This morning I found the passage when Moses struck the rock at Meribah most compelling. When the people complained about the lack of water, Moses wisely sought the LORD. God told him to speak to the rock and water would flow from it and supply water for all Israel. Understandably annoyed by the complaints and murmuring of the people, the frustration of Moses was evident: "Hear, you rebels! Must we fetch you water out of this rock?" Instead of speaking to the rock according to God's command, Moses struck the rock twice and water issued forth. The people were glad to have water, but God was not pleased with Moses and Aaron.
Now I have often heard people say the sin of Moses was the fact he "misrepresented God." I am sure Moses was guilty of this infraction as all people are, even those who have been called to lead in various church ministry. But that is not the sin God cited. Numbers 20:12 makes it clear: "Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." The sin of Moses and Aaron was primarily unbelief, and unbelief leads to all manner of sin. A little background is after the rebellion of Korah, the staff of Aaron budded to prove that God had indeed placed them in leadership over His people. Numbers 17:10-11 reads, "And the LORD said to Moses, "Bring Aaron's rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die."
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Thus did Moses; just as the LORD had commanded him, so he did."
Moses was to hold this rod as a testimony against the rebels, but the words and actions of Moses did not not make God holy or sanctified in the eyes of the people when he struck the rock as he had previously (Ex. 17:6). The credit for this deed could have been attributed to the power of the rod or the favour Moses had in the sight of God. For their sin, God disciplined Moses and Aaron by refusing them entrance to the land of promise. The people did not enter because of unbelief, and that was the sin of Moses and Aaron as well. They trusted God and relied upon Him often, but to whom much is given much is required. They paid a heavy price for their unbelief, though they had faith to trust God when most would faint.
Let us believe. All is possible to those who trust in God. May we remember to sanctify God in our hearts and display His power for His glory with meekness and grace. 1 Peter 3:14-15 reads, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. 15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..." We do not speak our wisdom, nor can we generate living waters from our own merit. All we have and all we can offer is all God has given us by His grace. As I am sanctified, may He be sanctified in me!
25 May 2013
22 May 2013
Things New and Old
In our natural state we cannot discern spiritual truths. When we are born again by grace through faith and receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can become Christian "yes" men. We read the Bible and nod our heads in approval, but we can fail to see that the radical precepts and truths of scripture have yet to be actually lived out in our lives. We know the truth in a superficial and theoretical sense, but there has not been implementation. The things we agree with have not been put into practice, or we have put the scripture into practice with rigid inflexibility. Like a child dancing in a circle with his hobby horse, we can come to a point when we do not seek or even desire further transformation according to God's Word. We have established beliefs through which all scripture is filtered, and even God cannot change our minds. Instead of allowing scripture to challenge us to see things in a new light, we can become stuck in a rut A.W. Tozer called "a circular grave."
How am I able to speak of such things? I have experienced this condition myself! I remember times of refinement when I would ask God earnestly, "You want me to give that up? You want me to change this too? How much more of my life do I need to give up?" He simply said, "All of it." See, I knew that's what He would say. Even though I knew it is my reasonable service to commit my beliefs, thoughts, lifestyle, career, wife, and children to His control, I didn't feel like doing it. I was more concerned about what I was giving up than what God had already given! My perspective was all wrong. I came to this conclusion through reading the scriptures and the Holy Spirit opening my eyes and convicting me of my sin. It may be better said this conclusion was given to me by God, and it took me quite a while to agree with Him. I am far from perfect, but He has established the fact that I am the one who needs to change. Change will be required in me until I put off this body of flesh and am glorified in the presence of God. God's Word should confront my flesh, challenge my mind, and reform me until the day I die. I will be reading and studying the scriptures for eternity and never learn all.
God reiterated this to me when I read a passage in Matthew. In context, Jesus spoke parable after parable to His disciples. I almost laughed when I read Matthew 13:51: "Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." How hilarious are Christ's disciples? They thought they understood everything when they didn't even grasp the basics! Instead of pointing out their great delusions, Jesus continued in Matthew 13:52: "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Scribes were trained in how to rightly handle the Word of God. They were men revered for their mastery of scriptural texts, able to teach and interpret the law, and copy it precisely according to Jewish tradition. The role of the scribes was illustrated in Nehemiah 8:8: "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." Because Christians have the Spirit of God living within us, we have received instruction from God concerning God and His kingdom.
