Thursday, 21 August 2014
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Days 25-30, Deuteronomy: Remember, O people, what God has done and promised
Here we have the final words of the man that was used of God to lead the people of Israel from captivity to a land of blessing. Much has changed since Egypt - the law was given, codifying God's relationship with the people and vice versa; a generation has past, and all but three people now alive remember living in Egypt as adults.
Here Moses makes a series of speeches meant to reinforce the teachings that had been given, and the lessons learnt during the wilderness wanderings - and indeed the lessons learnt by the human race since creation. It is to the people, so the rules and laws reiterated focus on the people. There is about to be a major change - a change in human leadership, and a change in lifestyle from living in a place with little food and relying upon bread from heaven to a lifestyle of reaping the plenty and variety of food that the land produced. Instead of wandering, they would settle. They would no longer be grouped closely together around the Tabernacle, but spread out over a nation. While they were still together, it was important to start this journey into the promised land with the right mindset - focused on God, not on themselves, and not on idols or the practices of the nations they were driving out; being obedient to God in their dealing with Him, and with each other.
We have considered some of the specific laws and events before, so here I simply dwell on the subjects touched in Moses' speeches.
His first speech is all about remembering events. The disobedience that led to the wanderings in the wilderness, and the obedience in defeating Sihon and Og. The speech ends with a call to obedience. One of the key verses:
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children"(Deu 4:9)
It is important for us not to forget either the mistakes or the successes of the past. Each is a learning experience in knowing God better, and should bring us to obedience to Him in the future.
The second speech has two main sections: the relation between the people and God is first, and the specific rules for the Israelites in their dealings with God, their brethren (other Israelites) and foreigne forms the second part.
There is an emphasis on the separation of Israel, their obedience, handing down the stories and teaching to the next generation, and a strong reminder that it is not because of their righteousness that God chose them. After all, they had rebelled many times - their blessing of having God as Ruler was because of God's graciousness, not their goodness.
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven. "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.
(Deu 10:20-11:1)
Moving into the specific rules, there is first the rules concerning keeping the land free of evil worship of idols - obedience spiritually comes first. Both in worship sites, and concerning people who encouraged worship of false gods, both were to be purged from the company of Israel. We cannot live right in our lives before God if our affections are turned elsewhere... if other gods take our time and our focus.
Concerning the many other laws to follow, we see again: The concern for the poor. The upholding of truth and justice. The required remembrance of the provision of the Lord (the feasts). The separation of the people from other cultures. Protection of slaves, women, poor, and sojourners.
Finally, Moses reinforces these messages by commanding the people to set up memorials, and pronounce curses on disobedience and blessings on obedience when they entered the land - the speeches of Moses were not to be the end of the remembrance, but the people were to continue to have public displays to remind everyone of the things they had learned.
"This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared today that the LORD is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice. And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised."
(Deu 26:16-19)
This quote reminds us that all of this covenant is a two-way street, both God and the people participate in its fulfillment.
The third speech is a renewal of the covenant of God. As usual, their are warnings and encouragement. There are warnings about anyone deceiving them to follow other gods - whether overt or subtle, and the sickness that would envelope the nation if allowed to fester. There is also a path of repentance, and the promised hope of future restoration.
The book concludes with arrangements concerning Moses' death, a song, and a blessing for every tribe.
ASCRIBE GREATNESS to our God, the Rock,
His work is perfect and all His ways are just.
Ascribe greatness to our God, the Rock,
His work is perfect and all His ways are just.
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Good and upright is He;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Good and upright is He.
His work is perfect and all His ways are just.
Ascribe greatness to our God, the Rock,
His work is perfect and all His ways are just.
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Good and upright is He;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Good and upright is He.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Days 19-24, Numbers: Where He leads me...will I follow?
