"So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God." -Exodus 24.13
Moses is about to go meet with God and receive the stone tablets of the Law. As he prepares to go he calls for Joshua, his servant, and brings him with him up the mountain. We don't know yet if Moses knew Joshua would be his successor and lead the people, but we see Moses, an older, wiser man, taking a younger man and helping him encounter God.
Moses was a mentor to Joshua. We don't know the conversations they had, but it is clear that Moses is pouring into this young man. He is entrusting him with tasks, like leading the army of Israel into battle, and he is bringing him along to the mountain where God is. Oh that all young men would have a man to do this for them.
This is my passion, and I believe my calling. I'm at a place in life now that is full of preparation. I'm getting ready to attack my Master's degree, and trying to work through some initial plans for reaching out to men of all ages to help them become the men that God created them to be. That's really how this blog came to be, but this is just a small part of what I hope is coming.
Men, have you had someone pour into you? Has there been that man who has entrusted you with an important task, and helped you learn to encounter God? Who are they? What did they do that has helped make you the man that you are? Now what will you do with that? Will you take it, and begin to pour it into others? Our world is full of boys with no one to teach them what it means to be a man. There are sons with no fathers to guide them, or fathers who can't guide them because they were never guided.
We all can share stories of abandonment. We can all share stories of being set up for failure. We can all share stories of being micromanaged. These are all attacks on our masculinity, but they don't have to be fresh wounds. They can heal into scars, and they can become tools to use. These experiences that each of us have had are resources for us to pour into the lives of others.
Who was your Moses? Who are your Joshua's? God created us to be mentored and to mentor. This journey was meant to be passed down from generation to generation, with the older teaching and leading the younger in a cycle that went on and on. But somewhere the cycle was broken, and that's how we ended up in the situation we're in today. Let us reclaim that cycle. Let us allow God to bring healing and mentoring to us, so that we may mentor the next generation and guide them into manhood.
Who can you mentor?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Justice
"You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute. Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just." -Exodus 23.6-8
God is just, and He loves justice, carried out correctly. Vengeance is not ours to take, and though it may give a wrong doer something that they probably deserve, it is not justice. But that is not what God is talking about here. He says to not prevent justice that is due to a needy brother. Don't overlook the poor in favor of the rich because the rich can do something for you. We need to do what is right and bring justice to those who cannot obtain it themselves.
There are Biblical grounds for the death penalty, and there are certain times when God orders it to be carried out, but in those cases false charges are to be thrown out so that the innocent and the righteous are not killed. God will not over look the punishment of those who have done nothing to deserve it. Let us stand firmly in defense of the innocent and do all that we can to protect them.
We live in a world where the rich try to buy everything, even justice. Those with wealth try to buy favor at the expense of the innocent, and so God tells His people not to take a bribe. It causes those who know the truth to question what they should do. It causes justice to be denied for the financial gain, and those who accept one ignore what they know is right.
Men, we have been given strength so that we can administer justice. May we never deny it, and may we never allow ourselves to be bought off. God will not overlook justice that we didn't fight for and give our best effort to carry out. May we never be counted among those who refused to stand for what is right.
Let us live for justice, and stand firmly for the innocent
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God is just, and He loves justice, carried out correctly. Vengeance is not ours to take, and though it may give a wrong doer something that they probably deserve, it is not justice. But that is not what God is talking about here. He says to not prevent justice that is due to a needy brother. Don't overlook the poor in favor of the rich because the rich can do something for you. We need to do what is right and bring justice to those who cannot obtain it themselves.
There are Biblical grounds for the death penalty, and there are certain times when God orders it to be carried out, but in those cases false charges are to be thrown out so that the innocent and the righteous are not killed. God will not over look the punishment of those who have done nothing to deserve it. Let us stand firmly in defense of the innocent and do all that we can to protect them.
We live in a world where the rich try to buy everything, even justice. Those with wealth try to buy favor at the expense of the innocent, and so God tells His people not to take a bribe. It causes those who know the truth to question what they should do. It causes justice to be denied for the financial gain, and those who accept one ignore what they know is right.
Men, we have been given strength so that we can administer justice. May we never deny it, and may we never allow ourselves to be bought off. God will not overlook justice that we didn't fight for and give our best effort to carry out. May we never be counted among those who refused to stand for what is right.
