A Door of Hope

Introduction

                Last week I gave a message entitled – Hope for the Hopeless based on the book of Isaiah. The hope of God’s salvation rings loud and clear climaxing in prophesies of our future Messiah. This morning I want to carry on with the theme of hope, but in relation to the Book of Hosea. There is a key passage that will introduce today’s message. “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. 15 There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt” (Hosea 2:14-15).

I am the Lord

We have been reading through the Old Testament over the last 5 months. One of the phrases that has caught my attention in relation to God is “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” The miraculous displays of God’s power became the pattern for the future deliverance of God’s people. The Exodus was the key example of God’s intervention to save, revealing his salvation, when the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians. They entered into a covenant relationship together. The salvation of God’s people continues on in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Hosea speaks of this in Hos. 11:1 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

The idea of salvation is that there is something from which we need to be saved. If you are sick, salvation would be healing. If you are lost, salvation would be to find your way. If you are caught in sin, salvation would be the forgiveness of sin. Salvation in both Old and New Testaments is about a holy and loving relationship with God. This is also true in the Book of Hosea. The people of God were committing spiritual adultery and running after false gods. The consequence of their wickedness was the coming  judgment and captivity by Assyria. Hosea utters coming judgment where Israel would not find any satisfaction in idolatry and would eventually lose everything, her material resources and her religious freedoms. One of the challenges in Hosea’s day was the worship of Baal. Baal refers to lord or master and was used to describe one of the many local Canaanite gods. These gods tempted God’s people to stray from their Covenant Relationship. These demonic forces empowered a spirit of prostitution to seduce God’s people into all kinds of wicked practices. Hosea says they went after these lovers and forgot about God (Hos 2:13). These circumstances were not unknown to God. “I am the Lord your God…” was ready to bring words of hope and encouragement to his people.

A Door of Hope

Hosea uses the imagery of a Door of Hope which describes God’s intention to bring his love and compassion upon them; in other words – the hope of salvation. I mentioned last week that sometimes hope comes gradually like the dawn of the morning. At other times, hope comes suddenly, like a train coming out of a tunnel. Let’s look at Hos 2:14-15…

·         In the case of Hosea, he speaks of a suddenly in relation to hope. “Therefore, behold…” describes a suddenly. It means not just to see, but to see now. It is like an unveiling of a painting, or the unveiling of gender. It happens suddenly. There will come a point in Israel’s future, after captivity, when God will do a suddenly and begin a new work of deliverance and salvation. This happened when King Cyrus is raised up to restore Israel to the Promised Land. Suddenly.

·         “I am now going to allure her…” There have been times in my life when I was struggling with hopelessness. My thoughts and emotions were dull. I felt overpowered by life and circumstances. In these moments I needed to be wooed back to God. The Israelites were committing spiritual adultery and prostitution. They were lustfully following after false gods. The Lord uses terminology that would capture their attention. God is going to lure them back to himself. It is personal and intimate.

·         “I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her…” Have you ever gone on a date with God? Or taken extended period time to just be alone with God? This is what is happening here. God is about to restore hope by spending time with his children away from all the distractions of that day. This would result in tender, friendly, kind conversation.

·         “There I will give her back her vineyards…” As a consequence of their sin their vineyards were destroyed. Baalism – the worship of the false Canaanite gods – was often seen as fertility cult; in other words, when worshipped the hope was fruitfulness and productivity. Now God says he will restore their vineyards, their fruitfulness, their livelihood. Hope restored in the form of material blessings was in their future.

·         “[God] will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.” The Valley of Achor is where Achan sinned by taking items devoted to the Lord. It was in this valley of trouble or disturbance where he and his family were stoned to death. God is saying that he will take our most disturbing circumstances and turn them into a door of hope. This door is something through which we must pass. We must enter into hope and let go of the past troubles. We are told this will be God’s doing in the nation of Israel. He can do the same for us.

