The Place

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Pete

I don’t think its name had been revealed to Moses. Nor its location. Not even directions as to how to get there. But that Moses knew it would exist, and that it would be central to the lives of those delivered from Egypt, is so clear in Deuteronomy. As I continued my reading in this fifth book of Moses, the phrase jumped off the page and I remembered that I had read it a few times in this book. Over 20 times, in fact. And I’m reminded this morning how important to God is THE PLACE.

When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make His name to dwell there.
(Deuteronomy 26:1-2 ESV)

“The place that the LORD your God will choose, to make His name to dwell there.”

It would be the place, chosen out of all the tribes, where God would make His habitation. The place God’s people were to seek (12:5). It was to be the place associated with obedience and blessing. The place where they were to bring their offerings and sacrifices. The place where they would celebrate the goodness of God and make atonement for everything that tarnished that goodness. The place where they would remember the Passover and celebrate other feasts of remembrance. The place where they would fulfill their vows. The place where their priests would reside. It was to be the place where God would choose to make His name dwell there.

And as I consider the place, the question Solomon asked at the dedication of the temple he built comes to mind: “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You” (2Chron. 6:18). Evidently, Moses thought so.

The place where God would dwell. The place where the people of God would go. The place where the glory of God would be manifest.

And you know that, as I consider this ancient place, I can’t help but think of it’s “modern” equivalent. I’m not thinking of the building down the street with the cross on it. But the people who enter that building Sunday after Sunday. The people who go to that place that they might be THE PLACE.

The people who are joined together and made to be “a holy temple in the Lord” . . . a people built together that they might become “a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22). Those chosen to be living stones, and pieced together so that they might be THE PLACE. A spiritual house . . . a holy priesthood . . . offering “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5).

Will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Yup! In THE PLACE He has chosen to make His name to dwell there.

What awesome privilege . . . what amazing grace . . . that sinners saved by the blood of God’s own Son should be THE PLACE.

To Him be glory in and through the church . . . now and forever more . . . amen.

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The Barabbas Ploy

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Pete

I’m thinking that Pilate was pretty pleased with himself when he paired Jesus with Barabbas. What the chief priests were doing defied logic and reason. The depths of their hatred for the man Jesus was so disproportionate to anything the Man had done. If half of what had been reported concerning the miracles of Jesus was true, why the Jews were so up in arms was beyond any rational thinking. If the nature of Jesus’ teaching was even close to what Pilate had heard, it was no wonder that many who heard it walked away amazed. In fact, even Pilate’s short encounter with Jesus — his interview with Him, the way Jesus refused to engage His accusers — was enough to leave the governor “greatly amazed” (Matt. 27:11-14).

So what to do? Pilate knew Jesus had done nothing that merited any judicial involvement of Rome. He also knew that it was “out of envy” that the religious leaders had delivered Jesus up to him. What’s more, the words of his wife echoed through Pilate’s head, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man” (27:18-19). He needed a way to get out of this situation without shedding innocent blood. He needed to get the Jews to drop their charges. He needed to back them into a corner such that basic reason itself would compel them to concede to Jesus’ release. Bring in Barabbas.

Barabbas, a “notorious prisoner” (27:16) . . . a robber (John 18:40) . . . an insurrectionist and murderer (Luke 23:18-19). Put Jesus next to this man and put it to the crowd to pick one to receive clemency and, so thought Pilate, their choice would be obvious. No matter how blind their jealousy had made them, Pilate was sure they would release Jesus when He was presented alongside Barabbas to them. It was a no-brainer. Who do you want walking the streets? The carpenter or the killer?

But Pilate made a critical error. While he thought he had tipped the scales in Jesus’ favor by presenting Barabbas as the alternative, he ended up making it a non-choice for Jesus’ enemies in the way he presented them.

So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”   (Matthew 27:17 ESV)

There it was. Game, set, match against Jesus. Call Him “Jesus the carpenter” . . . refer to Him as “Jesus the teacher” . . . maybe even honor Him as “Rabbi.” But I imagine that, when Pilate presented their choice as Barabbas the murderous-robber vs. Jesus the promised Messiah, it was like throwing gas on a fire. And the rage exploded among the religious leaders. This Man would not be their Messiah! This Man was counter the king they would serve! This Man, despite all that He had done and all that He had taught, would not receive any assent from them that He was of God!

