Every Member a Minister

Israel had a tribe, the Levites, who substituted for the first born sons of all the people. They were dedicated to the Lord (Num 3:12-13). They did not inherit a share of the land. The Lord was their portion (Josh 18:7). They were the only ones allowed to come close to the tabernacle. All other risked death if they came too close (Num 3:38). The church, on the other hand, is a kingdom of priests (1Pe 2:5, Rev 1:6). We are all dedicated to the Lord. We all seek first His kingdom and trust Him for our provision (Mat 6:33). He is our portion and we are as close to the Lord as we chose to be.

Grudging Givers

We often find it difficult to tithe. We just don’t see how we can get by minus 10% dedicated to the Lord. Actually, in the Law of Moses the people were required to give much more than 10% mentioned in Leviticus 27:34. They had to redeem their first born children and animals. There were sin offerings, peace offerings, freewill offerings and obligatory festival offerings. I think that the principle is: Don’t get attached to stuff. All resources belong to the Lord. He distributes them according to His will. Many attempt to make the tithe a mandatory part of “Christian Law” (an oxymoron). But if you want to be legalistic, you should give much more than 10%. The New Testament principle of giving is, “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Co 9:6-7)

He knows the end from the beginning

God declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Israel’s history was predicted from her inception. At Sinai God told Moses that the people would rebel and be exiled. He also told him that Israel would eventually come to her senses, confess her sin and return to him. God will remember the ancient covenant and will restore His people (Lev 26:40-46). We are seeing the regathering and restoration begin in our day (Ezek 37:11, 12, 23). God has not given up on Israel. They have been partially hardened until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Rom 11:25). Even so, Lord, bring in the Gentiles and restore your people, Israel!

Faith to rest

God commanded the Israelites to program rest periods into their lives. They were to rest for a day every seventh day (Lev 23:3) in addition to the obligatory festivals. They were to rest for a year every seventh year (Lev 25:2). The land was to be given a rest and in an agrarian society that implies that the people (farmers) also rest. In order to rest they had to have faith that God would provide (Lev 25:21). If you trust in your own ability to provide for yourself, you will not rest. You’ll be open 24/7 trying to make a buck. You will be used up and burnt out. Jesus said come unto me and I will give you rest (Mat 11:28). Do you have the faith to rest in Jesus?

Retrain your brain

The concepts of honor and shame are important in God’s law. Anyone who dishonored his parents was to be put to death (Lev 20:9). The purpose of the whole law was to prevent behavior that would bring shame to God’s holy name (Lev 22:31). The sense of honor and shame are instinctive. It is the law written on our hearts (Rom 2:14-16). Though we have corrupted this sense through years of justification, rationalization and “group think,” the conscience is still a good tool to warn of shameful behavior and affirm honorable behavior. We must “retrain” our instinct through Scripture and discipline if we desire the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:11).

Take Heed, America

God used Israel to judge the people who occupied the Promised Land. The land “vomited them out” because of their sin (Lev 18:24). Three types of transgression were particularly heinous. Idolatry, sexual sin (incest and homosexuality), and sacrificing children. For this reason the Lord gave Israel such specific instructions about religious and civil law. He was protecting them from going the way of the Canaanites. Israel eventually fell into all of these sinful practices and the land vomited them out too. The Assyrians and Babylonians dispossessed them. If God judged the Canaanites and his people Israel for these sins, how long will the Lord bear with America as she tramples the grace of God underfoot?

A different kind of sin

The Lord ordained one day in fall for the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies and present the blood of a bull and a goat to atone for the people’s “rebellion, wickedness and defiling sin” (Lev 16:16,22). It seems to me that these sins are in a different category than the “unintentional” sins covered by the regular sin offerings. The conscious sins of choice required a special ceremony once annually. Of course the Day of Atonement points to the cross of Christ. It is very gracious of God to make provision not only for mistakes, but for deliberate rebellion. Regardless of the motive, as long as there is confession and repentance there is atonement and forgiveness (Col 2:13-14).

Community is Critical

When one of the people had a potentially communicable disease they were isolated from the camp (Lev 13:45-46). This was not because of any sin they had committed. God was protecting the community at large from the disease. Diseases are known to ravage and even exterminate communities (small pox, plague, influenza, etc.) Living in fellowship was important for God’s people, but a disease that threatened the entire community required isolation. That did not mean that one could not outside the camp to visit the isolated ones. Jesus accepted the risk and ministered to the outcasts because they also needed fellowship, ministry, love and acceptance. Do I have the courage to join Jesus outside the camp?

