1 Samuel 12-13:23
What we ask for and the true reason we want what we want is often a lie. We ask out of ulterior motives.
Israel didn’t want a king because Samuel’s sons were greedy for material gain, they asked out of fear (1 Samuel 8:4-5 AMP All the elders of Israel assembled and came to Samuel at Ramah (5) And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint us a king to rule over us like all the other nations.)
Their real reason is uncovered here:
1 Samuel 12:12 AMP But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, No! A king shall reign over us--when the Lord your God was your King!
No matter how we use our words to “cover” with leaves our true intent, God always comes in and asks the question, “Where are you?” He knows where we are but are we taking the time to find out where we really are.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Removing The Reproach of One's Past Sin
Joshua 5-7
9 God said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt." That's why the place is called The Gilgal. It's still called that. (Joshua 5:9, The Message)
The “reproach” of slavery, 400 years of slavery, was not rolled away from the Hebrews by God when they,
1) Left Egypt (Exodus 12-13)
2) Fought Battles in the desert (Exodus 17:8-16).
3) Crossed Over into their Promise and Scouted out Jericho (Joshua 2), nor
4) Promised Rehab they would not destroy her and her household if she hung the “Red” cloth/cord out of the window (Joshua 2:17-20).
The reproach of slavery was rolled away after they, the Israelites, renewed their covenant with God by circumcising all the males that had not been circumcised in the desert. These are the ones that were either born in the desert and those under 20 years old who had not rebelled in the desert, except Joshua, the new leader, and Caleb, those two believed God. Being Circumcised represented covenant renewal to those who were born in the desert. Past sins hanging out in our lives blocks our future, so circumcise your hearts to roll away the reproach of slavery.
9 God said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt." That's why the place is called The Gilgal. It's still called that. (Joshua 5:9, The Message)
The “reproach” of slavery, 400 years of slavery, was not rolled away from the Hebrews by God when they,
1) Left Egypt (Exodus 12-13)
2) Fought Battles in the desert (Exodus 17:8-16).
3) Crossed Over into their Promise and Scouted out Jericho (Joshua 2), nor
4) Promised Rehab they would not destroy her and her household if she hung the “Red” cloth/cord out of the window (Joshua 2:17-20).
The reproach of slavery was rolled away after they, the Israelites, renewed their covenant with God by circumcising all the males that had not been circumcised in the desert. These are the ones that were either born in the desert and those under 20 years old who had not rebelled in the desert, except Joshua, the new leader, and Caleb, those two believed God. Being Circumcised represented covenant renewal to those who were born in the desert. Past sins hanging out in our lives blocks our future, so circumcise your hearts to roll away the reproach of slavery.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Jacob People and Esau People: (updated w/link)
Something I keep seeing played out in today’s’ social discourse, unsettling as it is, reminded me of a message I heard and subsequently the book I read called, Buy The Future, by Dr. Mensa Otabil
People who are Esaus::
1) My oldest son Philip
2) Mike Tyson (and any other sports player who forgoes their education for a shot @ sports)
3) Anyone willing to exchange their “birthright” for one “pot-of-stew” because they are currently “starving-to-death.” Sacrificing short term pleasures/gains in lieu of long-term success. That success may not benefit them directly but will benefit the future generation. They don’t know the difference between an expense and/or investment.
People who are under the Jacob type:
1) My son Equiano
2) Microsoft’s Bill and Melinda Gates
3) Pastor Bernard (was in the ministry for a long time struggling while ministers, who began the same time as he, blew up and then blew out while trying to imply he was not hearing from God. My early adult church days began under a NYC ministry who did that)
4) Fred Price
5) Anyone willing and able to see their future ahead of them and willing to make sacrifices of immediate gratification on the altar of pleasure and give-it-to-me right know. They know the value of the future.
Esau after having his belly full for that one-time and after making an alter of worship to that one-time gratification, runs after Jacob to kill him when Jacob becomes a success will inform Jacob that he/she has entered into his promise.
The promise is not guaranteed because at anytime Jacob can become an Esau and Esau can become a Jacob through repentance. Repentance doesn’t always mean that you go from the wrong way to the right way. One can go from right to wrong.
Esau’s can always be identified by their “running” after the Jacobs relentlessly. Jacob does not have to be a “saved” individual. Their salvation, just like their namesake, is given after “wrestling” with God. Jacobs will always rule over Esaus because of Esaus lack of understanding or ignorance of their future and birthright and their willingness to sell it for “beads of color.”
Jacob and Esau folks were preceded by Cain and Abel:
Genesis 4:3-7 AMP And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. (4) And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [ Heb. 11:4.] (5) But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. (6) And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? (7) If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
In society we are seeing played out the chasing of Jacob by Esau as we witness the “gottcha” mentality played out in front of us. Running down everything thing that can be used to beat someone over the head about what they should or should not be doing or believing in, who and what they are united under, etc. A true Jacob will ignore the clamor and do what God has placed within his/her heart to do, whether they know it is from God or not.
