...the end of book five.

So it turns out I really enjoyed the book of Deuteronomy.  It was basically a review of the first four books of the bible.

It gave me many glimpses of God's character and how faithful His love is - even when we are stubborn and rebellious. There were a lot of great verses in this book about fear and loving God. 

Jesus himself quoted this book a few times during his ministry.  When he was asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, He answered them:

I also loved one of the messages that Moses tried to get through to the Israelites in this chapter.  He explained to them that God didn't chose them as a nation because they were a great people but simply because He loves them and because He made a promise to their ancestors. 

It's that simple. 

God keeps His promises.  Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.

Yes, Deuteronomy was a great book.

A legacy worth living for....

Deuteronomy 12 - 34

The finish line is just around the bend!  I can see the end of this book as I round the corner! 

Although there have been many truths and encouraging passages in this book, there has also been an awful lot of rules and regulations for a time period that is really hard for me to relate to.

I found myself "skimming" as I read about how the Israelites weren't supposed to plow with an ox and a donkey together, or wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together. 

Seriously? 

Are we supposed to apply these rules today?  Do we ignore them?  Simply dismiss them as they are for people "a long time ago in a land far away...."? 

What was their purpose?  How do we decide which rules do apply today? 

So many questions...and like I mentioned earlier - it makes for a long read.

That's why I get so excited when a passage, or a promise, such as the following, comes along!  

"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today!  Do not lose heart or panic.  For the Lord, your God, is going with you!  He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory." (Chapter 20:3-4)

That, my readers, is a GREAT promise! 

Moses is using the last days, weeks and months of his life to tell the Israelites over and over again, that God will either bless them greatly...or curse them greatly.  It's their choice. 

And just like we do as parents, he spends double time in warning mode - telling them in great detail of how they will be cursed. 

He explains how easy it is and how it brings God great pleasure to bless them, if they only "love the Lord and keep His commands, laws and regulations by walking in His ways."

He reminds them that God's laws aren't secrets, or held in distant places but have been revealed in a very clear way.

He even writes a song for Israel to memorize!  An easy way for them to remember his teachings!  How funny is that?  I used to do the same thing with my children when they were younger to help them study for tests! 

Before He died, Moses made sure the people of Israel knew that Joshua was their new leader and a prophet.  He wanted to be sure they knew they weren't going to be "shepherdless."

...and so ends the life of Moses.  Just like that.  I came to the paragraph and read of his death.  Four verses. 

Like a breath. 

It reminded me that we are all the same.  People will read of our death, in the paper - a couple of paragraphs (if we're lucky)....just like Moses.

Our life, like Moses', will be as a breath.  A mere vapour in the big scheme of things.   

Moses left a great legacy.  He was a human instrument in the creation of the nation of Israel.   He lead them our of slavery, unleashed the ten plaques against Egypt, he guided the freed slaves for 40 years, he carried down the law from Mount Sinai and he prepared God's people to enter the promised land. 

But above all that, he was a man that loved and obeyed God.

I'm pretty sure I won't free a nation in my lifetime, (although that's for God to decide) but do pray that my legacy is that of Moses.

I want to be known as someone who loved and obeyed God.

...with ALL my heart.

How did we get here again?

Deuteronomy 1-4

I can tell already that this is going to be a great book!  It begins as Moses recaps their entire journey in a sermon.  I guess I've never really looked at Moses as a preacher before, more of a doer.   

It's also a book that reveals a lot about God's character, which I'm desperately hungry for. How can I even begin to fully understand God's love for me if I don't even know Him?  I've always taken everyone else's word for it, "God is good.  God is love. God is faithful."  I've never examined things for myself, really.  In fact, a lot of evidence that I've seen points more to, "Really God?  This is what you call fair?  This is how you show love?"  But the more I read and the more I learn about Him, where He's coming from, the more I realize that I've been viewing things from MY perspective. He really IS good, He really IS love and He really IS fair.  He really IS so much more.  This is good.     

