Category: Faith

Should We Test God?

Posted on by scott

36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37 behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”38 And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. – Judges 6:36-40

Fleece or Faith?

How often have you heard a fellow Christian encourage another to discern the will of God by “laying out a fleece”?  Is this good advice?  I’m not so sure.  In my opinion, the temptation to lay out a fleece is similar to the echo of Eden, “Did God really say?”  Personally, I believe Gideon’s fleece test is not a sign of faith but lack thereof.  I acquiesce that it is important to discern the will of God, but testing Him by asking for a sign is another issue.

Background

Gideon lived during the difficult time of the Judges, when restraint was rare and evil abounded.  Judges chapter six begins by telling us that the people of Israel were practicing evil and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.  As a consequence of the LORD’s discipline, their crops and livestock were ravaged by their enemies.  The text proceeds to tell us that as a result, the people were brought low (v. 6), which is a good place for sinners to be.  Finally, the people cried out to God for help.

God responded to the plea of the Israelites by sending them a prophet who reminded them of God’s faithfulness and their disobedience.  Despite His acts of mercy revealed in their deliverance from Egypt, the people responded by ignoring God’s voice (v. 10).  When the people cried out to God for deliverance from the Midianites, I’m not sure they expected to be answered by the rebuke of a prophet of God, but when suffering the consequences of our sins, what is more helpful than a call to repentance?

But the prophet’s rebuke was just the first step.  The prophet was succeeded by an angel of God who came to Gideon to raise him up to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites.  Gideon responds by questioning the angel, revealing a weakness in his faith that could not reconcile God’s promises and Israel’s current position.  If God is with us why are these bad things happening?  What happened to all of the miracles He showed our parents?  Instead of His presence and His power, God has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.

God had heard enough.  After hearing Gideon’s complaints God turns to him and commands him to save Israel from the hand of Midian.  Once again the character of Gideon is revealed.  How can I deliver these people?  My clan is the weakest and I am the least in my father’s house.  That’s the point, Gideon.  This is about God, not you.  God chooses the weak to carry out His plans.  He is not interested in sharing His glory.  But God does comfort Gideon, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man” (v.18).

Sadly, God’s promised presence wasn’t enough for Gideon.  Gideon’s faith needed a corroborating sign.  Accordingly, Gideon prepares a young goat and unleavened cakes and presents them to the angel of God.  Then the angel asked Gideon to take the meat and cakes and place them on a rock and pour broth over them.  Once Gideon had done so, the angel reached out the tip of his staff and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes.  Immediately, fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and cakes, and the angel vanished.

After this sign, God told Gideon to pull down his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it and replace them with an altar to God.  When our jealous God calls us to repentance, the idols in our midst move be removed.  God is not interested in sharing our hearts or His glory.

However, afraid of his family and the townspeople, Gideon performed these tasks at night  Even Gideon’s eventual “obedience” showed a lack of faith.  Apparently, his fear of God was impeded by his fear of man.

Despite Gideon’s weaknesses, however, God was not giving up on him.  God called him a man of valor and was going to make him one.

The destruction of the idols incited the enemies of Israel.  It was time for a showdown.  The enemies who had tormented the Israelites by ravaging their crops and livestock were now uniting for battle.  Their gods had been insulted and Gideon was to blame.

After crossing the Jordan, Israel’s enemies camped in the valley of Jezreel.  “Clothed” by the Spirit of the LORD, Gideon sounded the trumpet to gather his army.  With the two armies gathered there was now just one remaining problem.  Was the salvation of Israel by the hand of Gideon really the will of God?  In a crisis of faith, Gideon once again asked God for a sign by laying out a fleece.  Not once but twice.

It is easy to look at Gideon’s fleece test and assume it is a pattern for us to follow.  But is it?  I give you this background history not to bore you but to give you the context which is always of vital importance.  My objective is not to be critical of Gideon, but to critically look at the text.

Signs or Sacrifice?

I have heard it said that because God honored Gideon’s requests instead of rebuking him that his action was honorable.  But isn’t it perhaps more likely that in honoring his request, the character of God should be exalted rather than the faith of Gideon?  How often is God long-suffering with us despite our frailties?  Perhaps instead of desiring to imitate Gideon’s fleece test, we should be encouraged to exalt the love and patience of his God.

Israel sinned against God and suffered for it.  When they were brought low they cried out to God.  God responded by sending them a prophet to prepare their hearts.  After the prophet, he sent an angel to prepare their “deliverer”.  Not content with the Word of God, signs were asked for.  Again and again.  Ultimately, how many signs does it take to convince us?  Gideon knew he was treading dangerous waters, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more.  Please let me test just once more with the fleece” (v. 39).

When Jesus, the incarnate Word was asked for a sign, His response was strong, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah”  (Matt. 16:4).  When Jesus told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, He concluded with this haunting statement, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31).  Apparently, a weak faith doesn’t take God at His Word, but needs signs as well.  But I believe God wants us to respond to His Word by exercising faith not laying out a fleece.

In fairness to Gideon, we have two great advantages he didn’t; completed Scriptures and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  And for good measure, a clear command.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2

Instead of laying out a fleece we need to sacrifice our bodies.  We don’t need a saturated fleece, we need to saturate our hearts and minds with the Word of God.  When we “know” it, we are to “test” it by obeying it.  If we are living in obedience to God’s Word, we will be living in His will; the realm of what is good, acceptable and perfect.

Gideon’s faith would eventually be commended in Hebrews chapter eleven.  While his specific act of faith is not mentioned, we are told that through faith some, “were made strong out of weakness” (v. 34).

Pretty amazing what a patient and loving God can do with someone who is humbly willing to obey His Word.  Do you believe it?

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” – Luke 11:28

Continuing In Grace

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43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. – Acts 13:43

A Word of Encouragement

From time to time we are exposed to a new thought or idea that piques our curiosity.  The taste on our mental palate leaves us craving for more so if opportunity avails we go back to the well for another drink.  Such was the case at Antioch when Paul and Barnabas were asked to share a word of encouragement in the Synagogue.