Esaus do not operate in forgiveness and that is verified when they continue to pull out things from the near and distance past that Jacob actually did do or was perceived to have done. Jacob did not steal his brother’s birthright, Esau simply gave it away. What you give away cannot be considered stealing after you have had time to sleep on it or when your hunger returns. Our regrets do not constitute stealing.
Jacob was never rebuked by God for “stealing” what belonged to Esau. It was pointed out by God that he, Jacob, was a deceiver. However, the “birthright” and the inheritance would still have gone to Jacob because it was God ordained and not Jacob manipulated. A god ordained birthright does not have to be wrested from man to receive it. God ordained blessings and promises only have to be received and gladly taken from God and claimed within the heart by the receiver. It takes belief and faith that was was promised will come to pass; however, it doesn’t mean the person promised must walk under God’s direction listen to the voice of God. God will work with you in your struggling unbelief and doubt.
Isaiah 55:8-11 AMP For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [II Cor. 9:10.] (11) So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
People who are Esaus::
1) My oldest son Philip
2) Mike Tyson (and any other sports player who forgoes their education for a shot @ sports)
3) Anyone willing to exchange their “birthright” for one “pot-of-stew” because they are currently “starving-to-death.” Sacrificing short term pleasures/gains in lieu of long-term success. That success may not benefit them directly but will benefit the future generation. They don’t know the difference between an expense and/or investment.
People who are under the Jacob type:
1) My son Equiano
2) Microsoft’s Bill and Melinda Gates
3) Pastor Bernard (was in the ministry for a long time struggling while ministers, who began the same time as he, blew up and then blew out while trying to imply he was not hearing from God. My early adult church days began under a NYC ministry who did that)
4) Fred Price
5) Anyone willing and able to see their future ahead of them and willing to make sacrifices of immediate gratification on the altar of pleasure and give-it-to-me right know. They know the value of the future.
Esau after having his belly full for that one-time and after making an alter of worship to that one-time gratification, runs after Jacob to kill him when Jacob becomes a success will inform Jacob that he/she has entered into his promise.
The promise is not guaranteed because at anytime Jacob can become an Esau and Esau can become a Jacob through repentance. Repentance doesn’t always mean that you go from the wrong way to the right way. One can go from right to wrong.
Esau’s can always be identified by their “running” after the Jacobs relentlessly. Jacob does not have to be a “saved” individual. Their salvation, just like their namesake, is given after “wrestling” with God. Jacobs will always rule over Esaus because of Esaus lack of understanding or ignorance of their future and birthright and their willingness to sell it for “beads of color.”
Jacob and Esau folks were preceded by Cain and Abel:
Genesis 4:3-7 AMP And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. (4) And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [ Heb. 11:4.] (5) But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. (6) And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? (7) If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
In society we are seeing played out the chasing of Jacob by Esau as we witness the “gottcha” mentality played out in front of us. Running down everything thing that can be used to beat someone over the head about what they should or should not be doing or believing in, who and what they are united under, etc. A true Jacob will ignore the clamor and do what God has placed within his/her heart to do, whether they know it is from God or not.
Esaus do not operate in forgiveness and that is verified when they continue to pull out things from the near and distance past that Jacob actually did do or was perceived to have done. Jacob did not steal his brother’s birthright, Esau simply gave it away. What you give away cannot be considered stealing after you have had time to sleep on it or when your hunger returns. Our regrets do not constitute stealing.
Jacob was never rebuked by God for “stealing” what belonged to Esau. It was pointed out by God that he, Jacob, was a deceiver. However, the “birthright” and the inheritance would still have gone to Jacob because it was God ordained and not Jacob manipulated. A god ordained birthright does not have to be wrested from man to receive it. God ordained blessings and promises only have to be received and gladly taken from God and claimed within the heart by the receiver. It takes belief and faith that was was promised will come to pass; however, it doesn’t mean the person promised must walk under God’s direction listen to the voice of God. God will work with you in your struggling unbelief and doubt.
Isaiah 55:8-11 AMP For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [II Cor. 9:10.] (11) So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hate Crimes, A New Understaning
One of the things I love about reading through the Bible in a systematic way is how it forces you to rethink and reexamine what you thought you new and you interact with issues in the real world. Today I came across a deeper understanding of what murder really is. Today I understand why Jesus said,
20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:20-22, New King James Version)
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:20-22, New King James Version)
Footnotes:
- Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17
- Matthew 5:22 NU-Text omits without a cause.
Why would just being angry be equivalent to murder from God’s point of view? Why would I be in “danger of the council,” for my feelings toward someone who has wronged me and I have not released because after all God, You just don’t know …” Isn’t that what we say while we struggle with our emotions, or at least I do as I constantly seek God’s mercy and grace until forgiveness in my heart truly shows up. My answer is here in midst of this Numbers passage,
9-15 God spoke to Moses: "Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them, When you cross the River Jordan into the country of Canaan, designate your asylum-cities, towns to which a person who accidentally kills someone can flee for asylum. They will be places of refuge from the avenger so that the alleged murderer won't be killed until he can appear before the community in court. Provide six asylum-cities. Designate three of the towns to the east side of the Jordan, the other three in Canaan proper—asylum-cities for the People of Israel, for the foreigner, and for any occasional visitors or guests—six asylum-cities to run to for anyone who accidentally kills another.