Any chance Pilate might of had of making the Barabbas ploy work to his desired outcome was doomed when he uttered those words, “Jesus who is called Christ.”

But that was the issue. It’s still the issue. “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). It becomes the deal breaker.

In God’s divine providence, He ensured that a Roman governor would make clear the nature of every person’s decision. “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (27:22).

And when people determine to reject Jesus as the promised King, as God’s gracious Deliverer, then people will choose anything . . . even murderous, seditious thieves.

But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.   (John 1:12-13 ESV)

I pick Jesus, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus the Son of God . . . Jesus the Savior . . . Jesus the Name above all Names.

Because of grace . . . for God’s glory.

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Of Sea and Soul

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Pete

“Come and see,” says the psalmist in the sixty-sixth psalm. And then, in the same song, he invites his audience to “Come and hear.” Some things you behold . . . other things you are “be-told.”

But what’s grabbed me in this song this morning, are the two realms in which God’s glory are evident. One, the physical realm, the evidence of which is there for the seeing. The other, the spiritual realm, evident to those whose inner being has been touched, and only known by others who have ears to hear the word of testimony. Both are spheres in which God works mightily. Both are spheres where the glory of God is evidence. He is the God of sea and soul.

Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in Him, . . . Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.   (Psalm 66:5-6, 16 ESV)

It’s a psalm of praise. Calling for those who read it, or sing it, to “shout for joy to God” . . . to “sing the glory of His name” . . . to “give to Him glorious praise” (v. 1-2).

And the fuel which fires the furnace of worship? “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!'” (v.3a).

And so, the songwriter says, come and see the awesome deeds God has done. Look at the nation around you and remember His great deliverance. Pause and cast a glance toward “the children of man” inhabiting the land promised to their fathers. And when you do, remember the sea. Consider the power of God as evidenced when water gave way to dry land. When an impassible barrier was wondrously displaced so that God might deliver His chosen inheritance. Look into the faces of your neighbors, remember God’s great deliverance, and see again the physical evidence of our God’s great workings. Know afresh the might of Him who rules forever — of Him whose “eyes keep watch on the nations” (v.7). Come and see the awesome deeds of God.

And to consider the God we know working so mightily on a such a big stage is probably to be expected. Could not the God of creation — and the God who is the Sustainer of creation — could not such a great God displace some water should He choose? That Almighty God would display His power in such awesome ways, while jaw-dropping, is probably a logical expectation.

But if my jaw drops when I come and see again His might in making dry land where there was once a great sea, my whole being drops to the ground when I come and hear of the same God working in the souls of men and women.

“Come and hear,” sings the songwriter, “and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.” Unreal!

Think about it. The great and awesome God who keeps watch over the nations also determines to go “undercover” and work within the souls of individual people. The power that divided a sea, also works to save a soul . . . and set apart a soul . . . and shepherd a soul . . . and sustain a soul. The God who watches over the universe, also attends the voice of our prayer (v. 19). The God who works great works in the physical realm, works equally great works in the spiritual realm . . . soul by soul. Awesome are His deeds!

Bless the Lord, o my soul . . . for the God of sea and soul.

To Him be all glory . . .

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Awesome!

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Pete

Honestly, it would have been awesome . . . and I try not to use that word very much, trying to reserve it for that which is truly . . . well, awesome! But it would have been. Had Jesus, on the night His betrayer showed up with that crowd of men carrying clubs and swords to seize Him, had He called to His Father to send legions of angels to deliver Him, it would have been awesome.

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”   (Matthew 26:50b -54 ESV)

Imagine it. Out of nowhere . . . BAM!!! . . . twelve legions of angels. A legion for everyone of them, Jesus and the eleven disciples who still stood with Him . . . sorry Judas, you’re on your own! If we’re thinking Roman legion, then we’re thinking over 6,000 per angel band . . . more than 72,000 angels descend from nowhere ready to protect the Son of God. And we’re not talking about 72,000 baby angels in diapers with little wings floating about playing harps. We’re talking warrior angels . . . the type of angels that, when you see just one, you are facedown in fear . . . the type of angels that Elisha saw flanking Israel’s enemies “full of horses and chariots of fire” (2Kings 6:17) . . . the type of angels that engage the forces of darkness and win. Like I said, it would have been awesome!

