#Warren Wiersbe (Be Delivered)

[walkswithmyfather]

“Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!” (Psalm 32: 10- 11 NLT)

“Life's trials are not easy. But in God's will, each has a purpose. Often He uses them to enlarge you. Are you feeling confined? Be encouraged that God delights in delivering you from confinement. Difficult times build your faith, if you let Him use them for His glory.”

—Warren Wiersbe

[mrlnsfrt]

Blessed Are You - 2

Blessed are you (part 2)

Remember that the crowd that is listening to Jesus’ sermon is accustomed to religion as taught by their religious leaders. From what we read in the New Testament it doesn’t seem like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time were big on mercy.

The Pharisees majored on minors. They had rules for every minute area of life, while at the same time they forgot about the important things. It is usually the case that legalists are sticklers for details, but blind to great principles. This crowd thought nothing of condemning an innocent man, yet they were afraid to enter Pilate’s judgment hall lest they be defiled (John 18:28). - Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 85.

There is nothing wrong with paying attention to details, details are important. However, we must never lose our sense of priorities in spiritual matters. We must all resist the tendency to allow our zeal for God’s law to keep us from developing a well-rounded, true Christian character.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! - Matthew 23:23-24 NKJV

Jesus addresses several of the issues He has with the religious leaders of His time in Matthew 23:1-36. Remember that with this sermon Jesus is setting the main tenets of His teachings, the core of His message, and the contrast with the expectations is sharp.

Let us turn our focus to the sermon on the mount picking up where we left off on my last post on this series. (Blessed are You)

Blessed are the Merciful

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. - Matthew 5:7 NKJV

Even in our modern day, the merciful are not taken to be the wisest, oftentimes they are not the richest; yet Jesus pronounces them blessed. Paul encourages the followers of God to be merciful in his letter to the Colossians.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; - Colossians 3:12 NKJV

Ready to be made more uncomfortable?

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:14-17 NKJV

But this message is not one of only duty and guilt. This is not meant to make you be merciful out of fear and a sense of fear. Your mercy towards others should be an expression of your love for God. Also, remember that Jesus said the merciful are blessed!

Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed. - Psalm 41:1-3 NKJV

What do you think of this statement from Matthew Henry?

One of the purest and most refined delights in this world, is that of doing good. - Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1629.

The Bible compares helping the poor to lending to the Lord.

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given. - Proverbs 19:17 NKJV

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. - Proverbs 11:25 NKJV

However, if we are merciful simply as an investment hoping to receive something better in return, we are doing the right thing for the wrong reason and may soon stop if we feel we are not receiving a good return for our investment. So what do we do? I would say continue to help, whether you feel like it or not, do it because it is the right thing to do. Also, realize that we can’t force ourselves to care, our natural tendency is to be selfish our ability to love is a gift from God.

 We love Him because He first loved us. - 1 John 4:19 NKJV

Exodus 33:18 Moses asks God to show him His glory and God replies that He would make all His goodness pass before him and that He would proclaim the name of the LORD before Him. I believe that the fulfillment of this promise of fully realized in Exodus 34:6.

5 Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” - Exodus 34:5-7 NKJV (bold mine)

When we show mercy to others, we are partnering with God. It is not about how much the other person deserves it, or what benefit we will receive from helping them, rather it is about us showing our love for God by extending mercy to those around us who are in need.

The merciful are “partakers of the divine nature,” and in them the compassionate love of God finds expression. All whose hearts are in sympathy with the heart of Infinite Love will seek to reclaim and not to condemn. Christ dwelling in the soul is a spring that never runs dry. Where He abides, there will be an overflowing of beneficence. -Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 22.

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8 NKJV

It makes sense that Jesus cares about the purity of our hearts since it was understood to be the source of everything else we do in life.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. - Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

God cares about our hearts, not our outward appearance.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. Forthe Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

In our secular world it is normal to see people concerned about their reputation, their appearance, their public image. D.L. Moody used to say D.L. “If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 85.)

Paul, writing to Timothy, clarifies the purpose of the commandment.

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, - 1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were so rigorous in regard to ceremonial purity that their regulations were excessively oppressive. Their minds were so occupied with rules and restrictions and the fear of outward defilement, that they did not perceive the stain that selfishness and malice impart to the soul.

