I mentioned in the last posting that my cousin was here visiting with her two children for this weekend. Her two children and our two kids played together all weekend. For the most part they got along really well and had a great time. However I did learn a very valuable parenting lesson that was reinforced through the reading the last two days. It is all about expectations.
All too often we want people or others to behave in a certain way for whatever reason or another. Ultimately the way we behave reflects the way we believe. As parents we want our children to exhibit patience, kindness, thoughtfulness towards others, sharing, respect, etc... these are all honorable characteristics. Children don't just behave this way they must be taught to behave this way. And to teach them to behave this way takes patience. However, even with the best training and teaching, when left to their own, glimpses of our fallen nature show through. Fighting with each other over toys, hitting each other to get their way, etc... And we as parents need to hold them accountable for their actions.
This weekend we found ourselves exhausted. And as I was reflecting on our exhaustion, I realized it was because we were constantly correcting the children. We told them know. We promised punishment. We threatened. We bribed. We did everything we could think of to hold them accountable. Yet it just wore us down.
However, sometimes we just need to re-establish the expectations for behavior prior to turning them loose. For example, when their cousins come for a visit! This just ensures they don't forget what is expected. We also must remind them of the consequences for their disobedience prior to any infraction. Why must we do this? Well it is really difficult to hold them accountable for their actions if they didn't know what was expected up front. And we need to take away the excuse that they didn't know what was expected or what would happen if they disobeyed. Ultimately it is their choice to behave and follow the rules, but you must make sure your children know the rules and the boundaries.
This weekend we forgot to do this occasionally. So the kids were kids. They would play together good for awhile and then they would start fighting. Or perhaps they all four would collectively get into mischief. Once I came into the playroom only to find every single toy they had emptied from its container and strewn around the room. Something they clearly knew was against the rules but chose to ignore in the heat of the moment and lack of supervision.
What does this have to do with the Bible? Well in the last two day's reading we see God preparing to deliver his people from the desert into the promised land. We see God -through Moses - reminding the Israelites of the boundaries for their inheritance. He knew that unless they were reminded, they would likely forget - or ignore - the rules when they were given a land of plenty. We see Moses reminding them not only of where they came from but what rules God has placed on them to live according to his principles. He further reminds them of the promises and blessings for obedience and warns them of the curses for disobedience. Ultimately however, it would be their choice whether to obey or not. We see toward the end of Deuteronomy that God has already predicted Israel's rebellion. He knows that they will choose not to follow Him. Yet because He is a just God, He plans to hold them accountable for their actions. And He can do that because He has already lined out for them the promises for obedience and the curses for disobedience. But God is not just interested in their behavior. He is much more interested in what their behavior reflects... and that is their inward commitment to Him... or lack thereof.
And isn't this a lesson for all of us as parents? We don't just want to train the behavior we want to mold their inward attitudes to make a commitment to their Heavenly Father. But how can we hold them accountable for their actions without clearly communicating the expectations up front?
Followers
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
June 6 - Day 13; Numbers 32 - Deut 6
Today as I write this my cousin and her children are here at our house for a visit. As we reminisce about our childhood and growing up in a small rural community, I recognized the need to understand where we've come from in order to understand where we're going in life. It is important to remember the lessons you've learned in your life and to not forget them as you face new challenges in the future.
In today's reading I see this same thing happening. Moses is reminding the Israelites of what has happened in their sojourn in the desert. What all the Lord has done for them since they left Egypt, the enemies they've defeated, the places they've visited, the history they've shared together as a people group. Moses is reminding the people of the rules God has given them, the blessings he promised them, and the consequences of when they've chosen not to follow the rules.
Isn't it just the same with us today? What value there is from us understanding God's order for our lives. We face suffering of all kinds and scripture tells us as a follower of God we should expect some suffering. But how much of my suffering is self-inflicted. Surely I don't set out to cause my self harm or hurt, but yet I've chosen to not follow God's orders. So why would I expect anything less than a mess and to experience some suffering as a result? As Moses prepares the Israelites to inherit God's promises and to move on into the next phase of their life, they must crystallize their learning and experiences so as to remember God's provision and act accordingly as they face new challenges.
In today's hectic world I have a challenge of not slowing down enough to reflect on what it is I am learning. I can become distressed at times because I get caught up in action only to realize I've neglected to learn from the actions. My distress comes from the fact that I realize I've made the same mistake multiple times without attempting to do something about it or grow from it.
Moses summarizes his intent in Deut 4: 9- "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
I mentioned how my cousin is visiting. She is grown with two children of her own and I have two kids as well. All of us are together this weekend. And I recognize even more the value of transferring the learning to the next generation. God has really placed this on my heart lately and convicted me that my primary role in this world is to bring Glory to Him through discipleship of my family. How can I disciple them without a firm understanding of where I've come from and an idea of the destination I'm heading towards? Not only do they need to know what it means to be a member of the Bishop Family, but more importantly they need to know what it means to be a member of the King's family.
Deut 6:7-9 is becoming more clear for me in its importance. Yet is still unclear to me in its application to my family and my role as the Spiritual head of our family. Lord help me interpret this to what you want me to do with our family to help them learn about our past, our present and our future hope in You. Help me disciple them according to your will that they may see you as their Heavenly Father and Savior.
