The title is from verse 2 of the 100 book of Psalms. The actual sermon; however, draws from Leviticus 24:10-14. I was inspired by God, always, but recently my pastor made a brief statement that I thought was cool. When you are reading Leviticus 24 and you think that it is intense then you will have a deeper appreciation for what I’m about to say. During Bible study, and I’m paraphrasing, my pastor mentioned something like not everything is all sweet with God. Sometimes you have to digest the bitter as well. But when you eat both, there is a different flavor altogether both fighting for your attention which makes for a unique experience for your taste buds. So, in keeping with his theme, I have some bittersweet spiritual food for you, eat well and enjoy!
In verse 10 of Leviticus 24 the Bible tells the story of the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father. The interesting thing about this story is that the Bible is very general about the son. But the fact that the son was mixed Egyptian and Israelite gives my imagination plenty to play with. For instance, we know that the Egyptians were slave masters of the Israelites and we also know that this transition from power is pretty recent as the children of Israel (at this point in the story) have made it beyond the Red Sea but had not yet made it to the Promised Land. So it is safe to say that the children of Israel ‘s experiences with slavery would still be fresh in their minds.
However, to put it in perspective, blacks were the slaves of whites some 200+ years ago and the sting of slavery along with its residual impact is still fresh as well. As I remember well into the 1980s and 1990s it was still difficult for some to see a black person and a white person in a romantic relationship. Therefore, I’m sure it was difficult for the Israelites to see a son of an Egyptian man among them. It would have probably been just as hard for this son to adjust to being the outsider as well.
Another experience of a mixed relationship, I remember, is Hagar who was the Egyptian maid and had a son by Abraham the grandfather of Jacob (who was renamed Israel by God). The child from this union was Ishmael. Sarah (Abraham’s wife) couldn't deal with the fact that her husband had a child by someone else that as soon as she had a child of her own she kicked Hagar and Ishmael out. This experience demonstrates the raw emotion that is bred by having a child outside of the confines of a sacred union blessed by God.
The issues and possibilities that stemmed from the relationship of an Egyptian father and Israelite mother are endless. In order for a slave to remain a slave, the slave master would have had to employ strategies that would breed a slave mentality from the Israelites. They would have been very aggressive in their tactics and nothing would have been withheld with regards to insuring subjection to the slave master’s rules. We know this because the Bible stated that Moses killed an Egyptian that he witnessed beating an Israelite (Exodus 2:12). Therefore, within this adversarial type relationship they had, it would not be irrational to think of several possibilities that could have happened. She could have been raped, they could have legitimately been in love and had a child, she could have seduced him and used that to manipulate favors during her time as a slave, or they could have had a one night stand. But I don’t believe that they would have had a healthy marital relationship under the circumstances of slavery.
In addition to the complications surrounding their relationship, I also believe it would have been tough for the Egyptian father to take an active role in his son’s life. Their relationship would have caused a significant amount of uncomfortableness within the Israelite community. It would have also been possible that the father could have died in the Red Sea along with the other members of Pharaoh’s army or simply stayed behind (giving up his parental rights) while his mother left with the rest of the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. With regard to all this it is probably a safe assumption that the son would have had some difficulty fitting into with the Israelite community.
The other interesting thing is the Bible does not mention the son’s name. One of the things that I know about God is that he knows the names of his children. The people that he really knew, for emphasis their names were mentioned twice in one setting. (Abraham in Genesis 22:11, Martha in Luke 10:41, Simon in Luke 22:31, and Saul in Acts 9:4). The worst thing one can do to leave this earth and stand before God and have him say depart from me I know you not. Therefore, if there is any doubt, you may want to begin introductions today.
Knowing a little of the background and inferring things about the son’s parents and the possibilities of the relationship between the Egyptians and the Israelites, the Father and the son, and the community and family we probably can tell that the son would have had some behavioral issues. Additionally, there probably would not have been a nurturing type environment and it would be understandable to believe that the son would have had some social issues as well. The Bible confirms this by mentioning the son Strove (Genesis 26:20,Exodus 21:18) with an Israelite man. And because of this he lost control of his emotions and “blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed (verse 11).”
There was such a lack of respect on the son’s behalf. He didn’t appear to respect man or God. The Lord responded accordingly by instructing Moses to stone him. Immediately our hearts would probably want to be with the son but in this instance the best way to do justice is to train our children. Let them know that it doesn’t matter where you are from, what side of the tracks you may be on, or even who your father and mother are you still have to have a relationship with God for yourself. And, God still has set the expectation of respect. There isn’t an excuse good enough to disrespect God in this way and God does not obligate himself to be merciful in this instance.