Numbers is a tale of Israel wandering in the wilderness. In Exodus, they were in the wilderness only to travel to Sinai, and at the start of this book, they have a similar goal - move from Sinai to the promised land and take possession of it under God's command and power. However, when they get to the land, they are unwilling to trust God (Who has demonstrated clearly His ability to protect them). Therefore, they are left to wander the rest of their days in the wilderness - with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, only the children present at the start of the book survive to enter the promised land.
As with all the books we have considered, there are many themes. Here I pick up particularly the theme of following. Complaining, counting, participation, intercession, holiness, and patience also come through strongly.
When we look at the census figures, some people's eyes will glaze over, and I know that I also have a tendency to skim over them. Useful to have a study Bible to help summarise the data for us. There is one census is the first chapter, and another in chapter 26 (the second generation, before entering the promised land). A few small comments: the Levites were counted separately, as they were not part of inheriting the land; the total number of Israelites changed little between the two census' (603,000-601,000, excl Levites), but some tribes had significant reduction in numbers, possibly because more of their tribe participated in the rebellions and sin that occurred; the arrangement of the camp did not have the tribes 'evened out' so there was approximately the same number at each compass point - north and south were similar, but east had many large tribes and west had many small tribes - some have suggested that this would make a cross shape in the desert, because of the arrangement of the camps in two axes crossing at the Tabernacle.
In the next few chapters, we have more explanation of the duties of the Levites. it was not just the priests (Aaron's sons) who served the Lord - the other Levites were there to support, and played an important role. However, as they were not the appointed ones to use the holy objects, there were strict rules on handling the Tabernacle items, reminding us of the respect and honour due to God and His worship. Other Israelites were not to handle the Tabernacle, but we see that they too could devote themselves for a time to God, as a Nazarite, taking on himself the strict rules and standards that the high priest had to keep, in order to honour God. Fittingly, this period was to end with a sacrifice to God in worship.
Before going further with the consecration of the Tabernacle, the camp was cleansed from both physical and spiritual uncleanness, again emphasising the importance of holiness to God. Rules for making restitution, and for discerning adultery are given. The test for adultery seems strange to our culture, but seems to be based on exposing a guilty conscience - the drink given would not in itself cause any harm, unlike the poison based tests that pagan practices are known for. God may have intervened directly also in exposing the sin, or declaring the wife innocent. The thing I take away from the test particularly is that serious suspicions of this nature are to be dealt with, and not left to fester and corrupt the relationship. If guilty, then it needs to be dealt with. If innocent, then the suspicion is unwarranted and is cleared. A relationship where suspicion festers is not a healthy one.
At the dedication of the Tabernacle, there was a generosity shown by the people, similar to the generosity shown when building the Tabernacle. The offerings were brought in immediately - as soon as it was set up. The same phrase is used later referring to the presence of the Lord - the Cloud covered the Tabernacle on the day it was set up. Further instruments were commissioned - the lamp, and the silver trumpets. Israel then leaves Sinai.
After leaving Sinai, the complaining starts again. This time the people want meat. The manna is enough to survive easily, but they are not satisfied. As a result of this, Moses is stressed, and the Lord listens to his plea and appoints 70 elders to help share the load. The people also get the meat they wanted, but it comes with a judgement of plague. After the rebellion of the people, there is a rebellion from family - Aaron and Miriam take issue with Moses' leadership over his choice of wife (who, we may remember saved Moses' life by circumcising their son, giving evidence of her obedience to God - this was not a wife that followed a foreign god.). Aaron and Miriam are duly reprimanded.
Spying out the land, the people are faithless and contrary. They refuse to go in because of the 10 spies report, despite the assurance of Caleb, Joshua, and Moses that God would give them victory. They follow their fears rather than their God. Moses' intercession for them (again a reoccurring theme in Numbers, also present in Aaron and Miriam's rebellion) prevents God's destruction of them all. Once God has then dispensed judgement for their lack of faith, sending them out to wander again in the wilderness, they then decide they will fight after all, despite God no longer going with them - and of course they are defeated. Again, they were following their own will rather than God's. Laws regarding sacrifices in the land are given, confirming the promise the Israel would enter the land later.
