Daily Bible Devotionals

“Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, He said: ‘Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is the only one faithful in all My household. I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the image of God. So why are you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?’” Numbers 12:5-8 (HCSB)

“Envy” is pride wounded in competition. Whenever I see someone consumed with envy, I start looking for where the competition is because somehow, they respond from that vulnerable place of realized or impending defeat.  

For Cain & Abel, the competition was over God’s favor of their offerings. For Jacob & Esau, it was over birthright and blessing. I’ve seen it between recording artists in the marketplace and between ministers and congregants. There was a serious competition going on between Moses’ siblings.

Moses’ brother, Aaron, was the oldest, and by birthright, it was his responsibility to lead the family spiritually. As High Priest, he was indeed leading Israel spiritually. Perhaps he also wanted to lead them militarily & administratively.  

Miriam was Moses’s older sister, and she followed Moses’s baby basket down the Nile, straight to Pharaoh’s daughter. Miriam negotiated for Moses’ own mother to nurse and raise him! It must have been hard for Miriam to submit to Moses without seeing him as a child who needed care.

God saw past their pseudo-righteous indignation and spoke directly concerning their envious hearts. Miriam & Aaron’s dispute wasn’t over Moses marrying an Egyptian woman. It was over his authority. God cut straight to the issue, never mentioning the Egyptian woman.

There is a profound lesson concerning prophecy and faithfulness in God’s pronouncement. There are several Biblical instances where people who aren’t particularly righteous prophesy. Even Balaam’s donkey prophesied! All that meant was that God wanted to send a message, and the righteousness of the messenger didn’t limit him.

Most profound is God’s statement about faithfulness. When we are faithful, God’s messages don’t come to us abruptly or untimely. He speaks directly and openly to the faithful. Paul says we should strive for such a relationship with God above all else! (1 Corinthians 14:1) Leadership is not necessarily about age or experience. It is a matter of faithfulness. Be faithful and keep seeking God’s “revelation” as you read His Word.

“The mixed multitude among them had a craving for other food. The Israelites cried again and said, ‘Who will feed us meat? We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there’s nothing to look at but this manna!’” Numbers 11:4b-6 (HCSB)

“Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac. A little voice inside my head said, ‘Don’t look back…you can never look back.’” - Don Henley

One year after their miraculous deliverance, the Israelites are starting to yearn for dear old Egypt. In some ways, they were not unlike the Grateful Dead fans in Don Henley’s “Boys Of Summer.” He wanted his free-spirited Hippie youth without forfeiting his yuppie Cadillac.

Israel wanted both their freedom and the benefits of Egypt. They chose to remember the positive aspects of Egypt, somehow forgetting the whole “slavery” thing.

God’s response: You can’t have your manna and Egypt too! (It was funny to me…)

To be fair to Israel, it wasn’t the whole nation who was grumbling, at least at first. It all started with what the Bible calls the “mixed multitude.” These were the foreigners who came out of Egypt along with the Israelites. They had no enduring relationship with God yet benefited from Israel’s blessed deliverance.

As we learned at the end of chapter 10, there is a shared blessing for any Gentile who partners with Israel. On Mount Sinai, God gave the same directions for both Israelites and foreigners living among them to worship Him.  If the foreigner disobeyed, he would be put out of the community or killed!

However, God’s miracles were too soon forgotten. Hunger always determines the behavior of the ungodly. Pretty soon, many in the “mixed multitude” complained about God’s rules of holiness and shucked the kosher laws for some unclean dinner! Those Israelites close to them disobeyed, as well.

In American culture, being “separate unto God” is not honored…even among many who profess to be believers. It never surprises me when followers of Jesus choose to live on the “border” of the Church and the World, then fall into moral disrepair. Their demise is foretold in numerous Bible accounts, such as today’s chapter.

Our greatest strength is found when we are closest to that section of God’s people who seek the Lord without abandon. When THAT section moves out to impact the World, it is harder for the enemy to pick them off…because they move out as a group, not as individuals.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. They carried out the Lord’s requirement according to His command through Moses.” Numbers 9:22-23 (HCSB)

While traveling around the world in a Christian rock band, I stumbled into a few exciting situations and met some amazing people. One such encounter happened at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.  

Our concert at the Academy happened to fall on the induction weekend for the new Academy plebes. Shortly after our band’s soundcheck, an upperclassman gave me the “psssst…” sign. I inclined his invitation. After we walked around the corner, he asked, “You want to see something cool?” Of course I did! He led me to the projection room of a theater where they were “hazing” the underclassmen.

Then, the hazing stopped abruptly, and they began projecting patriotic and battlefield images onto the theater’s movie screen. This group of sleep-deprived and thoroughly hazed late teens went wild! The energy and patriotic fervor were quite remarkable. The upperclassmen reminded the newbies of America’s tradition of military superiority and exactly why the “United States” is worth fighting for.

The book of Numbers describes how God regimented Israel into a disciplined nation. After the tabernacle was assembled and the Levites consecrated, the Lord’s first command was for Israel to remember. They were to observe the Passover. The Lord knew that Israel’s remembrance of their slavery, their bitter tears, and His deliverance was imperative to make their wilderness “boot camp” endurable.

An interesting phenomenon occurs in boot camp: All personal identity is diminished, and the “company” identity develops. Everyone gets the same haircut, the same uniform, and endures the same hardship. Nobody has a predictable sleep or eating schedule. It makes no sense, except that everyone goes through it together. That’s how war is. Likewise, God generally chooses to bond His people through adversity. That’s how life is.

Adversity produces better followers than miracles produce. This is simply because the individual undergoing adversity learns to listen to and obey the leader’s voice. Additionally, the individual learns to work alongside like-pursuant members of their Christian community.

Take a moment to remember life before your personal deliverance through Jesus. Now, commit yourself afresh to trust & follow Him wherever, whenever, and however He leads. Remember, the Lord has a plan, and He always chooses rightly.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘In regard to the Levites: From 25 years old or more, a man enters the service in the work at the tent of meeting. But at 50 years old he is to retire from his service in the work and no longer serve. He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting, but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties.’”  Numbers 8:23-26 (HCSB)

I have friends who are real estate investors. Presently, they are building retirement communities for young (young-at-heart) retirees. Part of the secular “American Dream” is to work hard, be diligent with your money, and spend your retirement years playing, more or less. I don’t see such a lifestyle even suggested in the Bible.

Two of my favorite friends working on church staff are over 8o years old. One is a WWII veteran, and the other is a former industrial engineer. If you ask them about retirement, they’ll tell you that followers of Jesus never retire from serving the Lord. Put simply, when it came time to retire from their occupations, they began working full-time on their preoccupations, namely, sharing the gospel.

Track with me momentarily: almost every church I have attended has been (or soon became) a megachurch. I’ve visited smaller congregations, but I seldom find much gospel synergy in small churches. I tend to be attracted to the excitement and opportunity present in thriving congregations. And growing churches have dynamic leaders.

That being the case, every organization must face the eventual exit of its founder or leader. Our culture loves to follow personas. We are naturally drawn to celebrities. So, whenever a charismatic persona leaves a congregation, it can lead to its collapse. Why? Because charisma kills vision. What I mean is when a church relies too much on its leader to save the day (instead of relying on the Lord), they generally spend inadequate amounts of time building up young leaders to take their place in the pulpit. Then, when the leader is gone, there is nobody in reserve. Israel needed a Joshua to follow Moses. Every Elijah needs an Elisha in the wings…and your church (or ministry) needs a successor, too.

God saw this potential for leadership implosion in Israel, and He set up guidelines to perpetuate leaders and managers throughout the generations. Leadership magnate John Maxwell says, “Success is defined by the successor.” He means that it’s not enough to build a big organization. More important is building an organization that would thrive in your absence. That means your organization must be founded on and supported by values and principles rather than the charisma of a leader.

Jesus said, “Go make disciples.” Perhaps that element of discipleship is the heart of the Levitical “mandatory retirement” policy. Every Levite got his day in the sun, and then he was commanded to spend the rest of his life preparing and enabling the next generation.

“So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen corresponding to their service, and gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen corresponding to their service, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects carried on their shoulders.” Numbers 7:6-9 (HCSB)

There are many different tasks involved in running a church. It’s not all preaching and Bible study, you know. Whenever a church grows, so do the jobs that accompany the ministry. One day, while working for a church in California, I arrived at work only to find one of our church maintenance guys repairing the lock on my office door. (Apparently, vandals had squirted superglue into several locks on campus.)  So, there I was, waiting for the lock to be repaired because my locksmith skills were feeble.  

That is when it hit me how specialized our ministry had become. Each church employee and volunteer has a specific task, often needing specialized tools. It doesn’t make sense to give the janitors laptop computers, although I’m sure they’d each like one. It also doesn’t make sense to give socket wrenches to the teaching staff. We provide our staffers with what they need to accomplish their specific tasks.

On the day Moses dedicated the Tabernacle, the tribal leaders donated 6 carts and 12 oxen for the service of the Tabernacle. The Levites divided the items among themselves, except for Aaron’s family, the Kohathites. Why? The Kohathites were to carry holy objects on their shoulders. Now, it seems inefficient to carry things when you have free carts & oxen. So, why would God disallow them this labor-saving gift?

Perhaps it is because the holiest things in our lives must also be the most personal. Some ministry tasks can be accomplished with time-saving gadgets, but the most important job, our efforts toward discipleship through personal interaction with God, must be done on our own. For instance, you can Google the answers to most Bible questions, but that is not a substitute for the time spent with the Lord through personal Bible study, to the extent that you simply know the answers because you know God and His Word personally. It seems our culture is more interested in knowing God’s guidance than in getting to know the Guide, Himself!  

I love hearing great preaching and reading Bible commentaries, but nobody else can pray the prayers God has laid aside for me to pray or read the Bible on my behalf. I must “shoulder” those responsibilities myself. There are simply some things, which cannot be carted along by the labor of others.

Furthermore, it is our personal dedication to the Lord that will carry the gospel. No TV program, hit song, or Hollywood blockbuster will impact the lives of those close to you more than the testimony of your personal dedication (or lack thereof) to God.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’” Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV)

This blessing, with which the Lord commanded Aaron to bless the people, is known as the “Aaronic” Blessing. In Jewish culture, it is also known as the Birkat Kohanim or “Priestly” Blessing.

Here’s an interesting item for all Star Trek fans. Remember Spock’s “Live long and prosper” sign? Well, if you do it with both hands and join the thumbs together, you’ll form the gesture that rabbis make while giving the Priestly Blessing. Who would have thought that in a galaxy far, far away, William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy would be Jews, copping the Priestly Blessing down to the hand sign? I’m sure many a Jewish geeky pre-teen giggled at the Semitic space reference back in the ’60s!

What I find most interesting is the idea of “putting God’s Name on the Israelites.”  In ancient Near Eastern culture, the family was everything. When people had children, the boys were celebrated over the girls. I’m not saying that’s the way it should be. It’s just that it was important to have boys because boys carried on the family name.

The Third Commandment is:  Do not take the Lord’s Name in vain.  

Almost every time I have heard the third Commandment taught from a pulpit, it has been explained as a command against cursing or swearing. While it is never a good idea to use dirty language or invoke the Lord’s name in some demeaning manner, I’m not sure that’s precisely what the Third Commandment is about.

The Third Commandment literally translates: Do not receive/use the Lord’s Name in vain.”

When we see the Priestly Blessing in light of the 3rd Commandment, we understand the importance of honoring and respecting the fact that the Lord was transferring His Name to the people. The people who accepted the blessing were literally receiving God’s Name and committing to being His inheritance. Followers of Jesus understand the concept of being adopted or co-inheritors with Messiah (Romans 8:17). It is another way to comprehend the vast richness of blessing bestowed to those to whom God gives His Name.

Let’s not receive it in vain.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘Tell the Israelites: When a man or woman commits any sin against another, that person acts unfaithfully toward the Lord and is guilty,” The person is to confess the sin he has committed. He is to pay full compensation, add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the individual he has wronged.” Numbers 5:5-7 (HCSB)

In life, there are basically two kinds of relationships: Horizontal and vertical.  

HORIZONTAL relationships are between other people and us. It is essential to have healthy horizontal relationships because we all have to get along.

If history has a theme, it should perhaps be, “Men don’t naturally get along.” Its subtitle might be: “How selfishness destroys community.” Watch the news. Men of selfish ambitions (personal or national) are always battling, to some degree.

VERTICAL relationships are between men & God. Mankind generally recognizes the idea of God, although most do not worship the true God. There are many worldwide campaigns for sincere spiritual discovery. Sadly, most of those searches are sincerely wrong. How can I be so bold as to suggest someone’s genuine faith is in vain? Because God has prescribed how His creation should worship Him. It’s not my opinion. It’s the truth of the Bible. (Proverbs 14:11-12)

How a person’s Horizontal and Vertical relationships interface is very telling of their spiritual condition.

When asked what the “greatest commandment” is, Jesus replied by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind.” Jesus quickly followed up his reply by referencing Leviticus 19:18. He said, “The second (greatest commandment) is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Put simply:  Love God and love people. You cannot separate the two.

Numbers 5 teaches us that when we sin Horizontally, we are also sinning Vertically.  When we sin against people, it is also unfaithfulness towards the Lord. That’s why the priests could seek the Lord’s judgment on secret interpersonal sin. All sin is a sin against Him, thus within His knowledge…perhaps an insight into omniscience.  

If we don’t love our neighbor as ourselves, we do not love the Lord, our God, with all we have. Inversely, if we don’t love the Lord with all we have, we will never be able to truly love people.

“Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel registered all the Levites by their clans and their ancestral houses, from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified to do the work of serving at the tent of meeting and transporting it. Their registered men numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command, they were registered under the direction of Moses, each one according to his work and transportation duty, and his assignment was as the Lord commanded Moses.” Numbers 4:46-49 (HCSB)

“Steve, you can be president someday.”  I remember those words from my elementary school teacher. She really believed in me and saw in me things that I didn’t even see in myself. Foundational to the “American dream” is the notion that if you work hard, you can do & be whatever or whoever you want to be.

In America, a poor electrician from Memphis can become the King of Rock and roll. “5 & 10 Cent Store” owners can build Walmart empires, and geeky pre-teens can develop Microsoft &Facebook.  

Our freedom to pursue happiness is part of what makes Americans unique and proud. I am blessed to have been born & raised in the United States. My Dad retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force. I can wave the flag with the best of them.

American followers of Jesus should especially take special note of this chapter. Honoring God with your life is not about what you “could” do. It’s about what you “should” do.

If studying the Bible has taught me anything, it is that God constantly reinforces the theme of His “calling.” That is, He calls specific people to specific places to perform specific tasks for specific periods of time.  

We have each been created with a purpose. Quite frankly, I am relieved to know God doesn’t just call us “out from” the World. He also calls us “into” a specific relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, He leads us on paths designed for us to serve Him by serving others in His Kingdom.

Could I be president? Maybe. I’d appreciate your vote! The real question is: Should I be president?  

“Lord, how do You want to use me?” Now, that’s the greatest question.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron: ‘The Israelites are to camp under their respective banners beside the flags of their ancestral houses. They are to camp around the tent of meeting, at a distance from it:” Numbers 2:1-2 (HCSB)

As we learned in Leviticus, God is very concerned with order. The Lord wants things separate, set apart, and holy. Also, He is as interested in FORM as He is FUNCTION. The “way” Israel worshipped was as important as the fact that they were worshipping at all.  

This idea of “form” is somewhat lost on our generation. Ours is the generation that rejects formality. (perhaps, rightly so in some cases) Our parents and grandparents lived in a culture where women wore white gloves and hats, and men almost always wore suits and ties. We live in a generation where people wear T-shirts, jeans & sandals to church.

For many folks from the older generation, dressing up for church became more important than why they were attending church in the first place. The formality of religion trumped a personal relationship with God in many instances. It was dry and stiff, especially compared to the “If it feels good, do it!” mantra of the Hippie movement. Eventually, their children rebelled.

Today, I sometimes wonder if the pendulum hasn’t swung too far toward the casual. In its efforts to create a comfortable, laid-back environment, has today’s church lost too much of its reverence? Is there a level of formality that is essential? Where is that balance between reverence and relevance? Know this: The balance can only be found in the Bible.

As for Israel, God wanted to maintain the individuality of each tribal family while at the same time maintaining the unity of the nation. How was that accomplished, and what could we do to foster that balance of individuality and corporate unity in our congregations today?

Paramount, at the center of Israel’s national life, was the ark of God’s covenant. Inside the ark were the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Above the ark, God Himself met with Moses. Promise, Precepts, and Presence constituted His relationship with His people.

Believers in Messiah Jesus may congregate as varied denominations, expressing their worship and gratitude in different ways. Yet, unity exists among ALL true believers as long as they share the same central focus: salvation through faith in Jesus alone and the authority of His Word to govern our intents and actions. Unity exists when we share the Promise of His Covenant, the Presence of His Spirit, and the Guidance of His Precepts, the Bible.

“Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of every male one by one. You and Aaron are to register those who are 20 years old or more by their military divisions – everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. A man from each tribe is to be with you, each from his ancestral house. These are the names of the men who are to assist you...” Numbers 1:2-5a (HCSB)

One month after the erection of the Tabernacle, Moses is commanded to muster all the men of military age, i.e., those twenty years of age and upwards. It’s time for war! Can you imagine the spiritual and national inertia that had built to this moment?  

Let’s refresh: Creation, the fall of man, the flood, Abraham, the “Covenant,” Isaac, Jacob, Joseph sold into slavery, the redemption of his kinsmen, Egyptian captivity, Moses, the plagues, the Ten Commandments…plus 603 more commandments.  

This entire time, everything has pointed to God’s promise to the patriarchs that Israel WILL inherit the land. “Numbers” begins with a military census. Israel’s forceful acquisition of Canaan looks imminent; excitement is in the air!

That’s a lot of backstories leading up to this moment, but a greater story is told here in Numbers, chapter 1. It is the story of World history, from The Creation to The Revelation. “Where?” you may ask.

It’s in the NAMES. Every Hebrew name has a meaning, and when we combine the meanings of Israel’s tribal leaders (and their fathers) in their recorded order, we see not only the history of Israel but the history and hope of the World. Check it out...

Elizur: God is my rock – Shedeur: Shaddai is light – Shelumiel: At peace with God – God is my friend; Zurishaddai: My rock is Shaddai – Nashon: serpent, God inspires; Amminidab: The divine Kinsman is generous; Nethanel: God hath given; Eliab - God is our Father; Helon: God perseveres; Ephriam - God multiplies;  Elishama: God hath heard; Ammihud: The Divine Kinsman is glorious; Gamaliel: God is my reward – Pedahzur: The Rock has redeemed; Abidan: The Father has judged; Gideoni: God is a warrior; Ahiezer: The Divine Brother is a help; Ammishaddai: The People of Shaddai – The lot (or fate) of God – Given By God – God hath added – God is a friend – The Divine Brother is a friend.

Victory in Canaan was assured if the men whom God assembled would march out in faith, living up to the characters of the NAMES they had inherited. How well are YOU living up to the character of the Name YOU have inherited, having been adopted as a co-inheritor with Messiah?

“These are the commands the Lord gave Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai.” Leviticus 27:34 (HCSB)

Many years ago, when I read the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) for the first time, I was shocked to learn that God gave Moses more than 10 commandments. He gave 613, to be exact. These are not the commands of men but from God Himself.

The “Ten Commandments” act as overriding principles, while the remaining 603 commands act as practical situational guides, teaching Israel how to honor God by living out the Ten Commandments in day-to-day life.

In religious (Orthodox) Judaism, several literary sources are drawn from. First, there is the Torah and the Haftorah. (The Law and the Prophets) aka: the Tanakh, or “Old Testament.” These are the Divinely-inspired Scriptures.