Once we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, He takes up residence within each believer and guides us into all truth. God has provided a great treasury of knowledge and wisdom in the Bible of far greater value than a million universes. Through God's Word we can know God, learn of His love, justice, and character, what He requires of us, and how to live in the way that pleases Him. The old truths of God's Word should never lose their lustre, for God has many new things to teach us through them. Some passages are new to us, while other passages are very familiar. God has an infinite amount of new things to teach us and to apply personally from old, well-trod passages. God can apply an old passage in a new way without forsaking the truth. A householder may know his stock very well, but as he digs through some old boxes while organising he will find many useful things he had forgotten or misplaced. Both the Old and New Testaments are relevant, practical, and useful to aid us in knowing God, leading others to Him, and walking righteously.
When we think we have mastery of the scriptures, we have begun to be entrenched in our own thoughts. Our God is the One who makes all things new. He wants to make us new daily as He renews our minds and strength through the scriptures. If we think we know all, then we know nothing as we ought to know. Speaking for myself, my theology has changed over the last few years, and I trust years from now it will be radically different - different not because God has changed or I am bold to take liberties to wrest scriptures according to my opinions - but because God has changed me! If I am willing, humbled by my great lack, He will open my eyes and mind to understand truth I cannot now comprehend. Unless we are born again and renewed, we will not progress. We are to called to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man that we might walk in newness of life (Eph. 4:20-24). The world looks at progress this way: "Out with the old, and in with the new!" Yet scripture should never become old to us. The only way we will be renewed is if our lives are consciously brought into obedience to the scriptures in faith. Out of His treasury He provides things new and old!
How am I able to speak of such things? I have experienced this condition myself! I remember times of refinement when I would ask God earnestly, "You want me to give that up? You want me to change this too? How much more of my life do I need to give up?" He simply said, "All of it." See, I knew that's what He would say. Even though I knew it is my reasonable service to commit my beliefs, thoughts, lifestyle, career, wife, and children to His control, I didn't feel like doing it. I was more concerned about what I was giving up than what God had already given! My perspective was all wrong. I came to this conclusion through reading the scriptures and the Holy Spirit opening my eyes and convicting me of my sin. It may be better said this conclusion was given to me by God, and it took me quite a while to agree with Him. I am far from perfect, but He has established the fact that I am the one who needs to change. Change will be required in me until I put off this body of flesh and am glorified in the presence of God. God's Word should confront my flesh, challenge my mind, and reform me until the day I die. I will be reading and studying the scriptures for eternity and never learn all.
God reiterated this to me when I read a passage in Matthew. In context, Jesus spoke parable after parable to His disciples. I almost laughed when I read Matthew 13:51: "Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." How hilarious are Christ's disciples? They thought they understood everything when they didn't even grasp the basics! Instead of pointing out their great delusions, Jesus continued in Matthew 13:52: "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Scribes were trained in how to rightly handle the Word of God. They were men revered for their mastery of scriptural texts, able to teach and interpret the law, and copy it precisely according to Jewish tradition. The role of the scribes was illustrated in Nehemiah 8:8: "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." Because Christians have the Spirit of God living within us, we have received instruction from God concerning God and His kingdom.
Once we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, He takes up residence within each believer and guides us into all truth. God has provided a great treasury of knowledge and wisdom in the Bible of far greater value than a million universes. Through God's Word we can know God, learn of His love, justice, and character, what He requires of us, and how to live in the way that pleases Him. The old truths of God's Word should never lose their lustre, for God has many new things to teach us through them. Some passages are new to us, while other passages are very familiar. God has an infinite amount of new things to teach us and to apply personally from old, well-trod passages. God can apply an old passage in a new way without forsaking the truth. A householder may know his stock very well, but as he digs through some old boxes while organising he will find many useful things he had forgotten or misplaced. Both the Old and New Testaments are relevant, practical, and useful to aid us in knowing God, leading others to Him, and walking righteously.
When we think we have mastery of the scriptures, we have begun to be entrenched in our own thoughts. Our God is the One who makes all things new. He wants to make us new daily as He renews our minds and strength through the scriptures. If we think we know all, then we know nothing as we ought to know. Speaking for myself, my theology has changed over the last few years, and I trust years from now it will be radically different - different not because God has changed or I am bold to take liberties to wrest scriptures according to my opinions - but because God has changed me! If I am willing, humbled by my great lack, He will open my eyes and mind to understand truth I cannot now comprehend. Unless we are born again and renewed, we will not progress. We are to called to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man that we might walk in newness of life (Eph. 4:20-24). The world looks at progress this way: "Out with the old, and in with the new!" Yet scripture should never become old to us. The only way we will be renewed is if our lives are consciously brought into obedience to the scriptures in faith. Out of His treasury He provides things new and old!
20 May 2013
Grapsing the Sword
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword."