We know that when things don’t work out for us right now and we have those bad days, as we sometimes tend to have, it is better not to focus on this trouble but focus on God. It is how we respond to those bad days that make the difference. If the son would have been focused on God and took the advice that his leader Moses provided he would have been able to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” He would have been able to pass the tests that were before him. He would have been able to know the God that I know, one who is full of grace and mercy. He would have known a God that would fight battles for you. But for some reason that son didn’t know to call on that God. We have the opportunity to get to know that God and learn from the son’s mistakes. Once you do, it won’t be a problem to “Serve the Lord with Gladness.”
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hungry for God
Hunger pains exist in our lives and can lead to a relevant word for such a time as this. Knowing this information has allowed me to delve into my desire to sit down and enjoy the spiritual food from God's table. Why am I thus if I don't choose to eat from the master chef that teaches all chefs. I am hoping that, by sharing these experiences, someone will be compelled to come and join me and we will be filled together. The book of Luke 14: 16-23:
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
After reading these verses, I am mindful that there are times when an invitation is sent that you must not turn down. The invitation is such that it would come from someone so special that every effort is made to attend and all other scheduled events would be rearranged to accommodate this request. For instance, one of the State Dinners hosted by the President, William & Catherine's Royal Wedding, or perhaps something so intimately planned by a spouse that no amount of convincing would change your mind about attending. The thought process is that you understand the amount of resources that would have gone into preparing such an elaborate display of hospitality that will be unmatched by no other existing life event.
However, each invitee in the scripture did exactly what would have caused any sane person to exclaim..."Have you lost your mind?"
Maybe this isn't an understatement if you held onto the logic that they could have gone to the Master's dinner at anytime. And logically, this would be correct. But another thought I have suggests that this wasn't just any event. First, scripture describes that the Master was angry. If I were to go with the logic theory, then it would be logical to say that the master was angry and in an effort not to waste the effort/food the master extends an invitation to those whom he thinks will appreciate the work that was put into this event. A host just doesn't get angry and go to this extent for just anything. For instance, that type of energy would not be wasted if dinner just came from a drive through window. This leads me to believe that the effort was not only monumental but this would have been the master's best work.
Second, this event is in parallel to those who are extended an invite to heaven. One might say, but this is God and God can just speak things into existence. And that's true; however, in Genesis 1:1 the Bible talks about how God created the world in 6 days. After thousands of years and countless people spending lifetimes exploring the world, we still have not explored all their is to know about God's creation. There are still unexamined and unnamed stars, unexplored mountains, unpioneerd and uncharted territories to this very day. We know that if God can create something so awesome in six days then this meal will have to be something to behold, cherish, and remember for the rest of our lives.
Last, scripture says that he bade many. But after replacing those he bade, they were finding that they still had lots of room to accommodate those with their excuses. It is important to note that this behavior begs us to pay attention that the master wanted as many people in attendence as possible. The work would have had to have been worthy of such effort.
I'm convinced that the people would have not understood the magnitude of this event or they would not have turned it down. It is as if their minds were not illuminated to the possibilities; otherwise they would have definitely made the event a priority. I witness a lot of those who don't believe. They will be the ones representing the people who had excuses for why they weren't available during the invitation period. But heaven is a must and in order to go we must be hungry for it, anticipate it's coming, and appreciate the work/effort that went into the preparation. This strong desire to find out what it takes to get there won't go unnoticed by a God who spared no resources to insure it is worth the wait!
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
After reading these verses, I am mindful that there are times when an invitation is sent that you must not turn down. The invitation is such that it would come from someone so special that every effort is made to attend and all other scheduled events would be rearranged to accommodate this request. For instance, one of the State Dinners hosted by the President, William & Catherine's Royal Wedding, or perhaps something so intimately planned by a spouse that no amount of convincing would change your mind about attending. The thought process is that you understand the amount of resources that would have gone into preparing such an elaborate display of hospitality that will be unmatched by no other existing life event.
However, each invitee in the scripture did exactly what would have caused any sane person to exclaim..."Have you lost your mind?"