After leaving Perga, Paul and Barnabas made their way to Antioch in Pisidia, and as was their custom went to the Synagogue on the Sabbath.  After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the Synagogue asked Paul and Barnabas if they had any words of encouragement for the people.  My guess is you would not have to pose that question twice to Paul!  With Moses and one of the Prophets having been read from, the table was set for Paul to deliver the main course.  Grace.

God’s Grace

Paul promptly stood, motioned with his hand, and commanded his audience to listen.  Beginning with the Pentateuch, from which the rulers had just read, Paul began to paint a verbal picture of Grace.  God chose our fathers.  He made the people prosper in Egypt.  With a mighty power, God led them out of Egypt and He endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert.  God then overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to His people as their inheritance.

After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.  When the people asked for a king, God gave them Saul.  After removing Saul, God gave them David as a king because he was a man after God’s own heart and would do everything God wanted him to do.  And from his descendants, God brought forth the Savior Jesus as He had promised.  Before the coming of Jesus, John the Baptist prepared the way with a baptism of repentance.  So from the calling of Abraham to John the Baptist, the grace of God has been evident.  But it hasn’t always been recognized.

Paul then reminded his audience that the message of salvation was sent to them, the children of Abraham and the God-fearing Gentiles!!  However, the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus and they condemned Him.  Thus fulfilling the words of the Prophets from whom they read every Sabbath.  And although they had no legal grounds to warrant it, they asked Pilate to have Jesus executed.  After the prophecies were fulfilled, they took Jesus down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.  But Grace cannot remain buried.

Our Hope

Men may have laid Jesus in a tomb, but God raised Him from the dead.  For many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  They served as His witnesses.  The words of the Psalms were fulfilled.  The Son of God would never see decay.  Instead, He is exalted.  Death was the conquered not the conqueror.  Grace lifts up the Son of God.

Paul now comes to his final stroke in the masterpiece of grace.

38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
    be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
    a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”  – Acts 13:38-41

Needy Wretches

Although he never used the word grace in his message, Paul vividly depicted mans utter dependency upon God.  While Paul continually pointed out what God has done on behalf of men, his depiction of men wasn’t so favorable.  Although God was constantly giving, Paul tells us that men asked for a king.  Although the message of salvation came to the children of Israel, their rulers did not recognize Jesus as Savior, but rather condemned Him.  Then after having Jesus executed, men laid Him in a tomb.  Not very flattering for men, but in His grace, God doesn’t give up on us.

Sabbath after Sabbath, the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks would meet at the Synagogue and hear a reading from the Pentateuch and the Prophets.  Week after week they would come back with their thirst unquenched.  Until Paul and Barnabas showed up and were asked if they had any words of encouragement, and introduced them to grace.

When the meeting commenced, some of the audience followed Paul and Barnabas.  They wanted more water from Grace’s well.  Knowing man’s pride and propensity to lean on his own works, Paul and Barnabas persuaded with the people to continue in the grace of God.  We are saved and kept by grace.  To continue in the grace of God is simply to continue in Jesus.  As Paul warned the Galatians, our efforts can never add to the work of the cross.

The words of Paul and Barnabas will always be relevant.  We must always remind ourselves that our salvation is by grace from start to finish.  He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it without any assistance from our works or efforts.  Forget idolizing works.  Forget busying yourself with religious activities.  Rather, show your appreciation for everything God has done for you in Christ and praise Him for His amazing grace.  Grace that will lead us home.

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

The New and Living Way

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2 At the end of three days the officers went through the camp 3 and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it.4 Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” – Joshua 3:2-4

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh – Hebrews 10:19-20

Which Way?

A few years ago I was given two tickets to see a Detroit Tigers baseball game.  Excited to see the new stadium (new to us at least), I raced home to get my youngest daughter Rachel and we headed to downtown Detroit.  We rushed into the stadium as the National Anthem was playing and made our way to our seats.  To our great surprise, we were right behind home plate.  Justin Verlander was pitching for the Tigers that day and I felt like I was catching for him we were so close.  The Tigers won in a laugher and we had a great time until we had to head back home.

Living out in the country isn’t great preparation for city traffic.  Despite the everything goes mentality, we were barely moving.  And when we did move it was the wrong direction.  I wanted to go North but the police funneled us South.  An hour after the game ended we were right back in front of the stadium.  Why was everybody going the wrong direction?  With no map or GPS to guide us, we were becoming more concerned and frustrated.  In desperation, my daughter Rachel called my daughter Courtney.  We told her what corner we were at and she guided us with the help of her computer.  There were times I questioned some of her directions, but at that point what choice did I have?  I was far from home in an area totally unfamiliar to me and daylight was quickly fading.  I needed someone to lead me home and I unequivocally knew it.

This Way

When God freed the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, He chose Moses to lead them out of Egypt.  At least to a degree.  We know from scriptures that God Himself led the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night.  When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea, the pillar acted as a rear guard protecting the Israelites from the Egyptians.  What a comfort it must have been for the Israelites to have Moses and the pillar to guide them on their journey to the Promised Land.  But they would not guide them forever.

Deuteronomy chapter thirty-four records that Moses died in the land of Moab.  Before his death, Moses laid hands on his successor Joshua who must now assume command.  For three days, Joshua and the children of Israel are “camped” at the Jordan river.  The Jordan is at flood levels and they must cross it to get into the Promised land.  Not only is Moses gone, but apparently the pillar will not be leading them into Canaan either.  Instead, as we see in the passage quoted in Joshua chapter three, the Levitical Priests will carry the ark of the covenant, and they will follow it.  The ark was now to become their visible guide.  This is not only uncharted territory, this is a new type of guidance.  The children of Israel would enter into Canaan led by the Law.  “You have not passed this way before.”