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, everyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called the ‘least’ in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”  Matthew 5:17-19 (HCSB)

In addition to the Tanakh, there are other Jewish literary sources: Talmud, Mishna, and Kabbala. These are volumes of rabbinical teachings and interpretations of the Tanakh. Imagine all the great Christian teachers, Moody, Spurgeon, Wesley, etc. Imagine all the greats, every sermon, compiled throughout the ages. Well, that’s basically what these extra-Biblical volumes are: rabbinic commentaries.

The problem rabbinic Judaism faces is that so much of its religious practice is based on the teachings of men. Most rabbis spend the majority of their studies buried in the commentaries instead of the Torah!  

I have challenged you (and myself) to aggressively read the Bible because the Church tends to have the same problem as the Orthodox (non-Messianic) Jewish community. Christians tend to elevate teachers above the Scriptures. Paul addressed this problem, even in the early Church. (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

We should study the Bible so that we can weigh the value of Bible teachers instead of the other way around...studying Bible teachers to weigh the value of the Bible.

“Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or abhor them, so as to destroy them and break my covenant with them, since I am the Lord their God.  For their sake, I will remember the covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God; I am the Lord.”  Leviticus 26:44-45 (HCSB)

Recently, I was asked this question by some friends in Hawaii who receive our daily devotions: Do the Jews believe in the same God as Christians?

The question stems from a great theological debate that suggests that since “Non-believing” Jews have rejected Jesus (Yeshua), they are not accepting the “wholeness of God.” Thus, the God whom non-believing Jews accept is not the same as the God Christians believe in. By not receiving the Tri-unity of God, they definitely do not understand Him as they should, i.e., as He designates for all people to know Him.

The New Testament, speaking of Jesus, informs us that there is “no other name under Heaven by which men must be saved.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the Life, and no man comes to the Father except through me.” Whether Jew or Gentile, accepting Messiah Jesus is the essential component of Salvation. The first chapter of John speaks clearly of Jesus’ deity. In that sense, knowing Who Jesus is brings the essential understanding of Who God is.

But since Jesus is a member of the Trinity (God’s existence as three “Persons”), wasn’t He present when God spoke these (above) words to Moses?

The “Christian” understanding of Israel’s understanding of God takes a back seat to God’s understanding of His plan for the redemption of Israel (and the redemption of the nations, as well). This was the basis for Paul’s message to the Roman Messianic (Christian) congregation.

“I ask, then, have they (Israel) stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full number bring? Now I am speaking to you, Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my own ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them. For if their being rejected is world reconciliation, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?”  Romans 11:11-15

God’s covenant with Israel is with those who, by faith, believe. His faithfulness is the foundation for the security of our salvation. Perhaps a more important question than, “Do Jews believe in the same God as the Christians?” is the question: Does the God of all creation keep His covenants, and did He fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Messiah Jesus? Scripture testifies that He did.

“If your brother becomes destitute and cannot sustain himself among you, you are to support him as a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among you. Don’t profit or take interest from him, but fear your God and let your brother live among you. You are not to lend him your silver with interest or sell him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.”  Leviticus 25:35-38 (HCSB)

Interdependence:  1) Unable to exist or survive without each other  2) Relying on mutual assistance, support, cooperation, or interaction among constituent elements or members.

Much of our modern culture has been built on the idea of “independence.”  In American society, people who are “dependent” are generally frowned upon as weak. Children are taught to be independent, not needing anything from anyone. Growing up, I was taught that taking a handout or charitable assistance was shameful.  

Interestingly, I was also taught that if a person was needy, they were probably lazy. There was a stigma of sin attached to poverty. We were led to believe that if we gave someone charity, we were perhaps enabling them to continue in their laziness. We were taught that people should work hard, and money was our reward for keeping for ourselves.

That’s the theory I was taught. Then, one day, I needed charity...

I’ve searched the Scriptures, and someone corrects me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to find an instance where God honors independence.  

God’s design for society is that men would completely depend on Him. He designed for His “dependants” to live interdependently among each other in the community. The purpose of community is to make our weaknesses ineffective. When someone covers your weakness, it frees you to operate in the strengths God has endowed you with.

Nobody is an island, self-sustaining and all-comprehensive unto themselves. Hard times will fall on everyone. God doesn’t just provide spiritual (internal) peace; He also offers physical and emotional comfort through the community of believers. He primarily provides for His people through the generosity of other people.

Lesson: Don’t be too ashamed to receive charity, and don’t be too self-absorbed to withhold it from others in need. As in everything, our rule should be: As the Lord leads.

“Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father was among the Israelites. A fight broke out in the camp between the Israelite woman’s son and an Israelite man. Her son cursed and blasphemed the Name, and they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, a daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan.) They put him in custody until the Lord’s decision could be made clear to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses: Bring the one who has cursed to the outside of the camp and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole community stone him.” Leviticus 24:10-14 (HCSB)

The sole aim of the Book of Leviticus is to communicate the importance of being sanctified set apart. Sanctification is stressed for both the community and the individual. Therefore, when anyone presumes to desecrate the Lord’s Name, the penalty must be ruthless.

It is common knowledge that a “mixed multitude” left Egypt along with the Israelites. The mixed multitude represented two spiritual realities: 1) Many in Egypt, apart from the Hebrews, believed in God and desired to follow Him, and 2) Just because Israel left the land of Egypt doesn’t mean they left their intimacy with the ways of Egypt. This “half-breed” son was emblematic of Israel’s love affair with Egypt and foreshadowed Israel’s problems with spiritual infidelity.

To “blaspheme” the Lord’s Name meant to treat it with contempt and dishonor. Orthodox (non-Messianic) rabbinic commentators remark that this man’s genealogy is recorded to impress upon the Israelites that a man’s life is not alone to do with as he pleases. His disgrace is also that of his parents, tribe, and people. Sin bears collateral damage. We have lost much of this sense of “community” in our Christian culture. In seeking to stress the rights of the individual, our society runs the risk of sacrificing accountability, which is necessary to protect itself.

The Torah ordained, “Thou shalt not revile God” (Exodus 22:27). But no penalty had been mentioned in that connection. Now, the Lord has spoken: The offender was to be stoned.

Notice how those who were direct recipients of the blasphemy were to literally have hands-on participation in executing the Lord’s judgment. Again, people were called to be personally concerned about the offense because the blasphemous words had fallen upon their ears. They were, therefore, discharging their duty by bringing the culprit to justice.

We live in a church culture that seems preoccupied with “not offending” people. My observation is that many pulpits would rather preach on the virtues of reconciliation and ignore the fact that there are times when conflict is necessary, especially in cases where sin is so blatant that it must be confronted to protect the community of believers.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 23. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“You are to keep My commands and do them; I am the Lord. You must not profane My holy Name; I must be treated as holy among the Israelites. I am the Lord Who sets you apart, the One Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 22:31-33 (HCSB)

A few years ago, my wife and I were visiting New Orleans. I recall passing by one of the T-shirt stores and seeing a shirt with this logo: “Jesus is coming. Everybody look busy!”  It seemed funny, like the “Jesus is my homeboy” apparel. But it begged the question: How well do we rate (as both individuals and our Church culture) when it comes to revering the NAME of the Holy God of all creation?

Although spoken about the priests as the appointed guardians of the Sanctuary, this commandment (both in its positive and negative forms) was applied to the whole of Israel. We should be exceedingly guarded in our actions so that we do not tarnish or degrade in any way the Name of the Lord.

In some of the rabbinic writings of Orthodox Judaism, the faithful observer is warned against any misdeeds against a non-Jew as an unpardonable sin because it gives a false impression of the moral standard of Judaism. In short, wrongdoing against anyone tarnishes God’s Name. The idea is that every Jew holds the honor of his God, his faith, and the entire Jewish community in his own hands.

God chose to LOVE us through Messiah Jesus, even while we were yet sinners. But His affiliation with us does not make Him any less Holy. His desire to be close to His created people only heightens our understanding of an aspect of His Holiness, and it causes us to worship Him with tremendous gratitude and respect.    

Today, I don’t want to drone on & on. I simply want to ask you to consider the question:  How well are you doing in 1) Regarding the Lord as Holy, to the extent that it changes how you live according to His Word and 2) As a co-inheritor with Jesus, how well are you representing the Family, the NAME you have inherited by Messiah’s atonement?

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near: no man who is blind, lame, facially disfigured or deformed….” Leviticus 21:16-18 (HCSB)

Jesus healed. That is a Biblical fact, accepted even by many unbelievers.

Before John the Baptist was beheaded, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the “One” or if they should look for another messiah. Jesus answered that people were healed. That was the evidence He gave of being Messiah: healing.

I never really considered much why Jesus healed people. I figured He had compassion for people, so He made them well. But could there have been other reasons Jesus healed beyond the well-being of the person needing healing?    

I have had terrible eyesight since I was in grade school. Many times, I have prayed that God would heal me. As a young man, I often wondered why Jesus would heal some people and not others. In the end, I leave healing up to His wisdom and surrender my will to His choices for me because He always chooses rightly. After all, He has given me eyeglasses that enable me to see 20/20.    

It is easy to see how healing benefits the recipient, but what does that have to do with Jesus being the Messiah? The Old Testament tells how the Messiah will heal the iniquities of His people, so I understand how Jesus’ healing fulfills prophecy.  

“‘Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; He will save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool of water, and the thirsty land springs of water.” Isaiah 35:4b-7a (HCSB)

Considering today’s passage, for the Jewish people who were declared unworthy to serve, Jesus’ healing also allowed them to enter into corporate worship and minister to others. On the one hand, people might be offended that God would exclude people from serving simply because of physical defects. But they must consider that God can also heal, thus making it possible for anyone to serve if He so chooses.

When Jesus healed, it was as if He said, “You can’t serve because you’re blind? You can’t serve because you’re lame or deformed? Well, I can fix that!”  Our sin has separated us from God. By paying our sin debt, Jesus has made us clean. He atones for our sin as if we have never sinned. He completes what is lacking on every level and restores us to a right relationship with God, regardless of any prior limitation. And He has a plan for you, as His “priest.” (1 Peter 2:9)  He has fulfilled all your requirements and offers forgiveness, free of charge. So, do you WANT to be healed?

“You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and I abhorred them. And I promised you: You will inherit their land, since I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God who set you apart from the peoples.” Leviticus 20:23-24 (HCSB)

Here’s a joke for you.  

Q: What did the fool say just before he died?

A: Hey, y’all! Watch this!

Q: What did his best friend say just before he died?

A:  Aww, I can do that better than he did!

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Doesn’t that sound like us? The Lord saves people, yet many folks turn back and begin sinning in the same ways they did before they were saved! It is as if they are repeating those sins, hoping they will somehow lead to fulfillment instead of disappointment.

God informed Israel that He would deliver them to Canaan and told them how He would drive out the Canaanites. He also told Israel WHY the Canaanites were being driven out: their sinful ways.

That information, alone, should have been enough to teach Israel to honor the Lord, ensuring their perpetual possession of the Promised Land. God went further and instructed the Israelites to separate themselves from the ways and beliefs of the Canaanites.

Why would Israel turn to the ways of Canaan’s former inhabitants? Perhaps it is because of their concept of “blessing.” Maybe they got into the land, and conditions were more challenging than Israel thought they might be. I think this may have been the case because God informed the children of Israel that the Promised Land would be “flowing with milk & honey.”

I have four children. I am aware that milk does not flow from a mother until after the painful delivery of the baby. I have also seen how honey is harvested, contending with nagging, stinging bees!

Could it be that God was telling Israel that Canaan would be fruitful but that cultivating the fruit would involve nagging, stinging, painful work? Doesn’t that remind you of the joy we receive after employing the discipline of living holy and separate lives unto God in our generation? Discipline is what being a “disciple” is all about, and it seems fruitless if we lose sight of the goal of our laboring. We are called to honor the Lord, longing to enter into the place He has prepared for us, receiving His great commendation, “Well done!”

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 19:1-4 (NKJV)

I find it interesting how chapter 18 deals with the sinful behavior that caused the Canaanites to be expelled from the land. Chapter 19 begins as chapter 18 ends with a challenge to be holy, that is, “separate” from other nations and customs.

Also intriguing is how immediately following God’s reason for expelling the Canaanites from the land and His command of holiness, God reminds Israel of the 5th commandment.

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may LIVE LONG IN THE LAND which the Lord is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (HCSB) (Emphasis mine)

The beautiful irony is that the 5th commandment is the only commandment with a promise directed towards longevity in the land.

So, let me clarify:  Sexual sin becomes increasingly more perverted and eventually leads to expulsion from the land. Honoring your father and mother ensures longevity in the land.

Perhaps we should look closer at what it means to “honor” your father and mother.

Honoring one’s parents means more than simply “obeying” them. You bring honor to your parents when you honor the Lord. For instance, if both your parents are unbelievers and strongly oppose your belief in Jesus, the best way to “honor” them is by disobeying their wishes and becoming a believer! Your following the Lord brings honor to your mother and father, even if it goes against their wishes.

“Sexual sin” and “honoring your parents” are diametrically opposed because God is concerned with both familial and spiritual legacies. The fruit of sexual relations is in our offspring. When we honor the Lord with our lives, we ensure that we produce not only good works unto the Lord but also that our offspring will do so, as well. Obedience to God and the continuation of a God-honoring legacy throughout the generations are inseparable.

From holy people come children who, when raised in a God-honoring environment, grow into a strong community that honors God.   Carnal people bear offspring who, outside of God’s intervention, will continue in a downward moral spiral.

So, be holy! Surrender yourself to the Lord and His ways, and let Him establish your legacy of holiness. And your first step is to surrender to Messiah Jesus.

“Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves by all these things. The land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances. You must not commit any of these detestable things—not the native or the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land prior to you have committed all these detestable things, and the land has become defiled.” Leviticus 18:24-27 (HCSB)

History tells us that just before the fall of every major empire, there was a “libertarian” view towards sexuality throughout the culture—one of the last allowances being open acceptance of homosexuality.

Interestingly, chapter 18 is devoted almost entirely to sex and its perversion. Then the Lord warns Israel to stay away from those things because He is expelling Canaan’s inhabitants because of those very same perversions! God says they have defiled the land, causing it to vomit them out.

Leviticus is about the calling out of a people to be separate. It was not enough to call Israel out of Egypt. God also commanded Israel to drive “Egypt” out of itself!  

This is not dissimilar to our situation as believers today. First, we are called out of the World to follow Jesus.   Next, we are called to live “holy and presentable to God.” Many followers of Jesus take a passive view of morality. I often hear from believers, “My salvation is secure, so I can live however I wish.” That is not true.  

While the true believer’s salvation is secured by God’s righteousness (not their own righteousness), the one who sins deliberately and habitually should do some healthy self-examination to determine if they are genuine believers at all. Believers are not sinless, but they should desire to sin less…and less as they progress in their relationship with Him.  

In the days of the prophets, the Lord drove Israel out of the land because they failed to heed His warnings to be separate, choosing, instead, to follow the ways of the pagans.

Likewise, Jesus shared a conversation that will take place between Himself and “pseudo-Christians” at the end of time: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven.” Matthew 7: 21 (HCSB)

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Therefore, I said to the children of Israel, ‘none of you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’” Leviticus 17: 11-12 (NKJV)

If you ever travel to Israel, one thing you’ll find out quickly is how awful the beef tastes! Why? It has been drained of all its blood and stripped of most of its fat. It must be so to be certified “kosher” by the rabbis who inspect the meat processing plants and restaurants.

Unlike the laws of clean & unclean animals (Acts 10:9-15), the command to “not eat blood” has never even been suggested to have been repealed by the Lord. At least, Scripture does not indicate such. Perhaps this poses a challenge to us:  How rare can we get that steak before it’s considered “eating blood”?

As a young follower of Jesus, I wondered, “What’s the deal with all of the talk and focus on the ‘Blood’ of Jesus?” I understood suffering, and I get how He paid the penalty we deserve. I understood resurrection, proving the power and will of God to do miracles. But the blood…?

In today’s passage, we find some clarity. The practice of shedding animal blood for sin atonement was given to Israel by God. Why? Perhaps the best explanation is that “blood sacrifice” provides a vivid picture of the serious deadliness of sin observed by the individual worshipping. It lets them consider how their sin looks to God and the punishment awaiting them if their sin is not atoned for.  

Almost everyone thinks their children are saints compared to everyone else’s kids. We justify our sin to ourselves but condemn others. Sometimes, it is good to separate from ourselves and get a detached, elevated, and objective view of our lives...a view from God’s perspective of how we measure up to His standard.  

In what seems like cruel performance art, God shows Israel (and now us) that sin sheds blood. And it is OUR blood that sin sheds. By choosing to sin, we are literally killing ourselves. Apart from Messiah, we work toward sinful goals, and the wages of that labor are death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Messiah Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

In His gracious mercy, God allows us to view sin as He sees it through the commandment of the blood sacrifice. He has given life in blood. Because Jesus is eternal, through Jesus’ blood, we are offered eternal life. When we consider the Roman cross on which Jesus died, we see what WE deserved yet were spared through Jesus’ atonement. And we understand the urgency of sharing the gospel with non-believers!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 16. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“When a woman has a discharge of her blood for many days…”  Leviticus 15:25a (HCSB)

From a chapter that has made 8th-grade boys snicker throughout the ages, we find the setup for one of the most profound miracles of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

“A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years had endured much under many doctors. She spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, ‘If I can just touch the hem of His garment, I’ll be made well!’  Instantly, her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction.”  Mark 5:25-29 (HCSB)

Doctors are not healers. They are keen observers. Modern medicine is the byproduct of centuries of medical & scientific observation. Persistent observation leads to improved diagnosis and treatments, resulting in heightened probabilities of recovery. Yet, even before the insurance papers are processed, it is God Who allows the healing to happen.

None of us would willingly select civil-war-era dentistry, much less 1st-century Church-era medical practices! Can you imagine the methods of treatment this woman had undergone before she connected with Jesus?

While there is much to say about this woman’s healing (and Jesus’ response to it), I want to focus on one item:  Having reached the end of the World’s options, she had nothing to lose by reaching out to Jesus in faith.   In a word, she was “desperate.”

In this observation of her desperation, we are reminded of the great “constant” of evangelism: People do not come to faith in Jesus because of convenience but rather out of desperation. Ask yourself, what circumstances led you to reach out to Jesus in faith? (That is, given that you have reached out to Him.)

People only accept a savior when they recognize they need salvation. I go surfing quite often. Every time I walk into the surf with my surfboard, I try to make eye contact with the lifeguard. I generally wave as I walk by. I want him to know I’m in the water in case I need him later. Having identified the lifeguard (and knowing he has acknowledged me), if I were drowning in the surf, you’d better believe I would call out to that lifeguard!!! And I wouldn’t be ashamed if, while I was drowning among dozens of skilled surfers, He asked, “Which one of you guys called out to me?”  

That is how illogical our fear of reaching out to Jesus is. Why not reach out to Him today? Salvation is only a prayer away for those who are humble enough to admit they need it, for those who are faithful enough to call out. When we call to Him, we are simply asking Him to do what He came to do: save people who realize they’re drowning in sin to the point where they are willing to humble themselves and call out for Him to rescue them.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘This is the law concerning the person afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing. He is to be brought to the priest, who will go outside the camp and examine him. If the skin disease has disappeared from the afflicted person, the priest will order that two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop brought for the one who is to be cleansed.’”  Leviticus 14:1-4 (HCSB)

We need to understand that the procedures outlined in today’s passage do not constitute a cure for leprosy. The verse describes a ceremony to restore a person who has already been healed. Only God can cure a person, not a ritual. That is what separates voodoo from true religion.

In what may seem like an otherwise benign ritual concerning skin disease (something we would defer to a dermatologist today), we actually have a clear picture of Jesus’ suffering on the Roman cross. Let’s examine the elements.