As we grow and mature in our walk with Jesus, we experience a growing distaste for those things that defile the soul. Certain jokes stop being funny. Old sources of entertainment stop entertaining. It is not that someone approaches you with a list of what to avoid, but rather you begin to notice you no longer enjoy substances, activities, and environments you previously sought out.

The purity that Jesus describes here goes beyond the well-known sins, and extends to hidden motives and purposes of the heart, a pure heart is one that is free from pride and self-seeking, a humble and childlike heart.

The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during the time He apportions them in this world. And they will also see Him face to face in the future, immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden. “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. - Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p.27. 

Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. - Matthew 5:9 NKJV

Isaiah 9:6 describes several titles for Jesus and one of them is Prince of Peace. Sin has broken the peace that existed in a perfect world created by a perfect God, and we await the second coming of Jesus we do our best to live in harmony with others.

Those who work for shālôm (wholeness and harmony rather than strife and discord in all aspects of life) and who reconcile others to God and each other will “be called sons of God.” Others will identify them as God’s true ambassadors, as those who are being conformed to his likeness. - Craig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 100.

Jesus’ followers are sent into the world with a message of peace. This message of peace goes beyond spoken words and extends itself even to our silent influence and how our way of living and our interactions reveal the love of God to those around us. When we encourage others to turn from sin and to accept Jesus into their hearts we are being peacemakers. Our spirit of peace is evidence of our connection with heaven. Think of it as a perfume or cologne. The lives of those who follow Jesus have a special fragrance, our character has a certain quality that reveals to those around us that we belong to God.

Persecuted?

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.- Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV

As we have noticed, the characteristics that Jesus labels as blessed do not match what the secular world values or holds in high regard. Just like the world was hostile to Jesus, hostility will arise against Jesus’ followers, but Jesus considers even persecuted people as blessed. But it is important to highlight the reason for their persecution. The blessing exists for those who are persecuted for righteous living and not because of sin or tactlessness.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” - 1 Peter 3:14 NKJV

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. - 1 Peter 4:14-15 NKJV

When Jesus tells those who are suffering persecution, He is not talking about feelings, we cannot command our feelings, rather He is describing what our attitude should be. (see James 1:2) When we suffer we must resist the temptation of thinking that we are the only ones who are suffering. Jesus points out that the prophets that came before them also suffered. Modern-day followers of Christ also have the example of the early Christians and all the martyrs who have suffered for Jesus all over this globe, through the ages even down to today.

In a world where many fight for supremacy, with the worldview of survival of the fittest, Jesus calls His followers to live with inverted values, where instead of seeking supremacy at the cost of all who surround us, we are to actively help those who are struggling around us.

[religioused]

Words Never Die

by Gary Simpson

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (King James Version) And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7  Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.



Reflection:

There is an old public domain hymn titled “Kind Words Never Die.” Sadly, angry words take on a life of their own too. In no realm does that seem more accurate than political and religious discussions.

Three general principles you might want to look for in this sermon. (1) Ridicule and insults can cause religious and political divisions and political tension. (2) We can reflect on how our theological beliefs and political news consumption may cause us to hate others. (3) Look for ways to build people up.

There are times when a dose of Biblical trivia feels right. And this is one of those times. In the Septuagint, 1st and 2nd Samuel were called 1st and 2nd Kingdoms, and 1st and 2nd Kings were called 3rd and 4th Kingdoms.(1) A few people think 1st and 2nd Samuel would be better named Saul and David, or 1st and 2nd David.(2)

First and Second Samuel were probably written about 900 BCE(3), and the events described in 1st Samuel might date back to somewhere between 1200 and 1000 BCE.(4) The book was written after the division of the nation into two kingdoms, the northern and the southern kingdoms.(5) The events in the book of 1st Samuel take place during a time of political change. The children of Israel were transitioning into a monarchical form of government.(6) We see a shift from the leadership of priests, prophets and judges to kings.(7)

As we look to contemporary issues dividing Canada and the United States, we may find parts of 1st Samuel, a book written for a people divided into two kingdoms, valuable. A major theme in 1st Samuel is that the main characters, Samuel, Saul, and David, all “make mistakes that cost them dearly.”(8) This last point, which seems quite trivial, could be important. Religious institutions and religious leaders, combined with political institutions and political leaders, made mistakes that could be challenging for North Americans for many years. Decisions relating to the creation and operation of residential schools made by the Canadian Government and church denominations hurt generations of Indigenous people. Contributors to the NIV Foundation Study Bible observe that Samuel’s ministry is built on a foundation of an “attitude of listening.”(9) And listening could be critical to the future for people of faith.