Strange Fire

It is a fearful thing to represent the Lord. In a very exacting environment, where God was setting the course of the Jewish religion, Nadab and Abihu decided to ad lib. They offered their own concoction of incense before the Lord. God had made it abundantly clear that He required exact attention to detail when it came to the tabernacle and its ceremonies. Nadab and Abihu’s carelessness cost them their lives (Lev 10:1-2). They experienced the fearful side of God’s holiness and glory (Lev 1:3). I’m convinced that the moment after their fateful mistake, they were in heaven sheepishly apologizing for their error. God was making a point with their physical lives, but their souls were intact because they relied on God’s provision of blood (representing the blood of Jesus) to cover their sin. Let not many of you become teachers because as such you incur a stricter judgment (Jam 3:1).

The grace of holiness

When Aaron and his sons were ordained, Moses did not tell them, “Try really hard not to sin for the next couple of months. Then you’ll be holy.” Instead they were sprinkled with oil and blood and declared holy (Lev 8:30). The holiness that God demands requires blood (Lev 11:45). The blood is representative of the blood of Jesus who took our sin and imputed his holiness to us (2Co 5:21). To rely on your own works for holiness is not only futile, it is insulting to the grace of God (Gal 5:4). You should try to be good, but only Jesus can make you holy.

Dealing with sin

The fact that we sin is a given. Regardless of whether we err intentionally or unwittingly, the result is the same; guilt (Lev 4:13, 22, 27). Sin and guilt are issues that must be dealt with. Too often we try to turn a blind eye, rationalize or justify our bad behavior. We put a band-aid on our guilt, but we never resolve the problem. The issue is not whether or not we sin, it is how we deal with our inevitable error. God knows this and provides a remedy. In the Old Testament the remedy was confession, sacrifice, and restitution. If the sinner couldn’t afford a lamb, then he could offer a couple of turtledoves. If he couldn’t afford that, a couple of pigeons would do (Lev 5:5-6, 6:5). It was never the animal that provided forgiveness. These all pointed to the one effectual sacrifice. In the New Testament, Jesus made the actual sacrifice in fulfillment of all the old symbolic animal sacrifices (Heb 9:13-14). Provision has been made for your sin. You ignore it at your own peril. Confess it and receive the provision for forgiveness that God offers in Jesus (1Jo 1:9).

Make way for the next generation

The Lord appointed a tribe as his special servants (Num 8:14). The Levites did not inherit any land. The Lord was their portion. They served in the tabernacle or temple and were supported by the rest of the people through tithes and offerings. They were required to retire from official duties at age 50, but they could continue to serve in support roles (Num 8:23-26). Why would the Lord move them out of the lead when they were at their prime? Quality ministry requires a great deal of energy (2Co 12:15). No matter how dedicated the minister, he is subject to burn out. Also, I suspect the Lord wanted them to make room for the next generation of ministers and focus on training them (2Ti 2:2, 4:6).

Rich Slaves

Numbers 7 describes in great detail the offerings of the leaders of Israel. These were in addition to all the offerings used to build and furnish the tabernacle. Where did they come up with all this wealth? Weren’t these people just living in servitude in Egypt? The answer is that they plundered the Egyptians on their way out (Ex 3:22, 12:36). Resources are not a problem for God. He moves them where he needs them when he needs them (talk about “just in time logistics”). The world is his warehouse. In Christ all things belong to you (1Co 3:21-23). And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).

The sign of His Presence

When the Israelites finished the tabernacle the “glory cloud” descended upon it. The cloud served as a sign of God’s approval. From then on the cloud served as a signal for Israel to move. There was no question that Israel wanted to go where God went, so they followed the sign of his presence (Ex 40:36-37). What is the sign of his presence in our lives today? Surely it is the Holy Spirit. His Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Rom 8:16). But how do we know where the Spirit is leading? It is certainly not as obvious as it was to Israel. There is a sense of peace where the Spirit is (Joh 14:26-27). There is power in the Spirit (Act 1:8). If we are where God wants us to be, the Holy Spirit should be bearing fruit in our lives (Gal 5:22). With Christians, I don’t think God is as concerned about location as he is with vocation (what we give our lives to).

