Until Shiloh Comes - Day 25 Through the Bible

Historic Altapass Orchard - located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway - near Mt. Celo Church - heritage apples, clogging (NC dance), BBQ, local crafts for purchase, hayrides and more - preserving the past for future generations

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

1) Heritage - The Blessing of a Patriarch to Future Generations - Israel (Jacob):  "Gather together that I may tell you what shall befall you in the future."  Gen.49:1  Most of this is not too surprising since the past will impact the future:

• Reuben, the eldest - Loss of blessing because of sexual sin  - Progeny:  Andrew, the apostle
• Simeon and Levi - Curse because of uncontrolled anger -   Levitic tribe has a blessing restored for their faithfulness in the wilderness.  Simeon's Progeny:  apostle Thomas; Levi's Progeny: Moses*, Aaron, Eli, and John the Baptist, apostle Matthew (*Note:  some dispute about the lineage of Moses - After the Davidic kingdom Judah, Benjamin and Levi form the southern kingdom of Israel.  The rest of the tribes form the northern kingdom.  More on this with our future readings.
• Judah - Great Blessing - "From the prey you have gone up"(v 9) - Progeny: David, Jesus Christ and Peter are of this tribe "The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a lawgiver between His feet until Shiloh comes".  Messianic prophecies follow this (v 8-13)
• Zebulun - Blessing - Progeny: apostle Thaddeus
• Issachar - Loss of Blessing - Slavery -  Progeny:  apostle James A.
• Dan - Blessing - judge of his people - Progeny: Samson (*see note for others)
• Gad, Asher Naphtali - Lesser Blessings - Progeny: apostles James Z, John Z and Philip, respectively
• Joseph - Great Blessings - "By the hands of he Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),"  God used Joseph to preserve the line of Christ.  Progeny of Joseph: Joshua, Gideon and Samuel, apostle Simon (the Zealot); apostle Bartholomew from Manasseh
• Benjamin - Blessings - Progeny: Saul, Mordecai, Esther and Paul (*see note for other)

*Note:  The apostles Matthias and Judas (the betrayer) are listed with both the tribes of Dan and Benjamin in the source I used (see below).  

2) Evil/Adversity/Good - Joseph's great statement of faith to his brothers who sold him into slavery: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good".  (Gen. 50:20)  What looks so hopeless in the world's eyes, God often uses for the greatest good.  Joseph's life is one example.  The life of Christ - his crucifixion and resurrection as the Substitute for our sins - is the greatest example.

3) Depravity of Man/The Need for a Savior (The Importance of Studying the Old Testament to Understand the New Testament) - Ps. 14:1-7) ..."all have turned aside, together they have become corrupt, none who does good, no not one...but the LORD is his refuge...oh, that the salvation of the Lord would come out of Zion, when the LORD brings back the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad."

4) A Daily Reminder - Importance of Studying God's Word (Proverbs) - "give attention to...incline your ear to...do not let them depart...keep them (my words, my sayings)...they are life and health...keep your heart with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life...put away deceit and perversity..."

5) Remember/Discern/Follow Christ - (Matt 16:1-8)  The disciples forgot Jesus' miracles right after they occurred.  Do I remember/recall His faithfulness to me when I am discouraged?  I am to discern the times - until Shiloh comes.  He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  His command to me as a follower: Deny myself, take up my cross, follow Him...it is no profit to gain the whole world and lose my soul..keep the eternal perspective...For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." (v 27)

O Jesus, if You do not come in person to Your waiting church today, then come through Your Spirit to my longing heart and make it "sing for joy."  (Ps. 67:4) Morning by Morning by Charles Spurgeon

Sources

12 Tribes of Israel and Their Important Descendants

Bible Tribes - 12 Apostles

Until the Lord Returns - Korean Christian vocalist So Hyang singing in Korean - the world awaits His return

Family Relations 101--Day 24 of Through the Bible

                             A favorite mountain tradition are family reunions centered around               

                                        an annual "Decoration Day at the family cemetery.          

                            Families place flowers on loved ones graves, meet friends and family

                                             and then enjoy a picnic or meal together.

January 24

Genesis 47:29-30

The subject of today’s study in Genesis might easily be titled, Family Relations 101. Jacob knew the end of his life was drawing near and even his plans for his own burial included his desire for his body to be buried alongside his deceased family members. He made Joseph promise he would not bury him in Egypt. This family was large and had been through a great deal, yet the family was intact when Jacob came to the end of his life.

