Shiphrah and Puah

Exodus 1:15-16 “And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:

                 And he said,  When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools;  if it be a son,  then ye shall kill him:  but if it be a daughter,  then she shall live.”

(A little history.   The Hebrews came into Egypt under Joseph…to save them from the terrible famine that was ravaging the two lands. 

                The land of Goshen was given to them….and for the first three generations….they were treated well,  for Joseph’s sake.    But then:

Exodus 1:8 “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”   

                And then the Egyptian monarchy saw the Israelites as a competitor….for the Israelites  were “more and mightier than we:”  Ex.1:9)

They were made slaves….under terrible taskmasters….and made to build for Pharaoh.

               They thought that the heavy burdens would shorten their lives,  or cause them to be discouraged and despair….and give up life….or a normal life of marriage and children.   

“But…”   (and I love God’s “but”….for it means that He is going to show that no matter the plans and schemes against His people….He is going to overrule….and cause His Will to be done,….anyway!)

Exodus 1:12 “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew….”

God’s time to bring out Israel from Egypt was not yet….but He was working,  so that when they came out….they would come back to Canaan, as a nation, as God told Abraham about. (Genesis 15:13-16)

So here enter our heroines:      Shiphrah (brightness) and Puah (to glitter)…. they were Israelite midwives.  

              And Pharaoh sent for them and commanded them that when the Israelite mothers would call for them….

….that they were to kill the male Israelites,….smother them,  and tell the mothers that it was because of a difficult birth, that they died.

The horribleness of this!   Murder the babies…secretly.   Be the executioners for Pharaoh!

            Yet we must understand,  what these women were up against.   They were slaves….women slaves….being commanded by the highest authority! 

“But”….

Exodus 1:17 “But the midwives feared God,  and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them,  but saved the men children alive.”

We have spoken of the fear of the Lord before….how saving it is!   What a wonderful testimony for these heroes….they feared God.    These women had not just heard of God,  but they had believed on Him….and honored Him.

           It did not keep them from seeing the seriousness of their actions….nor did it close their eyes to the possible punishment from the king….

……”but they feared God”….and that gave them courage to do God’s Will, and save the men children alive….no matter what it cost them.

They obey God, not man….and so…

Exodus 1:18 “And the king of Egypt called for the midwives,…”

            They are brought before the king again…and when questioned…and I am sure it was not a gentle question…..but done under threat.

            But they said, that the Hebrew women are delivering their babies,  before we go into them.   

           (An old Hebrew once said, that he believed, 

           “When they were called to a mother for childbirth…they would pray to God that the mother would have the baby before they arrive.   And God answered their prayers.”

            Whether this is so or not,  I do not know….but I do know, for God has given testimony in His Word…that they would not kill the children….for fear of God!)

They knew that the king could kill them….but trusted God…..and did not kill the children.

Pharaoh abandons his plan of secret killing….and orders the Egyptians, if they have a Israelite slave,  and they are come to birth….they were to cast the sons into the river! (Ex. 1:22)

         (How many sons were killed by this, is unknown….but they were not killed by the midwives,  who “feared God”.)

Exodus 1:20-21 “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty

         And it came to pass,  because the midwives feared God, that He made them houses.”

These heroes were blessed with husbands and children themselves,  because they feared God more than they feared Pharaoh.

That is the last we hear of these midwives….it is a small story….a few verses;  yet the impact and blessing they had on their people….God took note of.   

 Their names are in HIs Book.   

        ( For He has a Book of remembrance for those that fear Him:

Malachi 3:16-17 “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another:  and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.

           And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as  a man spareth His own son that serveth him.”)

And it was because these midwives feared God.   

          The same “fear” or reverential awe that we should have,  as we come into contact with so many “suggestions”  or “plans”  of the world……or  schemes that the devil tries to trip us up with.

Martha 

Luke 10:38 “Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house.”

  

She did not just listen as He went by….but she welcomed the Lord into her house as well.

 She, Lazarus, and Mary all lived together in Bethany.  

Martha was probably the one who ran the house….keeping it, and seeing to their food.  

When Jesus came to Bethany;  Martha welcomed Him into their home….

….this was a happy occasion, and she went about trying to get everything just right, so that she could enjoy His company.

Lazarus sat with the disciples, and Mary, Martha’s sister,  came and sat at Jesus feet to listen to His Word.

Martha was trying to get things done….

It was not that she did not want to hear the Lord….but she had let the desire to serve the Lord weigh her down….

…..so that instead of enjoying the time He was there….she became “cumbered”.   (This is a term that means something she is dragging around, a weight.)

Then, she began to wonder why Mary was not helping…..which led her to complain to the Lord….about His actions!   

How one thing leads to another!

Luke 10:39-40 “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word.

               But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said,      Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?   Bid her therefore that she help me.”

How like Martha we are!    

She began by wanting fellowship with Jesus….so much so she invited Him to come to her house.

Then, she let  “things” build up in her thoughts….

“I should really do something special….He is so great a person.”

“I really need to hurry….He is already speaking to the others.”

“If only Mary would help me….I could be in there too.”

“Why isn’t the Lord saying anything to her,….so I could hear what He is saying, too?”

These are the “imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Our thoughts run away….going from one thing to another….and before you know it….we are accusing the Lord of not caring about us!

Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her,   Martha, Martha, thou art careful (full of care) and troubled about many things (and they are just things):

                But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Notice, how Jesus gently corrects this lovely woman:  “Martha, Martha”….saying her name twice to get her attention.

She was still focused on things….

….”Look at Me, Martha….Listen to Me, Martha….you are getting all worked up about things….

…but Mary has seen that the important thing about having Me in your house….that is to hear Me….

….this I will not take away from her…..but instead invite you to come and join us.”

Jesus loved Martha.  Martha was a true believer.

John 11:5 “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”

They were true friends and disciples of the Lord.   

(In fact the last week of Jesus life was spent going from their house in Bethany, to Jerusalem, during the day, to teach in the Temple….and back to their house at night.)

When Lazarus got sick….Martha and Mary could think of nothing….but taking their concern to Jesus:

John 11:1, 3 “Now a certain man was sick,  named Lazarus,  of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

             Therefore his sisters sent unto Him (Jesus), saying,   Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick.”

Jesus was beyond the Jordan River (where John the Baptist had begun his ministry John 10:40) in Bethabara. 

But when Jesus heard of Lazarus’ illness…..He did nothing….yet.

John 11:6 “When He had heard therefore that he was sick,  He abode two days still in the same place where He was.”

During these two days, Lazarus dies….then it was time to go, so Jesus says:

John 11:7 “Then after that saith to His disciples,  Let us go into Judea again.”

It was a journey of several days to Bethany….so when He gets there,  Lazarus is dead for four days (John 11:39)….and there is a crowd of mourners which were there to grieve with Martha and Mary.

Leaving all….Martha, as soon as she hears Jesus is coming….goes to meet Him. (John 11:20)

Notice the faith of this woman:

John 11:21-22 “Then said Martha unto Jesus,  Lord, if Thou hadst been here,  my brother had not died.

            But I know,  that even now,  whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God,  God will give it Thee.”

Answering this kind of faith,  Jesus says,  “Thy brother shall rise again.”

He was telling her what He was going to do….

She declares her faith in God’s Word….”I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection  at the last day.”

And then Jesus reveals to this dear woman one of His names:  “I am the Resurrection and the Life”.

John 11:25-26 “Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection and the life:  he that believeth in Me,  though he were dead,  yet shall he live:

             And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.   Believest thou this?”

Jesus was speaking directly to her faith….Lazarus will be resurrected because of his belief in Me…..and you,  who believe in Me will also have this everlasting life….

….do you believe, Martha?

John 11:27 “She saith unto Him,  Yea, Lord:  I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God,  which should come into the world.”

This is an amazing testimony….”I believe Thou art the Christ….and I am leaving all into your hands….do as Thou wilt.”

She goes gets Mary;   and she and Mary, come to see Jesus.   They are followed by the mourners….

And they take Him to where Lazarus is,  and He tells them to take away the stone….

Martha speaks up about how long he has been dead, and that he would stink….

…one of the laws of Moses said (Numbers 19:11-16):

Numbers 19:16 “And whosoever toucheth…..a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.”

She did not want defilement to come upon Him, or those there….

…but Jesus reminds her

     (how gently He rebukes those that believe in Him, to hang on to His Word to them).

John 11:40 “Jesus saith unto her,  Said I not unto thee,  that, if thou wouldest believe,  thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

Then, when they remove the stone off the grave….He prays, looking up (John 11:41-42):

“Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me.   

And I knew that Thou hearest Me always:  but because of the people that stand by  I said it,  that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”

Jesus could pray silently….but He prayed out loud, for a testimony for the people that were there.    He was God’s Son.

(We could say grace silently,  but often pray out loud for a testimony to the people around.   Not to correct, but to testify that we belong to the Lord.)

Then, as God’s Son….Jesus commanded Lazarus….

John 11:43 “And when He had thus spoken,  He cried with a loud voice,   Lazarus, come forth.”

No one had to touch him, or bring him out to Jesus…..Christ’s very voice commanded life,  and it was done.

(This was a revelation, to those there,  that Christ had power over death…..yet the folly of sin made the Pharisees and chief priest believe they could destroy Him and His kingdom.  How sin blinds and deceives!)

And Lazarus came forth…still bound with the grave clothes of death….but very much alive.   (John 11:44)

Then Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go.”

(And isn’t this what Jesus speaks to our death and sins,  for us)

Martha had great faith…..

…she sometimes let herself get burdened with “things”….but she received the gentle rebuke of her Lord, and trusted in Him as the Son of God.

(Her faith led her to be the only woman to declare that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of God”.

Peter had (Matthew 16:16), and many believed on Him…..but Martha was the only woman who scripture shows to have made this public confession.)

Jesus loved Martha….

…He had fellowship and friendship in her house,

…He corrected her gently….yet every time He did, she gladly responded with more faith, and trust.

…He gave to her one of His names.

…It was for this family, that He showed His power over death.

Are we like Martha….growing in our love and testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ, even through rebukes, and sorrow?

John 11:1, 12:2,3

The mount of Transfiguration

Mark 9:2-4 “And after six days Jesus taketh with Him  Peter, and James, and John and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves:  and He was transfigured before them.

                   And His raiment became shining,  exceeding white as snow;  so as no fuller on earth can white them.

                  And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses:  and they were talking with Jesus.” 

The first thing to notice here, is that Jesus led these three disciples “into a high mountain…apart by themselves.”

