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The Bronze Serpent – Numbers 21

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This weeks reading includes Numbers 21, where we find the Israelites again complaining about food, water, and even the manna God continuously gives them!  God says, ‘enough is enough’ and gave them something to really complain about: serpents whose bite was fatal.

After Moses prayed, the LORD had Moses make a bronze serpent and put it up on a pole where anyone could look at it.  And anyone who was bitten, and didn’t want to die, could look at the serpent on the pole and be healed.

One of the surprising things about this story comes much, much later.  In fact, several hundred years (give or take) later.   Long after this event, when Israel has been in the land for a long time, and there are kings over Israel, we find King Hezekiah reigning, and we are told that ‘he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.’ (2 Kings 18:1-4).  One of the things King Hezekiah did was to destroy the serpent.  Yes, it was still there!  And over time, it had become an object of worship to the Israelites.  A blessing of God had been turned into a snare!  How could this have happened?  Yet we see the same sort of thing today in our churches and synagogues.

Over time, we take God’s silence about something as an indirect approval. 

God never told them not to keep the serpent after it had served its purpose, and no one, not a single leader prior, ever mentioned it.  After all, it was God ordained, wasn’t it?

In the same way, we take teachings and traditions that may or may not have made sense at the time of their authorship, and over time, incorporate them into our worship, even though God’s word may speak against such practices.  This practice is ripe throughout Christianity and Judaism.  Christianity takes away from God’s word as Judaism adds to it, yet we find God saying, “do not add to or take away from my Word”  (Deut. 4:2, echoed by Yeshua (Jesus) in Matt. 5:18-19).

In the same way, we can easily become insensitive to God’s blessing and even dislike it (the manna in the story).  This should not be!  That is why God tells us to remember His works.  Over and over He tells us (even in the “10 commandments” – Exo. 20:8-11 as one example).  That is why He gave us His calendar (see Lev. 23), which, unfortunately, Christianity has completely thrown out.  This led, among other things, to modern Christianity’s focus only on the here and now, and sometimes the future.

To sum up, we need to always be willing to judge our own actions, traditions, and teachings by the word of God, and to be willing to change when we see something that isn’t in line with His word, even if goes against a centuries old teaching or tradition!

That God hasn’t judged all that we do that is against His word, and often even done “in His name,” is a wonderful manifestation of His grace and forgiveness through Yeshua.  But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t follow His word.

  • Yosef

 

 

 

 

10 Commandments Series – Intro

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This is the first entry in a series looking at the 10 “commandments”.  I’ll go through all the “commandments” and discuss their meaning and their application to us today, and look at their context in the Bible.  I’ll try to keep each posting short, so there may be more then one posting for each “commandment.”

The 10 “commandments” are perhaps the greatest things ever written.  They are the only words directly written by God Himself, and that in stone.  This alone makes them special and unique and worth looking closely at.

The phrase “the 10 commandments” does not actually appear anywhere in the Tanakh (“Old” Testament).

Rather, they are called the 10 statements.  The Hebrew word used for “statements” means words or things.  (The fact that in Hebrew, the word for “words” and “things” is the same word is a hint at how the Hebrews looked at life – but that isn’t for now).

The 10 statements appear in two places in the Bible.  In Exodus 20:1-17 and in Deuteronomy 5:6-21.  Both lists are nearly the same, but the differences that do exist are quite interesting to look at.  For example, in the Exodus version, we are told to “remember” and in Deuteronomy we are told to “observe” the Sabbath.  The two different words imply different action and give rise to some fun understandings and traditions.  (More when we get to that commandment.)

Interestingly, Christianity lists as the first commandment something different then Judaism.  I’ll go with Judaism’s numbering as it frames all 10.

The first statement starts with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

Without this statement being first, there is no foundation for the following statements (commandments).  Leaving this statement out allows the idea that that there are no absolutes, as, without a foundation, things can change.  One must start with God stating who He is and what He has done, otherwise its just a list of rules that anyone can (and has) change.

In the next posting, we’ll start looking at the text closer and see what gems we can get out of it.  And we’ll start with “I am the LORD.”

I’ll close with this question for each of you reading this.  Do you have the 10 statements (commandments) posted somewhere in your house or memorized?  If not, I’d encourage you to do so.  Remember, these are the only words God ever wrote, and He wrote them in stone, implying permanence.

  • Shalom from Yosef

P.S.: I know that many people believe that the 10 commandments, or some subset thereof, have been ‘fulfilled’ and no longer need to be followed (the Sabbath command is typical of those called ‘fulfilled’).  If anyone wants to discuss that, leave a comment and I’ll start a new blog thread.