OK, back to Deuteronomy.  As I was reading through, I came across scripture that Jesus, Himself, quoted when He was being tempted in the desert by Satan.  I keep forgetting this was His bible!  The bible of His times, when He walked on the earth.    

Deuteronomy begins with Moses reminding the Israelites why they just spent 40 years in the desert.  I have to remember that this is a whole new generation, a whole new people (except for Joshua and Caleb).  I'm sure they were told through the years, what the deal was.  But just in case they didn't get it, Moses spends a little time highlighting their journey as a people. 

He quoted himself, what he had said when they were scared to claim the land God had given them, "Don't be afraid!  The Lord your God is going before you!  He will fight for you, just as you saw Him do in Egypt!"  (1:29,30)

But they hadn't listened.  The sad part is, once they realized they had sinned against God they strapped on their weapons, ready to conquer the hills!  But it was too late.  God warned them if they went ahead, He would not be with them.  So, naturally they obeyed God and went back to their camps they arrogantly went into the hill country to fight.  Their enemies came against them like a swarm of bees and chased and battered them all the way back.

Moses continues to go over the past 40 years to remind them that God is forgiving, merciful, just, holy and powerful.  

It makes me think that it was his final "pep talk" before the real battle.  

I was was also surprised to read that Moses is a (teeny) bit like me after all!  I had journaled earlier this week how I would have had a pity party if God told me I wasn't able to go into the promised land, where as Moses was only concerned that his people wouldn't have a leader. 

In this passage though, Moses recalled how he actually spent time praising and pleading God to let him, "Please pass cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains." (3:23-25)

This was his review of the account when it first took place, and from what I can remember, Numbers didn't document Moses' plea to God.  Another reason, I LOVE reading my bible as a whole.  It revealed another facet of Moses.  He became someone I can relate to.  Seriously though, that's what anyone would have done!  Of course he wanted to cross the Jordan.  What human would rather die?     

God told Him, "That's enough!  Speak of it no more!" (3:26)

Typical parent... 

What? No pity party?

Numbers 27

I really admire the way Moses reacted when God reminded him that he will not be entering the promised land because of disobedience. 

Pretty sure I would have begged God to change His mind.  I'd remind him about all the times that I did obey Him. 

How terrified I was when He called me to approach the Pharoah on behalf of His people.  I really didn't want to - but I did. 

How I trusted Him when my enemies were chasing after me and and He led me straight to the sea - to what seemed like a dead end.

Yup, I would have pleaded, begged and cried.  And when that didn't work - maybe a bit of bargaining, or a touch of manipulation.   

And then, if God still didn't change His mind, I'd throw a little pity party for myself.  I'd probably go off somewhere alone, crying and feeling very sorry for myself.  Wondering if God even loved me. 

But that's just me.  

Now Moses, he simply asks God to appoint a new leader.

His main concern was that the people would have someone to lead them into battle.  He didn't want them to be "sheep without a shepherd".  (27:17)

Oh!  To be selfless like that!  In my darkest hour to be more concerned with the needs of others.  

That is my prayer today.

 

God don't play favorites!

Numbers 17-20

"Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice...and the water gushed out.  So all the people and their livestock drank their fill." (20:11)

Moses was supposed to command the rock and instead he struck the rock.  So, after all the times Moses has obeyed God's commands and after all the times he's trusted God, he does one little thing wrong and as a result, God's not going to allow Moses to be the one to lead the people into the promised land.

After reading this passage today, my first thought was, "Wow.  It's no wonder people (including myself, at times) have this image of God, just waiting for us to mess up to He can punish us or withhold blessings from us."

But the more I began to meditate on it, I felt in my heart that God was saying, "Do you want me to start playing favorites, now? How fair would that be?" 

The only fair and just thing for God to do was punish Moses for disobeying.  I had just read and journaled a couple of days ago how a just and holy God does not ignore sin, it has grave consequences and now I was expecting Him to "ignore" Moses' sin because of all the times that he did obey?  If He had ignored Moses sin, then He would be contradicting Himself.