                  Of course, Jesus knew what was to happen….and….if He had been after a manifestation of HIs glory and power….

….He could have led all His disciples, at the least….or the crowd that was gathered around Him, for healing….or called for the leaders and Pharisees to come.

But Jesus was there on that mountain…..not for a show….but for a conversation with HIs Father (Luke 9:28)…and two of God’s servants of old….”and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:31)  

                 Moses,  who represented the Law….the very foundation of God’s Ways of good toward man. 

                And Elijah,  who represented the Prophets….but who was a mighty man of prayer (James 5:17-18).

They were speaking about Christ’s “decease”….which is “exodos” in the Greek.

               Speaking of  the exit, or departing….”which He should accomplish (make complete, finish) at Jerusalem” 

              (Remember, He went willingly to Jerusalem…and to the cross.  And on the cross before He gave up the ghost….He cried for all who would hear:  “It is finished”.  

               This was the subject of their conversation.   

               How wonderful for them to see the Christ they had loved and preached, standing  in HIs glory,  yet speaking of His death….to accomplish the promised Salvation!)

But now,  about those disciples which went with Him:   let us just say….we are so like them.   These are those of Jesus’ inner circle.    They are closest to HIm.   

             Peter has already confessed that He is the Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 8:29)

             All three have deserted their old life…and followed Jesus.   

And yet….let us be clear,  they are devoted to Christ….but still so full of themselves….and their way of thinking about things.

             In Luke, it says that while Jesus is praying,  they fall asleep (Luke 9:32)….and when Christ’s glory is shining…they wake up…and not knowing what to say!

The transfiguration was the glorification of the Man, Christ Jesus….it comes from the word “metamorphose”…and means Jesus was “changed” in appearance before them, like He would be after the resurrection.  (Acts 1:9-11)

                             What an amazing sight!

             Peter, so impetuous…especially with his mouth….speaking up, and speaking out:  he recommends they build three tabernacles;  one for each of them.   

             Pretty silly….even though he does put Jesus’s Tabernacle first….yet it is not buildings…no matter how grand that Jesus is speaking about….or showing.

             It was His journey to death and resurrection….that to God,  His Father,  was glorious…

….a fulfillment of the Law….and of the Prophet’s message.

                           But the disciples were “sore afraid”.    They were all afraid….

….but then…

…and how many times God has “covered” our silly words,  our fears,  our ridiculous thoughts….and spoken to us….pointing us to Christ Jesus our Lord:

Mark 9:7 “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them:  and a Voice came out of the cloud, saying,   This is My beloved Son:  hear Him.”

How many times have I wanted a great experience like this, in prayer?     Wanted to see a manifestation of the glory and power of God?   

              And how many times has the great experiences I have had with God,  been just a prelude to the real meat of the matter:

                         “Hear HIm”   I was to  listen to what Jesus is saying to me!  

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17)

Psalm 119:130 “The entrance of Thy Words giveth light;  it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

The lesson in the mount of Transfiguration is……

…. in the highs and lows of our Christian experience….we are to… watch our words,…..turn from ourselves and our ideas….

….and listen to the Words of Christ.

Faith, Hope, and Charity or Love.

Today, let us remember the greatest Lover of our souls, Christ Jesus;….and consider the value of the love He places within us by the Holy Spirit.

This is a whole chapter about love.   The love God places within us, and what He expects us to do with it.  

        It is not written for babes in Christ…for it speaks of putting away “childish things”; but it written to those who know their calling, and want to walk in God’s “more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31)

1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity,  these three;  but the greatest of these is charity.”

These abide because they are of God, given us for our stability, encouragement, and use.

Faith is a gift of God when we are born again:

If you are truly saved…you will never lose your faith…though it be “little”, still it will lead you to heaven.

Faith abides because it comes from God the Father, to all who receive His Son, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith,  we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Romans 3:24-25 “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

                         Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,  through the forbearance of God;”

And when we have faith,  God speaks to us through His Word, and from the Holly Spirit within:

Hope rises up within us after we have heard God.

Hope is that confident expectation that God will do what He said.

Hebrews 6:17-19 “Wherein God,  willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel,  confirmed it by an oath:

                                That by two immutable things,  in which it was impossible for God to lie,  we might have strong consolation,  who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us:

                                 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,…”

Romans 5:2, 5 “by Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,  and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

                            And hope maketh not ashamed;  because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Hope in God’s Word, stirs our love for God.

Charity or love:  It abides because it comes from God to you.  It is one of the first things we feel, when we are born again.  He loves us.  Wow!

1 John 4:19 “We love Him,  because He first loved us.”

We have lots of emotions,  and affections….all of which affect us.

But when we know the Lord loves us….really loves  us;   it changes things.

Love abides because it comes from God, and it grows as we give it back to God.

Love also is a testimony to others that we belong to Christ.  (John 13:35)

But while they all abide, by the Holy Spirit within us.   They also all work.

Faith makes all things of God, real to us.

Hope keeps us steady in all the storms which come.

Look at what love;  the love God placed within our hearts, does!   It changes our attitudes, feeling, and actions, within us and without us!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Charity suffereth long,  and is kind;  charity envieth not;  charity vaunteth not itself,  is not puffed up,

(All these have to do with the change God’s love has on our attitude toward ourselves, and others.)