Let us live for justice, and stand firmly for the innocent
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Reaction to Your Enemy
"If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him." -Exodus 23.4-5
We see here the beginning of a new way of thinking. When you think of an enemy you think of someone who is against you, someone who wants to destroy you, and naturally your reaction is to hate and fight back. If you have the opportunity to take an advantage over your enemy do it, hurt them before they can hurt you. But this isn't the mindset God wants His people to have. God doesn't want His people to live like everyone else.
God says that if you enemy's animal is wandering, get a hold of it and return it to him. Don't simply make a note about it and let him know, but make the effort and return it to him. If you see your enemies donkey under its load unable to move, set it free and save its life. Do what you can to help your enemy. God wants his people to do what is right, regardless of who that right action will benefit.
Men, what is your response to your enemies? In America we don't have to worry about returning oxen or donkeys, but what if you saw your enemy's lights on in their car? What if you drove by their house and saw that the door had been kicked in? What would your response be? Would you do the right thing, or simply keep moving because of who it was?
God wants us to take the time to do what's right. He wants us to do for our enemies what we would do for our closest friends. This line of thinking, rather this way of living, is one we'll see throughout the Bible. God is instructing His people to be set apart by how they live. So let us do what is right towards our enemies.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
We see here the beginning of a new way of thinking. When you think of an enemy you think of someone who is against you, someone who wants to destroy you, and naturally your reaction is to hate and fight back. If you have the opportunity to take an advantage over your enemy do it, hurt them before they can hurt you. But this isn't the mindset God wants His people to have. God doesn't want His people to live like everyone else.
God says that if you enemy's animal is wandering, get a hold of it and return it to him. Don't simply make a note about it and let him know, but make the effort and return it to him. If you see your enemies donkey under its load unable to move, set it free and save its life. Do what you can to help your enemy. God wants his people to do what is right, regardless of who that right action will benefit.
Men, what is your response to your enemies? In America we don't have to worry about returning oxen or donkeys, but what if you saw your enemy's lights on in their car? What if you drove by their house and saw that the door had been kicked in? What would your response be? Would you do the right thing, or simply keep moving because of who it was?
God wants us to take the time to do what's right. He wants us to do for our enemies what we would do for our closest friends. This line of thinking, rather this way of living, is one we'll see throughout the Bible. God is instructing His people to be set apart by how they live. So let us do what is right towards our enemies.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, June 27, 2014
Righteous, Just, Holy
"You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute." -Exodus 23.2-3
Following the instruction to be holy men, God gives more guidance on how to do that, aside from throwing meat that has been torn to pieces to the dogs. Here the people are told not to follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall they testify on the account of something that prevents justice. Holy men do what is right at all times, not just when it's popular. Holy men, always seek justice.
As I read these words I keep hearing Liam Neeson say the line to the left from Kingdom of Heaven, "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." That is how holy men live.
But there is more to holy living than simply doing what is right and protecting justice. Holy men don't show partiality to the poor man simply because he is poor. If his position is just, then stand by him, but don't stand up for him simply because you feel sorry for him. The holy man allows acts in behalf of justice.
Men, are you striving to be holy? do you boldly stand up for what is true instead of what is popular? Do you live righteously and honestly no matter what the cost may be? Do you stand up for those who need help regardless of their social status? God has called you to be holy, let us strive to do what is right.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Following the instruction to be holy men, God gives more guidance on how to do that, aside from throwing meat that has been torn to pieces to the dogs. Here the people are told not to follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall they testify on the account of something that prevents justice. Holy men do what is right at all times, not just when it's popular. Holy men, always seek justice.
As I read these words I keep hearing Liam Neeson say the line to the left from Kingdom of Heaven, "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." That is how holy men live.
But there is more to holy living than simply doing what is right and protecting justice. Holy men don't show partiality to the poor man simply because he is poor. If his position is just, then stand by him, but don't stand up for him simply because you feel sorry for him. The holy man allows acts in behalf of justice.
Men, are you striving to be holy? do you boldly stand up for what is true instead of what is popular? Do you live righteously and honestly no matter what the cost may be? Do you stand up for those who need help regardless of their social status? God has called you to be holy, let us strive to do what is right.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Holy Men
"You shall be holy men to Me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh torn to pieces in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs." -Exodus 22.31
Israel is commanded not to eat meat that has been torn to pieces in the field. They were not to salvage what was left from a lion killing and make stew from it. If an animal had been taken by thieves and butchered, they were not to take the edible parts of what was left and feed their families. Instead they were to throw it to the dogs. It was unfit for human consumption, and so they were to discard it and have nothing to do with it.
