Don’t just submit to God’s will – welcome it! But make sure to do your part…(1 Chronicles 19:10-13)

How often have you heard that we need to submit to God’s will?  As Christians, we hear this theme in many contexts – through our prayers, in the face of key decisions – when consoling those suffering a great loss.  These directives can lead to a mental picture of removing ourselves from the equation completely – thereby allowing God complete control without any intervention from us.  Just get out of God’s way and let Him take care of it! 

While it is true that we are to bow to God’s will, the passage for today goes further. It goes further in that we are to participate in God’s will to the best of our abilities – but then we are to seek out God’s will in the situation, not just separating ourselves through submission.  God’s Word…

“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”” (1 Chronicles 19:10-13 ESV) 

Fyi - This scene is also described in 2 Samuel 10:11-12.

A little background is in order.  David is now king over Israel; Jerusalem has been captured and made the capital; a few battles have been completed with the Philistines and an alliance was formed with Hiram of Tyre.  Israel’s government is established and orderly - “So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.” (1 Chronicles 18:14, ESV).

Nahash, the king of the Ammonites recently died and David sent condolences to his son Hanun.  Hanun’s leadership convinced him that David’s men were spies and so they shaved them and cut the bottom of their clothes so that their butts were exposed – and sent them cowering back to Jerusalem.  David he incepted his crew and offered them protection and asylum to avoid more humiliation. 

Of course this made David quite mad – and the Ammonites knew it!  So they mustered their fighting forces and hired mercenaries to help.  Verse 6 tells us that Hanun paid 1,000 talents of silver or 75,000 pounds – which is valued at $36 million at today’s market value ($30/oz as of 12/28/2012).  It is a huge sum to pay – all because they misinterpreted David’s gesture of good will!

David then sent his armies to ward off any attacks – with Joab at the helm. Picture the scene in v8-9 – an army of 32,000 chariots, standing at the gate of the city - kings from other lands at a distance opposite David's army (see 2 Sam verses for clarity).  

From Logos Deluxe Map Set

Surrounded, Joab divided into groups for battle –

“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites.” (1 Chronicles 19:10–11, ESV).

David’s leaders could have very easily thrown up their hands in the face of this adversity – and declare that this was in God’s hands now because it was beyond their capabilities.  They did not however – they relied on the talents God gave them through their previous experiences at war. 

“And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you.” (1 Chronicles 19:12, ESV)

Joab and Abishia did what they could given their resources and their talents as military leaders - and they agreed to help each other if they got into trouble with their respective duties.  So, they not only trusted their God given talents - but also trusted each other.

Most importantly they acknowledged the sovereignty of God and desired the will of The Lord.

“Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”” (1 Chronicles 19:13, ESV) emphasis mine.

How can we use the teaching in 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel in our lives today? 

First – be sure to do what you are able with the talents God has given you.  Do you know what those talents are? We all have God given capabilities in the form of natural talents and all Christians have special talents from the Holy Spirit!  If you’re not sure, maybe it is time to take a Spiritual Gift Inventory. Ephesians Four Ministries has a free evaluation tool.  It is our obligation to know and use the Gifts to edify the Body (1 Corinthians 12).

Next, trust your partnerships – never go it alone!  Partners come in many forms – your spouse or other family members, friends from small group, etc.  Maybe you don’t have all the talents needed to tackle the challenge – but God certainly equipped someone with the means to aid you. 

Most importantly, call on the will of God and trust that He is able to see you through – “…and may the Lord do what seems good to him”. 

Allow Him to be the guide through the adversities of life!

In addition to The Holy Bible, A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles (Crockett, William Day & Beecher, Willis Judson) was used as a reference in this blog.  Both available resources in Logos Bible Software v4.

Christians: We should also celebrate Hanukkah!

The celebration of Hanukkah, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication is often seen as only relevant to the Jewish faith and therefore not to be observed by Christians. Sure, we’ll politely greet our Jewish friends with “Happy Hanukkah” when seasonally appropriate, but most would never consider celebrating along with them. 

I had been inspired to research the topic a bit more recently and have concluded that not only is Hanukkah something we can openly observe – it also presents opportunities for us to be witnesses for Christ! 

I admit this blog is a little late in coming – however I think the subject is still top of mind enough to be worthy of sharing.  I hope this discovery warms your heart as much as it has warmed mine during the research. 

