February 8- Dressing Well

February 8, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 28; Matthew 25:31-26:13;
Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. ~Coco Chanel

Exodus 28

When I was a young girl Easter was a particularly fun holiday for my mom.  It was the one holiday where she was able to justify buying new shoes, dresses, and accessories for the girls in our family.  Did I mention that I had no brothers?  Yep. I had two sisters.  Mom got to buy for herself and three daughters. Her purchases reflected her style and mood for that year.  Easter was fun because we all got to dress well.  Looking nice on Easter represented giving our best to God.

Today, God dresses Aaron, the High Priest of Israel, very well. God thinks for Himself and He thinks aloud by using the priestly garments as a picture. God pictures Christ and His work as our High Priest by setting apart a magnificent outfit for Aaron.  The High Priest would wear this outfit only during service to God.  The details were highly symbolic. Only the finest materials were used in its construction.

• The garments were to be made of the finest linen in the colors of gold, blue, purple and scarlet.  We have already dealt with the symbolism of these colors.
• The ephod: This is two pieces of linen that are held together at the shoulders by a stone on each shoulder.  On these stones are engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.  The High Priest, as He went before God, held the 12 tribes on his shoulders.  This represents that Christ as our High Priest carries us on his shoulders as he intercedes for us to God.  He is our strength and power. Picture Christ as the Shepherd who carries the lost sheep that was found on his shoulders.  This is another picture of that truth.

• The breastplate: This is a beautiful vest of judgment.  It pictures that sin will be judged.  The jewel stones that are placed in this vest are arranged in four rows of three.  The stones put in this breastplate are the same stones that form the foundation of the City of New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.  This tells us that the death of Christ, which allowed our sin to be judged and paid for, creates the foundation of our perfect existence in paradise with God forever.  It is no mistake that the breastplate is worn over the heart of the High Priest.  Christ wears us over his heart.  With his love and his heart, he paid the penalty that sin required.  This is the foundation of our relationship with God.
• Urim and Thummim:  We don't really know what these are, but they represent the ability to know the will of God.  Certainly, Christ perfectly followed the will of His Father.  The Lord's Prayer is our example that Jesus is the Urim and Thummin of God.
• The robe:  This robe had pomegranates and bells attached to the hem.  This is a beautiful picture of the fruits and witness of Christ.  Pomegranates represent fertility and fruit.  Christ is the seed that produces good fruit in our lives.  He is also the first fruit among those who would be raised from the dead.  The bells are a call to worship and witness.  These represent sending out the good news of the gospel among the nations.  Christ certainly was a ringing bell of good news.
• The head piece:  On Aaron's head would be a gold plate that was before his forehead engraved with, "Holiness To The Lord."  This is a reminder that the High Priest is set apart for service to God to be holy, harmless, undefiled and separated from sinners.  Only Christ could fulfill this requirement.
• Undergarments: Remember how Adam and Eve needed new underwear?  The priest was to cover his private parts in reverence to the holiness of God. His flesh was no part of this work.  Sins are to be covered by the sacrificial work of Christ. Christ is our undergarment and our covering.

What an elaborate picture. A Project Runway designer could be proud if they were ever able to come up with such a beautiful and meaningful garment.  They would win the season, no doubt!

What does this design for the High Priest teach you?  How do you see the beautiful work of Christ in this picture?

Matthew 25:31-26:13

A Parable about The Faithfulness of the Nations- The Sheep and Goats

Jesus continues to give us a glimpse into the future. The disciples have asked Jesus to explain the end times. Jesus uses three parables in his description. The first parable was about Israel's being invited into the millennial kingdom (The Ten Virgins). Belief in Christ is a required part of being invited into the wedding feast. The virgins who had the oil in their lamps were invited in. This means that those from the nation of Israel who believe in Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation will be invited into the wedding feast, which is Christ's earthly kingdom. The oil in their lamps represents having the Holy Spirit inside of them. Faith in Christ is how one receives the Holy Spirit.

The second parable of The Talents emphasized that God has entrusted true believers with the earth and expects them to use their gifts to bring others into the kingdom while on earth before he returns. People will be rewarded based on how they use their gifts to increase God's kingdom.

