4 Easter

4 Easter - Sunday

first posted 05/01/04

Exodus 28:1-4, 30-38 Priestly garments
1 John 2:18-29 Loyalty to true faith
Mark 6:30-44 Feeding the five thousand

The Lord told Moses to consecrate Aaron (Moses’ brother) for the priesthood, and gave him instructions to have priestly garments made for Aaron and Aaron’s four sons. The garments consisted of a breastpiece, and ephod (like an apron), a robe, a coat, a turban and a girdle (waistband). The robe worn under the ephod was blue. The hem was decorated with pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet, with golden bells between each pomegranate around the hem. The priest was required to wear it so he could be heard as he ministered before the altar, and coming and going from the holy place, under penalty of death. The priest wore a turban on his head with a gold plate attached to the turban and engraved with the words, “Holy to the Lord.” The plate was attached to the turban so that it would hang against the priest’s forehead, as a constant reminder that the priest bears the responsibility for the holy offering, acceptable to God, of the of the people’s gifts.

John tells believers that we are approaching the culmination of history, when the antichrist will be revealed. Already there was opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Already in the first-century church there were false doctrines and false teachers in the Church. In the case of false teachers they did not continue in the true faith because they were not truly born-again Christian disciples. But those who are authentic born-again Christians have received and been enlightened by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which enables us to discern the truth.

Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a liar and is of the antichrist. No one who denies that Jesus is the Son of God abides in God. Those who receive the Son receive and know the Father also. John exhorts believers to hold fast to the fundamental Gospel truth, (as proclaimed by the apostles and recorded in the Bible). If we abide in the scriptural Gospel, we will abide in God the Father and his Son, and we will receive the eternal life which he has promised us.

John warns believers about false teachers, but recognizes that believers need to seek and receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the Holy Spirit teaches believers far better than human teachers. So believers need to be taught by the Holy Spirit, and to trust and abide in that teaching. Believers are exhorted to remain obedient to Jesus’ teaching and the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that we will have no reason for guilt when Jesus returns on the Day of Judgment. If we understand that Jesus is righteous, we can realize that those are truly born of him will do what is righteous.

When the disciples returned from a missionary assignment (see Mark 6:7-13) in the surrounding region, they gave Jesus a report on their activities. Jesus invited them to come apart with him on a retreat to take a rest from the demands of ministry. Jesus and his disciples left by boat, but many saw them leave, and deduced where they were going, so they ran ahead and were waiting for them when Jesus and his disciples arrived. Jesus had compassion for them because they were “like sheep without a shepherd” and he began to teach them many things.

When it grew late the disciples suggested that Jesus send the crowd away to get food for themselves in the surrounding villages, but instead, Jesus told his disciples to feed the multitude. The disciples pointed out that it would cost two hundred days wages to buy bread to feed the crowd. Jesus told the disciples to check to see what food was at hand. They reported that they had five loaves and two fish among them. So Jesus had the crowd sit down, and after he had blessed and broke the bread and fish, he had the disciples distribute it to the people. About five thousand people ate and were satisfied, and there were twelve baskets of food left over.

The Lord instructed Moses to institute a priesthood to minister before God on behalf of the people. The priests’ clothing was designed to remind everyone, both priest and congregation, that the priest was to be holy and that he bore responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the people. The golden plate hung on the priest’s forehead to remind all, including the priest himself, that he was serving a Holy God, that he was to be holy in the performance of his duties, and that he was responsible for the holiness of the people for whom he interceded before God. The bells on the fringe of the robe were also a reminder to him and to the congregation.

Jesus trained his disciples to carry on his ministry. All believers (not just ordained pastors) are all called to be disciples and to carry on the ministry which Jesus began and demonstrated by example. We are to be compassionate toward one another. We are to minister to people’s physical as well as spiritual needs. Jesus didn’t let his disciples sent the people away to fend for themselves; Jesus commissioned his disciples to be shepherds for the “lost sheep.” The disciples were still in training; they hadn’t yet received the anointing by the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 2); they didn’t need the Holy Spirit while Jesus was still with them physically. They were obedient to Jesus, and Jesus worked through them to feed the multitude. The disciples’ personal resources were inadequate except through Jesus.

