Finding Eden

God spoke through me this past weekend.

I've been listening to a Podcast (The Bible Project, if you're interested) in which the hosts have been speaking about the Sabbath, the number 7 as reflective of the Sabbath day, and the repetition of both in the Bible. The first time the Kingdom of God was recognized was within the Garden of Eden. During this time of bliss, we were in complete harmony with each other, with nature, and ultimately with God. It was there where work never exhausted our souls, and we never depended on our blood, sweat, and tears to ensure our survival. We depended only on God and never doubted that we had enough.

The Sabbath, a day of rest, existed even then, but it appeared to be more of a reminder of God's providence than a necessity. In a way, every day was Sabbath. The 7th day is a microcosm of the Kingdom of God, and now that we no longer live in the Garden of Eden, we need that reminder of God's promises more than ever. Plus, we need the rest.

Over and over, God reminds us to rest. There first was the weekly Sabbath, then as festivals and holy days were added to the Hebrew calendar, there were yearly Sabbaths, and Sabbaths which came every 7 years (all slaves were freed and debts forgiven as the ideal God wanted every day). Every time the number 7 comes up in the Bible (and I dare say elsewhere in our lives), God is reminding us of this:

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10

I can't put here all the times God told us to rest. We've been out of Eden so long we don't even realize how hard we toil, but God does, and He wants you to stop, be still, rest. However, we no longer live in Eden; we no longer live in the Kingdom of God... or do we? Where is the Kingdom of God? People throughout history have searched for the elusive Eden that used to be between the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates. If we found that place, would we find the Kingdom of God? Or maybe it's in the land of Israel, the promised land the Hebrews wondered the desert for forty years to find?

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:36-37

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

I need for you to understand this thing God has revealed to me. Eden is not here or there. Eden is wherever God is. Is it not with Him that we are provided for, in Him we rest with peace and joy, for Him that we raise one another up in love? The Kingdom of God is here, amongst us, and those who have faith and live in love live also in the Kingdom of God already. We have enough, and we are enough through God.

As you reflect on the Christmas season that's upon us, notice the "Christmas Spirit," as people call it. We should be living it daily. Can you imagine the dark corners of this world that would be illuminated with the light and joy we could spread? When Jesus walked on this Earth, He lived as a person already in the Kingdom of God. One day, there will be a new Heaven and Earth, and the whole of humanity will live without the storms and darkness we have now. Until then, live as if you already are in the New Heaven and Earth because the Kingdom of God resides wherever the King does, and that's here and now.

It is by Him, not our own toils, that we live and die. So, rest.

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

God bless!





Sources other than the Bible:

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/513212/jewish/When-Is-the-Next-Jubilee-Year.htm

God's Hygge

In Me, you may have peace, but in the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

If there's something that the world is in deep, desperate need of, it's peace. An Earth without war, sickness, division, abuse, and darkness of other kinds is coming. However, in the meantime, there's a kingdom of God that can live in and through you if you let it.

Sometimes, trends are just a mindless scrambling for something otherwise missing in our souls, but sometimes, they stumble into a lighter place, allowing people a glimpse of what can be with God.

Hue-gah - Danish word

Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down (2017, p. vi). - The Little Book of Hygge

Hygge is a semi-new trend, but it started with a Danish and Norwegian concept. No doubt this concept has always existed in some form throughout the world for ages now, but it's now been commercialized and deemed "in." It's a nice idea. Most people imagine fireplaces, fuzzy socks, a warm drink in hand, and family or a book to keep you company. It can be part of those things. It can also be part of a warm summer's evening, a dark front porch with the stars overhead, a crowded bus station, a DMV lobby, or just another day at work. Why? In reality, it exists within you, not in your environment. It's peace and joy.