The last parable about the end times is The Sheep and Goats parable. Here, Jesus describes his second coming to earth that precedes his earthly reign for one thousand years. Jesus is pictured as the King in the parable. The sheep are the righteous nations and the goats are the unrighteous nations. Jesus describes coming in glory with his angels and the nations being gathered in his presence at this time. Now is the time for King Jesus to judge the nations. At that time, Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats.  What does this mean? Remember, goats represent sin in the Bible and sheep represent the righteous who follow the Good Shepherd. Jesus explains through the story that he will separate ethnos or cultural groups based on how they treated the nation of Israel during the turbulent end times on earth. Those groups who gave aid and help to Israel will be invited into Christ's millennial kingdom on earth because when they helped Israel because of their faith in God, they were actually helping the kingdom of Jesus Christ to come about on earth. It should be noted that the righteous people in this parable are unaware that they were actually helping Jesus Christ when they aided Israel. Jesus says, "The King replied, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:40) Because his kingdom on earth is tied to the land of Israel and to the believing Jews who endure to the end, this help is rewarded by entrance into his kingdom. This parable emphasizes that truth. Read Zechariah 14 for background.

The story indicates that  unbelieving nations will try to justify themselves to Jesus by the general good works they did for people while they lived on earth.  Jesus responds, "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" (Matthew 25:45) Once again, Jesus is emphasizing that helping Israel meant helping his earthly kingdom.  Because the unrighteous nations were against Israel, they were essentially against Jesus' earthly kingdom coming.  The treatment of the believing Israelites and the nation of Israel will be key to the judgment of the nations at the end of time. Jesus will judge the nations according to this standard. He will decide if he truly knew them and whether or not their good works really were done in His name for the nation of Israel.  He is the judge of your faith and mine.  In the end, people who did not truly believe in Christ are cast away from God.  He, once again, emphasizes that there are eternal consequences for our decisions and actions on earth.

Christ tells the disciples that after the Passover Feast, he will be betrayed and crucified.  Meanwhile, the religious leaders are meeting with Caiaphas, the High Priest, to plot how to capture Jesus.

We see the story of a woman who comes to Christ and anoints his head with oil.  The disciples are indignant because the woman is wasting extremely expensive perfume on Christ.  They say she could have sold it and helped the poor.  Jesus is not buying this argument.  He says that her act is an act of belief in what he has prophesied.  She believes he will be crucified, and she is preparing him for His burial.  He predicts that her act will become famous. You and I are discussing this today because Jesus was right!

How does your life reflect that you believe what Jesus has to say?

Psalm 31:9-18

To me this is another psalm of the words Christ would speak and the feelings Christ would feel in anticipation of his crucifixion.

Proverbs 8:12-13

Wisdom lives with her friend, good judgment.  I want to visit their house!  Wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

February 7- A Beautiful Tent

February 7, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 26:1-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30;
Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, 
an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 
~ 2 Corinthians 5:1

Exodus 26:1-27:21

Do you ever feel like your earthly tent is getting battered and beaten?  Maybe when your knees ache after exercising at the gym or your face looks particularly saggy in the mirror one morning, you realize that you are in a temporary dwelling that will eventually fold.

Today God gives detailed instructions on how He wants the temporary Tabernacle to look.  This will be His picture to the Israelites of what the Messiah will be and do on the this earth.  Jesus will take on a human body and inhabit a temporary tent just like all of us. But the Tabernacle, although temporary, is glorious in its representations. Notice how meticulously God approaches the details of this structure.  This is important to Him.  It is no joke.  He takes His earthly representations very seriously. 