A New Way

This new way of being led came with two requirements and a promise.  Keep your distance and consecrate yourselves and the Lord will do wonders among you.  The command to keep their distance from the ark, of nearly half a mile, must have reminded the Israelites of God’s command to keep away from Mount Sinai when the Law was first given.  God is a pure consuming fire.  For a sinful man to touch Mount Sinai would have resulted in his death.  The gap between the people and the ark, although practical for the viewing of it by such a large crowd, would have also served as a reminder to the people of the gap that existed between them in their sin and their Perfect Law Giver.  But despite the lack of proximity, they would do well to follow the Law.

But before the ark would lead them, the Israelites were commanded to consecrate themselves.  They needed to be spiritually ready to enter the Promised Land.  Like the day of rest, they were to be sanctified, set apart for the Lord.  They were to remove any form of defilement from their lives and devote themselves to God.  In prayer and meditation, they were to prepare themselves for the promised manifestation of God.  “Consecrate yourselves, and the Lord will do wonders among you.”

The time came for the Israelites to pass this new way.  At Joshua’s command, the priests picked up the ark of the Covenant and entered the Jordan.  As promised, God did a wonder among them.  Like He did when He originally led their parents out of Egypt, God parted the waters.  Just as they passed through the Red Sea on dry ground, so they now crossed the Jordan River on dry ground as the waters “stood and rose up in a heap” until they passed.  Although they had not passed this way before, there must have been a feeling of deja vu.  With Moses gone, Joshua was now exalted in the sight of the people.  But like Moses and the pillar, Joshua and the Law would give way to a better guide.

The Way

Centuries after the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, Jesus would come to the Jordan to be Baptized.  To fulfill all righteousness and to associate with our sins, Jesus allowed John the Baptist to plunge Him under Jordan’s waters.  When He came up out of the water the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove.  Like Joshua, Jesus was exalted at the Jordan River.  Unlike Joshua, Jesus will never pass away.

As you know, Jesus lived a perfect life and fulfilled the Law.  The Law served as our guardian until Christ came.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.  Moses and Joshua are gone.  The pillar and the Law have served their purpose.  The death and resurrection of Christ have forever changed our course.  In Christ, we now have a “New and Living Way” to get home.  Instead of keeping our distance, we can draw near to God in confidence.  We have been consecrated by the blood of Christ.  The sin that separated us has been forever dealt with.  The veil that separated the High priest from the ark has been permanently torn. In His flesh, Jesus paid the price once and for all.  No more sacrifices are necessary.

Follow Me

What are you waiting for?  The way to the “holy places” is open.  The sacrificial death of Jesus has given us a New and Living Way to the Father.  We have no excuse for being lost or aimlessly wandering.  There is only one way home, and Jesus has cleared it for us.

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. – Galatians 3:23-27

Falling Walls and Burning Water

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3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” – Joshua 6:3-5

33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.”34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. – 1 Kings 18:33-35

Faith

Hebrews chapter eleven verse one tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  This tells us that God has made us promises that have not yet come to fruition.  Therefore, faith is equivalent to believing God; taking Him at His Word.  We exercise faith in order to take hold of that which God has promised.  This is evidenced as we continue to read the remainder of Hebrews chapter eleven, where the author gives us example after example of great deeds of faith done by otherwise weak and ordinary people.  People like Joshua and Elijah.

We have heard the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho so often that I fear we don’t comprehend the magnitude of the miracle.  God had called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.  Pharaoh did not like the prospect of losing his work force, but ten plagues eventually changed his mind.  God had a land intended for His children; and Egypt wasn’t it.

A generation of Israelites would be denied access into the Promised land because of their rebellion.  Instead, they would wander in the desert for forty years until they died off.  Because he did not honor God at the waters of Meribah, Moses would not enter the Promised Land of Canaan either.  Ultimately, the privilege/burden of leading the children of Israel into the land of Canaan would belong to Moses’ assistant, a young man named Joshua.  Which brings us back to Jericho.

Faith and Walls

Before crossing the Jordan to enter the promised land, the Israelites were promised that they would dispossess nations greater than them and cities fortified up to heaven.  Jericho was their first test.  There was one path leading to the heart of Canaan, and Jericho was blocking access to it.  When they left Egypt, the Israelites took plunder, but it did not consist of bulldozers, excavators or even dynamite.  From every human perspective, penetrating the walls of Jericho without any equipment was impossible.  Jericho was surrounded by two sets of walls with an earthen embankment in between.  The walls may have been as thick as eleven feet at their base and as tall as twenty-six feet.  With the interior wall sitting on top of the earthen embankment, it may have been as high as forty-six feet above ground level.  Sound intimidating?  God had a simple plan.  March around the city.

Remember that definition of faith?  God made a promise and the Israelites took Him at His Word.  For six days they marched around Jericho in complete silence.  On the seventh day they marched around the city of Jericho not once, but seven times.  On the seventh”lap” they made all kinds of noise and the walls crumbled to the earth.  Not exactly what we would call conventional, but one obstacle to the Promised Land was out of the way.  And speaking of faith and the unconventional…

Faith and Water

The prophet Elijah was jealous for the glory of God.  King Ahab had abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals.  But it wasn’t only the king who followed the Baals, many of Elijah’s fellow Israelites followed the king’s example.  Elijah had seen enough!!  It was time for a showdown.  The people of Israel and the false prophets met Elijah at Mount Carmel.  The challenge was very simple.  If the Lord is God, follow Him.  If Baal is god, follow him.  Let’s call on each of them and see which one responds.