Most people who raise animals for food that would not try to salvage and sell/eat the remains of an animal that was killed. The exception would be the guys on the show "Mountain Men" or others like them, who never throw anything away. But most people wouldn't think twice about discarding the remains of a killed and picked over carrcus. Instead I think we can draw a different, and more relevant, message from this verse.
We are still to be holy men to God, and so we are not to consume anything that has been torn to pieces; we are to throw it to the dogs.
Pornography is sex and beauty that has been torn to pieces. It is something God had made good, that sin took and twisted. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Gossip is truth and honor that has been torn to pieces. It takes the truth about someone and smashes it by spreading lies about someone. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Greed is generosity and faith that has been torn to pieces. It lives selfishly, hoarding for itself, father than reaching out to help those in need. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Addiction is self-control torn to pieces. It takes something that may not be bad in and of itself, and makes it the thing we cannot live without. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
... is something else torn to pieces. It takes ... that God had had made good, but sin has twisted it and uses it to ensnare us and pull our focus away from God. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it. Fill in the blanks.
Men, God calls us to be holy to Him, and if we would be holy there are things we must give up and avoid. These things draw us away from God, and cause us to indulge in things that destroy us. Every single one of them is something that God made good, but sin has taken it and twisted it in an effort to pull us away from God.
Let us be strong and resist the temptations that battle for our holiness. Let us throw the flesh of what was once good, but is now torn to pieces by sin, and throw it to the dogs. Let us be holy men of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel is commanded not to eat meat that has been torn to pieces in the field. They were not to salvage what was left from a lion killing and make stew from it. If an animal had been taken by thieves and butchered, they were not to take the edible parts of what was left and feed their families. Instead they were to throw it to the dogs. It was unfit for human consumption, and so they were to discard it and have nothing to do with it.
Most people who raise animals for food that would not try to salvage and sell/eat the remains of an animal that was killed. The exception would be the guys on the show "Mountain Men" or others like them, who never throw anything away. But most people wouldn't think twice about discarding the remains of a killed and picked over carrcus. Instead I think we can draw a different, and more relevant, message from this verse.
We are still to be holy men to God, and so we are not to consume anything that has been torn to pieces; we are to throw it to the dogs.
Pornography is sex and beauty that has been torn to pieces. It is something God had made good, that sin took and twisted. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Gossip is truth and honor that has been torn to pieces. It takes the truth about someone and smashes it by spreading lies about someone. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Greed is generosity and faith that has been torn to pieces. It lives selfishly, hoarding for itself, father than reaching out to help those in need. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
Addiction is self-control torn to pieces. It takes something that may not be bad in and of itself, and makes it the thing we cannot live without. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it.
... is something else torn to pieces. It takes ... that God had had made good, but sin has twisted it and uses it to ensnare us and pull our focus away from God. We are to throw it to the dogs and have nothing to do with it. Fill in the blanks.
Men, God calls us to be holy to Him, and if we would be holy there are things we must give up and avoid. These things draw us away from God, and cause us to indulge in things that destroy us. Every single one of them is something that God made good, but sin has taken it and twisted it in an effort to pull us away from God.
Let us be strong and resist the temptations that battle for our holiness. Let us throw the flesh of what was once good, but is now torn to pieces by sin, and throw it to the dogs. Let us be holy men of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
God First
"You shall not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me." -Exodus 22.29-30
In the various laws that God gives to His people this one commands them to faith. God says that they are not to delay in presenting the offering of the harvest to Him. The first born son is to be dedicated to God, and the first born of the sheep and oxen are to be offered to Him as well. God's portion is to come first, not last and from the leftovers. God is to be given the best that we have to offer, and we trust in Him that what is left will be enough.
Most of us live in a world where we don't grow our own produce, (though I hope one day in the not too distant future to not be counted with that group) or raise our own meat animals. But we all live in a world where we need some kind of income. Men work, they earn money to provide for their families and save for retirement. But we are to write the first check to God.
Men, when do you pay your tithe? (Do you even give one?) Do you give to God first, trusting that what is left will cover the electric bill and pay for groceries? Or do you take care of your needs first, and if there happens to be something leftover, you might think about giving part of it to God?