Imagine if we lived in a society that believed in not punishing murderers for crimes they committed because of all the people they didn't kill!  Or if we allowed our children to talk back to us because "most of the time they listen". 

I'll bet God wished He didn't have to punish Moses.  He desires to savor victories with us, He would have loved to see the look on Moses' face as He entered the promise land! To share that moment with the man He chose from the very beginning.  Moses wasn't the only one that missed out....God did too. 

I'm so thankful that I serve an unchanging God.  One who never changes.  He is who He says He is and He does what He says He'll do. 

He doesn't play favorites and like any loving parent, He doesn't love us any less when He disciplines us. 

He's just doing what He's gotta do.

Riddle me this....

Leviticus 21 - 27

In chapter 21:16-23, God commands Moses to tell Aaron that any descendants that have birth defects are disqualified from presenting offerings to God (being a priest).

What the heck?  I thought God was all about "equal opportunity"?  I don't understand that AT ALL.  First of all, these are physical defects He's talking about - blind, lame, hump back, etc. - it's not even their fault!

It's not even that they are mentally disabled.  They fully understand what's going on around them. 

Even the way it's worded troubles me, "No one who has a defect can come near to me..." (vs 18)

I know God is God.  He makes up the rules and He has reasons, I'm sure it has something to do with His holiness.

But it's those very people that Jesus is drawn to in the New Testament.  It's these very contradictions that confuse me.

I turn to God's word to find out more about Him, who He is and often times I end up with more questions!

What? Only 4 per customer??

Exodus 16 - 31

Ugh!  So. many. rules.  What is it about about rules?  It doesn't really matter how old you are, rules just stink!! (Well most, anyway...)

When you're young, it's "make your bed, brush your teeth."

In high school it's "be home by 10:30, do your homework". 

Even now, I'm almost 40 and I hate to hear, "only 4 per customer".  I mean really!! 

I've heard many "rumors" about ALL the commands and laws in the Old Testament and I must admit I've never taken the time to actually read them. 

Oh, I've started many times...but then I wake up the next morning with my bible resting comfortably on my chest and a "crooked glasses" imprint on my face.

Of course, I've read the Ten Commandments.  Even memorized them as a kid - but they're just "old testament."  Aren't they?  Jesus came to "replace" old law.  Didn't he?

Jesus often referred to the commandments, even going so far as to suggest we go beyond - making them, not only "action" rules, but matters of the heart. 

"Don't commit adultery".  Jesus took it a step further.  "Don't even look at another woman with lust."  

Makes sense, really.  I mean why would I expect God to bless my marriage, if I'm not honouring it with my whole heart? 

God wants to do awesome stuff in our lives but we have to do our part too.

But...uh...I keep - well...kind of, try to, keep, the commandments.  Let's see, I certainly don't murder!  I haven't committed adultery.  I don't steal...much.  Hmmm...what have I stolen in the past month?  Year?  I just keep forgetting to put that dollar back in the cash box, I just never seem to have one on me at the right time. 

Hmmmm...what about stealing time?  How often do I surf the net at work?  How many times a day do I check facebook at work?  and if my boss doesn't mind, why do I turn it off as he walks by?  

What about coveting?  Uh...I'm not even going there.  Let's just say I try to be happy when my friend gets a new hot tub in her back yard or my sister's husband makes breakfast in bed for her for the third time this week!  Yeah.  Guess I'm still working on that one.

Do I keep the Sabbath holy?  Thinking back on the last four Sundays...did I even rest for 5 minutes?  Besides church...what makes my Sunday stand out from the rest of the week? 

Moving on down the list...oh good, here's one!  I would NEVER worship Buddha or melt all my gold and make an idol shaped as a calf.  Imagine!  Nope!  No idols for me!!  Hmmmm...if someone were to observe me for a day, what would they see as my "god"?  Facebook?  A clean house? A great blog?