Maybe this isn't an understatement if you held onto the logic that they could have gone to the Master's dinner at anytime. And logically, this would be correct. But another thought I have suggests that this wasn't just any event. First, scripture describes that the Master was angry. If I were to go with the logic theory, then it would be logical to say that the master was angry and in an effort not to waste the effort/food the master extends an invitation to those whom he thinks will appreciate the work that was put into this event. A host just doesn't get angry and go to this extent for just anything. For instance, that type of energy would not be wasted if dinner just came from a drive through window. This leads me to believe that the effort was not only monumental but this would have been the master's best work.
Second, this event is in parallel to those who are extended an invite to heaven. One might say, but this is God and God can just speak things into existence. And that's true; however, in Genesis 1:1 the Bible talks about how God created the world in 6 days. After thousands of years and countless people spending lifetimes exploring the world, we still have not explored all their is to know about God's creation. There are still unexamined and unnamed stars, unexplored mountains, unpioneerd and uncharted territories to this very day. We know that if God can create something so awesome in six days then this meal will have to be something to behold, cherish, and remember for the rest of our lives.
Last, scripture says that he bade many. But after replacing those he bade, they were finding that they still had lots of room to accommodate those with their excuses. It is important to note that this behavior begs us to pay attention that the master wanted as many people in attendence as possible. The work would have had to have been worthy of such effort.
I'm convinced that the people would have not understood the magnitude of this event or they would not have turned it down. It is as if their minds were not illuminated to the possibilities; otherwise they would have definitely made the event a priority. I witness a lot of those who don't believe. They will be the ones representing the people who had excuses for why they weren't available during the invitation period. But heaven is a must and in order to go we must be hungry for it, anticipate it's coming, and appreciate the work/effort that went into the preparation. This strong desire to find out what it takes to get there won't go unnoticed by a God who spared no resources to insure it is worth the wait!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Strategies of Obfuscation
In the wake of what some individuals have called one of the worst financial times in history, a strong statement punctuated by high unemployment among other factors. In times like these, we need to be very careful because it breeds opportunity for predators to take advantantage. Why is this important now? Once again an opportunity to delve into scripture presents itself and i'm most excited to share an experience from the life of Jesus (please reference St. John 13).
I used the title strategies of obfuscation, but I could have just as effectively used the titles "Don't be Naive" and "Get to know your Enemy." Allow me to explain further, in verse 1 of John 13 the Bible states "...Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father." This is a powerful statement in itself. It has similarities in the atmospheric realm of this present time. There would have been a sense of feeling that something huge is about to happen but you can't quite understand exactly what it is. Sort of like seeing all these signs that something is in the air but you can't quite put your finger on the magnitude as to what these signs reveal. But the enemy knows. And the enemy is already positioning himself to prepare.
In verse 2, the Bible lets us know that the devil has put it into Judas Iscariot's heart to betray Jesus. This positioning was so subtil that it escaped the senses of the disciples. Although they were not alert to this, Jesus was. It is a perfect example of obfuscation because it would have been difficult to perceive the enemy's strategy. He came as a wolf in sheep's clothing unbeknownst to those around him. He became a part of the family, someone whom they would never question the integrity because he became one of them.
Jesus, and I love this about him, took this time to immediately address the situation. With his infinite wisdom, he creates an opportunity to demonstrate the love of a real King of Kings while, at the same time, exposing the pretender for who he really is. The thing I most respect about Jesus is that he didn't put the devil down to make himself look good, he simply got down on his knees and washed his disciples feet. And he basically said, in verse 14-15, I lead by example. He taught us what all good leaders will do. He, in essence, compared his leadership skills to that of the devil and asked you to decide who you wanted to follow.
Exposing the devil for who he is, isn't easy. Because he would have just denied it or altered his form of attack. Jesus knew who he was from the beginning and he allowed the disciples in on this by stating in verse 11 that "Ye are not all clean." This was so awesome, because it teaches us to stay on alert at all times. We can't allow our guards to slip we can't begin to become comfortable because our adversary is always seeking who he will devour.
Jesus made it clear that we cannot serve two masters. He wanted us to choose but the choice won't be easy because the enemy is skilled at making you trust that he is a leader. His tactics are similar in nature even, that is why it is important to note that he betrayed Jesus with a kiss or the ultimate sign of love. But if you understand that love can only come from God then your eyes will begin to be opened. And you will learn that you can't trust even a kiss from the enemy. But you can trust God.