·         “There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.” Hope restored comes with  testimony and singing and song. Over and over in the Scriptures they are times of struggle followed by the songs of the Lord. The songs speak of the deliverance and salvation of God. Exodus 15 is the song of Moses and Miriam when in light of God’s deliverance. Psalm 18 is sung by King David when God delivered him from the hand of his enemies.

In Conclusion

This morning I would like to encourage us all to walk through the Door of Hope. There are moments in our lives when God give his grace to help us through the challenges. He desires for his children to draw near and experience fresh faith in our walks with him. So often when we go through struggles we end up absorbed in the struggle itself. Here are a few keys to help us through these times.

·         Learn to forgive and release those who cause harm.

·         Help others who are going through similar challenges.

·         Direct your hard questions towards God first and not man.

·         We must acknowledge that many times we need the help of others.

It is our prayer for each other for hope to be restored and for the song of the Lord to be heard again.

Hope for the Hopeless

Introduction 

We have been reading through the Book of Isaiah for the past week or so. Isaiah is one of the most well-known prophets in the Bible for his prediction of the coming of the Messiah, who would redeem his people from their sins. This book contrasts the disturbing warnings of judgement and destruction with uplifting promises of hope and prosperity. There is some much we can learn from this book, especially in relation to the coming hope of the Messiah. The name Isaiah means “salvation of the Lord,” which is befitting for this Messianic prophet. His wife is also known as a prophetess (Isa 8:3).  

Isaiah begins by the Lord speaking to the people - “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isa 1:18-20). It is the desire of the Lord to have a reasonable conversation with his people and to bring them back to obedience. Isaiah is called by God in a very dramatic way. In Isa 6, he describes the vision of God seated in the temple, surrounded by six angels, worshipping God and saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Isaiah is overwhelmed by his sinfulness: “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go and tell this people… (Isa 6:5-9). Isaiah calls on God’s people to renounce their idols, warning them of coming destruction if they do not obey. This sets the stage for the rest of the book and the ongoing challenge that Isaiah faces. A people that hear and see but are unrepentant. And yet it is still in the heart of the Lord to offer hope to the hopeless.  

God’s faithfulness is seen in Isa 11:1-2 where the prophet speaks of the promised Messiah. Even though judgment and destruction are coming, Isaiah does not leave Israel without hope and now he describes Christ as the shoot that will sprout from the destroyed stump of Israel, who will guide the nation with his wisdom: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord” (Isa 11:1-3a). Later on in chapters 52 and 53 Isaiah refers to the Messiah as the “suffering servant,” who will be punished to atone for our sins: “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa 53:4-6). 

Ultimately, the Messiah brings restoration to God’s people, freeing them from their chains as seen in Isa 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Don’t forget a new heaven and earth. 

What the story of Isaiah means for us 

The main thought that I want to expand on is this. There is Hope for the Hopeless. Hopeless days are common in our world today. I don’t mean to be a pessimist, but to give an honest observation. The same kinds of things that lead to hopeless days for people like you and me were experienced by the people of God in Isaiah’s day. However, the prophet Isaiah played an important role in God’s plan; he prophesied about the Messiah’s coming and brought hope to God’s people during a challenging time. Even though God’s people would be held captive by the sins and the Nation of Assyria, Isaiah placed hope into their hearts. And this promise of hope is not only for the nation of Israel, but also for all of us. In the book of Isaiah, we see how God works for the good of his children and is sovereign in the worst of circumstances. Not only that, but he also is a just God, who will give the evildoers in the world their pay. Though we are sinful and deserve to be punished, God has provided salvation for us through Jesus Christ, who suffered on our behalf and freed us from our sins. Grace and mercy and peace are ours in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we have hope for eternity.  

What are some keys to seeing hope restored? 