Divisions, false teachings and false teachers arose in the first century church. The false teachers and false doctrines were inspired by the spirit of the antichrist. They left the true church because the true church held fast to the scriptural and apostolic faith, and because the church leaders were anointed with the Holy Spirit. The Church must continually be vigilant to resist the attacks by the antichrist through false teachers and false teachings.

How are we doing, Church? Are we holding firmly to the Biblical, Apostolic Gospel? Are we willing to be disciples? Have we come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through his indwelling Holy Spirit? Are we making disciples? Are we teaching obedience to Jesus? Are we exhorting disciples to seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit? Are we insisting on ordaining only Spirit-filled pastors and leaders?

4 Easter - Monday

first posted 05/02/04

Exodus 32:1-20 Aaron makes a golden calf
Colossians 3:18-4:6 (7-18) The Christian’s duties
Matthew 5:1-10 The Beatitudes

While Moses was on the mountaintop with God for a long period of time, the people became impatient and appointed Aaron to be their leader, and told Aaron to make a golden calf as a representation of their god. Aaron took the golden earrings (the golden jewelry the Lord had given them as booty when he brought them out of Egypt; Exodus 11:2; Exodus 12:35-36) and fashioned a golden calf. The people rose up and worshiped the golden calf, and gave to it the glory that belonged to God, declaring that their idol had delivered them from Egypt (Exodus 32:4). The Lord told Moses to go down to the people, because they had already broken the covenant God had made with them and have turned from God to worship idols.

The Lord was ready to destroy the people, but Moses interceded with the Lord on the peoples’ behalf and the Lord changed his mind. Moses came down from the mountain carrying the two tablets of the law engraved in stone by the hand of God, accompanied by Joshua. When they drew near they heard a commotion in the camp, and Joshua recognized that it was not civil war but rather idolatrous worship that was going on. When Moses came into the camp and saw the idol and the dancing he became very angry; he threw the stone tablets engraved with God’s commandments to the ground and broke them. Moses ground up the golden calf that the people had made, cast the powder into the water and made the people drink it.

Christians are to conduct themselves with love and submission to others in whatever role they have, whether wives, husbands, children, parents, slaves, or masters. Whatever our role, we are to pursue it as serving the Lord, rather than men; not as “eye-pleasers” (doing good only when others are watching, to be seen by them) but earnestly from the heart, remembering always that the Lord will repay us according to our deeds.

Those in authority should remember that God in Heaven has the ultimate authority over us. We should pray regularly and earnestly in faith, with thanksgiving, not only for ourselves, but also for the advancement of the Gospel, and for all Christian workers, apostles, evangelists, preachers, missionaries, and those who are persecuted for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to conduct ourselves wisely toward unbelievers so as to make the most of opportunities to share the Gospel with them, graciously, but spiritually incisively.

Jesus taught his disciples, declaring that those who accept God’s reign as their Lord and live in obedience to him will be blessed with his favor. Those who recognize their spiritual need will receive the blessing of life in the kingdom of heaven. Those who are unhappy with their lives in this world will be comforted. The meek will ultimately triumph. Those who long for righteousness will be satisfied. Those who are merciful to others will receive mercy for themselves. Those who sincerely, unequivocally seek goodness will find it in a personal relationship with God. Those who work earnestly for peace will be acknowledged as sons of God.

As soon as Moses had been gone to the mountaintop to meet with God a little longer than the people expected they abandoned their covenant relationship with God to which they had just agreed. They began to worship the material wealth that the Lord had given them in repayment of their years of slavery in Egypt, and they gave the credit and praise for delivering them from slavery in Egypt, which rightly belonged only to God, to an idol which they had created out of the material blessings God had provided. God could have destroyed the Israelites right then and still have fulfilled his ultimate plan through Moses, but God chose instead to allow his original plan to continue. God’s punishment of disobedience had not been avoided, but deferred, in mercy, allowing for the possibility of repentance and forgiveness.

We are living in the period of God’s mercy, between God’s anger at sin and rebellion and his punishment of sin and rebellion. All have sinned and have fallen short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn’t want any of us to perish eternally, but for all to have eternal life with him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). There is a Day of Judgment coming; everyone who has ever lived on earth will be accountable to God in Jesus Christ for his deeds (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).

