The Burning Bush

   In Exodus 3:2-3 it says, "And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush, and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.  So Moses said, "I must see turn aside now and see this  marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."

    This is such an amazing and unique story to me that I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts about it and what I think is unique about it.  I love the story of Moses, how God took someone from an obscure place and used him to lead his people to the promise land and through many trials.  It seems that God does delight to do that throughout scripture whether it be Jeremiah, David, Gideon or the apostles. 

   One of the first things that I see in this passage is that God's appearance to Moses was unique.  If this were to happen today, we might expect someone to go out and write a book.  Maybe it would be called "How to Have Your Own Burning Bush Experience" or "40 Days of Burning Bushes" or maybe "Light Up Your Yard with God".   But, God's experience was totally personal and unique to Moses.  He came to Moses in a powerful way and a personal way and spoke to the heart of his need.  I think it is a shame that so many people expect for others to experience God the way they do.  If I don't wish to roll around on the floor or create a public spectacle of myself, it is okay.  It doesn't negate the fact, that perhaps God is speaking to me also.

   Second, going along with that idea is the fact that God spoke Moses name.  The first words that God spoke are "Moses, Moses!" verse 4.  God was trying to get his attention personally.  He knew that the fact that a burning bush by itself was not going to get Moses' attention.  That sometimes happens in that part of the world in the desert where the heat can get so intense.  But, Moses noticed that the burn was not burned up, which was totally unique and got Moses attention.

   Third, God wanted Moses to know that he is holy verse 5.  We live in a world where it seems more and more people are saying that truth is relative.  But, God declares himself as pure and holy with no sin or stain in his person.  Not only has he never done wrong, but he cannot do wrong.  He does not tempt anyone to sin and is entirely trustworthy.  It reminds me of when Pilate asked Jesus "what is truth?"  Literally, he is saying that truth is relative.  But, little did he realize that truth in the person of Jesus was standing right in front of him.

   Fourth, God wants Moses to know that he cared about the people's situation verse 7.  Twice in verse 7 God makes it clear that he has both seen and given heed to the cry of his people.  Remember that this is a time period where previously God has been silent for 400 years.  During that entire time the people have been in bondage in Egypt.  They have been the builders of the great towers and buildings of Egypt.  They were treated cruelly and it is only natural after all that time to wonder if God is truly listening.  For them and for us, the message is that God does see and hear and take notice of our suffering, our need and our pain.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15

End Times?

     Most of us have been shocked at the destruction of the earthquake and tsunami that swept through Japan recently.  The pictures coming in remind me of some of the stories of destruction in the Bible or some of the pictures of England at the end of WWII.  I can't even imagine 30 feet of water rushing in and washing whole towns away.  It reminds me of catastrophic pictures of what will happen in the end times mentioned in Revelations.

     As a christian, I think we are to be looking for that day and hour when the Lord will eventually return.  But, the Bible says that we are to be busy until that return.  I recently posted a message on a forum that I am a moderator on about how one group thinks the end of the world will be on May 11, 2011.  They have a set of buses and are going around the country warning people of Jesus return.  People have left houses and families to get on these buses and travel around warning people. 

    But, that is not what the Bible tells us to do.  But, it is interesting to think about.  If you really truly thought the world was coming to an end in the next two months, would you do anything differently?  If you thought Jesus was coming back this weekend or week would you change your plans? 

Moses face Shines

        When Moses was originally enlisted by God to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, he was reluctant saying that he was "slow of speech".  God allowed Moses to enlist his relative Aaron to speak for him.  But, time and again we see that Moses really did have the courage and ability to speak on his own.  One of these times was in Exodus 34.  Moses had asked the Lord to see his glory, so God comes down to visit him and reveal himself to him.