Being the gentleman that he was, Elijah let his opponents go first.  They prepared a bull and laid it on a pile of wood and called out to Baal to “provide” the fire.  From morning until noon they called but Baal did not answer.  While the false prophets limped around the dry pit calling out to their false god, Elijah mocked them.  Perhaps Baal was preoccupied in deep thought, was going to the bathroom, was travelling or maybe napping.  Perhaps with a little more effort you can wake him!  For whatever reason the false prophets decided that if Baal did not respond to their voices, perhaps he would respond to their blood.  Accordingly they resorted to cutting themselves and continued to cry out until mid day, but there was still no response from Baal.  According to the text he did not even have the courtesy to pay attention.  Not so with Elijah’s God.

Finally it became obvious that Baal wasn’t ever going to “show up.”  Accordingly, Elijah had his calf prepared and placed on wood.  But consuming dry wood would be to easy for the True God, so Elijah asked for twelve jars of water to be poured on his sacrifice, one jar for each of the tribes of Israel.  With the bull and wood drenched in water and water flowing in a trench around his sacrifice, it was now time for God to display his power and Elijah to demonstrate his faith.  Calling out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, Elijah asked God to fulfill His Word and turn back the hearts of the people.  Instantly, the fire of the Lord fell from heaven and consumed the bull, the wood, the stones, and even the dust, and then “licked up the water that was in the trench”.

Faith and You

We talk a lot about faith, but do we exercise it?  I recognize that even faith is a gift from God and not something we can manufacture, but what do we do with the gift of faith He has given us?  I am not equating faith with tempting God, but do we take Him at His Word?  Neither walking around impenetrable walls as a means of warfare or pouring water over wood you want burned seems logical but such is what God requested in these incidences and look at the consequences of simple trust.  May God grant us faith worthy of Hebrews chapter eleven.  We never know what God might do through the faith of otherwise weak and ordinary people.  “I believe; help me with my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24b

9 “Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fortified up to heaven, – Deuteronomy 9:1

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. – Hebrews 11:30

Ruth & Hesed

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16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” – Ruth 1:16-18

Ruth

I am not sure what Ruth looked like, but there is something about her that has attracted people since the book that bears her name was written.  We admire her loyalty and self sacrifice.  We admire her tenderness and obedience.  We respect her commitment and resolve.  In addition to these character traits she is also brave.  But I think the thing that most attracts us to Ruth can be described by the Hebrew term hesed.

Hesed

Hesed is one of the richest words in the Old Testament yet it’s definition can be somewhat elusive.  Many define it simply as loyal love.  The word hesed is used three times in the Book of Ruth (1:8, 2:20, & 3:10).  Each time the ESV translates the word as “kindness”.  But hesed is not simply an act.  It is a lifestyle.  Hesed is how God relates to us, and how He wants us to relate to Him (Micah 6:8).  Unfortunately it is so rare to see lived out.  Hence our attraction to Ruth.

Ruth & Hesed

As we have already looked at, Ruth was a Moabite.  A people with a shameful heritage.  A people steeped in idolatry.  A people often bitterly opposed to Israel.  Yet here is a Moabite woman living out one of the richest Hebrew words.  What a privilege we have in observing her.  Her life teaches us the meaning of hesed better than any theologians definition ever could.

After the loss of her husband and both of her sons Naomi was ready to go back to her homeland of Bethlehem.  Although it would mean she would be alone, she recommends her widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their homes and perhaps “start over”.  We don’t know how old Ruth was when she married Naomi’s son, but we do know she was married for ten years before her husband died.  Ruth and Orpah are each probably in their twenties and can possibly re-marry and settle down among their own people.  A noble suggestion on Naomi’s part.

Orpah, responds to Naomi’s suggestion by returning home, Ruth on the other hand makes the famous statement quoted above.  In a very beautiful way she affirms Naomi that she will be with her until death separates them.  Nice words right?  But with Ruth there is action behind the words.  There is hesed.

Orpah & Us

Let’s be honest.  You and I would have taken the Orpah option.  We would have gone back to the comforts of our own homes and stayed among our own people and worshiped the god(s) of our childhood.  Orpah’s decision is “natural”.  She does what Naomi requests of her.  She isn’t criticized for her decision.  She does what is “expected”.  She does what is “ordinary”.  But not Ruth.

Ruth says she is not going to go back and rejoin her Moabite family, remarry and live out her life like her contemporaries.  No.  Ruth does the extraordinary.  She does the unexpected.   Naomi, I am committed to you and your God.  Don’t try to change my mind.  We are going to live together.  I am going to assimilate into your culture.  I am going to embrace your God.  We will be buried together.  God is my witness, and judge, nothing but death will separate us!!

Hesed.  Away to Bethlehem goes Naomi.  And Ruth.  Orpah parted from Naomi with a kiss.  Ruth clung to Naomi.  Ordinary takes care of self.  Extraordinary sacrifices self.

The Lifestyle of Hesed

Once in Bethlehem, Naomi must be provided for.  With no husband or son to care for her, Ruth shows initiative.  In loyalty to her mother-in-law Ruth goes out and gleans in the barley fields.  She doesn’t worry about the physical labor.  She doesn’t worry about the abuse she may take.  She doesn’t even worry about her own safety.  Such is the character of Ruth.  Such is the lifestyle of hesed.  Her toil in the barley fields was more than an act of love, it was a form of worship to the God of Naomi she pledged commitment to.  How sacred must have been the sweat on her brows?

Hesed & Faith

In the providence of God, Ruth was gleaning in the fields of a man named Boaz, a relative of Naomi.  Being a near relative, Naomi sees an opportunity for Boaz to fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer.  As such Boaz would not only protect and provide for Naomi and Ruth, but perhaps most importantly to Naomi, he and Ruth might perpetuate Naomi’s family.  Accordingly, Naomi asks Ruth to “propose” to Boaz.

Once again, we see hesed lived out in the life of Ruth.  If Ruth entertained any plans or hopes of another marriage on her terms, it appears that she sacrifices them for the benefit of Naomi.  Despite all of the risks involved and the awkward position she must have been placed in, Ruth agrees to have a nighttime meeting with Boaz at the threshing floor.  Not knowing how Boaz would respond, Ruth steps out in love.  And Faith.