16 "But if the killer has used an iron object, that's just plain murder; he's obviously a murderer and must be put to death.
17 "Or if he has a rock in his hand big enough to kill and the man dies, that's murder; he's a murderer and must be put to death.
18 "Or if he's carrying a wooden club heavy enough to kill and the man dies, that's murder; he's a murderer and must be put to death.
19 "In such cases the avenger has a right to kill the murderer when he meets him—he can kill him on the spot.
20-21 "And if out of sheer hatred a man pushes another or from ambush throws something at him and he dies, or angrily hits him with his fist and kills him, that's murder—he must be put to death. The avenger has a right to kill him when he gets him. (Numbers 35:9-21, The Message)
The first “hate” crime on the books of heaven was enacted by God. I’ve always wrestled with “hate” crime laws because I’ve considered all crime as “hate” because why would we harm someone we truly love? I've just received understanding and the reason why. God Is good and his answers are always available, you just have to ask, knock and seek.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
God’s Favor is Upon All Who Call On His Name
9-12I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:
Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!
All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals— fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing:
Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes! (Revelation 7:9, The Message)
Amen and Amen
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
When a Curse is Not a Curse
This passage and the one before it, Numbers 22:21-23:30, show that it is not what others are doing on the outside that can destroy us, but what that man/woman is doing who looks back at us in the mirror that counts.
1 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 Then he took up his oracle and said:
“The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor,
The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,
4 The utterance of him who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Who falls down, with eyes wide open:
5 “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Your dwellings, O Israel! (Numbers 24:1-5, New King James Version)
Too often, especially in this country, we rant and shake our little fists at the “other” believing that they are bring our “community” of believers down, but it is what is in our own camp that destroys us. Then when we do see what is bringing us down, we fail to act decisively to root out what is destroying our community.
1 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove,[a] and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel.
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the LORD, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.”
5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of Peor.”
6 And indeed, one of the children of Israel came and presented to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. (Numbers 25:1-6, New King James Version)
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the LORD, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.”
5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of Peor.”
6 And indeed, one of the children of Israel came and presented to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. (Numbers 25:1-6, New King James Version)
Footnotes:
- Numbers 25:1 Hebrew Shittim
Sin in the “camp” is a no-no, and is a sure fire way to step out from under the protection of God. There is no amount of figure pointing toward the “other” that will bring the protection back. We just need to make sure we understand what is considered inside the camp and what is considered the “other.”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Leadership and Leadership Positions
This continued pattern of rebellion against leadership shows how contagious it is. First Miriam and Aaron, then the leadership appointed by Moses to spy out the land, ten of the 12 came back with a bad report (Numbers 13:17-33), and then encouraged the folks to rebel against the Word God had sent and against Moses, who they had wanted and agreed to have lead them (Exodus 20:18-20). Moses appointed by God to lead and confirmed by the people, now finds his leadership rejected.
Because of their rejecting of the Promise God told them,
27 “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. 28 Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the LORD, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: 29 The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. 30 Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in. 31 But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. 32 But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. 33 And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness. (Numbers 14:27-33, New King James Version)
Three Levites from the Tribe of Levi, of course, Korah, Dathan, and Abriam not only challenge Moses’ leadership, being themselves in leadership position, not only want to stand in the office of Priests, but begin stirring up the rest of the folks to join their Posse, bad move, deadly move.
10 and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also? 11 Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD. And what is Aaron that you complain against him?”
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come up! 13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? 14 Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!”
15 Then Moses was very angry, and said to the LORD, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”
16 And Moses said to Korah, “Tomorrow, you and all your company be present before the LORD—you and they, as well as Aaron. 17 Let each take his censer and put incense in it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty censers; both you and Aaron, each with his censer.” 18 So every man took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of meeting with Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:10-18, New King James Version)
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come up! 13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? 14 Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!”
15 Then Moses was very angry, and said to the LORD, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”
16 And Moses said to Korah, “Tomorrow, you and all your company be present before the LORD—you and they, as well as Aaron. 17 Let each take his censer and put incense in it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty censers; both you and Aaron, each with his censer.” 18 So every man took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of meeting with Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:10-18, New King James Version)
Keeping to my theme that within these Five Books of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are the patterns for successful living, as well as the highlighting of issues of life all men face, these particular chapters of Numbers are showing us where “rebellion” begins. Social discourse, how we treat each other, the respect or lack thereof, begins with those in leadership positions. We place and or accept leadership knowing full well who and what they are. It only takes about 15 minutes of observing someone to know who and what they are, especially if they are trying to get a posse to follow them. Are they humble, are they prideful, are they crooks, and the list goes on and on. If you really want to know who and what they are take them to lunch/dinner even if they have more money then you because it will not be an expense but an investment into you, your family, community and country's future.
21 The purity of silver and gold is tested
by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
by giving them a little fame. (Proverbs 27:21, The Message)
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