If God is for us, who can stand against us? - Romans 8

I'll begin this post with a remarkable youth project that involved 30 church young people reminding us of God's love by reciting Romans 8. (I wish I knew the church - it is Living Waters New Covenant Church but I could not determine its location fro I think it is herre in Tallahassee!)



And finish with an inspirational interpretation of today's reading:

Purdue Varsity Glee Club - Deuteronomy 32

Matthew Henry's commentary on Deuteronomy 32:3-6

"He is a Rock." This is the first time God is called so in Scripture. The expression denotes that the Divine power, faithfulness, and love, as revealed in Christ and the gospel, form a foundation which cannot be changed or moved, on which we may build our hopes of happiness. And under his protection we may find refuge from all our enemies, and in all our troubles; as the rocks in those countries sheltered from the burning rays of the sun, and from tempests, or were fortresses from the enemy. "His work is perfect:" that of redemption and salvation, in which there is a display of all the Divine perfection, complete in all its parts. All God's dealings with his creatures are regulated by wisdom which cannot err, and perfect justice. He is indeed just and right; he takes care that none shall lose by him. A high charge is exhibited against Israel. Even God's children have their spots, while in this imperfect state; for if we say we have no sin, no spot, we deceive ourselves. But the sin of Israel was not habitual, notorious, unrepented sin; which is a certain mark of the children of Satan. They were fools to forsake their mercies for lying vanities. All wilful sinners, especially sinners in Israel, are unwise and ungrateful."

Is God your 'Rock". Do you turn to Him to strengthen your foundation and follow His steadfast ledership? It is always easy to call upon God in times of need or distress, but we should daily lean on Him for his strength and wisdom.

Paul's Letter to the Romans: Chapters 7-8

Yale Divinity School Dean Harold W. Attridge and Professor Emeritus David L. Bartlett discuss The Letter of Paul to the Romans Chapters 7-8.

The conversation is part of the Yale Bible Study Series. The Series aims to engage educated lay audiences by offering the insights of biblical scholarship in a relaxed, informal, yet rigorous manner.



"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Psalm 34: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord

The story told in Psalm 34 is an interesting one. David had just slain Goliath that giant of a man who provoked Israel. Saul was King of Israel and became jealous of David's popularity and planned to kill him, so David fled to Gath, which was a Philistine city. Saul followed him there. The king of Gath was Abimelech, and he was not sympathetic to David. David became afraid. He should have trusted in the Lord, but he did not. Instead he made a plan of his own by trying to make Abimelech think that he was insane. Abimelech did not kill David because in those days they thought that it was wrong to kill someone insane. Abimelech sent David away and he went to a cave in Adullam, which was a few miles away. 400 people went to the camp that David made in Adullum. They were refugees from a difficult life in Judah. This story is told in I Samuel, chapters 21 and 22. In Psalm 34 David thanked God that he was safe. Here is a musical interpretation of the passage.

Redemption Song offered for inspiration

This version of "Redemption Song" was performed by artists around the world in honor of Bob Marley's birthday, and in support of justice, caring and redemption for the entire planet. For me, this song helps me rise above my past and move forward with love and hope. Lyrics are below. God bless, and enjoy:



Redemption Song
by Bob Marley

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look? Ooh
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fullfil the book
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Woh, have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fullfill the book
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
All I ever had
Redemption songs
These songs of freedom
Songs of freedom

Judge not lest you be judged. Romans 2

Romans is Paul's fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. It's declarations of vast truths broaden our perspective and can help shape our lives. Chrysostom, generally considered the fifth century's greatest preacher (pictured to the left), had Romans read aloud once a week. Augustine, Luther and Wesley, three supremely significant contributors to the Christian heritage, all came to assured faith through the impact of Romans. All the reformers saw Romans as the God-given key to understanding all Scripture, since here Paul brings together all the Bible's greatest themes - sin, law, judgment, human destiny, faith, works, justification, sanctification, election, the plan of salvation, the work of Christ and of the Spirit, the Christian hope, the nature and life of the church, the place of Jew and non-Jew in the purposes of God, the philosophy of world history, the meaning and message of the Old Testament, the duties of Christian citizenship, and the principles of personal godliness and morality. From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. At last there is a book of the Bible from which I can grow spiritually.

Here is Romans:2 sung word for word from the New International Version (NIV). Created as a bible memory tool by the artist, Greg Stultz, who offers it to God's people and to everyone to
whom God says "In the past God overlooked ignorance but now He commands all people everywhere to repent!"