Back log Saturday & Sunday

February 12, 2011
Labor of Love
The building of the tabernacle was a labor of love. Moses repeatedly says that the people acted willingly. Their hearts were stirred and their spirits were moved. (Ex 25:20, 22, 26,29) The eagerly used their gifts and gave more than enough materials to build the tent of meeting. (Ex 36:2, 5). Oh that this were true of the spiritual house of the Lord, the church. Unfortunately, 10% of the people do 90% of the work in the church. How we have convinced ourselves that it is okay to attend services without rendering any service is beyond me. The New Testament makes it clear that we too should willingly offer our gifts, treasure even our lives to building the house of the Lord (Rom 12:1-2, 1Co 12:7, 2Co 12:15, 1Pe 4:10, 1Thes 1:3, 2:8-9). God, send a spirit of revival to your church that we might build her up and that she might be an example, drawing people to herself and to you. Lord, let them come to your people and your house and find you (1Co 14:24-25).

February 13, 2011
Hur the Obscure
Bezalel is one of the unsung heroes of the Old Testament. He was the master craftsman behind the building of the tabernacle, but not many people would recognize his name. His grandfather was equally obscure. (Ex 38:22) Hur plays a small role in helping Aaron hold Moses hands in the air to invoke the power of God the defeat the Amalekites (Ex 17). I know one person who was proud of Bezalel…his grandpa! I suspect that Bezalel learned his craft and his eye for perfection from his dad and his grandfather. In addition to holding the arms of Moses, Hur blessed Israel with an expert workman who was able to follow God’s blueprint for the tabernacle. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them (Jer 45:5). Though your life might seem insignificant in the eyes of man, God has a plan for you and He values your contribution.

Resist Regression

As I read through the ceremonial law of Israel I think, “Why did God give them all this religion?” I believe God gave them Judaism because He knew that if He didn’t they would create their own religion. Indeed, they became impatient while Moses was on the mount and began to worship the golden calf (Ex32). God knows that man has a propensity to be religious. That is why he warned them not to adopt the religions of the land to which they were going (Ex 34:17-18). Judaism provides the Israelites with the “training wheels” they need to learn how to relate to God. In the New Testament the training wheels come off. Christianity has very little prescribed Law or ritual. Rather, we follow moral principles as we pursue a relationship with God. Of course, we have a tendency to return to “training wheels.” We must resist this regression.

Freedom from religion

The Sabbath was a covenantal obligation between God and Israel (Ex 31:36-37). It was part of the religion that God established for this unique people. The concept of Sabbath has been adopted by Christianity as well. Although the church changed the day to Sunday, it is still referred to as the Sabbath in some circles. It is wise to get rest. I think that the Sabbath was a gift of God to Israel. However, we cannot pick and choose elements of Judaism and make them mandatory for Christians. If we are legally bound to keep the Sabbath, then we are bound to be circumcised as well. The church wrestled with these questions early on (Acts 15). The Apostles “put it bed,” but it keeps waking up. Don’t make principles of conscience into religious requirements (Rom 14:5, Gal 5:1).

Holy Tailors

God gave Moses instructions for the priestly garments. He said, “Instruct the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom.” (Ex 28:3) These tailors had a spiritual gift. They were to use it doing their part to bring glory to God. All talents are God given. They are all spiritual gifts. What skill has God given you? Have you developed it? Are you using it to magnify Him?

The Angel

The Lord promised to send an angel with Israel as His representative (Ex 23:20-23). Later, Moses and the elders of Israel ate a fellowship meal with God on Mount Sinai (Ex24:9-11). I think they ate with this angel. Some translations capitalize the A in angel, meaning that this was no ordinary angel. I think this was the same representative of God who came to Adam and Abraham and later to Joshua. His was also seen in the fiery furnace with Daniels three friends. I believe this is Jesus in the Old Testament representing God in such a way that men could understand him, just like he does in the New Testament (Joh 1:14, Heb 1:3).

Raw Religion

God’s initial guidance was to make altars of earth. He said to use only natural material, not to wield a tool to shape the altar (Ex 20:25-28). I see a much bigger principle here. Once man begins to wield his “tools” on religion it evolves into something unnatural, unholy. It becomes behavior control and manipulation rather than a means by which man relates to God. Raw religion may be uncomfortable for some. Questions are left unanswered. A certain amount of wrestling must still go on between creature and Creator. But I’d much rather have that, than a neat package that requires me to surrender my intellect to man.