         God specifically told Moses that nobody could see his face and live.  But, he did say that he would pass by and speak his name to him.  So, as Moses stands on the top of Mt.Sinai the Lord appears and says "The Lord, The Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness, and truth, who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives inquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the inquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation."  Ex 34:5-7

        It was after a lengthy stay on the mountain top when the covenant that God had with his people was renewed.  As Moses came down from Mt.Sinai it says his face shone because God had been speaking to him (Ex 34:29).  In fact, when Aaron and others saw this they were afraid to come near to him.  So much so, that Moses would have to wear a veil over his face after that.  The shine on Moses face was a glow from the glory of God that he had been exposed to.

       I've always said that I think that is the kind of light that we are in Christ.  I think our light is a reflective light.  If I am a light it is only because I know that light.  My hope is, that I have spent enough time working on my relationship with God that there is some actual difference in who I am.  That others can realize that I know God because I am different than the world.  

       I think often times, whether it is because of peer pressure or a lack of knowledge or understanding of who we are in Christ, many who call themselves believers don't act any different than the world.  We worry, fuss and argue just like the world does.  We sometimes don't do a very good job of reflecting his glory.  Yet, God doesn't give up on us, he continues to try and mold us into something that he can use.  The Bible calls it pruning.

   "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."

    The Bible tells us that God is good and that God does not bring evil into our hearts or lives.  But, this world that we live in is a difficult place sometimes.  Life can change in a millisecond.  While I don't believe God causes that, I think that God can bring something good out of it.  I think that this is one way that he prunes us so that we can bear more fruit for him. 

   "we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulations brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within us." Romans 5:3-5

   "Consider it all joy; my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  James 1:2-4

   "even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7

More Favorite Verses

     Just wanted to share a few more of my favorite verses and some that are meaningful to me especially.

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.   On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God."  Psalm 62:5-7

      I have a difficult time with waiting.  I once told someone that I thought hell is waiting room where your number is never called.  I would rather do anything than wait.  Sometimes that has gotten me into trouble.  Sometimes, when I have done what I could, I simply need to sit back and trust God.  Maybe I am in God's waiting room so much because I don't learn that lesson and need reminders. 

   "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us."  Psalm 103:11-12

      I like this because it reminds us of how unlimited the love of God is.  The heavens are infinitely higher and greater than the earth.  The same is true for God's love.  Just as east and west never meet our sin is separated from us forever because of what God has done.

"Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The one who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of his power not one of them is missing."  Isaiah 40:26 and    "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength.  They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."  Isaiah 40:31

     The entire chapter of Isaiah 40 is about the greatness of God.  In verse 26, it tells us that God leads and has named all of the stars.  We can't even count that high and God has them all named and leads them across the sky.  I like verse 31 because it tells me that there is strength in my faith that will be renewing.  I think we all need that at times.  I know that I do.

   "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

   This verse is in a paragraph about worry from verses 25-34.  The Lord was telling us that our priority as His was is His kingdom and things that are eternal.  To trust God to be able to take care of us and not to walk in worry.  I need to be reminded of this daily because I tend to worry a lot.

     "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will provide a way of escape; that you may be able to endure it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

    Paul gives us this verse in a discussion about learning from the mistakes of Israel when they grumbled and doubted God and were destroyed.  God provides a way for us to escape temptation or overcome it.  God is faithful to do this.  I cannot blame God if I give in to temptation. 

Favorite Verses

     I thought I would do something a little different today and share with you some of my favorite verses and tell you a little about why they are important to me.

"Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me."  John 15 4

     This is a command from Jesus, probably while he was talking with his disciples in the upper room.  I think this is so important to remember because we have a tendency toward self-reliance, even in our spiritual walk.  I have to remember that I am reliant on Him for everything.  At work, I can pretend that my productivity is a result of my own ability, but if I am to bear fruit eternally, it is going to be because of my relationship with the Lord.  It is of first importance.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

     This doesn't mean that God causes all things to be good or that all things that happen to a believer are good.  I have found that if you give your problems to God that God can often bring something good about it.  At the very least, our weakness makes us more sympathetic to those who are weak.  Maybe it makes us more sensitive to our own weakness and in turn less prideful and more aware of how life can change in a moment. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5

     This verse was brought to my attention by my roommate in college Brett Dutton, who is now a pastor south of Houston.  Again, I think it is for the same reason as the verse I first quoted, it is of primary importance that I trust God, even when I do not see him at work.  This verse comes with a promise, that he will make the mountains in the front of me straight.

