This present American administration is creating a crisis of such proportions that our country has never seen. No, I am not speaking of the sleazy tactics being presented in Washington to pass a health care reform bill that the overwhelming majority of Americans do not want and the majority of House of Representatives do not want to vote upon. Yet the Administration presses forward, now offering a tactic that has never been used on such major legislation before. Is it possible that we have people representing us, whom we have elected, who are ignorant of what the Constitution of the United States truly states? These are very sad days!
The crisis I am referring to is our nearly shattered relationships with the nation of Israel. Let me begin by stating two personal opinions regarding the nation of Israel. First, I will admit that the Israeli government has made mistakes in the past. It is not a perfect government, but what government is perfect. They are all predicated on the desires of sinful human beings. So, I do not want you to think that I believe the nation of Israel can do no wrong. Second, I strongly adhere to the biblical teachings that God has a future for the nation of Israel and will be mightily used by God in the coming days. Furthermore, I still believe that the promises God gave to Abraham via His covenant with him are still operative today. Included in that covenant are these words: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3).
Last week Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Israel with the purpose of helping to restart dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership. While there, Mr. Biden told the Israelis what they wanted to hear, then turned around and traveled to Ramallah and told President Abbas and the Palestinians what they wanted to hear. It was classic politics. Unfortunately, while Mr. Biden was in Jerusalem, the Israeli Interior Ministry announced approval of plans for construction of 1600 apartment units in Ramat Shlomo, one of the suburbs of East Jerusalem.
Let me just pause and bring you up to date on the history of East Jerusalem. Prior to 1967, this area and all the West Bank was under the control of Jordan. During the Six-Day War in June 1967, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) captured all the West Bank, including East Jerusalem in a battle that lasted only a few hours. Quickly the Israeli government incorporated East Jerusalem into the configuration of Jerusalem and made it the capital of Israel. However, the Palestinians have never accepted Israeli control over East Jerusalem, and the status of that part of Jerusalem has been a deterrent to any peace-settlement.
So, when the Israeli government announced 1600 new Jewish apartment units to be built over the course of the next several years, Mr. Biden became angered and accused the Israeli government of sabotaging renewed talks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly apologized for the timing of the announcement, but indicated that construction would proceed as Jerusalem - a united Jerusalem - would always be the Jewish capital.
Of course the Palestinians were enraged. Stones were thrown. Threats of another Palestinian Intifadah were hurled. The situation was tense. Enter onto the stage our very own Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She phoned the Israeli Prime Minister and, according to reports, spent 43 minutes rebuking him with strong language. According to IsraelNationalNews.com, the Obama administration apparently is not making any effort to tone down the rhetoric against Prime Minister Netanyahu, and American political analysts have commented that the president may be trying to topple the Israeli government (March 16, Arutz Sheva). Friends, Israel is a democratically led government. This is not a dictatorship as was that of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Israel has been a strong ally of America since the days of President Truman.
Furthermore, I did some research - found it actually in a Jewish newspaper article - that in 1995, the Congress of the United States voted to relocate the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It was an overwhelming vote: 374-37 in the House, 93-5 in the Senate. That bill also included a quote from the 1990 Congressional resolution that stated the Congress "strongly believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected." Friends, that is the law of our land. But, has the Embassy been relocated? No. Not under Clinton. Not under Bush. And, certainly not under Obama. In fact, the Obama Administration is doing everything in its power to cause Jerusalem to be a divided city.
One final thought. Our nations leaders went ballistic when the Israelis announced a rezoning in a Jewish community in East Jerusalem so more apartments could be built. What was their response when, one day after the Vice President left Ramallah, the Palestinian Authority renamed a square in Ramallah after Dalal Mughrabi, a Palestinian woman who massacred 37 Jewish people in a bus-hijacking along the Coastal Highway in 1978? Absolutely nothing! I think that says it all.
