8/28/10 Ki Tavo (When you enter in) D’varim (Deuteronomy) 26:1-29:9 (emphasis 26:1-10; 28:1-2, 13,15,62,64; 29:9;
Isaiah 50:1-28; Hebrews 11:32-40
compiled by Val Waters, sopher (scribe)
Midrash: Seth Budai
Psalm 119:137-144 Shabbat is our resting time to hide in Him, while He strengthens us (D’varim 8:3)
Psalm 121:3,4 We have a BIG God who doesn’t slumber or sleep, so we have no excuses (to give Him our all) because He gives us strength!
Teaching: Rabbi Ken Alpren
D’varim 26 is about the ceremony of First Fruits, or Bikkurim, which is covered in Mishnah Bikkurim 1:3.
Jewish farmers would tie a reed around the earliest ripening fruits from each of seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates). and at harvest time those specific plants were brought in baskets and put on oxen and led in a procession of dancing and singing to Jerusalem to be presented to the Cohanim (priests) at the Temple. The ceremony included the reading aloud of D’varim 26:1-10.
D’varim 28 is about Israel being given the choice to obey God in the promised land and thus receive His blessing, (v2 “…and all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…” v13 “and the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail and you only shall be above and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen…”) but if they would choose to disobey God, the curse was also spelled out clearly v62 “then you shall be left few in number whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude” v64 “…the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth…”).
Rabbi Ken reminded the congregation that if we honor God with our first and our best as in Proverbs 3:9 our harvest will overflow our barns; and if we give Him the whole (complete) tithe, in Malachi 4: 10, He will open for us the doors of heaven and pour out blessings that overflow!
Often we hear that the Old Covenant just says we have to love God, while the New Covenant says we love God because we want to; this implies that grace wasn’t active until after Yeshua redeemed us. Rabbi Ken pointed out that the Decalogue (Sh’mot 20) begins with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” the LORD is saying, I redeemed you…with the implication being that the Hebrews belonged to God, that He already proved his love to His people, and asked for their obedience in return. Grace started with God in the Old Covenant also!
We are considered His holy ones, saints, kiddushim because of of what God has already done through the blood of Yeshua! He has set us apart, wants us as pure fruit, purges out the old leaven (1 Cor 5); we are already ‘matza’ or cleansed of sin!
Positional Truth Experiential Truth
our standing our state
our union our communion
our position our experience
Eph. 1;3, Heb 7:9,10 Col 3:1,2 1 Jn 2:28 Jn 15:5,7,9, Gal 1:6, 2:4, 3:1-5
John 3:31, 8:23 Gal 5;1 Heb 2:1, 2 Pet 1:19
Watchman Nee’s book, Sit, Walk Stand summarizes the book of Ephesians and who we are: with Messiah we are dead, buried, risen and ascended and now sit with Him; we walk in His calling, in health; and we stand firm, not yielding to the adversary.
a brief summary of the three tithes required when living in the land of Israel:
crops 10% to Levites, who in turn tithe to Cohanim (priests)
main tithe, 2% to priests
1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th years, a second tithe, of which 9& eaten by owner (in Jerusalem)
3rd and 6th year, poor man’s tithe, they eat it at home
1 Tim 5:17, 1 Cor 6:17 : also tithing before Torah, Abraham to Melchizedek (Gen. 14).
Abel brought 1st fruits, Cain gave left-overs: we can miss God’s blessing by stingy giving, not freely given
We can bring ourselves as first fruits also…by prioritizing our time spent in His Word! search in it, meditate upon it, read speak it aloud; speak it out loudly! We are told to not neglect hi sword, As a new believer, Rabbi Ken was challenged to spend more time in the word and told that he would get better grades without more time spent in homework, just in the Word….and it worked! We are told to meditate day and night on His Word! 1 Pet 2:2, Psalm 119:11, Ps 1. 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5,000! God’s power is a mystery to natural man, Don’t skip worship services and expect the blessings: have company? bring them along as a testimony to your faith! Most people try giving on in crises, the LORD asks for your first fruits, not your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th best.
1 Thes 5:17, Luke 18:1 There is no formula that man can copy, the LORD’s blessings and growth and healing are supernatural!
In D’varim 28,29 Three prophecies of Israel’s dispossession are already fulfilled. Two prophecies of Israel’s restoration are already fulfilled, while the 3rd is in the process of being fulfilled. The LORD is drawing, wooing His chosen people back to Israel. Jer 16:14-16 speaks of the LORD sending fishers and hunters to help gather them, and they have also experienced the persecution.
Archaelogists have uncovered a rock engraved with the sh’ma in Hebrew, and a drawing of a mezuzah!
Blessing…D’varim 28:13 “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,”
listen = sh’ma; keep =shamar; do = asah
l’malah = above (ascend, progress; below = l’mattah below, pervert, distort
It’s the LORD’s faith that empowers us. Dan 10 “I am strengthened as You speak” Heb 3:7, Jn 10:3, 10:27; Eph 4:21,
Mk 7:16, Jer 3:22, Ps 24:2, James 1:19, Ecc 5:2
Martyrs had enough FAITH to die! Let their lives be a lesson to us to NOT judge by other peoples circumstances; even Yeshua had no place to lay his head. 1 Cor 4 speaks of his having no dwelling place. The LORD will provide, He will never leave us or forsake us, Ps 19:34 says ‘we will “never see the righteous forsaken”.