Hesed & Sacrifice

It appears from the text that Boaz was definitely more of a contemporary of Naomi than Ruth herself.  It is possible that Boaz was at least twice the age of Ruth.  When Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, even he comments on her willingness to forgo young men.  As a matter of fact, Boaz specifically uses the word hesed.  Boaz understands the sacrifices Ruth has made and certainly the sacrifice she is now proposing.

Hesed & Blessing

Boaz agrees to marry Ruth.

As we have already seen, Boaz and Ruth were blessed with a child.  A child that not only carried on the family name but also was of the lineage of King David and later Jesus.  The hesed of Ruth was blessed by God.

A lifestyle of hesed is not easy.  It does not come naturally.  It assumes risks.  It often entails misunderstandings.  It may be met with ostracism or persecution.  But it is what God expects.  And it is a lifestyle God wants to bless.  Unfortunately, it is too rare.

I believe, that if  we know one or two “Ruth” in our lifetime we are blessed.  We live in an Orpah world.  It is so much easier to kiss Naomi on the cheek and move on with our own lives.  But the heart of God is moved when we cling to Naomi and die to self.

I challenge you to a lifestyle of hesed.  I dare you to be a Ruth.  As I mentioned earlier, hesed is deemed to be one of the richest words in the Old Testament, but it is most beautiful when lived out in life.  Why settle for ordinary?

Naomi & Yahweh

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19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” Ruth 1:19-21

Naomi

Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons, she returned a widow with a widowed daughter-in-law.  Her family of four has been reduced to two.  Her husband and two sons were buried in Moab along with her hopes and dreams.  Ten years have passed since she left Bethlehem with her family in search for sustenance during the famine.  During her time away her sons each married a Moabite woman.  Fittingly enough, neither of her daughters-in-law gave her a grandchild before they were widowed.  In many respects, Naomi was a female version of Job.

Poor Naomi.

Mara

When the people of Bethlehem greeted Naomi on her return, she asked them to call her by a different name.  Mara.  A name more appropriate for her altered disposition.  Whereas Naomi means pleasant; Mara means bitter.  Naomi came home a different person.  She could not change her circumstances so she wanted to change her name to reflect her circumstances.  She tells the people that Shaddai, the Almighty, has dealt bitterly with her.  Naomi laments that she went away full but has returned empty.

Poor Mara.

Circumstances

How sad it is when we think our circumstances define us.  What a lie from the pits of hell.  One can’t blame Naomi for being sad about her loss.  We all know the reality of the pain of separation caused by death.  But bitterness?  That is a dangerous emotion.  One that belongs on the altar.

Naomi.  Don’t be so quick to change your name.  Take a look around you.  Take your eyes off of yourself for a minute.  Don’t miss the big picture.  You left your land and your people to save yourself.  Your son’s married women from a people of idol worshipers.  No mention is ever made of you consulting God or looking for His blessing.  Yet you blame Him for your loss?

Poor Naomi.

Faith?

Where is your faith?  The people you left don’t need your complaints, they need your encouragement.  They don’t need an accusatory finger blaming God, they need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness.  While you are lamenting the loss of your children, God’s children are living in apostasy.  As such, you’re not helping the “Kingdom”.

Nevertheless, God is not blind to your troubles.  Neither is He blind to the needs of His people.  You went to Moab looking for food.  God went with you to give you Ruth.  You didn’t leave Bethlehem full.  Nor did you return to Bethlehem empty.

Poor Naomi.

Blessings

God has greatly blessed you and you are missing it.  You went away to save yourself.  God has safely brought you and Ruth home to deliver His people.  In His timing.  You might blame Shaddai for your troubles, but Yahweh is about to reveal Himself to you.

God is not going to interrogate you the way He did Job, but He has other means of bringing His children around.  Again; open your eyes and look around.  Look for the hand of God working “behind the scenes”.

Blessed Naomi.

Hope

Look at the barley fields ready to be harvested.  You left Bethlehem during a famine, you return to fields ready to be harvested.  The fields represent a hope you did not have when you and your sons left.  Your basket was empty then.  It is soon to be overflowing.

You left with your husband whose name meant, My God is King.  You have returned with Ruth who exemplifies total commitment to your God.  I don’t know the character of your lost sons but I don’t know how they could have shown you a more sacrificial love than Ruth.

Blessed Naomi.

Provision

Look at the measures of barley in your home. Ruth has gleaned and been gifted more barley than you can consume.  Yahweh has providentially placed her under the protection of your relative Boaz.  Not only is Ruth assured successful gleaning, she is also under the protection of Boaz.  But Boaz is more than just a provider and protector, he is a redeemer.

Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion are buried in Moab.  They can no longer provide for you and protect you.  But while you lament their loss, Yahweh has guided you and Ruth to your kinsmen redeemer.  A relative who can deliver you from your troubles.

Blessed Naomi.

Progeny

Look at that child in your lap.  Boaz has agreed to marry Ruth and ensure your legacy.  After ten years in Moab, your sons did not provide you with grandchildren.  But now Ruth has.  Obed.  Your first grandson.  How fitting his name means servant.

That grandson in your lap will one day have a grandson of his own.  He also will come from Bethlehem.  He will be a man after God’s own heart.  He will be a mighty King.  Yes Naomi, as you look into the eyes of Obed you are beholding the grandfather of King David.  And you thought you came back to Bethlem empty?

Providence

God’s timing is not ours.  His ways are far above ours.  He sees the entire picture while we tend to concentrate on the here and now.  If only Naomi could see what the future beholds, she would see another King from Bethlehem.  The Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Her descendant.

Naomi; meet Yahweh.  The Great I Am.  He will never change His name because He will never change.  His name reflects His character; there is no need to worry about your circumstances.