God desires for, and commands, us to live lives of faith and trust in Him. When we offer the first portion to God we are saying that we trust Him. We are acknowledging His provision of what we have already earned, and declaring that we know God will provide all that we need if what is left is not enough. Men of God live in faith. They trust Him fully, and don't regret giving to God first.
Let us live lives of trust, knowing God will take care of us. Let us give to Him first, and watch as He honors our faithfulness.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
In the various laws that God gives to His people this one commands them to faith. God says that they are not to delay in presenting the offering of the harvest to Him. The first born son is to be dedicated to God, and the first born of the sheep and oxen are to be offered to Him as well. God's portion is to come first, not last and from the leftovers. God is to be given the best that we have to offer, and we trust in Him that what is left will be enough.
Most of us live in a world where we don't grow our own produce, (though I hope one day in the not too distant future to not be counted with that group) or raise our own meat animals. But we all live in a world where we need some kind of income. Men work, they earn money to provide for their families and save for retirement. But we are to write the first check to God.
Men, when do you pay your tithe? (Do you even give one?) Do you give to God first, trusting that what is left will cover the electric bill and pay for groceries? Or do you take care of your needs first, and if there happens to be something leftover, you might think about giving part of it to God?
God desires for, and commands, us to live lives of faith and trust in Him. When we offer the first portion to God we are saying that we trust Him. We are acknowledging His provision of what we have already earned, and declaring that we know God will provide all that we need if what is left is not enough. Men of God live in faith. They trust Him fully, and don't regret giving to God first.
Let us live lives of trust, knowing God will take care of us. Let us give to Him first, and watch as He honors our faithfulness.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Don't Curse, Pray
"You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people." -Exodus 22.28
I really didn't want to write on this verse, but as I started to write on the next one I knew that I couldn't overlook this. I'll be honest, I'm not very fond of the current President, and I'll leave it at that. But regardless of my personal feelings he is the President of the United States and has been given authority by God to rule, and God has given instructions about how to treat the leaders.
We are not to cure a ruler of our people. We are not to wish harm or misfortune upon him. We are not to curse his name. This is not to say we cannot state our opinion of their performance, especially with an elected official, after all, leaders are in power to better the lives of those they lead, and if they aren't doing that something needs to change. But when I voice my opinion, it must be done with the respect that God's appointed leader deserves.
Men, is this something you struggle with? Maybe it isn't the President, maybe it's your boss. Maybe your pastor. Maybe it's a senior member of your family. Here in Exodus 22 we are told not to curse our rulers, and 1 Timothy 2.1-4 states, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Let us not grumble and complain, instead let us pray. Let us pray that our leaders will be Men of God. Men who seek His guidance and wisdom as they lead. Let us pray that they remember the reason for their leadership, and that they have the courage to do what is right. Let us pray for them, lifting them to God, not cursing them and wishing for their demise, if they are bad leaders that will happen on its own.
Let us lift our leaders to God in prayer
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
I really didn't want to write on this verse, but as I started to write on the next one I knew that I couldn't overlook this. I'll be honest, I'm not very fond of the current President, and I'll leave it at that. But regardless of my personal feelings he is the President of the United States and has been given authority by God to rule, and God has given instructions about how to treat the leaders.
We are not to cure a ruler of our people. We are not to wish harm or misfortune upon him. We are not to curse his name. This is not to say we cannot state our opinion of their performance, especially with an elected official, after all, leaders are in power to better the lives of those they lead, and if they aren't doing that something needs to change. But when I voice my opinion, it must be done with the respect that God's appointed leader deserves.
Men, is this something you struggle with? Maybe it isn't the President, maybe it's your boss. Maybe your pastor. Maybe it's a senior member of your family. Here in Exodus 22 we are told not to curse our rulers, and 1 Timothy 2.1-4 states, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Let us not grumble and complain, instead let us pray. Let us pray that our leaders will be Men of God. Men who seek His guidance and wisdom as they lead. Let us pray that they remember the reason for their leadership, and that they have the courage to do what is right. Let us pray for them, lifting them to God, not cursing them and wishing for their demise, if they are bad leaders that will happen on its own.