Joy is not necessarily related to happiness, as it's defined by the Bible. This emotion and mindset settles into the marrow of your being as an ever present hope and solid rock on which to stand during the crashing waves of life. It's the knowledge that, no matter what else you may be feeling and experiencing at the moment, there is a true love that has prepared you for a home with many rooms.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. - Psalm 47:1

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. - Ecclesiastes 9:7

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter 1:8-9

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. - Psalm 27:6

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, - Romans 14:17

The kingdom of God resides in the Children of God and among them, in their fruits, in their peace and joy, and in the light of truth they spread with His Word. During our last blog post, we spoke about how making a change externally must begin with a change internally. This is what God is doing to heal the world. He brings His love and light-filled kingdom to our hearts first and, eventually, His kingdom will be on Earth.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. - Luke 17:20-21

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

Gratitude is a large part of hygge and the joy we find in God. We are surely thankful for all of God's blessings, including a warm, safe home to come back to, even if that home only exists as the kingdom thriving in our souls. It's good to take a moment to disconnect from the rat-race and connect with the moment you're in. You may hear God speaking. May you find God's hygge waiting for you.

Fulfilling of a King

Jesus fulfilled the prophecies as King of Israel when He came down to Earth.

Was there any chance that He wasn't the Messiah? Let's study that.

His exact genealogy was foretold. The coming King was to be a descendent of Shem (Genesis:26-27), Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), Isaac (Gen. 26:3-4), Jacob (Gen. 35:11-12), from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), specifically through Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12). Whew!

The city of His birth was foretold to be Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and His death was predicted to be before the temple and the city of Jerusalem were destroyed (Daniel 9:26).

These are all factors that Jesus, if merely human, would have absolutely no control over so, as to avoid manipulation of false messiahs.

Let's talk about the Magi, those wise men who came to visit Jesus when He was born. They are a mysterious people were know little about; however, we have some information. The Magi were the pagan priest clan within the larger tribe of Medes, somewhat like the Levites were to the Israelites. Once upon the Old Testament time period, they appeared many times such as in the books of Esther, Acts, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Now, with Daniel, the Magi were close to be being killed by Nebuchadnezzar because they couldn't figure out the meaning of his dream. However, Daniel stepped up and deciphered it, calling on the one, true God, after which point he was made a ruler and chief prefect over all Magi. Now, this affected them, and they began a search for a unique king, one they'd been taught would arrive by Daniel. The future King of Israel was indeed a prophecy held close to the heart of all Israelites, and Daniel would've let the Magi know.

The Magi were such a powerful people, politically speaking, at the time of Jesus, that no one became king in Persia without their approval. No one. They were the king makers. So, understand now the significance of their influence in that time and the fact that they crossed lands just to meet Jesus and acknowledge Him as king. If you're imagining a few men riding camels in the night, pulling up in silence outside some inn to see Jesus, you have it wrong. They were rich, powerful men with hundreds, maybe even thousands of mounted bodyguards. They would have been a sight to behold.

Then, the Magi didn't just acknowledge Jesus as king, they worshipped Him (Matthew 2:11). This means they understood Him to be God. They were, perhaps, the first gentiles to be saved since Jesus' birth.

The gospels tell of how Jesus' own people had a hard time believing He was the foretold King. They had in mind a different picture. The Jews thought He would arrive and take their troubles away. He would come in and unite the Israelites, and the Israelites alone, into a powerful kingdom on Earth. The Jews would be sought for their knowledge of God by all other nations. The world would enter into peace and utopia. They had a hard time understanding that Jesus came to unite all the peoples on Earth into a Kingdom of God, which wasn't immediately apparent. They knew Jesus would lead a rebellion, but they didn't see Jesus as a Messianic king leading His people in the way they expected.

What they got instead was a dusty-footed peasant with ordinary looks. No entourage, no crown. Only a commanding, yet humble presence, and a thorough yet heretical knowledge of the Torah. How would this person, who was just like them, lead them into battle against the world?

Some were surprised, sure, by His miracles. Some converted, sure. Many more were suspicious. They were right to be wary. There were many false prophets and "messiahs" who had popped up through the many years. They were desperate but already hardened.