In today's reading I see this same thing happening. Moses is reminding the Israelites of what has happened in their sojourn in the desert. What all the Lord has done for them since they left Egypt, the enemies they've defeated, the places they've visited, the history they've shared together as a people group. Moses is reminding the people of the rules God has given them, the blessings he promised them, and the consequences of when they've chosen not to follow the rules.
Isn't it just the same with us today? What value there is from us understanding God's order for our lives. We face suffering of all kinds and scripture tells us as a follower of God we should expect some suffering. But how much of my suffering is self-inflicted. Surely I don't set out to cause my self harm or hurt, but yet I've chosen to not follow God's orders. So why would I expect anything less than a mess and to experience some suffering as a result? As Moses prepares the Israelites to inherit God's promises and to move on into the next phase of their life, they must crystallize their learning and experiences so as to remember God's provision and act accordingly as they face new challenges.
In today's hectic world I have a challenge of not slowing down enough to reflect on what it is I am learning. I can become distressed at times because I get caught up in action only to realize I've neglected to learn from the actions. My distress comes from the fact that I realize I've made the same mistake multiple times without attempting to do something about it or grow from it.
Moses summarizes his intent in Deut 4: 9- "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
I mentioned how my cousin is visiting. She is grown with two children of her own and I have two kids as well. All of us are together this weekend. And I recognize even more the value of transferring the learning to the next generation. God has really placed this on my heart lately and convicted me that my primary role in this world is to bring Glory to Him through discipleship of my family. How can I disciple them without a firm understanding of where I've come from and an idea of the destination I'm heading towards? Not only do they need to know what it means to be a member of the Bishop Family, but more importantly they need to know what it means to be a member of the King's family.
Deut 6:7-9 is becoming more clear for me in its importance. Yet is still unclear to me in its application to my family and my role as the Spiritual head of our family. Lord help me interpret this to what you want me to do with our family to help them learn about our past, our present and our future hope in You. Help me disciple them according to your will that they may see you as their Heavenly Father and Savior.
at
9:15 PM
Thursday, June 5, 2008
June 5 - Day 12; Numbers 21-31
As I started today's reading I had a challenge focusing. I found myself stopping and pausing along the way which isn't conducive to reading such a large chunk of scripture at once. Yet, I suspect it was the way God was telling me that there was something important I should pay attention to here.
I got hung up at the very beginning with the story of Balaam and Balak. I always marvel at how a donkey could talk and what exactly would I do if one of my animals started talking to me? But lest I digress...
I started to reflect on God's ability and his sovereignty. Balak - a Moabite - became worried because he saw the "strength" of the Israelites and what they'd done to other people groups. He was recognizing that the Lord's blessing was on these people and consequently he became nervous for himself and his people.
Pause #1: Isn't that how people around the world today react to God? Whether they know it is His power or not, they become scared for them self. Maybe you're already a believer and know God as your friend Regardless you know what I'm talking about. When you truly have that inspired moment, when you recognize there is a power bigger than yourself - in fact a power so great that you can't even fathom it - don't you become just a little scared? Suddenly you don't seem so important. Suddenly I must - even for a moment - admit I am not in control. The difference is believers will worship God in this moment of humility. However, unbelievers or those weaker in their faith, will react like Balak and try to take control.
So Balak enlists Balaam into his plan. Balak's plan was to have Balaam curse the Israelites. Instead we see Balaam receiving God's instruction through a donkey.
Pause #2: God can penetrate the heart of any unbeliever He so chooses. Balaam was not a believer in God. He was a Moabite. He was a sorcerer of sorts. Yet God in His sovereignty can use all of creation at His disposal to get our attention. What an awesome God He is!
Then I read on to see Balaam delivering his oracles to Balak.
Pause #3: Balaam was physically unable to speak anything other than what God has placed on his lips. God in His sovereignty will deliver the words to us at the times we need to speak them if we truly seek Him. Even when we're facing opposition or persecution. (Remember Balak could have his way with Balaam and ultimately probably have him killed.) He can make the lowly strong and wise!
When Balak didn't like what Balaam had revealed, he kept trying to change the location or the message. Ultimately he thought the more of the Israelites Balaam was able to see the more likely he would be to curse them. Yet God's message is unchanging and His protection of His people remains.
Pause #4: Isn't this the way the world reacts to the sovereignty of God today. Though we know God to be unchanging, the world continues to manipulate the message and try to bend God into something He is not. By changing perspectives or manipulating His words people constantly are trying to make God something He is not... but yet His truth shines through and His will is revealed.
After all of this, I was ready to stop but I was only 1/2 way through the reading for today. There is still more that God wants me to know.
As I got to Numbers 27 and was reading about how God told Moses to take Joshua with him and have Eleazor commission him and ultimately transfer authority over to Joshua. It says that the Lord told Moses to take Joshua because he was a "man in whom is the spirit."
Pause #5: Lately I've been worried and distracted a lot by what people are saying about me as an employee and my "professional career." How am I being perceived? Am I progressing in my responsibilities? Do people see me as a "go to guy?" Consequently I've become disgruntled and dismayed about my future and my ultimate purpose in life. Bottom line - I've become very focused on the praises of man. Yet when I read this I'm reminded that God is not focused on all of those things I'm concerning myself with. What He is truly concerned with is the spirit within me and how I allow Him to work through me. After all, I just said Sunday in church in response to the sermon that I wanted to make God my ultimate employer and here I am just a mere 5 days later worried about man. God's leadership selection criteria so much different that the evaluation of man. Let me become more preoccupied with what You're saying about me than with those in my place of employment.