Volumes could be written on the detailed symbolism of each aspect of the Tabernacle.  I am only going to talk about some of them.  Here we go:

• The curtains: The first curtain was extremely fine linen with symbolic cherubim woven in.  This curtain was not to touch the earth. The beauty of these curtains could only be seen from the inside of the Tabernacle.  The beauty of Christ can only be seen by true believers. The second curtain was made of goats' hair.  It was to touch the floor. Goats are the animal of sin. This represents the sin that Christ would carry for the world. The next curtain is made of rams' skin.  The ram is the animal of sacrifice.  This represents Christ on the cross. The fourth curtain is made of sealskins.  This is a water-proof material.  It is a protective covering.  Christ is our protective covering before a Holy God. This curtain was not beautiful.  Christ was said to be of no form or comeliness.  He would have no external beauty that we would desire him (Isaiah 53:2).  Notice the curtains show us that Christ is beautiful on the inside, but plain on the outside. Let's discuss the colors of the curtains.  The colors were symbolic: Blue- a heavenly color; Scarlet- the color of Christ's blood; Purple- the blending of blue and scarlet which produces the color of kings and royalty; Christ was heaven coming down to earth as the King of the Jews.

• The boards and sockets:  These are made of a wood similar to redwood and are practically indestructible.  They are overlaid with gold and hold the whole structure of the Tabernacle together.  This is a picture of how Christ is both man and God.  He holds the whole universe together by his power.  He also holds the Church and the events of history and eternity together through his work on the Cross and his teachings on earth.

• The veils: The veils separated the outer court from the Holy of Holies where God dwelt.  These veils represent the humanity of Christ.  It is no coincidence that when Jesus was crucified on the cross and died, the veil in the Temple at the time of his death was rent in two (Matthew 27:50-51).  His death provided access to God for all who believe in Christ.  Remember Christ's words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6

What did you notice as you read about the building of the Tabernacle?  God is quite into details and artistry.  If you are a gifted artist, you can appreciate the Lord's love of art and beauty. What do you think about that?

Matthew 25:1-30

In the context of explaining the end times, Jesus gives parables to illustrate the faithfulness of Israel, the faithfulness of his servants, and the faithfulness of the nations before his return and final judgment. 

A Parable About the Faithfulness of Israel- The Ten Virgins

In the first parable of the ten virgins, Christ (the bridegroom) is preparing to go into the marriage feast (millennial reign on earth) with His bride (the Church) to whom He has been married.  The virgins represent the nation of Israel and their reunion with their Messiah.  Only the wise virgins, who have the oil of the Holy Spirit, are invited into the wedding feast.  Remember, the presence of the Holy Spirit within a person shows true belief in the sacrificial death of Christ and his resurrection. Those who truly believe in Christ are invited in. At his second coming, Christ will judge the Israelites based on their belief in him during the Great Tribulation on earth. Do they have oil in their lamps?

A Parable About the Faithfulness of Believers- The Talents

The second parable is the parable of the talents.  This parable is directed to Christ's servants on earth during the time between his first and second comings. Use of one's gifts during this time is imperative if the Church is to grow and during the difficult end times, Christ's message is to fill the whole earth. This parable teaches that faithful use of gifts will be rewarded. Christ followers will be judged based on the faithfulness with which they conducted their personal ministries.  If one was given great ability, that person will be judged according to what was given him/her.  If one was given little ability, the faithfulness of using what was given will be the measuring stick. This parable teaches that we are held accountable based on our faithfulness to God in using the gifts he has given us. Although Christ is answering the disciples question about the end times with this parable, the principles can be applied to all believers at all times.

Lesson:  Be faithful to work for the cause of Christ, even if your work seems small.

How are you working to spread the Good News of Christ on earth?  What is your portion? Are you a parent who stays home with small children, modeling Christ in your life faithfully each day to those little ones?  Are you a business person who strives to be honest in your transactions with others?  You will be rewarded by God for being faithful in your daily life.  You do not need to be an evangelist to the world or Mother Teresa to the poor. As a matter of fact, God wants you to bloom where you are planted.

Psalm 31

I see Christ in this psalm.  Each of us can pray a portion of this psalm at different times of our lives, but Christ is the perfect author of this sentiment.

Proverbs 8:1-11

This book we are studying is a book of wisdom.  This knowledge and understanding is better than silver and gold.  Do you believe that?