We haven't heard from our friend Matthew Henry in a while. Here is his interpretation of these passages:

The Jews thought themselves a holy people, entitled to their privileges by right, while they were unthankful, rebellious, and unrighteous. But all who act thus, of every nation, age, and description, must be reminded that the judgment of God will be according to their real character. The case is so plain, that we may appeal to the sinner's own thoughts. In every wilful sin, there is contempt of the goodness of God. And though the branches of man's disobedience are very various, all spring from the same root. But in true repentance, there must be hatred of former sinfulness, from a change wrought in the state of the mind, which disposes it to choose the good and to refuse the evil. It shows also a sense of inward wretchedness. Such is the great change wrought in repentance, it is conversion, and is needed by every human being. The ruin of sinners is their walking after a hard and impenitent heart. Their sinful doings are expressed by the strong words, "treasuring up wrath." In the description of the just man, notice the full demand of the law. It demands that the motives shall be pure, and rejects all actions from earthly ambition or ends. In the description of the unrighteous, contention is held forth as the principle of all evil. The human will is in a state of enmity against God. Even Gentiles, who had not the written law, had that within, which directed them what to do by the light of nature. Conscience is a witness, and first or last will bear witness. As they kept or broke these natural laws and dictates, their consciences either acquitted or condemned them. Nothing speaks more terror to sinners, and more comfort to saints, than that Christ shall be the Judge. Secret services shall be rewarded, secret sins shall be then punished, and brought to light.matthew Henry

Lightening it up a bit with Mel Brooks as Moses

Acts 28 and a lot of unanswered questions.

In this conclusion to the Book of Acts, I am left puzzling over some unanswered questions. Here are a bunch of "whys".

• Why is there no account of Paul standing before Caesar?
• Why are there accounts of one rescue after another which enable Paul to get to Rome, and then in the final chapter of the book, we are not given any account of his trial, and particularly its outcome?
• Maybe Luke completed the book of Acts before these things happened. but...
• Why is there no great emphasis on Paul’s Gentile ministry (or ministry in general) in Rome?
• Why is there so much more emphasis on the shipwreck in chapter 27 and the beginning of chapter 28 than on Paul’s time in Rome in chapter 28?
• Why is there so much emphasis on Publius and his family, and yet none on Caesar?
• Why was it so important for Paul to reach Rome when there was already a church there?
• What did Paul’s visit to Rome accomplish?

As Luke draws the Book of Acts to a conclusion, he leaves a lot of our questions unanswered. Perhaps Luke intended to write yet another volume. What is the message to Luke’s early readers, and what is the message for us? What did we learn in our reading of this final chapter of Acts.

Psalm 33 interpreted by Greek Byzantine singer Nektaria Karantzi

Nektaria Karantzi is a Byzantine and traditional singer from Greece. She studied law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and also obtained a postgraduate degree in criminal law from the University of Athens. She is currently a doctoral candidate in criminal law at the University of Athens.

Then she discovered music - Byzantine music specifically. She holds a diploma in Byzantine music from the Byzantine School of Music. She is currently in training since 2003, under the renowned interpreter of traditional songs, Chronis Aidonidis. In addition, she has studied the piano and Western musical theory, and has also had voice training under the tutelage of Thanos Petrakis and Dina Goudioti.

In 2005, she participated with Chronis Aidonidis and Dimitris Verykios in an Easter television show titled He was grieved on the Hellenic TV channel in which she sang Byzantine hymns for the Holy Week. In 2008 she participated in the 6th Festival of Sacred Music in Patmos from which this rendition was taken. I speak no Byzantine Greek and I am pretty sure you don't either so just close your eyes and enjoy the beauty o a beautiful Psalm set to beautiful music:

Paul’s Trial Before King Agrippa. Acts 26

In Acts 26 we find the longest and most important of five speeches the apostle Paul made to defend himself and the gospel. Many charges had been leveled against Paul by the Jewish people, including the charges that he was against the law, against the temple, and against Caesar. Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea so that he could be tried on these charges. But the truth is, none of these charges was ever proven. Paul was innocent of these false charges; yet, because of politics, the Roman governors Felix and Festus did not set him free.

When Paul saw that he was not receiving justice at the hands of these governors, he appealed as a Roman citizen to Caesar Nero for an opportunity to defend himself in the court of Caesar. In Acts 25 we read that King Agrippa II and his sister Queen Bernice came to pay the new governor, Festus, a visit in Caesarea. While they were there, Festus consulted with King Agrippa II as to what he should write on the charge sheet to be sent to Rome with Paul. When Agrippa heard that Paul was there, he requested Paul be brought before him to make his case. Paul spoke to King Agrippa and his sister, Bernice.