                               Doth not behave itself unseemly,  seeketh not her own,  is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(These have to do with our emotions and whether they will spill out;  or if God’s love will have the victory over them.)

                               Rejoiceth not in iniquity,  but rejoiceth in the truth;  

(This has to do with loving the Truth.  How much of our lives before Christ have we wasted in loving [and sometimes living] a lie.   God’s love changes that:  we move away from anything which separates us from the Lord,  and cling to the Truth in Jesus.)

                               Beareth all things,   Believeth all things, hopeth all things,  endureth all things.”

(I must admit, the first time I read this, years ago, I thought;  “What?! Surely the Lord made a mistake!”   But I have come to see:    It is not bearing all the things of the world,  or believing them.   No, it has nothing to do with the world;  but everything to do with God.)

Bearing all the circumstances, people and places…God puts me in:   God’s Love does that in me.

Believing all that God says about this person, work, study,  whatever….whether I ever see the “results” I think should be there.

Hoping in God’s Promises, ever.  God’s love within me helps me to “hang on” to that Word.

Endure all things which come to me, because God’s love to me,  makes me stronger than the anger or resentment which the Adversary of my soul wants me to feel.     And because I can pray for all the changes necessary for my good; the Lord hears me.

God’s Faith, Hope, and Love abide…and they can keep growing in me;  working within me the greatest work:  to love God with all my soul, with all my heart,  with all of me.

1 Corinthians 13:8 “Charity (love) never faileth:…”

God’s love will never fail you…yield to Him:  by faith….be anchored in hope…and receive and keep receiving His love, within you by the Holy Spirit;…..and then through you. 

Habakkuk

Habakkuk 2:20 “But the Lord is in HIs Holy Temple:  let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

Here is the proper attitude toward God…..to take our place before Him…in silence.   For there is no boasting,  or excuse,   or complaint that we can give God (Ro. 3:19),…

….we are but HIs creatures….at HIs disposal (Mat. 20:15)….at HIs pleasure (determination,  Revelation 4:11)

There are many awe inspiring verses where we see that Majesty and Glory of God,  but 

Habakkuk….from the first to the last….is in awe of God’s Holiness.

Habakkuk 1:12-13 “Art Thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One?….Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil,  and canst not look on iniquity:…”

God has shown Habakkuk that He will bring the Babylonians against Judah….even thought they are far more wicked than Judah.

But he questions….

….How can God,  Who is so Holy,   let them that deal treacherously and do wickedly….against those that are more righteous than they?   Will He let them get by with it?

And many today are asking the same thing.

Habakkuk 2:1 “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.”

I love this…”when I am reproved.”…..

…..look at the submissive attitude of Habakkuk.   

          His spirit is roused against the wickedness of both his people and the cruelty of the Babylonians, God will bring against them for their sin.   

He knows that because of this,  he probably is not seeing things as God sees them….so he waits to hear from the Lord….to be reproved and set right with His Way.

          How great a person,   who submits to God….in all circumstances,  for the ultimate enlightening and blessing of God’s people.

In the general,  Habakkuk is prophesying concerning the Babylonians coming against Jerusalem….spoken of in the first chapter.   They are described as “terrible and dreadful…more fierce than evening wolves…”

          This was a judgment because of Judah’s sin for idol worship….for violence and injustice…

…..and Judah and Jerusalem would reap,  violence and injustice!

         (Most say that Habakkuk, himself was taken captive, though it is not mentioned.    And I think that this is interesting in itself.   God has His eye upon us,  when others do not.   And He apportions our work,  our influence,  and our message…to His place, time, and people.    And though that changes….yet He remains constant….in faithfulness to us.)

But Habakkuk also sees that though God is using the Babyonlians to reprove and chasten HIs people….(and it is for their good,  as some will repent…Hallelujah for every soul saved and brought back to God!)

….still…..those Babylonians will be corrected….and judged for their terrible treatment of the Israelites.

Habakkuk 2:2 “And the Lord answered me,  and said,   Write the vision  and make it plain upon tables,  that he may run that readeth it.”

Write,  make it plain….that those that read it….may run.   That they may run to tell others of God’s Ways…..of correction and the good news of deliverance.

                  God then goes on to show that Babylon will be defeated in three ways:  

First,  pride will puff them up…so that their fall will be greater.

Second, an insatiable desire for “more, more”.   

 And third, false safety and drunkenness….and they will be overthrown.

                 All this happened.    

And as Habakkuk hears from the Lord….his overwhelming sense of God’s Holiness….of His faithful Might….of His Purpose for His Own….brings from Habakkuk a cry:

               Habakkuk 2:20 “But the Lord is in His holy temple:  let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

What a God we have!    He not only sees all,   but He has planned and purposed all. 

              He will reprove and correct….but He will see us through,  as we repent.

Habakkuk then prays….and praises the Lord.     (It is interesting to note that the word “prayer” here,  means…”to apply to a judge for a favorable decision”.)

I believe that Habakkuk starts to pray….then bursts into a song….a song of praise for God HImself,  Who is Amazing in holiness, might, and light…

              There are three stanzas….each stopped by a “Selah”, which means “stop, and consider”

The first (verse 2-3),  Habakkuk confesses he was afraid when God had told him of what was coming…and he asks that God would:   “revive Thy Work”…  (what work?)

               The work that God did at Sinai when He made Israel a nation which was to be ruled by God.     Selah.

In the second (verses 3-9),  Habakkuk was fully singing,….about God’s glory.    He pictures God’s glory seen by all in the heavens and the earth.  

              He is seen as standing and walking….light shining everywhere He went…both in judgment and in blessing.   He is seen as dividing mountains and hills and nations….and then riding forth in deliverance to the tribes of Israel….”according to the oaths…even Thy Word.”

             For God has acted according to His Word, for HIs glory.  Selah.

In the third (verses 9-13), Habakkuk’s voice raises in a song of the many deliverances which were given Israel by God…and raises to a full pitch for he sees that…”God went forth…with Thine anointed”.

            Habakkuk sees that God has willed a deliverance for Israel…..all for the glory of “Thine anointed”,  or Jesus Christ,  Who went forward to save….and will save.  Selah.

Then Habakkuk returns to his prayer….for himself, and the believing remnant in Judah, in awe… before the revelation of God, in holiness.

           “Thou didst” (verses 14-15)  Habakkuk terms the judgment against Judah as already done.   For God’s Word is true….and he was bathed in emotion, trembled (verse 16a)….his lips quiver, trying to keep back sobbing….he was weakened in his core….he felt he could not stand any longer…he was almost overcome in emotions.

Then:  …”and I trembled in myself…that I might rest in the day of trouble.”

 This trembled is to be afraid,  to be in awe. 

           The only way we can truly be at rest in the day of trouble is to know the “fear of the Lord”  to be in awe of Him.

           An old preacher once said….”If we truly fear the Lord,  the fear of man may surprise and attack us…but it will not overcome us.”

And then Habakkuk lifts up his head….to the Lord….and sings with a submission and whole-hearted laying of himself and all that he had to God.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom,  neither shall fruit be in the vines;  the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat;  the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  

           Yet  I will rejoice in the Lord,  I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

(A long time ago, I mentioned that I was considering these verses.  And my husband said something I found odd at the time,  but I have seen the wisdom in it since.    He said,  “I do not think it is good, when people read these verses….for these verses show a maturity of subjection that many do not have.     These verses sound wonderful….and they are….but to have the experience of such submission,  is hard.”

            I have since found this to be true.    When all things seem to be taken away….all plans, health, and maybe even life….when you are alone, and distressed, with no helpers but the Lord…when you see nothing but bleakness,  or fear….then…

…if you can quote these verses in truth….then you have a real beginning of the submission that is spoken of here.)

Here is the submission….and yet even as Habakkuk sings it….his eyes see the Lord God as the power to do this….and so must we:

Habakkuk 3:19 “The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.   To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.”

Let us pray and sing to the Lord our God….Who is Holy,  Glorious,  and through Jesus Christ, our Salvation.

The Promise of the valley of dry bones

Ezekiel has been recommissioned to preach to Israel (he had been told to be quiet, because of their unbelief,  till someone from the destroyed city of Jerusalem came…and confirmed what the Lord had told them through Ezekiel)

          But now he was preaching again….even though they thought their future was over.   They were not only captives….but now there was nothing to look to:  no Jerusalem,  no Temple,  no sacrifices….they were without hope…truly desolate.

But Ezekiel preached repentance to the captives….return to God and He will:

            Ezekiel 36:27-28 “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.

           And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your father’s; and ye shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

The Lord gives Ezekiel this promise to the captives in Babylon…

….yet…

Ezekiel 36:37 “Thus saith the Lord God;  I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel,  to do it for them;  I will increase them with men like a flock.”

But,  truly unbelief is strong (haven’t we found this for ourselves, too?)!

So God takes Ezekiel (I believe, in a vision) out to a valley….full of bones….dry bones, very dry. (Ezekiel 37:1-2)    This is how Israel is to themselves,…and to the world…dead and dry.

And the Lord asks Ezekiel…..”Can these bones live?”  (Ezekiel 37:3)

              Faith is always tried.   Naturally these bones were far past living….but faith looks to the Lord,  and His Will….for nothing is impossible to HIm,  if He will it.

             And Ezekiel answered according to faith….”O Lord God,  thou knowest.”   

Ezekiel knew God had a plan and a purpose….but exactly what He would do,  Ezekiel left in the hands of God.

So the Lord said….”Prophesy to these bones”.   (Ezekiel 37:4-6)

             That is exactly what Ezekiel had been doing….prophesying to the dead bones of the captives of Israel….telling them what was on the Lord’s mind.

When Ezekiel prophesied….what the Lord had told him to say,  began to happen…..

….bit by bit. (Ezekiel 37:7-8)

              First bones came together….then sinews,  and then flesh came upon them, and skin covered them.

             It was not….zap!….all was done.    No,  it was bit by bit as Ezekiel prophesied to them.

Yet they lay there in the valley,  still.

These people in captivity  (the bones covered in flesh)….may get a form of their former religion….but without the Spirit of God truly awakening them to their life in God,  they lay in the dust of the world,  still.

Then…(and I find this amazing!)…Ezekiel is to speak….not to them anymore,  but to the wind….calling “the wind”, and “O breath” (the Holy Spirit,  Psalm 104:29-30).    

Three times God had told them that He would scatter them in the winds (Ezekiel 5:10, 12:14, 17:21)….and now from the four corners of the earth….as though the wind which scattered them, would blow again….and He would gather them)

Ezekiel did….and these bones, covered, yet with no life…..suddenly live, and stand upon their feet,  an army.

            (Notice the honor the Lord gives to HIs Word…spoken by His servants!    Isaiah 55:11  “…It shall not return unto Me void, but shall accomplish that which I please…”)

Here was Ezekiel’s message, now  to the hopeless and depressed captives:

             Ezekiel 37:12-14 “…Thus saith the Lord God:  Behold,  O My people,  I will open your graves, and cause you to come up…and bring you into the land of Israel.

             And ye shall know that I am the Lord….

             And shall put My Spirit in you, and ye shall live,….and then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.”

Here was a call to repentance from sin,  and sorrow in unbelief….to seek the promise that the Lord has given in believing obedience….

…that they may know that the Lord has spoken it….and has done it….by a renewal within them…and then in the land,  again.

And now, for us:

Ezekiel 36:37 “Thus saith the Lord God;  I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them….”

God said this through Ezekiel to Israel….but could He say this to us, as well?

              Are there promises we have from the Lord we have not yet even sought for?   

Are there things in the covenant of grace we have not obtained by HIs Spirit?      

Have we prayed for them….called upon HIm for them….or are we following a certain form of our religion, yet we are not standing on our feet as His soldiers?

If there are….let us begin to ask, and seek,  and knock that the promise we have been given,  may be fulfilled by HIs Spirit, in us and through us.

The eye of the needle

Mark 10: 23-25 “And Jesus looked round about,  and saith unto His disciples,   How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

                      And the disciples were astonished at His words.   But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them,   Children,  how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

                     It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle,  than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

(We know the story….a rich young ruler came to Jesus,  seeking eternal life.   Jesus pointed him back to the scriptures….the side of the commandments which deal with other people.  

          The young man said he had observed them all.    

          And Jesus, quite pointedly says,  “One thing you lack:  sell whatsoever you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven:  and come,  take up the cross, and follow Me.”

As we know,  this was not what this man wanted to hear….and he went away,…sad….but he left Jesus….”for he had great possessions.”

          Jesus uses the word “treasure” here,  for He had plainly taught before:   “For where your treasure is,  there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)….and this is a lesson in itself.   

          Where is our “treasure”?  In the “riches” of this world?  Or the Spiritual riches Christ gives us?)

Then, when this rich young ruler turns from HIm,  to go back to his life of prosperity…..Jesus turns His eyes from him….and looks around on the men and women who did follow HIm….

….and said,…

“How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!”   

This was quite a statement.   

                   Prosperity was promised those in the Old Testament that were obedient to God and His commandments.    But it was prosperity of spirit toward God and toward their brothers and sisters of Israel.   They were commanded to take care of their poor relatives who came to them for help.

Jesus disciples were astonished….very surprised at this statement.

So Jesus speaks very gently….(And I love this)…”Children,…”

                This speaks of sons and daughters….valuable to Him.     

There is this rich young ruler which came running to Jesus for eternal life…..but turns and goes away.

               And there is these men and women who kept following HIm,  wanting to understand everything He says….

….Jesus turns to them and calls them….Valuable sons and daughters!     And explains what He meant.

               “How hard it is for them that trust in riches….to leave them and trust in Christ.    For that is what it takes,   to enter into the kingdom of God….trust in Me, the Messiah,  the Savior.”

Then He says this verse.     (I think this is a great way to explain how those who have “great possessions”  need to enter into the door of the kingdom of God.)

Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

The eye of the needle was a very small door beside the large gates of Jerusalem.   These gates were closed at sunset and locked till the next morning.    But the small door next to it was closed and guarded by a soldier.    It could be opened at any time.

                When a caravan of laden camels came, past the time to enter into the gates….they would have to camp outside the gates….with no protection….

….or they would have to bring each camel and take off their merchandise from it, and squeeze the camel through.     (Let me tell you,   those leggy camels with the long neck and large body had to get down on their knees and wiggle through.)

                Sometimes they might get stubborn,  and stop right in the middle of the door.    But with much pulling and pushing from the merchants….it would get through,   to safety inside the walls of the city.

(Once,  many years ago,  we had to take an inventory before the Lord of all our “possessions” in the world.      Now, not many were rich,  or affluent….so we thought surely it would not take long.    

               But then the Lord showed us (me, at least) my opinion of myself….not that I had many abilities….but what I had, I felt pride it!    He showed me how I hung onto many things I thought were “good” in myself….

…and frankly, I was amazed!    I did not know I felt that way about so many things in my life.   The revelation sent me praying harder to the Lord to help me “take off” all that I was laden with,  and was holding on to!)

And as with many of the lessons Jesus taught HIs disciples….for they were again very surprised at this illustration….

….Jesus then points them to the One Who works within them (and us)….and Who will supply what we need, as we obey:

Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them (those who had continued with HIm) saith,   With men it is impossible,  but not with God:   for with God all things are possible.”

How we need to turn our eyes away from ourselves….and toward God,  who called us! 

For with God all things are possible!

Thy Mercy, O Lord 

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me:  thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever:  forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

His mercy is a wonderful character of God.  

Mercy is the kindness of God to those who are sinners.

God shows mercy for mankind in general,  which includes:   light, heat, rain/water, food. The external mercies for life.

Matthew 5:45 “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  for He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,  and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

But to His beloved Church,……His mercies are internal, and eternal,  as well.  

He brings them closer by His love and Care, by the mercy He gives.  This mercy includes their Salvation:  

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done,  but according to his mercy He saved us,  by the washing of regeneration,  and renewing of the Holy Ghost”

(The first time “merciful” is used is with Lot, [Genesis 19:16] who was saved from the destruction with the rest of the wicked in Sodom and Gomorrah.  “The Lord being merciful unto him”.) 

The mercy of God lifts up the trembling sinner, so they can see God,  in the face of Jesus Christ.

And brings comfort and knowledge of the character of God,   to those  who are following after…….seeking a closer relationship to God.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,  then peaceable,  gentle,  and easy to be entreated,  full of mercy and good fruits,  without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

God’s mercy completes (perfects) the work He has started within us;…….He will not desert us, because we fail Him;……..rather, in mercy,  He sanctifies us……and preserves us by His Word, that we may be kept in the love of God.

Jude 20-21 “But ye,  beloved,  building up yourselves on your most holy faith,  praying in the Holy Ghost,

Keep yourselves in the love of God,  looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

God’s grace holds us up,……in power.

God’s mercy puts His arm around us in love,…..and keeps us close to Him and His life for us.

We, who are called to follow Christ Jesus, are called to show mercy to others,……..because God has shown it to us:

Remember Jesus telling of the Good Samaritan?  

Jesus was using this illustration to a lawyer who asked how he could have Eternal Life.  (Luke 10:25). 

He did this to “tempt Him”.

(Now,  lawyers were those who were to know the scriptures, and interpret what they meant to the everyday life.)

When Jesus asked him,…….”What is written in the law?”   

(This was often the way Jesus dealt with those that should have known God’s Word…..to take them back to what it really says.)

Quite confident in his answer;  the lawyer said,   “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”

(Perhaps if he had left the last part out,…….he could have walked away in pride,……..but putting that last part in there, about his neighbor,……made him responsible in a way that had to be shown outwardly.     

In other words,  did this lawyer really believe the scriptures…..was this the way to eternal life?   Then he should love God and treat his neighbor as he treated himself.)

And Jesus made this clear to him when He said,  “….this do, and thou shalt live.”

Automatically the lawyer tried to defend himself against what Jesus had just told him.

“So who is my neighbor?”

Jesus then tells of the Good Samaritan.  

We know the story:   The Samaritan was the only one, among three,  who had stopped in a place where robbers were,…….to help a robbed and wounded man.

He also paid with his own money to keep him in the inn, and for care for him.

So,  Jesus asks this lawyer:    Which one was the neighbor to the man that fell among thieves?  

In other words,  ” Which man acted in God’s Way?”

Luke 10:37 “And he said,  He that showed mercy on him.   Then said Jesus,  Go, and do thou likewise.”

The scriptures never say whether this lawyer got the message Jesus preached to him…..but we should.    We should be merciful,  for God is merciful to us.

And what a great and wonderful characteristic of God it is!

This is mercy:  The kindness of God to us, who are sinners.

And this kindness,  we should show to others,……as He did to us.

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me:   Thy mercy,  O Lord,  endureth forever:  forsake not the works of Thine own hands.”

The Lord will complete my education in His school of life, 

and bring me to have His likeness, by His mercy;  

for His mercy endures, and lasts through my whole life experiences, and forever;

for He will never forsake His work in me.

Would you be a Follower of Jesus?

Matthew 16:24. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples,  If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,  and take up his cross, and follow me.”

This is for born again ones,  for they have received the Holy Spirit, and His grace.

If any man will come after Me.   What does it mean to come after Jesus?

First,  it means that you get up from where you are in your life and leave it.   To come after means leaving;   But not in the physical sense.

It is  a “leaving” of the past attitudes,  past sins,  and past pursuits to come after Him.

2 Corinthians 6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them,  and be ye separate, saith the Lord,  and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, “

Second, it means you follow Christ, by being obedient to His commands on your life.

John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him,  If a man love me,  he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him,  and we will come unto him,  and make our abode with him.”

Third,  it means to suffer for, and because of Christ.  Every follower of Christ will, sooner or later, come to the place where they must choose the world or Christ, and if you choose Christ;  the world will make you “suffer” in some respect.

Fourth, it means to stand with those for whom Christ died:  other Christians.

John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,  if ye have love one to another.”

Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples,  If any man will come after me,  let him deny himself,  and take up his cross,  and follow me.”

You deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him.  You need to “bear” your cross, to the place in your experience that you no longer resist His will in anything.

Your cross is anything God has required, which cuts across your will.  There you need to say “no” to your will;  and do God’s Will for your life.  This is to bear your cross.  

This is a very personal thing, between you and your Lord;  for He says,  “if any man will”.    It is not any Church, any group, any family, even;  but any man.

The personal aspect is important.  The necessity of it dates back to our beginnings:

We were not consulted in our creation:  Where we were born,  in what family,  or when we were born, and the person we were born as.

We just were,…..and that was that.

As Christians, we are to come to the place in our experience that we don’t just acknowledge God’s Creative Right,  but we submit to it.

We will be the creature before the Creator.

Letting His choice for us,  be our best.

For some of us, we must acknowledge, we have been having a fit with God about ourselves, in some realm, since we knew God.

Maybe it was our family:  Why put me with these people?