What are you learning?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton



February 6- Hey, Look At Me

February 6, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29-51;
Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view
- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. 
~Atticus Finch 
 To Kill A Mockingbird

Exodus 23:14-25:40

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird the mockingbird is a symbol of innocence.  The story is basically a tale about how prejudice against other people can be recognized, fought, and overcome. In order to represent the death of innocence about the fundamental goodness of mankind, Harper Lee refers to the death of these songbirds in the novel. The mockingbird is a picture/symbol.


Today God gives the Israelites and the world several beautiful pictures/symbols of the coming of the Christ that the nation of Israel will carry with them into the wilderness, into battle, and finally, into the Promised Land. These are symbols that the Israelites can see and touch. They are a physical representation of the Messiah's character and work on earth.

After finishing recording the Law, Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people.  They enthusiastically respond that they will do everything the Lord has commanded (Exodus 24:7).  Wow.  Ignorance is bliss.  Moses takes seventy leaders up to the mountain and they see God on what appears to be pavement made of brilliant sapphires.  This same picture is part of what John sees in the book of Revelation.  The regular folks who aren't up on the mountain see smoke and clouds during this episode.  The power of God is revealed to the Israelites.

Next comes the process of creating the symbols of God that the Israelites will carry with them.  The Tabernacle is the tent structure that the Hebrews take with them as they move towards the Promised Land.  It will be where God meets with them as they worship.  The plunder that they received from the Egyptians is now used as an offering to create the Tabernacle objects for worship.

I am going to talk about three main objects in the Tabernacle that represent Christ:

• The Ark:  Placed in the Holy of Holies (most sacred area of the Tabernacle) the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat were where God would meet with the children of Israel. The ark was a wooden chest made of shittim wood, which was basically indestructible.  The chest was to be covered inside and out with gold.  This is a picture of Christ as both man and god.  The wood is his humanity and the gold is his deity.  Notice that the wood and gold are not mixed, blended or mingled.  Christ was fully human and fully God.  This is a mystery we cannot completely grasp.  The ark was not an empty box.  It contained Aaron's rod that budded and pointed to Aaron as the priest.  This rod in the box represents that Christ is our High Priest who goes before us to the Father as an intermediary.  The fact that the rod budded represents Christ's resurrection.  Oh, what a happy symbol this is for all of us who face death!  The Ten Commandments are in the box.  They represent that Christ fulfilled the whole Law while on earth and never broke even one commandment.  This confirmed that He alone was a perfect spotless sacrifice. The tablets also represent Christ's Kingship. Christ is also the Law giver and the Law enforcer. There is manna in the box.  Manna represents that Christ is the Bread of Life for all.  He is our spiritual sustenance and through partaking of His body of sacrifice, we obtain eternal life. The manna represents Christ's office as a prophet.  The mercy seat, which was a separate gold piece of furniture, was where blood was sprinkled from the sacrifice.  Could you get a more perfect picture of Christ's work?  I think not.  Jesus came to die and have his blood sprinkled on the mercy seat to provide mercy and grace for you and me.  His blood secures forgiveness for our sins.

• The Table of Showbread: This table is made of shittim wood and has 12 loaves of bread on it. The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the church.  It is a table of provision.  It shows that God provides for our needs.  It shadows the Last Supper and the practice of Communion that Jesus implemented. Jesus is our Bread of Life.  We are what we eat.  As believers we must come to the Table of Showbread and sustain our spiritual lives on Christ and his words.

• The Golden Lampstand: This is the perfect picture of Christ's deity.  Remember, God created Light first.  God claims to be Light.  He is the Light of the World.  The symbol of the pure gold lampstand in the dark Tabernacle is the picture that Christ is our Light in a dark world.  The lampstand was one piece of gold beaten into the form of a shaft with almond branches with fruit and blossoms.  The blossoms would contain oil that lit the lamps. Jesus often speaks of how a tree must bear fruit to be a good tree.  Here is a representation that he is the Good Tree.  The oil that lights the Lampstand is the Holy Spirit.  It is Christ and the Holy Spirit that illuminate our souls to know God and cause us to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22).  Thank God for this picture and the reality that it represents.