Would any of us have the strength of our faith and our love of the Lord to stand up before a royal court and not only defend ourselves, but make every effort to convert to Christianity the very court before which we were being tried? Below is a good enactment of the trial:

Psalm 32. The beauty of God's forgiveness

Psalm 32 is a song that reaches back to the story of David and Bathsheba as recorded in Samuel 2:11. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and to cover up his crime he had Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite, sent to bloody battle where he was killed. This Psalm is about David's agony over what he had done and had tried to hide even from God.

Today's Psalm is all about the blessedness of God's forgiveness when we finally confesses our sins to God and are redeemed.



Psalm 32

1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.

7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

God as a bored tyrant puts the Isrealites in "time out"

In the book of Numbers there's a story about the rebellion of Korah, which particularly shows the vengeful side of God. It begins when Korah and a number of his followers question the authority of Moses, asking why it is that he gets to be raised up above all the people. Now Moses says it's because he speaks directly with God, and to prove that he really speaks on behalf of God, Moses asks Korah and 250 of his followers to take censers filled with incense and stand with them in front of the tabernacle. Then God sent down fire and engulfed in flames all those 250 followers of Korah. For the rest of Korah's followers and all those associated with him, the earth opened up and swallowed them whole and they directly descended into Sheol, the land of the dead. The lesson: if you disobey God, He'll take vengeance, and it won't be nice.

I am really struggling with the Book of Numbers (and aptly named I might add). It is a LONG list of edicts and "how-tos". How to sacrifice an animal, which ones and how many to kill, what to do with the guts and blood, how to build a tabernacle, who is to do it, where to sleep, who to sleep next to, how to make robes, how to treat the infirm (sometimes badly I might add), how to discover and "fix" an aldulterous wife (nothing said about an unfaithful husband), what to drink and eat, detailed instruction on offerings, how to light lamps, how to make and blow silver trumpets, how to get killed (just look behind the curtain), how to really tick God off (and likely get killed), how to heal some people and kill others (even unborn children), how to maim others, how to send a really good plague, what clothes to wear, how to blame others for His own indiscretions, while forbidding graven images instructs Moses on how to do it (make a snake and put it on a pole), how to abuse animals, how to get an easy divorce (if you are a man), how to get blamed for something you didn't do, how to get lost in the desert for a really long time, how to lay out a city, determine who can live in it, and SO much more including, apparently genocide.

God appears to be a vengeful, micromanaging tyrant. Someone explain the book of Numbers to me. Does belief in a seemingly vengeful God make us more obedient - even if it out of fear?

Here is an interesting study published in Futurity from the University of Oregon.

A Vengeful God keeps cheaters honest.

Belief in God doesn’t deter a person from cheating on a test, unless that God is a mean, punishing one. On the flip side, undergraduate college students who believe in a caring God are likely to take advantage of a deity’s forgiving nature by cheating.

The full study is at the link. Introductory video below:

Paul’s Trial before Felix: Acts 25

In our previous reading in Acts we learn of a plot to kill Paul by staging what amounts to a false trial before Felix, the Governor. After a few days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, a skilled lawyer to present their case before Felix. Tertullus began by flattering Felix saying,

“Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us.”

Oddly, the picture drawn by the Roman historian Tacitus of Felix’s public and private life is not a pretty one.  Trading on the influences of his infamous brother, Pallas, a favorite of the emperor Claudius, he indulged in every license and excess, thinking ‘that he could do any evil act with impunity’.

Felix began life as a slave.  His brother Pallas was a friend of the emperor Claudius; through such influence, he rose in status as a free man became the first slave in history to become a governor of a Roman province.  But his slave mentality stayed with him; Tacitus, the Roman historian, describes Felix as “a master of cruelty and lust who exercised the powers of a king with the spirit of a slave”

In reality he - Felix - had put down several insurrections with such barbarous brutality that he earned for himself the horror, not the thanks, of the Jewish population.

How aware are we of the danger of flattery? Poking around a bit I found these references:

i. Romans 16:18 speaks to us of who do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.  Jude 1:16 speaks of those who mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.
 
ii. Four different times, the book of Proverbs connects flattery with the sin of sexual immorality.  How many people have been seduced into immorality through simple flattery?
 
iii. Proverbs 20:19 says, He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; there for do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.  We aren’t to make flatterers our close friends!
 
iv. Psalm 78:36 says we can even flatter God: Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue.  When you give God insincere praise, it is flattery, and God doesn’t want it.

The charges against Paul were essentially that he was a politically dangerous ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes and that he had profaned the temple. Paul decides to answer for himself. He makes it clear that he has not abandoned the God of my fathers or the Law and the Prophets; instead he is acting in fulfillment of them both. The basis of Paul’s belief is founded on something accepted by a large segment of devout Jews: The resurrection of the dead (specifically, the resurrection of Jesus). Also, Paul reminds Felix that there is no eyewitness testimony to prove the charges of Paul’s accusers.