You said you were bitter because of the judgement of the Almighty who brought you calamity.  The world considers you blessed because of the providence of Yahweh.  Because of the grace of Yahweh, a world in need of a Redeemer will be blessed by your offspring for all of eternity.

Enjoy your grandson Naomi and don’t forget to praise God for His faithfulness.

5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:5-6

The Larger Debt

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41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” – Luke 7:41-43

An Uninvited Guest

Jesus, the “moneylender”, is at the home of Simon the Pharisee and “debtor”.  While Jesus is reclining at the table with His host, a sinful woman breaks all protocol by entering Simon’s house uninvited, not that she ever would be invited, and proceeds to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair.  Her actions appalled Simon and his other guests.  According to Simon the fact that Jesus allowed this woman to touch him was evidence that Jesus was not a prophet.  Simon apparently was well acquainted with this woman as her sins not only preceded her but relegated her to a class of society with which he wanted no part.  Accordingly, he thought Jesus, if He were truly a man of God, should also avoid this woman.  But Simon was not only wrong about Jesus and the sinful woman, more sadly he was wrong about himself.

Playing Judge

Simon and the Pharisees had already passed judgment on the woman, and now they were doing the same with Jesus.  Simon was gravely sick, but he did not recognize his illness.  Blinded by his self-righteousness he was unaware of his spiritual surroundings.  While he held himself on a much higher plane than this sinful woman, the truth was she had more spiritual insight than he.  Quite simply, she recognized herself as a sinner while he did not.  Because she recognized her sin, she recognized her need for forgiveness.  Simon, on the other hand, did not see himself as a debtor but as a judge.  Instead of looking down upon the sinful woman and trying to trap Jesus, he should have been looking in the mirror.  The moneylender who has the divine authority to cancel his debts is reclining at his table.  Meanwhile, the actions of the sinful woman are putting him to shame.

While Simon was trying to convince himself that Jesus could not be a prophet because of his lack of discernment, Jesus reveals that He not only knows about this woman, but He also knows Simon’s thoughts, and more importantly Simon’s sins.  Simon, don’t worry about this woman, take care of yourself.  Don’t worry about her debts, worry about your own.  Simon, you are in the presence not only of a notorious sinner, but more importantly a gracious Savior.  One who is willing and able to cancel your debts.  Look and learn from each of them.

A Bad Host

Jesus entered your home at your invitation and you did not offer him water to wash his feet.  Although Jesus was your guest, you did not greet Him with a kiss.  Although Jesus honored you by reclining at your table, you did not honor Him by anointing Him with oil.  This so-called despicable sinner, on the other hand, washed Jesus’ feet with her tears.  Even though you did not greet Jesus with a kiss on the cheek, she graced His feet with a shower of kisses.  You might have foregone anointing Jesus with oil, but she did not spare her ointment.  Why?  Love.  Much love.  Oh, she may have been a great sinner, but this unnamed woman didn’t need any parables from the lips of Jesus to open her eyes.  Five hundred denarii is not only a great debt, it is a burden that was drowning her.  And she knew it.  But Jesus came to cancel her debt.  And she loved Him for it.  Greatly!

A Larger Debt

I think of we are honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that this sinful woman would probably put most of us to shame.  Ask yourself, would you have the courage to enter Simon’s house full of Pharisees?  Would you have the humility to wash Jesus’ feet with your tears?  Would you have the generosity to anoint Him with your most valuable possession?  Before we can answer these questions, perhaps we should refer to Jesus’ parable.  If Jesus used it to teach Simon, it certainly won’t hurt us to be posed with the same question.

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

I don’t know what this parable did for the heart of Simon, but his lips gave the right answer.  “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.”

Do you recognize your debt?  Do you recognize your inability to pay your debt?  Do you realize how much you have been forgiven of?  Does your love for the Savior reflect your understanding of your larger debt?  When you were dead in your sins the love of God saved you.  May the world see that you love much because you have been forgiven much.

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:47-50

Joseph’s Hand

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Joseph
4 “I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” – Genesis 46:4

You hold with great fondness the memories of Joseph’s birth.

How could you not? The firstborn son of Rachel, the love you toiled so long for. A lot of heartaches preceded Joseph’s birth. Your own brother accused you of stealing his birthright. In fear you fled your home to make a new life. You were deceived by your father in law and tricked into marrying his daughter you did not love. When your marriage with Rachel was consummated, you found that her womb was barren. At least for a time. While Leah was bearing you children, Rachel was living in grief. But no longer.

As Rachel beamed, you held Joseph for the first time.

Coyly you counted his toes and fingers thinking Rachel didn’t know that you were taking inventory. Her slight blush betrayed that she had beat you to it. As you enveloped his tiny hands in yours, you were mesmerized by his eyes as your souls connected. What can compare with new life?

It wasn’t long before little Joseph could tightly grip your finger in his little hand. When it was time to take his precarious first steps you held his little hands and guided him. You held your breath with every tiny step he took as if breathing on him might topple him. Love may be exhilarating, but it isn’t always logical.

Your love for Joseph caused you to make an unwise decision.

You gave him a special coat. In showering him with your special affection, you placed a wedge between Joseph and his brothers. A wedge that was driven deeper by Joseph’s dreams. We need to show our children love, but there is no place for favoritism. It creates an environment in which every one loses. A lesson you should have learned from your own childhood. But some lessons are harder learned than others.

You have learned a lot of life lessons since you last saw Joseph.

Lessons that have matured you and made you wiser, but none that have served as a balm for your loss. You vividly remember your last exchange with Joseph. You asked him to go and check on his brothers as they were pasturing the flock near Shechem. You placed his special robe on him and watched him take his staff in hand as he walked out in pursuit of his brothers in obedience to your request. Never to return and grace the threshold of your home.

Although Joseph never returned, his special coat did.