There is some literary foreshadowing in the passage. Samuel means “requested of God.”(10) We can get the sense that there is something special about Samuel, and that sense increases as we read the narratives in 1st and 2nd Samuel.

In the ancient Near Eastern world, prophets gave messages from God. Should a god not give messages through prophets, it was considered a sign that the gods were unhappy.(11) Contributors to the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible indicate that some people speculate that Samuel was in the temple area at night in hopes of receiving a “divine vision,” but there is nothing in the Biblical passage that supports that conclusion.(12)

Verses 15 to 17 are worth exploring for a moment. Warren Wiersbe draws attention to the fact that Samuel got up and went about his daily duties. He gives Samuel credit for being mature enough not to run around telling everyone that God gave him a special message.(13) I am not sure if it was maturity or dread of telling Eli the message God gave Samuel. Because Eli was almost like a foster father, Samuel might have loved Eli. His love for Eli might have been why Samuel was reluctant to tell Eli God’s message. Samuel did not want to hurt Eli.(14) Eli had a long vocational calling as a judge, having judged Israel for 40 years. Knowing Eli's vocation might have made it even more difficult for Samuel to deliver God’s stern message.(15)

Eli appears to threaten Samuel. He says Samuel must tell the whole truth and not to hide anything from him or God will deal severely with Samuel. Eli may have spoken strongly because he realized that God did something “rare” when God bypassed him and gave Samuel a message.(16) Eli, who recognizes physical maturity does not always go hand-in-hand with spiritual maturity, takes the rebuke God gives him through the mouth of young Samuel.(17) I think Eli shows significant maturity in his willingness to seek out and to accept the message Samuel gave.

Moses understood the children of Israel wanted to have a king.(18) There could be many reasons why the children of Israel wanted a king, a person of power, leading their country. They might have been seeking power, prestige, and a feeling of safety. Chapters 8-12 of 1 Samuel describe the establishment of a king for the children of Israel.(19) Was a desire to have a powerful leader, a person who could protect people of faith, a factor in some Christians being involved in the Capitol protest, a protest that claimed the lives of people? Did some people of faith believe they needed a strong president, a virtual king figure to protect their faith? We may never know.

When protesters took over the Capitol Building in Washington, DC., a few Americans carried crosses and Christian banners. Photos show somebody put up a noose. There was a massive juxtaposition between the images. As Canadians we cannot look down our noses at our American neighbors and congratulate ourselves that this could never happen in Canada. Increasingly strong and polarizing rhetoric is not just an American thing. We have the same problem here. Polarizing language between conservative and progressive Christians is both a Canadian and an American problem.

There are a few things that we may want to consider when reviewing how you live out your religious and political convictions.

• Is our shared theology and understanding of the Bible helping us feel more compassion for others, or are we finding ourselves progressively feeling more angry with those who do not share our values or our doctrine?

• When we hear a politician or a minister speak, do we find ourselves feeling increasingly angry because we believe that we are being cheated?

• Have we studied, to understand, and not to prove other people wrong, the beliefs of other Christian denominations and other world religions?

• Do we find ourselves engaging in calling members of other religious or political groups names? Do we find ourselves calling either progressive or conservative Christians names?

• Do we decide to vote based only on one political issue?

• Are there times when we seriously want to punch people who disagree with us on core issues?

• Do we spend hours each week listening to all news, all talk shows? Are we feeling anxious and angry after we watch hours of news and opinion shows?

If some of the things I mentioned seem to describe you, this might be a sign that you need to focus less on news and theology. You may want to limit your consumption of news to the morning news and the evening news. That might help you feel less like your core values are being assaulted.

Anglican theologian John Stott states, “No theology is genuinely Christian which does not arise from and focus on the cross.”(20) Historically Christians have seen love and grace as being symbolized in the cross. This means Christian theology is only genuine Christian theology when it shows love and grace. A prime test of love is respect. When we express theology in a loving manner, we attempt to show respect for those who disagree. The use of sarcastic language, ridicule, and insults might win the argument, but it generally loses the war, since the tactics offend and alienate.

I am going to conclude with a story.