Had Jesus any thought of being rescued from the murderous horde, He had no need of Peter’s puny sword (Peter was the sword-bearer, see John 18:10). Had the Lamb of God any thought of avoiding the altar of sacrifice, hand to hand combat would not have been necessary. Had God’s Only Son not wanted to be forsaken of His Father as He hung on a cross bearing the wrath for my sin, He only needed to call on His heavenly army. Had Jesus purposed to have the cup pass from Him, instead of praying, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39), He would have instead cried, “Father, get me out of here!”

“But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

With a whisper to the throne of heaven, Psalm 22 would be struck from Holy Writ. But, so would Isaiah 53.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed.   (Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV)

Jesus didn’t call upon twelve legions of angels. In fact, He told Peter to put away the sword. So that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.

Messiah, the Holy Son of God, would subject Himself to the abusive hands of arrogant, sin-blinded men. The Lion of the tribe of Judah came as the spotless Lamb of God and would willingly ascend the altar of sacrifice. He who knew no sin would become sin for us . . . so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2Cor. 5:21).

And that’s truly awesome!

All because of grace . . . all for His glory.

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Beholding His Power and Glory

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Pete

David could draw near, but not too near. He could approach, but he couldn’t enter. Though He knew what was behind the curtain, there was no way he could venture behind the curtain. David was king . . . but he wasn’t priest. And so, when David went to the sanctuary, he beheld the outer-workings of the inner reality. But, as I hover over Psalm 63 this morning, David also saw something more than just slicing and dicing and sacrifices . . . something more than the priests fulfilling their duty. When David encountered the sanctuary he beheld God’s power and glory.

O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory.    (Psalm 63:1-2 ESV)

Psalm 63 is a song of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. And in that dry and barren place the king seeks the presence of His God. His soul thirsts . . . his flesh faints.

And from what reserve does David pull? From that which he has seen and known of God’s power and glory. And where did he come to know and look upon such things? In the sanctuary.

” . . . he looked through the veil of ceremonies to the invisible One.” – Spurgeon

For many, the temple was but the place of ritual. The sacrifice but the price for being religious. But for David, to go to the temple was to enter into the presence of God. He would lay his hand on the sacrifice, identify with it from his inner being, and offer it in whole-hearted worship. And, in so doing, he would reflect afresh on the holiness of God and the provision of blood to allow man to draw near to such glory. He would remember the deliverance of God, the mighty hand which rescues, and know again the power of God to save.

Because of those sanctuary experiences, when in the desert, David could remember on his bed, and meditate in the watches of the night, of that which he beheld of God’s power and glory.

And the question comes to me, “When you are in the sanctuary, Pete, do you see the power and glory of God?”

When we gather with the saints, . . . when we enter the household of God — not a physical building — but when we come together and become that which is “a holy temple in the Lord . . . a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22) . . . as living stones who are “built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5) . . . when we enter that sanctuary, do we behold the power and glory of God?

Or, is it the same old, same old? Sing a few songs . . . shake a few hands . . . listen to a sermon . . . give a few bucks . . . and then outta there.

Instead, shouldn’t we enter with awe, knowing that we stand among souls who have been purchased with the blood of the Son of God. Shouldn’t our jaws drop at the thought that we gather as a flock which has been called, by name, into communion with the Great Shepherd. Shouldn’t wonder prevail as we consider that, as we come together, He has determined to be active in our midst, inhabiting the praise of His people?

As the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips, is offered up, do we see it as a sweet smelling aroma ascending to the pleasure of the Father? And not from outside the veil, but from within the very holy of holies, having been given boldness to approach His throne of grace. As the word is preached, do we receive it, as it is, as the very word of God and know again the reality of the indwelling Spirit of God teaching us and feeding us?

Perhaps if we entered the sanctuary as David did, seeing God’s power and His glory in our midst, then, in those desert times, we too would have remembrances and meditations to draw upon for the thirsting soul and the fainting flesh.

So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory.