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Requiem for a Saint

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I recently attended the memorial service for a friend.  To summarize his life, he loved people, loved to help others, and loved God’s word, and it showed throughout his life.  Even in his old age, when problems were making it difficult for him to get around, he would go help those in need; take part in Bible studies for people in trouble (drugs, etc); and simply always be available.  I didn’t know him long, but what struck me almost immediately was his attitude of accepting people as who they were, with any and all baggage they had, and his ability to connect with just about anyone.  And he thirsted for the word of God, and was not afraid to ask questions of God, and listen to various interpretations of His word.  He lived a righteous life.

I also knew some of his darkest secrets, yet those did not define the man.  ‘Righteous’ does not mean perfect, but it does mean living one’s life with God in the forefront.  And he certainly did so.  I will always have him in mind when I think about what it truly means to walk as God wanted us to, as summarized in this verse from the Bible: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart; with all your soul; and with all your strength.”

When we encounter such people, or have them in our lives, we typically do not recognize all that they are.  Perhaps that is why God tells us several times that He does not see us as we see others and ourselves.  And I’m fairly certain that people like this do not want recognition.  They live as they do as it gives them joy.

So, George is now with Yeshua (Jesus), but his family is with us, grieving his loss.  Yet I hope and pray that they will take comfort in knowing that they were privileged to know this man who knew how to enjoy life and live for God through his actions.  His fruit will live on for years to come, and it will multiply.

(And I finally learned, during the memorial service, why he had an old school bus sitting in his backyard!)

  • Yosef

Craving God

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What do you crave, really?

In Psalm 42, the author writes that as a deer craves or longs for water, so his soul craves after God, even though the situation at the moment may be dire.

What does it mean to “crave after God?”  Interestingly, God gives us the answer in His word.  Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is a key, fundamental passage in Judaism, and Yeshua (Jesus) quoted from it when asked “what is the greatest commandment?”  Yeshua quoted the part that says, “Hear O Israel, The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and strength.”  Any Jew, then or now, would recognize that verse as part of the entire passage that goes on to clarify what it means to “crave” after God.  The rest of the passage is this:

“And these words which I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.”  (ESV)

Craving God would have us teaching our children (not just taking them to Sunday school), and talking of His ways and laws all the time, and writing reminders of His law (and grace) on our houses.

And yet when we gather or take a trip with our families or friends, what is our conversation mostly about?  Rarely do I find people who live these words.  Not even in the churches do I find a craving for God.  People would rather discuss anything but His word.   Try it.  At a ‘Christian’ gathering, try to start a discussion about the Bible or even a recent sermon.  You may be surprised at the result.

As one of many examples, the topic of having the 10 commandments displayed in public or in schools has been in the news off and on for years.  When it does hit the news, I often hear of Christians objecting to the removal of the display.  And yet, how many of those objecting have the “10 commandments” displayed in their own houses?  In their churches?  Unfortunately, very few.  We simply do not crave God.

Many crave what is seen as “outpourings of God’s spirit” as a substitute for actually craving God himself.  I refer you to Yeshua’s (Jesus’) words in Matt. 7:21-23 (see this blog post on Matt. 7:21-23, as well as the comments to it).

Many ‘modern’ Christians would call this fanaticism, yet God often calls to us in His word to remember what He has done and said.  If that is fanaticism, then this world needs more of it!

  • Yosef

Knowledge vs Thankfulness

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This is the first posting after the “official” launch of the blog, so I thought I’d keep it upbeat.

In our world we are inundated with all the woes of life and our society.  It is often so much that we simply want to retreat and block it all out.  But what should our response be?  God’s answer is for us to be thankful.   Take a look at Psalm 100 or 1 Chronicles 16 or 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which are a small sampling of the places we are encouraged to give thanks.

I often run into people who are down or overwhelmed.  Actually, it happens to me quite a bit.  I remind them (and myself) to remember the things God has done and thank Him for them.  Remembering God’s deeds is even in the “10 commandments” (see Deuteronomy 4:15).  By the way, did you know that the “10 commandments” are not called “commandments” in the Bible, and that they are listed in two places with some very seemingly minor, but important differences?  (See this posting, or the blog tag, “commandments”).