Now is the time to repent and seek forgiveness. Now is the time to enter into the New Covenant relationship with God through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Jesus ascended to God (Acts 1:9-11) and has promised to return to judge the earth and to take his disciples to the eternal kingdom of Heaven (John 14:2-3). Do we grow impatient and turn away from our covenant because Jesus has not yet returned and we think it’s taking him longer that it should? Are we making the most of the time to share the Gospel with the lost?

The Israelites thought they could satisfy their spiritual needs with material things. They exchanged manna (bread from heaven; Exodus 16:4-5), water from the rock (Exodus 17:5-6) and God’s presence and guidance in the pillar of fire and smoke (Exodus 13:21-22) for an idol of gold that couldn’t satisfy their hunger or thirst (Exodus 32:20) or offer any guidance. Jesus told his disciples that we cannot have fellowship with God and enjoy the blessings only he can give us unless we accept his Lordship of our lives and submit in obedience to him. We can’t enter his kingdom by following the ways of the world.

Unless we are willing to come out of Egypt and follow the Lord through the wilderness of this world, we will die eternally for our sins. If we follow the Lord and are obedient to his commandments he will provide for us both physically and spiritually. The Lord is our source of the spiritual water of eternal life (John 4:14), the spiritual bread of life (John 6:35-36). Those who trust and obey him receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, (the presence and guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, comparable to the Israelites’ wilderness experience of the pillar of fire and smoke). We enter into the New Covenant with God when we trust and obey Jesus.

Jesus has promised to return; do we get impatient and turn to the worship of worldly idols? Do we exchange the Living Water, Bread of Life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit for material wealth and worldly success? Or do we truly hunger and thirst for righteousness? Do we earnestly seek to follow Jesus?

4 Easter - Tuesday

first posted 05/03/04

Exodus 32:21-34 The Ordination of the Levites
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Turning to God from Idols
Matthew 5:11-16 Salt and Light

Moses returned from the mountaintop and found the people, who Moses had left under Aaron’s supervision, engaged in idolatry. Moses rebuked Aaron for allowing the people to commit this great sin. Aaron blamed the people and tried to deny personal responsibility, claiming that he put the jewelry into the fire and a golden calf just came out by itself. When Moses saw that the people had rebelled against the Lord, he stood at the gate of the camp and called for those loyal to the Lord to gather together. All the sons of Levi stepped forward, and Moses commissioned them to take up their swords and quell the rebellion by slaying their own brothers and neighbors who rebelled against the Lord.

The sons of Levi did as instructed and about three thousand Israelites were slain that day. Moses declared that the Levites had ordained themselves for the Lord’s service, each at the cost of his son and of his brother, in order to receive a blessing from the Lord. The next day Moses again interceded (see Exodus 32:11-14 for the first instance) to God for the people’s forgiveness. Moses offered his own soul (eternal life) for them (Exodus 32:32; compare with Psalm 69:28, Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1). But the Lord said that he would hold each person accountable for their own soul. The Lord told Moses to continue their journey, but promised that a Day of Judgment would be coming.

Paul wrote to the congregation at Thessalonica with thankfulness that they were persevering in the face of persecution. Paul is confident that the Thessalonians will be saved because they received the Gospel with full assurance, no only in words, but in power and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Paul taught them by example as well as by words, and they had followed not only Paul’s but also Jesus’ example. Although they were afflicted, they received the Gospel with joy through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and they in turn became examples throughout the region of Greece and Macedonia of how they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Jesus told his disciples to expect persecution, and to rejoice in it, because it will indicate that they have a reward in Heaven (because they are doing the work of the Gospel). The world has always persecuted those who proclaim God’s word. Disciples are to be the salt of the world. Salt seasons and preserves; it is an irritant to wounds, but promotes healing. Disciples’ activities need to be noticeable, and they will “spice things up,” by stirring up controversy. If that isn’t happening they’re not doing their jobs.

A disciple cannot adjust his message so as not to offend anyone, without loosing the message. If disciples do not do the work of disciples, they are worthless, and face destruction. Disciples are to be the light of the world. Their example is to be a guide for others. Disciples are called to witness by word and example, not to hide their faith from the world. So if we have received light from the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, let us share that light with those who walk in darkness, so that all may glorify God.