Let us lift our leaders to God in prayer
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, June 23, 2014
Strangers, Widows, and Orphans
"You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless." -Exodus 22.21-24
This chapter of Exodus continues with instructions God has given His people. There are laws about property, and who is responsible for for paying back what and when, and then it moves into what are called sundry (various or diverse) laws. All of them could be written on, but I am writing these based on what stands out to me. These verses talk about not afflicting, or taking advantage of, those who cannot stand up for themselves.
God says that they people shall not wrong a stranger among them, they shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If they do, God will hear their cries and His anger will be kindles and He will kill them with the sword making their wives widows and children orphans. It's easy to take advantage of a stranger, and it's easier still to take advantage of widows and orphans, but God specifically warns not to do it.
Men, let us stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. When there are strangers, new people in the workplace, at church, or in the neighborhood, reach out to them. Be friendly and helpful. Remember, you are being a representative of God to them, even if you aren't meaning to be. First impressions speak loudly and are lasting, so make them good.
Stand up for the widow and the orphan. Do what you can to help them. Help the old lady who lives across the street. Mow her lawn, shovel the driveway in the winter. Keep an eye out for her. Be there for the fatherless. We have so many children that need a daddy today. You don't have to adopt to be there for them.
Are you willing to invest the time and energy, or do you want to blow it off and leave it for someone else? What would you want done for you when you move to a new situation? What do you want for your wife when you're gone, or your children if something happens to you?
Invest in others as you would want others to invest in you and your family. Be the friend and neighbor that you want to have. Not doing this invites God's anger, and that's something we don't want to see. What we do for others will be done for us, live how you want to be treated.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
This chapter of Exodus continues with instructions God has given His people. There are laws about property, and who is responsible for for paying back what and when, and then it moves into what are called sundry (various or diverse) laws. All of them could be written on, but I am writing these based on what stands out to me. These verses talk about not afflicting, or taking advantage of, those who cannot stand up for themselves.
God says that they people shall not wrong a stranger among them, they shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If they do, God will hear their cries and His anger will be kindles and He will kill them with the sword making their wives widows and children orphans. It's easy to take advantage of a stranger, and it's easier still to take advantage of widows and orphans, but God specifically warns not to do it.
Men, let us stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. When there are strangers, new people in the workplace, at church, or in the neighborhood, reach out to them. Be friendly and helpful. Remember, you are being a representative of God to them, even if you aren't meaning to be. First impressions speak loudly and are lasting, so make them good.
Stand up for the widow and the orphan. Do what you can to help them. Help the old lady who lives across the street. Mow her lawn, shovel the driveway in the winter. Keep an eye out for her. Be there for the fatherless. We have so many children that need a daddy today. You don't have to adopt to be there for them.
Are you willing to invest the time and energy, or do you want to blow it off and leave it for someone else? What would you want done for you when you move to a new situation? What do you want for your wife when you're gone, or your children if something happens to you?
Invest in others as you would want others to invest in you and your family. Be the friend and neighbor that you want to have. Not doing this invites God's anger, and that's something we don't want to see. What we do for others will be done for us, live how you want to be treated.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Dignity, Justice, Mercy
"Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:" -Exodus 21.1
The Ten Commandments are God's standard of perfect living. They are His law that all of us are judged on. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus explains them as God really means them, showing that all of us are guilty of breaking the law. It is impossible for us to obey the law, and therefore we are all guilty. The law cannot save us, all it can do is show us how guilty we are, that's why Jesus came. But that's getting ahead of ourselves.
God, is teaching His people how to live. He starts with the standard, the foundation, the law, and from there He gives other rules on how to interact and exist in society. It is important to remember that the Bible was written to a non westernized, twenty-first century, American culture. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, to a middle eastern Jewish audience. As we look at things like slavery, laws about stoning, it is important to remember that we are not the original audience, and not place our own worldview on the text.
Verses 2-11 talk about slavery. There are things set in place by God so that a man would not be a slave forever, and standards of how female slaves are to be treated. God sees all people, even slaves, as people. Israel knew what it was like to be enslaved, and God instructs them not to treat their slaves in the same manner as the Egyptians.
Verses 12-36 talk about personal injuries. There is justice for wrongs committed, and mercy for accidents. God is about order, not chaos. When a wrong is done intentionally, or done with the knowledge that it has happened in the case of an animal, there is justice that must be carried out. But if the result is an accident, or no harm is done, then there is mercy. God does not punish people unnecessarily.