My Inspiration:

Our youngest daughter, Megan, has a couple new roommates at college this year.  While she gets along with all of them, one in particular appears to have become her new best friend. Her name is Ariel – they socialize together, they study together, they participate in each other’s clubs and interests - they seem to do most everything together.  In fact, Ariel has been around our house so much that she’s become a part of the family.  She is a delightful woman and we really love seeing her!

Ariel was raised in a family that follows the Jewish traditions.  Ariel has been taking the time to share her traditions of Hanukkah with Megan and with us during this festive season.  Those discussions have caused me to do some thinking about Hanukkah and the role that it possibly played in the formation of Christianity.  After all, my Lord and Savior is a Jewish Carpenter! 

So I wonder what Jesus followed as it relates to those traditions?  I did some research and there is only one mention of Hanukkah in Scripture – John 10:22. Holman refers to it as Hanukkah, however most translations refer to it as the Feast of Dedication or the Festival of Lights.

“At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.” (John 10:22–23, ESV)

(NOTE: The apocryphal book 2 Maccabees and the Babylonian Talmud document the events leading to Hanukkah and the celebration itself.  John is the only mention in the 66 books of the Old and New Testament.)

At first pass, it appeared to me that it was there only as a reference to the time of year.  Me thinks I was wrong – but more on that later.  So anyways, Ariel has given us a little information – like why it lasts eight days.  It had something to do with a miracle where the Temple lantern (Menorah) burned for eight days with only a one day supply of oil.  This was the extent of the explanation we received. 

What is Hanukkah?

Hmm – seems like there should be more.  And there is – upon research, I learned that Hanukkah is a celebration commemorating the restoration of the Temple worship and traditions as a result of the Jewish revolt led by Judas Maccabees in 168 - 165 BC.  The revolt was a response to years of oppression at the hands of Seleucids who are descendants of Alexander the Great.  Alexander is credited for expansion of the Greek culture (Hellenism) and was a known for his infrastructure feats (roads, bridges, etc) that enable his conquests as well as the expansion of Greek language along with the culture.

Basically, Alexander the Great’s Generals entered into a power struggle after his untimely death (311 BC) which resulted in multiple kingdoms and leaders – most prominent in this story is Ptolemy and Seleucus.  Judea was originally in the control of Ptolemy, but fell to the Seleucid’s in 200 BC.  Temple leadership was perverted during this time – sold to the highest bidder as part of Hellenization. 

Antiochus IV’s actions were the straw that broke the camel’s back however.  He instituted a stern Hellenistic campaign – making possession of a Torah a capital offense!  He outlawed circumcision, built altars of Greek gods, sacrificed unclean animals – he even placed a representation of Zeus on the Temple altar!!

Enough was enough!  In steps Judas Maccabees and his army of Jewish nonconformists – they defeated the Seleucids, destroyed the pagan altars, circumcised the boys and cleansed the Temple (Lange, The Illustrated History of the Jewish People).  Part of the Temple cleansing was to destroy the jars of oil that were contaminated and restart the Menorah with purity.  A problem however - they found only one sealed jug which is a one day supply.  Tradition holds that the lamps burned for eight days which is the amount of time needed to acquire more pure oil.  So, God made sure that the Temple worship process was secure even though the resources would have been exhausted – hence the miracle and reason Hanukkah is eight days.

So, what does this mean for Christians?

Possibly we could look at the Maccabean revolt and subsequent restoration of the Temple worship to be included in the list of catalysts that made the timing of Christ’s presence on earth the perfect one.  For example, Alexander the Great is certainly a catalyst!  His conquests enabled wide spanning routes so that world trade was commonplace.  Greek culture – and a common language made timing right as well.

He was brilliant and an enabler to a modern society. Alexander meant those things for his power and conquest – but as Paul teaches us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV).  The roads used for conquest became the same roads that Peter and Paul and others used to spread the Gospel!

There is another aspect of the political climate at the time.  Jesus came back addressing both Jews and gentiles. Alexander’s roads and the Hellenistic culture gave Jesus plenty to talk about with the gentiles – the Jewish people were addressed as well and the Maccabean revolt was the catalyst.

Bible following Jewish people were politically insignificant prior to the revolution.  They were oppressed at the hands of the Seleucids – no voice, no power.  The atrocities had gone too far and finally God’s chosen people revolted and reclaimed the Temple – the most important aspect of their connection with God!  They restored the traditions and worship practices whereby the political climate was changed. 