Lesson: There is a blessing in being able to trust family members.

How to apply it: Set an example of honesty and integrity for my family; uphold these values in all that I undertake. Develop a reputation of  being trustworthy. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Always keep my word!

Verse 3: Jacob recognized God’s hand in his life and recounted the ways God had blessed him.

Lesson: It is important to see God’s hand in our lives and to remember the ways He has blessed us. Recounting our blessings creates an increased awareness of God and keeps us from drifting away from Him, as well as increasing our faith.

How to apply it: Make a point of recognizing blessings and answers to prayer; write them in a journal along with the date. Give thanks to God for all He does for us.

Verse 10: Jacob kissed his grand sons & embraced them.

Lesson: Show affection to family members.

How to apply it: Intentionally be affectionate to my family. Tell them how much I love them and how special they are to me. Make amends where needed and never hesitate to be the first to say "I'm sorry". Always say  goodbye to each and every one before leaving a family get-together. It could be my last opportunity to tell someone how much I appreciate and love them.

Verse 11: And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring”.

Lesson: God goes above and beyond what we expect. God is generous!

How to apply it: Practice generosity in what I do for others, especially where my family is concerned. Surprise them on occasion with unexpected acts of kindness. Seek to be known as a generous person.

Verse 21: Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers”.

Lesson: I will one day have to say goodbye to my earthly family; I can experience peace knowing I am leaving them in God’s care.

How to apply it: Recognize that my life will have an end. Use my time wisely. Ask God to help me live in such a way that should I die unexpectedly there will be no unfinished business with anyone—especially a family member. Pray for each family member on a regular basis; ask God to take care of them and bless them especially when I am gone.

Transforming Evil into Good - Day 23 of Through the Bible

Crabtree Falls off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Celo Church - a favorite hike

Lessons I learned from Today's Readings

1) The Sovereignty and Providence of God - Joseph told his brothers to not be angry with themselves for selling him into slavery because "God sent me before you to preserve life...to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, to bring about a great deliverance." Gen. 45:5,7). Joseph never blamed God through all his trials and oppression.  He obeyed God in all things and left the consequences to Him."So now it was not you who sent me here, but God, and He has made me father...ruler...lord over all Egypt." (Gen. 45: 8)

2) The Machinations and Manipulations of Man - When I get discouraged, I recall the length of time it was before God acted on behalf of two of his most blessed servants:  David's anointing to his crowning as king - 7 long years of horror; Joseph - 12 + years before the tables were turned on his brothers.  I now underline this length of time as I study the Bible-  the 400 years (Jews in Egypt), the 40 years (Moses in the desert), 20 years (Jacob serving Laban), etc - to keep my own patience in waiting for "the LORD's arising".  Of course, as Dr. Stanley points out in his "Answers to Life's Questions", this wait may be our own sin or waiting on God's own plan or purposes.  Either way, He has not forgotten.A warning - from today's Proverbs (4:4-1) Do not enter the path of the wicked..do not walk in...avoid it...do not travel on...turn away from...pass on...from the wicked...for they do not sleep unless they have done evil, and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.  For they eat the bread of wickedness,and drink the wine of violence.For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise, says the LORD.  I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.  Psalm 12:5 from our Readings today.

3) Transforming Evil into Good  - one of the first and great lessons in Genesis (which, of course, means "beginning") is that believers have to understand that this world has dimensions/meanings/purposes beyond the here the now.  What happens to God's people is part of His overall plan - with Joseph "to preserve a posterity."  This is the line of Christ (Judah) being saved as we will see again and again throughout our year of study.  (Recall the promises God made to Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph - they are all being fulfilled.) BUT this is certainly no "easy believism" - not in these saints' lives or in ours. But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.  (Genesis 50:20)

4) But God...I heard a sermon on these two words once, and it changed the way I read and understood the Bible.  Man has one way of doing things, but God has another and has interceded throughout the malevolent history of man to bring man back into a relationship with Him - here using Joseph to preserve and restore his sinful brothers...to preserve and restore us as sinners later through Jesus Christ. For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 53: 8-9