Gandalf, "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" to King Theoden
This quote is from one of my favourite scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson. King Theoden had long been under the the control of the evil wizard Saruman, and as a result the king was decrepit and listless. He was a puppet in the hands of an oppressive ruler who sought to destroy him and his kingdom. In his ear whispered Grima Wormtongue, a once loyal adviser to Theoden who had covertly become a servant of Saruman. Gandalf was wise to see who truly was in control and "drew Saruman like poison from a wound." Once freed of the magic bonds, Theoden transformed back to the king who could recognise friend from foe. His long nails and wizened beard melted away, as the king came to his senses.
It was at this moment when King Theoden looked at his hands and said, "Dark have been my dreams of late." Gandalf replied, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword." The king slowly reached out to touch the hilt of his sword, and slowly took hold of it. The moment his hand closed around it, his eyes sparked with memory. It was like taking hold of the sword had instructed him, and he knew the right course to take.
So it is with Christians. God has given us His Word the Bible, and it is called the "sword of the Spirit." Hebrews 4:11-12 reads, "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
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For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." In our lives we face trials and difficulties far beyond our ability to handle. We do not have the wisdom to know the right course to take. Yet if we will lay hold of the Scriptures, they will reveal our heart and motives. The words of God are relevant for every situation, and reveal God's righteous judgments to us. If we make the Bible a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, we will not stumble. God leads us through deep valleys, dry deserts, even through the furnace of affliction. If we will fix our eyes upon Him and walk in obedience, we know He will doubtless bring us into a broad pasture where rest is found.
It is one thing to read words on a page, but how much more important is it to grasp them! We can only grasp the truths of God's Word when He reveals them to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, the Father has sent the Spirit to indwell and empower every follower of Jesus Christ. When we grasp the scripture we do not recall former strength, but God renews our strength and adds to it! We are then able to discern the voice of God from the whispers of Satan. Praise God that when we walk in His ways, we can be strong in the LORD and experience victory in the power of His might!
19 May 2013
The Meekness of Moses
In my morning devotions, I am reading through Numbers. How impressive is the meekness of Moses! He was a man who remained faithful to God despite opposition and struggles. Here is a man who did not fight for himself, but committed his life - trials, reputation, and all - into the awesome hands of God. He is really an Old Testament foreshadowing of how Jesus Christ lived (1 Pet. 2:23). Moses was meek because he knew God. He couldn't for a moment allow his authority given him by God go to his head. He was an vagabond killer, a shepherd, and a servant of the Most High God. When challenged, he fell on his face before God and submitted to His rule.
After the rebellion of Korah, the people were upset about the outcome. They assembled against Moses and Aaron, and accused Moses of murdering God's people. God sent a plague among the people and they began to die. Seeing this, Moses quickly moved into action to save the people from God's wrath. He commanded Aaron to atone for the sins of the people so they would be saved. What a heart of love and compassion, despite their hurtful accusations. Numbers 16:47-48 reads, "Then Aaron took it as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and already the plague had begun among the people. So he put in the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped." Aaron, the High Priest, stood between the dead and the living after making atonement for sin. This is what Jesus our Great High Priest has done through His shed blood. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and be saved.
That is the heart of love I desire, the heart of Christ! Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, a supernatural humility that springs only from God. It comes from having our eyes on Christ, casting our cares upon Him. What comfort we have when we commit ourselves into His loving, secure, nail-scarred hands. Jesus says in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." Jesus tasted of death so His sheep might live with Him forever. How grateful I am of such sacrifice! What value God has placed on us sinners to purchase us with the shed blood of His own Son! Rejoice in this and be exceedingly glad! May we be meek, seeing we have such a Saviour who calls outcasts and murderers friends through the Gospel, cleansing us from all sin, and making us His own children of light.
After the rebellion of Korah, the people were upset about the outcome. They assembled against Moses and Aaron, and accused Moses of murdering God's people. God sent a plague among the people and they began to die. Seeing this, Moses quickly moved into action to save the people from God's wrath. He commanded Aaron to atone for the sins of the people so they would be saved. What a heart of love and compassion, despite their hurtful accusations. Numbers 16:47-48 reads, "Then Aaron took it as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and already the plague had begun among the people. So he put in the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped." Aaron, the High Priest, stood between the dead and the living after making atonement for sin. This is what Jesus our Great High Priest has done through His shed blood. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and be saved.
That is the heart of love I desire, the heart of Christ! Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, a supernatural humility that springs only from God. It comes from having our eyes on Christ, casting our cares upon Him. What comfort we have when we commit ourselves into His loving, secure, nail-scarred hands. Jesus says in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." Jesus tasted of death so His sheep might live with Him forever. How grateful I am of such sacrifice! What value God has placed on us sinners to purchase us with the shed blood of His own Son! Rejoice in this and be exceedingly glad! May we be meek, seeing we have such a Saviour who calls outcasts and murderers friends through the Gospel, cleansing us from all sin, and making us His own children of light.
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