The Jewish people were a force to be reckoned with now.  They had proven that they can conquer and can overcome tyranny.  Maccabean control was short lived, however the stability of the Temple worship and the clout of the High Priest remained intact.  Future leaders over Jerusalem decided the best path to lasting peace was to permit the Jewish hierarchy of leadership to continue.

The Festival of Dedication can be seen as a contributor to bringing about the Church age.  Had the religious leaders of the time not had some clout –some power – they would have never been able to incite the crowds and influence Pilot to crucify Jesus.

If Jesus did not have a complete way to be considered the radical against the Jewish leaders and the Roman government, and if it would not ultimately led to His crucifixion, then the time would not have been right.  Interestingly, the section of Scripture that references Hanukkah is one where Jesus declares His deity while in the Temple – “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 ESV)!  The timing of that declaration in line with Hanukkah is clearly not a coincidence.  The glory of God returned!!!

Next Steps for us All:

Hanukkah is a festival that Christians can celebrate along with the Jewish followers.  And if we were to follow it more openly and positively – embracing it – it could lead to conversations that would give us permission to explain our connection as well as explain why we have hope of everlasting life.  We can explain how the story of Jesus is true and real – and that He came to save us from the spiritual death we deserve. 

Would this open doors?  I think it would.

So, celebrate Hanukkah for what it is – the restoration of the Temple traditions, as well as the restoration of political clout for the Jews which was an enabler for the timing of Jesus’ teachings and crucifixion.  Secondly, celebrate Hanukkah as a means to opening doors. 

Why are you Christians celebrating Hanukkah?  I’m glad you asked – let me tell you. 

Following God’s Lead Today – Numbers 9:15-23

Audio with slides:

Sermon notes (not a transcript) from a message delivered at Trinity Christian Chapel on November 18, 2012:

Hello – I am Tony Hipszer.  Some of you may know me because you remember Cindy and me telling you about our church planting trips to Central and South America, or maybe is it because of our work with the homeless in Camden or serving those who fall victim to a disaster.  

What some of you may not know is that I am a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University – now Cairn – and have a degree in Biblical Studies with a focus on Pastoral Leadership. 

Also you may not know that Cindy and I recently realized that God is calling us to commit more of our lives and time to Him and we have started a search for full time ministry opportunities. 

When Mike heard this he quickly offered to allow me some opportunities at the pulpit.  I was allowed to preach on any topic in the Bible except Revelation – I think he was worried that if someone else taught on Revelation…that they might actually finish it. 

Background:

People of Israel found themselves in bondage at the hands of the Egyptians when God appointed Moses to lead them out by His hands.  They were freed from slavery with the promise of their own land.

During the journey God established His laws and organized the community according to tribes which originate from the sons of Jacob.

In the 13^th month of the journey (Exodus 40:7) – they set up the tabernacle as place of worship, sacrifice and the dwelling place for the glory of God.

Open to God’s Word…

15 - On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony.  And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.

16 - So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.

17 - And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.

18 - At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped.  As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.  

19 - Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.

20 - Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out.

21 - And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out.

22 - Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.

23 - At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out.   They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.  

(Numbers 9:15–23, ESV)

PRAY

Set the scene:

Not your ordinary camping trip

The census taken earlier in the book tells us there were roughly 625,000 men of “fighting age”.  If only half of them had wives and children – the total population could easily be in excess of 2 million people. 

No advance scouting – people of Israel followed the cloud (fire at night). 

They were following God and traveling based on His will not their own will and to where He was taking them, not where they wanted to go – and without any real intelligence on what they would find when in route or when they got there – no scouting.

God’s timing – moving was based on when God decided they were going to move.

Seven times in nine verses Scripture uses the phrase – “command of the Lord” or “charge of the Lord” – it was clear God wanted His will to reign in the lives of Israel.

They had to be ready at any time – they did not know when God’s glory was going to move.  They had to travel light – even for nomads. 

We had to do this in a similar manner in the military – we didn’t know when we were going – we didn’t know where we were going – we only knew that we were not in the ultimate ending place and that we had to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. 

It was not a snap your fingers fast process – but within a few hours we had to be packed up and on our way.  I was stationed at Fort Bragg about 100 years ago.  We were a readiness post who could relocate the combat divisions of the 82 airborne to anywhere in the world in 24-48 hours – with the rest of the camp shortly behind – about 3-4 days.  And we practiced – without notice.  We didn’t have cell phones or internet either.  At least we did have trucks and planes.