God gave us commands for a reason.  

They protect us, profit us.  We often think about rules as something that takes away our freedom, however when we follow rules, commands or laws - it actually make us free. 

Think about society for a second, the same is true.  If we break the law - we lose our freedom.  Alternatively, when we follow the law, we remain free!  

So, reading on, past the "Ten Commandments" passage God continues listing a ton of rules and ceremonies.  Rules that I can barely read through, let along follow.  I believe they made a lot of sense at the time.  I'm sure there was a reason and purpose behind each of them.  Especially the one about not boiling a young goat in its mother's milk.  Seriously, have you ever wondered what their reaction was?  "Aw, man!  It's just NOT going to taste the same if I don't boil my young goat in it's mother's milk! No fair!  Well...there goes supper."  (I may have to look into that command...see if I can find the history behind it.  Weird.)  

But the commandments are different, somehow.  The other laws He gave to Moses to pass on.  However God, Himself, spoke to the people concerning the commandments.  "These are the big ones", He was saying.  "The ones I really want you to get."  He didn't want to chance anyone getting them messed up through mis-communication.  

And really when I think about it, they're not unreasonable. You know?  If we could look at them from God's point of view, "Come on, guys, don't kill each other.  It's not nice.  And really, you need a day to rest so you can be your best heading into a new week.  While your at it, stay true to your wife.  Trust me when I say if you cheat on her your entire family will be broken."  

They only make sense. 

Sure, I believe that Jesus came to be the final sacrifice so we didn't have to kill stuff anymore to say sorry to God....or to thank God....or to worship God.  But at what point did we decide it was OK to take something that wasn't ours?  To long for a house or car like our neighbors?  Or to misuse the name of the Lord?  

From this day forward, I will no longer look at the commandments as "old testament" or "something I memorized in Sunday school" but I will recognize them as words so important to my God that He spoke them His very self to His chosen people.

...and had Moses transcribe them in stone.  Twice.

What kind of love?

Exodus 14-15

"Don't be afraid!  Just stand where you are and let the Lord rescue you."  - Ex 14:13 (Moses talking to the Israelites as Pharaoh's chariots are approaching)

Love it!!  Why am I always convinced that God is going to turn away from me or give me the "silent" treatment because I do something wrong, complain or doubt Him? 

Look at the Israelites!!  They were the "journeymen" of complainers and doubters!!  If you want to learn how to complain properly (if there is such a thing...and if it doesn't just come naturally to you as it does me...), just read the book of Exodus!  They are like a bunch of teenagers!  (Trust me, I live with one...I know!) 

...and yet time and time again, God was faithful to them. 

When I am I going to get it through my head that God loves me not because of something I've done or haven't done....but because of who He is?   He CAN'T not love me! 

No. matter. what. 

After He parted the Red Sea for a convenient escape, the Israelites sang a celebratory song proclaiming who He was and what He did.  (Chapter 15)

I always used to pass by these parts of my bible,  I have no idea why.  Now, I always use them to make lists.  I love making lists. 

When I begin to doubt that God can and will come through for me, I need to renew my mind with the truths from their song:

The Lord is:

• My victory
• My strength and my song
• A warrior
• Glorious in power
• Great and majestic
• Glorious and holy
• Awesome in splendor
• Unfailing love.

His actions:

• He has triumphed gloriously
• He has thrown horse and rider into the sea
• He has thrown Pharaoh's chariots and armies into the sea
• He dashed the enemy to pieces
• He overthrew those who rose against Him
• His anger flashed forth and consumed enemies like fire
• At the blast of His breath, waters piled up.
• He performs wonders
• He raised His hand and the earth swallowed our enemies
• He leads and guides His people
• He silences enemies, He melts them with fear and terror - dread overcomes them
• He plants His people on His mountain, to the place where His holiness dwells

THIS is who HE is and what HE does for His complaining, doubtful, and ungrateful children! 

What kind of love is this??   Certainly one that I want to receive more of.