What do you think about these symbols?  I love that God is creative as He teaches us about Himself.

Matthew 24:29-51

Jesus continues to explain the end times to the disciples.  Here is what we are to look for:

• The sun and the moon will be darkened.  Stars will fall from the sky and the powers of heaven will be shaken. - Vs. 29
• The sign of the coming of the Son of Man will appear and this will cause the nations to mourn deeply. -Vs. 30 Do you sense regret?  I do.
• He will come on the clouds in great glory.- Vs. 30
• His angels will gather his chosen people from the farthest reaches of heaven and earth.- Vs. 31
• Jesus says that his words remain forever- vs. 32
• His return will be like the Flood in Noah's day.  People were busy working, partying, getting drunk, oppressing people and boom, the end comes.  - Vs. 37-50
• Jesus promises to punish the hypocrites and the evil.  He reiterates that there is a place with weeping and gnashing of teeth. -Vs. 51

Jesus is a prophet.  What do think of his prophecy?

Psalm 30:1-12

I love verse 11 of this psalm.  You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.  This is the case for all believers who have had the sorrow over their sin forgiven.  Now it's time to dance!!

Proverbs 7:24-27

We can think of countless politicians and movie stars who have had their reputations ruined because they were caught sleeping with prostitutes.  This ancient proverbs shows us that this has always been a problem.  Wisdom proclaims that men should steer clear from sexual immorality.  This would include pornography. As we have discussed, God sees sex as a symbol of a spiritual truth and condition. The spiritual truth is that God wants an intimate relationship with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is a faithful husband. Sexual immorality messes with His picture.

What did you notice today?  Let's talk about it.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

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

February 4- Choosing the Law

February 4, 2011

Exodus 19:16-21:21; Matthew 23: 13-39;
Psalm 28: 1-9; Proverbs 7:1-5

I love mirrors.  They let one pass through the surface of things.  ~Claude Chabrol

Exodus 19:16-21:21

Early in the morning after I have had my morning coffee and am ready to prepare for the day before I really get going the first thing I do is look in the mirror.  I don't know if this is a habit from my teen years where any day could bring an explosion of zits or just human nature.  The thing is, I always find something wrong that needs to be fixed on my face. I never look into that mirror and see perfection.  You would think that finding things wrong with you everyday would be a deterrent to ever looking in a mirror, but I want to look each day and see what's wrong anyway.


Today the nation of Israel is about to start the time period that will take them all the way to the cross of Christ.  It will be their time to look into the mirror and see what is wrong with them.  They will look each day and see their imperfections and how they have fallen short.  The nation of Israel is about to receive the Law.  This Law is a mirror to their souls.  This mirror will reflect that they are sinners.  The Law was initially given to the Israelites, but all of humanity is obliged to follow the Law of God.  All of humanity fails to be able to follow God's Law.  It is this Law that draws us with gratitude to the grace found only in Christ.

You might have noticed that at this point in the story the people of Israel believe that they will be able to keep the Law (Exodus 19:8).  They say this before they have even heard what the commandments are! Oops.  This was definitely a mistake on their part.

As you read the Ten Commandments you may squirm and balk at the demands.  Who among us has never lied?  Who has never bore false witness against someone?  Who has never put an idol or object above worshiping God?  Who has never coveted what someone else possesses?  We look into the mirror and see marks and blemishes on our souls.  In the Law there is no love.


As we read the next large portion of the Old Testament be prepared to become exhausted by a myriad of rules that you cannot follow.  This is God's intent.  This will drive us to the mercy and sacrifice of a perfect Redeemer.

Remember that Israel must function as an independent nation.  Just as the Second Continental Congress had to formulate our Constitution in the United States, God is developing the set of Laws that will govern the nation of Israel. 

Another purpose of the Law is to give practical regulations for civil and criminal behavior. Many of our laws in the United States today come from the laws that we will be studying in the Old Testament.  You will recognize many of the same consequences for breaking laws.  Other laws and practices have gone by the wayside. 

Regardless, this time period will reflect the harshness of the Law, as opposed to the grace provided through Jesus Christ. The Messiah, when he comes, provides payment for the penalty of our inability to keep this Law.

