Bibledoorajar: Looking Up

    The Pharoah who had the audacity to say "I know not the Lord" is the epitome of  human desire to be independent from God and forgetting that we exist at His pleasure. This particular Pharoah was referenced as an Assyrian by Stephen in his sermon recorded in Acts. Some scholars state that he was executing a police state in Egypt.  But, be that as it may, Stephen said "it was he who took shrewd advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive." Thus we have two comparative statements about this evil act in the Bible ( Exodus and Acts)  witnessing the reality of evil opposition to God's people and our need to confront it (out of the mouth of two or three witnesses...2 Cor. 13:1).

Yesterday, I was surprised when the Bible class lesson learning goal was: "We are doing this training to equip ourselves with motivation to accomplish and overcome OPPOSITIONAL difficulties so we can fully serve God." The learning objectives were that at the end of the session participants would possess skills to PURGE harmful and OPPRESSIVE difficulties and would once again be eager in their service to God and the church. We were to see ourselves as part of history still fighting opposition!

God  had allowed the children of Jacob to grow exponentially and the Pharaoh began to give reasons why they should be dealt a harsher life. He claimed they were getting too mighty--a formidable body who needed to be kept under control or they would become dangerous to the government. Thus began a long history of leaders coming up with some pretense as to why the Jews were not fit to be trusted or to fit in with current thought.

It is a story for all Christians to note being that it is a great description of how the bondage of sin can entangle us accusing us of "just not fitting in". The writer of Hebrews put it this way:

" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."  Heb. 12:1

Like Israel, we are to look to the "clouds" being dependent on the Strength thereof and to resist being as Egypt who looked at their "world" for strength and independence from the true Source of strength.. The "clouds" are full of mercy and help. Why not take a closer look this week as to how the joy of the Lord can be your strength? There He is--right by the Father. See Him?

Bibledoorajar: Differences

We have come to Exodus One and now we see differences between those dwelling in Goshen and the new leadership in the remainder of Egypt. The biggest difference was that the new leader of Egypt had either come from a far part of Egypt where Joseph's deeds were minimally known by his time or he chose to not recognize them because Goshen had swelled in such number. Egypt was a people bereft of God under the new leadership and were different from the Egypt that spoke of God while Joseph lived. The new nation of Israel had swelled to probably two million and lived in Goshen which stood between Egypt and their enemies of Canaan. And the nation of Israel was different from Egypt in that they were shepherds and lived life in a different manner.  Finally, we must acknowledge that this great nation of Israel was about to reap the consequences of what their fathers had sown when they tried to kill Joseph and sent him into bondage. We like to forget that the Bible says the sins of the fathers are visited up to the fourth generation, but...there we go forgetting important differences. Opposition from Egypt is now in the front. How different are these two groups going to be? The new Pharoah does not want to lose the value of the Jews but he sure wants to control them and use them for his good. The Jews just want to live in Goshen and tend their sheep.

Differences have been noted about Jews since they participated in the killing of their Messiah too. Their gifts and abilities are valued but rarely has the world assimilated their differences. Opposition to them has often led to bondage. Even this past week we heard the Prime Minister of Israel encouraging Jews that are being opposed by the world to flee to Israel but many do not want to go because they have become so accustomed to living where they are. Before you say, 'that's just stupid' remember that we often do not flee as a bird to the mountain of God either. We prefer to stay in the place of opposition and be bandied about. Wierd.

In the book of Mark we see Jesus moving quickly (forthwith, straightaway, etc), to give those who would believe a place of safety from the different world that opposed them. But not all accepted. Sad.
Today consider reading Psalm 11:1.

Bibledoorajar: Identity and Threat

"The collar was clearly a sticking point with the professor, who stood before him in the cliche cardigan with elbow patches....'.unless, of course, you're using the bookstore as your pulpit. A clever notion, but I am not charmed.'
'This is who I am. There's nothing to be done about it--I belong to God.'
'While, I, sir, am my own.'
'George McDonald called that notion the guiding principle of hell."
    