See, since ancient times, the Israelites had wanted to conform to the other nations in what a leader and king was supposed to be like. After lifetimes of being led by God and His prophets, they begged to have a king like the others (1 Samuel 8:5). God warned them of the consequences of having a king but said He would allow it. Now, fast forward thousands of years, and they forgot that their ideas of what a king should be was completely world-derived. And, this strange man sitting on hillsides preaching strange words wasn't it.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. - John 1:10-11

“Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” Luke 4:24-27

Here was baby Jesus, whom His Father heralded with the Magi's announcement and visit. Yet, He was so very normal and un-kinglike, according to worldly standards. Yet, Jesus wasn't here to change just the surface of things. He was here to change hearts and souls, to be the very ripple of water needed to usher a spiritual tsunami never before known.

When life looks hopeless and dark, it's important to remember that God is there working in the small things, stirring up the world in unknown ways, in order to bring about the utmost good.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

God is by our side, even if we don't see Him. He's not about appearances of things but about the deepest recesses of our souls, so He's not always obvious. However, He's always there, forming His kingdom amongst us and within us, fulfilling His promises.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

“Then You are a king!” Pilate said.

“You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” - John 18:36-37

Jesus wished for Pilate to come to his own conclusions about His kinghood, but He states His kingdom is not of this realm. He was leading a spiritual battle.

This Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of the newborn King, the King of Kings in heaven and on Earth.

So, to which leader will you pledge your allegiance?


Sources other than Bible:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_234.cfm
http://blogs.christianpost.com/confident-christian/the-king-makers-a-look-at-the-magi-13659/
http://www.egrc.net/articles/director/articles_director_0605.html

Foretelling of a King

Christmas is coming, so our focus will be on Jesus, which is totally different from other weeks! (/sarcasm) Anyway, this week we'll be looking at the foretelling of Jesus' birth in the Old Testament, and how that was perceived by the Israelites.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." - Genesis 3:15

Here, just after Adam and Eve sinned and ushered evil into the world, God is already giving them hope. Eve's offspring will be wounded by evil (on the cross) but would ultimately crush its head (resurrection and salvation).

Judah will hold the royal scepter,
And his descendants will always rule.
Nations will bring him tribute
And bow in obedience before him. (Genesis 49:10)

His descendants will always rule? Who on Earth is on the throne from the tribe of Judah? Some places want to claim Queen Elizabeth might hold that claim, but honestly, this is at most a vague connection and at worst, completely missing the point!

The Lord says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants. (Isaiah 11:1)

The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will rule wisely and do what is right and just throughout the land. (Jeremiah 23:5)

You will always have descendants, and I will make your kingdom last forever. Your dynasty will never end. (2 Samuel 7:16)

I understand that you probably understand who God was speaking of at this point. The King of Judah was Jesus, and He'll rule on the throne forever.

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. 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.”

The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”

You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed. - Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Jesus referred to these words God spoke to Moses when he stated:

"For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me." - John 5:46

Everything Jesus stated came to pass, but there was even more proof that He was the King and prophet to rule the world.

But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

A child is born to us!
A son is given to us!
And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,”
“Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,”
“Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Check, check ,and check. These aren't the only signs of His coming that were foretold in the Old Testament.

“What I saw in my vision
hasn’t happened yet.
But some day, a king of Israel
will appear like a star. (Numbers 24:17)

Magi were men who studied the stars, interpreting omens, dreams, and signs. Who they were exactly have been debated apparently forever, but they were scattered throughout the country and were occasionally referred to as wise men.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”... After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. - Matthew 2:2-12

The King of Israel would be foretold and found by a star, and who better to notice that star sign than the Magi!

Honestly, we could go on for a while finding all the signs that Jesus would be born and destined to be King of Israel. The only problem is - the Israelites thought they would notice Him and make Him a King on Earth.

Next week, we'll find out how that worked out in the Fulfilling of a King.

How & When to Stand Up

There has always been and always will be (until a new heaven and earth) tension and conflict between Judeo-Christian beliefs and those of the rest of the world. Sometimes, the difference between the two are gods worshipped, other times morality issues, and yet other times it's political. One thing's for certain: if you're a Child of God, you're gonna face down the world at some point whether that's with unbelievers or fellow Christians swayed by worldly ways.

Be heartened because, no matter how surrounded and put on the spot you may feel in that moment, you're not alone. There are millions of us facing down the world in that same moment just as you are and probably feeling just as lost in how to proceed. Part of the reason I write this blog is to invite you in my own search for answers, and you're about to learn with me.