Joshua and Caleb showed strong courage here - though all the people were against them, they trusted first in God, and tried to persuade the people to follow God.
The next rebellion comes from the Levites - the Kohathites specifically. God judges this rebellion directly, after the people are warned to get away from the instigators of the rebellion, the earth swallows the instigators and their households (though not all the children, see Numbers 26:11), and the people offering incense are consumed by fire. It is interesting the respect given to offering anything to God, through the identification of the censors as now holy, and then used as a covering for the altar, because they had been used in God's worship. The section concludes with another confirmation of the house of Aaron's role as priests, through the miraculous budding of a long dead wooden staff. Following this rebellion over the priestly role, more rules are given as to the proper role of the priests. Again, it seems a pattern in Numbers - after a rebellion and judgement, there is a reminder or giving of rules - confirming proper order, the right way to do things.
We then have the death of Miriam, and another complaint about water. This time, Moses and Aaron also show lack of faith in God. Moses follows what he did last time, rather than God's instructions this time. God still provides the water (after the SECOND strike with the rod), but this incident is given as the reason both Moses and Aaron die before reaching the promised land.
During the wanderings, a few kings are defeated, and we have another complaint/judgement setting. Instead of stopping the punishment after the intercession of Moses, God leaves the snakes, but provides a way of escape, by looking at a bronze serpent. Later, this is used by New Testament writers as a picture of Christ. The judgement for sin does not disappear, but God does provide a way of escape, by looking to Christ for salvation.
Coming close to the land now, approaching from across the Jordan this time (last time Israel arrived from the south, this time from the east), we strike that familiar story of Balaam and the talking ass. Here Balaam, despite hearing directly from God not to entertain the thought of cursing Israel, he still receives the emissaries from Balak, possibly because he likes the thought of the reward Balak promises. He keeps asking until God tells him to go - and there we have that famous point where God points out Balaam's sin in following Balak, by using an angel and a talking ass. After this, Balaam does bless Israel, according to God's direction, but then seeks to corrupt Israel through other means - using the Moabite/Midianite women to draw Israel to worship Baal (31:16). Again, judgement comes on the Israelites because of this, stopping when Phineas executes the Lord's judgement on an Israelite man and Midianite women who came in together, obviously not caring about openly sinning in front of the people who were weeping before God about the sin and the plague. Later the Midianites are judged for their participation in leading Israel to sin.
The final chapters of Numbers are basically a preparation for entering the land of Israel. Inheritance is decided, and given to daughters if sons were not available, and some tribes are given land in Gilead, east of the Jordan. Joshua is confirmed as successor to Moses - by now he and Caleb are the oldest Israelites, except Moses - all the others from their generation have died. The regular offerings are prescribed, daily, monthly, seasonally, and at particular feasts. The many offerings are a constant reminder of the penalty of sin, and the need for repentance and atonement. Rules on vows are also received, with the role of the husband as head of the household coming out in his 'veto' in vows if he cancels his wife or daughter's unwise vows as soon as he hears them. Midian's judgement is carried out, and proper tribute given to the Lord.
Finally, we have a reminder of where Israel has wandered, their mission to drive out the inhabitants of the land, and the boundaries of the land. The Levites were given particular cities to live in, and further rules are given regarding the cities of refuge - the place where people who killed accidentally could flee. It is a good example of the different punishment systems that existed under God's rules. There is a consequence, but the person can still live comfortably in the city, and is not unduly punished because of the accident. Nor can murderers use this as a place to escape punishment - they are still to be handed over to be put to death. A murderer could not buy his way out of the death penalty, but the death penalty would not be enacted without sure and certain testimony (at least two witnesses).
The final act is the obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad, in marrying within their tribe, and thus receiving their inheritance - just like Israel would receive their inheritance if they acted in obedience.