First off, the whole act was to take place outside of the camp:

“Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood.” Hebrews 13:12 (HCSB)

Next, the birds and articles (required for the ceremony) were not provided by the leper himself. The priest summoned the articles to be brought. Otherwise, the articles would be unclean for the priest to touch. Similarly, Jesus was the substitute for our sin offering. Atonement comes completely from His gracious provision and not from our good works, what we “bring to the table,” so to speak.

The scarlet wool and hyssop are symbols of the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed, and its blood “painted” on the Israelites’ doorposts with the hyssop branches. It is also a picture of Jesus, our Passover lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

The cedar wood evokes the image of the cross.

In verse 5, one of the two birds is to be killed. Then, the living bird (along with the other articles) was to be “washed” in the blood of the sacrificed bird. This is meant to show a contrast to the other bird, which was allowed to live, thus representing the state of death from which the leper had escaped. This reminds us of how we are “washed in the blood” of Jesus, who atoned for our sin so that we may live. (Revelation 7:14)

Running water (literally: living water) in verse 5 symbolizes mikveh (baptism), being washed clean. Jesus said to the woman at the well, “If you knew to Whom you are speaking, you would ask, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

Finally, in verse 7, the leper is pronounced clean, and the living bird is let go. So, too, are we free, indeed, through Messiah Jesus! (John 8:36)

“The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his clothes and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ He will remain unclean as long as he has the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.”  Leviticus 13:45-46 (HCSB)

Sociologists have described this generation (especially the 18-25 yrs) as the “most narcissistic” in history. That is to say, everything in our culture is focused on the individual. Our “I-centered” culture is quickly losing all sense of Biblical community.

Perhaps that is why “community” ranks high on the aspirations of so many people. “Me-centric” worlds promote profound loneliness. Who can you trust to have your best interest in mind when everyone lives only for himself? Perhaps a more important question is: Does God most value the individual or the community? I say both.

Jesus prayed for all believers, “I wish that they were one, as You and I are One.” John 17:22b-21a (NKJV)

Given our breakdown of community, is it any wonder why chapters like this one in Leviticus seem so foreign? We tend to feel sorry for the individual and picture ourselves running through the streets screaming, “Unclean!”

Try taking an elevated view of what God is doing for a moment. He is protecting Israel, preserving the PEOPLE (community) of the promise. He is also showing the importance of separating sin from the community. He is teaching the importance of accountability and, perhaps more importantly, making provisions for restoration.

Jesus told His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” Matthew 16:6 (NKJV)

Leaven is a symbol of sin, which spreads. Perhaps Leaven is more synonymous with a philosophy than an action because it grows secretly. An excellent picture of “leaven” is mold or a virus…something you cannot see, yet grows to a point where it cannot be denied.

There are times when people with persistent sinful philosophies, ideas, and willful actions MUST be put out of the church…hopefully, for just a season. It protects both the COMUNITY and the INDIVIDUAL. Individuals are then to be observed by the leaders. Unrepentant or unbelieving people will never return to a Godly community.

True believers cannot survive long-term, away from a Godly community. Eventually, they will repent. Godly church leaders should recognize true repentance and receive the returning prodigal with great joy. A repentant sinner, restored, is now a potentially productive member of the community.

“When her days of purification are complete, whether a son or a daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.” Leviticus 12:6 (HCSB)

Chapter 11 is a reminder of our fallen World and man’s dealings with it. It describes a World of clean and unclean, a World in which many of its parts must be shunned because they are not clean. But don’t forget that it is also a World in which many of its parts are wholesome and good for men. Man can avoid the unclean and be “holy,” set apart to God. And (to some extent) men can be like Him.  Provision had been allowed by God to counter the effect of the fall, as far as mankind was concerned.

Here, in chapter 12, comes a reminder of another consequence of the fall: How the fall affected womankind. Childbirth was now inevitably connected with ‘uncleanness.’ Through the discomforts of childbirth, God chooses to remind women of Eve’s part in the fall (Genesis 3:16). It stands as a reminder that every time a child is born, another sinner is born into a sinful world.

So, in every case of childbirth, there was no avoiding uncleanness. It was not a question of choice. It was something that had to be endured. Birth inevitably involved sin because the birth process had been affected by sin, and the child born into the world was now subject to sin. Indeed, he (or she) being born is a sinner by nature. (Compare: Romans 5.14; Psalm 51.5; 58.3) Therefore, the very process of birth falls short of perfection and must be deemed ‘unclean.’ That is why the woman, being in the process of producing a sinner, was prevented from approaching the holiness of God. She had to be purified, along with the child.

Any person observing or participating in the birth of a child can see God’s point quite clearly. When a child is born, it is covered with blood and mucus. It comes out ‘unclean.’ This does not contradict the (Luke 2:23) statement that “every child who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.” The latter verse communicates that the first newborn child is seen as set apart for Yahweh’s service, not that it is ‘ritually holy’ at the point of birth. In the grace & mercy of God, while it enters the world ‘unclean,’ the firstborn is also set apart as His.

Because of the grace of God, it was recognized that the uncleanness of a woman during childbirth would be temporary and not permanent. Therefore, by following God’s command, the woman and the child could come out of their period of uncleanness in childbearing and return to “cleanness” and the light of God’s holiness, with all traces of sin being put behind them. That is the process described in today’s passage. It is also a picture of salvation through Jesus and the necessity of being “born again.” (John 3:16)

“For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am Yahweh, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy.”  Leviticus 11:44-45 (HCSB)

The first ten chapters of Leviticus contain “The Law of the Sanctuary” in the stricter sense of the term. Except for some paragraphs here and there, the remainder of the book deals with what might be described as “The Law of Daily Life.”

For the past couple of decades, the Church has had an ongoing debate over Sacred vs. Secular. As a recording artist, I am weary of discussions over whether an artist should pursue the “Christian” market or the general market with their music.

The Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) views the whole of human life as its province; in the eyes of the Torah, nothing human is secular. It penetrates the home of the Israelite and aims at controlling even the most intimate relations of his domestic existence.

As the Bible directs us, what does it mean to be “in but not of” the world? How do these concepts of “clean and unclean” agree with the belief in Jesus? How can modern-day believers be separate from the world and yet go into it with the gospel?

Jesus prayed to the Father, “I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. I am not praying that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is the truth.”  John 17:14-17 (HCSB)

As God called Noah, Abraham, and Israel out from the nations…to be “consecrated” (set apart), so He calls us to come forth and be separate from the world. We are to present ourselves as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1-5)  

The whole “in-but-not-of” directive is impossible for us apart from the Holy Spirit, Who guides us through God’s Word. The Bible divides soul and spirit and washes our minds clean with the truth. It directs us on how to be set apart from the world, not to be affected by its philosophy, and yet completely saturated in the culture, to impact it with the gospel.

“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do. Then flames leaped from the Lord’s presence and burned them to death before the Lord. So Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord meant when He said: “I will show My holiness to those who are near me, and I will reveal My glory before all the people.’ But Aaron remained silent.” Leviticus 10:1- 3 (HCSB)

“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (HCSB)

Several summers ago, my son Wyatt and I went surfing in Newport Beach, CA. I had tagged along on his Christian school’s 6th-grade beach trip. There was a bunch of us! I recall over 60 kids and several adult/parent chaperones.   An African family was next to us, camped out on the beach. They were missionaries to the US from Kenya, and because they were also believers in Jesus, we hung out with them all day. Our kids played on the beach with their kids—one in Messiah.

Toward the end of the day, there was a commotion. Everyone was cleared from the water. Someone was in trouble. I ran towards the water’s edge and arrived at the shoreline just as two lifeguards dragged the African father onto the beach. After a frantic fight for the man’s life, it became apparent that he could not be revived. One moment, he was playing on the beach with his family and our students. The next moment, he was lying on that same beach, lifeless. Life can change abruptly for us all.

This was Aaron’s experience. As he, the High Priest, was moving about in his magnificent robes and performing the solemn duties of his exalted office, how elated he must have been! But what began as Aaron’s greatest day ended tragically. On the very day of the Tabernacle’s consecration, Aaron’s sons traded God’s calling for a momentary whim. Scripture does not indicate whether Nadab and Abihu consulted Moses or Aaron, so some scholars believe the boys disregarded their elders out of jealousy. They didn’t trust that God was speaking to Israel directly through Moses. Perhaps they asked themselves, “When will these men die? How long must we wait before we get to lead the congregation on our terms?” Who knows? The end came so quickly that they could not testify their motives.

One thing is sure: impious ambition led them to depart from God’s Word and commit an unhallowed action. This departure called down terrible retribution in a lightning flash!

It is incumbent upon us to seek God’s Word and not turn from it to the right or the left. We should take Scripture as it is and not live our lives more conservatively or liberally than the Lord requires.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 9. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

(Moses speaking to Aaron) “‘You must remain at the entrance to the tent of meeting day and night for seven days and keep the Lord’s charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have commanded.’ So Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord commanded through Moses.” Leviticus 8:35-36 (HCSB)

After all the pomp and pageantry, the blood and sacrifice, what did the Lord tell Aaron and his sons? “Wait for seven days.” Obviously, there was something big coming on the 8th. We have the benefit of reading ahead and knowing God’s presence would fill the Tabernacle, but Aaron knew only to obey and to wait.

This is precisely the directive that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension: “Wait for seven days.” You won’t find it written directly, but the seven-day wait is abundantly clear if you understand the Jewish calendar.

Jesus was placed in the tomb in the final hours of Passover. He rose three days later.

“After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 (HCSB)

After 3 days in the tomb, Jesus spent 40 days appearing to many of His followers. 3 days in the tomb, plus 40 days with His disciples = 43 days.

The festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) is 50 days after Passover. Because Jesus was entombed in the final Passover hours, the tomb’s first day does not count towards the 50-day lead-up to Pentecost.

Now, take 3 days in the tomb, add 40 days with His disciples, subtract 1 day because Jesus was entombed on Passover (Pentecost was 50 days AFTER Passover), and you end up with 8 DAYS between Jesus’ ascension and the day of Pentecost…whew!!

Jesus told His disciples to wait 7 days. On the 8th day, He filled them with His Holy Spirit, just as on the 8th day, God’s presence filled the Tabernacle.  

The account of Moses’ ordaining of Aaron and his sons as priests foreshadows Jesus’ ordaining of the Apostles as “priests” to be sent to the nations. Furthermore, Messiah has ordained ALL believers as “priests” of His gospel, per se. (1 Peter 2: 4-9, Revelation 1: 4-6, 5: 6-10) That includes you & me as well!

“This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be offered to the Lord: If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.” Leviticus 7:11-12 (NKJV)

Peace offerings, or “thank offerings” (Heb: zebach shelmim/zebachim), are sacrifices made when a person seeks to obtain peace with the Lord. The occasion for making a peace offering is any time one’s heart is filled with joyfulness unto the Lord, either celebrating a happy occasion in life or some important event in connection with one’s family or individual. It is the sacrifice that will endure forever (Revelation 21:24-26), now that we are in the Messianic era because Jesus has atoned for ALL sin and guilt. All we have left to offer is ourselves, to live our lives in thanksgiving to Him!

Here are some examples from the Psalms:

THANKSGIVING for deliverance from sickness and danger: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9 (NKJV)

THANKSGIVING from the fulfillment of a vow made in times of distress: “I will pay my vows to the Lord, now in the presence of the people, in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!”  Psalm 116:18-19 (NKJV)

FREEWILL offering, whenever a heart is moved at the remembrance of God’s mercies: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV)

Unlike the burnt offering, a peace offering could be either a male or female animal, and only a small part of the peace offering was burnt on the altar. The rest (except for the portions received for the priests) was to be eaten by the person (who offered the sacrifice) and his family guests. It promoted the feeling of solidarity in the nation and strengthened families. It also pointed to dependence upon God for protection and for all the blessings of life.

Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was barren for many years. It was after such a “freewill” offering, while the rest of the family was eating & drinking before the Lord (as God commanded should be done), Hannah, “in the bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish” (1 Samuel 1:9). Eli, the priest, accused her of being drunk, but she replied, “I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15b). God answered her prayer and gave her Samuel. After Hannah had weaned the boy, she dedicated him to God and His service! No doubt she ate & drank in thanksgiving at that time…and every year after for the rest of her life!

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons: This is the law of the sin offering. The sin offering is most holy and must be slaughtered before the Lord at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered. The priest who offers it as a sin offering is to eat it. It must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the tent of meeting.” Leviticus 6:24-26 (HCSB)

“Substitutionary atonement” is when God allows His wrath to be displayed on some equitable third party…as our substitute.

While God is loving, patient, and longsuffering, He is also just. He will by no means clear the guilty.

“Now go lead these people to the place I told you about; see, my angel will go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.” Exodus 32:34 (HCSB)

But God loves His children, and He remembers they are only human, so He allowed for Israel’s sin to be atoned for a season by slaughtering specific animals. The whole process was intended to communicate the gravity of sin and solicit the response of repentance.

After slaughtering the animal, its flesh underwent the flames of the altar. This signified the judgment of God. It is intriguing how the flesh that once personified sin became useful, even to the point of consuming it as food. It showed how God’s intent has always been to redeem the flesh as something valuable.

The blood of animals was unable to provide long-term atonement because it could never be equitable or valuable enough for such a great atonement. After all, animals have no imputable righteousness.  

Today, our atoning substitute is Jesus. He made permanent atonement for the World by the shedding of His blood; the virtue/value of His sacrifice, in that it pleased God, was made known by the power of His resurrection. Salvation is available for all who would accept it: exclusively through Jesus, yet offered liberally to anyone who would receive it.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. He presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Messiah Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-26 (HCSB)

“When someone sins in any of these ways: If he has seen, heard, or known about something he has witnessed, and did not respond to a public call to testify, he is responsible for his sins.” Leviticus 5:1 (HCSB)

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, “Does anyone here know what we mean by sins of ‘omission’?”

A young girl replied, “Aren’t those the sins we should have committed but didn’t?”

Not exactly. We often think of “sin” as something bad that we do. Because we are committing an act of sin, that is called “sin of commission.” Today’s passage tells us that “sin” extends to a broader context. What it means to “sin” also includes the act of “not doing.” I know that sounds like an oxymoron: the ACT of NOT DOING, but the things we omit but should have done are called “sins of OMISSION.”

Sins of omission are generally more difficult for a second party to notice, for they take humility and disclosure on the sinner’s behalf. They run deep into the hidden INNER character of a person, whereas sins of commission affect the OUTER, the reputation.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus addressed both the outer and inner man. He chose Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Vengeance, and Loving our enemies as His topics.

Make no doubt about it: God is greatly concerned with our outward acts of sin!

“He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished!” Exodus 34:7b (NASB)

“The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty…” Numbers 14:18 (NKJV)

But we are fooling ourselves when we limit our sin to things we “do.” Our thoughts, attitudes, and acts of omission also testify to our guilt.

It helps to remember that your reputation (what you do) is based on the part of you that people can see. Your character (your inner self) is the part of you that only God sees.

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying: If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not be done, and does any of them, if the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, then let him offer to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without blemish as a sin offering.’” Leviticus 4:1-3 (NKJV)

There is a breakdown, a significant dilemma with which mankind is faced. Here is the dilemma: Everyone sins, yet we are called to be “holy” (set apart) by a Holy God whose standard is “perfection.” Furthermore, a sinful man has the job of atoning for the sin of a sinful nation; a sinful “high priest” has the unfortunate duty of interceding on behalf of that sinful nation before the presence of perfect holiness. Long before the Mosaic law, a man named Job articulated his personal need for an intercessor:  

“For He (God) is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court. There is no one to judge between us, to lay his hand on both of us. Let Him take His rod away from me so His terror will no longer frighten me. Then I would speak and not fear Him.  But that is not the case; I am on my own.” Job 9:32-35 (HCSB)

Isaiah also spoke of a need for a go-between between man & God:

“Jacob, why do you say, and Israel, why do you assert: ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my claim is ignored by my God’”? Isaiah 40:27 (HCSB)

“He saw that there was no man – He was amazed that there was no one interceding; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness supported Him.” Isaiah 59:16 (HCSB)

What makes Jesus so much more superior (than any human high priest) is that, by His atoning work on the cross, He alone has satisfied God’s requirements for mankind. He has reckoned both God’s gracious mercy with His righteous judgment. Consider these verses:

“Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.” Hebrews 7:22 (HCSB)

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 (NASB)

“For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do – first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:26-28 (HCSB)

“If his offering is….”  Leviticus 3:1 (HCSB)

A friend of mine tells the story of a woman trying to decide how she should confess her sins. She asked, “Shall I ’fess ’em as I does ’em, or shall I bunch ’em?”

The problem of “bunching” is very much related to our study of the offerings. The offerings of the Torah are something like the tools in a workman’s shop: There is a particular tool for each task, and you never use the wrong tool for the job.

The Torah seems to have more offerings than we can count. That can lead to a fair bit of frustration on the part of the modern-day Christian, but there is a vital lesson to be learned here, which may help to motivate us in our study of these offerings.

There is no specific Torah-commanded offering that sums up the entirety of Jesus’ atonement. Thus, we must see that the Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection accomplished many different functions, not just ONE. Basically, through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled ALL the requirements of the law, which had been parsed out as several individual offerings.

That being said, we also tend to “bunch” the benefits of the work of the Messiah rather than considering them one at a time. In so doing, we risk not recognizing the enormity of the blessing of Grace offered to mankind. One significant contribution the Book of Leviticus makes is that it names each specific sin…along with the way to be restored to God. Through His suffering, we gain greater insight into the intricacy of the atonement that the death of Messiah, the Lamb of God, provides.

The pre-Messianic Jewish worshipper would sacrifice the various offerings at prescribed times, and he would grasp, to some degree, the blessings God had given. A particular blessing was attached to each offering but was not all-encompassing and comprehensive atonement. For us modern believers, ALL the blessings of God are realized by ONE offering, made once and for all by the death of Messiah at Golgotha.  

In considering the Torah offerings, we are given the privilege to pause and focus on the PARTICULAR benefits and blessings we have received in Jesus’ death & resurrection. And we can thank Him (in our hearts and prayers) for each facet of His atonement, as He reveals them to us when we read His Word.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 2. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: “When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of the livestock—of the herd and of the flock.’” Leviticus 1:1-2 (NKJV)

The oldest name for the book of Leviticus is: “The Law of the Priests.”  Today, it is known in Judaism as the book of “Vayikra.”  In modern Judaism, the names of the books of the Bible are taken from their opening Hebrew words. Vayikra means: “and He called” (commanded).

The fundamental concepts of the book are pretty straightforward. Half of the book deals with sacrifice and the laws that safeguard the priestly character of Israel, and the other half with Holiness and the sanctification (setting apart) of human life unto the Lord.

In ancient times, every Jewish boy began his study of Scripture in Leviticus. The idea put forth by the rabbis was, “Because children are ‘pure’ and the sacrifices are pure, let those who are pure come and occupy themselves with pure things.” (midrash)

Now, we all know nobody is born “pure,” for we are all born into sin through Adam. It may take a few months to realize it, but all babies are born sinners who need atonement. Otherwise, why else would we need a book about how to sacrifice and atone for sin properly? Why else would it be so important for this particular book to be the first one taught to children?  

But there is One who knew no sin, original or otherwise. (2 Corinthians 5:21). And He, the Word made flesh (John 1:140, also would have been taught from the Torah as a young boy. Interestingly, the One who would grow up, and Himself be the sacrifice for all sin, would have been taught “how to sacrifice” as His first Biblical lesson.  

Chapters 1-7 define the laws of sacrifice for the individual, the congregation, and the priests. Chapters 8-10 describe the inauguration of worship in the completed Tabernacle. Chapters 11-17 deal with the laws of clean and unclean, purity, and purification, culminating in the institution of the Day of Atonement. (It also explains why you can’t order a cheeseburger or shrimp and lobster at most restaurants in Israel!) Chapters 18-26 legislate marriage, personal and social ethics (Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself), the Sacred Festivals, and land tenure. It concludes with a solemn exhortation on the connection between religion and national welfare, a subject that is probably on every believer’s mind at this season of American history!!