Father Tim and Professor McCurdy: a conversation in Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good.

Not only had Joseph died, but all of his eleven brothers had gone on. But God had surely kept his promise of being with their descendants. They greatly multiplied and prospered in Egypt. Their numbers swelled until they were in a position to be a possible threat. When the past was past, a new Pharoah came into power who had no awareness of the nature of the contributions made by the foreign group. He became concerned that they could band with another enemy and overthrow Egypt. He would have to find a solution to this situation in order to feel in control.

Today, all over the world, Christians are multiplying and being blessed by the Father. As always, it seems we are becoming a threat. Like Father Tim, we are being asked to shove our identity away and let the "ones who are their own" feel comfortable. How can we possibly give in to what McDonald called a guiding principle of hell?"

       "Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide.
        In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side."
                                                               James R. Lovell

Bibledoorajar: Someone Who Is Unafraid

Jacob has gone but the family continued to prosper under the leadership of Joseph. But now Joseph who has lived to see his great-grandchildren is also about to die. How strong was the mouth to mouth message of God's remembrance that was being passed down from Abraham to Isaac and to Jacob and his children? Joseph found it necessary to repeat the message once again: God will remember you; bank on this. He said this was the reason that they did not need to fear come what may: "God will remember you". Keep faith. And to insure that someone would be going into the Promised Land that never doubted, Joseph exacted a covenant from them to carry his bones with them as they went. With every step, carry my coffin. Someone (Joseph)  would go into the land unafraid. Keep carrying my coffin. I am not afraid nor will I ever discount that God will remember. And so they did. And when they feared (which they surely did) faith filled bones went into the Land with them.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, a thief asked that He remember him when He came into His kingdom. Someone who was unafraid was carrying the covenant promise into the heavens and the thief knew it. How marvelous it is to know that no matter how weak we are, no matter how much we fear death, a totally unafraid faith-filled Son has gone before us. No matter how we are consumed by the particulars of death and the grave, Jesus wants us, most of all, to take the time today to remember that Someone who was unafraid is remembering us and going with us when the time comes. Whatever else we may be required to do in life, this is our first calling: God has and always will remember His own. Keep carrying the Cross. Hallelujah.

Great is Thy faithfulness,
Oh God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning in Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever will be.
                      Thomas O. Chisholm

Bibledoorajar: The Disposition to Forgive

Jacob's sons did all he commanded of them and then they returned to Egypt.  Somehow their disposition changed as they reentered the land. Hopelessness became their great enemy. Instead of continuing to believe the truth spoken earlier by Joseph they fell again for a lie. They began to wonder if Joseph would treat them kindly now that their father was gone. Without Jacob's presence it would be easy for Joseph to exact measure for measure for the torment which they had caused in his life. So they sent an emissary to Joseph to ascertain if he still felt warmly toward them sinners though they were. Joseph responded with tears. Not how could you do this to me tears, but tears that revealed his deep abiding love and commitment to God. He was not God that he could render them harm; he was a believer that everything that had happened to him at their hands was for a greater good and their relationship must always be viewed in that light. It was a light that reflected deep abiding compassion for them even though they did not find God in the moment. So, when the messengers  brought back the report that Joseph had received the message well, and had wept when he heard it, they felt empowered to go in person and they fell down on their faces. The dreams God had given Joseph were fulfilled once again:  their sheaves would fall down before his sheaves--in falling down before Joseph they agreed to obey him. We pay attention to the level of compassion that drew such a godly result.

Sometimes hopelessness and grief can overtake us and become a great enemy. When Jesus made it to Mary and Martha at Lazarus's death, He found two tormented ladies and He responded with tears. These were tears of love for the two but also tears that they had lost sight of the fact that God's will was paramount and that God meant Lazarus's death for good. He then proceeded to demonstrate hope in God's ever present ability to resurrect. In obedience like Mary and Martha and Lazarus, we bow to Him, this One who brought the compassion of the Father to us. He who, even on the cruel cross, shared tears that revealed that God meant to make good out of a very terrible thing. And so can we pay even more attention today and perhaps fall on our faces in obedience?

