Isaiah 48

 I had a hospice chaplain tell me that he once knew of an atheist who served as a chaplain. The man knew all the right words and could offer prayers that sounded good. I remembered this when I read this chapter and God saying that he knew those people who were called Israel, took oaths in the Lord's name, and even invoked (prayed) to God but didn't do it in truth or righteousness. I consider not just this atheist but others who say they serve God but don't preach the truth. God knows about them and he will deal with them. He will bring judgment and set things straight. My job isn't to worry about "taking care of them" (getting rid of them in some way) but to live for God and serve him. Yes there are times when we do need to give warnings to God's people who are young in their faith but usually we need to just let God deal with them because He will. 

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Galatians 6

Paul makes it clear that it isn't what is on the outside, especially circumcision or the lack that matters, it is if we have this new creation that Jesus brings on the inside that matters. Looking at this I can think of people who brag that they aren't like those religious people who dress differently, have different hair, don't have tattoos, don't drink socially, and I could go on but I hope you get the picture. They think they are better because they don't put on an outward sign of religion but in Paul's mind they also don't have anything to brag about. You are either saved and have the new life Jesus has given or you haven't and that is all that matters. Pride in either will get you into trouble. 

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Galatians 5

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (verses 19-21). What is the difference between a drunk and an alcoholic? I would say that it is the phrase Paul uses in these verses, "Live like this." An alcoholic knows they have a problem and try to live above it. They may fall but with the help they find get back up and try never to fall again. Many who struggle with addiction and are following a plan to live above it, will eventually live without having that addiction controlling their lives. This is the truth with sin. I might suggest that we are all, sinoholics. We have some sin/s we are addicted to and need God and others to help us. The difference between us and the rest of the world is we are crying out to God for help and learning to live above it so that in time or by some supernatural help we find ourselves living above it. We find that we no longer live like that. 

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Leviticus 8

 

Once the priests were sanctified to do their ministry, they were to stay in the Tabernacle for seven days. There were no exceptions. Later, when two of Aaron's sons die, he isn't even allowed to mourn them while he is consecrated. This may seem harsh, but consider soldiers in the army. They are not allowed to just take off when they feel like it, especially during war. They had a duty. On top of this a sacrifice was made so they could be satisfied to do ministry and the value of the sacrifice would be diminished. A life was given for him to do ministry and leaving would say that sacrifice was unimportant. It would be worse than someone prepaying for you to go to a fancy restaurant with a six-month waiting list and then leaving right before the food is served. 

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Leviticus 7

I like it dead, you shouldn't.

 In a world where food was not always easy to come by finding something you didn't have to hunt down may seem a blessing however God made it clear that Israel wasn't to eat it. They could use it for other purposes but not to put in their bodies. Today with an understanding of diseases and bacteria we can understand that God's intention wasn't to keep the people from getting a simple meal but to protect them from getting sick and dying. Here as in other places, the Law was given to the people to protect them. 

Isaiah 47

In Daniel chapter 5, we read that the king of Babylon throws a party. What isn't commonly known is that this is happening while the city is surrounded by invaders. They are confident that nothing will happen and in a final act against God desecrate the article from the temple. They were guilty before and God was bringing judgment but refused to see that it could happen. God however shows the king that he will fall and sure enough that night the city falls. This is what God warned them about here in Isaiah 47. It also reminds the people of God never to become arrogant because what you believe is impossible can happen. 

Job 42

 

We know that God blessed Job financially after his troubles but what I want to point out is the first way this took place. It took place when others helped. In Verse 11 it says, "All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring." God used people to help Job recover from disaster. This should be a lesson for us and as I look around and see the help that is given to those in need I can attest that at least in this part of the world it normally does happen at least in big disasters. The question is how are we doing it with our brothers and sisters? Yes, there are times when giving someone money. even if they lost everything, would be bad for them, but what about the rest of the time? Are you willing to help someone next door if no one will ever know your name? 

Side note: Notice the equality Job granted his daughter? 

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