Then I began to wonder, how was Joshua ready to take over such responsibility? Ultimately I had to remind myself that Moses truly wasn't ready either when He took over, but God had equipped and prepared Him adequately. Yet, Joshua seems ready to go now. He's got the spirit, the bravery etc... all good qualities for a leader. However, I was reminded to look a back in scripture for some of the first mentions of Joshua to trace his path of preparation. I found it back in Exodus. Chapter 17 records that Joshua fought the Amalekites and the Lord specifically told Moses to make sure Joshua heard that the Amalekites would be wiped off the earth (Ex 17:10, 13-14). Exodus 24 tells us that Joshua went up the mountain with Moses to meet with God. And finally Exodus 33:11 - As Moses was meeting with God in the Tent of Meeting, he would take Joshua with him. We see here in this text that Joshua would see Moses speaking with God "face to face as a man speaks with his friend" AND that Joshua would not leave the tent when Moses did. What was he still doing in there if he wasn't listening any more? Perhaps he was practicing and talking to God himself.
Pause #6: Lots to learn from here. First of all, the younger generation needs to not only see - but hear - their elders talking to God face to face. (ie: praying out loud.) I've become so convicted of that by being a father of two small toddlers. We've really been encouraging them to pray out loud lately. And at first they were very hesitant because they weren't sure how to, but then when they tried they mimicked many of the prayers that we've said over them since they were babies. They use some of the exact words and phrases. I don't want them simply to repeat my prayers but just as they need to be taught how to speak, more importantly they need to hear what conversational prayer with their Holy Father sounds like. When I heard them pray the first few times, I realized how "routine" my own prayers sounded as they were replayed for me through their mouths. I also realized how non-conversational they sounded. I certainly wasn't speaking to God "face to face as a man speaks with a friend."
Pause 6a: Secondly here, I recognize now that Joshua was chosen for this job long before he recognized he was chosen. It may seem that he was groomed for the position by Moses. Certainly Moses did what he could to help Joshua see how a Godly leader received instruction from the Lord. Yet Joshua developed the heart attitude and a friendship with God on his own. Why else would he have stayed in the tent longer? Perhaps I've been chosen for a job that I'm not yet aware. Perhaps part of my lesson is to drink up the opportunities I have to watch Godly leaders soak up their instruction from the Lord, attempt to apply it myself and develop this kinship with my heavenly Father as well. Today, I choose to look less at this job as a destination and more as a training ground and sanctuary.
I got hung up at the very beginning with the story of Balaam and Balak. I always marvel at how a donkey could talk and what exactly would I do if one of my animals started talking to me? But lest I digress...
I started to reflect on God's ability and his sovereignty. Balak - a Moabite - became worried because he saw the "strength" of the Israelites and what they'd done to other people groups. He was recognizing that the Lord's blessing was on these people and consequently he became nervous for himself and his people.
Pause #1: Isn't that how people around the world today react to God? Whether they know it is His power or not, they become scared for them self. Maybe you're already a believer and know God as your friend Regardless you know what I'm talking about. When you truly have that inspired moment, when you recognize there is a power bigger than yourself - in fact a power so great that you can't even fathom it - don't you become just a little scared? Suddenly you don't seem so important. Suddenly I must - even for a moment - admit I am not in control. The difference is believers will worship God in this moment of humility. However, unbelievers or those weaker in their faith, will react like Balak and try to take control.
So Balak enlists Balaam into his plan. Balak's plan was to have Balaam curse the Israelites. Instead we see Balaam receiving God's instruction through a donkey.
Pause #2: God can penetrate the heart of any unbeliever He so chooses. Balaam was not a believer in God. He was a Moabite. He was a sorcerer of sorts. Yet God in His sovereignty can use all of creation at His disposal to get our attention. What an awesome God He is!
Then I read on to see Balaam delivering his oracles to Balak.
Pause #3: Balaam was physically unable to speak anything other than what God has placed on his lips. God in His sovereignty will deliver the words to us at the times we need to speak them if we truly seek Him. Even when we're facing opposition or persecution. (Remember Balak could have his way with Balaam and ultimately probably have him killed.) He can make the lowly strong and wise!
When Balak didn't like what Balaam had revealed, he kept trying to change the location or the message. Ultimately he thought the more of the Israelites Balaam was able to see the more likely he would be to curse them. Yet God's message is unchanging and His protection of His people remains.
Pause #4: Isn't this the way the world reacts to the sovereignty of God today. Though we know God to be unchanging, the world continues to manipulate the message and try to bend God into something He is not. By changing perspectives or manipulating His words people constantly are trying to make God something He is not... but yet His truth shines through and His will is revealed.
After all of this, I was ready to stop but I was only 1/2 way through the reading for today. There is still more that God wants me to know.
As I got to Numbers 27 and was reading about how God told Moses to take Joshua with him and have Eleazor commission him and ultimately transfer authority over to Joshua. It says that the Lord told Moses to take Joshua because he was a "man in whom is the spirit."