Bibledoorajar: Going Home

Jacob, having completed his forecast for his sons, closed his eyes and died. When he had blessed Joseph's children earlier he had started the blessings this way:

"May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked—
the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this very day,
the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm...." (Gen. 48).

And in death, he asked Joseph to return his body for burial to the land of Canaan that was promised to his grandfather. Jacob believed this truth, that Canaan was home. He valued the God who had shepherded him all his life and kept him from harm.  Even in Egypt he was a great encourager/patriarch and his goodness was recognized by many of the Egyptians. Their honor of him was fueled by his great testimonies of God's goodness/plan for his life, a story he shared from the Pharoah down to any Egyptian who would listen.
There is something very wonderful about valuing God in our lives and taking this kind of stance among those with whom we interact. It says that we are first worshipers of the Lord and that we value His kingdom principles highly. And so when we leave this world going home we leave behind a community that will share the testimony of Whom we honored the most. When Joseph and his brothers left Egypt to carry their father's body back to Canaan they were accompanied by many Egyptians. When the Canaanites saw them come into the land it was clear to them that many of the people looked like Egyptians and clearly they were honoring someone with their mourning. They did not know that Jacob had strengthened and encouraged his sons and even the Egyptians calling out the best in them, but they did see a seven day period of honoring him which spoke volumes.

Jacob's work on earth was completed and he left to pursue honored other worldly relationships. He believed the Truth and he was going home. What truth will your going home speak?

Bibledoorajar: Last But Certainly Not Least

     After speaking so loftily to Joseph, Jacob turns to his youngest, Benjamin, the son of his right hand. He says:

        "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the evening he divides the spoils"(Gen. 49:27).

People who know wolf behavior will tell you that they seek their prey and divide the spoils in the evening making sure that their pups eat. Jacob was saying that the tribe of Benjamin would perform that function for God's people. Against powerful enemies, this tribe would provide safety and nourishment for Israel. They were not predatory, but were powerful to be reckoned with if right was provoked. Then, the mighty warriors would rise up to "make things right". Israel chose their first king, Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. He valiantly led triumphant victories over three major enemies usually seeking God's guidance for truth to be found in his powerful attacks. It was only when he did not pursue God's truth in power that he ran into trouble. While in captivity Benjamin elected to stay with Judah in the south. The south and its' protection had always been the goal of Benjamin for there was Jerusalem and the Temple. Two noted Benjamites, Esther and Mordecai, defeated the enemy handily while in captivity and divided the spoils with their fellows (Judah). Later, it was the tribes of Benjamin (who had rejected a chance to join the northern tribes) and Judah who returned to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem.
     In the New Testament, the predatory aspect of wolves is noted by Jesus as a danger to the sheep.
Sheep who could become prey to these wolves would have to be carefully cared for by the leaders of the church. There was perhaps no greater ravenous wolf than the Benjamite Saul whom Jesus asked "why are you persecuting me?" In protection mode, Saul had greatly misunderstood the prey. But God made right Saul and placed his power under control of the Truth. Changing his name to Paul, Christ's Spirit led him to write 14 great epistles that still impact the world. Paul was really beside himself when he went to the northern tribes and preached Jesus as Lord. So few wanted to accept the Great Truth he presented. But Paul wrote that his epistles would in part have an impact on them in the future when he said "all Israel will be saved" (See Romans 11) along with all of the Gentiles who accepted The Truth.
 In the end we are assured that the lambs and the wolves will lie down together because the Mighty One of Judah will return and every iota of the Benjamite Paul's writings, will be fulfilled along with the rest of the Word. Thank God for power under the control of Truth and for Praise(Judah) for through this we live in the Kingdom of Peace.