I am saddened and greatly alarmed at the gulf that is beginning to be felt between the United States and Israel. I am heartened that Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to be holding forth in strength. It is time for Christians everywhere to join hands in support of a nation that will someday enthrone the King of kings.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
"Earthquakes in Various Places"
Hardly a week goes by without a major earthquake being reported. Grabbing headlines several weeks ago was the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti. Tens of thousands of people were killed. Property damage was incalculable. Estimates are that it will take Haiti over ten years to rebuild. Then, during the last days of February, and even more massive earthquake of the 8.8 magnitude variety shook Chili instilling fears of tsunami warnings across the Pacific as far away as Japan and China. And then there was the smaller magnitude - only a 6.0 - that struck Turkey last week.
The seemingly increasing news of earthquakes caused me to do some study. So I went to the website of the US Geological Survey. What a wealth of information I found there. During the first seven days of March there were 73 earthquakes of a magnitude of 5.0 or greater recorded. And there have been 11 significant earthquakes this year already. They estimate that at least 40 earthquakes happen every day, although most are not felt because they are so deep in the earth. In 2008, there were 12 earthquakes of a 7.0 magnitude or greater, with none reaching the 8.0 plateau. But, in 2009, there were 19 earthquakes of a 7.0 magnitude or greater, with one over the 8.0 magnitude scale. And, this year, we have already had one that reached nearly a 9.0. It would appear, at least from the scientific evidence, that earthquakes are increasing both in frequency and in magnitude.
Of course, this led me to do some investigating about earthquakes in the Bible. Did you know that there are only four recorded instances of an earthquake reported in the Bible? (Personally, I thought the number would be higher.) The first one is found in 1 Kings 19:11 - during the time Elijah was at Mt. Horeb. The second one is found in Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5 - referring to a massive earthquake that occurred during the reign of Uzziah. It must have been a tremendous one that years later people still remembered it. (Sort of like Hurricane Katrina in today's history). The third earthquake is found in Matthew 28:2 which opened the grave for Jesus. And the final earthquake is found in Acts 16:26 - which opened the prison doors there in Philippi.
Now, of course the Bible speaks often of earthquakes happening in the end of time. Jesus told His disciples: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11). One such end-time earthquake will occur as God defends His people as Gog leads his coalition into Israel to destroy it and take its plunder (Ezekiel 38:19). A second end-time earthquake will occur when the feet of Jesus touch the Mount of Olives as He comes to claim His throne (Zechariah 14:4). What a moving of the earth that will be! And the Apostle John writes about earthquakes in the Revelation. One such earthquake will destroy one tenth of the city of Jerusalem, causing the deaths of 7,000 people. You can read this account in Revelation 11:13. The final end-time earthquake John refers to is found in Revelation 16:18. John states it will be an earthquake unlike any that the earth has ever seen or felt before. Every mountain will disappear from the face of the earth. Every island will be removed from its place. The devastation will have to be incredibly severe. (It is interesting that the recent earthquake in Chili actually moved one city ten feet in a westward direction...an entire city moved!)
Friends, the earth is shaking, probably in excitement because its day of redemption is drawing near. And I think the shaking will get stronger and more frequent as we approach the time of the King's return. So, if the ground begins to shake under you...get excited!
The seemingly increasing news of earthquakes caused me to do some study. So I went to the website of the US Geological Survey. What a wealth of information I found there. During the first seven days of March there were 73 earthquakes of a magnitude of 5.0 or greater recorded. And there have been 11 significant earthquakes this year already. They estimate that at least 40 earthquakes happen every day, although most are not felt because they are so deep in the earth. In 2008, there were 12 earthquakes of a 7.0 magnitude or greater, with none reaching the 8.0 plateau. But, in 2009, there were 19 earthquakes of a 7.0 magnitude or greater, with one over the 8.0 magnitude scale. And, this year, we have already had one that reached nearly a 9.0. It would appear, at least from the scientific evidence, that earthquakes are increasing both in frequency and in magnitude.
Of course, this led me to do some investigating about earthquakes in the Bible. Did you know that there are only four recorded instances of an earthquake reported in the Bible? (Personally, I thought the number would be higher.) The first one is found in 1 Kings 19:11 - during the time Elijah was at Mt. Horeb. The second one is found in Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5 - referring to a massive earthquake that occurred during the reign of Uzziah. It must have been a tremendous one that years later people still remembered it. (Sort of like Hurricane Katrina in today's history). The third earthquake is found in Matthew 28:2 which opened the grave for Jesus. And the final earthquake is found in Acts 16:26 - which opened the prison doors there in Philippi.