Pause #5: Lately I've been worried and distracted a lot by what people are saying about me as an employee and my "professional career." How am I being perceived? Am I progressing in my responsibilities? Do people see me as a "go to guy?" Consequently I've become disgruntled and dismayed about my future and my ultimate purpose in life. Bottom line - I've become very focused on the praises of man. Yet when I read this I'm reminded that God is not focused on all of those things I'm concerning myself with. What He is truly concerned with is the spirit within me and how I allow Him to work through me. After all, I just said Sunday in church in response to the sermon that I wanted to make God my ultimate employer and here I am just a mere 5 days later worried about man. God's leadership selection criteria so much different that the evaluation of man. Let me become more preoccupied with what You're saying about me than with those in my place of employment.
Then I began to wonder, how was Joshua ready to take over such responsibility? Ultimately I had to remind myself that Moses truly wasn't ready either when He took over, but God had equipped and prepared Him adequately. Yet, Joshua seems ready to go now. He's got the spirit, the bravery etc... all good qualities for a leader. However, I was reminded to look a back in scripture for some of the first mentions of Joshua to trace his path of preparation. I found it back in Exodus. Chapter 17 records that Joshua fought the Amalekites and the Lord specifically told Moses to make sure Joshua heard that the Amalekites would be wiped off the earth (Ex 17:10, 13-14). Exodus 24 tells us that Joshua went up the mountain with Moses to meet with God. And finally Exodus 33:11 - As Moses was meeting with God in the Tent of Meeting, he would take Joshua with him. We see here in this text that Joshua would see Moses speaking with God "face to face as a man speaks with his friend" AND that Joshua would not leave the tent when Moses did. What was he still doing in there if he wasn't listening any more? Perhaps he was practicing and talking to God himself.
Pause #6: Lots to learn from here. First of all, the younger generation needs to not only see - but hear - their elders talking to God face to face. (ie: praying out loud.) I've become so convicted of that by being a father of two small toddlers. We've really been encouraging them to pray out loud lately. And at first they were very hesitant because they weren't sure how to, but then when they tried they mimicked many of the prayers that we've said over them since they were babies. They use some of the exact words and phrases. I don't want them simply to repeat my prayers but just as they need to be taught how to speak, more importantly they need to hear what conversational prayer with their Holy Father sounds like. When I heard them pray the first few times, I realized how "routine" my own prayers sounded as they were replayed for me through their mouths. I also realized how non-conversational they sounded. I certainly wasn't speaking to God "face to face as a man speaks with a friend."
Pause 6a: Secondly here, I recognize now that Joshua was chosen for this job long before he recognized he was chosen. It may seem that he was groomed for the position by Moses. Certainly Moses did what he could to help Joshua see how a Godly leader received instruction from the Lord. Yet Joshua developed the heart attitude and a friendship with God on his own. Why else would he have stayed in the tent longer? Perhaps I've been chosen for a job that I'm not yet aware. Perhaps part of my lesson is to drink up the opportunities I have to watch Godly leaders soak up their instruction from the Lord, attempt to apply it myself and develop this kinship with my heavenly Father as well. Today, I choose to look less at this job as a destination and more as a training ground and sanctuary.
at
12:58 PM
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
June 4 - Day 11; Num 8-Num 20
Recently at work, I received what I deemed to be unjustified feedback. It was based on perceptions and not on reality. Yet the reality exists that if you object to feedback of any sort, you develop yet another stigma that you are not open to feedback and are difficult to work with. So needless to say I was a bit discouraged in my pursuit to make a difference in my workplace and for the people I've been privileged to lead.
That is why in today's reading I can so easily identify with Moses. Here he has been giving his all for the Israelites. Moses has been talking and walking with God and enjoying some fabulous intimacy with Him. Moses has literally been risking His life and asking God to forgive and have mercy on the stiff necked Israelites. Time and time again, regardless of how Moses has helped the people, they complain. We don't have enough food... here's Manna... we don't have any meat.... here's some quail. We don't have any water... and on and on it goes. Until we see Moses finally start to break. Num 11: 11 we see Moses asking the Lord, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you may put the burden of these people on me?"
When I read these lines it was almost like I was speaking them myself. I feel the same way right now. I used to view my job as a blessing and a great pleasure to serve the Lord in this way. Now I see it more as a burden. It seems no matter how good I do or how hard I work, good just isn't good enough. The usual, "atta boys" aren't flowing quite as freely. The informal pats on the back aren't there. And yet, it seems as if I've been working as hard as I have in quite some time. I'm sure this is how Moses felt. Moses goes on to argue with the Lord, "I cannot carry all of these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now..."
Then later on in the same passage we see the Lord answering back... vs 23... "The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
This is the truth I needed to hear today. How quickly I can become short-term focused when I receive short-term feedback. I've felt the Lord leading me and equipping me in this role. The decisions I've attempted to make, I've also attempted to seek His will on them. Granted - probably not enough though. Yet, when I become the focus of the feedback and it is not all positive my viewpoints turn from blessings to burdens. I've only looked at the length of my arm to provide. I've neglected to look at the length of the Lord's arm to provide. Lord, help me realize that you are the one in control. I cannot expect the world to recognize you, nor give me praise because I'm a God-follower. Yet I know that your truth will prevail. I will trust you for the results in my team and in my family. The focus is not me... but to your glory.