If you have never read Leviticus, you probably have an “Oy vey!” (Woe is me!) attitude about the endeavor. Stick with it because Leviticus is quite dynamic, and it is so easy that even a Jewish child could grasp it! Are you smarter than a Jewish 5th grader?

“Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him. The Tabernacle was set up in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month. Moses set up the Tabernacle: he laid its bases, positioned its planks, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the Tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Exodus 40:16-19 (HCSB)

In most Christian circles, “tent-making” is synonymous with “not charging a fee for preaching the gospel.” This saying is because the apostle Paul chose to support himself by making tents. (Acts 18:2)  He didn’t want anyone to accuse him of preaching for profit.

“In everything I kept myself from being a burden to you. . . But what I am doing I will also continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.” 2 Corinthians 11:7-12 (NASB)

We also know that Paul was a highly trained and qualified Bible teacher.

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.” Acts 22:3 (NASB)

“I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees….” Acts 23:6 (NASB)

Of all occupations to support his ministry, why would Paul choose “tent-making”? For that matter, why would God call a “tentmaker” to expand His Church, preaching salvation to the Gentiles, alongside his ministry to the Jewish community? I don’t believe Paul’s occupation was an arbitrary coincidence. It seems similar to how God chose shepherds (Joseph, Moses, and David) to “shepherd” the children of Israel. Could it be that God also chose a tentmaker to “canvas” the known civilized world of the early church era with the Gospel’s influence, establishing churches as one drives tent pegs deep into the ground so that they would act as foundational supports of the greater Church-at-Large, hoisted in later generations?

A map of Paul’s missionary journeys shows how Paul was planting congregations, radiating in a circle from Jerusalem up into Eastern Europe and back to Jerusalem. By design or default, Paul laid out churches in a similar way as Moses laid out the tent panels of the Tabernacle and tied them together to form a single unit. Today, millions of congregations have been built by missionary “tent makers” throughout the generations. These churches are furthering Paul’s foundational teaching of the Gospel and fit together as a single unit, forming the greater Church-at-large, stretching out the “Tabernacle” of Messiah to the most remote parts of the earth…just as the Lord commanded.

“The Israelites had done everything the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42-43

My wife and I built our first house in Franklin, Tennessee. You learn a lot when you build a house. Fortunately, we had a good experience. When the work was completed, we walked through and inspected everything. Then, we said, “Well done!” and wrote the builder a final check.

I call it “beginner’s luck” because almost every other home contracting experience has been nightmarish. All I can say is no matter how much a contractor begs, don’t pay them until ALL the work is done. Remember the old saying, “If you want a friend to leave you alone, give him a loan?” Sadly, the same could be said of some building contractors. Give them their money up-front, and you may never see them again!

It is safe to say that Moses was God’s “general contractor.” He was given a job and the task to bring it in on time, on budget, and with a zero-tolerance for shoddy craftsmanship.

I am amazed at how our culture is losing its work ethic. That is, we would rather play first and work later. That attitude has led to our generation being the most indebted generation in history. During the Great Depression, people may have been flat broke, but they were not as “in debt” as we are today. Consider these statistics.

* There are roughly 1.2 billion credit cards in use in the U.S.

* More than 1.5 million people file for bankruptcy every year.

* The average per-household consumer debt in the U.S. is $16,720.

Just as the Egyptians sold themselves into slavery in the days of Joseph (Genesis 47:19), so has our nation has sold itself into bondage to credit companies. In effect, we have rejected the Lord’s provision, considering it inadequate, choosing instead to indenture ourselves so we can obtain the objects of our idolatry.

Let’s take today’s passage as a challenge to 1) Ask the Lord where He wants us to labor in his Kingdom, 2) Work as unto the Lord, 3) Rest in His blessing & provision, 4) Seek His mercy in releasing us from the bonds of debt we have sold ourselves into. Do the work He has chosen and equipped you to complete. Then, seek His blessing. Not the other way around.

“He made the bronze basin and its stand from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” Exodus 38:8 (HCSB)

There is a notion among certain groups that Christianity discriminates against women in ministry. However, just because the Lord has chosen men to serve in certain ministry roles doesn’t mean He has judged that women cannot minister. By no means should His character be brought on trial just because we cannot fathom His wisdom!

In addition, there is no language anywhere in Scripture indicating that women are inferior in any way intellectually or spiritually to men. “Roles of service in the congregation” is simply one of those cases in life where God has made a judgment, and we are called to honor it, regardless of feelings or cultural/social customs.

A few chapters ago, it was pointed out that women played an important role in constructing the Tabernacle.

“Every skilled woman spun yarn with her hands and brought it: blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. And all the women whose hearts were moved spun the goat hair by their skill.” Exodus 35:25-26 (HCSB)

In addition, women contributed what must have been the bulk of the gold and fine metals. I say this because it was mostly jewelry that was melted down to make the tabernacle articles.  

“Both men and women came; all who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry – everyone who waved a presentation offering of gold to the Lord….” Exodus 35:22 (HCSB)

An interesting thing about the women (who served at the Tent of Meeting’s entrance) donating mirrors is the profound message it sends:  The closer a woman gets to the Lord, the less concerned she is with her outer appearance.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.”  Proverbs 31:30-31 (HCSB)

While the Lord has prescribed specific roles for people in His Kingdom, try not to concentrate on someone else’s role. Focus instead on the fact that the God of all creation has designed a role specifically for YOU. Now, go put your whole self into fulfilling that role!

“Bezalel made the ark….” Exodus 37:1

“Bezalel made the mercy seat….”  Exodus 37:6

“He made the two cherubim….”  Exodus 37:7

“He constructed the table….”  Exodus 37:10

“Then he made the lampstand….”  Exodus 37:17

“Bezalel made the altar of incense….”  Exodus 37:25 (ALL HCSB)

As in many cases for Biblical names, Bezalel’s name matches his character/calling.  Although there are four possibilities of interpretation, the commonly held meaning of “Bezalel” is “In the shadow of God.”  This is then explained as “In the protection of God.”

This explanation coincides marvelously with the name of Bezalel’s colleague Oholiab.  His name means “Father’s shrine/temple.”

When you put the two together, you get “The protection of God in our Father’s temple.”  Pretty cool…as long as you are near the temple!

The Bible can be summed up as the story of man’s desire to separate from God and God’s deliberate strides to commune with mankind.  Each God-stride established a more permanent presence with His people.  Beginning with the Tabernacle, God commissioned a portable house of presence.  Wherever He led, Israel was to follow.  God stopped, and they set up the tent.  If you wanted to dwell with God, you had to literally follow Him around.

The temple was a more permanent house for God’s presence, laid in a foundation.  A problem arose when God’s people turned their hearts from Him.  As a result, God drove Israel from His temple.  The temple may have been a permanent structure, but men could be separated from it…through exile or ceremonial uncleanness.

With the giving of the Holy Spirit, Jesus consecrated the bodies of His followers as worthy to receive His presence.  In essence, wherever the believer goes, they are under “the protection of God in our Father’s Temple.”

“I will never leave or forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”  1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

Ultimately, all followers of the Messiah will permanently dwell with God in Heaven.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 (NKJV)

“So Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whose heart the Lord had places wisdom, everyone whose heart moved him, to come to the work and to do it.” Exodus 36:2 (HCSB)

There are differing views on Judaism and its relation to art. We are well aware of modern Jewish visual artists, such as Chagall. One would be hard-pressed to examine film or television credits without noticing a strong Jewish creative presence. But what of ancient Judaism?

Often, the opinion is held that there is no significant visual art in Biblical Judaism and that the Jews lacked the aesthetic sense. This is mainly due to the influence of the Second Commandment, which prohibited idolatrous sculpture and other three-dimensional art.

Defenders of the Jewish artistic mindset could say that Judaism was determined to lift the God idea above the sensual and represent the Divine as Spirit only. It could also be said that art was not Israel’s calling. Whereas Greece’s legacy was Beauty, Israel’s mission was Righteousness.  

But when it came to building His tabernacle and temple, God didn’t call the Greeks. He enlisted, of all the nations at His disposal, the Hebrew artists.

It is reminiscent of what the Lord told Zerubbabel through the prophet Zechariah concerning rebuilding the temple.  

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit’ says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 (HCSB)

In addition, Zechariah tells Zerubbabel:  

“For who scorns the day of small things? These seven eyes of the Lord, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see a plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 (HCSB)

What is the lesson? God has “equipped & called” YOU to work in His Kingdom. Tasks have been designed for you specifically. Furthermore, the Lord’s delight is when you respond with faith and enthusiasm. We must all work, but completion is not determined by our strength, might, or creativity. God’s guidance and favor towards His “faithful” ensures our success.

The highest artist is not the greatest master in self-expression but in self-control: The one who forsakes all & everything to follow the Lord.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 35. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the Lord.  And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.’” Exodus 34:5-7 (NKJV)

In Western culture, the number “13” is considered unlucky, as superstitions go.  The Jewish mindset considers number 13 to be blessed.  Here’s why.  In Hebrew, there are no “numbers” per se, so every letter is ascribed a numerical value.  For instance, the letter “alef” (A) is also #1.  In the Shema (Deut 6:4), God is described as being “One.” The Hebrew name for “One” is “Echad.” The numerical value for “Echad” is 13.  

A bit mystic, I admit.  And people can go crazy trying to reckon numbers & words, looking for “codes” in the Bible.  I only mention it because God announces Himself to Moses in the thirteen spiritual ideas concerning His Divine Nature.  Ironically, perhaps, the One we know as “Echad” is announcing Himself by a list of “13”.

1.  The Lord, the Lord God -  Heb: Adonai, Adonai - Adonai denotes God in His mercy.  The repetition was traditionally considered to mean that God is merciful before a man sins and after he sins (Exodus 20-34).

2.  God - Heb: El - The almighty Lord of the universe, ruler of nature and mankind.

3.  Merciful -  Heb: rachun - God is full of affectionate sympathy for the sufferings and miseries of human frailty

4.  Gracious -  Heb: ve-channun - He assists and helps, consoling the afflicted and raising up the oppressed.

5.  Long Suffering - Heb: erech appayim - The Lord is not hastening to punish the sinner but offers him opportunities to repent.

6.  Abundant in goodness - Heb: rav chesed - He grants His gifts and blessings beyond what man deserves

7.  Truth -  Heb: ve-emet - He is eternally true to Himself

8.  Keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation -  Heb: notzer chesed la-alafim - He remembers the righteousness of the ancestors and reserves reward and recompense to the remotest descendants who will turn to Him.

9.  Forgiving iniquity -  Heb: noseh avon - He bears with the indulgence and failings of man, and by forgiveness, He restores them to purity

10.  Transgression - Heb: pesha - Evil deeds spring from malice and rebellion against God

11.  Sin - Heb: Chattaah - Shortcomings by refusal to heed or ignorance of God’s Word

12.  Will by no means clear the guilty -  Heb: venakkeh lo yenakkeh - Literally, “Acquitting the repentant but not the unrepentant.”

13.  Visiting…upon the children -  This relates only to the CONSEQUENCES and not the PUNISHMENT of a man’s sin upon his descendants.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Look, You have told me, “Lead this people up,” but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You said, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.” Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people.’”  Exodus 33:12-13 (HCSB)

Mother Teresa said, ‘You’ll never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. Moses understood the importance of going with God. He had seen the destruction of Pharaoh’s army and the judgment of Israel when they denied the Lord.  Moses wanted to know God’s ways, but he could never have predicted God’s methods of instruction…bonding His people to Himself (and each other) by means of shared adversity.

For Moses & Israel, the next several decades would be a constant stream of faith-stretching trials. Why would the Lord choose this method of character building instead of lavishing abundance & prosperity upon His children?

Perhaps the answer is found in Moses’ discussion with God. Similar to their conversation at the burning bush, Moses seems to have difficulty taking God at His Word. Even though God told Moses He would be with him (and after all the miracles experienced in Egypt), Moses still sought signs.

It is said in business, “Speed of the leader, speed of the team.” That is to say, if Moses had faith problems, there was no way Israel would be all-in to follow him. Faith is a muscle that must be exercised. It takes desire, discipline, and time to grow.

A young man once came to the philosopher Socrates, searching for wisdom. Socrates was sitting beside a river, so the young man sat beside him. ‘I want you to teach me to be wise,’ he said. Without warning, Socrates grasped the young man by the neck and thrust his head under the water. The man struggled and flailed until Socrates finally let him up. As he gasped for air, Socrates said, ‘When you seek wisdom as you sought air, you’ll have it.’”

God gives His Word and Spirit to reveal His nature & ways to His children. He is gentle and kind but wise enough sometimes to thrust us into the water! Our life experience, stressed by the manner of His testing, filtered through His Word revealed, is what builds our faith. Ready for some faith stretching today?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”  James 1:2-4 (HCSB)

“So Moses returned to the Lord and said, ‘Oh, this people has committed a great sin; they have made for themselves a god of gold. Now if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written.' The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Whoever has sinned against Me I will erase from My book. Now go, lead these people to the place I told you about; see, My angel will go before you. But on the day that I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.’” Exodus 32:31-34 (CSB)

Fifty days after Passover is the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, or “Pentecost.” Shavuot is, perhaps, the most important harvest festival on the Jewish calendar. Since it coincides with the giving of the Law, Shavuot has become emblematic of God’s confirmation & consecration of Israel as His “first fruit” among the nations.

Their worship of the calf overshadows the day of Israel’s consecration. On that day, Moses gave Israel a “with me or against me” challenge, and the Levites gathered to him. Later that very day, the day that the Torah (God’s teaching) was given, 3000 men were killed. The implication of this account in Israel’s history is that Israel left to its own designs and judged solely through the lens of the Law’s standard, can only produce a “crop of death.” Furthermore, God said that on the day He “settles accounts,” solely by the standard of His commands, none can survive His judgment.

Fast-forward to Acts chapter 2. At the time of the same festival of Shavuot (Pentecost), after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given to the believers in Jerusalem. Those believers were the “first fruits” of His Greater Messianic Community (the Church), which has grown to be worldwide.   The first fruits of God’s Spirit were also counted to be 3000 men, but this time, their experience was unto life! When God settles OUR accounts based on Messiah’s blood atonement (it’s worth imputed into our spiritual accounts upon the moment of our belief and certified by the presence of His Spirit), His Judgment of us returns, “Not guilty!”

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:10-11 (NKJV)

“The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am Yahweh who sets you apart. Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Whoever profanes it must be put to death. If anyone does work on it, that person must be cut off from his people.’”  Exodus 31:12-14 (HCSB)

My wife and I went on a mission trip to Mexico several years ago. On the Mexican border of Texas, many “squatters” had formed “colonias,” shantytowns. Our mission was to build 9x12 houses for these severely impoverished people.  It was over 100 degrees down there and incredibly humid…no easy task!

One of the men on my team was a fireman. Ever since we had met in Texas, this guy was talking about heat exhaustion, “Gotta stop every 15 minutes, and drink water….”  On and on, he droned. I had been a college athlete as a long-distance runner. I could run for miles, and nobody was there to give me a single drop of water. This fireman obviously was talking to the “lightweights.”

1/2 way through our second day on the job, our construction wasn’t nearly as far along as it should have been. The fireman called for a break, and I kept working. Thirty minutes later, another break. I kept working. Two hours later, I started feeling dizzy. You get the point. The next thing I knew, the fireman was treating my heat exhaustion. I should have trusted the expert.

Constructing the Tabernacle was of the highest importance. It was work in service to God. But it was not of greater importance than the Divinely ordered rest: Shabbat. Nothing was permitted to supersede it.

To profane, the Sabbath resulted in death. It was the equivalent of breaking the third commandment, “Do not receive the Lord’s name in vain.”  That is, you should not call yourself “God’s people” yet deny God’s authority over your life.

Ignoring the Shabbat rest resulted in being cut off from Israel. So, how well do you fare in obeying that 4th commandment to REST?

Try thinking of it this way: Even Kingdom work has a mandatory “blessed union” break.

“The wealthy may not give more, and the poor may not give less, than half a shekel when giving the contribution to the Lord to atone for your lives. Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the tent of meeting. It will serve as a reminder for the Israelites before the Lord to atone for your lives.”  Exodus 30:15-16 (HCSB)

The technical expression for “ransom” occurs three times in the Torah, and each time, it refers to money paid by one who is guilty of taking human life in circumstances that do not constitute murder. Such a ransom was forbidden in the case of deliberate murder. You could not simply murder someone, pay an agreed-upon price, and have your sin atoned for via your debit card, so to speak.

This concept underlies the “half-shekel atonement” of today’s passage. The same phrase is used in connection with the offering of plunder after the Midianite battle, in Numbers 31:52. Those men registering in the census were those registering for military duty…all non-disabled men. The soldier who was marching into battle was (in the eyes of Heaven) a potential taker of life, although not a deliberate murderer.  

The soldier is to be impressed with the fact that, as the aims for which he goes into battle may be, war remains a necessary “evil.”  Therefore, a ransom is to be paid at the time of mustering (for the taking of life) long before the actual fighting occurs.

Whether rich or poor, the tax was the same. All souls taken are of equal value, and all life-takers of equal guilt in the eyes of God. Hence, all are to give the same ransom.  

Concerning our guilt, Jesus paid our ransom.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (HCSB)

The redemption of Christ is offered to all people, regardless of nationality or social standing.

“And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because you were slaughtered, and You redeemed us for God by Your blood from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation.”  Revelation 5:9 (HCSB)

Those present at Jesus’ trial cried, “May His blood be on our children and us!”  Yet Jesus prayed,” Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 In effect, He was asking that their murderous intents and actions, zealous as they may have been, be counted as “unintentional killing,” while He personally paid their ransom for the act. Ponder the depth of His great love for you. Do you feel the gravity of His sacrifice?

“Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on Aaron’s right earlobe, on his son’s right earlobes, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on the sides of the altar. Take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle them on Aaron and his garments. In this way, he and his garments will become holy, as well as his sons and their garments.”  Exodus 29:20-21 (HCSB)

Atoning for sin is a bloody business. It is ugly, and it involves death. Mankind has a way of excusing its own sin rather than dealing with it head-on. All people in all cultures feel guilt; hence, the removal of guilt is close to the heart of everyone, everywhere.  

The fact that men naturally feel “guilty” testifies that there is a moral law from which to judge right & wrong. If there is a moral law, there must be a moral lawgiver, i.e., God.

The problem is not as much that men don’t know they sin. It is that they overlook their own sin, even while exposing the sins of others. The closer people come to God, the more they feel in touch with/convinced of their “guilt.” Some respond by humbling themselves before the Lord and repenting, while others react in anger and hatred toward Him and His people.

“If the world hates you, understand it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18 (HCSB)

From as far back as the Garden of Eden, God prepared a way to atone for or “cover” sin. Remember how God exchanged Adam & Eve’s fig leaf attire for animal skins? Sin kills, so if you do not want the fullness of judgment to fall on you, something (or someone) has to bear your punishment, leading to death. The blood of the sacrifice reminds men of how heinous their sin is. In terms of everlasting atonement, only Jesus’ sacrifice of His sinless life is both affective and effective in bringing about our salvation. His atonement is received when we turn away from our sin and turn to Him, confess our sin, profess our belief in the worth of His sacrifice and Lordship, and commit to following Him. (Acts 4:12)

For Aaron and his sons, the ear was touched with the blood, that it might be consecrated (set apart) to hear the word of God; the hand, to perform the duties connected with the priesthood; and the foot, to walk in the path of righteousness.