Numbers is a large book to write about in one go, but taking away the key themes from it, we have seen that the people of Israel had a strong tendency to follow their own desires, rebellious leaders, and foreign women. When they followed God in obedience, they were blessed, but following others lead to punishment, sometimes devastating. Moses showed a Godly example of a servant leader, not seeking his own aggrandizement, but interceding humbly for the people. However, even humble Moses fell into weakness and disobeyed God's direction when striking the rock for water, following his own thoughts on the best way to do things, rather than following God. He continued to be a great leader, but there were still consequences. We have also seen the importance of the holiness of both the instruments of God's worship, the people devoted to God's worship and service (the Levites). Though the people complained, rebelled, and sinned, God was faithful to remain protecting them, continuing to promise them the land, and continuing to reveal rules of righteousness to follow.
One of my favorite hymns: clear and simple devotion.
Story and song of 'I have decided to follow Jesus'
As with all the books we have considered, there are many themes. Here I pick up particularly the theme of following. Complaining, counting, participation, intercession, holiness, and patience also come through strongly.
When we look at the census figures, some people's eyes will glaze over, and I know that I also have a tendency to skim over them. Useful to have a study Bible to help summarise the data for us. There is one census is the first chapter, and another in chapter 26 (the second generation, before entering the promised land). A few small comments: the Levites were counted separately, as they were not part of inheriting the land; the total number of Israelites changed little between the two census' (603,000-601,000, excl Levites), but some tribes had significant reduction in numbers, possibly because more of their tribe participated in the rebellions and sin that occurred; the arrangement of the camp did not have the tribes 'evened out' so there was approximately the same number at each compass point - north and south were similar, but east had many large tribes and west had many small tribes - some have suggested that this would make a cross shape in the desert, because of the arrangement of the camps in two axes crossing at the Tabernacle.
In the next few chapters, we have more explanation of the duties of the Levites. it was not just the priests (Aaron's sons) who served the Lord - the other Levites were there to support, and played an important role. However, as they were not the appointed ones to use the holy objects, there were strict rules on handling the Tabernacle items, reminding us of the respect and honour due to God and His worship. Other Israelites were not to handle the Tabernacle, but we see that they too could devote themselves for a time to God, as a Nazarite, taking on himself the strict rules and standards that the high priest had to keep, in order to honour God. Fittingly, this period was to end with a sacrifice to God in worship.
Before going further with the consecration of the Tabernacle, the camp was cleansed from both physical and spiritual uncleanness, again emphasising the importance of holiness to God. Rules for making restitution, and for discerning adultery are given. The test for adultery seems strange to our culture, but seems to be based on exposing a guilty conscience - the drink given would not in itself cause any harm, unlike the poison based tests that pagan practices are known for. God may have intervened directly also in exposing the sin, or declaring the wife innocent. The thing I take away from the test particularly is that serious suspicions of this nature are to be dealt with, and not left to fester and corrupt the relationship. If guilty, then it needs to be dealt with. If innocent, then the suspicion is unwarranted and is cleared. A relationship where suspicion festers is not a healthy one.
At the dedication of the Tabernacle, there was a generosity shown by the people, similar to the generosity shown when building the Tabernacle. The offerings were brought in immediately - as soon as it was set up. The same phrase is used later referring to the presence of the Lord - the Cloud covered the Tabernacle on the day it was set up. Further instruments were commissioned - the lamp, and the silver trumpets. Israel then leaves Sinai.
After leaving Sinai, the complaining starts again. This time the people want meat. The manna is enough to survive easily, but they are not satisfied. As a result of this, Moses is stressed, and the Lord listens to his plea and appoints 70 elders to help share the load. The people also get the meat they wanted, but it comes with a judgement of plague. After the rebellion of the people, there is a rebellion from family - Aaron and Miriam take issue with Moses' leadership over his choice of wife (who, we may remember saved Moses' life by circumcising their son, giving evidence of her obedience to God - this was not a wife that followed a foreign god.). Aaron and Miriam are duly reprimanded.