In this present time, I just feel that something is about to happen but I can't put my finger on it's magnitude. I used this example to show you that the enemy has not changed much. You still can't trust him. So maintain high alert, stay on guard at all times, and by all means consult our Father for his leadership style is unmatched. In all thy ways acknowledge him and trust him to direct your paths.
I used the title strategies of obfuscation, but I could have just as effectively used the titles "Don't be Naive" and "Get to know your Enemy." Allow me to explain further, in verse 1 of John 13 the Bible states "...Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father." This is a powerful statement in itself. It has similarities in the atmospheric realm of this present time. There would have been a sense of feeling that something huge is about to happen but you can't quite understand exactly what it is. Sort of like seeing all these signs that something is in the air but you can't quite put your finger on the magnitude as to what these signs reveal. But the enemy knows. And the enemy is already positioning himself to prepare.
In verse 2, the Bible lets us know that the devil has put it into Judas Iscariot's heart to betray Jesus. This positioning was so subtil that it escaped the senses of the disciples. Although they were not alert to this, Jesus was. It is a perfect example of obfuscation because it would have been difficult to perceive the enemy's strategy. He came as a wolf in sheep's clothing unbeknownst to those around him. He became a part of the family, someone whom they would never question the integrity because he became one of them.
Jesus, and I love this about him, took this time to immediately address the situation. With his infinite wisdom, he creates an opportunity to demonstrate the love of a real King of Kings while, at the same time, exposing the pretender for who he really is. The thing I most respect about Jesus is that he didn't put the devil down to make himself look good, he simply got down on his knees and washed his disciples feet. And he basically said, in verse 14-15, I lead by example. He taught us what all good leaders will do. He, in essence, compared his leadership skills to that of the devil and asked you to decide who you wanted to follow.
Exposing the devil for who he is, isn't easy. Because he would have just denied it or altered his form of attack. Jesus knew who he was from the beginning and he allowed the disciples in on this by stating in verse 11 that "Ye are not all clean." This was so awesome, because it teaches us to stay on alert at all times. We can't allow our guards to slip we can't begin to become comfortable because our adversary is always seeking who he will devour.
Jesus made it clear that we cannot serve two masters. He wanted us to choose but the choice won't be easy because the enemy is skilled at making you trust that he is a leader. His tactics are similar in nature even, that is why it is important to note that he betrayed Jesus with a kiss or the ultimate sign of love. But if you understand that love can only come from God then your eyes will begin to be opened. And you will learn that you can't trust even a kiss from the enemy. But you can trust God.
In this present time, I just feel that something is about to happen but I can't put my finger on it's magnitude. I used this example to show you that the enemy has not changed much. You still can't trust him. So maintain high alert, stay on guard at all times, and by all means consult our Father for his leadership style is unmatched. In all thy ways acknowledge him and trust him to direct your paths.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Have's and the Have Nots
The have's and the have nots is an interesting cliche. It immediately differenciates something desireable from everything else that doesn't quite meet the criteria of the first category. It begs the question, what happens when you want something you can't have? I'm glad you asked because I always look forward to opportunities that exist like these...the chance to answer a question by researching scripture. Let the church say AMEN! (reference Genesis 39:1-23 with emphasis on 12-16)
Once you've reviewed this, you become familiar with the story of Potipher's wife. The Bible doesn't say this; but, I need you to come with me and let's develop her character a little more. For instance, I see that she has to have good taste in men. We know that Potipher is a powerful man because he has position, authority, and he owns slaves. Therefore, in turn, I figure Potipher's wife to be an extremely beautiful and well-kept woman with access to generous resources that keep her this way. I just believe that an appealing wife would be a requirement for this powerful man. I also believe she has good-judgement. She would have an eye for the finer things and would be used to getting her way. I'm very sure that she is not used to hearing the word "No." She was, afterall, Potipher's wife. But she was attracted to Joseph. Her's was an unrestrained passion because she couldn't understand why Joseph (specifically in verse 10) turned her down day by day.
Now Joseph, in contrast to Potipher's wife, was a slave. He was brought to Egypt against his will. Therefore, he would not have had the same slave mindset. He would have needed to be broken (forced into submission). I imagine him to be very handsome (or at least appealing to Potipher's wife) and very intelligent. He also had integrity and a strong hard work ethic. But, the Bible states the Lord was with him and he was a prosporous man. In fact, the Lord blessed Potipher's house for Joseph's sake. Therefore, he was well-favored and a goodly person.