Now, of course the Bible speaks often of earthquakes happening in the end of time. Jesus told His disciples: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11). One such end-time earthquake will occur as God defends His people as Gog leads his coalition into Israel to destroy it and take its plunder (Ezekiel 38:19). A second end-time earthquake will occur when the feet of Jesus touch the Mount of Olives as He comes to claim His throne (Zechariah 14:4). What a moving of the earth that will be! And the Apostle John writes about earthquakes in the Revelation. One such earthquake will destroy one tenth of the city of Jerusalem, causing the deaths of 7,000 people. You can read this account in Revelation 11:13. The final end-time earthquake John refers to is found in Revelation 16:18. John states it will be an earthquake unlike any that the earth has ever seen or felt before. Every mountain will disappear from the face of the earth. Every island will be removed from its place. The devastation will have to be incredibly severe. (It is interesting that the recent earthquake in Chili actually moved one city ten feet in a westward direction...an entire city moved!)
Friends, the earth is shaking, probably in excitement because its day of redemption is drawing near. And I think the shaking will get stronger and more frequent as we approach the time of the King's return. So, if the ground begins to shake under you...get excited!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Washington DC - Incredulous Tyranny
I find what is happening in Washington DC these days to border almost on the incredulous. Tomorrow, February 25, is the day for the great bi-partisan summit on health care reform. I find it very interesting that both sides are to be represented - Republicans and Democrats; however, the Democrats will outnumber the Republicans. Let's see, if it is to be bi-partisan, why not have equal numbers, why stack the deck, if you will? And the President has already said that if the Republicans either do not present their own plan or subscribe to his, then his plan will be "reconciled" with the House plan. This is a procedural move - rarely used, I might add - whereby only a majority of Senators must give their approval. That means only 51 Senators need to vote for it instead of the usually required 60.
Now what I find incredulous is that the debate even continues. According to recent polls, near 2 out 3 Americans do not want the government to be taking over health care. Yet, 51 Senators will vote against the will of 2/3 of the American people? It seems to me that the 1/3 of Americans who desire a government-run health plan certainly have the eyes and ears and votes of the majority of America's legislators. And I thought this country had the principal of the will of the majority. Guess we have forgotten that!
Also, according to recent polls, less than 1 out 5 Americans believe Congress is doing a good job. That tells me that those men and women who will be voting for this government-run health plan are not the most popular folks back home. Perhaps many of them see the writing on the wall and realize their days in Washington - at least as representatives of the people; future lobbyist status not withstanding - are numbered.
For the past several years I have diligently pursued the study of the American Revolution. I find it fascinating that the outcry that led to that rebellion against Great Britain was over the rule of a minority - the House of Lords and Commons and a King - against the wishes and will of the majority. The battle cry was against tyranny. A similar tyranny now exists. A handful of people are seeking to force upon the American people something they do not desire. Whereas during the American Revolution it was "taxation without representation," today the cry is "taxation with faulty representation."
Personally I believe this is just another step toward the surrender of our freedoms and the forced acceptance of a life run by the government. It is another step on the way toward a one-world domination. If you read Revelation 13 you will notice that the Antichrist has the power to dictate who can buy and who can sell. Those who choose to rebel against those governmental edicts will be hunted down as criminals and summarily put to death. No one can oppose the tyranny of government! But the writer of Revelation says that "blessed are those who die, rather than those who live." Why? because they have lives dedicated first to God.
In America we have the privilege in a few months to cast out those who have misrepresented us. If only 1 in 5 Americans approve of their Congressional delegates, then it appears that in the Congress there will be many new faces. Perhaps there might yet be hope!
Now what I find incredulous is that the debate even continues. According to recent polls, near 2 out 3 Americans do not want the government to be taking over health care. Yet, 51 Senators will vote against the will of 2/3 of the American people? It seems to me that the 1/3 of Americans who desire a government-run health plan certainly have the eyes and ears and votes of the majority of America's legislators. And I thought this country had the principal of the will of the majority. Guess we have forgotten that!