Spying out the land, the people are faithless and contrary. They refuse to go in because of the 10 spies report, despite the assurance of Caleb, Joshua, and Moses that God would give them victory. They follow their fears rather than their God. Moses' intercession for them (again a reoccurring theme in Numbers, also present in Aaron and Miriam's rebellion) prevents God's destruction of them all. Once God has then dispensed judgement for their lack of faith, sending them out to wander again in the wilderness, they then decide they will fight after all, despite God no longer going with them - and of course they are defeated. Again, they were following their own will rather than God's. Laws regarding sacrifices in the land are given, confirming the promise the Israel would enter the land later.
Joshua and Caleb showed strong courage here - though all the people were against them, they trusted first in God, and tried to persuade the people to follow God.
The next rebellion comes from the Levites - the Kohathites specifically. God judges this rebellion directly, after the people are warned to get away from the instigators of the rebellion, the earth swallows the instigators and their households (though not all the children, see Numbers 26:11), and the people offering incense are consumed by fire. It is interesting the respect given to offering anything to God, through the identification of the censors as now holy, and then used as a covering for the altar, because they had been used in God's worship. The section concludes with another confirmation of the house of Aaron's role as priests, through the miraculous budding of a long dead wooden staff. Following this rebellion over the priestly role, more rules are given as to the proper role of the priests. Again, it seems a pattern in Numbers - after a rebellion and judgement, there is a reminder or giving of rules - confirming proper order, the right way to do things.
We then have the death of Miriam, and another complaint about water. This time, Moses and Aaron also show lack of faith in God. Moses follows what he did last time, rather than God's instructions this time. God still provides the water (after the SECOND strike with the rod), but this incident is given as the reason both Moses and Aaron die before reaching the promised land.
During the wanderings, a few kings are defeated, and we have another complaint/judgement setting. Instead of stopping the punishment after the intercession of Moses, God leaves the snakes, but provides a way of escape, by looking at a bronze serpent. Later, this is used by New Testament writers as a picture of Christ. The judgement for sin does not disappear, but God does provide a way of escape, by looking to Christ for salvation.
Coming close to the land now, approaching from across the Jordan this time (last time Israel arrived from the south, this time from the east), we strike that familiar story of Balaam and the talking ass. Here Balaam, despite hearing directly from God not to entertain the thought of cursing Israel, he still receives the emissaries from Balak, possibly because he likes the thought of the reward Balak promises. He keeps asking until God tells him to go - and there we have that famous point where God points out Balaam's sin in following Balak, by using an angel and a talking ass. After this, Balaam does bless Israel, according to God's direction, but then seeks to corrupt Israel through other means - using the Moabite/Midianite women to draw Israel to worship Baal (31:16). Again, judgement comes on the Israelites because of this, stopping when Phineas executes the Lord's judgement on an Israelite man and Midianite women who came in together, obviously not caring about openly sinning in front of the people who were weeping before God about the sin and the plague. Later the Midianites are judged for their participation in leading Israel to sin.
The final chapters of Numbers are basically a preparation for entering the land of Israel. Inheritance is decided, and given to daughters if sons were not available, and some tribes are given land in Gilead, east of the Jordan. Joshua is confirmed as successor to Moses - by now he and Caleb are the oldest Israelites, except Moses - all the others from their generation have died. The regular offerings are prescribed, daily, monthly, seasonally, and at particular feasts. The many offerings are a constant reminder of the penalty of sin, and the need for repentance and atonement. Rules on vows are also received, with the role of the husband as head of the household coming out in his 'veto' in vows if he cancels his wife or daughter's unwise vows as soon as he hears them. Midian's judgement is carried out, and proper tribute given to the Lord.
Finally, we have a reminder of where Israel has wandered, their mission to drive out the inhabitants of the land, and the boundaries of the land. The Levites were given particular cities to live in, and further rules are given regarding the cities of refuge - the place where people who killed accidentally could flee. It is a good example of the different punishment systems that existed under God's rules. There is a consequence, but the person can still live comfortably in the city, and is not unduly punished because of the accident. Nor can murderers use this as a place to escape punishment - they are still to be handed over to be put to death. A murderer could not buy his way out of the death penalty, but the death penalty would not be enacted without sure and certain testimony (at least two witnesses).