5) Origin/Importance/Impact of Words - we saw the impact and difference of the words from Joseph's brothers at the time of the crime, their words in repentance now, and Joseph's words of braggadocio as a young favored son juxtaposed to his words now as a godly and tried soul before God.  Our Psalm, Proverb and Matthew Readings all deal with the impact and origin of words and why we should be careful before we speak.  Even more importantly, our minds and hearts have to be transformed, renewed by our study of God's Word (Romans 12:2) before our words and actions will be in obedience to God. They speak idly everyone...with flattering lips and a double heart they speak...speak proud things..who said with our tongue we will prevail our lips are our own...the words of the LORD are pure words..You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation forever. (Ps. 12:1-8);  These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.  (Jesus quoting Isaiah) Matt. 15: 8-9 Hear and understand, Jesus says, not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth - this defiles a man...but those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.  These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.  Matt. 15: 10-16


Out of the heart proceed . . . — Matthew 15:18-20

We begin by trusting our ignorance and calling it innocence, by trusting our innocence and calling it purity; and when we hear these rugged statements of Our Lord’s, we shrink and say – But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart. We resent what Jesus Christ reveals.  Oswald Chambers - My Utmost for His Highest

Grow in Faith--Day 22 Through the Bible

January 22

(If you are wondering why there were 2 posts for Jan 21, it was due to a "senior moment" on my part.)

I would like for us to consider the Growing in Our Faith commentary written by Dr. Stanley in today's study. In Romans 13:3, God says He has dealt a measure of faith to every person. This might remind us of the parable of the talents where each person was given a reward comparable to the increase of their lord's investment. Could it be God has given us a measure of faith and we are responsible for seeing that it grows?
(How we dread the word "responsibility"! However, let's push past the thoughts that originate in our human nature and listen to what God is teaching us through this study.)

We see that Jesus expects us to USE our faith--to exercise it--which results in increased faith. Just as using our muscles can increase their size, even so--exercising our faith can increase the amount of faith we have. Dr. Stanley says that: "We grow in faith when we:
1) Hear from God
2) Obey what He says, and then
3) Acknowledge God's faithfulness to His word in our lives."

Romans 10:17, teaches us that "faith comes by hearing the word of God". We must obey what we "hear" God saying or else we obviously do not believe what He is telling us in His Word. If we really believe Him, we will without doubt, follow up on what His word says with some type of action (James 2:17, says,"faith without works is dead".) Acknowledging God's faithfulness to His word in our lives serves to open our eyes to the fact that God is involved in our lives and that He does what He says He will do. When we acknowledge what He has done for us, it creates expectation. In other words, when we read God's word (hear) and follow what He says (obey), we will begin to anticipate what God is going to do for us.

Dr. Stanley goes on to say, "A faith challenge requires:
consistency,
endurance,
perseverance,
and watchfulness.
We must continue to stand in faith until the thing for which God challenged us to believe comes to pass."
Dr. Stanley completes his commentary by saying, "Endure until you see the fulfillment of God's Word".

This, indeed is a challenge for us to be intentionally focused on what God says in His Word until we see His will take shape in an amazing way in our lives. Like Peter, we must not lose our focus and become distracted by the storm around us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus. The more we know Him, the more our eyes can be opened to why we can trust Him. It is NOT a matter of "blind faith"! It is faith that is based on knowing God's faithfulness and knowing He loves us even more than a father who treasures his children and would give his life in place of theirs. That is exactly what God has done for us.

God desire for us is that we enjoy a wonderful relationship with Him--to have a life where "goodness and mercy shall follow (us) all the days of (our) lives and (we) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6)!  What an incentive to grow our faith! Psalm 11:1, reminds us: "In the LORD I put my trust". And, verse 4 reminds us how great is our God: "The LORD is in His Holy Temple, The LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold."

Our God of Compassion--Day 21 Through the Bible

     Compassion--sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

 (Merriam-Webster)

                         

January 21

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” You no doubt probably recognize the words of this sonnet written by Emma Lazarus, and know that these words are written on a plaque that is mounted in the base of The Statute of Liberty.

Our study today has a common thread that runs through Genesis, Psalms, and Matthew. That thread is compassion. When Joseph saw his brothers for the first time after many years, he was moved with compassion for them. He watched and listened while they verbalized their fear and frustration as they dealt with their dilemma. He listened as they expressed regret for having sold him into slavery, and as they bemoaned the fact that now they were paying for it. He finally had to remove himself from their presence so that he could weep.

Matthew 14: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick”. Later, the disciples came to Jesus and suggested sending the multitudes away so they could buy themselves food. This seemed like a practical idea. “But Jesus told His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat”. He proceeded to miraculously feed more than 5,000 people besides women and children. In our daily reading in Psalms 10, God is said to be “the helper of the fatherless” and “(does) justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more”.