Also, according to recent polls, less than 1 out 5 Americans believe Congress is doing a good job. That tells me that those men and women who will be voting for this government-run health plan are not the most popular folks back home. Perhaps many of them see the writing on the wall and realize their days in Washington - at least as representatives of the people; future lobbyist status not withstanding - are numbered.
For the past several years I have diligently pursued the study of the American Revolution. I find it fascinating that the outcry that led to that rebellion against Great Britain was over the rule of a minority - the House of Lords and Commons and a King - against the wishes and will of the majority. The battle cry was against tyranny. A similar tyranny now exists. A handful of people are seeking to force upon the American people something they do not desire. Whereas during the American Revolution it was "taxation without representation," today the cry is "taxation with faulty representation."
Personally I believe this is just another step toward the surrender of our freedoms and the forced acceptance of a life run by the government. It is another step on the way toward a one-world domination. If you read Revelation 13 you will notice that the Antichrist has the power to dictate who can buy and who can sell. Those who choose to rebel against those governmental edicts will be hunted down as criminals and summarily put to death. No one can oppose the tyranny of government! But the writer of Revelation says that "blessed are those who die, rather than those who live." Why? because they have lives dedicated first to God.
In America we have the privilege in a few months to cast out those who have misrepresented us. If only 1 in 5 Americans approve of their Congressional delegates, then it appears that in the Congress there will be many new faces. Perhaps there might yet be hope!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Are You Paying Attention?
Hey, are you paying attention to what is going on in your world? I mean, more than the recent Super Bowl, or the more recent Olympics. Now there is nothing wrong with either of those events. [May I pause just for a moment to make an observation concerning television commercials? My wife and I were greatly dismayed by the quality of the commercials offered during the Super Bowl. They all seemed to have at least one of two themes: violence or sexual innuendo. I guess sex and violence must characterize those who watch professional football. But, we have noticed that the commercials for the Olympics are much more family-friendly; probably because that has always been the foundation for the Olympics - family.]
Have you been noticing what Iran has been up to? February 11 has come and gone. Now some of you are saying: What does that date have to do with Iran? Well, the Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme Muslim leader of Iran, had said that on that date the Iranians would deliver a "stunning punch" (those were his words) to the West. Yes, it was on February 11 that President Ahmadinejad announced that Iran was now numbered among the nuclear nations in the world. This was hardly a "stunning" announcement as most leaders recognized Iran's pathway toward nuclearization these past years. Perhaps the "punch" came a few days before when he also stated that Iran would now enrich its own uranium to at least 20%, if not higher. [They are presently at a 3.5% rate.] This higher rate definitely indicates that their nuclear program is more than just for electricity. And two weeks ago the Iranians launched their first rocket capable of putting a satellite into space. Could such a rocket be used to put a nuclear device in space?
I am fairly confident that you have been observing the weather patterns. Record snowfalls have blanketed the East Coast, even shutting down government - maybe not such a bad thing right now :) Last week snow was reported in 49 of the 50 states. I think that was a first. My grandson in Texas called and was so excited about the snow in Dallas, although I think he over exaggerated when he said they had 32 miles of snow. Then there was the earthquake just outside Chicago. Is the New Madrid fault line becoming more active? And Vancouver, site of the winter Olympics, is having difficulty getting enough snow, prompting some to call these the "spring Olympics."
And then there is the impending - or at least it appears to be impending - collapse of the euro. Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Italy are all awash in red ink. Guess we did not have an exclusive claim in that department. Can the euro endure? The same can be said for the dollar. The more the currencies of the world labor for survival, the greater the possibilities of a world-wide currency being accepted.
I could go on. But you get my drift. It is time we stop and consider the signs of the times. And when we do, we are hastened back into the Scriptures to hear more of what God proclaims will occur. Let me encourage you to read Dr. David Jeremiah's book titled, "What in the World Is Going On?" That will begin to open your eyes. God truly is at work in this world orchestrating each event with the ultimate purpose of bringing the King to His rightful throne.