Now let me again project forward. The end of today's reading culminates in the death of Aaron and that the Lord has told Moses and Aaron both that they will not enter the Promised Land themselves because of their rebellion against the Lord at Meribah. Could it be that the start of Moses' rebellion came from the fact that he took his eyes off of the Lord and started putting them on himself way back when the people's grumbling got him down? Let this be a lesson for me as well. If I let the grumbling take my eyes of my eternal purpose, I will loose the blessing of seeing the harvest You've called me to cultivate. Let me find joy in all circumstances especially in those that don't seem very joyous at the time like receiving unmerited feedback. Let me trust in You at all times as my source of joy and provision - knowing that you will deliver your promises to the faithful.
That is why in today's reading I can so easily identify with Moses. Here he has been giving his all for the Israelites. Moses has been talking and walking with God and enjoying some fabulous intimacy with Him. Moses has literally been risking His life and asking God to forgive and have mercy on the stiff necked Israelites. Time and time again, regardless of how Moses has helped the people, they complain. We don't have enough food... here's Manna... we don't have any meat.... here's some quail. We don't have any water... and on and on it goes. Until we see Moses finally start to break. Num 11: 11 we see Moses asking the Lord, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you may put the burden of these people on me?"
When I read these lines it was almost like I was speaking them myself. I feel the same way right now. I used to view my job as a blessing and a great pleasure to serve the Lord in this way. Now I see it more as a burden. It seems no matter how good I do or how hard I work, good just isn't good enough. The usual, "atta boys" aren't flowing quite as freely. The informal pats on the back aren't there. And yet, it seems as if I've been working as hard as I have in quite some time. I'm sure this is how Moses felt. Moses goes on to argue with the Lord, "I cannot carry all of these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now..."
Then later on in the same passage we see the Lord answering back... vs 23... "The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
This is the truth I needed to hear today. How quickly I can become short-term focused when I receive short-term feedback. I've felt the Lord leading me and equipping me in this role. The decisions I've attempted to make, I've also attempted to seek His will on them. Granted - probably not enough though. Yet, when I become the focus of the feedback and it is not all positive my viewpoints turn from blessings to burdens. I've only looked at the length of my arm to provide. I've neglected to look at the length of the Lord's arm to provide. Lord, help me realize that you are the one in control. I cannot expect the world to recognize you, nor give me praise because I'm a God-follower. Yet I know that your truth will prevail. I will trust you for the results in my team and in my family. The focus is not me... but to your glory.
Now let me again project forward. The end of today's reading culminates in the death of Aaron and that the Lord has told Moses and Aaron both that they will not enter the Promised Land themselves because of their rebellion against the Lord at Meribah. Could it be that the start of Moses' rebellion came from the fact that he took his eyes off of the Lord and started putting them on himself way back when the people's grumbling got him down? Let this be a lesson for me as well. If I let the grumbling take my eyes of my eternal purpose, I will loose the blessing of seeing the harvest You've called me to cultivate. Let me find joy in all circumstances especially in those that don't seem very joyous at the time like receiving unmerited feedback. Let me trust in You at all times as my source of joy and provision - knowing that you will deliver your promises to the faithful.
at
12:06 PM
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
June 3 - Day 10; Lev 26 - Numbers 7:89
I'm recording this blog posting from my desk while on my lunch break at work. I was reflecting on my role as a leader in my company and in my home as I read today's reading. I find myself often in conflict between my responsibilities as a husband, father and employee. There always seems something that seems to be dropped or out of balance.
In my role as a manager one of the challenges I was facing today was how do you measure success? And all too often in business it is measured by a number. So today as I close out Leviticus (the instructions for the priests) and enter Numbers I see God's hand in helping us understand the relationship of obedience and numbers. In Lev 26, we see both God's telling Moses the rewards He has in store for the Israelites if they choose obedience to the Laws and decrees and also telling Moses the consequences of disobedience.
God has just made some very serious promises here to the Israelites. But how will they know on what side of the promise they are? Who is judge and jury of this? And ultimately we see God answering that by leading into the book of numbers. Obedience is measured in the "numbers." God has set up the rules... and now they must decide if they want to obey.
Now please don't read this posting wrong. I'm not suggesting that obedience always results in material blessing or increasing of the numbers. Certainly God can and has done that in the past. But as God judges obedience He's concerned not only with the group average, but the individual score.
God does keep individual scores. He shows that to us in the opening section of Numbers. He instructs Moses and Aaron to take a census. It is important to know who is where. God knows at all time how many of us there are. Not a one of us is unimportant to Him. He not only knows our number, but He knows where we belong and to whom we've been given. He points out to us in this book as well the importance of family. I was impressed with how he not only counted the people but recorded to which tribe the were a part of. Furthermore, He gave Moses instructions for how to keep the tribes together in their campsites. Family is a primary way in which God creates order in the world today.
Let me draw some applications of my own from this. While man (and my employer) may be interested in the numbers I turn in and they are using this to evaluate success or failure, God is using a different kind of numbers. He knows who I am - out of the whole wide world - He cares about me. I am more than a number to him. He has given me a name and placed me in a tribe. He has given me this tribe and family to help me discover His plan for my life and to walk this journey with. He has given me the responsibility of family to help me help him keep order in this world. He told us in the end of Leviticus what we would get if we obey... and he told us what we would get if we disobey. If I were to judge my success as a leader - as a God follower- in relation to the promises He made what score would I give myself? Do I see more blessings or curses in my life. He is letting me choose to obey or not. So I cannot complain if life is not the way I would want it, because in all likelihood, I'm not completely obedient to him.