Men, as we set out to live in, lead, and work to change society, there are certain laws and standards we must live by. Without order, society falls apart. All lives, even those in the lowest social classes are valuable to God. They are to be treated with respect and dignity. We must also hold others accountable for the wrongs that are committed. We must seek justice, but also live with mercy. When a wrong is done we need to hold those responsible accountable. When mercy is warranted we need to give it.
Let us live with dignity, justice and mercy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Ten Commandments are God's standard of perfect living. They are His law that all of us are judged on. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus explains them as God really means them, showing that all of us are guilty of breaking the law. It is impossible for us to obey the law, and therefore we are all guilty. The law cannot save us, all it can do is show us how guilty we are, that's why Jesus came. But that's getting ahead of ourselves.
God, is teaching His people how to live. He starts with the standard, the foundation, the law, and from there He gives other rules on how to interact and exist in society. It is important to remember that the Bible was written to a non westernized, twenty-first century, American culture. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, to a middle eastern Jewish audience. As we look at things like slavery, laws about stoning, it is important to remember that we are not the original audience, and not place our own worldview on the text.
Verses 2-11 talk about slavery. There are things set in place by God so that a man would not be a slave forever, and standards of how female slaves are to be treated. God sees all people, even slaves, as people. Israel knew what it was like to be enslaved, and God instructs them not to treat their slaves in the same manner as the Egyptians.
Verses 12-36 talk about personal injuries. There is justice for wrongs committed, and mercy for accidents. God is about order, not chaos. When a wrong is done intentionally, or done with the knowledge that it has happened in the case of an animal, there is justice that must be carried out. But if the result is an accident, or no harm is done, then there is mercy. God does not punish people unnecessarily.
Men, as we set out to live in, lead, and work to change society, there are certain laws and standards we must live by. Without order, society falls apart. All lives, even those in the lowest social classes are valuable to God. They are to be treated with respect and dignity. We must also hold others accountable for the wrongs that are committed. We must seek justice, but also live with mercy. When a wrong is done we need to hold those responsible accountable. When mercy is warranted we need to give it.
Let us live with dignity, justice and mercy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Simplicity
"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, "You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven. You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves. You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it."'" -Exodus 20.22-25
Moses serves as the people's representative. He goes before God and gives His messages to the people, teaching them God's standards and laws. He reminds them that they are not to make other gods beside Him. He alone is God, and He is a living Spirit. His form cannot be captured in an image of gold or silver, so the people aren't to try. And they are not to make idols in the image of anything else in creation and bow before them, worshiping the as God.
Instead God tells them to worship Him with simplicity. They are to build an altar of earth. It is something that is excessively abundant. Wherever they go they are able to build an altar and worship God there. He doesn't ask for the orante riches that He deserves, but says that simplicity is what they are to do.
If they decide to use stone, making something permanent and lasting, they aren't to use any tool on the stones. Instead they are to be natural, exactly as God created it. God does not demand wealth and splendor, He asks for something simple, showing His people that all are able to worship Him, and that they can worship Him wherever they are. It's a vital task, and God simplifies it for them.
Men, have you complicated the worship of God? If we look at the past few decades, really centuries, it really seems that we have. We have created religion out of relationship, and have turned the worship of God into habitual ritual. We've complicated it with rules and traditions, making idols of denominations, churches, altars, membership and even leadership.
I don't think God ever had any of this in mind. There is a lot that we could get into here, but let me just say that those things aren't necessarily bad. They are things that can help us focus more fully on God during our worship of Him, but they can also become a great hinderance. Is our focus on the thing or the practice, or on the God that it was intended for?
God wants us to worship Him. All of us, no matter where we are, are invited to worship the creator. And so He makes it simple for us to do it. An altar of earth, or uncut stone, things that are abundant and natural. We can worship God anywhere, at any time. Let us rejoice in the simplicity of it all.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Moses serves as the people's representative. He goes before God and gives His messages to the people, teaching them God's standards and laws. He reminds them that they are not to make other gods beside Him. He alone is God, and He is a living Spirit. His form cannot be captured in an image of gold or silver, so the people aren't to try. And they are not to make idols in the image of anything else in creation and bow before them, worshiping the as God.
Instead God tells them to worship Him with simplicity. They are to build an altar of earth. It is something that is excessively abundant. Wherever they go they are able to build an altar and worship God there. He doesn't ask for the orante riches that He deserves, but says that simplicity is what they are to do.