Moses returned from the mountaintop to find the congregation perverted by sin and in need of reformation. The priests had failed to shepherd the flock, and had facilitated idolatry within the congregation. The congregation had broken the covenant with the Lord and was engaged in idolatry and rebellion against God. The priests tried to deny personal responsibility and blamed the situation on the wickedness of the people (Exodus 32:22).

Moses called for the faithful of the congregation to cleanse the congregation of the wicked who were perverting and corrupting the true worship of God. The Levites stepped forward and assumed the personal cost and sacrifice to cleanse the congregation and restore it. Their commitment to obediently serve the Lord was all the ordination they needed to assume spiritual leadership within the congregation. God promised that each individual will be personally accountable to God for his deeds, and that a Day of Judgment is coming.

The congregation at Thessalonica is an example of how a congregation can turn from the worship of idols to the living and True God and can be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that they become an example throughout the surrounding area. Where the congregation of Israel was unwilling to wait for Moses to return from the mountaintop (Exodus 32:23; 32:1), and turned instead to idols, the congregation at Thessalonica turned from idols and was willing to persevere in suffering as they waited patiently for the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Jesus told his disciples that they could expect persecution. The Levites did not let personal friendships and family ties interfere with their loyalty and commitment to serve the Lord. Disciples cannot allow their desire to be popular prevent them from doing God’s will.

Our churches today are in a condition similar to that of Israel after Moses had ascended to the mountaintop. Our Lord has ascended to God in Heaven. He has promised to come back. Have we grown impatient because he has not yet returned? Have we turned to idolatry and the worship of material wealth? Have we allowed the wicked to gain membership in our congregations? Have our clergy failed in their responsibility to supervise and preserve our spiritual growth and heritage? Have our priests corrupted our congregations with non-scriptural teachings and blamed the decline of the churches on the wickedness of the people?

What our Churches need are people willing to be Levites; whose authority to reform the Church is their obedience to God’s Word and Spirit; who are willing to suffer personal sacrifice for the renewal of the Church. What the Church needs are people who are willing to be disciples; willing to be salt and light. Thessalonica should be a shining example to us of a Church that turns from idolatry to true worship of God and which receives the joy and the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to be disciples? Have we experienced the joy, guidance and empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit? Are we willing to endure suffering and persecution to be faithful to the Lord and to cleanse and renew the Church?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Easter - Wednesday

first posted 05/04/04

Exodus 33:1-23 The Lord’s guidance
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Paul’s work at Thessalonica
Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus and the Law

After the people had broken the Covenant and Moses had interceded for them, the Lord told Moses to continue the journey from Mt. Horeb (Sinai) to the Promised Land. The Lord would no longer accompany them personally, because his holiness could not abide the sinfulness of the people; instead he would continue to lead the people by an angel. The Lord promised to drive out the occupants of the Promised Land before the Israelites. The Lord declared that the Israelites had a rebellious nature; and commanded them to remove their jewelry as a sign of repentance.

Moses would pitch a tent of meeting far from the Israelite camp. Whenever anyone sought the Lord, he would go to the tent of meeting. When Moses would go to the tent the Israelites watched, and the pillar of cloud (of the Lord’s presence) would descend and stand at the tent door, and the Lord would talk with Moses. The people watching from their tents would worship. Joshua was the priestly custodian of the tent of meeting. Moses interceded with God on behalf of the people for God’s presence to go with them on the journey to the Promised Land. It was God’s presence among them that made the Israelites unique among all the peoples of the earth. Moses asked the Lord to show him his ways and also his glory.

The Lord agreed to do what Moses asked because Moses had found favor with God and God knew Moses by name. God revealed his goodness to Moses and proclaimed his name ‘The Lord’ (Yahweh) before Moses (revealing God’s name was the equivalent of revealing his character and nature). The Lord possesses ultimate sovereignty; he does whatever he thinks best, consulting with no one, but all his acts are for good because his nature is goodness. God agreed to reveal himself to Moses, but Moses was not allowed to see God’s face, because no person can see God’s face and live. God directed Moses to “stand upon the rock,” and God would hide Moses “in the cleft of the rock” until he had passed by. Then God would allow Moses to see God’s back.

Although Paul had suffered persecution for the Gospel at Philippi, he had the courage to come to Thessalonica and declare the Gospel boldly in the face of great opposition there. The Thessalonians congregation itself was testimony to the fruitfulness of Paul’s preaching. Paul refuted the charges made by his opposition (Jews who charged him with perverting Judaism) that his Gospel was the result of error or perversion.