These qualities caught Potipher's wife's eye. She wanted Joseph...intimately. Now that we have this background as our framework we need to go back to the original question. What happens when you want something you can't have? Potipher's wife had everything a well-kept wife of a powerful man could want and then some. She had influence and a lifestyle that causes envy. In today's times she could preface her life with cars, homes, and all manner of fabulous things of beauty. Whereas, Joseph had none of this and at this stage neither could he provide. However, Potipher's wife's example screams that there is an instance when even though it appears you have everything...you will always want more. Simply stated, all the stuff she was trying to fill her life with couldn't make her happy because she was really trying to fill this void without the Lord which is the only one capable of truely making her happy.
This woman showed desparation for something that Joseph knew he could not provide and I respect the fact that he was strong enough not to be used. Verses 12 and 16 are especially disturbing to me as it reads that "she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me." To have is a choice and she chose to hold on to Joseph's garment. But what a thought if she knew that she could hold on to the garment of praise and the garment of salvation. In verse 16 it reads "she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home." But what a thought if she knew that she could touch the hem of His garment and be made whole.
This woman also showed a flawed logic. In verse 14 it reads that "she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us." To have is a mindset what if she clung to the scripture "be not deceived God is not mocked."
Joseph showed us that to have is a state of being. While he was enslaved, Joseph's master (verse 20 - 21) put him into prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor. So it may seem that those who appear to have, actually have not.
But you can have:
- eternal life
- joy unspeakable
- grace and mercy
- peace that surpasseth understanding
and the list goes on and on....My suggestion to you, be one of the haves that has the qualities that God wants you to have.
Once you've reviewed this, you become familiar with the story of Potipher's wife. The Bible doesn't say this; but, I need you to come with me and let's develop her character a little more. For instance, I see that she has to have good taste in men. We know that Potipher is a powerful man because he has position, authority, and he owns slaves. Therefore, in turn, I figure Potipher's wife to be an extremely beautiful and well-kept woman with access to generous resources that keep her this way. I just believe that an appealing wife would be a requirement for this powerful man. I also believe she has good-judgement. She would have an eye for the finer things and would be used to getting her way. I'm very sure that she is not used to hearing the word "No." She was, afterall, Potipher's wife. But she was attracted to Joseph. Her's was an unrestrained passion because she couldn't understand why Joseph (specifically in verse 10) turned her down day by day.
Now Joseph, in contrast to Potipher's wife, was a slave. He was brought to Egypt against his will. Therefore, he would not have had the same slave mindset. He would have needed to be broken (forced into submission). I imagine him to be very handsome (or at least appealing to Potipher's wife) and very intelligent. He also had integrity and a strong hard work ethic. But, the Bible states the Lord was with him and he was a prosporous man. In fact, the Lord blessed Potipher's house for Joseph's sake. Therefore, he was well-favored and a goodly person.
These qualities caught Potipher's wife's eye. She wanted Joseph...intimately. Now that we have this background as our framework we need to go back to the original question. What happens when you want something you can't have? Potipher's wife had everything a well-kept wife of a powerful man could want and then some. She had influence and a lifestyle that causes envy. In today's times she could preface her life with cars, homes, and all manner of fabulous things of beauty. Whereas, Joseph had none of this and at this stage neither could he provide. However, Potipher's wife's example screams that there is an instance when even though it appears you have everything...you will always want more. Simply stated, all the stuff she was trying to fill her life with couldn't make her happy because she was really trying to fill this void without the Lord which is the only one capable of truely making her happy.
This woman showed desparation for something that Joseph knew he could not provide and I respect the fact that he was strong enough not to be used. Verses 12 and 16 are especially disturbing to me as it reads that "she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me." To have is a choice and she chose to hold on to Joseph's garment. But what a thought if she knew that she could hold on to the garment of praise and the garment of salvation. In verse 16 it reads "she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home." But what a thought if she knew that she could touch the hem of His garment and be made whole.
This woman also showed a flawed logic. In verse 14 it reads that "she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us." To have is a mindset what if she clung to the scripture "be not deceived God is not mocked."
Joseph showed us that to have is a state of being. While he was enslaved, Joseph's master (verse 20 - 21) put him into prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor. So it may seem that those who appear to have, actually have not.
But you can have:
- eternal life
- joy unspeakable
- grace and mercy
- peace that surpasseth understanding
and the list goes on and on....My suggestion to you, be one of the haves that has the qualities that God wants you to have.
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