Lawrence Welk is a big band leader who had a highly successful career. There is a website that estimates the net worth of celebrities. According to the website, when Lawrence Welk died in 1992, he might have been the richest person in show business, possibly being even more wealthy than the legendary Bob Hope.(21)

I hope that I recall the story correctly because it has been years since I read Lawrence Welk’s autobiography. As I recall the story, Lawrence Welk was reminiscing about his early days in show business. Welk and his boss, the leader of the band he was in, were eating in a café. Evidently, the food was pretty awful. Lawrence Welk complained about the food. The leader of the band complimented the waitress on the coffee. Later, Lawrence Welk asked the leader of the band why he didn’t complain about the bad food. The bandleader replied to the effect that whenever the waitress heard his name, she would think about how he complimented her for the coffee and whenever the waitress heard Lawrence Welk's name, she would remember how he criticized the food.

I encourage people to change the topic from political concerns and religion to other topics and to look for a reason to praise. Your kind words will be remembered and will build a bridge.

Kind words can never die,

Cherished and blest,

God knows how deep they lie,

Stored in the breast:

Like childhood’s simple rhymes,

Said o’er a thousand times,

Aye, in all years and climes,

Distant and near.

Kind words can never die(22)

End Notes

(1) Joel Rosenberg. “1 and 2 Samuel.” The Literary Guide to the Bible. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard Univ. Press, 1987), 122.

(2) Rosenberg. (1987), 122.

(3) Marshall Shelley, et al., eds. The Quest Study Bible. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zandervan Pub., 1994), 358.

(4) John H. Walton and Craig S. Keener, eds. New King James Version Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zandervan Pub., 2017), 480.

(5) Shelley, et al. (1994), 358.

(6) Walton and Keener, eds. (2017), 480.

(7) Rosenberg. (1987), 122.

(8) NIV Foundation Study Bible. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zandervan, 2015), 283.

(9) NIV Foundation Study Bible. (2015), 286.

(10) Merrill F. Unger. Unger's Bible Handbook: An Essential Guide to Understanding the Bible. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1967), 187.

(11) Walton and Keener. (2017), 486.

(12) Walton and Keener. (2017), 486.

(13) Warren W. Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary: History. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Victor, 2003), 216.

(14) Walter J. Harrelson, et al., eds. The New Interpreter's Study Bible. (Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 2003), 399.

(15) Bruce Barton, et al., eds. Life Explanation Study Bible. 2nd ed. (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Pub., 2004), 413.

(16) Shelley, et al. (1994), 363.

(17) Christian Community Bible. 2nd ed. (Madrid, Spain: San Pablo, 1988), 277.

(18) Kenneth Barker, et al., eds. The NIV Study Bible. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zandervan Pub., 1985), 372.

(19) Barker, et al. (1985), 372.

(20) John Stott. The Cross of Christ. (Doners Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1986), 216.

(21) “Lawrence Welk Net Worth.” Celebrity Net Worth. 2020, 16 January 2021.

<https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/rock-stars/lawrence-welk-net-worth/>.

(22) Abbey Hutchinson Patton. “Kind Words Can Never Die.” Public Domain Hymns. <https://www.pdhymns.com/SheetMusic/B_Normal/I-Q_Normal/K_Normal/Kind%20Words%20Can%20Never%20Die_N.pdf>.

[ourkd]

God’s Presence and Glory Dwells with the People, Exodus 34:29-35

At last, God blesses Israel’s tabernacle with the glory of His presence. Exodus begins with Moses witnessing God’s glory in the burning bush (3:1-5) and ends with God’s glory descending in the camp and filling the tabernacle. Warren Wiersbe (Be Delivered) writes: “The presence of the glory of God in the camp of Israel was not a luxury; it was a necessity. It identified Israel as the people of God…

[itunesbooks]

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Luke 14-24 - Warren W. Wiersbe

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Luke 14-24 Take Heart from Christ's Example Warren W. Wiersbe Genre: Bible Studies Price: $8.99 Publish Date: July 1, 2014 Publisher: David C Cook Seller: David C Cook The Ultimate Profile in Courage Each of us has a calling to both joy and suffering as we seek to glorify God. In the second half of the book of Luke, we find in Jesus the perfect example of how to respond to that call with courage and hope. Chronicling Jesus’s journey through opposition, betrayal, and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, this study will strengthen and equip you to respond to God’s call today. The Wiersbe Bible Study Series delivers practical, in-depth guides to selected books of the Bible. Featuring insights from Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s Be Courageous commentary, this eight-week study includes engaging questions and practical applications that will help you connect God’s Word with your life. http://dlvr.it/R6g3Zs