Paul’s preaching was not intended to deceive, flatter, or defraud others, or for financial gain. Instead, Paul had been approved and entrusted by God to proclaim the Gospel, not to please men, but God, who knows our inner motivations. Nor did Paul use his ministry for any kind of personal gain of either money or status. Out of Paul’s genuine affection and concern for the Thessalonians he was glad to share not only the Gospel but his own personal resources with them. Paul supported himself at his trade as a tent-maker, rather than burdening the congregation with his financial support. Paul practiced what he preached; he taught by example as well as words. He exhorted believers to live in obedience to Jesus commands [Paul fulfilled the Great Commission to make disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20)]

Jesus said that his coming did not negate the Law and the Old Testament scriptures; rather, he was the fulfillment of them. Until the end of the world, God’s law will stand. Anyone who relaxes the least of the commandments of God’s Word and teaches others to do so will be judged to be least worthy of the kingdom of God on the Day of Judgment. Anyone who wants to have God’s approval on the Day of Judgment should keep the commandments of God’s Word and teach others to keep them. Unless we keep God’s commands more zealously than the Jewish experts in God’s Law, we will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.

It was God’s presence with the Israelites, guiding them on the journey to the Promised Land, which set them apart from all the other peoples of the earth. Moses had a personal relationship with the Lord. Although Moses could not see God’s actual face, God revealed himself to Moses as fully as is possible to anyone living in this world at that time, before Jesus earthly manifestation. Moses did not have the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Moses found favor with God because Moses trusted and obeyed God and sought God’s presence and guidance.

Paul (Saul) had an encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts Chapter 9). Paul had been persecuting Christianity as a perversion of Judaism. Paul had apparently had no contact with Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry before the Crucifixion. The immediate result of the encounter was that Paul was physically blinded. A disciple named Ananias was sent by the Lord to share the Gospel with Paul, who accepted Jesus as Lord, was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness, and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul subsequently proclaimed the Gospel to the gentiles, including the Thessalonians, and was persecuted by Jews who were much like Paul had been prior to his conversion; they didn’t know or acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and they regarded Christianity as an error and a perversion of their religion.

Paul is the prototype of the modern Christian: all those who have not had the opportunity to encounter Jesus during his physical, earthly ministry. Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus, but he did not fully reveal himself to Paul until Paul responded in faith to the Gospel presented through Ananias, accepted Jesus as Lord and sought the restoration of his spiritual as well as physical sight in faith, and the infilling by the Holy Spirit. Paul trusted and obeyed Jesus. He was filled with, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He fulfilled his responsibility to the Great Commission which Jesus gave to his disciples before Jesus ascended into Heaven. He became a disciple of Jesus Christ; he proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ; he made disciples of Jesus Christ who would make other disciples of Jesus Christ; He obeyed all that Jesus commanded, and he taught others to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

Jesus says that God’s Law hasn’t changed. Jesus tells us that anyone who disregards God’s word and teaches others to do so will suffer God’s disapproval. The scribes and Pharisees were zealous to keep the Law outwardly; their problem was that they didn’t keep it inwardly from their hearts. Christians are not to become legalistic. It is not keeping the Law that earns our salvation. Apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit we are unable to keep the Law. Jewish Law had grown from Ten Commandments to hundreds and thousands of statutes because of the unwillingness and human inability to keep the original ten from the heart. Jesus simplified the Law to two commandments: love God, and love others as much as you love yourselves. Through Jesus we receive the Holy Spirit, which makes it possible for us to love God and love others. Paul is an example of the difference the indwelling Holy Spirit can make in a person’s life. Paul didn’t love the Thessalonians in order to be saved; he loved them because he was saved.

Jesus is the rock on which we must stand in order to see God (Exodus 33:21; compare Matthew 7:24; Matthew 16:16, 18; 1 Corinthians 10:4). Jesus is God’s fullest revelation of himself to us. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Risen Jesus, the Spirit of God. Through the Holy Spirit we have personal access and fellowship with The Lord. Has Jesus confronted you on the road of your life? Have you recognized your spiritual blindness without a personal relationship with Jesus? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord? Are you willing to be Jesus’ disciple? Jesus said “He who has my commands and keeps them, he it is that loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (Matthew 28:18-20). Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Are you seeking healing for your spiritual blindness? Are you seeking the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit? Have you seen Jesus?