Have you been noticing what Iran has been up to? February 11 has come and gone. Now some of you are saying: What does that date have to do with Iran? Well, the Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme Muslim leader of Iran, had said that on that date the Iranians would deliver a "stunning punch" (those were his words) to the West. Yes, it was on February 11 that President Ahmadinejad announced that Iran was now numbered among the nuclear nations in the world. This was hardly a "stunning" announcement as most leaders recognized Iran's pathway toward nuclearization these past years. Perhaps the "punch" came a few days before when he also stated that Iran would now enrich its own uranium to at least 20%, if not higher. [They are presently at a 3.5% rate.] This higher rate definitely indicates that their nuclear program is more than just for electricity. And two weeks ago the Iranians launched their first rocket capable of putting a satellite into space. Could such a rocket be used to put a nuclear device in space?
I am fairly confident that you have been observing the weather patterns. Record snowfalls have blanketed the East Coast, even shutting down government - maybe not such a bad thing right now :) Last week snow was reported in 49 of the 50 states. I think that was a first. My grandson in Texas called and was so excited about the snow in Dallas, although I think he over exaggerated when he said they had 32 miles of snow. Then there was the earthquake just outside Chicago. Is the New Madrid fault line becoming more active? And Vancouver, site of the winter Olympics, is having difficulty getting enough snow, prompting some to call these the "spring Olympics."
And then there is the impending - or at least it appears to be impending - collapse of the euro. Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Italy are all awash in red ink. Guess we did not have an exclusive claim in that department. Can the euro endure? The same can be said for the dollar. The more the currencies of the world labor for survival, the greater the possibilities of a world-wide currency being accepted.
I could go on. But you get my drift. It is time we stop and consider the signs of the times. And when we do, we are hastened back into the Scriptures to hear more of what God proclaims will occur. Let me encourage you to read Dr. David Jeremiah's book titled, "What in the World Is Going On?" That will begin to open your eyes. God truly is at work in this world orchestrating each event with the ultimate purpose of bringing the King to His rightful throne.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What's That In Your Hand?
In my devotional reading this morning - and, as I shared with you last week, I am following the Jewish reading of the Pentateuch - I came across a very interesting statement by God. It is found in Exodus 23:15 - "No one is to appear before me empty-handed."
Now this command is found in the midst of a section describing the three annual pilgrimage feasts - those celebrations that required the attendance of all Jewish males, first at Shiloh where the Tabernacle resided, then at Jerusalem after the construction of the Temple. You might remember that the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed Passover, marked the beginning of the barley harvest; the Feast of Harvest or Shavuot marked the beginning of the wheat harvest; and the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot in the fall of the year marked the start of the grape and olive harvests. God was saying to Israel and to all future pilgrims: When you come to celebrate, don't forget to bring something, namely the first fruits.
As I reflected upon this thought - "No one is to appear before me empty-handed" - I realized it had been a very long time since I had pondered what I bring into the presence of God. I know that we begin very empty-handed as there is nothing we have that God desires. I remember the prophet Isaiah saying that even our good deeds are considered as filthy garments before God (Isaiah 64:6). The word that Isaiah uses is the Hebrew term for a "menstrual cloth." Pretty graphic phrase, don't you think! In other words, I have nothing. Yet, that is how God accepts us...with nothing. We come empty-handed so that we might receive from Him life abundant and eternal.
But, that is merely the beginning. Yet, sadly, for many believers, they continue to approach God with empty-hands. They are always ready to receive from God, but never consider returning to God.
What can I give to God? Israel brought physical fruits and grains, representative of their labors in the fields and vineyards. Such produce was a sign of praise for what God had provided so the fruits and grains could grow. Yes, at times I can present to God something physical. Often it is in the form of money. Sometimes it is in the form of time given to help others or to serve God well.
What else can I give to Him? I can give Him my schedule. Being a type-A personality, I guard my schedule pretty tightly. But God wants that schedule. And so I bring to Him my availability to be used as He sees fit. I can also bring to Him an honest heart. The more I read the Psalms, the more convinced I become that honesty before God is difficult. We do a lot of pretending that all is well, when our hearts are nearly breaking.