You may feel uncomfortable as you read these portions of Scripture.  That is a natural reaction.  It is uncomfortable to read about sin.  The punishments are harsh and the situations that require punishment are disturbing.  God wants you to be disturbed.  He is disturbed.  This is an important process.

One other thing I noticed in the reading today is that God did not want the Israelites to carve the stones used for the altars of sacrifice.  This reminds me that God does not want our works to be part of the solution for sin.  The sacrifice for breaking His Laws are to be provided by God alone.  He, alone, is Holy and able to make the proper perfect provision for our transgressions.

Matthew 23:13-39

For those of you who are musicians you know that dynamics in music are a large part of creating the emotion of the piece.  The process of making the music soft or loud is very important in interpreting a song.  Having the music slowly swell to a louder point is called a crescendo.  Today we see a crescendo as Jesus confronts the religious leaders of Israel.  Jesus has been singing a song of judgment against the religious leaders of his day and this is the climax of his masterpiece. This is his final stand against their hypocrisy.  As the music swells, Jesus pronounces judgment on their lives.

Here are Jesus' lists of why it will be terrible for them in the end:

• They will make their religious converts twice the sons of hell that they themselves are.-Vs. 15
• They spread false teaching about swearing oaths on things other than God, but are really concerned with getting rich in the process. - Vs. 16-22
• They worry about tithing, but forget mercy, justice and faith.- Vs. 23
• They are concerned with washing, but are filthy with greed and self-indulgence inside of themselves.- Vs. 25-26
• They look religious on the outside, but inside they are hypocrites and lawless.- Vs. 27-28
• They will participate in killing the prophets like their forefathers, even though they act as if their forefathers are the guilty ones.- Vs. 29-30

Jesus states that the accumulated judgment for all that the Israelites have done against God will break over the heads of this present generation of religious leaders (vs. 36).  Jesus cries out in distress that this is the destiny of this generation.  Although Christ knows God's will in this situation, it does not make the pain of the reality any easier. Jesus is brokenhearted that Israel is rejecting their Messiah.

What sin in your life causes anguish?  What anguish do you feel over other people in your life who are doomed because of their hypocrisy and sin?  Do you follow your religious leaders blindly?

Psalm 28:1-9

Vs. 1- O Lord, you are my rock of safety.  Please help me; don't refuse to answer me.  For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die.

Don't you love that?

Proverbs 7:1-5

"Love wisdom like a sister.  Make insight a beloved family member."  I can't add anything to those words!

What did you see today?  Will you share with us?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton  

February 3- Help!

February 3, 2011

Exodus 17:8-19:15; Matthew 22:34-23:12;
Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35

Help, I need somebody,

Help, not just anybody,

Help, you know I need someone, help.

When I was younger, so much younger than today,

I never needed anybody's help in any way.

But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,

Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the door.

~The Beatles

Exodus 17:8-19:15

In the year 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from the British monarchy.  As part of a young struggling community, the colonists had decided to fight for the right to govern themselves. This declaration required the pledge of lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. 

Unfortunately in the thick of battle, the colonists found themselves overwhelmed and in need of outside help.  With winter upon them and desertion rates increasing in the Continental Army, General George Washington prayed for Divine guidance and Divine intervention.

Washington's prayers were answered in the form of help from France.  A man named Pierre Beaumarchais set up a dummy corporation to conceal the fact that the French were buying munitions for the Americans.  The French also sent over military experts to help train the troops. If it weren't for the help from the French, America would not be an independent nation today.

In todays reading, Moses needs help in a battle and he gets help from God and from the people of Israel.  Away from Egypt and on their own in the wilderness, the Israelites find themselves confronted by the Amalekites.  No longer slaves, they have the freedom to stand on their own two feet and fight!  One gigantic benefit they have is that God is on their side.  Moses is told to hold up his shepherd staff and God will fight for them.  Moses does all that he can in his own strength to help the Israelites, but Moses gets tired.  He is at the end of his rope.  His own efforts can take him no further. 