4 Easter - Thursday

first posted 05/05/04

Exodus 34:1-17 Covenant renewed
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians
Matthew 5:21-26 True understanding of the Law

The Lord told Moses to prepare two new stone tablets and come up to Mt Sinai and God would write the words of the Law again on the new tablets. No one else was allowed to set foot on the mountain. Moses did as the Lord had instructed, and the Lord again descended on the mountain and proclaimed his name. The Lord is the God of steadfast love and faithfulness, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, but also punishing the guilty. The consequences of God’s judgment on sin will affect the descendents to the third and fourth generation.

Moses asked the Lord to be present and lead the congregation, pardon their sin and make them heirs to the blessings and promises of God’s kingdom. The Lord agreed to renew the covenant that the people had broken. The Lord promised to perform great miracles among the people so that all the peoples of earth would see that the work of the Lord is awesome. The Lord warned the people to be careful to obey all that the Lord commanded, and promised to drive out the people who occupied the Promised Land that God had given the Israelites. God warned the Israelites not to covenant with the peoples of the land, not to participate in native religions but rather to destroy the altars and idols of the inhabitants of the land. The Lord warned the Israelites not to intermarry with the natives of the land, so that they would not be tempted to adopt idolatrous religions, and God warned them specifically not to create idols.

Paul rejoiced that when he had proclaimed the Gospel to the Thessalonians that they had accepted it as God’s word, which is a creative force which became active in them, rather than just as the word of men. The Thessalonians began to apply the word of God in the conduct of their daily lives; they became imitators of the churches in Judea, and they suffered for the Gospel just as the Judean converts and as Jesus himself suffered for the Gospel. Those who killed Jesus and drove out the Christians had a long history of rejecting God’s prophets, and of disobeying God. They not only rejected the Gospel themselves, but they tried to hinder the gentiles from receiving it. They will receive the penalty for their actions on the Day of Judgment. Paul expressed his affection for the Thessalonians, his desire to have personal fellowship with them and his joy and pride in their faith, which was his fruit and reward for his labor among them.

Jesus taught that it was not enough to comply with the letter of the Law. One could be in compliance with the letter of the Law and still violate the spirit of the Law. If one truly intends to worship God, one should first be reconciled to his brother. How can one expect to have God’s approval while disobeying his commands? Worldly people are wise enough in their own worldliness to realize that it is in their advantage to be reconciled with their accusers before the Day of Judgment.

The Lord revealed his character to Moses. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty” (Exodus 34;6-7) After such a blatant breach of the covenant as Israel had committed (Exodus 32:1-6; see journal entry for Monday, May 3, 2004), God was ready to destroy them (Exodus 32:9-10), but Moses interceded for them to the Lord, asking the Lord to forgive them, and God did (Exodus 32:11-14). Here the Lord agreed to renew his covenant with the people. The Lord renewed his promises to the people, but he solemnly warned them not to disobey his commands, and specifically not to repeat the idolatrous behavior of the previous incident.

Paul rejoiced in the obedience of the Thessalonian Christians, who had accepted the Gospel as the Word of God, which is a creative force, unlike the mere words of men. The Word was actively working in the Thessalonians; they were living the application of the Word in their daily lives, and had become an example of Christian behavior throughout the region (1 Thessalonians 1:7). They had followed the example of the churches in Judea, and the proof of their achievement was that they suffered the same persecution that the Judean Christians and Jesus himself had suffered for the Gospel.

In contrast are those who rejected and crucified Jesus. [The Jews were not solely to blame for Jesus’ crucifixion; in a sense we are all guilty of crucifying Jesus because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and made his death on the Cross necessary for our salvation. The Jews were merely representative of human nature in general.] They had a long history of rejecting God’s prophets and disobeying God’s word. They not only reject the Gospel for themselves but they attempt to hinder others from receiving it. Paul said that they will ultimately pay the penalty for their actions on the Day of Judgment.