[kevinjthompson]

Free E-Book Alert - Ezekiel: Bowing Before Our Awesome God by Warren Wiersbe

Free E-Book Alert – Ezekiel: Bowing Before Our Awesome God by Warren Wiersbe

When the Isrealites lost respect for God’s majesty, God called the prophet Ezekiel to remind His people of His holy nature. Ezekiel’s message is just as relevant for us today as it was for the Jewish people thousands of years ago. This study of Ezekiel explores what it means to worship God as a holy Lord who is worthy of our reverence. The Wiersbe Bible Study Series delivers practical, in-depth…

[ourkd]

Consecration of the Priests (Part 2), Exodus 29; 30:22-33

Consecration of the Priests (Part 2), Exodus 29; 30:22-33

For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has…

[ourkd]

Consecration of the Priests (Part 1), Exodus 29:1-37; 30:22-33

Consecration of the Priests (Part 1), Exodus 29:1-37; 30:22-33

“It comes as a shock to some people to learn that Jesus did not die to make us happy; He died to make sinners holy. ‘Be holy, for I am holy’ was a frequent command to the Jews and it’s repeated in 1 Peter 1:15-16 for believers today. . . .” – Warren Wiersbe, Be Delivered

My last post explored the purpose of the priesthood and the High Priest. We learned that the priesthood with the sacrificial…

[ourkd]

The Holy Priesthood's Garments, Exodus 28

The Holy Priesthood’s Garments, Exodus 28

I hope you are enjoying this last day of summer! We are drawing closer to the end of Exodus, (exhale). I am certainly learning a lot as I plod through this Old Testament book. It’s time to examine “the holy priesthood” that God ordained for the tabernacle.

God desired for Israel to be “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6) to share His blessings and reveal His glory to the surrounding unbelieving…

[ourkd]

God Wants His People to Appreciate and Enjoy His Blessings

God Wants His People to Appreciate and Enjoy His Blessings

God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory.” –Psalm 26:8 (MSG)

The outside of the wilderness tabernacle may have looked common to foreigners, but Godly Old Testament believers realized the high price and great beauty inside the sanctuary.

Of these treasures, King David testified: “One thing I ask from the Lord,this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all…

[ourkd]

The Tabernacle Framework (Exodus 26:1-37; 27:9-19; 36:8-38; 38:9-20)

The Tabernacle Framework (Exodus 26:1-37; 27:9-19; 36:8-38; 38:9-20)

‘Honor and majesty are before Him,’ wrote the psalmist; ‘strength and beauty are in His sanctuary’ (Ps. 96:6). The strength of His sanctuary is revealed in its construction, and the beauty is revealed in its adornment.” –Warren Wiersbe, Be Delivered

I didn’t realize that more space is devoted to the tabernacle, more than any other topic, in all of scripture. I also wasn’t aware just how much the…

[ourkd]

God Hears the Prayers of His People

God Hears the Prayers of His People

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.” – John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

I am enjoying this study in Exodus and hope you are as well. So far in studying the tabernacle, we’ve covered the ark of the covenant, the table of “presence bread”, and the golden lampstand. The remainder of the tabernacle furniture includes: the incense altar (covered in this…

[ourkd]

The Place Where God Dwells—Part I

The Place Where God Dwells—Part I

“See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” -Exodus 25:40

The last section of Exodus (ch. 25-40) describes God’s plans for the tabernacle and the priesthood. God gave Moses the tabernacle pattern on Mt. Sinai and warned him to make everything accordingly.

So far, God has fulfilled His promises in Exodus 6:6-8 by delivering His people from Egypt (Ex. 1-18) and…

[ourkd]

The Covenant Confirmed, Exodus 24:1-8

The Covenant Confirmed, Exodus 24:1-8

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” –Exodus 24:1-2

These verses connect with God’s call for Moses to ascend Sinai in Exodus 20:21, (along with seventy elders, Aaron,…

[ourkd]

Prepping for God’s Appearance, Exodus 19:9-15

Prepping for God’s Appearance, Exodus 19:9-15

“Are you prepared for what’s coming?” This is the question Prepper Journal inquires on their website. A quick Google search on prepping brings up about 38,500,000 results ranging from emergency food, water, lighting, heating, shelter, gear, etc.

But what about prepping to meet God?

Up to this point, God has shown the Israelites the importance of keeping their part of the covenant by obeying the…