Can you imagine worrying about people dying if your arms are too tired to keep lifted?  Thankfully, Moses' brother Aaron and a man named Hur come along side Moses and hold up his arms.  This is a beautiful picture of what all of us need in this world.  Do you have times in your life when you just can't do it alone anymore?  You have fought the good fight, but you are out of ammunition. Look around.  Realize that God is with you. God will provide you with people to "hold up your arms."  God will provide the help because God is on your side. Aaron and Hur are a great example of how we should be available to help carry the burden of those around us. If we have the ability to help others, we are obligated to do so. This is the work of God. Do you realize that service to others is a form of worship?

Moses finds himself in another situation where he needs help.  As the people settle in, Moses is the person to whom they bring all of their conflicts.  He is the judge and arbiter.  Once again, this is too large a load for one person to handle. Moses' wise father-in-law, Jethro, who the story indicates is a believer in the One True God, advises Moses to find honest, wise men who will not accept bribes to become judges over the people.  Moses follows Jethro's advice and reaps the benefit of shared responsibility. 

As we watch this nation of Israel form under godly principles, it is good to learn that shared responsibility is a principle that works!  Do you delegate in your life?  Do you realize that in your marriage or work it is a blessing from the Lord so that you do not have to carry the load all by yourself?  Are you humble enough to accept help? On the flip side, are you willing to be a person who helps lift the load of others?

Matthew 22:34-23:12

One common problem that middle school and high school teachers face is classes with students who are there just to give the teacher a hard time.  Their real interest is not in learning, but in making the teacher's life difficult.  Sometimes they will ask questions in hopes that the instructor will be unable to answer the question. This will cause the teacher to look like a fool and lose credibility with the class.

The Pharisees and Sadducees are like middle-schoolers in todays reading. They are trying to punk Jesus so that he will lose credibility.  They ask him what the greatest commandment is. They expect him to choke, but he is unfazed and able to tell them that loving God and loving people tops the list.  

Jesus then decides to punk them.  He asks them how it is that the Messiah is David's Lord and is also David's son.  They have no answer.  Jesus has weakened their credibility. Jesus admonishes the crowd not to follow religious leaders who are just out for a show.  They want to look religious, but do not truly know God. 

He tells them not to call anyone "Father" in a religious sense. Only God is your father. Also, do not call anyone "Rabbi" or teacher.  Only the Messiah is the teacher. Finally, do not call anyone "Master."  Only the Messiah is your master.  Jesus warns us about giving our religious leaders undo loyalty and position. Whether it be an imam, shaman, catholic priest, or your local preacher, Jesus warns against elevating human religious leaders.

Do you make the mistake of thinking that religious leaders are actually more spiritual than you because of their position? Do you consider your pastor or bible study leader just another brother or sister in Christ who is fallible?  How can you heed Jesus' teaching today?

Psalm 27:7-14

I love the part of the psalm that says "Come and talk with me,"  then my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming." 

This psalm then states, "You have always been my helper."  This fits so nicely with what we talked about today.  Let God be your helper!

Proverbs 6:27-35

Being in an adulterous relationship is like scooping hot coals into your lap.  You're gonna get burned, baby!

What did you see today?  Let's talk.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton

February 2- Is the Lord Going to Take Care of Us or Not?

February 2, 2011

Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33;
Psalm 27: 1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

Happiness is like manna; it is to be gathered in grains, and enjoyed every day. It will not keep; it cannot be accumulated; nor have we got to go out of ourselves or into remote places to gather it, since it has rained down from Heaven, at our very door."  
~Tryon Edwards

Exodus 15:19-17:7

Can you imagine being the leader of one million people who have just left their comfortable homes and are now camping in the desert?  Do you like to camp?  One of the main reasons that I hesitate to camp is that cooking and preparing food is such a pain in the neck when you are camping.  Nothing is convenient from heating the food to getting rid of the left overs.  Everything is difficult and I often feel like grumbling and complaining when camping.