All followers of Jesus are called to be “priests” (servants). (1 Peter 2:9) Messiah’s blood consecrates every part of us: ear, hand & foot, and this “consecration” is extended to every member of His kingdom. (Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 1:7, 2:13)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 28. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“You are to construct an altar of acacia wood.”  Exodus 27:1 (HCSB)

The Orthodox (non-Messianic) Jewish Rabbis have explained the symbolism of the altar by forming an anagram from each of the four letters spelling the Hebrew word: “Mizbe’ah.” Since few of you read Hebrew, and I don’t know how to make my computer type Hebrew letters, you’ll just have to trust me! Here’s the English translation:

FORGIVENESS: Sin separates us from God. The altar was the channel whereby the Israelites could seek reconciliation with God.  

MERIT: Gratitude, humility, and contrition found their outlet on the altar. By approaching the Lord through virtues, life was ennobled, and “merit” acquired.

BLESSING: By remaining faithful to the teachings centered around the altar, man receives the Lord’s blessing and becomes a blessing to his fellow men.

LIFE: The altar points the way to everlasting life. It directs one’s worship to things that abide forever: righteousness, holiness, and God’s Word.

For men to perpetuate forgiveness, merit, blessing, and life, it was necessary for them to sacrifice prescribed things at prescribed times in a prescribed manner. Problem: The atonement diminished over time. You were only covered until the time for the next sacrifice.

Interestingly, these days, neither of the two tabernacle altars exists. They were replaced by the altars Solomon built for the Temple, and those Solomonic altars have been missing since the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. So, how are one’s sins atoned for today?

We receive forgiveness, merit, blessing, and life when we trust in the Messiah, Jesus. Plus, we have the added bonus: His atoning sacrifice lasts FOREVER.

“We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle do not have the right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy of holies by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. Therefore, Messiah also suffered outside the gate so He may sanctify the people by His own blood. Let us then go to Him outside the camp, bearing His disgrace. For here we do not have an enduring city; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that profess His name. Don’t neglect to do good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”  Hebrews 13:10-16 (HCSB)

“You are to set up the tabernacle according to the plan for it that you have been shown on the mountain.”  Exodus 26:30 (HCSB)

A tabernacle is a tent. In Biblical imagery, “tabernacle” describes several things.  

The Tabernacle was a portable tent used as a sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant by the Israelites during the Exodus. This is where Moses would go to meet with the Lord. After Moses’ death, only the high priest could enter the innermost “Holy of Holies.”

Another tabernacle is the “sukkah,” a temporary light shelter with a roof of branches built in Jewish homes, yards, or synagogues for the “festival of Tabernacles.” AKA: a “booth,” God commands every Jew to build and live in a sukkah for seven days each year. This is to remember God’s provision and guidance during their 40 years of wandering in the desert. In fact, the Lord desires that all nations celebrate “Sukkot.”

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3 (NKJV) (see also: Zechariah 14:16-19)

Another “Tabernacle” is your own body.  

“Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.” 2 Peter 1:13-14  (NKJV)

Three things come to mind when I consider the Tabernacle:  

The first is the transient nature of tent-dwelling. One who lives in a tent should not become too attached to one location. We should be willing to follow wherever the Lord leads. Our love should be only for the Lord, and our desire should be consumed with wherever He guides.

Second, God’s standard and instructions for setting up a tabernacle are very specific. Those who say they are the Lord’s yet build their lives by their own design fool themselves. Jesus said we should set up our lives by His plan.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  John 14:15 (HCSB)

Lastly, God’s presence dwells in His Tabernacle.

“Do you not know that your bodies are the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God?”  1 Corinthians 6:19a (HCSB)

“Set the mercy seat on top of the ark and put the testimony that I will give you into the ark. I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”  Exodus 25: 21-22 (HCSB)

Grace and Mercy are two independent concepts, yet they work closely together.  

Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. It has been described through the acrostic: G.R.A.C.E.: God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Think of this acrostic: M.E.R.C.Y.: My Extensive Righteousness Covers You

In the Ark, God’s mercy is positioned on top. It is the arbitrator between His covenant and His law. In that sense, the ark, with its covering & contents, can be viewed as a picture of the Trinity.

The covenant represents Grace, God’s promise: Jesus. The Law represents Justice, His standard revealed: Spirit. Mercy represents the Wisdom of weighing the two, pronouncing judgment: God.

Without mercy, Israel would always be caught in a divine “Catch-22”. Could they rest in God’s promise to their forefathers, or did they have to live up to His perfect standard? God’s mercy provides the balance, His response. Sometimes, His mercy brings about hardship to teach us. Other times, mercy keeps us from the full consequences to encourage us. It is solely His wise judgment that determines His course. That is mercy.

The good news is that Messiah “…is able to protect you from stumbling and make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy.” Jude 1:24  (HCSB)

When Jesus paid our sin debt, it satisfied God’s standard for us. Messiah not only cleared our debt, but He also imputed (deposited) righteousness into our accounts.

When the Lord looks upon a believer in Jesus, He sees only His covenant promise and His law fulfilled. His response to us will be the same as that to His Son, “Well done!”

For those outside Messiah’s covering, the Bible says He reserves the response, “Turn away; I never knew you.”  

Who would reject so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.’ So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and went up to the mountain of God.  He told the elders, ‘Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever has a dispute should go to them.’”  Exodus 24: 12-14 (HCSB)

Organizations of every size have to face the issue of succession. All corporations, nations, and ministries built around a charismatic leader must eventually cope with that leader’s absence. The challenge of patriarchal success is not just building something big.  It is creating something that would flourish in your absence.

In a documentary on Cuban leader Fidel Castro, analysts speculated about the ability of Fidel’s brother to run the country once Fidel passed away. Many evangelicals were suspicious when Franklin Graham became more prominent in his father Billy’s evangelical association. Sometimes, the successor is easily recognized. Other times, God’s choice would be man’s least likely candidate.

Joseph was the youngest brother, yet his father put him in charge of his elders. And what of the story of David? A young worship-leading shepherd boy was anointed king, above all of the military, business, and political leaders of Israel. Consider Peter. Why would Messiah give the “keys to His Church” to the disciple who would deny Him three times?

One thing is certain: God knows a leader when He calls one!

Aaron was Moses’ spokesman and elder brother. He was a direct participant in God’s Egyptian miracles. It seems he would be the perfect candidate to succeed Moses. At least he would have accompanied Moses to receive God’s tablets! But it was Joshua who attended that historic event with Moses.

Later, we learn why. Neither Aaron, Hur, nor any elders were fit to lead Israel. That was proven by their construction and worship of the golden calf.

When God calls a leader, we may never know what He spared us from. When we choose a leader (apart from God’s leading), we may never know God’s intended blessing.

Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land. Perhaps Joshua’s name held some secret about God’s plan for his future. “Joshua” means “God saves,” and it is the root of the name “Yeshua,” given to a young boy from Nazareth, whom we call “Jesus.”

“For I will place the inhabitants of the land under your control, and you will drive them out ahead of you. You must not make a covenant with them or their gods. They must not remain in your land, or else they will make you sin against Me. If you worship their gods, it will be a snare for you.”  Exodus 23:31b-33 (HCSB)

These verses have all three components of salvation & victorious living: Grace, Works, and Faith.  

The passage might be viewed as a metaphor for personal salvation, with our bodies representing the “land.” After all, mankind began as nothing more than God’s breath on a handful of dirt! (Genesis 2:7)  

The “former inhabitants” represent the sinful ways that used to control us. “Israel” represents us, our souls, delivered. The “idols/gods” are the goals that sinful nature pursues.

GRACE- The system that God allows, whereby mankind can be saved through faith (instead of being perfect in righteousness), is Grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Deliverance/salvation through man’s faithful belief is God’s gift. Otherwise, our righteousness would be weighed purely against the virtue of our works. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Since God’s standard is PERFECTION, it is impossible for us to do enough “good works” to earn salvation.

God’s Grace was displayed in this passage by placing Israel in control of the “former inhabitants.”  “Accepting God’s Grace” means we faithfully believe God’s righteousness has delivered us. (Sometimes, even before the deliverance occurs!)  Even though “former inhabitants” may still be present, He promises to go before us, driving them out in proportion to our faithful willingness to fight. (Romans 6:23)

FAITH- Saving knowledge of the unseen meant that Israel had to trust God against unknown lands, nations, and gods. Israel drove out the land’s former inhabitants to the extent that they had faith in God’s promise. Do you believe in God’s promise of salvation to the extent that you would faithfully (and sometimes forcefully) turn from your sin, sending the message, “Don’t come back!”?

WORKS- The “life” of faith is Works. Have you continued to discipline yourself, armed with God’s promises in His Word, to drive out those “former inhabitants”?   Continue working hard to destroy all goals & motivations that would cause you to abandon God!  

We are not saved by Faith and Works. We are (gracefully) saved by Faith that Works!

“You must not exploit a foreign resident or oppress him, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.”  Exodus 22:21 (HCSB)

My family and I lived in Riverside in Southern California for many years. Our town was comprised of a myriad of people groups, but the dominant ethnicity was Mexican—48% Mexican, to be exact. Without reigniting the debate over who originally owned the land of California, let’s just say that race relations can occasionally be a sensitive topic around California. This is especially true when it comes to illegal residents.

As a matter of policy, whenever any country borders another country, the issue of immigration is sure to cause a debate. It is safe to say this is an age-old issue. We know this because 40 years before Israel entered the Promised Land, God outlined how the Israelites should treat foreigners once they finally entered Canaan and took possession.

Of all the ancient cultures, only the God of Israel was as compassionate towards the weak, meek, needy & lowly. I believe God’s gracious attitude towards humanity is because He created all life on earth and that, before time began, He had a plan to redeem mankind through Messiah Jesus. (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8)

All men are God’s creation; hence, all men deserve dignity. That’s not to say all men honor God. I am simply saying that nobody knows who will eventually repent and follow God, regardless of nationality. Individuals from all nationalities will become members of God’s family, but who knows which ones will respond to the Gospel? We might as well treat them all with dignity, especially in remembrance of how we were merely sinners, saved by God’s grace.

For a moment, let’s assume the “identity” of Israel. Consider “foreigners” as those who are yet to trust the Messiah. How do you respond when a non-believer enters your Church? How do you treat non-believers when you are around a group of your believing friends?  

Do you show grace and compassion when others seek to distance themselves from “sinners”? Do you remember how it felt before you knew the Lord? How was the person who led you to Jesus different from other “believers” you had met before, so different that you decided to follow Jesus? Be THAT person for the non-believers in your life.

Not only is it possible to lead people to the Lord, standing firm in Biblical conviction, all the while maintaining a gracious & merciful demeanor. It is essential!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 21. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance. ‘You speak to us and we will listen,’ they said to Moses, ‘but don’t let God speak to us or we will die.’ Moses responded to the people, ‘Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear Him and will not sin,’” Exodus 20:18-20 (HCSB)

“My pastor says…”  

I’m so glad I attend a church with a great pastor! He simply loves the Bible and lives to teach it. He encourages the congregants to bring our Bibles and models Biblical scholarship by preaching from his own Bible. He values the Bible as “the source” of knowledge, as opposed to “a resource” for some topic or agenda. I thank the Lord for the fact that our pastor encourages us to read our Bibles every day.  

I can think of only one thing in my journey to follow Jesus that beats good preaching:  Personal Bible study. That’s right. What’s more important than what someone teaches you after they studied the Bible is what God teaches you when YOU read it for yourself.

A major problem in our culture is that people don’t believe the Bible. A major problem in our congregations is that more and more preachers don’t teach the Bible in its entirety. A major problem in our families is that spouses and children don’t speak about the Bible. A major problem with churchgoers is that they don’t read the Bible

“There is enough dust on the Bibles of England to, with one’s finger, spell the word, ‘Damnation!’” Charles Spurgeon  

Hopefully, you are changing that trend. When we read the Bible, we discuss it with those close to us. When we discuss it, a community of Bible-mindedness grows. New Bible teachers are raised in rhythm with those communities, and communities devoted to God steer their cultures.

Don’t be afraid of approaching the Lord. Be afraid of what will happen if you don’t!

“Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” Hebrews 4:16 (HCSB)

“The Lord directed Moses, ‘Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the Lord; otherwise, many of them will die. Even the priests who come near the Lord must purify themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.’  But Moses responded to the Lord, ‘The people cannot come up Mount Sinai since you warned us: Put a boundary around the mountain and consider it holy.’”  Exodus 19:21-23 (HCSB)

Several months after their exodus from Egypt, Moses was obviously frustrated with the children of Israel. Bellyaching had replaced appreciation as the national demeanor of God’s people. It is easy to be frustrated with complaining people; they compromise the bulk of a pastor’s ministry burden. The Bible calls us “sheep,” and we are all created with an acute need for a shepherd.

At this point in the Exodus, though, Moses seems as frustrated with God as much as he did with the people. Perhaps the source of his frustration concerned a promise God made when He called Moses to lead Israel.

“But Moses asked God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt? God answered, ‘I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.’” Exodus 3:11-12 (HCSB)

Moses had done all God had told him to do. He went to Egypt, spoke to Israel and Pharaoh, obeyed the Lord, and led Israel out. In Moses’ heart, he must have felt he held up his end of the bargain. At what he thought was the end, Moses was ready to see the completion of his calling. The people were standing at the foot of the mountain. All Moses needed to see was for Israel to worship on that mountain. Then, his season of shepherding would be completed. But God withheld Israel from coming up the mountain!

Why would God withhold the fulfillment of His promise to Moses? More so, why would He deny Israel the freedom to worship in His presence?

Worship is a matter of the heart, and Israel’s heart was not ready. Nor was Moses’ heart. Much of what men would let pass for worship, the Lord literally cannot stand!

Has the Lord withheld something from you lately? Trust that His judgment & timing are always perfectly aligned with His plan & character. Wait on the Lord’s timing. Who knows what the world would be like today had Israel waited on the Lord until Moses returned from the mountain, bearing the tablets of the 10 Commandments? Yet, their worship of the golden calf proved God’s wisdom in not allowing them to enter His presence in the first place. His desire was for their worship, but that would take time, and in His patient, gracious wisdom, God would teach Israel how to worship rightly. Remember: the word “Torah” does not translate as “Law.”  It translates as “Teaching.”

“‘Praise the Lord,’ Jethro exclaimed, ‘who rescued you from Pharaoh and the power of the Egyptians and snatched the people from the power of the Egyptians. Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods, because He did wonders when the Egyptians acted arrogantly against Israel.’ Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in God’s presence.” Exodus 18:10-12 (HCSB)

The lesson of Israel’s exodus affected more than just Israel and Egypt. The four people groups most closely impacted were 1) Israel, 2) Egypt, 3) the Kingdoms of Canaan, and 5) Moses’ Gentile (Midianite) in-laws.

Israel responded to God by following Him. Egypt responded by defying Him. The Canaanites responded by challenging Him, and Jethro responded by believing in Him.

Not since the meeting of Melchizedek and Abraham has the Bible given us such a clear indication of God’s acceptance of worship from a people other than Israel. Melchizedek was a priest-king of Salem, and Jethro was a priest of Midian. Neither were Israelites.

Interestingly, Jethro is that he burnt offerings and sacrificed to the Lord. In the presence of the Lord, Jethro, and all Israel’s leaders ate a meal – Jew and Gentile, together. This symbolizes that the Lord accepts the worship of all who acknowledge Him.  

The word “Acknowledgement” means more than mere intellectual assent or the belief that God exists. It is more of a turning from old ways and beliefs and a turning to the ways of the Lord. The cessation of false religion and the assumption of faith in YHWH constitutes Biblical “acknowledgment.” The absence of Divine protest indicates that Jethro’s heart was considered “faithful” by the Lord.

Interestingly, there is also the image of the goyim (Gentile) Jethro bringing Moses’ bride and children to him. Similarly, the Bible says the “nations” will someday carry the children of Israel back home. It is a beautiful picture of how the (predominantly Gentile) Church will share the gospel with the Jewish people.    

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.’” Isaiah 49:22 (NIV)

The church, composed of Jew & Gentile believers, is called the “bride” of Messiah. (Revelation 19:7)

“When Moses’ hands (holding his staff) grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and on the other, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.”  Exodus 17:12-13 (HCSB)

Let’s consider Moses, the leader. As long as Moses’ hands were lifted to the Lord, Israel progressed victoriously. In business, there is a saying, “speed of the leader, speed of the team.”  As long as the leader worships the Lord, those following will respond in kind. If Moses “served as God” to Aaron (Exodus 4:16), then the community of Israel got a good picture in today’s passage that it will always struggle (and ultimately fail) if it relies on a human leader’s ability to remain righteously vigilant. It is good to know that the Messiah never tires in His interceding, the Spirit never falters in His revelation, nor does God become exhausted in His intervening on our behalf! We never fail for lack of God’s strength, ability, or wisdom or because of a deficit of His upright character!

Then, there is the stone. In Biblical imagery, the “stone” represents remembrance. When his physical resources were exhausted, Moses rested on the foundational memory of God’s covenant.

What of Aaron and Hur? No leader is an island, fully self-sustained. Even the greatest leaders need a strong inner circle of lieutenants. These advisers/support managers are recruited, developed, and sustained in direct proportion to the leaders’ display of character over time. Lieutenants are not a luxury; they are essential to successfully supporting the vision the Lord has given the leader and holding him accountable to it. These two men can also represent the Lord’s Spirit, who helps us by revealing the truth of God’s Word and empowering us to live righteously.

Now, let’s turn to Joshua. Every military campaign needs trustworthy battlefield warriors. These men believe entirely in the vision to the point where they do not sway, even under intense fire. Joshua never left Moses’ side after this battle. It is safe to say he knew Moses better than anyone else. Great preaching is of little value unless the “pew people” respond by going into the World, willing to wield the sword of God’s Word, and rescuing those held captive by sin and the World’s bondage.

The name “Jesus” is a Westernized translation of the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which, by the way, also loosely translates as “Joshua.” The name’s meaning in Hebrew is “God saves). Yeshua (Jesus) is the “Word of God,” made flesh. (John 1) His victory over death & sin has become our salvation, and He is at God’s side, even now. It is His strength and righteousness that we cling to for salvation! (Acts 4:12)

“The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this desert to make this whole assembly die of hunger!’” Exodus 16:2-3 (HCSB)

We generally think of “slave life” as a constant stream of whipping and starvation. The Library of Congress has compiled first-hand accounts by American Civil War-era slaves, who describe a very different way of life.  

To be sure, I am not advocating slavery or seeking to absolve slave owners of their moral injustices. I am simply relaying the testimonies of those who lived the life of slaves.

It helps to understand that slaves were forced, laborers. No slave owner, concerned about making a profit, would deprive or abuse his “property” to the point that it reduced productivity. Rather, the slaves were clothed, housed, and fed. Not luxuriously, by any means, but the basics would be there.

Not only is slavery a high moral crime, but it is also bad business. It has been proven that free workers are far more efficient than slave labor. Yet, the myth of slavery (free labor) will always entice throughout the generations. Part of what makes slavery inefficient for the “master” is how enslavement affects a person’s spirit. Slaves become crafty. They become quite adept at working just hard enough to avoid the whip. Take away a man’s freedom, and he loses self-worth, initiative, and discipline.

Biblical slavery, as God allows for the community of Israel in His Torah, is the freewill “indentured” type, not forced slavery. While the New Testament refers to believers as “slaves,” it also calls followers of Jesus “disciples.”  We are also described as co-inheritors with Messiah, rights & privileges not typically bestowed upon slaves.   The simple meaning of “disciple” is “one who disciplines himself to follow.”  This is precisely why God led Israel through the desert: He was weaning Israel from slave life, slave mentality, slave ethics, etc., and teaching them to be disciplined and devoted to Him.

While still a “youth,” the nation of Israel is led through difficult circumstances…desert after desert. Their responses to adversity exposed their craftiness, unrighteousness, and spiritual immaturity.

What difficult circumstances has God led you through lately? Have you “disciplined” your walk to condition a response that honors the name He has given you: Redeemed? Or do you still long for the dysfunctional comfort, the certain slow death of sin’s bondage from whatever “Egypt” you were delivered?