A grandchild is heard to exclaim, "Grandma, what did you bring me?" And so God asks, "Max, what did you bring Me?" I trust that it is not too often merely empty hands.
Now this command is found in the midst of a section describing the three annual pilgrimage feasts - those celebrations that required the attendance of all Jewish males, first at Shiloh where the Tabernacle resided, then at Jerusalem after the construction of the Temple. You might remember that the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed Passover, marked the beginning of the barley harvest; the Feast of Harvest or Shavuot marked the beginning of the wheat harvest; and the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot in the fall of the year marked the start of the grape and olive harvests. God was saying to Israel and to all future pilgrims: When you come to celebrate, don't forget to bring something, namely the first fruits.
As I reflected upon this thought - "No one is to appear before me empty-handed" - I realized it had been a very long time since I had pondered what I bring into the presence of God. I know that we begin very empty-handed as there is nothing we have that God desires. I remember the prophet Isaiah saying that even our good deeds are considered as filthy garments before God (Isaiah 64:6). The word that Isaiah uses is the Hebrew term for a "menstrual cloth." Pretty graphic phrase, don't you think! In other words, I have nothing. Yet, that is how God accepts us...with nothing. We come empty-handed so that we might receive from Him life abundant and eternal.
But, that is merely the beginning. Yet, sadly, for many believers, they continue to approach God with empty-hands. They are always ready to receive from God, but never consider returning to God.
What can I give to God? Israel brought physical fruits and grains, representative of their labors in the fields and vineyards. Such produce was a sign of praise for what God had provided so the fruits and grains could grow. Yes, at times I can present to God something physical. Often it is in the form of money. Sometimes it is in the form of time given to help others or to serve God well.
What else can I give to Him? I can give Him my schedule. Being a type-A personality, I guard my schedule pretty tightly. But God wants that schedule. And so I bring to Him my availability to be used as He sees fit. I can also bring to Him an honest heart. The more I read the Psalms, the more convinced I become that honesty before God is difficult. We do a lot of pretending that all is well, when our hearts are nearly breaking.
A grandchild is heard to exclaim, "Grandma, what did you bring me?" And so God asks, "Max, what did you bring Me?" I trust that it is not too often merely empty hands.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
To Whose Voice Are We Listening: God's or Men's?
Since October I have been reading through the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch, in the sequence that the Jewish people do. Every week there is a different portion. This week the reading was from Exodus 18-20. Of course in that section is the giving of the Ten Commandments.
Now I probably do not need to remind you of those Commandments. You might have memorized them as a child. You probably have seen them inscribed on a public building, perhaps even one within your own community. And you will remember that great scene from the movie of Charlton Heston holding the two tablets aloft.
But what few people truly understand is that the Ten Commandments were given orally by God before they were written down by the finger of God and given to Moses. Turn in your Bible to Exodus 20. The first verse reads: And God spoke all these words. Then follows the recitation of the Ten Commandments - the first four dealing with man and his relationship to God; the last six dealing with man and his relationship to his fellow man. Then follows these words: When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die" (Exodus 20:18-10).
In an audible voice that instilled great fear into the hearts and lives of the people of Israel, God thundered His commandments. The people stood there listening and shaking in their sandals. The voice of God convicted them of their smallness compared to His greatness; of their inadequacies compared to His power. And so they said to Moses, "We don't want to hear God's voice anymore; but we will listen to your voice." In other words, "We don't want to hear God; we want to listen to man."
Later, as he was writing his final thoughts, Moses said this about the office of prophet: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16). We know that this passage is a reference to Jesus Christ, God's great prophet who came to share with the world the message of God. In fact, until the coming of Jesus, God's voice was never heard audibly again.
Because we do not hear God's voice today in an audible way, that proposes a danger of totally relying upon what men say. Are men, especially those who stand behind the pulpits today, truly speaking for God? Or are they merely sharing with they know men and women want to hear? The prophet Isaiah records this concerning the people of his day: They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" (Isaiah 30:10-11). They were saying to their religious leaders: "Don't tell us what God says. Tell us what we like to hear. In fact, don't talk to us about God at all." If you were to listen to many of the sermons preached across America today, in a good percentage of them there would be no mention of the Bible at all; in many sermons God might only be referenced as one would an expert authority. There would be no meeting between a sinful humanity and a holy God. There would be no challenge toward repentance from sin and getting right with God. We are like ancient Israel: We don't want to hear God; we want to hear from a man.