Bloodstained and drenched with deception. The old deceiver was now the deceived. As you held the stained coat your tears mingled with the blood stains. With a grief beyond words you envisioned Joseph mauled by a wild animal. Certainly his young hands bravely resisted before they finally succumbed to the savage beast. And now they are at rest. Never to be touched or to touch again. Poor Joseph. First Rachel and now you? What can compare with the sting of death?

How many seasons have come and gone since you shared your love?

Benjamin is by your side but his presence is as much a reminder of your loss as anything else. To protect your heart you stopped giving it away. Unfortunately when you barricaded your heart you made yourself a prisoner. In order to protect yourself from the rain and storms you have shut out the sun. Is such a live worth living? Is such a life worth preserving?

Little did you know how your heart would be revived. In the midst of a drought and surrounded by bare cupboards the unthinkable happened. As you awaited the arrival of your sons bearing food from Egypt, your front door was practically torn off it’s hinges. In rushed your sons with much more than physical sustenance, they brought a balm for your soul.

Joseph is alive!!

While you stopped living, Joseph was alive and well. The hands that you thought stilled were anything but. Joseph’s hands knew the feel of a cold pit. They knew the restriction of Midianite chords. They knew the responsibility of Potiphar’s house and field. They knew the betrayal of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph’s hands were acquainted with the cold bars and rough stocks of an Egyptian prison. But the prison would give way to Egyptian power. As second in command Joseph’s hands would save Egypt from starvation. In the process, you and your sons would be saved as well. While you stopped living and loving, Joseph’s hands were never stayed.

Life is full of lessons.

What your sons intended for harm, God worked out for good. While Joseph was dead to you, he was in the service of God. Far from being mauled by a beast, Joseph was under the protection of his heavenly Father. When you deceived your father by disguising your hands, God was not deceived. God knows the hands of his children. When you fled from the presence of your brother, you were never removed from the presence of God. There isn’t a place on earth we can run to where God isn’t present. When you wrestled with God at Jabbok, God humbled you with a limp and blessed you. When you returned to Esau, God prepared the way. He always does.

When you learned of Joseph’s supposed death, you refused to be comforted and resolved to mourn until you joined him in the grave (Genesis 37:35). God had other plans.

Time is running out Jacob.

God is sovereign. Live in faith. Don’t be afraid to live and love. Don’t shut out the sun. Don’t worry. When God calls you home, “Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes”. And when you open them, Jesus’ arms will welcome you home.

What can compare with new life? Certainly not the “sting” of death!

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How to Handle Persecution

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David and Goliath

40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. – 1 Samuel 17:40

What do you do when a giant taunts you and your God? Would it make a difference how you answer that question knowing that the giant is over nine feet tall? What if in addition to his great size advantage he also has much more fighting experience? In addition, he is well armed. This specific giant, as we all know as Goliath, wore into battle armor that weighed 125 pounds. Keeping in mind that at the time Goliath lived, the average man was about five and a half feet, his stature would have been that much more imposing. But Goliath wasn’t just physically imposing, he had a mouth to match his stature. Large and vocal. Seems to be a common trait of the enemies of God. But God has an answer for defiant giants. Smooth stones.

When young David saw Goliath, he wasn’t intimidated by his size.

When young David heard Goliath, he didn’t shrink back from his threats. To David, Goliath was a tool of Satan who had no right to defy the Lord’s army and needed to be silenced. Plain and simple. When King Saul tried to equip David with his personal armor David declined.  Instead, he wanted a tested weapon; his sling and stones. So to the brook he went and chose five smooth stones. With a stone in his sling and four in his shepherd’s pouch, David approached Goliath. With one “shot” Goliath was face down on the ground. Dead.  Silent.  Never to defy the army of the Lord again. But Goliath wouldn’t be the only giant in David’s life.  Fortunately, David still had his sling.  And he still had four smooth stones. But most importantly, he placed himself in the hands of the God whose reputation he was so jealous of.

37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37

Before he battled Goliath, David was rebuked by his eldest brother who accused him of presumption and an evil heart. After his defeat of Goliath, he was the target of Saul’s jealousy.  A jealousy so great that his life was threatened. When Saul killed the priests at Nob for aiding David, David had to battle a conscience that felt responsible for their deaths. When wronged by Nabal, David had to battle his own temper that would have resulted in the killing of Nabal if not for the intervention of Nabal’s wife Abigail.

David fought many battles….

His hands shed much blood. But perhaps the greatest giants he faced were not external, but internal. David’s greatest demon may have been lust. David had multiple wives, but his sin with Bathsheba, which led to the death of her husband, may have been his most difficult battle.  A nine-foot giant approaching him with great armor he could defeat. A pretty woman bathing was too much for him.  If only he would have lifted his eyes from Bathsheba to heaven.  The Lord who delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear and the defiant giant Goliath could have delivered him from the temptation of Bathsheba. God knew Goliath wasn’t the last giant in David’s life.  There was a reason David chose five smooth stones from the brook.  God is well acquainted with Goliath’s family.

As we read about David’s life we are introduced to more giants.

Second Samuel chapter 21 records a subsequent battle with the Philistines in which Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants sought to kill King David but was instead defeated by Abishai.  The same chapter records another descendant of the giants who was known for having six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This giant was defeated by Jonathan, David’s nephew.  And then the chapter closes with this sentence:

22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. – 2 Samuel 21:22

When David went to face Goliath, he chose five smooth stones from the brook.  I doubt that he knew these four other giants were in his future, but the God whose reputation he was so passionate about did.  As David stood over Goliath reveling in his victory, he had enough smooth stones in his shepherd’s pouch to defeat the remaining giants in Gath. What an important lesson for all of us. When we are confronted by life’s giants, there will always be a sufficient supply of smooth stones in our shepherd’s pouch to fight and defeat them.  There are more than enough smooth stones in God’s brook to replenish the supply if we ever think we are running out of ammunition.  God delights in delivering us from our enemy.  He has given us weapons that are battle tested.  He has given us a suit of armor that fits. Our responsibility is to put it on and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Are you currently facing a giant in your life?…