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A Beautiful Thing

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Pete

Though she intended it to be all about Him, somehow it would also become about her. Though she only wanted to honor Him, He determined to also honor her. Though she wasn’t looking to establish a legacy, yet she gained one. Though she didn’t do it for recognition, wherever the good news would be proclaimed concerning her Master, she too would be remembered. All because she did a beautiful thing.

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to Me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me. In pouring this ointment on My body, she has done it to prepare Me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
(Matthew 26:6-13 ESV)

For me, it’s one of the most moving and holy moments in all of Scripture. A simple act with a profound implication. A costly act, the aroma of which — quite literally — would not only fill that house, but would remain through His death and, I’m thinking, His resurrection. The living, resurrected Christ, would carry the essence of this woman’s worship with Him.

John’s gospel (John 12:1-8) tells us the woman was Mary, sister of Martha the server, and of Lazarus the undead. He tells us it was a pound of expensive ointment and that not only did she pour it on the Master’s head, but she also anointed His feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. In John’s account, he also records Jesus’ defense of her actions — that it was done in anticipation of His death, something which, though He foretold it frequently, none of them could make sense of. But Matthew also records Jesus’ evaluation of such a sacrificial and worshipful act . . . “she has done a beautiful thing to Me.”

I don’t often think about something a man or woman doing having an impact on God. Don’t consider how the material can show up on the radar of the eternal. Don’t wonder much about what we do on earth stirring the hearts of heaven. But I’m guessing that we might be surprised at what we may discover of other “beautiful things” which have been taken notice of by the King. Acts of worship . . . acts of service . . . deeds done not to gain favor but because abundant favor has already been won.

And I kind of long for more of the heart of that woman with the alabaster flask of expensive ointment. Someone unhindered in her extravagant worship. Someone who only had eyes for her Savior. Someone who, though without fully understanding all of what it would accomplish and how, determined to honor Him in His death in an over-the-top manner. Someone who would fill the house with a sweet smelling aroma of which heaven would take notice.

O’ to honor Jesus with a beautiful thing.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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The Rock That Is Higher Than I

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Pete

Situation assessment: You are at the end. The end of your options. The end of your resources. The end of your rope. You are as far away from where you want to be as you think you can be. What’s more, you are out of gas. Nothing left in the tank. Reserves depleted. Not physically necessarily, but emotionally. Your heart is faint. Overwhelmed. The fighting spirit is done. Situation assessment? Not so good. Recommended course of action? Commence prayer.

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings!   Selah  (Psalm 61:1-5 ESV)

Hovering over the songwriter’s song this morning. Not let in on David’s situation exactly, but you’re thinking it’s probably one of those times when he’s in the wilderness. Far from home . . . far from the throne . . . from from the house of God . . . far from God’s holy hill. One of those times when he’s tired of being on the run. When he’s about done with being in hiding. One of those times when the promises of God are ringing a bit hollow . . . the blessings of God not overly apparent. He is as far away from “feeling God” as he can be . . . like being at the end of the earth.

But with what emotional strength he still possesses, with the little bit of holy determination he is still able to muster, he cries out to heaven, “Hear me, O God, listen to my prayer.”

Pretty simple prayer really. “Lead me to the rock!” That rock which is a strong tower . . . that rock which is an inhabitable tent . . . that rock which is a sheltering refuge. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

The songwriter knows of the rock. He has been on the rock. But He needs His God to guide him to the rock . . . to transport him to the rock . . . to carry him to the rock. It’s a rock higher than he has the resources to ascend to. A rock beyond just “sucking it up” and “making it happen.” It’s a rock “higher than I.” But it is also a rock for the weary . . . a respite for the wandering . . . a refuge for the worn out.

And you don’t have to noodle very long on this before the r-o-c-k is spelled the S-a-v-i-o-r (-o-u-r for my Canadian friends).

I read of the rock higher than I and I think of the One who became lower than the angels for the suffering of death and is now crowned with glory and honor (Heb. 2:7-9). I think of the tent of eternal dwelling, and I think of all that it means to be “in Christ” . . . and of the grace that has “made us alive together with Christ” and has “raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5-6). I think of the shelter of His wings, and the respite that is promised there, and I hear Him again inviting us, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).