The secret of contentment

God understands our limits. He is mindful that we are but dust (Psa 103:14). He makes provision for us to rest. He gave Israel the Sabbath as a gift (Ex 16:29). He spoke to Moses through Jethro, instructing him to delegate some authority lest he wear himself out (Ex 18:17). The problem is that we are discontent. Just enough manna is not good enough. Some still went out on the Sabbath to get a little extra. We must learn to be content. Paul said godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. How much is enough to make us content? Food and clothing should be enough (1Ti 6:6-8). I suspect it takes a lot more than that for an average American! So we drive ourselves to death seeking “a little bit more.”

To glorify God and enjoy Him forever

God slew the Egyptians to display His glory. God is concerned about his glory. He will go to great lengths to display his power, holiness, love and beauty. Not because His an egomaniac, but so that men will know that He is the LORD (Ex 14:4,18). The glory of God is his reputation and his presentation. Occasionally He will break into history (or into our lives) with some mighty display of power, beauty or love designed to convince us that He is Lord. These displays are usually overwhelming. Moses had to be hidden in a rock as God’s glory passed by (Ex 33:18-23), Isaiah was undone (Isa 6:5), Daniel was ill after seeing the manifestation of the Lord (Dan 8:27). Even our experience of His magnificent creation in nature must be limited, buffered, lest we die of “exposure.” Because of this God condescends to us and manifests Himself in ways that won’t kill us. In these latter days God is glorified through His Son (Joh 1:14), His Spirit (Joh 16:14) and His people (Mat 5:16). When people interact with you do they come away glorifying God? Are you a representation of His love, power, holiness and beauty convincing the world that He is Lord?

The spirit of antichrist

The Lord must have had a major score to settle with Egypt. Beside the fact that they were oppressing his people, they were also steeped in idol / demon worship. This interaction is not just about Pharaoh and Moses. It’s about YHWH and Lucifer. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in order to demonstrate his power, make a historic mockery of the Egyptians and convince Israel that He is the Lord (Ex 10:1-2). People are often upset that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and then held him accountable. I think that there was more to the spiritual battle in Egypt than we see. Perhaps Pharaoh had already passed the point of no return. He had already been “given over” (Rom 1:18-26) due to his own poor choices. Pharaoh is the first antichrist (2Thes 2:3-12).

Every day is a miracle

Nature is very delicately balanced. Too much of one thing can make our lives miserable. The Egyptians discovered that too many frogs, gnats, or flies made their land untenable (Ex 7-9). God had tipped the balance of nature. Sure the magicians reproduced some of these, but not on the scale that God did. They could not upset the equilibrium with magic. It took a miracle to do that. God did this to demonstrate His power and spread His fame throughout the earth (Ex 9:15-16). Isn’t it just as miraculous that nature remains balanced most of the time? Shouldn’t we see God’s power and fame in the constant state of beautiful order in the universe? Jesus’ power is the only thing that holds this world together (Col 1:16-17). If He removed His Spirit we would return to dust (Psa 104:29). Every day is a miracle.

Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better

Moses was a reluctant leader whose plan back-fired at every turn. The Hebrew foreman accused him of making them odious to Pharaoh and giving him an excuse to persecute and kill the Israelites (Ex 5:21). The people refused to listen to him anymore because they were so broken down by their servitude (Ex 6:9). Moses brought his frustrations to God (Ex 6:30), but God tells him to keep demanding Israel’s release. When Moses performs the sign designed to convince Pharaoh, the magicians reproduce it (Ex 7:11). This is a study in persistent leadership. Setbacks don’t always indicate that God is redirecting . Sometimes the Lord wants us to push through the difficulty. Suffering is not an indication that we are out of God’s will. It is part of the plan!

Growth under pressure

God moved the Israelites into Egypt where He knew they would be oppressed (Gen 15:13). The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. (Ex 1:12) Could it be that he was putting them in this environment for maximum growth? He was forming the content and character of a nation. Growth without resistance is usually abnormal. Astronauts experience bone loss in the zero-gravity of space. Without gravity, plants would lack strength and direction of growth. And everybody knows not to help a butterfly free itself from the cocoon because its wings will not develop. Where are you feeling pressure? Perhaps that is the direction in which God wants you to grow.