Determine who:

There's a way to speak to our brothers and sisters and a way to speak to unbelievers.

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. - Acts 20:28

We're meant to call out, correct, and guide fellow Christians. In fact, although everything is to be done in love and gentleness, these are the only people you can truly call out on their behavior. I'll go more into that in a minute. But, you MUST be humble and understand you are not speaking from a place of perfection but a place of love, using the Word of God as a basis.

First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. - Matthew 7:6

"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." - Matthew 18:15-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Okay, so say this is an unbeliever who's asking questions or, alternatively, trying to argue with you. Not everyone who disagrees with you hates you. However, some DO hate our beliefs or seek to demean you in order to feel better about themselves.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ - John 15:18-25

No matter whether they're speaking out of hate and anger or simple curiosity and joy, remember that you should be prepared for this. I mean, you do know you'll be called out on your beliefs at some point, right? You do regularly study the Bible, right? (See, I'm calling you out in love, fellow Child!)

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. - 1 Peter 3:15-16

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone - Colossians 4:5-6

Remember, that although you're defending yourself, you have no need to defend God, who has no need for defense. The truth stands on its own. So, if someone is an unbeliever, you do not call them out on their behaviors and beliefs. I'm not talking about legal punishments or natural consequences here. I'm talking about calling them out. Let me repeat this.

DO NOT CORRECT AN UNBELIEVER'S BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS.

Why would you expect an unbeliever to act or think like a believer? They are awash in an ocean without an anchor. You're calling from your place on the Rock yelling at them to be still. That's folly. After they find the Rock, expect them to stand firm, not before. It's impossible. Not only that, but it's potentially harmful to them and YOU.

Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. - Matthew 7:6

Determine how:

When faced with questions or being opposed, simply answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. If you don't know, say so and offer to find out with them. Truth stands on its own. However, for those who simply want to demean or fight, you don't need to argue. Sometimes, it's good to stay silent and maybe even walk away.

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. - Proverbs 13:3

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; - Ecclesiastes 3:7

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. - Ephesians 4:29

Be kind (respectful), build others up, speak in love or not at all.

As a caveat, Jesus was sarcastic and caustic with some people (particularly the Pharisees) when He corrected them. That is to say, He was respectful with regular people, but He could definitely be searing when speaking of or to powerful oppressors.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:25-32

Did you know most communication is non-verbal? You can stand up for your beliefs, defend yourself, and correct others simply by walking the walk.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:19-27

Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. - Ephesians 5:8-14

Determine when:

There are situations when it doesn't matter who you're speaking with, who is listening in, or why they're confronting you. When you must defend others' rights, lift the downtrodden, and illuminate the darkness of corruption, you just do it.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. - Ephesians 5:11

Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. - Proverbs 31:9

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. - Proverbs 31:8

You should always remember to follow God's example. Jesus showed us how to face the world, correct others, lift the broken, and speak so others will hear all without being dragged down into the darkness of the world and its anger. Don't be afraid to speak up when necessary: when building up fellow believers, answering the curious minds of unbelievers, or lifting up the downtrodden and vulnerable. Don't be afraid to stay silent: when speaking would do more harm or would be in vain (arguing with the close-minded). Be bold with both your words and your silence. You're standing up and speaking up either way.

"...But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” - Acts 4:17-20

Searching for Cows & Kings

In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old... Amos 9:11

If you haven't heard, there's a big commotion in the religious community, especially among Jews. There's a statute in the Old Testament (Torah) that makes priests do a certain type of sacrifice in order to be clean enough to serve the temple.

Now the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, “This is the statute of the law that the Lord has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and on which a yoke has never come... But if he does not cleanse himself (with the ashes of the sacrificed heifer)on the third day and on the seventh day, he will not become clean. Whoever touches a dead person, the body of anyone who has died, and does not cleanse himself, defiles the tabernacle of the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from Israel; because the water for impurity was not thrown on him, he shall be unclean. His uncleanness is still on him. Numbers 19:1-13

So, this is a big deal to them because they're really wanting to build the "third temple" in order to fulfill the prophecy that when they do, Israel will finally be unified and safe from people usurping them from their sacred land (which they consider Jerusalem). They believe this will usher the coming of the King promised in the Torah.