I see some even deeper applications here. God laid down the instructions for worship to Moses. 12 times we see the tribes present their offerings to the dedication of the temple in Numbers. 12 times they were exactly the same. To a tribe, the people obeyed exactly as God had commanded. But let me dig and expand a little deeper. It's not written here, but can you imagine some of the conversations that must have gone on behind the scenes. What if you were the person responsible for raising the goats? And the tribe wanted to take your best breeding goat and dedicate it as a sin offering? You'd probably argue a little. :Please take this nice one over here, he's of the same genetics just has the wrong color. Or how about this one over here, he's even better genetics but has a bad leg and can't walk very good." Can you hear yourself arguing about what He's calling you to give up for the sake of tribal obedience? What if it were your sliver plate that they wanted to give away? Now you don't have a matching set. What if it were your whatever...... would you willingly give it? Perhaps in a "family" of sorts, the vote would be cast and you'd be overruled. So the "family" might look obedient but is the spirit of every person in the family obedient to God's instruction? God didn't just record the numbers of the tribe's collective sacrifices and offerings. He started with recording their individual numbers and to which tribe they belonged. God knows if my "tribe" is obedient. He knows whether we've offered the right sacrifices or if we've accepted his offering of salvation. BUT He also knows my individual heart. He knows who I am. He knows if I'm just going through the actions of giving my sacrifices... or if my actions are indicative of a spirit of worship. The danger here is I belong to many "tribes." Is every tribe I belong to obedient to His instruction? My work team, my extended family, my immediate family, my friends, etc.... Then within each of these tribes, what is my heart attitude toward the sacrifice He is asking me to give? When I see it this way, I recognize a great need for repentance in the many tribes I belong to, collectively and individually.
In my role as a manager one of the challenges I was facing today was how do you measure success? And all too often in business it is measured by a number. So today as I close out Leviticus (the instructions for the priests) and enter Numbers I see God's hand in helping us understand the relationship of obedience and numbers. In Lev 26, we see both God's telling Moses the rewards He has in store for the Israelites if they choose obedience to the Laws and decrees and also telling Moses the consequences of disobedience.
God has just made some very serious promises here to the Israelites. But how will they know on what side of the promise they are? Who is judge and jury of this? And ultimately we see God answering that by leading into the book of numbers. Obedience is measured in the "numbers." God has set up the rules... and now they must decide if they want to obey.
Now please don't read this posting wrong. I'm not suggesting that obedience always results in material blessing or increasing of the numbers. Certainly God can and has done that in the past. But as God judges obedience He's concerned not only with the group average, but the individual score.
God does keep individual scores. He shows that to us in the opening section of Numbers. He instructs Moses and Aaron to take a census. It is important to know who is where. God knows at all time how many of us there are. Not a one of us is unimportant to Him. He not only knows our number, but He knows where we belong and to whom we've been given. He points out to us in this book as well the importance of family. I was impressed with how he not only counted the people but recorded to which tribe the were a part of. Furthermore, He gave Moses instructions for how to keep the tribes together in their campsites. Family is a primary way in which God creates order in the world today.
Let me draw some applications of my own from this. While man (and my employer) may be interested in the numbers I turn in and they are using this to evaluate success or failure, God is using a different kind of numbers. He knows who I am - out of the whole wide world - He cares about me. I am more than a number to him. He has given me a name and placed me in a tribe. He has given me this tribe and family to help me discover His plan for my life and to walk this journey with. He has given me the responsibility of family to help me help him keep order in this world. He told us in the end of Leviticus what we would get if we obey... and he told us what we would get if we disobey. If I were to judge my success as a leader - as a God follower- in relation to the promises He made what score would I give myself? Do I see more blessings or curses in my life. He is letting me choose to obey or not. So I cannot complain if life is not the way I would want it, because in all likelihood, I'm not completely obedient to him.
I see some even deeper applications here. God laid down the instructions for worship to Moses. 12 times we see the tribes present their offerings to the dedication of the temple in Numbers. 12 times they were exactly the same. To a tribe, the people obeyed exactly as God had commanded. But let me dig and expand a little deeper. It's not written here, but can you imagine some of the conversations that must have gone on behind the scenes. What if you were the person responsible for raising the goats? And the tribe wanted to take your best breeding goat and dedicate it as a sin offering? You'd probably argue a little. :Please take this nice one over here, he's of the same genetics just has the wrong color. Or how about this one over here, he's even better genetics but has a bad leg and can't walk very good." Can you hear yourself arguing about what He's calling you to give up for the sake of tribal obedience? What if it were your sliver plate that they wanted to give away? Now you don't have a matching set. What if it were your whatever...... would you willingly give it? Perhaps in a "family" of sorts, the vote would be cast and you'd be overruled. So the "family" might look obedient but is the spirit of every person in the family obedient to God's instruction? God didn't just record the numbers of the tribe's collective sacrifices and offerings. He started with recording their individual numbers and to which tribe they belonged. God knows if my "tribe" is obedient. He knows whether we've offered the right sacrifices or if we've accepted his offering of salvation. BUT He also knows my individual heart. He knows who I am. He knows if I'm just going through the actions of giving my sacrifices... or if my actions are indicative of a spirit of worship. The danger here is I belong to many "tribes." Is every tribe I belong to obedient to His instruction? My work team, my extended family, my immediate family, my friends, etc.... Then within each of these tribes, what is my heart attitude toward the sacrifice He is asking me to give? When I see it this way, I recognize a great need for repentance in the many tribes I belong to, collectively and individually.