“He made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah and He tested them there. He said, ‘If you will carefully obey the Lord your God, do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, I will not inflict any illnesses on you that I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am Yahweh who heals you.’” Exodus 15:25b-26 (HCSB)

I remember being in college toward the end of the spring semester. It was so hard to stay awake during those late afternoon classes. The more the professor lectured, the more my mind drifted. Then, as if called from a great distance but rushing swiftly into my consciousness, I heard my name, “MR. WIGGINS!”.

It was the voice of my professor. Noticing I was drifting away, he asked me a question…several times. Everyone laughed, and I was embarrassed to 1) not know the answer and 2) not even know the question!

The Lord wants our FULL attention. Just as He directed the Israelites fresh out of Egypt, so He directs us to listen carefully to His voice. What does that look like?

The apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth, “Pursue Love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”  (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Teaching is to recite tradition. Preaching has an urgent or evangelical bent. Prophecy is a personal revelation from the Lord. For example, as you read the Bible, the Lord will open your eyes to understand the Scriptures on a whole new level. That is prophesy for us believers. Paul said we should desire prophecy and share God’s revelation with others. To be clear, the type of “prophecy” Paul describes is NOT predicting future events. It is simply the Spirit revealing the truth of God’s Word in such a relevant way that it changes your values and how you live out your calling.

It has been my experience that when the Lord starts moving among His people, He doesn’t just tell one guy. He tells a bunch of people. Then, He brings them together so there can be agreement and focus on their efforts. That’s when powerful stuff starts happening! That is also what the church is designed to be. Church has become a place where people come to learn the Bible and get saved. But church should be the place where people who are independently and diligently seeking God’s Word gather at times during the week in agreement. It should be as much a BASE of worship as a PLACE of worship. Church should be less a finish line for people who happened to make it through the week without seeking the Lord and more of a starting line for believers to go out and work towards the Great Commission within their communities next week.  

We should listen for God’s voice as we meditate on His Scripture. Ask for His revelation. When His people obey this command, the Lord reveals His deep knowledge. He heals our theology, our personal relationships, and our emotional and physical conditions as well. Then, we faithfully respond to His call, experiencing His faithfulness.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 14. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the Israelites swear a solemn oath, saying, ‘God will certainly come to your aid; then you must take my bones with you from this place.’”  Exodus 13:19 (HCSB)

Do you remember the names of your grandparents’ parents? I don’t know the names of mine. I’ve definitely not heard of any agreements they made about their bones. I’m as good as cursed if they did!

What if we compounded this scenario by 400 years? Do you know the names of your ancestors who lived 400 years ago? Imagine a solemn oath that endured twice as long as the United States has been a nation. This was the case with Joseph’s bones.

Attached to the folklore of Joseph’s bones was the promise of hope. The hope of freedom by Divine intervention sustained the Israelites all those years. For the Israelites, the tradition of “what we’re going to do with Joseph’s bones” had to be comforting because it promised deliverance. At times, it must have felt more like superstition than God’s promise! Still, there was the hope: Maybe it’s true… Maybe God really will deliver us from Egypt and deposit us into Canaan.

Sometimes, planning your response to blessing is all the hope you need to get through the hard times. Here is a little thought I like to comfort myself with when money is tight (and it usually is): I make a mental list of the people I want to give money to as soon as I am in another season of financial overage. It helps keep me pressing on.

But in the end, freedom is not about finances. Freedom is spiritual. Many wealthy people are miserable, and many poor are peaceful.

“Your life should be free of the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”  Hebrews 13:5-6  (HCSB)

Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself” John 14:2-3 (NASB)

This hope of the resurrection, combined with Jesus’ promise to never leave or forsake us, allows the believer to endure this life and its trials. As was the case with Joseph’s bones in Egypt, the Lord will prove Himself faithful towards us. He will return to take us home to Heaven, not bury us in the ground of our homeland. We will walk in newness of life, along with a host of others, including Joseph, saved by God’s grace through faith in His promise. Now, THAT is a hope worth hanging your faith on! That is the hope of eternity with Messiah Jesus mixed with the promise of never leaving or forsaking us in this life!

“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, This is the statute of the Passover: No foreigner may eat it. But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him. A temporary resident or hired hand may not eat the Passover. It is to be eaten in one house. You may not take any of the meat outside the house, and you may not break any of its bones. The whole community of Israel must celebrate it. If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover, every male in his household must be circumcised, and then he may participate; he will become like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person must eat it. The same law will apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Exodus 12:43-49 (HCSB)

A few years ago, I was invited to lead music at a church. Maybe it was vacation time for that church because they also hired a guest preacher! Before the service, I asked the preacher what his topic/text was (perhaps I had a special song to set up his message). The preacher was going to cover the Passover. That was good news to me because I have led many believers through the Passover Seder meal and taught how what most Christians call the “Last Supper” was actually the “Last Seder.”

So, you can imagine my shock when the preacher began his message with the statement: “Gentiles are forbidden to celebrate the Passover.” What was this? Where did he get his opinion? He had taken today’s passage out of context. And sadly, he overlooked most of the Messianic imagery in the Passover!

True, today’s passage does begin with the statement: No foreigner may eat it. But then it defines what a “foreigner” is: One who has not been circumcised. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that God commanded the men of Israel to undergo. Literally meaning “cutting around” or “cutting away,” circumcision is a physical testimony that one has cut himself away from the fleshly “World” and distinguished himself as a follower of God. Meant to be an outward expression of an inner condition, it is possible to be outwardly circumcised yet inwardly wicked. Consider these verses:

“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskins of your HEART, men of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it because of your evil deeds.” Jeremiah 4:4 (HCSB) (emphasis mine)

“On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one INWARDLY, and circumcision is of the HEART—by the Spirit, not the letter. That man’s praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:29 (HCSB) (emphasis mine)

Ruth, the Gentile Moabitess, professed, “Your people are my people; your God is my God” (Ruth 1:16b) and was included among God’s people. So we also (Jew & Gentile) become the Community of Messiah whenever we profess Jesus as Savior and Lord. Our hearts become “circumcised,” for we are cut away from the World, set apart for God by the “blood of the Lamb.”  Messiah Jesus is OUR Passover sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 5:7b) So, if we (Jew & Gentile believers) can’t truly celebrate the Passover, who can?

(Moses speaking) “‘Then there will be a great cry of anguish through all the land of Egypt such as never was before, or will ever be again. But against all the Israelites, whether man or beast, not even a dog will snarl, so that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. All these officials of yours will come down to me and bow before me, saying, ‘Leave, you and all the people who follow you.’ After that, I will leave.’ And he left Pharaoh’s presence in fierce anger.” Exodus 11:6-8 (HCSB)

Once, a guy from a rock band told me the story of how their van had been towed from a hotel parking lot. It seems the hotel had experienced a rash of abandoned vehicles dumped by car thieves. As a result, they were towing all vehicles left overnight whose owners had not registered their tags at the front desk. A slight oversight by the band’s road manager almost resulted in a missed gig!  

Here’s my point: The car had been in the hotel lot, parked by legitimate customers, but because it was not registered according to hotel regulations, it was also towed “legitimately.”

God made a distinction between Egypt and Israel. Keeping with my analogy, Egypt was illegitimate in His eyes, and Israel was legit. Soon, we will learn (in chapter 12) that even Israelites could be treated as “Egyptians” if they did not strictly follow God’s instructions. Their “legitimacy” was not dependent upon their DNA; instead, on their obedience to God’s Word. In fact, Scripture infers that in this matter, being “Israel” solely meant faithfully following the Lord’s instructions. For instance, Hebrews, who did not smear blood on their doorposts, eat the lamb’s meat & unleavened bread, would be considered “Egypt” and thus judged as Egyptians. Consider Paul’s words:

“But it is not as though the Word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Neither are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants. On the contrary, ‘In Isaac your seed will be called.’ That is, not the children by physical descent, but the children of the promise are considered seed.” Romans 9:6-8 (HCSB)

Pharaoh and his officials eventually recognized Israel’s God as greater than their gods, but they did not surrender themselves to worship Him.  Here is another distinguishing difference: “intellectual ascent” v/s true repentance. It is not enough to say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord!” You must also believe it in your heart. Notice that neither Pharaoh nor his officials were spared from God’s judgment…even after allowing the Israelites to flee the country. Their “You win!” lip service was not counted as true repentance because they had not surrendered their hearts. The battle was never really between Egypt and Israel. It was over the worship of the One true God, YHWH.

For people today (Jew or Gentile), salvation is neither by DNA, lip service, or good deeds. It is only for those who surrender and follow Messiah Jesus by faith.

“For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is God’s gift – not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (HCSB)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may do these miraculous signs of Mine among them, and so that you may tell your son and grandson how severely I dealt with the Egyptians and performed miraculous signs among them, and you will know that I am the Lord.’”  Exodus 10:1-2 (HCSB)

There has been an ages-long debate over the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. Some hold to a strict belief that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, while others say Pharaoh hardened his own heart. Those who say God hardened Pharaoh’s heart usually carry the inference that He kept Pharaoh from believing. It is as if Pharaoh’s heart could not have been softened, even if he wanted to repent. I find that hard to believe because the Bible says that God does not delight in punishing the wicked. Rather, He delights when they turn from their wickedness and trust Him. (Ezekiel 33:11)

I believe God gave Pharaoh the same chance He gave anyone else in Egypt, but He knew Pharaoh would not believe. God knew the same plagues that would make many repent would make many others hate Him even more. In a sense, the Lord DID harden Pharaoh’s heart because the plagues came from God. That being said, it was completely Pharaoh’s decision about how he would respond. God simply knew. Perhaps the best testimony to this interpretation of “hardening” is found in the final verses of Exodus, chapter 9.

“When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his officials. So Pharaoh’s heart hardened, and he did not let the Israelites go, as the Lord said through Moses.”  Exodus 9: 34-35 (HCSB)

Similarly, the Lord did not make the Israelites believe any more than He made Pharaoh not believe. Each man had a choice. (Joshua 24:15) Each person has a choice today because God is the same: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The question is: How do you respond to God’s presence in your life? Do you accept Him or live in denial? Do you submit or rebel? You have a choice to either believe or not, so have you chosen to rebel against His Lordship and thus inherit His judgment, or have you chosen to surrender to Him and enter His deliverance? As long as there is life in your lungs, you have the option to turn to Him through faithful belief and trust in Jesus.

“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works for 40 years. Therefore, I was provoked with that generation and said, ‘They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My anger, ‘They will not enter My rest.’ Watch out, brothers, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”  Hebrews 3:7-13 (HCSB)

“(The Lord speaking) ‘Every person that is in the field and not brought inside will die when the hail falls on them.’ Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the Word of the Lord made their servants and livestock flee to shelters, but those who didn’t take the Lord’s Word seriously left their servants and livestock in the field.” Exodus 9:19b-21 (HCSB)

This is the first indication that God’s warnings had a productive effect on the Egyptians. While Pharaoh may have chosen to harden his heart, some of his subjects were more than willing to consider the Hebrew God’s threats. They went as far as taking appropriate measures to steer clear of His wrath. That is not to say they were complete converts, but they (at least) knew to respect Him.

This passage reminds me of the general attitude in the secular workplace. Most managers don’t care about the Lord, so they do not heed the Bible’s message of the importance of resting. Underpaid and overworked employees do not produce as well as workers in pleasant conditions. A casual stroll through the average HR department file cabinet will give you a strong indication as to the fallout from disgruntled employees.  

In contrast, consider Chick-fil-A. Years ago, the founder of that corporation (a follower of Jesus) determined not to work on Sundays. Not only that, but he gave everyone in their company the day off! Chick-fil-A closes its doors on the week’s busiest restaurant day, yet they gross more than its competitors! They honor the Lord, and He honors their faithfulness.

Likewise, those officials in Pharaoh’s administration who believed God’s message were saved from disaster. The Bible says that when the exodus occurred, the Hebrews left Egypt with a large number of foreigners. There is no indication that these particular officials were in that group, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some of them were.

Have you heard the gospel and witnessed its saving power in the life of someone close to you? Have you noticed that, while followers of Jesus are not immune to hardship, they seem to weather hard times better than others?

Maybe it’s time you took a cue from Pharaoh’s officials. Surrender to Jesus’ Lordship! Save yourself while you still have a self to save!

“Pharaoh responded, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness, but don’t go very far. Make an appeal for me.”  Exodus 8:28 (HCSB)

The plagues were disciplinary chastisements of God. Instead of annihilating the tyrant with one stroke, God, in His divine forbearance, inflicted ten successive plagues to break his pride. Important to note is how the plagues God inflicted were direct judgments against the “gods” of Egypt.

Notice how different the ways of God are from the ways of man. Human warriors attack by surprise. They don’t space out their blows, and when they have the enemy beneath their feet, they make an end of him. But God warned Pharaoh ten times, and the Lord gave Pharaoh the opportunity to repent each time. Before punishing Pharaoh, God offered him mercy each time.

There is grace and merciful forgiveness for all who repent, but there is unsparing punishment for those who, hardening their hearts to the voice of God, continue in their stubborn ways.

So, what is true repentance?  

Repentance is more than lip service. It is more than saying a prayer, walking an aisle, donating money, or some good “work.” True repentance is complete surrender. It is the total giving-over of your life to the Lord. Anything less falls short of what the Lord requires.

In today’s passage, Pharaoh seems to have repented. But Pharaoh is not repenting. He is negotiating.

For a moment, think of Egypt as symbolic of “the World.” “Pharaoh” may represent a personal demonic influence that is holding you captive, threatening you against trusting the Lord. Imagine yourself being so valuable that two warring kingdoms would fight to the death to obtain you. One wants to exploit you, while the other wants to lavish its love upon you. One is Egypt, and the other is the Lord.

Now, imagine yourself hearing the truth of the gospel, about Jesus’ offering of grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all who would repent. Then imagine a growing desire in your heart to obey God’s voice...to trust Jesus.

The enemy senses you are about to be won by the Lord, so it offers a compromise: follow God, but not completely. “Nobody wants to be seen as a fanatic!” the enemy laughs.

Don’t buy the lie. Anything less than complete surrender is not true repentance. Have you completely surrendered your life to Jesus, or are you still in negotiations? I implore you to surrender TODAY! Don’t spend another night in Egypt.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Exodus 7. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go from his land.’ But Moses said in the Lord’s presence: ‘If the Israelites will not listen to me, then how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am such a poor speaker?’”  Exodus 6: 10-12 (HCSB)

Often, listening to sermons, I have heard it taught that Moses had a speech impediment. The reason many give for this assumption is from Moses’ own admission, “I am such a poor speaker.” In other Bible translations, the verse is interpreted as “I am a man of faltering lips.” It is easy to see why theologians conclude that Moses couldn’t speak well. Perhaps Moses was not a great orator at that point.

In actuality, the verse literally interprets, “I have uncircumcised lips.” Moses’ argument wasn’t that he had a speech impediment. It was that he had a “righteousness” impediment. He didn’t believe he was righteous enough to minister effectively. He didn’t think he was good enough. As I have said before, Moses had a confidence problem.

We also know that there was nothing wrong with Moses’ speech, based on Stephen’s testimony before his martyrdom.

“So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his speech and actions.” Acts 7: 22 (HCSB)

Yet, ultimately, the greatest testimony of Moses’ assured success came from God.

“Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10 (HCSB)

Why must we be confident in ourselves before placing confidence in God? Faith works the other way around. We are first called to do the thing we are uncertain of. Then, once God has accomplished His will through our obedience, we grow in faith.

God’s calling is our equipping. He gives us all we need to accomplish what He calls us to achieve. We may not have all the supplies we need at the outset, but He will provide them as needed along the way.

As we continue through the book of Exodus, watch as Moses becomes bolder. His confidence builds as he experiences God’s faithfulness. Don’t be afraid of what God is calling you to do. Be afraid of not following.

“Don’t continue to supply the people with straw for making bricks, as before. They must go and gather straw for themselves. But require the same quota of bricks from them as they were making before and do not reduce it. For they are slackers – that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’”  Exodus 5:7-8 (HCSB)

The world is out for itself. Make no doubt about it. To the world (and worldly leaders), people are nothing more than resources. They are merely a means to a selfish end.

Pharaoh had one thing on his mind, and that was productivity. Because he was solely focused on the product of their labor, Pharaoh failed to recognize a key factor in the Israelites’ productivity: their spiritual well-being.

In that sense, Pharaoh is not very different from many employers in today’s workforce. This “slave mentality” towards employees was especially true of the Big Bosses of generations past, in the era of the Great Depression. Theirs was the generation of workers fighting against the industrialist giants and forming labor laws to protect work environments.

For such employers, you and I are expendable assets. We are like gasoline in a car’s tank or an air filter in a home HVAC. When the tank runs dry, or the filter gets soiled, you just have to refill and replace it. Most important to the heartless machine operator is that the car runs and the air flows. Who cares about the well-being of “expendable parts”? But isn’t a machine comprised of the sum of its parts? Therefore, every piece is integral to the performance of the machine.

The truth is, YOU are not expendable. You are EXPENSIVE! You are of such great worth to the Lord! In the eyes of God, people are not disposable resources to robotically do His bidding. God loves us, not for what we can do for Him. To Him, we have a value beyond our productivity. He doesn’t need us, but He WANTS us. And His desire to use us is simply because of His great affection for us.  

How much does God love us? He gave His life for us.  (Micah 5:2, John 3:16)

We don’t cry out and worship God because we are “weak slackers,” as Pharaoh alleged. We cry out because God created us with the expressed intent that we worship Him! He designed us to worship, and He invites us to enter into adoption as Sons and Daughters through our belief in His “Son,” Messiah Jesus. Worship is not a weakness; it is the height of performance when we reach our most productive potential.

Bob Dylan once sang, “You gotta serve somebody.”  Given a choice between the “Pharaohs” of this world and the Lord God, should we even have to think twice?

“Moses said, ‘Please, Lord, send someone else.’ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses, and He said, ‘Isn’t Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, he is on his way now to meet you. When he sees you, his heart will rejoice. You will speak to him and tell him what to say. I will help both you and him to speak and will teach you both what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and you will serve as God to him. And take this staff in your hand that you will perform signs with.’” Exodus 4:13-17 (HCSB)

Has the Lord ever asked you to do something, and your reply to him was, “Could you send someone else?”  It seems ridiculous, but we do it all the time. Perhaps you have felt that internal nudge, that whispering “heart voice” urging you to share the gospel with a stranger. “Oh no!” you reply. “That’s a preacher’s job…someone more eloquent and knowledgeable than me!” This is precisely what Moses was doing.

I have heard preachers go on & on about Moses having some kind of speech impediment. But that is simply NOT true. Check out the testimony about Moses, given by the early Church martyr, Stephen:

“So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was POWERFUL in his speech and actions.” (emphasis mine) Acts 7:22 (HCSB)

Moses didn’t have a speech problem; he had a confidence problem!! As we continue reading in Exodus, notice how Aaron’s role as “spokesman” diminishes as Moses’ confidence grows. Eventually, Moses does all the talking.

Consequences. Whenever we disobey the Lord and fail to heed his Word by faith, there are consequences. One of the consequences of Moses’ lack of faith in this instance remains to this day. God designed a situation where He would speak to Moses, and then Moses spoke to the people. When Aaron was added to the equation, God was left out. Notice:

“He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and you will serve as God to him.” Exodus 4:16 (HCSB)

To this day, in essence, “Moses” (the Torah of God) still seems to occupy a more centric place in Judaism than Adonai, the God of the Torah. And in many respects, the Talmud (rabbinic opinion) is even more centric than the Torah. Are you allowing something to come between you and God’s calling? Doing so may add an unnecessary link between your unbelieving friends and the Lord. What is it you lack which keeps you from being bolder? Like Moses, do you simply lack experience with God’s faithfulness? That is exactly why we are reading God’s Word. Over and over, we experience God’s faithfulness in Scripture…and in turn, our confidence in Him builds.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

“God replied to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’  This is what you are to say to the Israelites:  I AM has sent me to you.”  Exodus 3:14 (HCSB)

I AM WHO I AM. In Hebrew, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh – the self-existent and eternal God; a declaration of the unity and spirituality of the Divine Nature, the exact opposite of all the forms of idolatry, human, animal, and celestial, that prevailed anywhere else.

