February 5- How Can You Tell If It's Really Cold Outside...

February 5, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28;
Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23

How do you know if it's REALLY cold outside?

A lawyer will have his hands in his own pockets.
...ba dum bum

Exodus 21:22-23:13

When my husband was practicing law our friends and family thought it was fun to rib him with lawyer jokes.  Believe me, we've heard our share of these beauties.  Here's another one...What's black and brown and looks good on a lawyer?  A doberman pinscher.  Hee hee.  Yeah, whatever!

Today it takes a lawyer to appreciate the rules and regulations given through Moses to the nation of Israel.  These laws regulated civil and criminal behavior.  We will run into more of these regulations when we read the book of Leviticus.  I know you can't wait to get there!  LOL. 

Here is the break down of the legal areas Moses outlines:

• Laws concerning personal injury -Exodus 21:12-25.  Here we have the concept of reciprocity for injury.  Thank God we have laws that protect human life and property.
• Laws concerning property rights- Exodus 22:1-6 Again, the idea of restitution is presented.  Having someone pay back fourfold is a good stick to prevent this behavior.
• Laws concerning crimes against humanity- Exodus 22: 16- 25  God shows that He cares for the helpless with these laws.
• Laws concerning personal behavior - Exodus 23: 1-3
• Laws concerning the land and Sabbath - Exodus 23: 10-11 This concerns the Sabbath rest and the Year of Jubilee (see my article on this).

I have no doubt that as Moses compiled these laws for the judges that he appointed to help him administer justice, the people could breathe a sigh of relief that order and justice had a chance in their community.  There is no better proof of man's sinfulness than the need for such extensive rules and regulations.

Here is the WEIRD LAW OF THE DAY:  Exodus 22:19-  Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must be executed. 

Well, folks, what does that tell you about human beings?  The fact that this has to be spelled out signals a real problem.  'Nough said.

Matthew 24:1-28

Jesus has condemned the religious leaders.  Now the disciples ask Jesus privately when will the destruction of the Temple take place, when will Jesus' return to earth occur, and when will the end time come.  Jesus does not give an exact date, but does give warning signs for which all believers can look with anticipation:

• Many will come in his name misleading others - Vs. 5
• There will be wars, both near and far, but don't worry. That's not the end. Vs. 6
• Famines and earthquakes are just the beginning. Vs. 7-8
• Persecutions and death for following me will occur -Vs. 9-10
• False prophets will lead many astray. Vs. 11
• Sin will be rampant on the earth and love will grow cold. Vs. 12
• The Good News of Christ will be preached in every nation on earth.  Then the end will come.Vs. 13-15
• Daniel's prophecy of a desecration in the Temple comes true. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11
• A time of calamity comes that, if it were not supernaturally shortened, would destroy the whole human race. Vs. 17-22
• The Son of Man will return like lightning in the sky.  All will see him come. Vs. 26-28

What do you think about Christ's predictions of the end of time?  Does it worry you?  He speaks with authority as one who knows.  Have you trusted Christ?

Psalm 29:1-11

This psalm begins...Give honor to the Lord, you angels; give honor to the Lord for the glory of his name.  Worship the Lord in the splendor of His Holiness.

The psalm speaks of the power of the voice of the Lord.  Here is what His voice does-- echoes, is powerful, full of majesty, splits the cedars, strikes with lightning, twists the might oaks.  What a beautiful way to express God's power.  Remember from Genesis 1 that God's voice formed the universe.


Proverbs 7:6-23

This is a recounting of a young man being seduced by an immoral woman.  Her speech and clothing are seductive.  He gives into temptation.  Remember that an overall picture in Scripture is that we are the young man, easily seduced to be drawn away from God.  The message is more than just an admonition to not fall into sexual immorality.  It is also a message to stay faithful to the one True God. 

What would you like to discuss today?  By the way, thanks so much for reading with me.  Let's continue to keep each other accountable.




Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
 Kathy Fullerton