at
1:22 PM
Monday, June 2, 2008
June 2 - Day 9 Lev 14:8-Lev 25:54
When reading this book, I must remember that Leviticus is a book of instructions. Primarily instructions for priests. What is the priest's responsibility? It is to lead the people and more importantly to intercede on their behalf to a Holy and righteous God. I must remember that in the days in which this book was written, Priests were much different than the leaders of our modern churches. Today we have pastors and ministers who lead the people and shepherd them in their relationships towards Christ. In those days Priests were the only ones ordained to perform the rituals and rites that kept the relationship peaceful between a holy and righteous God and an unruly and selfish people.
These instructions seem so detailed and so laborious. Yet that reminds me that God demands holiness and 100% righteousness. To live in His presence is to cast off ALL sin. Literally in Levitical days we see Priests who could loose their life because they didn't follow God's instructions completely. And likewise we see people who lost their lives because they chose to rebel against the practices prescribed by the Priests. I'm sure it would change my actions completely if I were a priest in those days. Not only would I be burdened by the sins going on around me... I would be agonizing over others sins because I know that I might lose my life or God's judgement may be enacted against a disobedient people if they weren't called into a right relationship with Him.
God demands cleanliness. God demands purity. God demands righteousness. He does this because these are His character traits. He cannot tolerate any less. All of His instructions to Moses for the Priests were to set up these rules for cleanliness, purity and righteousness.
This makes me realize how sloppy I've gotten with my Agape lately. I know that I sin and that people around me sin... but how often am I willing to call out the sin and help them pursue righteousness? Not willing to offend, I often ignore the sins of many for the sake of a few. Jesus certainly didn't. As my High Priest, He decided to take care of it once and for all, so that I might not have to pay with my life. The least (and the most) I can do is to make sure others know not that they are lost in their sin only, but that there is an answer... a remedy for their sinful state. His name is Jesus.
In Lev 20:23ff I find the best summary of all of this passage. "Keep my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you will not vomit you out. You must not live according the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all of these things, I abhorred them. But I said to you, "You will possess their land; I will give it you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey. 'I am the Lord your God, who as set you apart from the nations.'"
What God was promising the Israelites is true of us today. While he is not leading us as people through the desert literally, He is leading us through the desert of this world. We are a wandering stiff necked people. We stray from His path and deliberately grumble against Him. Yet, He has promised us an inheritance in Heaven. "A land flowing with milk and honey." Yet heaven cannot tolerate sin. We must be holy. We must be righteous. We must be pure. We must be clean, to enter Heaven. If we are not, the land He has prepared for us will "vomit us out". You see dear friends, this world is not about our happiness. It is about "driving out these things" and helping us pursue Holiness so that we might achieve his inheritance.
Won't you let your High Priest intercede on your behalf today so you might achieve Holiness too?
These instructions seem so detailed and so laborious. Yet that reminds me that God demands holiness and 100% righteousness. To live in His presence is to cast off ALL sin. Literally in Levitical days we see Priests who could loose their life because they didn't follow God's instructions completely. And likewise we see people who lost their lives because they chose to rebel against the practices prescribed by the Priests. I'm sure it would change my actions completely if I were a priest in those days. Not only would I be burdened by the sins going on around me... I would be agonizing over others sins because I know that I might lose my life or God's judgement may be enacted against a disobedient people if they weren't called into a right relationship with Him.
God demands cleanliness. God demands purity. God demands righteousness. He does this because these are His character traits. He cannot tolerate any less. All of His instructions to Moses for the Priests were to set up these rules for cleanliness, purity and righteousness.
This makes me realize how sloppy I've gotten with my Agape lately. I know that I sin and that people around me sin... but how often am I willing to call out the sin and help them pursue righteousness? Not willing to offend, I often ignore the sins of many for the sake of a few. Jesus certainly didn't. As my High Priest, He decided to take care of it once and for all, so that I might not have to pay with my life. The least (and the most) I can do is to make sure others know not that they are lost in their sin only, but that there is an answer... a remedy for their sinful state. His name is Jesus.
In Lev 20:23ff I find the best summary of all of this passage. "Keep my decrees and laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you will not vomit you out. You must not live according the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all of these things, I abhorred them. But I said to you, "You will possess their land; I will give it you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey. 'I am the Lord your God, who as set you apart from the nations.'"
What God was promising the Israelites is true of us today. While he is not leading us as people through the desert literally, He is leading us through the desert of this world. We are a wandering stiff necked people. We stray from His path and deliberately grumble against Him. Yet, He has promised us an inheritance in Heaven. "A land flowing with milk and honey." Yet heaven cannot tolerate sin. We must be holy. We must be righteous. We must be pure. We must be clean, to enter Heaven. If we are not, the land He has prepared for us will "vomit us out". You see dear friends, this world is not about our happiness. It is about "driving out these things" and helping us pursue Holiness so that we might achieve his inheritance.