I AM WHO I AM is not merely a philosophical phrase. To the Israelites in bondage, the meaning would most likely be received as, “Although He has not yet displayed His power towards you, He will do so. He is eternal, and He will redeem you.”  

Another way to translate God’s statement is, “I AM WHO I WILL BE.” No words can sum up ALL that He will be to His people. Furthermore, His everlasting faithfulness and unchanging mercy will continually manifest themselves in the guidance of those who follow Him.

The answer He gives Moses is the equivalent of, “I will save in the way that I will save.”  It assures the Israelites of the FACT of deliverance but does not disclose the MANNER of deliverance.

How does this apply to us today? Perhaps you are going through a difficult season of life and looking for a way out for deliverance. Find comfort in knowing that HE IS WHO HE IS (His character never changes), HE WILL BE WHO HE WILL BE (He has a plan, even though He has not revealed it to you), and HE WILL SAVE IN THE WAY THAT HE WILL SAVE (He has the power to save, and WILL at His appointed time).  

To followers of Jesus: He gives the power to become sons and daughters. (John 1:12)

For those who place their faith in Him, He promises “never to leave or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).

Our hope is in God’s promise to His children of every generation, backed up by His unchanging character, in that He cannot lie. While we cannot predict HOW we will be delivered, that should not deter us from the fact that we WILL be delivered. Therefore, simply TRUST and OBEY, leaving the future up to Him.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)

“Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Should I go and call a woman from the Hebrews to nurse the boy for you?’ ‘Go.’ Pharaoh’s daughter told her. The girl went and called the boy’s mother. The Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.’ So the woman took the baby and nursed him.”  Exodus 2:7-9 (HCSB)

At a time when Egyptian men were killing Hebrew babies, God used a force unstoppable by men to save Moses. He used women!

God drew from the innate nurturing tendencies that He naturally instills in females. Soldiers could kill a baby out of duty, but women would have to betray their natures, go against their very souls, to let a baby perish. To that end, I am utterly dumbfounded about how any woman could work at an abortion clinic. The whole process goes against the nature of a woman at her deepest core.

In the words of one rabbinic commentary, “Pharaoh’s plans for the annihilation of the Israelite children are defeated by women: the human feelings of the midwives, the tender sympathy of a woman of royal birth, and a sister’s watchful resourcefulness in the face of extremity. It was to the merit of pious women that Israel owed its redemption in Egypt.”  

I would add that God directed those women's hearts to respond in the way He created them to, naturally.

Do you struggle beneath the weight of this World? Do you find it more & more difficult to honor God in your thoughts and actions because of the “enemy’s” intimidation? Perhaps it will help to remember the simple Proverb that we teach our children:  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)

Sometimes, when it seems the Lord has allowed us to drift into the enemy’s hands, it is there that He provides our shelter and eventual deliverance. It is comforting to know we don’t have to save ourselves. Salvation does not depend on our resourcefulness, strength, or piety. We need only to trust and obey the Lord with all we have and let Him guide our “basket” downstream into the arms of His deliverance.

“A new king who had not known Joseph came to power in Egypt. He said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and powerful than we are. Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.’”  Exodus 1:8-10 (HCSB)

I find it interesting that the Pharaoh stated no specific fault with the Israelites. In fact, there is no accusation of wrongdoing, only suspicion. Pharaoh’s suspicion seems to be evidence of the guilty conscience of a viciously ambitious man. He was hard-hearted.

There are two well-known Biblical times when Hebrew infants were murdered:  Pre Exodus-Egypt and Pre-advent Bethlehem. Both Herod and (this particular) Pharaoh shared similar climbs to power. They took their positions by force and dirty politics.

The monarch of this new Egyptian dynasty was probably Rameses II. Joseph served one of the Hyskos (Shepherd) kings, an Asian dynasty whose rule in Egypt began in Egypt centuries before him. The Hyskos rule came to an end not long after the death of Joseph. The Hyskos were driven back into Asia, and a descendant of a native Egyptian dynasty regained the throne.

This new Pharaoh undoubtedly was raised on nationalistic pride, fueled by generations of hatred and mistrust of foreigners.

I grew up in the Southern United States. In those days, there were intense race struggles between Americans of African and European descent. Most often, the hatred had nothing to do with the character or actions of any particular individual. It was rooted in base fear and ambitious competition for power and control of an uncertain future.

Similarly, Pharaoh’s prejudice against the Hebrews was completely unfounded and irrational, as was Herod’s in Jesus’ day. Pharaoh simply loved power more than people. Because his power was secured through violence, he believed that any shift in that power must surely come through violent means.

So, what great lesson can we learn from this injustice? Several, but let’s focus on this notion:  In the times immediately preceding God’s deliverance of Israel, The Lord began simultaneously preparing Egypt to expel the Hebrews and Israel’s desire to leave.

Take a moment and reflect on your present life situation. Has the Lord given you a vision and begun a “calling” for you toward which you are to start moving? Do you sense He wants you in a particular place or position? What factors is He allowing to develop in your life in preparation for your release from your present situation to ensure your reception into His place of deliverance or mission?

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Genesis 50. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the days to come.’” Genesis 49:1 (HCSB)

Before giving attention to the details of the prophecies in Genesis 49, it would be good to look at the passage as a whole.

First of all, these are Jacob’s last words. The prophecy is literally the final word of Jacob, spoken with his dying breath. The dying words of any man should not be taken lightly, much less those spoken by a patriarch and recorded under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, this is poetry. We might tend to think that a man’s last words, spoken with great effort, should be disorganized and difficult to follow. There are numerous indications that these final words of Jacob were thought out carefully in advance.

Thirdly, more than poetry, it is prophecy. While the form is poetry, the substance is prophecy. Jacob’s words reveal “things to come” for his descendants. The future foretold is the nation’s future as manifested in the twelve tribes, not necessarily predictions for the individual sons being blessed.

Fourthly, the words spoken by Jacob are a blessing. All the sons of Jacob were blessed in that they were to be a part of the nation of Israel. All would enter the land of Canaan and receive an inheritance there. Some would certainly receive a greater blessing than others. Even those rebuked by Jacob and whose futures were portrayed as dismal were blessed.

Fifthly, the prophecy is not independent of the past but an extension of it. Moses (who penned Genesis) told us that every one of the sons was given “the blessing appropriate to him.” As we think through these blessings of Jacob, we find that each of them is related to the past. Prophecy, then, is not necessarily detached from history but an extension of it into the future.

Whatever path you choose, if you continue in it, the outcome of your life (as well as those who follow after you) will be highly predictable. Choose the way that leads to life…the only true life offered…through faith in Jesus. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

“This is what the Lord says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which way is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves. But they protested, ‘We won’t!’” Jeremiah 6:16 (HCSB)

“There is a path which seems right to a man, but the end of its way leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (HCSB)

“If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve - But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

“So he blessed them that day with these words: The nation Israel will invoke blessings by you, saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh,’ putting Ephraim before Manasseh. Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of your fathers. Over and above what I am giving your brothers, I am giving you the one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and bow.’” Genesis 48:20-22 (HCSB)

This blessing is significant for several reasons.  

First of all, it is an adoption, or more precisely, a declaration that Joseph’s two sons (born to him in Egypt by an Egyptian bride) are legitimate descendants of Israel. This is a foreshadowing that all spiritual offspring between Jesus and His Church are considered “grafted into” the covenant of Abraham. Jew or Gentile believers, it makes no difference with respect to salvation. (Romans 11:17-24)  We have all received a spirit of adoption, whereby we cry out, “Abba Father!”  (Romans 8:15)  That is to say, all of us who believe, by faith, that Jesus is Messiah.

Secondly, to this day, every pious Jewish father on Erev Shabbat (The day before Shabbat) places his hands on the head of his son and blesses him with the words: “God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh.”  Ephraim and Manasseh would not barter away their Jewish identity for social or political power in Egypt.  

These twins voluntarily gave up their place in Egyptian aristocracy and openly identified themselves with their “alien” kinsmen, who were despised for being shepherds. While “in the World,” they chose not to be “of it.”  Similarly, when we have genuinely received spiritual adoption, we should no longer desire worldly privilege over the eternal honor of being co-inheritors with the Messiah.  

Finally, at the end of this chapter, there is a reference to a plot of ground purchased by Jacob in Genesis 33. It seems this plot of land had (at one time) fallen into the hands of the Amorites and had to be retaken by force. This military exploit is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The statement could also be a prophetic reminder of how Israel will have to retake and maintain Canaan by force and struggle, perhaps several times. The taking and holding of Canaan are ultimately determined by the power and will of God because of His promise alone. And it is not necessarily dependent upon Israel’s collective righteousness.

“You are not going to take possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity. Instead, the Lord your God will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness, in order to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  Deuteronomy 9:5 (HCSB)

“Then Pharaoh asked his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’  And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants, both we and our fathers, are shepherds.’ Then they said to Pharaoh, ‘We have to live in the land for a while because there is no grazing land for your servants’ sheep, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Now that your father and brothers have come to you, the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Genesis 47:3-6 (HCSB)

Today’s passage doesn’t seem to pack much of a punch. It’s more of a formal conversation between a few of Joseph’s brothers and Pharaoh. It’s like the “handshake” that concludes a business deal. There isn’t much drama here, but when placed with its preceding verses in chapter 46, the conversation takes on more of a clever sense:

“Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, ‘I will go up and inform Pharaoh, telling him: My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; indeed they raise livestock. They have brought their sheep and cattle and all that they have. When Pharaoh addresses you and asks, “What is your occupation?” you are to say, “Your servants, both we and our fathers, have raised livestock from our youth until now.”  Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are abhorrent to Egyptians.’”  Genesis 46:31-34 (HCSB)

Joseph knew his brothers. These were the men who beat him and sold him into slavery. He knew that for Israel to prosper long term, they needed to be separate from Egypt! That is a good lesson for us. Seriously, we all know how our proximity to the World negatively affects our spiritual walk. That is why we are commanded not to be “of” the World, even though we are in it. Not only did God lead Israel into Egypt, but He also led them to a place where they could be separate from the Egyptians!!

Joseph also knew the Egyptians. Funny, by this time, Joseph was literally “shepherding” Egypt. He was the most powerful man in Egypt. Pharaoh told him that, aside from the title “pharaoh,” Joseph was in charge of Egypt. Still, the Egyptians could not make the abstract connection between “sheepherder” and “shepherd/overseer.”  They despised people who herded sheep, but they did not see themselves as “sheep.”  Isn’t that interesting? Because God honors shepherds. David was a shepherd. Moses was shepherding when God called him. Shepherds were the first to worship the Messiah. Jesus called Himself “the Good Shepherd.”

Bottom line: The Egyptians were more interested in image than goodness. They wanted to be considered “somebody” but didn’t care about anybody. No, Joseph didn’t want that attitude saturating the mindset of Israel. So, with one handshake, Joseph ensured Israel would be separate from Egypt, and Egypt would not want to be close to Israel. Have you determined to live your life “in but not of” the World?

“Israel set out with all he had and came to Beer-sheba, and he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. That night God spoke to Israel in a vision: ‘Jacob! Jacob!’ He said. And Jacob replied, ‘Here I am.’ God said, ‘I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will bring you back. Joseph will put his hands on your eyes.’” Genesis 46:1-4 (HCSB)

I always liked this verbal exchange between Jacob and the Lord. First off, Jacob seems to be learning his lessons. Having set out on his journey, Jacob realized the gravity of his travel and offered a sacrifice to “the God of his father Isaac.” He had experienced significant moments of Divine deliverance, but given his recent family history, Jacob must have been wondering if the Lord had abandoned him. The “heel catcher” (That was the meaning of his name, Jacob) was wondering if he was setting himself up for another fall.

It’s interesting how God called him by his former name, “Jacob,” and not the name He had bestowed upon him earlier: Israel. As long as Jacob perceived a distance from himself and the Lord, he would most likely fall back into his old ways. I believe God reminded him of where he had been before assuring him where he was going.

God’s reference to His association with Isaac was a sober reminder that God’s PROMISE is the sustaining factor in Israel’s blessing…not Jacob’s righteousness.

Once that is established, God articulates His grace toward Jacob and all of Israel. His blessing is not “I’ll be here holding down the fort in Canaan. Hope you write often….” No, God promised to accompany Israel personally. God’s promise is enough, but His presence is even better!! God would make Israel a great nation during their stay in Egypt. Notice that “great” does not mean “righteous” but simply “large.” Righteousness would come much later, during the children of Israel’s time in the desert. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was quick. It took 40 years to purge “Egypt” from Israel.

It is remarkable how God told all of this to Abraham everything, even down to the 400 years of Egyptian slavery. And it all came true. Now, God was making promises to Jacob. In a few days, we will read of the fulfillment of some of those promises. Here is a sneak peek:        

“So Jacob’s sons did for him what he had commanded them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. After Joseph buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father.” Genesis 50:12-14 (HCSB)

God keeps His promises. He can be trusted, and He has the power to accomplish His will despite even His own children’s sinful ignorance. So, what promises of His are you trusting in?

“God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over the land of Egypt.”  Genesis 45:7-8 (HCSB)

With incredible generosity, Joseph reassures his brothers by pointing out God’s purpose and plan, which has overruled their crime. This event foreshadows Jesus’ first statement from the cross:

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 (HCSB)

Was it a crime for Jacob’s brothers to abuse and sell him into slavery? Yes. Did they suffer the consequences of their sin? Of course, they did. But was their consequence as great as it “should” have been had it been reviewed by an impartial judge? No.  

Here, we see, perhaps, the most significant similarity between Joseph and Jesus. Biblically, this combination of Grace and Mercy was completely without precedence until Joseph revealed his intentions to his brothers. Here was a man who had undergone severe physical, social, emotional, and financial hardships…completely undeserved. Yet, Joseph’s response was based solely on his belief in God’s promise.  

Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done!”  Jesus had faith that the grave could not hold down those to whom the Lord would summon, “Arise!”  His faith in God’s Word and character allowed Messiah to endure the cross, free of any entanglements this World might otherwise hold. Jesus held no malice to compel Him to keep “souvenirs of hate” towards those who crucified Him.

Who could be offended by so great a love shown towards us? I can identify with Joseph’s brothers in that I once had difficulty coping with the reality that I was REALLY forgiven!

As God told Abraham to leave his father’s house and go to the place He would show him, Joseph also told his brothers to leave everything in Canaan to quickly receive the fullness of their deliverance.

Likewise, Jesus charges all who would follow Him: “Leave everything and follow me.”  Have you partially followed Jesus? That is, have you enjoyed proximity to Him without actually committing to know Him in a saving way? Until you do so, you are not “fully delivered.”  And nobody wants to be left outside of salvation: Matthew 7:21-29 If you haven’t already, I urge you to fully receive Jesus today!

“Your servant became accountable to my father for the boy, saying, 'If I do not return him to you, I will always bear the guilt for sinning against you, my father.'  Now please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him go back with his brothers.”  Genesis 44:32-33 (HCSB)

After all the talk of Joseph being a “type” of Messiah, maybe we should give Judah a closer look.

The spirit of self-sacrifice, which Judah’s speech reveals, holds parallels to the life story of Moses. Judah offered to remain as a slave in Benjamin’s place, while Moses sought God to blot out his name from the Book of Life unless his people, Israel, were saved along with him.

The same spirit was displayed in the Apostle Paul, who called himself a voluntary “slave of Messiah.”  He made himself a slave (servant) to all so that by all means, he might win some for Messiah. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) Paul also said he wished that he could be cut off from the Lord so that others could take his place in the kingdom. (Romans 9:3)

Of course, the greatest display of self-sacrifice was Jesus upon the cross. He gave himself completely so our sin debt would be laid upon Him, that His righteousness could then be imputed to us. As Judah voluntarily offered himself completely accountable for the life of his brother, Jesus held Himself accountable for the disciples the Lord had given to Him.  

Jesus prayed to the Lord before His crucifixion: “I have lost NONE of all that You have given to me” John 18:9 (HCSB)

For those who have accepted the Grace of God through faithful belief in the resurrected Messiah, our names have been added to the Book of Life. We become sons and daughters of God, hence, brothers and sisters of Jesus as co-inheritors of the kingdom of heaven.  

Lastly, the Bible even calls Jesus the “Lion of Judah.”  

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Stop crying. Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been victorious so that He may open the scroll and its seven seals.’”  Revelation 5:5 (HCSB)

How much more significant than Judah is Jesus, author of creation, who stands in your place of punishment just to save you?

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Genesis 43. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then they said to each other, ‘Obviously, we are being punished for what we did to our brother. We saw his deep distress when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this trouble has come to us.’ But Reuben replied: ‘Didn’t I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn’t listen. Now we must account for his blood!’”  Genesis 42:21-22

Drawing again from the “Messiah imagery” in the Joseph story, there are two hauntingly familiar statements in the gospels.

The first words are those of Pilate recorded by the apostle Matthew, “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!”  Matthew 27:24 (HCSB)

Reuben, as firstborn, had the birthright to spiritually lead his brothers. Just as Pilate caved into the pressure of the religious leaders, Reuben caved into the pressure of his brothers. Instead of protecting Joseph, based on what was right before the Lord, Reuben chose to stop defending Joseph…perhaps believing his defense would jeopardize his own life.  

The second haunting image is the Jewish leaders responding to Pilate’s plea to set Jesus free. “All the people answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!”  In the heat of the moment, Israel’s sons’ viciously envious attitudes (towards Joseph) foretold the attitude their descendants would have towards Messiah Jesus.

Blinded by hatred, both groups (Joseph’s and Jesus’ “brothers”) sought to kill the one/One whom God had anointed to save them. Sadly, as was the case with Joseph’s brothers, so it will be for all whose sinful actions against Messiah meet their logical end…both Jew and Gentile. (In essence, all our sins have played a role in Jesus’ suffering.)  They must eventually take ownership of and bear great shame for their attitudes and actions against Him.  

We will all face the Lord someday, and we must recognize just how much Jesus’ suffering provided our way out. The Bible states that “every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus, Messiah, is Lord.”  Like Joseph’s brothers in Egypt, we are given a choice to accept the grace and forgiveness offered by the Messiah and follow His leading. But first, we must acknowledge our sin and humble ourselves before Him.

Now that the greatness of our sin (and the certainty of our judgment) has been brought to light, who could reject so gracious a gift of salvation? (Hebrews 2:2-3)

“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it.’ ‘I am not able to,’ Joseph answered Pharaoh. ‘It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” Genesis 41:15-16 (HCSB)

I believe some clarification may be needed to help us appreciate the dynamics of this verbal exchange between Joseph and Pharaoh. First, in Egyptian culture, Pharaoh was considered to be a god. Not only was he thought to be a god among gods, but it was also assumed he was the central deity, the “God of gods,” so to speak.

It was uncommon for a prisoner/slave to exchange words with this “man/deity” yet notice Joseph’s casual banter. He is essentially schooling Pharaoh. Joseph’s message that God would provide the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream indirectly exposed something maybe only Pharaoh himself knew: Pharaoh was no god. If Pharaoh was “God above all gods,” why couldn’t he interpret his own dreams? Furthermore, wouldn’t any other “god” whom Pharaoh consulted immediately assume authority over him…proving he wasn’t the “God of gods”?