Well, a red heifer has been born, and so far, it meets the specifications for many rabbis, despite it being born from a North American red angus embryo implanted into an Israeli domestic cow. Here's the reason I'm shaking my head about it, take that as you will.

Let's go back to the first temple.

After King David moved into his new house the Lord gave him some relief from all of his enemies around him. King David said to Nathan the prophet, “Look, I am living in a fancy house made of cedar wood, but God’s Holy Box is still kept in a tent!”

Nathan said to King David, “Do whatever you want to do. The Lord will be with you.”

But that night, the Lord’s word came to Nathan:

“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build a house for me to live in. I did not live in a house at the time I took the Israelites out of Egypt. No, I traveled around in a tent. I used the tent for my home. I never told any of the tribes of Israel to build me a fancy house made from cedar wood.’

“You must say this to my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: I chose you while you were out in the pasture following the sheep. I took you from that job and made you the leader of my people, the Israelites. I have been with you every place you went. I have defeated your enemies for you. I will make you one of the most famous people on earth. And I chose a place for my people, the Israelites. I planted the Israelites. I gave them their own place to live so that they will not have to move from place to place anymore. In the past, I sent judges to lead my people, but evil people gave them many troubles. That will not happen now. I am giving you peace from all of your enemies. I promise that I will make your family a family of kings.

“‘When your life is finished, you will die and be buried with your ancestors. But then I will make one of your own children become the king. He will build a house for my name, and I will make his kingdom strong forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he sins, I will use other people to punish him. They will be my whips. But I will never stop loving him. I will continue to be loyal to him. I took away my love and kindness from Saul. I pushed Saul away when I turned to you. Your family of kings will continue—you can depend on that! For you, your kingdom will continue forever! Your throne will stand forever!’”

Nathan told David about that vision. He told David everything God had said. 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Notice, it wasn't really God's personal plan to have a temple at all. This was David's idea because he was uncomfortable with the idea that God's "home" was a tent while he lived in a grand place.

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 1 Samuel 8:4-9

It wasn't really God's personal plan to have a king over Israel. God being God, He allows people to deal with the natural consequences of their actions. They wanted a temple, and God saw that it was out of the goodness of David's heart, so He gave them a temple. They wanted a king, which God saw as NOT out of the goodness of their heart, but He gave them a king. He turns all things to good in the end.

However, we aren't progressing further into a future that looks more like man's vision of a holy kingdom. We're progressing further into a future that looks more like God's vision of a holy kingdom. That doesn't include a human king or a physical temple. But, you may be asking, what about the temple even Jesus talks about building? What about Ezekiel's vision of a temple? What about the other many times the Bible mentions a future temple?

Concerning Ezekiel, who existed and prophesied before the age of Jesus, there is much speculation. He lived after the first temple was destroyed, and described in detail a grand temple prophesied to be the second temple. One thing to notice is the context and timeframe he's speaking in. Also, there's such a thing as a conditional prophecy. If this, then that. If not, then that won't occur.

Son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the temple” Ezek. 43:10–11

Very few Jews turned back from Babylon and returned to rebuild the second temple after the first was destroyed. Therefore, the temple built was not to Ezekiel's scale. Whether Ezekiel's temple vision is conditional or not, there's one thing for certain, especially if you believe in Jesus' salvation through blood.

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:19-22

Jesus was talking about returning God's vision of His kingdom. No one understood at the time what He was actually going on about. The Jews at the time thought they were still waiting on Israeli royalty to show up and raise Israel to glory. They are still waiting for Israeli royalty to show up and raise Israel to glory. That's why they're so excited about the third temple.

Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, "FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY'S COLT." These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. John 12:14-16

Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"

Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?"

Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?"

Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."

Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?"

Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:33-37

What is God saying in all this? He's saying that He is the temple and the King. You don't need stones and human rulers wearing crowns. Those are shadows of the real kingdom of God.