But what about knowledge?  The author of the blog “Help Me Believe” makes an interesting point about knowledge (see his posting about apologetics).  Knowledge is important and of great benefit.  But knowledge alone doesn’t bridge the gap to faith.  Consider the apostle Peter and the others when they were in the boat crossing the lake and a storm came up (see Mark chapter 6).  The disciples of Yeshua (Jesus) ‘knew’ about the recent miracle of the loaves and the fish but they didn’t remember about it or, apparently, give thanks about it.  If they had, perhaps more of them would have “stepped out of the boat!”).

This blog is about knowledge and faith.  The two go together.

To sum up, here is what Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, “Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth.  For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”  (ESV – English Standard Version – emphasis mine).

  • Yosef

Blog Launching

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The Perspectives (Discuss-life) blog is active (hopefully)!  One guest author is already active, and there are a few other guest authors lined up.  We’ll see their posts soon.

Some of the topics that will be coming up very soon are things such as the recent supreme court decision to allow the baker to refuse to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple; the ongoing violence between the Palestinians and Israel; and “does God want Christians to keep kosher?”

The one guest author (at this time) is going to be doing a series on his experiences of God’s grace and love while in jail.  The first entry is already on the site, under ‘stories’ (here).  Some of the stories to come reveal some deep truths about faith and life.

Initially, only the blog, articles and stories are active.  The forum will become ‘active’ in July of this year (if I can get the registration issues cleared up).  In the mean time, if you want to join in or start a discussion, email me (use the form here).   (Note: you have to be 18 or older to join in the forums).

Shalom!

  • Yosef

Registration

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My apologies to anyone that has registered in the last month.  Due to a high volume of spam registrations, I have had to delete most registrations.  If your registration got deleted, I apologize.  Registration will be back online, with appropriate filters, when the site is officially started in June.   Sorry for any inconvenience.

  • Yosef

New Format / Restart

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Hi, after being away for about a year, I am back.   I am revamping the site!  Its appearance is, hopefully, pleasant and easy to use (and is still under construction at this time).  I hope to have the site fully up and running by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2018.  If you like the site, join in the discussions and tell your friends!

The scope of the site is being broadened.  It will no longer be just me posting my ideas, but it will be a meeting place of people of varying viewpoints, where questions and discussion can take place ‘safely.’

To that end, I am adding a ‘forums’ section where any topic can be discussed.  Multiple authors will be adding posts to the blog!  If you have any suggestions, just comment to this post!

Thanks, – Yosef

Christianity and “The Law”

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Christians have a variety of responses to the “Law of God.”  Almost all of which come down to saying that the Law, either in its entirety or parts of it, do not apply to Christians.  But what exactly is being rejected.

These past weeks, according to the Jewish scripture reading schedule, the first chapters in the book of Leviticus have been read.  These chapters deal with the sacrificial system and various other laws.  These chapters, though, are what most Christians think of as “The Law”, and so are most often ignored, including by those returning to the “Hebrew Roots of their Faith.”  Is there anything in these chapters worth looking at?

These chapters reveal a great deal about God’s character and how he wants us to live.  But you need to look closely.   In these chapters we see several principles come to light.  One is the idea of “Holiness.”   The definition of “holy” is “set apart”.  It does not mean what we typically envision, which is something with some sort of mystical power or some specially pious person.  It means something set apart for service to God.

Law of Christ

/ Yosef (ytl) / Leave a comment

In the book of Matthew, chapter 7 verse 23 (see last post), Jesus is declaring, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”  The problem is that he was address this comment to people who Christianity today would call strong Christians!  So what does “workers of lawlessness” mean?

First, many will try to explain, with hands waving, that the people to whom Jesus is talking weren’t real Christians.  They did not have the “law of Christ” in their hearts.  Or some sort of similar explanation.  Of course, this leaves open the question, “what, then, is the law of Christ?”  To this one will get a more nebulous answer.

Yet the answer is in black and white in the Tanakh (called the “old Testament.”)  God gave us his law (see the book of Exodus, especially chapters 19 and 20).  He gave it to all the people there, which weren’t just Israelites (Exodus chapter 12 verse 38).  It shall be put on our heart (Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 6).  And these words are for all of those who chose to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (See Deuteronomy chapter 29, especially verses 14 and 15).  There are many, many more verses where God makes it clear that his law if for both Israel and the foreigner among them.  He makes it clear that it is meant to be followed, and not hard (Deuteronomy 11:11 to 14) and (Matthew 11:29 to 30).

Freedom is not being without laws.  True freedom is being able to follow the law of God and rejoice in it.  One of the problems that most Christians will run into with this is the view that the law is something negative, and when one doesn’t keep some part of it, one is almost doomed.  Read the next post to see what the Hebrew viewpoint of the law and keeping the commandments is.

Shalom!  -YTL