Now I praise God for those who are not afraid to share the Word of God and a "thus says the Lord" with a congregation every week. I pray that they will remain true to the Word and not succumb to the temptation to only speak words that will the praise of men.
Now I probably do not need to remind you of those Commandments. You might have memorized them as a child. You probably have seen them inscribed on a public building, perhaps even one within your own community. And you will remember that great scene from the movie of Charlton Heston holding the two tablets aloft.
But what few people truly understand is that the Ten Commandments were given orally by God before they were written down by the finger of God and given to Moses. Turn in your Bible to Exodus 20. The first verse reads: And God spoke all these words. Then follows the recitation of the Ten Commandments - the first four dealing with man and his relationship to God; the last six dealing with man and his relationship to his fellow man. Then follows these words: When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die" (Exodus 20:18-10).
In an audible voice that instilled great fear into the hearts and lives of the people of Israel, God thundered His commandments. The people stood there listening and shaking in their sandals. The voice of God convicted them of their smallness compared to His greatness; of their inadequacies compared to His power. And so they said to Moses, "We don't want to hear God's voice anymore; but we will listen to your voice." In other words, "We don't want to hear God; we want to listen to man."
Later, as he was writing his final thoughts, Moses said this about the office of prophet: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16). We know that this passage is a reference to Jesus Christ, God's great prophet who came to share with the world the message of God. In fact, until the coming of Jesus, God's voice was never heard audibly again.
Because we do not hear God's voice today in an audible way, that proposes a danger of totally relying upon what men say. Are men, especially those who stand behind the pulpits today, truly speaking for God? Or are they merely sharing with they know men and women want to hear? The prophet Isaiah records this concerning the people of his day: They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" (Isaiah 30:10-11). They were saying to their religious leaders: "Don't tell us what God says. Tell us what we like to hear. In fact, don't talk to us about God at all." If you were to listen to many of the sermons preached across America today, in a good percentage of them there would be no mention of the Bible at all; in many sermons God might only be referenced as one would an expert authority. There would be no meeting between a sinful humanity and a holy God. There would be no challenge toward repentance from sin and getting right with God. We are like ancient Israel: We don't want to hear God; we want to hear from a man.
Now I praise God for those who are not afraid to share the Word of God and a "thus says the Lord" with a congregation every week. I pray that they will remain true to the Word and not succumb to the temptation to only speak words that will the praise of men.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Why Is God Laughing?
I would like to focus for these few moments upon one of the important psalms for our times. It was written nearly three thousand years ago by David. We know it as Psalm 2. In the first three verses we read: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed One. 'Let us break their chains,' they say, 'and throw off their fetters.'"
During the time of David's reign, the strongest nation in the world was Israel itself. Yet, as the writers of the books of Kings and Chronicles relate, the surrounding nations constantly rose up against David, God's anointed one. It was as if they were taking a stand against God Himself. David's response was in subduing these nations through acts of war. The results were devastating for those conquered nations. Also, those surrounding nations continued in their idolatrous ways, in spite of the testimony of the one true God that was manifest in Israel. And that idolatry consisted, not just in images of gold, silver, and precious stones, but in accelerated acts of sexual perversions of any kind imaginable, even in public places. The moral structure of those nations was decimated. So, let's see if we can summarize the time of David - the political and military target was Israel; and morality was missing.
Now, let's look at our world today - entering into the second decade of the 21st century. What is the political and military target of the nations of the world? It continues to be Israel. The nation of Israel has almost become isolated from the world, certainly from her neighbors in the Middle East. We know that this will only increase in the coming years. Secondly, morality has been shredded today - little remains. There is the flaunting of homosexuality; the acceptance of the breaking of relational vows - I heard one reporter say of Tiger Woods, "If he had not been married, we might have been in awe at how he could perform so well on the golf course during the day and in the bed in the evenings." There is also the bankruptcy of truth in our hurry to be relevant.