...and give more of.

Free will? Really?

Exodus Chapters 7-13

 

I've read these chapters many times.  We all know the story.  God releases plague after plague on Egypt until Pharaoh agrees to free the Israelites.

 

It's funny how you look at a story in a completely different way when you are journaling it.  I found myself underlining verses I've never even noticed before.  I began to questions God's plan.  I mean, He's God, right?  He could have struck Pharaoh dead.  Why did he chose to demonstrate His supremacy by sending disturbing plagues on all of Egypt?

 

Especially the last one!  The death of the firstborn in EVERY family.  

 

The thin that I found most difficult was understanding why He would "harden Pharaoh's heart" only to release more devastation on the people of Egypt.

 

To be completely honest, I felt as though it was a power trip.  

 

But as I continued reading I realized that God was using the opportunity for the people of Egypt to fully understand that HE is Lord.  I think at the same time, He was showing Israel that they could trust Him by protecting them from the plagues.

 

God said, (about the Egyptians)

 

"When I show them my power...they will realize that I am the Lord." - Exodus 14:18

 

"This will give me the chance to do even more miracles."

 - Exodus 11:9 (after Pharaoh refuses one again)

 

I understand now.  I know the plagues had to be awful and they had to get worse each time in order for the people, and Pharaoh to realize it was God behind them.  Many of the plagues were "copied" by the magicians.  I guess they believed if they could simulate the plagues, the would preserve their credibility and deny that God was "all powerful".  

 

The plagues showed that God wasn't just the God of the Hebrews but was supreme over the Egyptians' very lives.  The plagues were all about who had the power...

 

Clearly the Egyptians deities (and rulers) did not.

 

Like I already said, I do understand that now.  But what I don't understand is why God hardened Pharaoh's heart.  It's one thing to pick or used someone who is stubborn to complete God's will (or plan) but I have a hard time hearing the word say,

 

"God hardened Pharaoh's heart."  - Exodus 10:20 

 

Doesn't that remove free will?  Does he harden the hearts of my unbelieving friends and family? 

 

Alternatively, does he soften hearts? 

 

...and more importantly, will he soften the hearts of my unbelieving friends and family?  

 

 

 

Whatever is available

"Now go and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."
- Exodus 4:12


Today, I'm claiming that verse as a promise!  Moses was convinced that he was of no use to God becuase he couldn't speak well. Patiently, God told him that HE could use "whatever is available" to accomplish His plan and fulfill His promise.

If I make myself available, even if/when I don't feel adequate - God can and will use me.

I studied the book, "Secrets of the Vine", in my small group this fall - the passage from John 15 - and so I've been trying to find ways to make a difference in someone's life everyday. This "old testament" passage (quoted above, Ex 4:12), words that God spoke thousands of years previous, encourages me as I read my Saviour's words, "bear much fruit", on the eve of His death.


In John 15, when Jesus tells his diciples to "bear fruit" he's saying that God wants to reach, bless, save, meet the needs of everyone around me - to bring Himself glory!



There are many days I can barely meet my own needs, let alone feel adequate enough to meet the urgent needs of those living in hurt and fear around me. But, in Exodus, Chapter 4 - God reminded me that it's not by my power! He's going to use "whatever" is available!! That's me!! ...if I'm willing.

Lord, give me the will, strength and boldness to always be willing.

I'm pretty sure God's not recruiting me to lead a nation out of bondage, like Moses, but He definitely wants to show what He can accomplish though me. He'll "help me speak well" and "tell me what to say".
 It's so neat how God, once more, connects the Old and New Testemant -words spoken 1000's of years apart come alive and come together in new ways every time I read them.

And they mean so many different things too, depending on the context in which I am reading them, given the situation I am in or an issue I am dealing with at the time - God's word can mean something to me one day and the very next day, the exact same verse can be understood differently. 



..and each time it touches and teaches me in a whole new way.


I guess that's why it's called "The Living Word".