What is the purpose of a temple? It once was considered the "home" of God, a place to perform sacrifices and worship. First of all, we don't do sacrifices anymore because Jesus finished sacrifices with His death on the cross. If you believe we still need sacrifices for our uncleanness or sin, then you don't believe that Jesus' death meant anything.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’ ”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, Hebrews 10:4-12

If you believe we need one man-made building for worship, I got news for you. In the time of David, the Jewish population was about 600,000. In the time of Jesus, depending on the source, swelled to about 3 million; out of them only about 1 million were able to trek to Jerusalem for various feasts and holy days. Now, if look at populations today, well that figure is about 10 million for Jews alone. Now, we mix Christians into it, which number about 2.3 billion, and we're looking at an impossible place for central worship. Unsurprisingly, Jesus said something about that.

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:19-26

What is this Spirit?

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever. That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it doesn’t see or know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you all alone. I will come back to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. You will live because I live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me and that I am in you. Whoever knows and obeys my commandments is the person who loves me. Those who love me will have my Father’s love, and I, too, will love them and show myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Jesus, “Lord, what has happened that you are going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will go to them and make our home with them. A person who doesn’t love me doesn’t do what I say. I don’t make up what you hear me say. What I say comes from the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I’m still with you. However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything. He will remind you of everything that I have ever told you. John 14:16-26

So, if we seek a temple, you see it looking in the mirror. Just as God's Spirit stayed in the tabernacle long, long ago, He sits within us now.

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:17

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19

God doesn't need a temple made by human hands. He made a temple for us.

You are the "third temple," as the body of Christ. You were raised, booth of David, and you have been repaired. You are clean and forgiven. You have the Holy Spirit within you. Go and do your work in love.




Sources other than Bible:
https://www.thepathoftruth.com/teachings/third-temple-physical-spiritual.htm
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/113476/temple-institute-certifies-red-heifer/
http://www.equip.org/article/making-sense-ezekiels-temple-vision/
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/05/christians-remain-worlds-largest-religious-group-but-they-are-declining-in-europe/

Kingdom of the World

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." Matthew 6:24

We all end up making something our master, whether it's our family, career dreams, bill collectors, or really anything. Anything can end up being your guide for living in this world, and you follow what it asks from you every day. We've all allowed the world to be our master at some point in time. If we serve the world, we don't serve God.

If you ever wonder what or who actually qualifies as "the world" to God, well the Bible actually answers that.

"Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” John 18:36

Basically, "the world" is anything or anyone which is not of the kingdom of God. It is of the kingdom of the world. The children of God are citizens of the kingdom of God, which existed yesterday, today, and forever. It's never disappeared, even if humanity hasn't always been a part of it (since we were kicked from Eden). God's kingdom is like Him, immortal. The kingdom of the world is continually dying, eventually fading away to non-existence.

"A voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass." Isaiah 40:6-7

We do live in this kingdom that is "the world," but we do not belong to it. We are made to be immortal as we are in God's image. However, God gives us freewill to choose the path we wish to walk down, whether that is of death or life.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17

"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 12:2

The kingdom of this world is led by none other than Satan. This is what I've found.

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

When judgment day comes, who is called the "ruler of this world?"

"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out." John 12:31

I've used this verse in another post, but it's relevant here.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me." John 15:18-21

If the world murdered Jesus, it will treat you no better. You will encounter resistance, argument, anger, and possibly even ostracism. That's while living in a country based on freedom of religion. It's then, you will know you have faced "the world."

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

However, you have no reason to fear the world or the people who belong to it. They will all be in yesterday soon enough. Fear makes us a servant of the world. Our true master, Yahweh, is loving and immortal, a rock that stands in the midst of a vast, tumultuous ocean.

Steward of the Kingdom of God

You've probably heard the parable of the talents.

If not, Matthew 25:14-30 tells a story of a traveling master and his servants who remain in his home. They are expected to be stewards of his household while he's absent, and he gives one servant five talents (a type of currency), one servant two talents, and one servant a single talent. When the master returns, he asks about his money. The one with five talents invested and ended up with ten talents. The one with two talents did the same and ended up with four talents. However, the servant with one talent was afraid that he would lose the only money his master gave him, and he buried it so no one could steal it. The master was overjoyed with the first two, giving them even more ("Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’"). Yet he was angered with the last for "playing it safe" and not investing his money.