If they decide to use stone, making something permanent and lasting, they aren't to use any tool on the stones. Instead they are to be natural, exactly as God created it. God does not demand wealth and splendor, He asks for something simple, showing His people that all are able to worship Him, and that they can worship Him wherever they are. It's a vital task, and God simplifies it for them.
Men, have you complicated the worship of God? If we look at the past few decades, really centuries, it really seems that we have. We have created religion out of relationship, and have turned the worship of God into habitual ritual. We've complicated it with rules and traditions, making idols of denominations, churches, altars, membership and even leadership.
I don't think God ever had any of this in mind. There is a lot that we could get into here, but let me just say that those things aren't necessarily bad. They are things that can help us focus more fully on God during our worship of Him, but they can also become a great hinderance. Is our focus on the thing or the practice, or on the God that it was intended for?
God wants us to worship Him. All of us, no matter where we are, are invited to worship the creator. And so He makes it simple for us to do it. An altar of earth, or uncut stone, things that are abundant and natural. We can worship God anywhere, at any time. Let us rejoice in the simplicity of it all.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, June 20, 2014
Afraid of God
"All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.'" -Exodus 20.18-20
God has been speaking with Moses, giving him the Ten Commandments. They people are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and they stay back and are terrified. The people request that Moses speaks to them so that they don't have to speak directly to God. They are afraid to talk to God and fear that they will die. But this is the reason they have come to this place. Think back to Exodus 19.17, "And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."
We were made to have a personal relationship with God. We were made to communicate with Him, and yet so many people don't. So many people that look to someone else rather than turning to God. People look to their pastors, or professors, people that are supposed to have knowledge and be able to interpret the things God is saying. But this isn't good enough.
God is deeply personal, and He speaks to each of us in a personal way. God reveals things to me in a certain way because it speaks to me, and He reveals things to you in a different way that speaks to you. At different parts of the journey God tells us different things, and we must be willing to explore and examine them. Yes, look to your pastor they are people who should be walking closely with God. But just because they say something don't cling desperately to it. Seek it out for yourself. Examine what they are saying and hold it next to scripture. After all, they are just men.
Men, are you afraid of God? Are you afraid to speak with Him and so you instead look for someone else to tell you what God is saying? There are things that God wants to tell you, and He will only communicate them to you. Are you willing to draw close to Him and see what He has to say? Yes, it might be scary, this is God after all, and He may ask some difficult things of you. He may take you to places you're hiding from hoping no one ever finds out about. But all of this is done for your benefit.
God spoke as He did so that the people would know who He is in order to keep them from sin. He is giving them a taste of what He is capable of so that they will have a fear of Him, knowing that He is all powerful, which is something to be feared. But later God says to "Fear not." We don't have to be afraid of God. We should not be afraid to come to Him and speak with Him.
May we always draw close to Him, knowing His power, but also knowing that everything He does is for our good.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has been speaking with Moses, giving him the Ten Commandments. They people are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and they stay back and are terrified. The people request that Moses speaks to them so that they don't have to speak directly to God. They are afraid to talk to God and fear that they will die. But this is the reason they have come to this place. Think back to Exodus 19.17, "And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."
We were made to have a personal relationship with God. We were made to communicate with Him, and yet so many people don't. So many people that look to someone else rather than turning to God. People look to their pastors, or professors, people that are supposed to have knowledge and be able to interpret the things God is saying. But this isn't good enough.
God is deeply personal, and He speaks to each of us in a personal way. God reveals things to me in a certain way because it speaks to me, and He reveals things to you in a different way that speaks to you. At different parts of the journey God tells us different things, and we must be willing to explore and examine them. Yes, look to your pastor they are people who should be walking closely with God. But just because they say something don't cling desperately to it. Seek it out for yourself. Examine what they are saying and hold it next to scripture. After all, they are just men.
Men, are you afraid of God? Are you afraid to speak with Him and so you instead look for someone else to tell you what God is saying? There are things that God wants to tell you, and He will only communicate them to you. Are you willing to draw close to Him and see what He has to say? Yes, it might be scary, this is God after all, and He may ask some difficult things of you. He may take you to places you're hiding from hoping no one ever finds out about. But all of this is done for your benefit.