On occasion, during times of waiting, I have had the opportunity to observe people coming and going. This usually results in a sense of sadness for me. Without the hope of something better, our lives are left with much to be desired. Even if we make it through life with our needs met, we will ultimately face the end of our lives. We are each a part of the huddled mass of humanity. While we may receive a little compassion from others in times of sickness, loss, and neediness, we are born with an overwhelming spiritual need that can only be filled by the compassion of a loving God.

Psalms 86:15, tells us “But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, patient, and plenteous in mercy and truth”. We should be so thankful and grateful to God for His plan of salvation and the hope this brings to all, as we recognize the ultimate sad state of humankind. We should also, without hesitation, share this Good News with those we meet. Our hearts should emanate compassion for the spiritual need of “the huddled masses”. We should never send people away to get spiritual help elsewhere. As Believers, we know where to find eternal life. We should be filled with a sense of joy that we have the privilege of telling others about the God of Compassion and the hope that He offers them through salvation and a relationship with Him!

Headliners and Heroes- Day 21 Through the Bible

"Assault on Mt. Mitchell" - a 63-mile ride UP (6,683 ft) to Mt. Mitchell State Park off the Blue Ride Parkway.  Some cyclists begin in Spartanburg, SC; others begin in Marion, NC.  July 21, 2013 is the next grueling ride, but it is already 75% filled as of this writing. Mt. Celo Church is on 80 S - an NC state scenic highway and a Top 10 Ride for cyclists (both bicycle and motorcycle) according to some lists.

Recent headlines of an international scandal, give us pause to consider:

1) But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23  There is a whole sermon on this alone and the Biblical account preceding this statement.  But for our Bible readings today...Joseph's brothers were able to conceal their scheming for over a dozen years.  Now, not only is their sin found out, but they stand before the very brother they sold into slavery.  The recent scandal is said to have gone on for over 20 years.  God's timing is not ours.

2) "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we  saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore distress has come upon us. (Gen. 42:21)...Their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, What is this that God has done to us?" (Gen. 42: 28)  Often the anguish of the soul is not in the one who committed the crime but in the souls of the family members, employees, friends...others close to the one(s) committing the crime.

3 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her." (Matt. 14:9)  This was, of course, Herod speaking.  He had ordered the beheading of John the Baptist (even though he was sorry to do so) as a "gift" to his new wife's daughter.  John had told Herod it was unlawful for Herod to marry his brother's wife.  There is a high price to be paid for speaking the truth even today.  Jesus was crucified and tortured, John the Baptist was beheaded, the disciples were martyred (according to tradition) except for John, who was exiled, most of the prophets were killed.  Many of the people who spoke out against this recent scandal were sued and their professional and private lives seriously damaged.

4) "All these things are against me." Gen. 42:36  This is Jacob, the father of Joseph and the scheming brothers.  Yet, all these things were working together for good for Jacob and for Joseph - the betrayed.  Even more, God used these things to bring about the repentance of the brothers (not just saying they were sorry - but changed lives) and the restoration/reconciliation of the family.  This is important for Judah, the line/tribe of Jesus is within the guilty group.  It is in the midst of these sins and crimes that Judah will step forward as the "savior/leader."Gen 44.   New leaders are born out of adversity.  Truth can begin the way for healing.  That is our prayer for our nation, for the souls of the people involved in this international scandal.

5) "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18  Enough said.

6) "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor 15:33 Judah (and even Reuben) seemed to understand that their lives would continue in the downward spiral unless they stepped away from the evil influence of their brothers.  Unfortunately, Herod chose the evil influence of his adulterous wife and the daughter chose to grant her murderous mother's wish.  We may have to move away from family, friends, co-workers, businesses, employers who lead us into sin or corruption.
The more we read about this recent scandal we see that family was betrayed, a believing spouse divorced, "friends" lied to and ruined when speaking the truth.  We see corporations and governing bodies aiding and abetting the scandal.  The short-term choice may be very difficult.  We, as believers, must always keep the eternal perspective.

7) When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself...when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him...when Jesus saw the great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matt 14: 13- 18)  This was the response to Jesus hearing of the beheading of John the Baptist.  The passage continues with the feeding of the 5000 plus women and children.  This is our hope, our healing, our sustenance in the fallout of our lives.  When we follow the wrong heroes, or our own unwise choices, we are led down a slippery slope. We come to Jesus in these times of disillusionment, of being forsaken, of being found out in our sin...and we feed on His Word and are comforted.  But more...we are transformed and are sent out to impact the world for Christ.  And, oh, how we and the world are in need of Him!