Centrality of God:

Numbers 2:2–34, ESV

The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. Those to camp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah by their companies - They shall set out first on the march.

On the south side – Reuben& 2nd

Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp…

On the west side Ephraim, 3^rd

North and last is Dan

Whether stationary or moving, the tent of meeting is in the center of the camp with the Priests.

Always Visible in light and in darkness

16 - So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.

Preparation:

God's glory set upon the tabernacle - and not until then.  So the tabernacle being established is critical to the following.  God’s lead includes preparation – His preparation.

15 - On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony.  And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.

Preparation of Israel after freedom from Egypt:

Samuel J. Schultz and Gary V. Smith, Exploring the Old Testament (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001). 40-41.

Numbering Israel	Numbers	1:1–4:49
Military census		1:1–54
Camp assignments		2:1–34
Levites and their duties		3:1–4:49
Camp regulations		5:1–6:21
Restrictions of evil practices		5:1–31
Nazirite vows		6:1–21
Religious life of Israel		6:22–9:14
Tabernacle worship instituted		6:22–8:26
The second Passover		9:1–14

Mindset of Israel:  What are some of the characteristics of the people of Israel that were following God in the wilderness? 

Submissive:

17 - And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.

 18 - At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped.  As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 

Available and attentive:

19 - Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.

20 - Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out.

Patient – but maybe complacent at times:

22 - Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.

Disciplined:

23 - At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out.   They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.  

*** The Lord not only tells us to go but He also tells us when to stay.

Okay – that’s great Tony, but they had a clearly visible sign to follow.  What do we do today?

1 Corinthians 10:1–6, ESV

For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.

For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

Christ is our cloud today - He is the example we are to follow!

Characteristics of Christ:

Submissive – bowed to the Father’s will.  Talk about ways that Christ submitted to the Father.  And how we are to let go of our wants and desires in order to follow the example of Christ.

Available – always ready to aid the hurting and lost.  How available are you?  Do you stop to listen to someone in need?  Even if you cannot aid in the physical needs of the person – are you spending the time to aid their emotional and spiritual needs.

Patient – often told disciples His time has not yet come.  Are you listening to God even when He has you “in camp” – or are you always pushing for the move to the next step.  Are you happy when God says to stay – He may want you exactly where you are!

Disciplined – stayed on the cross through the pain. 

Actions for you:

Keep Christ in the center:

Understanding God’s leading generally is pretty simple – the Bible lays it all out for us. 

Christ is our example of how to live how to pray and how to love others.

Wait for preparation:

Study Scripture – the way God talks to us
Quiet and constant prayer – in “desolate places” (Mark 1:36)

It is okay to ask about next steps and maybe even be specific about our desires – but do so in His will. 

Don’t be dissatisfied when the change has not occurred and the direction is not evident. 

It might just be a sign that you are exactly where God wants you to be.

CLOSING:  

The book of Exodus describes how God redeemed Israel

Leviticus provided Sanctification through the law and sacrifices

God directed Israel in Numbers.

Principle of the people of Israel was to get us to the Church age – to bring about Christ! 

It all leads to Christ – Christ is our Lord. 

Gospel available to all who seek Him.

Benediction:

Jesus is our cloud – be happy in the piece of the plan we have. 

And we are part of this great big plan – and that big plan is the preparation for the return of Christ when He brings about the new heaven and the new earth. 

And our job while here is to tell as many people about Him as we can. 

And that those who accept are to learn about Him and how we are to live. 

Even our little piece of the plan – no matter how little or how big – that plan individually for us is to be done with a glad heart – and with an eye for the future.

Read your Bible - focused prayer.

Everyday!

Go in peace.

2012 Ecuador Mission Play-by-Play

We returned from our e-3 mission trip to Ecuador a few weeks ago. We flew into Quito and the next day a bus took about 30 of us southeast through the Andes Mtns to Puyo. That was our “home base” for the week. We met our translators and eventually our “sponsor-Pastors.”  Tony and I had a slightly different week than the other groups (of course!). 