And so you look to the Rock . . . and with what seems like a last breath, you whisper heavenward, “Lead me there, Lord. Guide my storm-tossed ship to that harbor. Let my feet again know they are standing on solid ground.” And He does. With all sufficient grace and a peace that passes understanding, even with circumstances unchanged, we are transported to higher ground. Reminded of our eternal dwelling. Comforted by His abiding shelter. Fortified against our enemies.

All because of the Rock that is higher than I. And a God who, with infinite patience and compassion, will lead us there.

To Him be all glory! Amen?

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Not Worth Comparing

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Pete

This morning, Sue and I had a good laugh as we read together of what has got to be, by the author’s own admission, among the worst honeymoons ever (you can check it out by clicking here). And while such things can be humorous in hindsight, it must have been awful for these newlyweds as they went through it. At times wondering if they would even survive, much less if their marriage would survive. But my sense is that not only did they live to tell about it, but that, though they went though a week or so of what may of seemed like h-e-double-hockey-sticks, they have enjoyed many years since then as man and wife. When all was said it done, what happened then probably wasn’t worth comparing to what they are enjoying now. Kind of like something I read this morning in Romans 8.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–=heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.   (Romans 8:16-18 ESV)

Not worth comparing. That’s how Paul characterizes the sufferings of this present time with the glory to be revealed to us.

No matter how bad it can get . . . and I don’t diminish the fact that for many it gets pretty bad . . . but, no matter how bad it can get, God’s word promises that it pales in comparison as to how good it will become when the glory is revealed.

I flashback to 1985. My mom has passed at the age of 48 due to lung cancer. Ugly, ugly stuff. The last few months, horrible. But I remember the joy that flooded my soul when, as we packed up her things, I opened the Bible we had given her, and as I thumbed through it found Romans 8:18 highlighted. Dying of lung cancer . . . not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed.

Continue reading in the chapter and what’s to come is described as “the revealing of the sons of God” (8:19) . . . as obtaining “the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (8:21) . . . as waiting eagerly for “adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (8:23). That, says the Father through the inspired writing of Paul, is the hope in which we were saved. That’s the end game. Not a better life now . . . but an unimaginable existence then. Not the material stuff we accumluate which fades, corrodes, and eventually will be burned up . . . but ” an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1Peter 1:4).

No matter how bad it seems now . . . or even how good we may think it is now . . . not worth comparing.

And as I read on . . . it’s not like we’re left alone to deal with that which life deals us. The Spirit helps us in our weakness (8:27) as He intercedes for us. Christ Jesus, the One who died for our sins, He who rose the third day for our justification, is even right now at the right hand of God — and He too “indeed is interceding for us” (8:34). Nothing, says Paul, nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (8:37). Despite “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword”, . . . “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (8:35, 37).

More than conquerors here and now . . . way more than conquerors there and then . . . on that day when the glory is revealed.

Keep on keepin’ on, saint. For it’s not worth comparing.

All because of grace . . . and all for His glory!

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Just A Name

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Pete

I read a lot of good stuff this morning. In Numbers, the wilderness walkers are counted before they enter the land and Joshua is commissioned to succeed Moses (ch. 26 & 27). The reading in Matthew was a call to stay awake and be ready — to keep my head in the game — because “the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44). Then Paul, in Romans, rehearses the age old struggle within those who desire to please God. Though they delight in the law of God, in their inner being, they see another dynamic within their bodies compelling them to do that which they know displeases God. And so Paul asks the question,”Who will deliver me from this body of death?” His answer? “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 8:24-25). And then, I closed my reading plan with Psalm 58 and a reminder that my God is a just God and that, one day, every human being will acknowledge it for, “Mankind will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth'” (Ps. 58:11).

Like I said a lot of good stuff. Any number of big ideas to noodle on. But, for whatever reason, it was one word, just a name, that caught my eye and my imagination. A single name, of which little is said and really nothing is known.

The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of the Malchielites. And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. These are the clans of the sons of Asher as they were listed, 53,400. (Numbers 26:44-47 ESV)

Serah. Literally, “the prince breathed.” Easton’s dictionary takes that literal translation and suggests that the name means “princess” or “abundance.”