I want to share a couple of word pictures before I share a few insights in having our hope renewed. Picture with me a dark bedroom late at night. You can’t see anything but then your eyes adjust to a faint glow of the nightlight. Light makes all the difference. The nightlight grow dimmer when morning dawns and we open the curtains. Another picture is that of a train going through a tunnel. At first the world blackens out and you only see your immediate surroundings. Outside it is pitch black except for the occasional passing light. Then we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Light and sight are foundational to having one’s hope restored. Here is a key verse to consider in light of today’s message. Hebrews 12:1-3 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

• We have a company of saints, past and present, that are cheering us on. The saints of the past looked forward to the coming of the Messiah; their faith saw into the future. We can learn from their examples, good and bad, with regards to overcoming. This is hopeful news for those in the midst of challenges. There are also those believers who are with us today who engage their faith and are exhorting us on in our trust towards God. 

• Let us throw off everything that hinders… In other words, we are to stop, lay aside, put off – intentionally – everything that weighs us down. Are you aware of anything that is sucking the hope out of you? Get rid of it. This is not an issue of sin necessarily, but anything that causes hopelessness.  

• Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles… In essence, to sin means to miss the mark of God’s Law and Will. We are to intentionally stop sinning, stop missing the mark of God’s holiness and righteousness. As followers of Jesus we have been given grace, mercy and peace. In other words, we no longer have to struggle with sin when we come to trust in Jesus. However, we live in a world where sin abounds, therefore we must stay away from anything that can tangle or trip us up. This is a key practice to restoring hope to one’s life. 

• Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… One foot after another, in the same direction, is what wins a race. Christianity is that race. It is step after step obedience and perseverance in the race set before us. Sometimes we lose hope by faltering on the way. Sometimes we become faint in the journey of Christianity. This is where we need our hope restored. How is this possible?  

• Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus.. Jesus has already completed the race. He came from heaven to earth to die on the cross and return to heaven. It is finished. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. Trust in him. Rest in him. Hope in him when life seems hopeless. This is like turning on the light in the middle of the night. Jesus will show us the way.  

Jesus is ultimately the focus, not the cloud of witnesses, not our brothers and sisters in the faith. We are to focus our attention on Jesus with the idea that he is running the race right beside us and yet waits for us at the finish line. Running the race is not easy. Jesus himself had to endure the cross and its shame. However, he did not lose hope. He clung to the joy of his Father’s finished plan. And now he enjoys endless hope and joy at the throne of God.  

We are told to consider Jesus, think about what he went through on earth. Accusations, betrayals, conflicts, and so much more. Opposition and persecution at the hands of sinful men, trials and temptation spawned by satan himself. In all of this Jesus overcame. Therefore, do not grow weary or lose heart; in other words, there is hope for the hopeless.  

In Conclusion 

Back to the future… Isaiah is a wonderful book, yet full of challenges for the people of God. There were going to experience captivity under the nation of Assyria. In the midst of the challenges, God offers them hope for their future. The Old Testaments saints looked forward to the mystery of the Cross and the coming Messiah. Their faith and hope engaged with eyes fixated on the future. We look back to the Cross and put our faith and trust in Jesus. He is our hope. We live in a broken world and still wrestle with all kinds of struggles. However, Jesus is running the race right beside us. I would like to end with a verse that has helped me as I run the race with perseverance. Isaiah 40:28-31 – “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 

The Power of Affirmation

Introduction

Today, I want to take some time to bring affirmation to the Body of Christ. We are told that the Body of Christ is made up of many members who serve with various gifts and talents. We have brothers and sisters who share their God given abilities and passions with us each and every week and when they do we are blessed. This morning I want to briefly share about the power of affirmation and then pray with each other to encourage us in our faith. Some may question, should a Christian use positive affirmations or is the practice too self-focused? Is there such a thing as Christian daily affirmations? What are positive affirmations? What is the definition of positive affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements used to help someone move toward a goal or improve their life’s outlook. They are declarations and statements made that bring a positive light to one’s life. Positive affirmations are phrases you speak to yourself (silently or out loud) that promote a helpful belief or change a negative thought or behavior pattern.