God realizes the predicament that the Israelites are in.  He solves the whole camping issue by miraculously providing food for forty years! Ladies, we are talking fast food for a generation!  The bread called manna was sweet.  Manna means "What is it?" God also sent quail each day for their meat. God only required that they obey a few rules in order to get the fast food.  They had to participate in the miracle by gathering just enough for each days needs and enough for two days needs prior to the Sabbath rest day. This required obedience and faith. God tested the faith of the Israelites for forty years. They had the privilege of participating in the miraculous for forty years! Forty happens to be the number of preparation in Scripture. This feeding miracle was a means of preparing the Israelites for entrance into the Promised Land.

You and I receive blessings from heaven every day, too. God's universal grace is poured out on His creation through nature. The sun shine that provides vitamin D3 for our skin and actually helps strengthen our bones is a gift from God. The rain that pours down and waters the earth, quenching our thirst and maintaining our bodies which are 55-75 percent water, is a constant miracle. We must mentally and spiritually gather in each miracle of provision daily. Our obedience in this process guarantees entrance into the Promised Land of the abundant Christian life. Remember to be thankful and gather in your blessings each day.

In order to remember God's provision once they were in the land, God had them preserve some of the manna for future generations to see in the Ark of the Covenant.  After rescuing them from slavery, killing the Pharaoh and helping them to gain wealth by plundering the Egyptians, God is now showing His power again.  He is proving that He provides for His People.  May I say that God is demonstrating what a good husband and father does for those under his care.

As you might guess, the people complained anyway and also continued to question whether God would really take care of them.  Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, let's consider whether or not we are guilty of doing the same thing in our lives.  Do you and I ever exhibit a lack of faith?  Are you often grumbling to God about your life circumstances?  Do you worry about clothing, money, and food?  Yeah, me, too. Like the Israelites, it is easy to lack faith and forget God's great provisions. Okay then, we should back off on judging the Israelites.

Lesson:  God cares for our needs.  He is a good provider. He is powerful and uses His power for our good. We can rest in that truth. We can participate in the miraculous by faithful obedience to Christ.

Do you trust God for the little things in life?  Are you in the habit of grumbling about your life circumstances?

Matthew 22:1-33

"Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures and you don't know the power of God."  Matthew 22:33

Today Christ is dealing with the religious leaders. His conclusion is that they do not know their Scriptures. That is a pretty strong indictment.


First, he tells a parable of a king who has a wedding feast.  The first invited guests don't show up for the dinner.  In anger, the king invites whoever is on the street to the feast.   After telling this story, Jesus says, "Many are called, but few are chosen."  This is a further explanation of the push and pull relationship that God has with His chosen people, the Israelites.  The initial guests are the Israelites.  The Gentiles are the people off of the streets. The story illustrates the initial rejection by his own people that Christ will experience. It is the rejection of Christ by the nation of Israel that acts as the catalyst for the Gentiles to accept Christ as their Messiah (Romans 11). 

Next, the religious leaders try to trap him on the tax issue.  Jesus says to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's.  The trap doesn't work.  The leaders and the people are amazed at Christ's wisdom. 

Then the Sadducees confront him about marriage in heaven.  Strange that they would do this because they don't even believe in resurrection.  Jesus knows this and rebukes their ignorance. He proceeds to explain that we are resurrected in the end of time, but will exist like the angels without marriage. Note that Jesus did not say we become angels. He merely states that like angels we will not be given in marriage in our resurrected bodies. Marriage is not a part of the new earth.  Remember that marriage is a picture on this earth about God and His people.  It is a picture of God's intimacy with those who love Him. In the new earth, this picture is no longer necessary.  We will be in perfect intimacy without the separation that sin causes. 

Jesus emphasizes that God is the God of the Living. This means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's souls still exist.  You and I will live after we die, if we trust in Christ.  Talk about good news!

Lesson:  We need to be wedded to Christ.  We will live after we die. We can look forward to perfect intimacy with God one day.

Have you accepted the invitation?  How can you live like you will never die?

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid?  That says it all, folks!

Proverbs 6:20-26

Wear the words of your elders around your neck to remind you.  Stay away from sexual immorality.  Remember the picture of God and marriage.

What did you notice today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton