Thoughts on Numbers 35

Now in our present time, after the finished work of Jesus, are there still Levites? I think Yes and No.
No, in the sense that once we are made clean through Jesus, we are able to approach God directly. We don’t need human mediators because we have Jesus as our Mediator.

Yes, in the sense that there are people who have given up “regular” lives to be of service to God’s people. As members of the Church, we should support our elders.

The second part talks about Cities of Refuge – places where people can run to and live in, in case they have killed someone unintentionally. We can look at these verses from different angles… but for me, I remember how I myself am guilty of murder – that my sin is the reason for Jesus’ death on the cross. And that God has prepared a “city of refuge” for me.

Thoughts on Psalm 149

“That escalated quickly…”

Warm fuzzy feels in verses 1 to 5 – singing to the Lord, praise, gladness, rejoicing, music..

Then suddenly verses 6 to 9 – double-edged swords, vengeance, punishment, bindings, fetters and executions..

I was unnerved when I first read through it. But as I write this now.. I see the reminder. 

Such is the Christian life here on earth – instruments of praise in one hand, weapons of war on the other. Cannot have only one and not the other. 

And these weapons, they are not against man.. we are against spiritual forces, the struggle is real.

Arm yourself, put on the full armor of God. As you praise the Lord, don’t let your guard down. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. And remember that Jesus is already victorious, do not fear, be strong and courageous. The battle is the Lord’s.

Thoughts on 1 Timothy 5-6:2

A timely reminder.

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭1-2‬ ESV)

Somehow, since I’m a bit/lot older now, I would sometimes assume that I could just rebuke (with love, of course) older brothers in the faith with straight to the point, guns blazing, honesty. Anyway we’re all adults – and mature believers – aren’t we?

What a reminder from God that with older men I should encourage rather than rebuke. I agree – that’s a much better approach!

The rest talks about treating members of the Church as one would with his own family. This would be troublesome for some people, particularly those with “different” family dynamics.

I wonder though, different family dynamics aside, do we all have the same basic idea of how we should treat fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters? Is the image of the ideal family something God has impressed in every person or is that something we pick up based on culture or environment? Both?

Paul then goes on about widows – with much detail. But the general theme for me, I believe, is this: the Church should care for one another, but this should not be an excuse for some to be lazy. Take care of yourself as much as you can, take care of your family as much a you can. Desire to be a blessing to the Church, not to be a burden.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ESV)

Preaching and teaching is (hard) labor. A lot of prayer and preparation, and spiritual battles, happen before a message is given. We should honor those who have devoted time and energy into seeking God’s message and delivering them to the Church. 

And for employees such as myself:

Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭1-2‬ ESV)

Thoughts on Joel 2 (part 2)

How terrible it is to be an enemy of God.

As we have learned in the beginning of this chapter, God’s army is powerful and fearsome, even the earth and the heavens tremble. 

But we don’t have to be on the opposing side. We can be on God’s side. 

The zeal He has for those who are against Him, is the same zeal He has for those who belong to Him – maybe even more.

He provides for our physical needs that we are satisfied. He uplifts us that we are no longer ridiculed. He removes those who attack us. He blesses the land and its products. He restores – even if the reason for the loss is because of our pride and disobedience. Grace. 

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. (‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭26-27‬ ESV)

It’s a “no-brainer” decision: Choose to be in God’s side. 

Thoughts on Numbers 24

God gave specific landmarks regarding the borders of the promised land.

This was interesting for me because God could have easily said – every land you step on is mine (God’s), so hey, as my people, every land is also yours. But no, God said, this area right here is your land – it’s a great land – and it goes from here to here to here. And you have to divide it fairly among yourselves.

I think God knows that people need boundaries because our finite minds get overwhelmed without it. l know from experience that young children need guidelines otherwise they get stressed. Same with adults too.

When God gives, he gives the right amount. Not more, not less, but definitely more than we deserve. 

The second part of the chapter is again a lesson on leadership and management – Moses can’t lead the entire nation on his own, he needs leaders from every tribe to lead.