God spoke as He did so that the people would know who He is in order to keep them from sin. He is giving them a taste of what He is capable of so that they will have a fear of Him, knowing that He is all powerful, which is something to be feared. But later God says to "Fear not." We don't have to be afraid of God. We should not be afraid to come to Him and speak with Him.
May we always draw close to Him, knowing His power, but also knowing that everything He does is for our good.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Coveting
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." -Exodus 20.17
Commandment number ten is one that I don't think people fully understand. The command is not to covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or any of his possessions. We define coveting as wanting something that someone else has, but that isn't what coveting is. Simply wanting something that someone else has is not what coveting is. Coveting is much deeper, much more extreme, and much more dangerous.
Coveting is wanting something so badly that you want someone who has it not to have it because you can't have it. Example, I used to drive a Ford F-150 pickup truck. I loved that thing and miss it. One day I hope to get another one. It's a popular vehicle, and typically I see several of them each day on my way to work. When I do my mind thinks, I'd really like another one of those some day. This isn't coveting. I don't want the guy driving the truck not to have his because I can't have one. I'm simply saying I like the vehicle, and some day I'd like my own. This is not coveting.
But I have to be honest, I used to have a problem with coveting. When I was single and freshly out of college, many of my friends began to get married. I hated going to the weddings, one because I was there by myself, and two because there was no wedding in my foreseeable future. I hated watching other people get married because I wasn't, and that is coveting.
Coveting keeps us from sharing in the joy of others. It keeps us from rejoicing about all of the blessings God has poured out on us. Simply saying "They have a nice house, I'd like these features in my own house some day" is not coveting. But when it consumes you, and you hate the fact that someone else has something and you don't then it becomes a sin.
Men, do you covet? Are you single and like I use to be? Maybe you're married and not having kids while others you know are. Do you covet that? Maybe you got passed over for the promotion. Do you covet the guy who got it? Maybe it's something else, a house, a car, a hobby, what is it for you? Do you covet anything?
Let us rejoice with others, and let us rejoice in the blessings that God has given us. As men we set the tone for our families, or those we mentor, do they see a joyful attitude or a covetous one? Do you admire something someone else has, are are you consumed with the desire for it that causes you to want no one to have it if you can't? I think that it isn't until we get over the coveting that God can truly bless us in those areas. It wasn't until I learned to rejoice with friends who were getting married that God allowed me to share in that joy.
What blessings is your covetous attitude keeping you from?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Commandment number ten is one that I don't think people fully understand. The command is not to covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or any of his possessions. We define coveting as wanting something that someone else has, but that isn't what coveting is. Simply wanting something that someone else has is not what coveting is. Coveting is much deeper, much more extreme, and much more dangerous.
Coveting is wanting something so badly that you want someone who has it not to have it because you can't have it. Example, I used to drive a Ford F-150 pickup truck. I loved that thing and miss it. One day I hope to get another one. It's a popular vehicle, and typically I see several of them each day on my way to work. When I do my mind thinks, I'd really like another one of those some day. This isn't coveting. I don't want the guy driving the truck not to have his because I can't have one. I'm simply saying I like the vehicle, and some day I'd like my own. This is not coveting.
But I have to be honest, I used to have a problem with coveting. When I was single and freshly out of college, many of my friends began to get married. I hated going to the weddings, one because I was there by myself, and two because there was no wedding in my foreseeable future. I hated watching other people get married because I wasn't, and that is coveting.
Coveting keeps us from sharing in the joy of others. It keeps us from rejoicing about all of the blessings God has poured out on us. Simply saying "They have a nice house, I'd like these features in my own house some day" is not coveting. But when it consumes you, and you hate the fact that someone else has something and you don't then it becomes a sin.
Men, do you covet? Are you single and like I use to be? Maybe you're married and not having kids while others you know are. Do you covet that? Maybe you got passed over for the promotion. Do you covet the guy who got it? Maybe it's something else, a house, a car, a hobby, what is it for you? Do you covet anything?
Let us rejoice with others, and let us rejoice in the blessings that God has given us. As men we set the tone for our families, or those we mentor, do they see a joyful attitude or a covetous one? Do you admire something someone else has, are are you consumed with the desire for it that causes you to want no one to have it if you can't? I think that it isn't until we get over the coveting that God can truly bless us in those areas. It wasn't until I learned to rejoice with friends who were getting married that God allowed me to share in that joy.
What blessings is your covetous attitude keeping you from?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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