The result was that Felix postponed his decision, remanding Paul to custody, but with limited priviledges. After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

We can surmise that Paul spoke to Felix and Drusilla about the righteousness that is our in Jesus Christ; about the need for Christian ethics (self-control) and about our eternal accountability before God (the judgment to come). Hearing the gospel made Felix afraid; knowing his life, at least we can say that he probably understood it! The gospel should make those who are intent on rejecting Jesus afraid. In the end, the evil motive of Felix’s heart is revealed: greed. He wanted a ransom for Paul's freedom and it was not forthcoming. As a result, under Roman law, the type of custody Paul was in was could only last two years. Felix showed a blatant disregard for this by keeping Paul for an extended period. Felix refused to release Paul, knowing his innocence, for the same reason Pilate condemned Jesus while knowing His innocence. They both acted out of pure political expediency to placate the Jews.

People like Felix and Pilate are the most guilty of those who reject Jesus Christ. They know what is right but refuse to do right purely out of the fear of man. They have an eternally fatal lack of courage.

Are we flattering God with sometimes our insincere praise? Are we sometimes trying to "get in good with God" for the same personal gain Felix pursued? Food for thought.

Psalm 30: Sons of Korah - Garments of Joy

Saint Paul's Song

Written by Pierce Pettis and performed by Shane Marie Devine and cellist Charles Forbes.

Would that we could live a life like Paul's. Acts 20

In yesterday's reading from Acts 19, under Paul many pagans turned to Christianity in Ephesus, formerly a center of pagan Diana (Aretemis) worship. Craftsmen and silversmiths, who manufactured idols and shrines, saw their profit diminishing. These craftsmen stirred up the pagans against Paul and his companions, but apparently nobody was hurt in the end.

Following that, Paul revisited the churches in Macedonia, then went to Greece, where he stayed for three months. As he was about to sail to Syria, some Jews laid wait for him, so he returned through Macedonia. In Troas he raised up a young man from the dead, who died after falling down from the third floor of a house where Christians were gathered. Paul departed to Assos, from where he sailed with other disciples to Miletus via Mitylene, Chios, Samos and Trogyllium.

In Miletus he met with the elders of the Church from Ephesus and in his moving speech he bid farewell to them, knowing he would not see them again. He charged them to feed the flock, and warned them that wolves would enter their congregation and men would speak perverse things to draw away disciples.

From Miletus they sailed to Coos, Rhodes, Patara and Tyre, Syria, where disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit warned Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. The disciples tried to persuade Paul not to go up to Jerusalem, but Paul answered that he is ready not only to be bound, but also to die for Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:22-24 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Could we do that knowing we faced such dire consequences. Paul's life is an inspiration. His pilgrimages alone are epic, but his unfailing testimony to the grace of God should be a lesson to us all.

Paul likely died at the hand of Roman Emperor Nero. He was, however, immortalized by Clement 1 in a letter to the Corinthians in which he admonishes them to “Take up the epistle of the blessed Paul the Apostle”. Further stating:

"By reason of jealousy and strife Paul by his example pointed out the prize of patient endurance. After that he had been seven times in bonds, had been driven into exile, had been stoned, had preached in the East and in the West, he won the noble renown which was the reward of his faith, having taught righteousness unto the whole world and having reached the farthest bounds of the West; and when he had borne his testimony before the rulers, so he departed from the world and went unto the holy place, having been found a notable pattern of patient endurance."

Would that we could live such a life.

Artemis of the Ephesians: Acts 9

Artemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. When Paul and his disciples entered Ephesus there was a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, the patron diety of Ephesus, which brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. The silversmith called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. Now this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

Deities such as Artemis were honored with festivals, prayers, and sacrifices. Annual festivals included banquets, entertainment, sacrifices, processions, athletic contests, and the performance of mystery rites. Prayers included invocation, praise, and petition with the goal of receiving the favor of the goddess. Sacrifices were offered for praise, thanksgiving, or supplication. Can we begin to imagine the difficulties that Paul and his followers must have had trying to convince the Ephesians to change centuries of close-held belief? In the early church, the character of Christians was very important for gaining a hearing and for winning converts as they boldly gave testimony of their new faith. What were these Christians like?

When Rome conquered the Western world, the rulers saw how important religion was to the people. Rather than fight against this, they took advantage of it by putting images of the Roman emperors in places of worship with the other deities. This wasn't a big problem for the Greeks. Apart from the fact that the Romans were their rulers, Greeks weren't exclusive in their worship. To worship one deity didn't preclude worshiping others as well.