Secularism teaches us that we ought to look to this world. Christianity teaches us that the best way to prepare for this world is to be fully prepared for the next.  Charles H. Spurgeon

Faithfulness in Spite of Circumstances - Day 20 Through the Bible

One of our award-winning local non-profits is The Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina.  This 2011 Calendar photo was taken in our county, Yancey.  These blocks are actual quilt patterns, and there are stories written to tell why the owners chose particular patterns.  Trail guides are available and are a wonderful way to see this beautiful area.

The big lesson in the OT Reading - in spite of the circumstances, Joseph remains faithful to the Lord, and the Lord remains faithful to Joseph. (Gen 39-40)

§  Seduced by the boss’s wife - she said, “Lie with me.” AND GET THIS.  “he refused and said to the Master’s wife, …he has kept back nothing from me but you….How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God”…

I wonder how our lives, how our businesses, our churches, our nations would be different…if we had…if we will… say no to all sin, lust, wickedness because of God, because of hurting others as well…I wonder how this might affect our children’s choices in drugs, alcohol, premarital sex – if they saw the example of their parents.

§  An escalation of seduction – she tears off his robe (11-13).  But HE FLED.  We are told this often in the Bible…get away from, flee from, have nothing to do with, separate yourself from sin and wickedness…what if WE did this? – every time, regardless of the consequences?

§  Blame/Lies/False Accusations/Schemes  Gen. 39: 14-19…Why do we not understand this?  Those who will commit adultery will also lie and destroy lives knowingly, deliberately.  If they do this evil WITH you, they will do this and other evil AGAINST you…The Bible asks, “Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23)

§  Imprisoned – unjustly/wrongly.  Again, the Lord blesses him.  Again, Joseph is a blessing to others. Gen. 20 – 40.  Joseph is betrayed by the one he helped.  The butler forgets – for 2 years! – to remember Joseph to the king for his goodness in interpreting the dream.

While we leave Joseph in the prison alone, we go to the Psalm and Proverb study that further drive home these lessons:

§  God, where are you in all this trouble? (Ps. 10) – The wicked are persecuting the poor, catching them in the plots they have devised, boasting of their heart’s desire, blessing the greedy, renouncing, not seeking God, God is in none of their thoughts, yet they are always prospering, not caring about Your judgments, sneering at their enemies, saying they will never be caught, never be in adversity, and they are full of cursing, deceit, oppression, trouble, iniquity, lurking in secret places, murdering the innocent, secretly fixing their eyes on the helpless, lying in wait secretly to catch the poor in his net, crouching low to catch him by his strength…saying God will not see, God has forgotten, God hides his face… I love the Psalms and the Bible for telling it like it is – all our doubts, all our screaming out to God, all the warts – ours and the saints – exposed…seen and heard by the God of the Universe.  Tomorrow we read God’s answer to these cries and Joseph’s trials. 

   For those of us crying out the same laments to God, a reminder in the meantime:  Hebrews 4:12-14 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  God WILL arise, He WILL answer, He DOES see – in His time, in His way.  That answer may be a long time in coming – even in eternity. This is about Him, His Plan, His purposes.  

§  Proverbs 4: 1-6 continues on this theme of godly responses to life – hear instruction…give attention to understanding, good doctrine…do not forsake my law…retain my words…keep my commandments…do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.  Joseph remembered and lived God’s Word regardless of – in spite of – because of – his circumstances.  Do I?

§  Matthew 13 – the parables – the kingdom of Heaven on earth– like a field planted with the good seed and an enemy planting tares among them – (Joseph's situation and ours)  The kingdom is also like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, like leaven in bread, like a dragnet with both good and bad being brought up.  We live now among evil, but there will come the eternal separation at His Hands.  Until then, we are called to be separate – to live for God in newness of life – not as the world lives. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-4

‘It is true I may appear to be a loser by refusing evil company, but it is better to leave my cloak than lose my character.  It is not essential to be rich, but it is incumbent upon me to be pure.  No ties of friendship, no desire for beauty, no display of talent, no threat of ridicule should be able to turn me from the wise resolve to flee from sin.  I am to “resist the devil, and he will flee from me.”’ James 4:7  Morning by Morning by Charles H. Spurgeon