Maybe it was our abilities:  Couldn’t you at least make me great  in something?

Maybe it was our looks:  My nose is too big;  my eyes not blue enough;  You could have made me prettier than “them”.

Whatever it is;  we are not satisfied with our circumstances,  or (often) ourselves.

So, here is a good place to follow Jesus:

Matthew 11:25-26 “At that time Jesus answered and said,  I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,  and hast revealed them unto babes.

             Even so,  Father,  for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

Jesus came to do the Father’s Will, and never tried to do otherwise;  even to His shame and death.

Jesus said He came to give life, and to give it more abundantly.   (John 10:10)

If you are a Christian, He offers this abundant life within the  life He gave you in your beginning;……and in what He gives you now as His servant.

In this abundant life there is joy of spirit,  peace of heart,  courage in peril, love of others, and a personal relationship with the One Who loved and saved you.                         (More personal than any other relationship you will ever have:  for He knows everything about you,…..and loves you.)

Would you be a follower of Jesus?

Then come after Him, by denying yourself, picking up your cross and following Jesus into your abundant life.    

Not without troubles,……but always with His presence and power by the Holy Spirit to help.

Believe 

God has always wanted His people to believe Him…..but the stress of believe is in the New Testament….we are to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

       

(In the Old Testament, all together, there are 45 times….believe, believed, believeth are said.    

       In the New Testament believe is said 121 times; believed 92 times, believeth 41 times, believing 8 times, believest 8 times, and believers 2 times.)

John 11:26 “And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?”

To believe is to put the whole weight of our existence upon.   Most illustrate it as a chair….to sit down and put your feet up, so that your whole weight is on it.

I have always like this definition…..the term weight is so right…..for our life is made up of all sorts of weight.

        We are made of a spirit….which when we are lost is dark…..and that is great weight.

        We are made of a soul which is our personality, which is usually clothed in many layers of “fashion….of the world’s fashion”.   What weight is there!

        And our body….the weight of which is so worried about these days!

When we believe on Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior,  we need to put all our weight upon Him.

      We believe He will save and keep us….spiritually, personally, and physically.

To believe is not a mental exercise….

       I have reasons, so I believe.

No,  to believe is to see Christ Jesus….whether He is placed before you by the Bible,…or by witness;….

….we ‘see’ Him.

      He is the Son of God, Who died for our sins…and was raised the third day, that we might have newness of life, in Him.

       Our hearts are then drawn to Him by the Father (John 6:65)….and we believe….resting on Him….for ourselves.

John 6:40 “And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Once we are born again….we are to continue to believe Him (put the weight of our existence upon Him)….for He alone can give us the life we should have.

       If we are to preach….He must not only be the message, put the power.

If we are to teach….He must be the lesson, and the give the understanding of it.

       If we are to witness….we must show Him.

If we are to take care of our household,  He must strengthen and guide us….hold our hands as we speak to our children….and let them go into adulthood.

       (It matters not the job….My husband used to work on a boat, [much later he was called to preach]….and the Lord told him, there……”for ye serve the Lord Christ” Colossians 3:23-24.     

On the boat, he was serving Christ, as well as anywhere else.)

Our believing, has a direct impact on the results of what we ask:

Matthew 8:13 “And Jesus said unto the centurion,  Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.   And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Mark 9:24 “Jesus said unto him,  If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

One was spoken to a Roman centurion…..

…one to His disciples,….

…..and one to a Israelite father, distraught over seemingly everyone’s inability to help his son, including himself

    (The father said, “I believe, help mine unbelief”.   And there is a place for this prayer:  when we are in distress and at the end of ourselves.)

The answer is the same. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ….for the request given….

….for we place our weight….ourselves…..on Christ Jesus…in this.

Believe Me, Jesus said, all through HIs ministry….for I am come “to save those which are lost.” (Matthew 18:11)

The last time He spoke to the multitudes of Israel, He spoke again of the one requirement for light and life:

John 12:36-37 “While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.  These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide Himself from them.

      But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him:”

What of us?   We have seen many things He has done.   Are we believing on Him?

The last time He spoke to the chief rulers and Pharisees before His arrest,  He spoke of believing on Him, and His Father God:

John 12: 42-46 “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him;  but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

       For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

       Jesus cried and said,  He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me.

       And he that seeth Me  seeth Him that sent me.

       I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.”

And in His discourse going to Gethsemane,  He spoke of believing to His own disciples….

….believing is putting our whole weight upon.   They were soon going to be tested in ways they had not even considered.

    They all said they would stand with Him….even in death (Mark 14:31)….but it is hard to know what is in our hearts in the hour of temptation….

….that is why “believe” is so important.    

(When we believe,  we place ourselves on Christ, the Rock.   We often shake and tremble on the Rock,  but He is stable, solid, faithful….and will recover us, strengthen us, and restore us.)

John 14:1, 10-12 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.”

        Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?  The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.

       Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.

       Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.”

After this, He spoke of abiding in His love…..and of the Holy Spirit…..but He did not speak of believing.

Now they just had to do it.

Were there failures?  Yes,  but they believed….and went on to abide in His love, receive the Holy Spirit in power, and show Christ Jesus to a lost world.

Where is our belief taking us?   Let us follow Christ’s Word, and believe Him…

….and go on in His love, by the Holy Spirit,…and show forth our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.