The final act is the obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad, in marrying within their tribe, and thus receiving their inheritance - just like Israel would receive their inheritance if they acted in obedience.
Numbers is a large book to write about in one go, but taking away the key themes from it, we have seen that the people of Israel had a strong tendency to follow their own desires, rebellious leaders, and foreign women. When they followed God in obedience, they were blessed, but following others lead to punishment, sometimes devastating. Moses showed a Godly example of a servant leader, not seeking his own aggrandizement, but interceding humbly for the people. However, even humble Moses fell into weakness and disobeyed God's direction when striking the rock for water, following his own thoughts on the best way to do things, rather than following God. He continued to be a great leader, but there were still consequences. We have also seen the importance of the holiness of both the instruments of God's worship, the people devoted to God's worship and service (the Levites). Though the people complained, rebelled, and sinned, God was faithful to remain protecting them, continuing to promise them the land, and continuing to reveal rules of righteousness to follow.
One of my favorite hymns: clear and simple devotion.
- I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back. - Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back. - The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back. - Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back. - Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Story and song of 'I have decided to follow Jesus'
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Loving the Poor and Needy--Deuteronomy 24 (SLC 2012)
In the Bible, there is generous justice. There are laws in the bible that protect those who are powerless. These insist on treating people with respect. Men are asked to love their wives and bring them happiness. It is good to lend to the poor, not to be greedy or make a profit from lending to the poor. Don't take their mill stone away so that the poor will return the money quickly, instead think of the welfare of the poor because they might not be able to eat. Don't demean the person who need help, treat them with honour and respect. Avoid doing things that will make them lose their dignity because they are important people.
The bible is practical. Giving a cloak is a sign of sincerity that they will keep their pledge because the person is willing to go cold until the money is returned. Therefore the lender should return the borrower their cloak. Don't pervert justice, we are reminded.
In this book, the Jews were asked to remember they are redeemed people 28 times. As Christians our redemption is even more spectacular than that of the Jews, so we should be joyously grateful. So when we help others it is not out of duty or that we are big shots doing others a favour, but as an overflow of joy. Our past is part of our identity; people who are liberated from poverty may want to distance themselves from their past. Instead, we are reminded of the past. If we never forget that we have been redeemed, we will care for the needy.
The bible encourages those who can work, to work-- but people get an identity, not from work but by becoming a child of God. We need to teach the important concept of adoption and being incorporated into the family of God. A necessarily part of growth is anger after people become Christians because before they became Christians they accepted their impoverish status unquestioned. Living simply allows us to make the poor feel welcome. The importance of being open about money with the poor so that they feel open as well, Fellowship (Koinonia) in the bible refers to business. Give the poor a daily wage so that they do not have to borrow until the next pay check.
One of the key part of a biblical lifestyle is civility: the importance of thinking about their neighbour. The farmers is to leave food for the poor in the fields and people are asked not to take too much. God has a special concern for the poor. Listen to the whole message here
The bible is practical. Giving a cloak is a sign of sincerity that they will keep their pledge because the person is willing to go cold until the money is returned. Therefore the lender should return the borrower their cloak. Don't pervert justice, we are reminded.
In this book, the Jews were asked to remember they are redeemed people 28 times. As Christians our redemption is even more spectacular than that of the Jews, so we should be joyously grateful. So when we help others it is not out of duty or that we are big shots doing others a favour, but as an overflow of joy. Our past is part of our identity; people who are liberated from poverty may want to distance themselves from their past. Instead, we are reminded of the past. If we never forget that we have been redeemed, we will care for the needy.
The bible encourages those who can work, to work-- but people get an identity, not from work but by becoming a child of God. We need to teach the important concept of adoption and being incorporated into the family of God. A necessarily part of growth is anger after people become Christians because before they became Christians they accepted their impoverish status unquestioned. Living simply allows us to make the poor feel welcome. The importance of being open about money with the poor so that they feel open as well, Fellowship (Koinonia) in the bible refers to business. Give the poor a daily wage so that they do not have to borrow until the next pay check.