Check out our pictures of Ecuador

On our 1^st day in the field we took local busses back up into the Andes to a town called Rio Verde. There we were to evangelize in “town” and teach a small church in an effort to strengthen the community. It was a very rainy day…but glorious! We led many a shop keeper to our Lord! One shop was kept by a 12 yr old boy with his baby sister in his arms and his 4 yr old brother! We talked, shared candy and best of all—both boys accepted Christ AND learned how to use the Evangicube! I gave them paper cubes to use to share with their friends! We walked up into the mountain and spoke to a few families. One man met a friend of his he had been praying for. And guess what! Yeah—we talked, the Spirit led and he accepted Christ! I must slide this in---we ate fresh roasted trout for lunch! Yum! Just when we thought the day was over, our pastor pulls out the cube and continues our evangelism at the bus stop! Cool!

The next day we took busses back up into the mountains to an abandoned tea plantation where we held a Sunday service for the laid-off workers. They were “living” on and around the plantation for the last 12 yrs waiting on the government to figure out who owned the place so they could go back to work! For 12 yrs they watched the tea grow but were not allowed to harvest it! In the meantime—they are unpaid! Boy did we see many machetes that day! Of course before and after the service we shared the Gospel with families and of course the Spirit again took many a heart!

After the morning there we finally went to the area of Puyo where we were to plant a house church! We walked and prayed on the streets that afternoon and made our plans for the next few days.

For the next 3 days we walked and shared. We held our 1^st home church discipleship on the 2^nd  and 3rd days, in the late afternoon. Most of the adults who were led to Christ did not come due to their work schedules but we had a lot of children! We all know that where the children are, eventually the parents will come. Our “nationals” will continue to walk and share and disciple those who accepted Christ on a one-to-one basis.

During those days in the community it was amazing! The ground is so fertile in this area! Many said they were finally filled with the Spirit they had been looking for many years! Many were confused and needed a better understanding of their Savior! I will never forget the faces and countenance of their whole beings change as the Savior just filled them!!!!  We always went back every day to those newly devoted to disciple and answer questions. To watch that garden bloom was so awesome! One day as we were walking back to the house for lunch, we noticed one of the newly devoted sitting atop his wood working bench reading his new Bible! His boss had told us that he (a now re-dedicated Christian) would help disciple this young man and they would work together to understand more of the word!

Tony and I would have liked to stay a few more days (weeks…years) to continue, but we left a very strong and well developed team behind to continue. We left all our materials that we took for them. And of course, once again, we left part of our hearts in that little town of Puyo!

Fortunately our time was not over in Ecuador. Our group headed back to Quito and on to the airport, but Tony and I stayed in Quito. We had a very important date planned for Monday! We rested, did some touring and Monday came. A van picked is up early and now we (along with our translator) headed north into the higher Andes toward Columbia. We were on our way to meet Martha and Carlos the children we have sponsored for 10 yrs through Compassion!  They were at the meeting spot 2 hrs early! What a union! Martha brought her dad and Carlos brought his dad and younger sister. Their Compassion leader also met us there. We took them to a lake (which they had never seen one) hoping to take a boat out but it was too stormy. You know Tony was very relieved! So we walked around the area getting to know one another, and then went to lunch, which also excited them! Carlos had his favorite-chicken wings and Martha had her favorite-pork chops. Back into the van and off to a nearby market. They both chose a new scarf from a vender for their gift.

Onto their village and the Compassion Project area! We drove for another hour up into the very highlands! Can you say “altitude sickness”? It was well worth it. They graciously took us into their homes and we met the rest of their families, gave them special gifts from the U.S., and on to the Project buildings. We spent time with 90 of the 180  Compassion children and 5 staff. What a treat! They asked us all kinds of questions about the U.S. and personally. They had no idea what our football or baseball was. They had no tv, books, etc. One child had a warm hat with Winnie the Pooh on the front. When I took notice and remarked on him and Tigger, not one of the children knew who I was talking about! My cousin was good enough to send along some children’s books written in Spanish which looked to me like their 1^st story books! What they do have a lot of in this Ketchawan village is God, love, compassion, family and all that matters. Another blessed life changing experience for each of us! On a side note—only 1/3 of the children involved in this Compassion Project are sponsored. If God puts it on your heart, please sponsor a child. They have sponsorship programs for expectant mothers which teach necessary skills, includes all baby check-ups and shots, etc. There are also children of all ages to sponsor, including college bound (if possible).

Please look at our pics on Facebook! And pray for continued discipleship and open hearts in Puyo! Don’t forget the children and staff at the Compassion Project!