D’varim 23:5
the LORD can turn curses int blessings! When we finally wake up spiritually and begin to put the LORD first, then everything will turn around! Neh 13:2, Phil 3:12-14
LORD, we believe Your blessing will overtake us if we “go” after You! Because YOU love us!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Has G-d Divorced Israel?
taken from sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
August 21, 2010
D’varim Deuteronomy 24:1-4
"Suppose a man marries a woman and consummates the marriage but later finds her displeasing, because he has found her offensive in some respect. He writes her a divorce document, gives it to her and sends her away from his house. 2 She leaves his house, goes and becomes another man's wife; 3 but the second husband dislikes her and writes her a get, gives it to her and sends her away from his house; or the second husband whom she married dies. 4 In such a case her first husband, who sent her away, may not take her again as his wife, because she is now defiled. It would be detestable to ADONAI, and you are not to bring about sin in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance.”
G-d’s purpose in marriage was defined with the original marriage of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2:18, “ADONAI, G-d, said, "It isn't good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him." and Genesis 2:24, “This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.”
It is G-d’s divine plan for us to have a companion and to procreate.
These principles can be applied to His marriage to Israel and to His Bride through Messiah. We are to know Him intimately as first mentioned in Genesis 4:1 “The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [acquisition] and said, "I have acquired a man from ADONAI." The Hebrew word used in this passage is ‘yada’ which means to know Him. This principle is also revealed in 1Corinthians 6:15-17, “Don't you know that your bodies are parts of the Messiah? So, am I to take parts of the Messiah and make them parts of a prostitute? Heaven forbid! 16 Don't you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, "The two will become one flesh"; 17 but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” In this way, we are part of Him and He is part of us.
Secondly, we are to procreate. That is, bring others to know Him. See Proverbs 11:30 and Daniel 12:3. G-d wants us to participate with Him to draw others to Himself which mirrors procreation.
We see in Deuteronomy 24:1, that a wife who displeases her husband is issued a get, or Bill of Divorcement. There is controversy at to the grounds for divorce allowed by Scripture. When is it permissible? We know that G-d hates divorce; it is not what He intended. But there are times when it is permitted due to human circumstances. Messiah answered this directly as recorded in Matthew 19:3-9, “Some P'rushim came and tried to trap him by asking, "Is it permitted for a man to divorce his wife on any ground whatever?" 4 He replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, 5 and that he said, `For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two are to become one flesh'? 6 Thus they are no longer two, but one. So then, no one should split apart what God has joined together." 7 They said to him, "Then why did Moshe give the commandment that a man should hand his wife a get and divorce her?" 8 He answered, "Moshe allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts are so hardened. But this is not how it was at the beginning. 9 Now what I say to you is that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery!" Additionally, Scripture cites abandonment in 1Corinthians 7:15. And although not specifically cited in Scripture, abuse, especially when one’s life is in danger, would be obvious grounds for divorce.
It is also obvious from Scripture that divorce is not an option due to incompatibility or if one is attracted to someone else.
Since there are cases when G-d permits divorce, we should be cautiously aware of self-righteousness and choose grace rather than judgement. In the same way, we should be cautious not to advocate it either, but to always encourage reconciliation.
Hosea waited years before Gomer, his wife was restored to him. See Hosea 2:19-20. G-d loves the divorcee. So should we.
Has G-d divorced Israel or has He remarried her?
Clearly, Deuteronomy 24 does not advocate divorce followed by remarriage. So, either G-d has divorced Israel or He never did. We believe Scripture makes it clear that G-d never divorced Israel. He has never left her nor will He ever leave us. See Isaiah 50:1ADONAI says: "Where is your mother's divorce document which I gave her when I divorced her? Or: to which of my creditors did I sell you? You were sold because of your sins; because of your crimes was your mother divorced.” It is understood in this passage that by the L-rd asking the question, He is saying that a divorce document would not be found because He hasn’t divorced Israel. And Jeremiah 3:8, “I saw that even though backsliding Isra'el had committed adultery, so that I had sent her away and given her a divorce document, unfaithful Y'hudah her sister was not moved to fear - instead she too went and prostituted herself.” These passages indicate a temporary divorce; what we would refer to today as a separation.
G-d’s heart was broken for Israel; and He hasn’t given up on her. His heart is for her return. Jeremiah 3:14, "Return, backsliding children," says ADONAI; "for I am your master. I will take you, one from a city, two from a family, and bring you to Tziyon.”
Experientially, the relationship is as if it were dead, but G-d is wooing her back to Him. We believe this is indicative of where Israel and G-d are now. See Hosea 2:14-20. He is wooing her back because He is betrothed to her forever.
Hosea 2:20, “I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in grace and in compassion; 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you will know ADONAI.”
We see clearly that G-d is married to Israel, has pleaded with her not to go away but she does. He disciplines her through a temporary divorce and is wooing her back and will rededicate the marriage with her.
His judgement is not final but He judges in order to bring a restoration of the covenant relationship. He deals with the Bride of Messiah likewise. We are joined with Him in Messiah, we are disciplined because we are sons and daughters and because we are His, He woos us back and the fruit of the discipline is righteousness. See Hebrews 12:6-11, Proverbs 12:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Further Reading: Romans 8:35, 38-39, Romans 11:1-2, 5
Summary by: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
August 21, 2010
D’varim Deuteronomy 24:1-4
"Suppose a man marries a woman and consummates the marriage but later finds her displeasing, because he has found her offensive in some respect. He writes her a divorce document, gives it to her and sends her away from his house. 2 She leaves his house, goes and becomes another man's wife; 3 but the second husband dislikes her and writes her a get, gives it to her and sends her away from his house; or the second husband whom she married dies. 4 In such a case her first husband, who sent her away, may not take her again as his wife, because she is now defiled. It would be detestable to ADONAI, and you are not to bring about sin in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance.”
G-d’s purpose in marriage was defined with the original marriage of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2:18, “ADONAI, G-d, said, "It isn't good that the person should be alone. I will make for him a companion suitable for helping him." and Genesis 2:24, “This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.”
It is G-d’s divine plan for us to have a companion and to procreate.
These principles can be applied to His marriage to Israel and to His Bride through Messiah. We are to know Him intimately as first mentioned in Genesis 4:1 “The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [acquisition] and said, "I have acquired a man from ADONAI." The Hebrew word used in this passage is ‘yada’ which means to know Him. This principle is also revealed in 1Corinthians 6:15-17, “Don't you know that your bodies are parts of the Messiah? So, am I to take parts of the Messiah and make them parts of a prostitute? Heaven forbid! 16 Don't you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, "The two will become one flesh"; 17 but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” In this way, we are part of Him and He is part of us.
Secondly, we are to procreate. That is, bring others to know Him. See Proverbs 11:30 and Daniel 12:3. G-d wants us to participate with Him to draw others to Himself which mirrors procreation.
We see in Deuteronomy 24:1, that a wife who displeases her husband is issued a get, or Bill of Divorcement. There is controversy at to the grounds for divorce allowed by Scripture. When is it permissible? We know that G-d hates divorce; it is not what He intended. But there are times when it is permitted due to human circumstances. Messiah answered this directly as recorded in Matthew 19:3-9, “Some P'rushim came and tried to trap him by asking, "Is it permitted for a man to divorce his wife on any ground whatever?" 4 He replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, 5 and that he said, `For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two are to become one flesh'? 6 Thus they are no longer two, but one. So then, no one should split apart what God has joined together." 7 They said to him, "Then why did Moshe give the commandment that a man should hand his wife a get and divorce her?" 8 He answered, "Moshe allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts are so hardened. But this is not how it was at the beginning. 9 Now what I say to you is that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery!" Additionally, Scripture cites abandonment in 1Corinthians 7:15. And although not specifically cited in Scripture, abuse, especially when one’s life is in danger, would be obvious grounds for divorce.
It is also obvious from Scripture that divorce is not an option due to incompatibility or if one is attracted to someone else.
Since there are cases when G-d permits divorce, we should be cautiously aware of self-righteousness and choose grace rather than judgement. In the same way, we should be cautious not to advocate it either, but to always encourage reconciliation.
Hosea waited years before Gomer, his wife was restored to him. See Hosea 2:19-20. G-d loves the divorcee. So should we.
Has G-d divorced Israel or has He remarried her?
Clearly, Deuteronomy 24 does not advocate divorce followed by remarriage. So, either G-d has divorced Israel or He never did. We believe Scripture makes it clear that G-d never divorced Israel. He has never left her nor will He ever leave us. See Isaiah 50:1ADONAI says: "Where is your mother's divorce document which I gave her when I divorced her? Or: to which of my creditors did I sell you? You were sold because of your sins; because of your crimes was your mother divorced.” It is understood in this passage that by the L-rd asking the question, He is saying that a divorce document would not be found because He hasn’t divorced Israel. And Jeremiah 3:8, “I saw that even though backsliding Isra'el had committed adultery, so that I had sent her away and given her a divorce document, unfaithful Y'hudah her sister was not moved to fear - instead she too went and prostituted herself.” These passages indicate a temporary divorce; what we would refer to today as a separation.
G-d’s heart was broken for Israel; and He hasn’t given up on her. His heart is for her return. Jeremiah 3:14, "Return, backsliding children," says ADONAI; "for I am your master. I will take you, one from a city, two from a family, and bring you to Tziyon.”
Experientially, the relationship is as if it were dead, but G-d is wooing her back to Him. We believe this is indicative of where Israel and G-d are now. See Hosea 2:14-20. He is wooing her back because He is betrothed to her forever.
Hosea 2:20, “I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in grace and in compassion; 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you will know ADONAI.”
We see clearly that G-d is married to Israel, has pleaded with her not to go away but she does. He disciplines her through a temporary divorce and is wooing her back and will rededicate the marriage with her.
His judgement is not final but He judges in order to bring a restoration of the covenant relationship. He deals with the Bride of Messiah likewise. We are joined with Him in Messiah, we are disciplined because we are sons and daughters and because we are His, He woos us back and the fruit of the discipline is righteousness. See Hebrews 12:6-11, Proverbs 12:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Further Reading: Romans 8:35, 38-39, Romans 11:1-2, 5
Monday, August 16, 2010
CALLED OR COMPELLED? G-D IS NOT DESPERATE
D’varim 20:1-9; Read T’hillim (Psalm) 3
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the L-RD your God is with you . . . As you draw near to the battle, the kohen shall approach and speak to the soldiers, and say . . . ‘Hear O Israel . . . do not let your hearts faint, do not fear, and do not tremble, nor be terrified . . . for the L-RD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you . . . to deliver you. . . . Who has built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go and return . . . Who has planted a vineyard? . . . go and return . . . Who has become engaged . . . go and return . . .Who is fearful and fainthearted? . . . go and return.’”
It would seem that in going up against a formidable enemy, one would be eager to recruit the largest number of soldiers possible. Not so with G-d. G-d is not desperate. He is neither desperate for quantity of people, nor for resources. He is content to allow seemingly “needed” people to go home instead of remaining to fight. This would not appear the case with some Ministry organizations, where desperate, guilt-inducing appeals are used to recruit resources of people and finances. Indeed we would learn this principle: urgency is not necessarily spirituality. It can be, but it also often is not. Hasty decisions fostered out of fear or guilt -- prompted through pressure from frantic persons - are usually followed by regret. “He that believes shall not make haste” - Is. 28:16.
God knows that winning requires total focus and devotion. He would rather work with the few who are devoted, then the many who are distracted.
“And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, ‘LORD, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude.’” 2 Chron. 14:11.
“Then said David to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” - I Sam. 17:45.
“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” - 2 Chr. 32:7-8.
“Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. . .” - Ps. 27:3.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Rom. 8:31.
One cannot compete well if divided in commitment. This is why the L-rd tells many to go home - but without condemnation - for G-d is not desperate. We do not serve the L-rd in our humanity’s capacity because we are compelled out of obligation. We serve Him because we are called through His Word of grace which imparts Divine capacity (Acts 20:32). The kohen (priest) spoke G-d’s Word to the people, the officers echoed it, and the people were empowered and released from fear. As the Kohen Gadol (Great Priest) speaks to me, I am strengthened and can do all things through Him (Dan. 10:19; Phil. 4:13). For freedom, Messiah has set us free . . . that we might attend upon the Lord without distraction (Gal. 5:1; I Cor. 7:35).
Spiritual authority is empowering, not demolishing. It does not feel the need to contain and control, but is anointed to release, to energize, to mobilize (2 Cor. 1:24; 10:8). God does not corral us out of desperate urgency, but He calls us and furnishes us through grace - for He knows both who will win, and how to win.
Rabbi Ken Alpren
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and troops who outnumber you, do not be afraid of them, for the L-RD your God is with you . . . As you draw near to the battle, the kohen shall approach and speak to the soldiers, and say . . . ‘Hear O Israel . . . do not let your hearts faint, do not fear, and do not tremble, nor be terrified . . . for the L-RD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you . . . to deliver you. . . . Who has built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go and return . . . Who has planted a vineyard? . . . go and return . . . Who has become engaged . . . go and return . . .Who is fearful and fainthearted? . . . go and return.’”
It would seem that in going up against a formidable enemy, one would be eager to recruit the largest number of soldiers possible. Not so with G-d. G-d is not desperate. He is neither desperate for quantity of people, nor for resources. He is content to allow seemingly “needed” people to go home instead of remaining to fight. This would not appear the case with some Ministry organizations, where desperate, guilt-inducing appeals are used to recruit resources of people and finances. Indeed we would learn this principle: urgency is not necessarily spirituality. It can be, but it also often is not. Hasty decisions fostered out of fear or guilt -- prompted through pressure from frantic persons - are usually followed by regret. “He that believes shall not make haste” - Is. 28:16.
God knows that winning requires total focus and devotion. He would rather work with the few who are devoted, then the many who are distracted.
“And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, ‘LORD, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude.’” 2 Chron. 14:11.
“Then said David to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” - I Sam. 17:45.
“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” - 2 Chr. 32:7-8.
“Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. . .” - Ps. 27:3.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Rom. 8:31.
One cannot compete well if divided in commitment. This is why the L-rd tells many to go home - but without condemnation - for G-d is not desperate. We do not serve the L-rd in our humanity’s capacity because we are compelled out of obligation. We serve Him because we are called through His Word of grace which imparts Divine capacity (Acts 20:32). The kohen (priest) spoke G-d’s Word to the people, the officers echoed it, and the people were empowered and released from fear. As the Kohen Gadol (Great Priest) speaks to me, I am strengthened and can do all things through Him (Dan. 10:19; Phil. 4:13). For freedom, Messiah has set us free . . . that we might attend upon the Lord without distraction (Gal. 5:1; I Cor. 7:35).
Spiritual authority is empowering, not demolishing. It does not feel the need to contain and control, but is anointed to release, to energize, to mobilize (2 Cor. 1:24; 10:8). God does not corral us out of desperate urgency, but He calls us and furnishes us through grace - for He knows both who will win, and how to win.
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Monday, August 2, 2010
G-d’s Purpose to make us like Messiah
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 31, 2010
Deuteronomy 8: 17, “you will think to yourself, 'My own power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.'”
Deuteronomy 9:4-6 "Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you, 'It is to reward my righteousness that ADONAI has brought me in to take possession of this land.' No, it is because these nations have been so wicked that ADONAI is driving them out ahead of you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness, or because your heart is so upright, that you go in to take possession of their land; but to punish the wickedness of these nations that ADONAI your God is driving them out ahead of you, and also to confirm the word which ADONAI swore to your ancestors, Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. 6 Therefore, understand that it is not for your righteousness that ADONAI your God is giving you this good land to possess. "For you are a stiffnecked people!”
The Israelites were about to take possession of the land. It was his provision for them given by grace. They didn’t deserve the land nor had they earned it. However, his warning to them is interesting because he tells them ahead of time that they will think it was based upon their own merit that they were given the land or because of their own righteousness. He knew they would be inclined to forget him and the gift he had given.
We also need to be careful and listen to these warnings and remember what G-d has given us is by grace as well. If we think we accomplished something on our own or that we deserve something we are indicating that our hearts are going away from G-d and trusting in ourselves just as the Israelites would have done after G-d gave them the land.
How can we avoid this inclination and be aware of our own spiritual health? When we are spiritually healthy we will be hungry for G-d and hungry for his word as well as being willing to serve others. We cannot separate our love of G-d from the Word of G-d. Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us we live by everything that comes from the mouth of G-d. Also, in Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” Our hunger for G-d and G-d’s Word will also be demonstrated by our meditating upon it as we think about it and talk about it. Receiving G-d’s word in our minds and hearts is like eating and drinking and serving others is like exercising. We will be healthy spiritually practicing these two basic principles.
Likewise, it is important to balance our spiritual and physical wants and needs. Deuteronomy 8:3, “He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with man, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.” There is no condemnation in wealth, only becoming a slave to wealth. Only living for G-d will satisfy and we live for G-d by receiving what he has for us through circumstance and through his word as well as giving. The danger comes when we begin to think we accomplish things in our own strength.
In the passages of Deuteronomy 8, G-d is testing and humbling. Two tests were delineated; adversity and prosperity.
Looking at adversity testing, we can rebel or submit, despise G-d or seek G-d, have illusions of abandonment or trust G-d, and become negative or bitter or become more Messiah-like. And looking at prosperity testing, we can forget G-d or remember G-d, have illusions of security or thank G-d for what he has provided, become lukewarm or become more Messiah-like.
Why does G-d test and humble us?
Psalm 119:67, “Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word.” and Psalm 119:71, “It is for my good that I have been humbled; it was so that I would learn your laws.” Our testing focuses us on spiritual and eternal values. Testing and humbling us shows us he truly loves us and we are his. Hebrews 12:5-6, “Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: "My son, don't despise the discipline of ADONAI or become despondent when he corrects you. 6 For ADONAI disciplines those he loves and whips everyone he accepts as a son." He tests and humbles us to do us good in the end to make us Messiah-like and to ultimately give us rewards at the Bema.
Know this - our testing and humbling is purposeful and G-d’s provision is to bring us good in the end. Deuteronomy 8:16, “who fed you in the desert with man, unknown to your ancestors; all the while humbling and testing you in order to do you good in the end.” The meaning of good in the end here is in the intensive form which means he really means to do us good. G-d wants to do good for us in the end and make us Messiah-like. 2 Corinthians 2:15, “For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.”
DISAPPOINTMENT
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Change one letter then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Though it may come in disguise
For the end, from the beginning,
Open to His vision lies.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord's who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, the loving, earthly parents,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
"No good things will He withhold."
From denials oft we gather
Treasurers of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust;
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
---Edith L. Young
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 8:15-19, Psam 66:10-12, Job 5:17-21, Hebrews 12:5-11, 1Peter 2:2, James 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Corinthians 4:15-16, Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28-29, 1 Peter 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, James 5:11, Job 23:10, Psalm 18:35, Philippians 1:6, 1 John 3:2, James 5:11, Job 42:10, Job 8:7, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 24:16
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 31, 2010
Deuteronomy 8: 17, “you will think to yourself, 'My own power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.'”
Deuteronomy 9:4-6 "Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you, 'It is to reward my righteousness that ADONAI has brought me in to take possession of this land.' No, it is because these nations have been so wicked that ADONAI is driving them out ahead of you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness, or because your heart is so upright, that you go in to take possession of their land; but to punish the wickedness of these nations that ADONAI your God is driving them out ahead of you, and also to confirm the word which ADONAI swore to your ancestors, Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. 6 Therefore, understand that it is not for your righteousness that ADONAI your God is giving you this good land to possess. "For you are a stiffnecked people!”
The Israelites were about to take possession of the land. It was his provision for them given by grace. They didn’t deserve the land nor had they earned it. However, his warning to them is interesting because he tells them ahead of time that they will think it was based upon their own merit that they were given the land or because of their own righteousness. He knew they would be inclined to forget him and the gift he had given.
We also need to be careful and listen to these warnings and remember what G-d has given us is by grace as well. If we think we accomplished something on our own or that we deserve something we are indicating that our hearts are going away from G-d and trusting in ourselves just as the Israelites would have done after G-d gave them the land.
How can we avoid this inclination and be aware of our own spiritual health? When we are spiritually healthy we will be hungry for G-d and hungry for his word as well as being willing to serve others. We cannot separate our love of G-d from the Word of G-d. Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us we live by everything that comes from the mouth of G-d. Also, in Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” Our hunger for G-d and G-d’s Word will also be demonstrated by our meditating upon it as we think about it and talk about it. Receiving G-d’s word in our minds and hearts is like eating and drinking and serving others is like exercising. We will be healthy spiritually practicing these two basic principles.
Likewise, it is important to balance our spiritual and physical wants and needs. Deuteronomy 8:3, “He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with man, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.” There is no condemnation in wealth, only becoming a slave to wealth. Only living for G-d will satisfy and we live for G-d by receiving what he has for us through circumstance and through his word as well as giving. The danger comes when we begin to think we accomplish things in our own strength.
In the passages of Deuteronomy 8, G-d is testing and humbling. Two tests were delineated; adversity and prosperity.
Looking at adversity testing, we can rebel or submit, despise G-d or seek G-d, have illusions of abandonment or trust G-d, and become negative or bitter or become more Messiah-like. And looking at prosperity testing, we can forget G-d or remember G-d, have illusions of security or thank G-d for what he has provided, become lukewarm or become more Messiah-like.
Why does G-d test and humble us?
Psalm 119:67, “Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word.” and Psalm 119:71, “It is for my good that I have been humbled; it was so that I would learn your laws.” Our testing focuses us on spiritual and eternal values. Testing and humbling us shows us he truly loves us and we are his. Hebrews 12:5-6, “Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: "My son, don't despise the discipline of ADONAI or become despondent when he corrects you. 6 For ADONAI disciplines those he loves and whips everyone he accepts as a son." He tests and humbles us to do us good in the end to make us Messiah-like and to ultimately give us rewards at the Bema.
Know this - our testing and humbling is purposeful and G-d’s provision is to bring us good in the end. Deuteronomy 8:16, “who fed you in the desert with man, unknown to your ancestors; all the while humbling and testing you in order to do you good in the end.” The meaning of good in the end here is in the intensive form which means he really means to do us good. G-d wants to do good for us in the end and make us Messiah-like. 2 Corinthians 2:15, “For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost.”
DISAPPOINTMENT
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Change one letter then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Though it may come in disguise
For the end, from the beginning,
Open to His vision lies.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord's who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, the loving, earthly parents,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
"Disappointment--His appointment,"
"No good things will He withhold."
From denials oft we gather
Treasurers of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust;
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
---Edith L. Young
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 8:15-19, Psam 66:10-12, Job 5:17-21, Hebrews 12:5-11, 1Peter 2:2, James 1:21, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:19, 2 Corinthians 4:15-16, Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28-29, 1 Peter 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, James 5:11, Job 23:10, Psalm 18:35, Philippians 1:6, 1 John 3:2, James 5:11, Job 42:10, Job 8:7, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 24:16
Monday, July 26, 2010
Un-Answered Prayer?
7-24-10 Parasha: D’varim 3:23-7:11 V'et-chanan (and I pleaded)
Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
both summarized by Val Waters, scribe
In D’varim 3:23 Moshe seems to be negotiating, even trying to manipulate the LORD, begging Him to change His mind and let Moshe go into the promised land across the Jordan. We know that he wasn’t allowed to go because he struck the rock rather than obeying the LORD and simply speaking to the rock. However, in verse 26, Moshe even seems to be blaming the children of Israel for the LORD’s anger at Moshe! He told Moshe, “Enough! Speak no more to me of this matter”!
Do we, when we are disappointed by circumstances, shift blame, or even recriminate others?
Or do we blame ourselves, and get depressed, even despair?
The LORD told Moshe to lift UP his eyes to the west, the north, the south and the east; and to behold with his eyes the promised land. He was told again that he would not be crossing over the Jordan. And immediately the LORD tells Moshe what he is supposed to focus on in v28: ‘But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’
Moshe was to put his focus and efforts on preparing Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the land of their inheritance!
He was to be saying to Joshua:
"here’s what you are to do" / command (tzvah)
"I’ll help (train) you" / strengthen (chazak)
"you CAN do it!" / embolden (amatz)
We need to get our eyes off of our own responses to circumstances and off of ourselves!
Remember, is something cannot be changed, it’s time to move past the disappointment and onward to fulfilling
God’s perfect plan!
Rabbi Ken shared a story of a man in prison who refused to work of the Lord’s day. He was beaten until he was paralyzed and could only move his neck. He couldn’t even feed himself. The prison conditions were desperate, and the prisoners would often sit near him because he was serene and joyful. He would tell them if the outlook is bad, try the “up look”! He reminded them of Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7. Everyone one had abandoned Stephen, but he looked up and was blessed to see Yeshua in heaven!
We need to focus on encouraging and helping others to inherit the promises!
-------------
Val Waters, scribe
Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren
both summarized by Val Waters, scribe
In D’varim 3:23 Moshe seems to be negotiating, even trying to manipulate the LORD, begging Him to change His mind and let Moshe go into the promised land across the Jordan. We know that he wasn’t allowed to go because he struck the rock rather than obeying the LORD and simply speaking to the rock. However, in verse 26, Moshe even seems to be blaming the children of Israel for the LORD’s anger at Moshe! He told Moshe, “Enough! Speak no more to me of this matter”!
Do we, when we are disappointed by circumstances, shift blame, or even recriminate others?
Or do we blame ourselves, and get depressed, even despair?
The LORD told Moshe to lift UP his eyes to the west, the north, the south and the east; and to behold with his eyes the promised land. He was told again that he would not be crossing over the Jordan. And immediately the LORD tells Moshe what he is supposed to focus on in v28: ‘But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’
Moshe was to put his focus and efforts on preparing Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the land of their inheritance!
He was to be saying to Joshua:
"here’s what you are to do" / command (tzvah)
"I’ll help (train) you" / strengthen (chazak)
"you CAN do it!" / embolden (amatz)
We need to get our eyes off of our own responses to circumstances and off of ourselves!
Remember, is something cannot be changed, it’s time to move past the disappointment and onward to fulfilling
God’s perfect plan!
Rabbi Ken shared a story of a man in prison who refused to work of the Lord’s day. He was beaten until he was paralyzed and could only move his neck. He couldn’t even feed himself. The prison conditions were desperate, and the prisoners would often sit near him because he was serene and joyful. He would tell them if the outlook is bad, try the “up look”! He reminded them of Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7. Everyone one had abandoned Stephen, but he looked up and was blessed to see Yeshua in heaven!
We need to focus on encouraging and helping others to inherit the promises!
-------------
Val Waters, scribe
Sunday, July 18, 2010
G-d’s Temple: Tisha B'Av
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 17, 2010
Deuteronomy 1:2, “It is eleven days' journey from Horev to Kadesh-Barnea by way of Mount Se'ir” and Deuteronomy 2:14, “The time between our leaving Kadesh-Barnea and our crossing Vadi Zered was thirty-eight years - until the whole generation of men capable of bearing arms had been eliminated from the camp, as ADONAI had sworn they would be.”
The journey of eleven days took the Israelites 38 years to complete. Deuteronomy 1:26, “"But you would not go up. Instead you rebelled against the order of ADONAI your God.” This verse points to the reason for their delay. When we rebel we open ourselves up to the demonic realm and come outside of G-d’s protection and authority. However, when we humble ourselves, we are under His protection and covering.
1 Peter 5:5
The Israelites weren’t thinking clearly and actually thought that the reason they were brought out of Egypt was because G-d hated them! Clearly, the opposite was true! He is a father to them, a warrior for them, but they did not trust Him (Deuteronomy 1:26-30).
Isn’t G-d for them and isn’t He for us? Romans 8:31, “What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nothing is too hard for Him! Jeremiah 32:17, 26. How quickly we forget who He is! Galatians 1:6-9
The Israelites rebelled, didn’t trust or believe Him and the Decree was given that they would not enter the Promised Land as recorded in Deuteronomy 1:34-40. This Decree was given on Tisha B’Av.
Tisha B’Av is day of mourning for events that led to the loss of Jewish independence with the destruction of holy Temples; both destroyed on Tisha B’Av.
Isaiah 66:1-2, “"Heaven is my throne," says ADONAI, "and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? What sort of place could you devise for my rest? 2 Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.”
We are G-d’s Temple! He wants to dwell in people! In 2 Samuel 7:11-16, G-d told David through Natan that He would build a house for David; that the house and kingdom would be set up forever.
Ephesians 2:21-22, “In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord. 22 Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God.”
Not only are we G-d Temple but we are His Temple in UNION with others. This is key. Yeshua prayed that we would be one with Him, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21. This is the greatest testimony of G-d’s love in us that we are in unity and love with other believers.
When the Tabernacle and the Temples were in place, there was a feeling of unity among Jews and Gentiles who worshipped there. It was a dominant, central feature of Jewish life. Imagine how grand the Temple would be were it built today as compared to the remnant as it exists today at the Western Wall.
It was heartbreaking for the people that the Temple in its physical state was and remains destroyed. So, then, we must ask ourselves the question; how do we respond to a disaster, a catastrophe, a trial or when something we don’t expect happens? Do we panic, blame, complain, become angry, get depressed, fall into despair? It has been said that we shouldn’t have remorse for the past or fear of the future but that we should live in the present. But the Word of G-d says, none of that! It says we should live in the eternal
G-d!
Deuteronomy 33:27, “The God of old is a dwelling-place, with everlasting arms beneath. He expelled the enemy before you and he said, 'Destroy!”
Psalm 90:1, “A prayer of Moshe the man of God: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation.”
Should we not ask Who instead of why?
2 Timothy 1:11-12, “It was for this Good News that I was appointed a proclaimer, emissary and teacher of the Goyim; 12 and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”
Turn to Him in prayer, turn to Him in repentance, turn to Him without condemnation and turn to Him for conviction! Turn to Him for hope and promises! There is no condemnation in Him, rather He provides a way or a door out. In conviction, He provides atonement and a way out through redemption and produces victory from it.
So, be united in love with one another because G-d’s dwelling in us depends upon our unity and our unity depends upon our humility! Philippians 2:1-5
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 22, 26-36, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 132:1-5, 7, 8, Isaiah 64:11 and 66:1-2, John 17:23, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1Cor 10, Romans 8:31, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 32:17,26, 1Peter 2:5, 2Cor 6, Psalm 132, Psalm 27:4, Isaiah 64:11, Colossians 3:1-3, Joshua 7, Joel 2:25, Psalm 133, Romans 6:4,5, John 14:23
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 17, 2010
Deuteronomy 1:2, “It is eleven days' journey from Horev to Kadesh-Barnea by way of Mount Se'ir” and Deuteronomy 2:14, “The time between our leaving Kadesh-Barnea and our crossing Vadi Zered was thirty-eight years - until the whole generation of men capable of bearing arms had been eliminated from the camp, as ADONAI had sworn they would be.”
The journey of eleven days took the Israelites 38 years to complete. Deuteronomy 1:26, “"But you would not go up. Instead you rebelled against the order of ADONAI your God.” This verse points to the reason for their delay. When we rebel we open ourselves up to the demonic realm and come outside of G-d’s protection and authority. However, when we humble ourselves, we are under His protection and covering.
1 Peter 5:5
The Israelites weren’t thinking clearly and actually thought that the reason they were brought out of Egypt was because G-d hated them! Clearly, the opposite was true! He is a father to them, a warrior for them, but they did not trust Him (Deuteronomy 1:26-30).
Isn’t G-d for them and isn’t He for us? Romans 8:31, “What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nothing is too hard for Him! Jeremiah 32:17, 26. How quickly we forget who He is! Galatians 1:6-9
The Israelites rebelled, didn’t trust or believe Him and the Decree was given that they would not enter the Promised Land as recorded in Deuteronomy 1:34-40. This Decree was given on Tisha B’Av.
Tisha B’Av is day of mourning for events that led to the loss of Jewish independence with the destruction of holy Temples; both destroyed on Tisha B’Av.
Isaiah 66:1-2, “"Heaven is my throne," says ADONAI, "and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? What sort of place could you devise for my rest? 2 Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.”
We are G-d’s Temple! He wants to dwell in people! In 2 Samuel 7:11-16, G-d told David through Natan that He would build a house for David; that the house and kingdom would be set up forever.
Ephesians 2:21-22, “In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord. 22 Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God.”
Not only are we G-d Temple but we are His Temple in UNION with others. This is key. Yeshua prayed that we would be one with Him, “that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, are united with me and I with you, I pray that they may be united with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21. This is the greatest testimony of G-d’s love in us that we are in unity and love with other believers.
When the Tabernacle and the Temples were in place, there was a feeling of unity among Jews and Gentiles who worshipped there. It was a dominant, central feature of Jewish life. Imagine how grand the Temple would be were it built today as compared to the remnant as it exists today at the Western Wall.
It was heartbreaking for the people that the Temple in its physical state was and remains destroyed. So, then, we must ask ourselves the question; how do we respond to a disaster, a catastrophe, a trial or when something we don’t expect happens? Do we panic, blame, complain, become angry, get depressed, fall into despair? It has been said that we shouldn’t have remorse for the past or fear of the future but that we should live in the present. But the Word of G-d says, none of that! It says we should live in the eternal
G-d!
Deuteronomy 33:27, “The God of old is a dwelling-place, with everlasting arms beneath. He expelled the enemy before you and he said, 'Destroy!”
Psalm 90:1, “A prayer of Moshe the man of God: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation.”
Should we not ask Who instead of why?
2 Timothy 1:11-12, “It was for this Good News that I was appointed a proclaimer, emissary and teacher of the Goyim; 12 and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.”
Turn to Him in prayer, turn to Him in repentance, turn to Him without condemnation and turn to Him for conviction! Turn to Him for hope and promises! There is no condemnation in Him, rather He provides a way or a door out. In conviction, He provides atonement and a way out through redemption and produces victory from it.
So, be united in love with one another because G-d’s dwelling in us depends upon our unity and our unity depends upon our humility! Philippians 2:1-5
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 22, 26-36, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 132:1-5, 7, 8, Isaiah 64:11 and 66:1-2, John 17:23, 2Cor 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1Cor 10, Romans 8:31, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 32:17,26, 1Peter 2:5, 2Cor 6, Psalm 132, Psalm 27:4, Isaiah 64:11, Colossians 3:1-3, Joshua 7, Joel 2:25, Psalm 133, Romans 6:4,5, John 14:23
Monday, July 12, 2010
Voice of Precise Silence
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 10, 2010 Sermon
Numbers 32:1-7, The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, 3 "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon-- 4 the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel--are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5 If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." 6 Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? 7 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them?
The descendants of Gad and Reuben requested to live on the east side of the Jordan. Their decision led to the loss of their inheritance and they were the first to be carried away as captives. See 1 Chronicles 5:26. Deborah sang about the indifference their separation caused in Judges 5:16-17. It was the appearance of the land and the appeal of it’s greenery that enticed them to settle there. Had they consulted and heard from the L-rd or where they going after their own desires? Messiah warned us not to judge by appearances; “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24; see Is. 11:3.
Judging by appearances instead of seeking G-d’s direction will more times than not lead to wrong conclusions. And judging brings judgement upon ourselves “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does” Romans 2:1.
Did you know that G-d keeps a journal of the choices we make? We will stumble, but, thank goodness for His ongoing grace that when we do sin we have an advocate. Ps. 37:23-24 and 1John 2:1.
How are we to be discerning and make decisions in accordance with His will? Take a look at how the L-rd spoke to Eliyahu in 1 Kings 19. He said, "Go outside, and stand on the mountain before ADONAI"; and right then and there, ADONAI went past. A mighty blast of wind tore the mountains apart and broke the rocks in pieces before ADONAI, but ADONAI was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but ADONAI was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, fire broke out; but ADONAI was not in the fire. And after the fire came a quiet, subdued voice.”
The Hebrew words for “quiet, subdued voice” are “demamah, daq kol” which can also be translated as “voice of precise silence”. It is in this quiet place that we can discern His voice like deep calling to deep, Psalm 42:7. His voice causes us to look within and evaluate ourselves and others and then look to Him for answers and direction. Hebrews 4:12, “See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword - it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.”
Isaiah 26:3, "A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.”
Seek Him in silence; it is where we will precisely discern His voice.
Further reading: Ezekiel 13:1-3, 6-8, 2 Cor 11:1-4, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Isaiah 11:3, 2Cor 5:7, Matt 7:1-5, 2Pet 3:18, 2Cor 5:18-21, Matt 9:12-13, Ps 119:133, Ps 139:3, Job 31:4, Prov 16:9, Ps 37:23, 1Jn 2:1, 2 Cor 11:1-3, Jn 15:3, 2Tim 4:1-4, Eph 3:11, Rom 11:1-4, Ps 42:7, Ps 23:2, Ps 119:11, Isaiah 30:15, Ps 46:10, Gen 3:8,9, Deut 4:12,33, Isaiah 6:8
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
July 10, 2010 Sermon
Numbers 32:1-7, The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, 3 "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon-- 4 the land the LORD subdued before the people of Israel--are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. 5 If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." 6 Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? 7 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them?
The descendants of Gad and Reuben requested to live on the east side of the Jordan. Their decision led to the loss of their inheritance and they were the first to be carried away as captives. See 1 Chronicles 5:26. Deborah sang about the indifference their separation caused in Judges 5:16-17. It was the appearance of the land and the appeal of it’s greenery that enticed them to settle there. Had they consulted and heard from the L-rd or where they going after their own desires? Messiah warned us not to judge by appearances; “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24; see Is. 11:3.
Judging by appearances instead of seeking G-d’s direction will more times than not lead to wrong conclusions. And judging brings judgement upon ourselves “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does” Romans 2:1.
Did you know that G-d keeps a journal of the choices we make? We will stumble, but, thank goodness for His ongoing grace that when we do sin we have an advocate. Ps. 37:23-24 and 1John 2:1.
How are we to be discerning and make decisions in accordance with His will? Take a look at how the L-rd spoke to Eliyahu in 1 Kings 19. He said, "Go outside, and stand on the mountain before ADONAI"; and right then and there, ADONAI went past. A mighty blast of wind tore the mountains apart and broke the rocks in pieces before ADONAI, but ADONAI was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but ADONAI was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, fire broke out; but ADONAI was not in the fire. And after the fire came a quiet, subdued voice.”
The Hebrew words for “quiet, subdued voice” are “demamah, daq kol” which can also be translated as “voice of precise silence”. It is in this quiet place that we can discern His voice like deep calling to deep, Psalm 42:7. His voice causes us to look within and evaluate ourselves and others and then look to Him for answers and direction. Hebrews 4:12, “See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword - it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.”
Isaiah 26:3, "A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.”
Seek Him in silence; it is where we will precisely discern His voice.
Further reading: Ezekiel 13:1-3, 6-8, 2 Cor 11:1-4, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Isaiah 11:3, 2Cor 5:7, Matt 7:1-5, 2Pet 3:18, 2Cor 5:18-21, Matt 9:12-13, Ps 119:133, Ps 139:3, Job 31:4, Prov 16:9, Ps 37:23, 1Jn 2:1, 2 Cor 11:1-3, Jn 15:3, 2Tim 4:1-4, Eph 3:11, Rom 11:1-4, Ps 42:7, Ps 23:2, Ps 119:11, Isaiah 30:15, Ps 46:10, Gen 3:8,9, Deut 4:12,33, Isaiah 6:8
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