One of the key part of a biblical lifestyle is civility: the importance of thinking about their neighbour. The farmers is to leave food for the poor in the fields and people are asked not to take too much. God has a special concern for the poor. Listen to the whole message here
Deuteronomy 9 Loving God's People (SLC2012)
When Moses came down from the mountain and sees that the people have been worshipping the golden calf. 13 And the Lord said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are a stiff-necked people indeed! 14 Let me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make you into a nation stronger and more numerous than they.”
Moses is the Good Shepherd, he stays with the people. He fasts and prays for 40 days. Commitment to people is a large part of the Christian walk-- a painful and uncomfortable walk. The word "passion" in Latin means "suffering"; biblical leaders are passionate about the people God has given them. The leader embraces stress because he/she loves the people. Paul, Jeremiah, Daniel and other leaders who moan for their people. Are we like the hired hand who leaves when the wolf comes? Or do we pray or interceed before the Lord. There are many biblical leaders whose prayer life is for the people: Abraham, Joshua, Samuel, Jesus, Paul. Moses falls down in prayer which suggest submission and earnestness, This posture reminds us that we are humble flawed human beings going before a mighty God. We are stretched out, in whole hearted, intense pleading. Moses persevered in prayer for 40 days. We may not always be able to talk to people about God but we can always talk to God about people. Prayer is the most important thing a leader does:
If it is then we need to work at it. Get people to pray for you. Hear the whole talk here.
Moses is the Good Shepherd, he stays with the people. He fasts and prays for 40 days. Commitment to people is a large part of the Christian walk-- a painful and uncomfortable walk. The word "passion" in Latin means "suffering"; biblical leaders are passionate about the people God has given them. The leader embraces stress because he/she loves the people. Paul, Jeremiah, Daniel and other leaders who moan for their people. Are we like the hired hand who leaves when the wolf comes? Or do we pray or interceed before the Lord. There are many biblical leaders whose prayer life is for the people: Abraham, Joshua, Samuel, Jesus, Paul. Moses falls down in prayer which suggest submission and earnestness, This posture reminds us that we are humble flawed human beings going before a mighty God. We are stretched out, in whole hearted, intense pleading. Moses persevered in prayer for 40 days. We may not always be able to talk to people about God but we can always talk to God about people. Prayer is the most important thing a leader does:
If it is then we need to work at it. Get people to pray for you. Hear the whole talk here.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Loving God's Word (SLC 2012)
"6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Word needs to get into our hearts-internalised, into our system so that it influences the way we behave. It needs to be inside us so much so that our instincts are biblical. In many religions the truth is respected, defended but they think it is not practical to live out the truth. Christians are encouraged to live out truth. A right attitude towards the Word is not to take it away or add to it and to be aware of the supernatural nature of the God's speaking. Repetition is needed to get the Word in, advertising does just that; it uses repetition to sell goods. Parents are asked to teach the bible in the home--the facts of scripture and how to apply it. "
"Word-connected" conversations need to happen in everyday life--sharing a meal, travelling, pretty much the whole day. Today, the media has presented ideas that are alternative to what the bible teaches. Christians need to be talking about these ideas in the light of the Word--holy conversation is important. CS Lewis, Tolkien and Charles Williams enjoyed deep and meaningful conversations round a fire. Developing and encouraging the idea of chatting about the things of God because there is something delightful about talking about truth. Some serious grappling with subtle messages and countering that with Christian thinking. Small group discussions incorporates teaching and conversations. Bible Study is needed for maturity in the Christian faith.
The Christians redeemed the pagan practices in verse 9 and used it for God's glory. Today, we need to look for ways to communicate our faith by investing symbols around us with Christian meaning. However, the art form should not take priority over the joy of truth. In the bible, the communication is sensory--taste, sight, sound, smells etc. Yet, the danger is real that the aid to devotion, can become the object of devotion. Listen to the whole message here.