I am sure we have seen the video clips of kids saying, “I am strong, I am beautiful, I am smart…” They are cute and bring a smile to my face. These kinds of statements are bold and beautiful, but do not necessarily equal a positive outcome in all situations.  Christians have concerns with the use of positive affirmations because they are sometimes taught as a new age or self-help philosophy. The belief sometimes taught is that by speaking a positive intention, you can manifest it into being because the universe will bring you what you create in your mind. The importance of affirmation must be centered in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Many positive affirmations are humanistic and centered on the self. Phrases like “I heal myself,” are dangerous because we do not heal ourselves. God heals us. God guides us, etc. The Bible teaches that we are broken, sinful people who are not inherently good. Instead, we have a Saviour who was perfect and paid the price for our sin. God forgives us. Amen. When we humbly accept Christ’s saving work on the cross, we are given new life in him, abundant life and salvation eternally. This is the beginning of our lifestyle of affirmation.

Christian Use Positive Affirmations!

I believe it’s possible to use affirmations in a way that matures faith and brings awareness to God’s grace and work in the Christian life. These affirmations are found in the Scriptures as directed by the Holy Spirit. The power of affirmation is found in I AM statements that are Biblically focused. As well, the power of affirmation is used by believers when they speak and pray over each other.

·         Biblical affirmations are the use of Scripture to help us overcome negative thinking or emotions. One of my key verses is Phil 4:6-9 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. This means exchanging lies for the truth of God.

Dr. Caroline Leaf - This can be done by speaking or writing an important Scripture verse many times and committing it to memory. The Bible tell us that God’s word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), which means it is more than just words in a page. God’s Word is a powerful, life-giving force that changes the person who hears it.

·         I AM Statements. It is interesting to know that Jesus used I AM statements when describing himself in relation to God and mankind. Jesus’ personal I AM Statements vary and come under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

I am the Door (John 10:9)

I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)

I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)

We too can grow in our relationship with God by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak You Are Statements over our lives which become our I AM declarations. These are affirmations that use “quotes” or prophetic words directly from God’s Spirit.

These can be general affirmations of Scripture such as – “I am forgiven” (Eph 1:7). Here is another example - John 1:12, “ But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” then say or write the affirmation, “I am a child of God.”

·         Praying affirmation over people is a wonderful way of bringing life and love to the Body of Christ. These prayers can be very specific affirmations reaching into our lives and situations. These Words of Affirmation given by the Holy Spirit can be very powerful. Words of prophecy and encouragement and truth.

Jesus has brought the victory over sin and death, and now we have the opportunity to live in his abundance. But many of us have troubled pasts and we need the help and prayers of others to overcome. This is where the power of affirmation comes in. Any negative self image and low self-esteem must be exposed to the truth of your identity in Christ. How? Affirmations provide a way to daily live in God’s grace and goodness and faithfulness.

The Hope of Resurrection

Introduction

                This past week is what is known as the Passion Week, leading up to Jesus death on the Cross. On the Sunday before his death, Jesus began his trip to Jerusalem, knowing that soon he would lay down his life for our sins. Nearing the village of Bethphage, he sent two of his disciples ahead, telling them to look for a donkey and its unbroken colt. The disciples were instructed to untie the animals and bring them to him. Then Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, humbly, made his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt 21:9). On the Monday morning Jesus enters the Temple and turns over the tables of the moneychangers. “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers” (Matt 21:13). Tuesday was a day filled with challenge. A withered fig tree. Confrontations with the religious leaders – woe to you… Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and spoke of the times of the end. Wednesday was believed to be a Holy Day of preparation for the Last Supper on Thursday. “When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:14-16). Later in the evening Jesus prays out drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, only to be betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Good Friday is the most horrific day of the Passion Week. Jesus experiences the pain and shame of false accusations leading to a guilty verdict and the cross shouting, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.” There are the horrors of his torture and the crucifixion itself. Jesus breathed his last. The sun was darkened, the Temple curtain is torn in two from top to bottom, there is an earthquake. The Son of God has died. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea lay Jesus body in the tomb. On Saturday Jesus' body lay in its tomb, where it was guarded by Roman soldiers throughout the Sabbath day, which ended at 6 p.m. While his physical body lay in the tomb, his followers mourned and wept for this tragic loss.

