes are we willing to give back to Him? Are we willing to take our stuff, that isn't ours and if it lasts longer than our lives will go to someone else, if it doesn't get thrown out somewhere along the way, and invest it for God?
Men, are you willing to make a contribution for God? Is your heart moving you to invest? And it isn't just with money, though that is the context here. Are you willing to invest your time? Each minute is a gift from God that we didn't earn. Are you willing to invest your talents? Those are things we didn't earn either, God blessed us with them so that we could bless others. Are you willing to invest your experience? Some have lived a long time, and had both success and failures, are you willing to pour those things into the life of a young man you know? Are you willing to invest your life? It isn't your's, and its length is unknown. Are you willing to spend it in service to something greater than yourself?
God asks us to give back to Him from what He has given us. If we are willing the results will be more blessing. God will bless us with His presence. He will bless us with provision. The point of giving is not to receive the blessing, and if we do it that way we've missed the point. The point is obedience and love for God. The people gave because their hearts were moved by all that He had done for them.
How is your heart moved?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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