We live in an era where image is everything. The basic celebrity promotions game is summed up like this: Spotlight the good and conceal the bad. Joseph deflected praise that would have elevated his image in the eyes of the Egyptians. Perhaps he learned a lesson from his brother’s response to the coat of many colors. Joseph understood that image only gets you so far. But the Lord can exalt and sustain a man beyond human circumstances.  

Eventually, all men must produce results to back up their images, and it is possible for a man’s charisma to garner them access to places where his character cannot keep him. Put another way: talk is cheap. Joseph knew that men were unable to interpret prophetic dreams. Only God can explain the prophecy because only God gives true prophetic messages.

What can we learn from Joseph today? 1) God has a plan for you, which may involve unjust opposition and suffering. 2) Despite our circumstances, we are still required to act with humility, wisdom, and integrity. 3) Never assume that God will respond to your requests in any particular way, even when you entreat Him wholeheartedly.

We can only assume the facts:  God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and His character never changes. When we commit to putting that knowledge into our operational theology, only then will we learn the secret of contentment.

“I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13 (HCSB)

“Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined.”  Genesis 40:2-3 (HCSB)

At the beginning of Genesis 39, Joseph rose to the head of Potiphar’s household. Potiphar was the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. The middle of chapter 39 details a false sexual harassment accusation, landing Joseph in prison. But by the end of chapter 39, Joseph rises again to a position of leadership. He is still in prison but a leader, nonetheless.

Having said all that, the beginning of chapter 40 indicates that the prison where Joseph was held was Potiphar’s own home…“the house of the captain of the guard.”

If somebody made a pass at my wife, the last thing I would want is to keep him in my basement at home! Compound that with the knowledge that Joseph’s former boss was the captain of the guard! It would have been nothing for Potiphar to kill Joseph, yet he allowed Joseph to stay. Why?

There are many answers. The obvious answer is that God’s providence protected, preserved, and prospered Joseph. But what would Potiphar’s logic have been? Maybe Potiphar needed a sharp man running his prison, no matter how soiled his character may have been. Perhaps Potiphar knew his wife was unfaithful but didn’t want to publicly accuse Joseph or his wife. That would cause a scandal that might damage his reputation. It could have been that Joseph had charisma and an indispensable way with money!

God probably used a myriad of factors to get Joseph to Potiphar’s home and keep him there. Why? For the simple reason that God had redemption plans for His people, Israel. Obviously, Joseph was a leadership triple threat: Great looks, shrewd stewardship skills, and the gifts of prophecy & interpretation. They were all gifts from God, which, in some circumstances, led Joseph into trouble. Joseph may have even cursed them all at specific points in his life. But since they were gifts from the Lord, they ultimately had a Kingdom purpose, and Joseph discovered that he NEEDED them all.

Joseph needed to be a slave to prove himself a good steward in Potiphar’s home. He needed to be attractive so that he could be accused and imprisoned. He needed to be imprisoned to interpret dreams… and the list goes. Our directive is not to figure out God’s plan but to honor His Name in all circumstances He places us in, trusting His leading. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Every step of our journeys is a destination of sorts, yet God leads us onward. Wherever God led, Joseph glorified Him.  Don’t waste your time focusing on “arriving.”  Find joy in the journey of trusting God. He is with you, knows everything you are going through, has the power to affect change, and has the wisdom to know when & how. And He has an unchanging character. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 Romans 8:28)

“Now Joseph was well-built and handsome. After some time his master’s wife looked longingly at Joseph and said, ‘Sleep with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has put all that he owns under my authority. No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such an evil and sin against God?’” Genesis 39:6b-9 (HCSB)

Like the “tree of Knowledge” was to Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden, so was Potiphar’s wife to Joseph in Potifer’s house. (If Joseph can be considered a “Type of Messiah,” his response to temptation surely passed the test!

Joseph had everything going for him. He was handsome and brilliant. Despite difficult circumstances, he (again) rose to a position of authority. If it seemed unnatural for a 17-year-old to supervise his ten elder shepherd brothers, imagine the same youth running the household of the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt. Some guys seem destined for success, but success can have unforeseen downsides. Joseph knew this all too well.

I have been around many successful people in my career, and I generally sort them into two piles:  Humble and self-absorbed. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground, and sadly, the humble variety is in very short supply. Joseph was humble, while Potiphar’s wife was utterly self-absorbed.  

If there were ever a “stud,” it would have been Joseph. Perhaps his experience with his brothers taught him to restrain his tongue. Perhaps those early days in slavery taught him to be thankful for even the lowliest position of authority. I believe his faith in God (and his response to God’s faithfulness) gave Joseph his resolve.

Perhaps that is the lesson of today’s passage. Joseph faithfully served Potiphar because Joseph served God. He worked as unto the Lord. On the other hand, Potiphar’s wife did not have the Lord’s moral compass. Potiphar’s wife could not honor her husband because she had no relationship with the Lord. She simply lived to serve herself. And the types of gods she served were, most likely, those whose only reason for existence was to serve her.

But we cannot escape the reality that there is only one true God and only one salvation, found exclusively in Jesus.  

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (HCSB)

If we reject Jesus, the only “god” we are left to serve is the one we see looking back at us in the mirror.

“About three months later Judah was told, ‘Your daughter-in-law, Tamar, has been acting like a prostitute, and now she is pregnant.’  ‘Bring her out!’ Judah said. ‘Let her be burned to death!’  As she was brought out, she sent her father-in-law this message: ‘I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.’  And she added, ‘Examine them. Whose signet ring, cord, and staff are these?’  Judah recognized them and said, ‘She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her my own son Shelah.’  And he did not know her intimately again.”  Genesis 38:24-26 (HCSB)

Three Biblical “women accused of adultery” stories come to my mind. First, Tamar is forced to lure Judah into fulfilling his duties as kinsman-redeemer…by making him believe he is committing adultery. Her actions ensured the birthline of the Messiah. Tamar is recognized by name in the genealogy of Jesus. (Matt 1:3)  **Notice the other women in Jesus’ genealogy were either prostitutes, adulteresses, or accused of both…and all were Gentiles. (Tamar, Ruth, Uriah’s wife [Bathseba], Rahab).

The Jewish community should have considered those women unworthy, yet their characters earned them reputations of high regard…all except for Mary. Mary was the only woman in Jesus’ genealogy who was legitimately innocent: a nice, normal Hebrew girl. Yet, to this day, most Jewish community considers Mary a fornicator.

“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’”  Matthew 1:18-21 (HCSB)

Then, there is this story.

“Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger. When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, ‘The one without sin among you should be the first to cast a stone at her.’  Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left, one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, He said to her, ‘Woman where are they, has no one condemned you?’  ‘No one, Lord.’ she answered. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus. ‘Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.’” John 8:6b-11 (HCSB)

The first story involved a woman who faked adultery and thus ensured the line of Messiah. The second was unjustly accused of adultery because she bore Messiah. But the third should be closest to our hearts, for we have all committed spiritual adultery. Her story teaches us that Jesus is willing to FORGIVE adulterers with conditions.

“Then they took him (Joseph) and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balm, and resin going down to Egypt.” Genesis 37:24-25 (HCSB)

The notion that Joseph did not work and was simply a young snitch in a pretty coat is off base. Joseph was wearing a coat given to those in authority. Joseph, though younger, was supervising his brothers.

At 17 years old, Joseph had already shown the giftedness of being a good steward. His stewardship giftedness, combined with his gift of prophecy and interpretation, eventually saved his life. It also saved the nation of Egypt and the seed of Israel. But at the time, those gifts stirred up envy among his brothers that grew to hatred and eventual violence.

Envy is pride, wounded in competition.  

Question:  Is there a brother or sister in your life against whom you are competing? Seize this moment to acknowledge your submission to the Lord’s plans for the person you are competing against. It may be that God will grant that person success you will never obtain. It is important that you understand God has not rejected you but simply has another path for you.

Perhaps you are successful and feel the pressure of someone else’s envy. I warn you that relational conflict will come, even when you completely follow the Lord…or even because you are following the Lord. Even among God’s children, envy arises. Dare I say hardship is part of God’s plan? It was for Joseph and his brothers.  

The point: Remain faithful, even during unjust opposition. The true “shalom” of Jesus is not the absence of conflict for believers. Rather, it is the presence of peace in the midst of conflict that passes understanding.

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this World. Be courageous! I have conquered the World.”  John 16:33 (HCSB)

God’s provision is somewhat hidden in the text concerning the Ishmaelites. These traders were coming from Gilead. The very Ishmaelite merchants Joseph was sold to, no doubt, carried that famous Gilead balm that would aid in Joseph’s healing from the wounds inflicted by his brothers.

Even when circumstances overwhelm us, Adonai Yir’eh, God provides.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Genesis 36. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“They had set out for Bethel. When they were still some distance for Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and her labor was difficult. The midwife said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid, for this is another son for you.’ With her last breath – for she was dying – she named him Ben-oni (son of my sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (Son of the Right Hand).” Genesis 35:16-18 (HCSB)

What’s in a name? Obviously, Shakespeare didn’t know what God knows! Names mean something. At least in the Bible, they do. Studying the Bible from a Hebraic perspective, we learn that everyone’s name has a meaning aligned with their character.

For instance, “Jacob” meant “Heel catcher.”  And that’s what he was: a deceiver, a tripper. But once he wrestled with the Lord, his name was changed to Israel: Contends with God. This is because he “wrestled with God and man and has overcome.”  Divine intervention changed Jacob’s character; hence, a name change was in order.

Perhaps it was the wrestling experience that compelled Jacob to quickly change Ben-oni’s name to Benjamin. I believe there may be another idea to consider. When a father decides to be present and affirming in a son’s life, the boy’s confidence and self-worth are established. Imagine Tiger Woods without the presence of his father telling him, “You could be the greatest ever!”  I believe Jacob’s interaction with Benjamin changed more than his name. Benjamin truly grew beyond “son of my sorrow” and into “son of the right hand.”  Later in Scripture, we learn the tribe of Benjamin became the fiercest in all of Israel. The power of an affirming father is simply amazing.

Of course, the theme of “name change” is found throughout Scripture: Simon-to-Peter, Saul-to-Paul.  Hosea’s children’s names were changed from “Not Pitied” to “She-was-pitied” and “Not My people” to “My people.” Abram became Abraham, and Sarai became Sarah…, and the list goes on.

But what of us? Just as Joshua gave Israel the choice of being called by God’s Name (choose you this day Whom you will serve), we believers in Messiah are given the choice of a new name through Jesus. By God’s Grace, we are enabled to transcend the curse of being born children of men to be adopted by God.

“When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7 (HCSB)

Our names have been changed because of God’s intervention in our lives. We are adopted by the Lord by accepting the atonement provided by Jesus’ shed blood. We no longer carry our old names: Sinful. We now bear the Lord’s name: Perfect. Made so by Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. Now that’s paternal interaction & affirmation if I’ve ever seen it!

“All the able-bodied men listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and all the able-bodied men were circumcised. On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, went to the unsuspecting city, and killed every male.” Genesis 34:24-25 (HCSB)

They say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a moment to ruin it. Among the otherwise peaceful history of the Patriarchs, this story of Dinah’s rape (and the subsequent slaughter) stands out as particularly damaging to Israel’s reputation. It, no doubt, birthed the perpetuated hatred and suspicion of the Jews among the Arab people that exists to this day. What was its resounding myth? “You can’t trust a Jew.”

In our litigious culture, people seek to assign blame whenever something repulsive happens. You gotta know who to sue! It seems there are several people at fault in this situation.

First, there’s Jacob, who allowed his daughter to roam the countryside un-chaperoned.

Next, Shechem commits the ultimate wrong by raping the young woman. That said, it is unclear whether this was a sin in his culture.

Back to Jacob: Jacob’s response to the initial news was way too passive, a recurring theme in his character.

Then, we see Dinah’s brothers enter the picture. Simeon and Levi’s devious zeal for the family’s reputation supplanted their respect for their father and the honor of the Lord’s name.

Again, Shechem seizes the opportunity to save his neck by undergoing the knife of circumcision. In addition, he convinces all his people to be circumcised, not based on an acknowledgment of Jacob’s God, but on the prospects of obtaining the Jews’ possessions by default.

Back to Simeon and Levi…seriously, it was a cunning slaughter.

Yes, it’s a case that celebrity attorney Johnny Cochran would have loved. But what’s the MORAL? The moral is: We are all human, and nobody is without sin. “All have sinned and come short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23) That is precisely why the world needs salvation.

Finally, the actions of Jacob’s sons draw an interesting parallel to the “Judaizers” in the early Church. I am speaking of those who replaced God’s grace and mercy with keeping the Torah’s requirements.   By forcing the “knife” of the traditions of the elders, those “Judaizers” slaughtered the chances for many Gentile converts to flourish, unfettered, in their newfound personal relationships with Messiah Jesus.

“So Esau said, ‘What do you mean by this whole procession I met?’ ‘To find favor with you, my lord,’ Jacob answered. ‘I have enough, my brother,’ Esau replied. ‘Keep what you have.’ But Jacob said, ‘No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face and it is like seeing God’s face since you have accepted me.’”  Genesis 33:8-10 (HCSB)

It is a beautiful thing when brothers reconcile. Jacob rejoiced that the Lord had brought Esau and him back together, once estranged, and now “one.”  Seeing Esau was like seeing God because only God could have accomplished such a reunion. Consider Jesus’ prayer.  

“May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe you sent Me. I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  John 17:21-23 (HCSB)

“Hear o Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is “One.” (Heb., “Echad”) Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV)

The subject of Messiah’s prayer was “Echad,” unity among His Father, Himself, His Ruach (Spirit), His disciples, and all believers who would follow after. It was extremely important to Jesus to communicate that, as He is Echad with the other persons of the Trinity, His children are also to be “echad” with Him and each other.

It is speculated by certain rabbis that Esau came out in force to destroy his brother, but the Lord changed Esau’s heart. If that is so, it was not because of Esau’s goodness or Jacob’s ingratiating march home. Esau’s reaction was in accordance with God’s promise and directive to Jacob while he was still working for Laban, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3 (HCSB)

Also, it is significant to note in this chapter the difference between the brothers’ definition of “blessing.” Esau’s notion of “blessing” was purely material. His anger over Jacob stealing Abraham’s blessing had more to do with his anxiety over the prospects of enduring a future void of wealth & lifestyle. Once he was rich, Esau could care less about the birthright or the land of Canaan.  

Sadly, many within the Church solely equate God’s blessing with acquiring Worldly objects & amenities. This perspective often keeps them from leaving “stuff” to follow God’s call. They simply cannot imagine “blessing” without earthly possessions. Jacob’s biggest lesson is more closely linked to the “birthright” he purchased from Esau for that bowl of stew. The “birthright” was the right to lead the family spiritually. When Jacob experienced God’s miraculous promise fulfilled, he finally learned the differences between “blessing” and “wealth” and between “joy” and “happiness.”

“Then Jacob said, ‘God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, “Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,” I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps.”  Genesis 32:9-10 (HCSB)

There are many instances throughout the Tanakh (Old Testament) involving “staff” imagery. Perhaps the three significant instances are Moses, Jacob, and Judah.

In the days of the patriarchs, the staff was essential. It was both a sign of prominence and a defense in the wilderness. A man could lean on it when traveling on a long journey. In Biblical imagery, the staff represented man’s “support system” and how he got through life.

Take the story of Moses. God told him to throw his staff on the ground. Once it hit the ground, Moses’ staff became a snake. The snake represented that Moses’ way of getting through life was sin. God then asked Moses to pick up the snake, which exposed Moses’ fear of trusting the Lord. When Moses took hold of the snake, it became a staff again…but now it was God’s staff.

There is power in that kind of staff! Anyone who’s seen the “10 Commandments” movie knows God’s staff beats the best man-made staff any day!

When Jacob crossed the Jordan “with his own staff,” he became “two camps” spiritually and literally. He was double-minded. He wanted to follow the Lord but in his own way. Of course, that’s not following the Lord! And God was about to teach him that very lesson.  

Elijah gave us a good definition of being double-minded.  

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal [Lucifer], then follow him.’” 1 Kings 18:2 (KJV)

We must realize the battle is not over following the Lord’s way or ours. It is overheeding God’s voice or Satan’s.

Later that evening, Jacob wrestled with God. When the Bible says Jacob “overcame,” it doesn’t mean he defeated the Lord. That is impossible. The Lord was trying to shake Jacob loose, to see if Jacob would let go…forcing Jacob to choose Him through adversity. And Jacob WOULD NOT LET GO! Nor should we. Jacob decided to become single-minded and fully follow the Lord. Have you?

“Now Jacob heard what Laban’s sons were saying: ‘Jacob has taken all that was our father’s and has built his wealth from what belonged to our father.’ And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family and I will be with you.’” Genesis 31:1-3 (HCSB)

Six chapters in Genesis (this one and the 5 preceding it) tell the story of Jacob’s moral downfall. In his oft-misquoted poem, Marmion (generally attributed to Shakespeare), Sir Walter Scott once wrote, “What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” By chapter 31, Jacob has reached the pinnacle of his decline, wrapped up in the web of his own deceit, as it were. This is where we learn that cheaters never win and winners never cheat.

After the American Civil War, when slaves were supposed to be freed, many plantation owners found new ways to cheat their former slaves of their human rights. This “legal” form of slavery was called the Company Store. Here’s how it worked. The plantation owner would set up a store on his property to supply all the dry goods his servants would need. He would not pay his “employees” with US currency and devised a new monetary element called the “chit.” This was the only form of money accepted at the Company Store.

Since his field hands were uneducated, they had no idea they were being scammed. When the “chits” ran out, they would buy from the store on credit accounts. The account was tallied at the end of the month, and the crooked plantation owners would always find ways to keep the servants in debt. You couldn’t leave till you paid your debt…slavery.

According to ancient custom, Laban had a similar scam running on Jacob. Despite Jacob’s completed years of service, his wives and children were in the legal power of Laban, who could refuse to hand them over to Jacob. We see this in Laban’s statement in verse 43, “The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine….”

So, what does this mean to us? Satan wants to own you. Every negotiation with Satan compromises God’s standard and leads you into further bondage and indebtedness.

God will allow us to feel the sting of our sin, to feel its consequence to rebuke and teach us. But when He knows our lessons have been learned, He extends mercy and grace, leading to our repentance. (Romans 2:4)

“Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, ‘Am I in God’s place, who has withheld children from you?’ Then she said, ‘Here is my slave Bilhah. Go sleep with her, and she’ll bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.’”  Genesis 30:2-3 (HCSB)

There was an apparent difference between the customs of the ancient Middle East and God’s design for a healthy family. It has been said that apples don’t fall far from the tree, and Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel were (literally) all from the same family tree.  

Had Jacob not sinned, Isaac would probably have sent a slave to retrieve a wife for him…as Abraham had done for Isaac. I believe the Lord would have led the slave directly to Rachel, and he would have brought her back to Jacob. Then, Rachel would have learned from Rebekah about waiting on the Lord. But that’s the whole problem with sin: It separates you from the Lord Himself and then radiates to your immediate family, your church, your friends….and the list goes on. Sin separates us from a healthy community so the enemy can pick us off individually.

Take a moment to reflect on your life. When was the last time you took an inventory of the sin in your life? How has sin affected you? Doesn’t it always push you away from the Lord and other believers? Take it from someone who has been there:  Leave that sin and come back home!

It may take a while to repair those bridges burned. That’s okay because you’re going home, either your literal home or back to your family of believers, those who love you and will give you wise counsel.

We don’t have to follow those patterns of sin that we learned from the cultures we were called out from. We must simply turn from those Worldly ways and philosophies, trust in the Lord’s guidance, and begin following His leading. As He proves Himself faithful, you will grow in faith. Pretty soon, you will realize He is changing your whole value system. You desire to sin less & less, and you seek to please Him more & more.

Remember: It took one day to lead Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to drive Egypt out of Israel. Have faith and keep following the Lord. He will lead you to the places He has prepared for YOU, both in this life and the Kingdom to come.