People going to and preparing for war, working on their craft, going about their business. Saying about their own work, “it is good.” God’s people on the other hand, may not be as strong, or as ready, compared to the others. But God says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

“Fear not, because I the Lord…”

He is great, and able to do great things far beyond what any man can do. Trust in Him.

To paraphrase verse 1-2: Since there is (great) encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, affection and sympathy – we should be of the same mind, have the same love, be in full accord and of one mind. This will also bring joy to our spiritual fathers, those who have come before us.

As Jesus has said, “the world will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

Not surprisingly, we have an actual opportunity now where we can show our love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is God’s reminder to us.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:3-5 ESV)

A difficult chapter to read. This chapter talks about separating the “unclean” out of the camp, restitution for one’s sin to another person, and jealous husbands – which, at the surface, sounds very misogynistic. I used to justify these topics using the culture at that time as the reason, but that does not seem enough. What we know now is that there is a spiritual significance to these commands. We won’t understand if we only look at this chapter, this book, but when we look at the bigger picture – it weaves the wonderful story of God’s great love.

The first part is simpler, and the clue is there in the command, “that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of where I dwell.” God is a stickler for cleanliness? Yes, He is. But the command for physical cleanliness is a symbol for spiritual cleanliness. We know this is the case because Jesus Himself drew near to these “outcasts”. God, being Holy, requires the things and people around Him to be holy. No unclean thing or person can be in God’s camp – where He dwells – His Kingdom. With God’s standard of perfection, who can stand? No one, except for those cleansed by the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus.

The next part, restitution. The popular, and logical, way of restitution is “an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth.” But this chapter commands more, you have to give back 120%. The interesting thing for me is this, who have we sinned against the most? God. What was the price of that sin? The sacrifice of Jesus. Are we able to make full restitution for that? No, that is why it is a great gift, grace. The least we can give back is our lives. In doing so we don’t actually lose it, but we will even have a better life. We cannot out give God!

The last part, jealous husbands, will have to wait till another post : )

How big is God? All the waters of the earth can fit in His hands, He can measure the heavens from thumb to pinky. His knowledge and wisdom is so much greater than any man. Nations are like a drop in a bucket. Kings, princes, leaders are nothing compared to God and His Kingdom. He is eternal, everlasting. “He’s got the whole world (and universe) in His hands.”

So many songs have referenced Isaiah 40! Everlasting God, Indescribable, Who is like the Lord , Eagle’s Wings, Days of Elijah, Go tell it on the mountain

It is possible to know God in a personal way, just as Moses and the disciples.
What set Moses and the disciples apart? They were not at all perfect people, but compared to others they were sincere and trusted in God and His commands.

It is possible for me, and for my house, to know God in a personal way. To be able to talk, just as with a friend. God has given His invitation, by providing the Way. My part is to respond, just as Moses did, “show me your ways, let Your presence go with me as I go and, if I have found favor in your eyes, please, show me your glory.”

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