What is God's response? David continues in verses 4 and 5: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 'I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.'" How many time in the Bible does it describe God laughing? Three times:
Psalm 37:12-13 - "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming."
Psalm 59:8 - "Bu you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations."
Proverbs 1:26 - "I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you."
I find it intriguing that God laughs at the foolishness of the wicked. They think they are intimidating God. They think they can thwart the plans of God. I think that is what God is doing right now: He is laughing, for He knows the lateness of the hour and He knows how the victory will be accomplished.
The ultimate reality is that Jesus Christ is going to come to set up His throne. Again, the words of David: "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill...Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery" (Psalm 2:6, 8-9). When Jesus Christ comes, this will be the climax of history. This will be the fulfillment of God's plans which He has established since the foundations of the world were laid. And, that day IS coming because always honors His Word and His Promise.
And, finally, what will happen to those nations that are presently plotting against God and against the arrival of His Kingdom? Really their destiny is in their own hands. If they persist in rebelling against God, they will be destroyed; or, if they surrender to God's plans, they will be spared. David closes his psalm with these words: "Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
Certainly the nations of the world today are plotting a strategy that does not include God at all. No, their plans are the plans of men based upon a failed strategy. Only the plans of God will be successful. This is not a time for us to despair, but to encourage our leaders to consider God's ways before their own. There still is time...but it is evaporating quickly. We don't have a moment to lose.
During the time of David's reign, the strongest nation in the world was Israel itself. Yet, as the writers of the books of Kings and Chronicles relate, the surrounding nations constantly rose up against David, God's anointed one. It was as if they were taking a stand against God Himself. David's response was in subduing these nations through acts of war. The results were devastating for those conquered nations. Also, those surrounding nations continued in their idolatrous ways, in spite of the testimony of the one true God that was manifest in Israel. And that idolatry consisted, not just in images of gold, silver, and precious stones, but in accelerated acts of sexual perversions of any kind imaginable, even in public places. The moral structure of those nations was decimated. So, let's see if we can summarize the time of David - the political and military target was Israel; and morality was missing.
Now, let's look at our world today - entering into the second decade of the 21st century. What is the political and military target of the nations of the world? It continues to be Israel. The nation of Israel has almost become isolated from the world, certainly from her neighbors in the Middle East. We know that this will only increase in the coming years. Secondly, morality has been shredded today - little remains. There is the flaunting of homosexuality; the acceptance of the breaking of relational vows - I heard one reporter say of Tiger Woods, "If he had not been married, we might have been in awe at how he could perform so well on the golf course during the day and in the bed in the evenings." There is also the bankruptcy of truth in our hurry to be relevant.
What is God's response? David continues in verses 4 and 5: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 'I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.'" How many time in the Bible does it describe God laughing? Three times:
Psalm 37:12-13 - "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming."
Psalm 59:8 - "Bu you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations."
Proverbs 1:26 - "I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you."
I find it intriguing that God laughs at the foolishness of the wicked. They think they are intimidating God. They think they can thwart the plans of God. I think that is what God is doing right now: He is laughing, for He knows the lateness of the hour and He knows how the victory will be accomplished.
The ultimate reality is that Jesus Christ is going to come to set up His throne. Again, the words of David: "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill...Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery" (Psalm 2:6, 8-9). When Jesus Christ comes, this will be the climax of history. This will be the fulfillment of God's plans which He has established since the foundations of the world were laid. And, that day IS coming because always honors His Word and His Promise.
And, finally, what will happen to those nations that are presently plotting against God and against the arrival of His Kingdom? Really their destiny is in their own hands. If they persist in rebelling against God, they will be destroyed; or, if they surrender to God's plans, they will be spared. David closes his psalm with these words: "Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
Certainly the nations of the world today are plotting a strategy that does not include God at all. No, their plans are the plans of men based upon a failed strategy. Only the plans of God will be successful. This is not a time for us to despair, but to encourage our leaders to consider God's ways before their own. There still is time...but it is evaporating quickly. We don't have a moment to lose.
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