Won't you let your High Priest intercede on your behalf today so you might achieve Holiness too?
at
2:59 PM
Sunday, June 1, 2008
June 1 - Day 8
I must admit as I started Leviticus today I had a bad attitude. I was thinking... "here we go." As traditionally this has not been the most exciting book of the Bible for me to read. I remember going through it in BSF several years ago and I was fascinated how much it pointed toward Christ and the New Testament. Yet, I get lost in what sacrifice is for what and who can eat it and what to do with it.
This time as I was reading it more for the story and less for the symbolism I found myself thinking very similarly to yesterday. There is so much detail here and it is all instructions from God to Moses, how in the world did they ever remember it all. Just like the instructions for the tabernacle we see God telling Moses, and Moses telling the Priests and the priests doing as God instructed. We also see the consequences of doing what God didn't instruct... in the examples of Nadab and Abihu who paid with their life for offering unholy fire.
As I was wrestling with what God was teaching me today a familiar phrase came new to me... Lev 11:44 and again in Lev 44: 45... "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy... therefore be holy, because I am holy."
I must remember at all times God did not call me to be happy. Certainly the priests on their own accord couldn't have been happy killing animals and disposing of guts all the time. Yet, because they served the lord, the recognized that it wasn't happiness God was after it was Holiness. And Holiness demands a sacrifice. In this case, there were multiple types of sacrifices. Is it not any different today? How the world has it all wrong. Many people pursue happiness... and in the process forfeit their holiness. I often pursue happiness and forget that God is not interested in my happiness.... He is calling me to be holy because He is holy and that is the only way I can have true fellowship with him.
A real practical application today. This morning I was awakened at 5:00 on a Sunday by my 3 year old. She was coughing and couldn't go back to sleep. I'm not real happy at 5:00 am anyway but evermore so on a Sunday morning. What made it worse was that the alarm wasn't due to go off until 5:45. Since it was already 5:00 it wasn't hardly worth it to go back to bed until 5:45 and I knew if I slept in beyond that I wouldn't have time today to spend in the Word and praying. Likewise it always seems if I don't prepare myself and seek God's protection for our family on Sunday mornings, Satan attacks our family as we prepare to head off to church... but that is a different story. So here I am at 5:00 grumbling about not being happy... and I read this and realize God could care less right now... He has things He needs to tell me.. and it is all about pursuing Holiness. That certainly got my attention and made my reading much more practical.
Now it is after 10:00 pm on Sunday night and I'm preparing myself for the workday to come tomorrow morning. I certainly don't feel happy about returning to work tomorrow because I know the piles of things I left on Friday afternoon are still there waiting for me. Yet I know that God isn't interested in my happiness. However I choose to pursue Holiness and will seek Him as I end today and start tomorrow because He alone is my hope and strength.
This time as I was reading it more for the story and less for the symbolism I found myself thinking very similarly to yesterday. There is so much detail here and it is all instructions from God to Moses, how in the world did they ever remember it all. Just like the instructions for the tabernacle we see God telling Moses, and Moses telling the Priests and the priests doing as God instructed. We also see the consequences of doing what God didn't instruct... in the examples of Nadab and Abihu who paid with their life for offering unholy fire.
As I was wrestling with what God was teaching me today a familiar phrase came new to me... Lev 11:44 and again in Lev 44: 45... "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy... therefore be holy, because I am holy."
I must remember at all times God did not call me to be happy. Certainly the priests on their own accord couldn't have been happy killing animals and disposing of guts all the time. Yet, because they served the lord, the recognized that it wasn't happiness God was after it was Holiness. And Holiness demands a sacrifice. In this case, there were multiple types of sacrifices. Is it not any different today? How the world has it all wrong. Many people pursue happiness... and in the process forfeit their holiness. I often pursue happiness and forget that God is not interested in my happiness.... He is calling me to be holy because He is holy and that is the only way I can have true fellowship with him.
A real practical application today. This morning I was awakened at 5:00 on a Sunday by my 3 year old. She was coughing and couldn't go back to sleep. I'm not real happy at 5:00 am anyway but evermore so on a Sunday morning. What made it worse was that the alarm wasn't due to go off until 5:45. Since it was already 5:00 it wasn't hardly worth it to go back to bed until 5:45 and I knew if I slept in beyond that I wouldn't have time today to spend in the Word and praying. Likewise it always seems if I don't prepare myself and seek God's protection for our family on Sunday mornings, Satan attacks our family as we prepare to head off to church... but that is a different story. So here I am at 5:00 grumbling about not being happy... and I read this and realize God could care less right now... He has things He needs to tell me.. and it is all about pursuing Holiness. That certainly got my attention and made my reading much more practical.
Now it is after 10:00 pm on Sunday night and I'm preparing myself for the workday to come tomorrow morning. I certainly don't feel happy about returning to work tomorrow because I know the piles of things I left on Friday afternoon are still there waiting for me. Yet I know that God isn't interested in my happiness. However I choose to pursue Holiness and will seek Him as I end today and start tomorrow because He alone is my hope and strength.
at
9:55 PM
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