Is he taunting you? Is he intimidating you? You know the Truth. You have the Spirit. You have been liberated by the Gospel. God has given You the shield of faith. You are a child of the God who knows every giant you will ever confront. Pick up your sling. Pull out one of the smooth stones and God will make sure Goliath ends up face down at your feet. Don’t worry about Goliath’s brothers, cousins or sons. God has their number as well.  Never lose sight of whose battle it is. Whether it is the paw of a lion, the paw of a bear or the hands of a defiant giant, God is always more than able to deliver us.
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

Thanks so much for reading the things God is laying on my heart. I love the story of David and Goliath and all the practical truths we can take away from it. If you are interested in reading more of my writings make sure to check out…

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Temple Shame

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Daily Devotions

10 “As for you, son of man, describe to the house of Israel the temple, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and they shall measure the plan. – Ezekiel 43:10

Faith Exercised

When Abram was childless and beyond the age of childbearing, God told him to go outside and look up at the night sky and count the stars if he could.  God then promised Abram that despite his age and currently empty quiver, his offspring would be as numerous as the stars he was gazing at.  As incredulous as this promise must have sounded to Abram, he believed God nonetheless…

…..And then we are told that Abram’s belief was credited to him as righteousness.  But God not only promised Abram descendants, He also promised to give his descendants land to possess.  A covenant God confirmed with a sacrifice…

Faith Tested

The faith of Abram recorded in Genesis chapter 15 would be greatly tested in Genesis chapter 22.  After Abram’s promised son was born, it was time to see if Abraham’s love of God was superseded by his love of his son Isaac.  The test was one most of us would fail (most days).  God asked Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him on Mount Moriah.  Abraham obediently took his only son, “the son whom he loved”, as Genesis emphasizes, and proceeded to Moriah to carry out the sacrifice.  With his only hope for countless offspring laying on the altar, and a knife lifted skyward in his hand, God intervened.  He had seen enough.  A ram caught in a thicket would replace Isaac as the sacrifice.  James tells us that the faith of Abraham was proven by his willingness to sacrifice his only son.  Tradition tells us that the location of this sacrifice would hold great significance for the Jewish people.  We know it today as the Temple Mount.

Temple Mount

After King David brought stability to the land, he desired to build a permanent temple to replace the tabernacle.  Why should God “reside” in a tent when the King was living in a luxurious home of cedar?  Ironically, God told King David that he was not to build the Temple as he had shed too much blood as a man of war.  Instead, his son Solomon who would reign in peace was to build the Temple.  With large quantities of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, Solomon oversaw the construction of a majestic temple on the Temple Mount, where Abraham had placed Isaac on the altar.  Solomon had built the Temple as a “house for God’s name” as God had charged his father David.

Here, where Abraham’s faith was tested, the nation of Israel would “exercise” their faith.  Here, they would offer their sacrifices.  Here they would gather for prayer.  Here they would assemble for worship.  After years of wandering and warring, the Temple represented stability.   God’s children could finally settle down and rest.  God had assured them they would be His people, and He would be their God.  And now their God had a “home” in the land He promised to Abraham.

The Temple

For the Jewish people, the Temple was more than just the center for public worship, it was in many ways their source of identity.  Being the most sacred site in Jerusalem, it was the “nucleus” of Judaism.  Living under the New Covenant it is difficult for us to relate to its significance, but before Pentecost, if you wanted to “experience” God you would most likely go to the Temple.  It was here that God met with His people.  With the Holy of Holies, the ark of the Covenant, the altar, etc. one could “sense” the presence of God.  As we looked at in the last devotion, this helps us to put into perspective Ezekiel’s vision of God departing the Temple.  But this wasn’t the only vision God gave Ezekiel pertaining to the Temple.

In Ezekiel chapter forty, Ezekiel encounters a man whose appearance is like bronze who is holding a measuring rod.  This man explains in great detail to Ezekiel the plans for a new Temple.  For three chapters, Ezekiel shares the details of this new Temple, and then at the beginning of Chapter 43, he is given a vision of God returning to the Temple.  Then Ezekiel records what God spoke to him.

“Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. – Ezekiel 43:7

Temple Shame

There is great debate regarding the Temple of Ezekiel’s vision.  Some believe the Temple will be the Millennial Temple.  Some believe this passage is not to be taken literally but spiritually.  Some believe this is God’s ideal for a Temple.  I am going to avoid the controversy and simply look at the purpose God had in asking Ezekiel to share this incredibly detailed vision of this majestic Temple and God’s filling of it with His glory; “that they may be ashamed of their iniquities.”  That was God’s desire.  That is why He gave Ezekiel this vision and asked him to share it with the people.

There was a large chasm between how things were and how God intended them to be.  God’s presence had left the current Temple because its destruction was imminent due to the sins of Israel.  There are harsh consequences to our sins, but is there a corresponding shame?

Under the cloak of grace, it is easy to dismiss our sins.  It is easy to be casual about them.  But what is their cost?  Look at Jesus’ Temple.  Glance at His nail-scarred hands and feet and His pierced side.  Look at the crown of thorns.  Listen to His cry of forsakenness as the Father has to look away from our sins that He bore.  Is there a sense of shame?  On the altar of Calvary’s cross, the Lamb of God’s was sacrificed.  As His life was ebbing away, his blood was staining the cross and purifying our souls.  His dying blood would germinate the church.  The heart of Christ was broken so we could be given new hearts.  The heart of Christ was stilled, so we could truly live.

It is more difficult to dismiss our sins when we see their real cost.  The first step in experiencing the “fullness” of God is a shame for our iniquities.

“Describe to the house of Israel the Temple, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities.”

Will Ezekiel’s Temple ever be constructed?  I don’t know, but it won’t be in heaven.  Nor will there be shame there.

22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. – Revelation 21:22

 

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