The biblical record provides no information about her other than that she was a daughter of Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, born by Leah’s servant Zilpah. But what is interesting is that when “the sons of Asher” are listed here, and in the Genesis 46, and in 1Chronicles 7, Serah is always included. Don’t know what it was about Serah, but the Holy Spirit ensures that when you remember Asher’s kids, you remember Serah.

And it’s not what I don’t know about Serah that grabs me this morning, it’s what I do know — that her name is recorded, three times, in the God-breathed Scriptures. Though she is insignificant in terms of history, biblical or otherwise, her name has been recorded forever. Having left no recorded mark on the kingdoms of this earth, her name has so impressed the kingdom of heaven that the Father ensures it will be read, and re-read, and read again by countless numbers throughout the millennia.

I know her name, because God knows her name. Though I know nothing about her, her Creator knows everything about her.

And so, I sit and wonder why God includes her name in the list of the sons of Asher. But I also sit IN wonder at God’s determination to ensure her name is not lost when the sons of Asher are listed. And I imagine that, perhaps, God sits and smiles at my wonder, and delights that her name continues to bring Him such glory.

Serah. Just a name. But a name used of the Spirit to direct my thoughts to the Giver of Names . . . to the Recorder of Names . . . and to His Son, the Name Above All Names.

Yup . . . a lot of good stuff this morning.

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Dwelling Alone

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Pete

Continuing my reading in Numbers and, this morning, spent some time reconsidering the goofy drama played out between Balak, king of Moab, and Balaam, prophet for hire (Numbers 22 -25). Balak sees the Israeli horde nearing his land. Fearing he’d have a tough time physically standing against them, he decides to take a “spiritual warfare” approach. He sends for Balaam . . . apparently a man of some reputation for dabbling in the spirit world . . . and one who can be retained for the right price. One who, so Balak believes, can curse the people of God thus giving Balak an upper hand against them. But this Balaam, is apparently a man of “integrity.” He only speaks from the spirit world what the spirit world will allow him to speak.

Why God engages with Balaam, I’m not quite certain. But He does. At first forbidding Balaam to go, but then allowing it. You get the sense that God allows Balaam to serve his covetous nature. Though Balaam is a “man of integrity,” he’s a greedy man of integrity who really wants the honor and riches promised him by the king of Moab.

Bottom line . . . Balaam goes to Moab knowing that God has determined to bless Israel and that Balaam is not to curse the people. But Balaam’s also going hoping, somehow, to make some money off this gig . . . either because God changes His mind (not gonna happen) . . . or Balaam comes up with another way to help Balak trip up Israel (which he does — see Numbers 25:1-9 and Revelation 2:14).

Three times Balak insists that Balaam curse the Israelites . . . three times Balaam ends up speaking the word of the LORD and blesses them. And it’s something I read in the first blessing that caught my attention.

How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? For from the top of the crags I see him, from the hills I behold him; behold, a people dwelling alone, and not counting itself among the nations! (Numbers 23:8-9 ESV)

Balaam could only speak what God told him to speak . . . and when it came to describing the people of God this is how they were characterized: ” . . . a people dwelling alone . . . not counting itself among the nations.”

And it has a familiar ring. It should, given that God’s people under the Old Covenant foreshadow certain realities that should mark God’s people under the New Covenant, aka the Church. We too should be a people marked by dwelling in holy separation, a people not considering itself to be like those who follow after other gods. Though we are “in the world,” we are not to be “of the world.”

Not that we live in self-righteous isolation, but that we live in clear Christ-righteousness identification.

That those redeemed from the slavery to sin which so marks the world, who have been purified by the blood of God’s one and only Son, and have been called out as God’s own possession, would seek first the kingdom of God in such a way that they are known for dwelling alone. Marching to the beat of a different drummer, attuned to the rhythm of heaven. Marked by a different way of thinking, a different set of priorities, a different set of goals. A people which regard themselves as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Peter2:9).

O that God’s people might live in holy distinction from the world about them. Not that we might be exclusive, but that we would be effective. Effective in demonstrating the power of new life in Christ . . . effective in being the salt and light we are called to be . . . effective in proclaiming the good news a lost world so needs to hear.

Dwelling alone . . . for the sake of the world . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory.

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord . . .”   (2Corinthians 6:16-17a ESV)

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