"For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

    The emphasis in Colossians is on the preeminence of Christ in all things.  I love the idea that we are rescued.  Like a man or woman plucked off a rooftop in  Japan, we are helpless to save ourselves.  It was He who did it.  He is the one who washes us clean.  We simply receive what he wants to give out of his love.

"And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever." Rev 22:5

    There is a lot of great things to look forward to in heaven.  I think one of those things is that things that are fearful or that cause anxiety will be gone.  Darkness represents the unknown and sin and sometimes the dark place in our own lives.  Those things will be done away with.  Sometimes it is good just to remember that this isn't all there is.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

    Again, it is always important to remember who does the saving, it is a gift.  As proud of myself as I may be sometimes I don't deserve it.  God gives it to me because he loves us.  My good works are like filthy garments in his eyes.  My best efforts do not measure up.  The grace of God is his "unmerited favor" and it is important that this is how he treats us. 

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

    I am not by nature a particularly optimistic person.  I call myself a realist, but sometimes I can get downright negative.  But, I need to remember there is a source of strength that I often leave untapped and that is the Lord.  Through Him, I can do must more than I think or imagine.  My problem is that I often try to do things on my own.

Pastor attacked and assistant injuried

         I usually don't post thoughts like this, but I was thinking that this could just as easily of been me in the church on a Thursday afternoon.  On different days it has been when I was a pastor.  Some maniac broke into or somehow attacked this pastor Clint Dobson and his assistant Judy Elliott.  They are saying now that robbery may have been a motive.  The pastor is now dead and the assistant is (at the time of writing this) fighting for her life. 

       It just seems sad that a man who is trying to just do some good for his community can't sit in his own church and work and feel safe.  It reminds me of a time when I was in West Virginia and I found a man who was in one of our Sunday School rooms.  I think he was just looking for a place to sleep on a quiet afternoon.  It was unnerving because I was alone in the church at the time or at least I had thought I was.

          My prayers go out to this church and the survivors of this tragedy.

Household Idol

"Michal took the household idol and laid ot on the bed, and put a quilt of goats' hair at its head and covered it with clothes." 1 Samuel 19:13

      This quote is taken from the period of time when David is beginning to distinguish himself as a warrior on the battlefield.  God is blessing the people of God with victories and Saul is becoming increasingly jealous and paranoid about David's popularity.   It says that this started when Saul heard the women singing this song,

   "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands."  1 Samuel 18:7

     Instead of feeling flattered that they included him in the song, which he clearly didn't deserve, he becomes paranoid that David is plotting against him.  Saul tries to manipulate the circumstances so that  David will die on the battlefield, but David achieves victories and ends up marrying Saul's daughter Michal.

     It is unclear to me how long Michal and David had been married at this point, but David become aware that men are coming to kill him, so Michal lets him down the back window, which is apparently near the city wall.  Most likely soliders were watching for David at the city gate.  When they come to get him at home, Michael uses a household idol as a way or making it appear that someone is in the bed.  The word idol here is the Hebrew word "Teraphyiym" and while it can mean a household shrine or idol it doesn't seem to indicate a particular size.

   Up until now, we haven't heard anything about an idol.  We don't know if this was Michal's idol that she brought when they got married or if it was David's.  It seems clear that as the husband he would have known of its existence.  How seriously he took the worship of it or if it was merely a sign of past traditions and customs is unclear.

    I think though that it is an indication of a compromise in David's life with tradition.  He was willing to make small compromises due to the customs of his day.  I think it is a warning to us that if this was possible with a man like David, who had a heart like David, then it is possible with us as well.  I think this is telling us that we need to be consistently diligent to guard our hearts and minds against all forms of idolatry, whether person, place or thing.  Unfortunately, if you look at David's son Solomon, he did fall into idolatry because of idols that his wife had. 

   In early years, Solomon wrote these words in Proverbs 4:23-25

       "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put devious lips far from you.  Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you."