Honestly, this was always a very confusing parable to me until a friend of mine described one interpretation. The word "talent" in Greek means a measurement, which could be used to weigh a sum of precious metal. Basically, a talent was a certain amount of money. The parable in Matthew is the origin of the use of the word "talent" to mean "gift or skill."

I have a passion (and hopefully skill) for writing. I have a vivid memory of sitting on the front porch as a child, making up stories with pictures and creating a book. I stapled printer paper with sloppy drawings and declared it a success. At about eleven, I wrote family newspapers, with the very first created on an old typewriter. At about twelve or thirteen, I received my very own computer. That was when poems and short stories started pouring from my fingertips.

God gives us all gifts and talents to steward in His name. This world and our lives (the master's home) are not ours but His, and our talents are not our own but His given to us for a time. What does it mean to steward? One definition would be:

"One employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns (as the supervision of servants, collection of rents, and keeping of accounts), a fiscal agent, one who actively directs affairs" (Merriam-Webster).

In another words, this parable points toward the responsibility we have all been given to steward God's things. What are God's things? That would be everything: time, talents, energy, emotion, material objects (including literal money), and anything else you can imagine. Although we can not see God in the flesh (at least that we are aware of), this is still His world and you merely live in it. So, what does he expect us to do with His things?

Invest it. When you invest in your talents and utilize them for God, He will make it "reap where you don't sow", doubling, tripling the effect of your efforts in the world and in your life (like multiplying the fishes and loaves). You utilize the gifts and talents He gives when you:

1) Give credit for their presence to God. Praise and gratefulness will bring not only a healthier, happier attitude, but will bring joy into others' lives, spreading the blessings of God beyond you. It keeps your eyes pointing to the One responsible for it all.

2) Grow in your skills, but understand you don't need to be perfect to invest. The third servant only had one skill given to him. Don't become lazy, static, or fearful. Be always moving, sometimes stretching to the point of discomfort. Ask for God to guide you. As they say, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." You may not be the best but all the better so that your successes will give God the glory, which folds into the next on the list.

3) Use your gifts and talents for God's glory. This can mean many things. If you are good at cooking, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen or bring hot meals to the infirm or elderly. You could also serve homey dinners to your family and bring chicken soup to your friend when they're ill. If you are good at compassion, talking, telling jokes, you could be a volunteer at the local hospital, visit nursing homes and hospitals where there are many lonely or in need of entertainment. You could also visit your own grandparents or babysit a child to allow your friend a date night with her husband. If you are good at singing, you could sing Godly songs to the world, whether that's on stage or in your child's ear as a lulluby. Basically, whatever you do, let it point to God and his ways of light (truth) and love (compassion and charity).

4) Let them be part of your discipleship. This actually spins off of the last suggestion. When you use your gifts and talents for His glory, you also bring people into a better knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. It spreads His good news of being our savior, and it points to hope in a broken world.

Let me be clear, your skills and talents may exist outside of your paid work. Other times, they're part of your 9-5. Your talents may exist in your kindness with those going through a tough time, patience with angry customers, and lifting spirits of grieving hearts. Your gifts may include children, spouse, parents, friends, and you are expected to lead, guide toward the truth, love them unconditionally, and raise (children) to be good stewards and disciples themselves.

There's a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Do Everything," which I believe encapsulates this idea. Whether you're "picking up toys on the living room floor for the fifteenth time today," "you may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers," but it all matters equally in the eyes of God. Do not waste this moment by burying your talent in fear of rejection or using up all of God's gifts for only your own personal gain.

I've felt from a young age that writing is my calling. For this reason, I have started this very blog to use my joy in writing to spread my love of God. What is your talent, and what gifts could you invest today?

Every moment is a gift. Whether sweeping up the school halls or running for president, may you forever remember that God gave you this moment to be a steward of His mansion, and He gave you the talents to invest in spreading the Kingdom of God to the world.