The Word needs to get into our hearts-internalised, into our system so that it influences the way we behave. It needs to be inside us so much so that our instincts are biblical. In many religions the truth is respected, defended but they think it is not practical to live out the truth. Christians are encouraged to live out truth. A right attitude towards the Word is not to take it away or add to it and to be aware of the supernatural nature of the God's speaking. Repetition is needed to get the Word in, advertising does just that; it uses repetition to sell goods. Parents are asked to teach the bible in the home--the facts of scripture and how to apply it. "
"Word-connected" conversations need to happen in everyday life--sharing a meal, travelling, pretty much the whole day. Today, the media has presented ideas that are alternative to what the bible teaches. Christians need to be talking about these ideas in the light of the Word--holy conversation is important. CS Lewis, Tolkien and Charles Williams enjoyed deep and meaningful conversations round a fire. Developing and encouraging the idea of chatting about the things of God because there is something delightful about talking about truth. Some serious grappling with subtle messages and countering that with Christian thinking. Small group discussions incorporates teaching and conversations. Bible Study is needed for maturity in the Christian faith.
The Christians redeemed the pagan practices in verse 9 and used it for God's glory. Today, we need to look for ways to communicate our faith by investing symbols around us with Christian meaning. However, the art form should not take priority over the joy of truth. In the bible, the communication is sensory--taste, sight, sound, smells etc. Yet, the danger is real that the aid to devotion, can become the object of devotion. Listen to the whole message here.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Ajith Fernando's talks on Deuteronomy at Student Leader's Conference 2012
Loving God
In Deuteronomy, Moses prepares the people after their time of training through a series of sermons.
First, He gives a historical recount, then he tells them how to live in the promise land, then the covenant vows are renewed and he dies.
Ajith Fernando unpacks the words "fear", "hear" and "one God" for us from Deuteronomy 6.
To fear God is similar to having faith in God in the New Testament. One who fears God, is afraid of going against what is the best for us. Fear of God is not a life of bondage but fear is a friend that alerts us to dangers. When we make it our goal to please God, it helps us turn away from the way of disasters.
The call to "hear" is repeated 25 times in Deuteronomy and 6 times in the phrase "Hear, therefore, O Israel". Other nations surrounding Israel had idols to remind them of their God but Israel was warned against idols. Instead they had words that were read or told to them, to remind them of God --to remind them how to live. They were told to "be careful" to do them, after all how we live reflects what we truly believe.
The Lord, our God, is one God. God is incomparable. He is united in purpose and will. He is the only God. The Cannanites worshiped many Gods, Baal. The prophets were angry with the Israelites when they had many Gods and railed at them but to those who did not know God, the Apostle Paul dialogued and persuaded. Hear the whole of Ajith's message here
In Deuteronomy, Moses prepares the people after their time of training through a series of sermons.
First, He gives a historical recount, then he tells them how to live in the promise land, then the covenant vows are renewed and he dies.
Ajith Fernando unpacks the words "fear", "hear" and "one God" for us from Deuteronomy 6.
To fear God is similar to having faith in God in the New Testament. One who fears God, is afraid of going against what is the best for us. Fear of God is not a life of bondage but fear is a friend that alerts us to dangers. When we make it our goal to please God, it helps us turn away from the way of disasters.
The call to "hear" is repeated 25 times in Deuteronomy and 6 times in the phrase "Hear, therefore, O Israel". Other nations surrounding Israel had idols to remind them of their God but Israel was warned against idols. Instead they had words that were read or told to them, to remind them of God --to remind them how to live. They were told to "be careful" to do them, after all how we live reflects what we truly believe.
The Lord, our God, is one God. God is incomparable. He is united in purpose and will. He is the only God. The Cannanites worshiped many Gods, Baal. The prophets were angry with the Israelites when they had many Gods and railed at them but to those who did not know God, the Apostle Paul dialogued and persuaded. Hear the whole of Ajith's message here
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