For the Christians, however, Jesus was Lord; there could be no other gods besides Him, and they couldn't bow before anyone who claimed divine authority, including the emperor. However, since in the minds of the Romans the emperor represented the state, to refuse to bow before his image was to be an enemy of the state.

The riot in Ephesus that resulted from Paul's teaching was prompted partly by monetary concerns; the craftsmen were afraid of losing business. But the chant, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians" which went on for two hours--by people who didn't even know what the specific problem was--shows that money was not the only issue. The strength of religious devotion to the civic cults was such that Roman emperors saw the advantage of identifying with them instead of fighting them.

Inspiration from Priscilla teaching Apollos: Acts 18

Priscilla and Aquila were a first century Christian missionary couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the Seventy Disciples. They lived, worked, and traveled with the Apostle Paul, becoming his honored, much-loved friends and coworkers in Christ Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila are described in the New Testament as providing a presence that strengthened the early Jesus groups. Paul was generous in his recognition and acknowledgment of his indebtedness to them.

According to the account in Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila explained a 'more accurate' Christian point to Apollos, an apostle and important preacher of the period. In some of the debates over the role of women in ministry nowadays, much is made of Priscilla teaching Apollos in Acts 18:26. It is often said that since Priscilla taught Apollos this means that women may teach men contrary to some interpretations.

1 Timothy 2:11-12: A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.

Our Presbyterian faith allows women to assume very powerful and influential positions in our Churches (just look around our congregation!). But that is not the case in some other denominations.

Priscilla's mutuality in ministry and her leadership as layperson can inspire members of church communities today to work together equally as teachers and preachers of the gospel. We can learn from Priscilla and Aquila. They symbolize that sometimes we are more powerful and effective as a christian team than as individuals. They also used their home to help educate people. Do you have a strong Christian home? Is your home helping to raise a Christian family and how is it influencing your friends and extended family?

The Punishment of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram: Numbers 16

Click image to enlarge
During their journey through the desert Korah, Dathan and Abiram revolt against Moses's leadership. God punishes the lot - the ringleaders plus 250 followers - by having the earth swallow them whole.

There are three scenes in this Sistine Chapel fresco by Sandro Botticelli, all of them with Moses in the foreground. On the right, Joshua stops rebels ready to stone Moses. In the center, Aaron (with miter) is attacked by people who dispute his priesthood. On the left, Moses calls on God to punish the rebels.

The arch in the back is the Arch of Constantine, built near the Coliseum in Rome. Constantine was the first christian Roman emperor. According to a medieval document (that later was prove to be false) he gave worldly power to the popes. Pope Sixtus obviously wanted to mention that in his chapel.

Children Go Where I Send Thee - Hall & Oates (video)

Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle and the setting apart of the Levites - Numbers 6,7,& 8

What was the mood was like on the day that Moses had finished setting up the Tabernacle? Was there an awe and reverence of God? Were there thousands of men, women, and children trying to get a glimpse of the Tabernacle? In Numbers chapters 7 we get a little of the feeling of what took place when the Tabernacle was completed. Moses was within the Tabernacle anointing and consecrating the walls, furnishings, and utensils. Moses was declaring that the Tabernacle and all with in it was Holy and God’s. God commanded the leaders of Israel to come forth one day at a time to present their offerings for the dedication of the altar, and they all brought the same offering. Did all the people follow their leaders and their offering to the Tabernacle? If so, the Tabernacle must have been packed!

Moses enters the tent to meet with God Who speaks with him from above the mercy seat between the two cherubim upon the Ark of the Testimony. Moses had spoken with God frequently and most notably from an unconsumed burning bush. Was he now accustomed to being in God’s presence, or was he humbly in awe each time? How do we approach God in our lives? Sadly, in my case, usually with a problem. I will work on that.

In Numbers chapter 8 we have all of the Levites cleansed and taken into the service of the Tabernacle as Nazarites. The Levites were presented by the Israelites as a wave offering before the Lord. The Israelites were instructed to place their hands upon the Levites. This must have been an incredibly solemn and personal moment between the Israelites and the Levites. It was no animal that was being offered to God it was the Levites being presented to be worthy of service. The Levites were given as a gift from God to Aaron and his sons to perform service. Not an offering in the sense of blood sacrifices; these Levites were set apart in service to God.

I am throughly enjoying taking this time to read through the Bible and blog about it as I read. I pray that you too find this an encouragement and may you be spurred to know God in a more personal way through reading through the Bible - and join me in sharing your thoughts here!