Jesus warned that believing in him does not absolve us from the responsibility of obeying God’s word. Jesus warned that we cannot worship God while we have unrepented sin in our lives. Disobedience is sin. There is a Day of Judgment coming when all people on earth will be accountable to the Lord for their deeds (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46). Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven with the Lord; those who have rejected and disobeyed Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell with Satan and all the wicked. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Jesus pointed out that worldly people are smart enough to realize that it’s to their advantage to make friends with their accuser on the way to court.

Now is the time to “get right,” with the Lord; to be reconciled with the Lord, before the Day of Judgment. The Lord abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness; he’s willing to forgive us, but if we don’t seek his forgiveness now while we can, he has promised that he will punish the guilty who have not availed themselves of the forgiveness available only through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Those who name the name of Jesus must realize that being a Christian requires discipleship and obedience to Jesus' teaching.

4 Easter - Friday

first posted 05/06/04

Exodus 34:18-35 Moses’ veil
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians
Matthew 5:27-37 The higher righteousness

When Moses interceded on the behalf of the people for forgiveness, the Lord forgave the people for breaking their covenant, and he renewed the covenant. Part of the covenant was the commands concerning the feasts and festivals. The Festival of Unleavened Bread commemorated their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. All the first-born were to belong to the Lord. They were to be offered in sacrifice, or they were to be redeemed by sacrificing a lamb as a substitute. The seventh day was to be a day of rest, even in busy seasons like plowing and harvest-time.

The three annual feasts when all the men were obligated to assemble at the central sanctuary were the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost*), the Feast of First Fruits (the wheat harvest) and the Feast of Ingathering (harvest). The Lord promised to protect the land while the men were gone to the assembly at the Temple. They were not to mix leaven with the blood of sacrifices. They were not to leave the leftover lamb of the Passover feast until morning (it was to be burned). The first fruits were to be brought as an offering to the Lord. Young goats were not to be prepared for eating by boiling in their mother’s milk.

Moses was on the mountaintop with God for forty days and nights, receiving the Laws of the Covenant, written on stone tablets. When he came down, he was unaware that his face had been transfigured in the presence of the Lord so that it shown with radiance. When the people saw this they were afraid to come near, but Moses assembled them and told them all that the Lord had commanded. When he had finished, Moses put a veil over his face. Moses would keep the veil on his face until he went to speak with the Lord. When he returned he would tell the people what the Lord commanded, and then he would cover his face with the veil again. (Compare with Matthew 17:1-7; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

Paul had encountered such persecution from the Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica that he had to leave by night. He went to Beroea, but when the Jews heard he was there they hounded him again until Paul was forced to go to Athens. He was concerned about the new congregation at Thessalonica, and he sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the congregation and report back to Paul. Paul reminded the Thessalonians in this letter that the persecution he experienced had been anticipated. Paul was concerned that his persecution might hinder the development of the congregation. But Timothy’s good report had made Paul’s suffering seem worthwhile. Paul expressed his joy and thanksgiving to God for the faith of the Thessalonians, his hope of seeing them again, and his prayer for their growth to spiritual maturity at the Day of the Lord.

Jesus taught that it was not sufficient merely to outwardly obey the letter of the Law, but that one should obey the spirit of the Law from the heart. Anger and hateful words can damage a brother much like murder. When we come to God in worship we need his mercy and forgiveness in order to have fellowship with him. How can we ask God for mercy, forgiveness and restoration of our relationship with him while we have not made an effort to restore relations with our brother in seeking or granting forgiveness? Jesus says that the Day of Judgment is coming; we should make every effort now to establish a saving relationship with the Lord, who will determine our verdict, by doing what he desires.

Moses’ face was transfigured by being in the presence of the Lord. When he returned from speaking with the Lord he would proclaim God’s word to the people with an unveiled face. The people could see in his face the glory of the Lord. Then Moses would wear a veil until he next went into the presence of the Lord.

Paul (Saul) had had an encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, had been converted and had been filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 9; see journal entry for yesterday, Thursday May 6, 2004). Paul had been transformed by the presence of the Lord within him. The “veil” that had lain over Paul’s mind that prevented him from seeing the glory of God in the face of Christ was removed (2 Corinthians 4:6). Formerly he had been a persecutor of Christians; now he endured persecution with joy, for the sake of his gentile Christian brethren in Thessalonica (and elsewhere). He was sharing the Gospel which he had received; he was repeating the process which the Lord had begun in him on the Damascus road. The Thessalonian Christians were being transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit of the Lord. Discipleship is a process of growing transformation in the presence of the Lord by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit.

The Lord wants to have relationship with us; he wants to be merciful and to forgive us (John 3:16-17). In order to receive his blessings and promises we must do what he commands. His commandments are good and they are in our best interest, but we are unable to keep them without his transforming presence within us. Only those who are willing to trust and obey Jesus receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. God gives the Spirit to those who walk in it (i.e. to those who will obey the Holy Spirit; Isaiah 42:5e) “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9b).

Jesus promised that he will manifest himself to those who love him and obey his commandments (John 14:21). Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you growing spiritually in the presence of the Lord?

*This is the Easter Season, the weeks after Easter leading to Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter.

4 Easter - Saturday

first posted 05/07/04

Exodus 40:18-38 Moses erects the tabernacle
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Exhortation to purity
Matthew 5:38-48 Love your enemies

Moses erected the tabernacle according to the Lord’s instructions, nine months after the Israelites arrival in Sinai. The Ark of the Covenant contained the testimony (the Ten Commandments, the basis of the Covenant). On the ark was the mercy seat, which was the footstool of the throne of God. The ark (the holy of holies) was separated from the tabernacle by a veil or screen.

Outside the veil was a table on which the showbread (bread of the presence) was placed. Opposite the table of the bread of the presence, on the south side, was a lampstand. In front of the veil was the altar of incense. The altar of burnt offering was outside the door of the tabernacle, which was separated from the interior by a veil. Before the altar of burnt offering was a laver, at which the priests washed their hands and feet when they entered the tent of meeting and when they approached the altar.

Around the tabernacle was a court enclosed by curtains with a veil at the gate. When Moses finished erecting the tabernacle the cloud (God's presence, which had led the Israelites in the wilderness) covered the tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the tabernacle because of the cloud and the glory of the Lord. Throughout their wilderness experience, as long as the cloud was upon the tabernacle the Israelites stayed encamped, but when the cloud was taken up the Israelites moved onward. The cloud covered the tabernacle by day and the fire filled it at night (the new manifestation of God’ presence formerly experienced in the pillar of fire and smoke (Exodus 13:21-22).

Paul exhorts believers to live according to his example and teaching. Paul’s teaching has been inspired by the Holy Spirit of Christ (in accordance with Christ’s Great Commission to his disciples; see Matthew 28:18-20). God’s desire is that we would be sanctified and abstain from immorality; that we abstain from the passion of lust; that we not wrong our brethren in matters of sexual purity. We will be accountable to God for such things. God has not called us to immorality but to holiness. Those who disregard this disregard not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to us. We are to love one another as God has commanded us; to mind our own business, and to support ourselves so that we may have the respect of others and be dependent upon no one.

Jesus urged us to go beyond exact retribution for wrongdoing by others. Instead of evil for evil we should respond to evil with good. We should go beyond loving our neighbors and hating our enemies; we should love our enemies and pray for blessings on those who persecute us, sharing the nature of God who allows his blessings to extend to all with impartiality. What credit is there in loving those who love us? Even the wicked are capable of doing that. We must be righteous as God is righteous.

The design of the tabernacle illustrated the holiness of God. The holy of holies was separated by a veil. (Only the High Priest was allowed to enter, and only once a year). The holy place was screened from the outer court with a veil. The outer court was screened from the surrounding area, and there was a place for the priests to wash their hands and feet before approaching the altars or the holy place. The presence and the glory of God filled the tabernacle because it was consecrated and built in obedience to God’s commands.

Christians are called to be holy; we are to abstain from all worldly impurity. All will be accountable to God for our deeds. This is not the doctrine of men; it is the word of God. We are to be obedient to God’s word.

Disciples of Jesus are to go beyond mere obedience to the letter of the Law. We are to be conformed to the nature and righteousness of God. Our standard is Jesus Christ. It is not sufficient to be relatively good compared to other people. If we expect God’s presence and glory to dwell within us we must consecrate ourselves to him and be willing to obey his commands. God gives the Spirit to those who walk in it (i.e. to those who will obey the Holy Spirit; Isaiah 42:5e) “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9b).

If we expect to be filled with the Holy Spirit as the tabernacle was filled with the presence and glory of God we must be obedient to God’s word and must abstain from immorality. Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?