Sunday Morning

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew records his eyewitness account of the morning of Jesus resurrection. Although there are some differences in the resurrection stories found within the Gospels, there are also foundational similarities that tie them all together in truth, truth from different points of observation.

No gospel tells the complete story of Jesus’ resurrection. Each author puts their thoughts together, pulling from the various people involved. No two people are going to interpret something the same exact way. The disciples explanations may vary slightly, however the order of events and how they happened are exactly the same.

·         Jesus died and was buried.

·         Several women left for the tomb very early in the morning (including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James).

·         They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty of Jesus' body.

·         An angel spoke to them.

·         The women fled from the tomb.

·         The disciples were not prepared for his death and were confused about his resurrection, what it meant, and the words Mary spoke to them.

The Hope of the Resurrection

Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. A key verse for this morning is found in 1 Peter 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. There is a lot of emphasis put of being born-again in the context of Christian faith. This rebirth of hope is possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Before I knew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour I was lost and wandering through life. The effects of sin and poor choices followed me and made my life a hopeless mess. I remember the day I was shown mercy. I knew that I had made a lot of mistakes in my life. Mistakes that I could never correct. I felt overpowered by the guilt and shame of my sins. When God’s mercy filled my life it was like an explosion of thoughts and feelings. I was undone, overwhelmed. I was born-again, given a new birth and life worth living. I was filled with a sense of hope and felt like I had a future. I did not understand everything that was unfolding in my life. But this is what I have learned from this passage in 1 Peter 1…

·         I have a living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection.

·         I have an inheritance that is protected by God’s power.

·         My life would not be free from struggle, and I would go through times of trial and testing.

·         I believe in Jesus and am receiving the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul.

How is all of this possible? Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. He conquered death, both spiritually and physically, securing my eternal salvation. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

In Conclusion

                The power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ must be proclaimed through out the world today. People are living in a topsy turvy world, where evil is good and good is evil. There are famines, plagues and wars that are sapping the strength and love out of the strongest of us. This world is passing away. The effects of sin and death have produced decaying of society. No amount human effort can save a lost soul or the world itself. We need the help of our Creator. Jesus the Resurrection and the Life is our hope.

In Application

                I was meeting with a high friend while in Vernon recently. We had a great time reconnecting and chatting about our faith and families. Bob spoke of a message he had heard years earlier in light of sharing one’s faith. The message was very simple. There are two kinds of religion in the world today. The first is Do! Religion is all about Doing something in order to be saved. The second is Done! Jesus fulfills the Done. Jesus said on the Cross, “It is finished.” His resurrection is the only was to new birth. It is time for people to put their faith in Jesus for their hope and salvation. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

                Let’s put our trust and faith in Jesus as we follow after him in all godliness and holiness.

God’s Word Is Sure

Introduction

                This morning we are in the midst of reading through the Book of Deuteronomy, which concludes the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. This book is a series of sermons in which Moses reviews the teaching and events from the time of the exodus from Egypt and the Israelite’s wanderings through the wilderness. This book ends with the death of Moses and the official passing of the baton to Joshua, his successor. Deuteronomy, which means Second Law, documents Moses telling God’s people how to live as they enter into the Promised Land promised to Abraham as seen in Gen 12:1-3. Moses’ speeches to the Israelites are centered on the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from Canaan. This book highlights the previous three books, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.

As far sermons go, Deuteronomy has three major sections followed by an epilogue. Each major section presents a speech by Moses and begins with a special phrase marking it as a distinct unit.

·         The first speech (Deut 1:1–4:43) is introduced with a phrase stating these are “the words” of Moses and God. Moses uses the wilderness stories to remind the Israelites about God’s faithfulness to them and to encourage their trust and obedience.

·         Moses’ second sermon (Deut 4:44–28:68), is not for the faint of heart. This is a long sermon repeating a version of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:1-17 and Deut 5:6–21), which he expands on them in the subsequent chapters.

·         Thirdly, in Deut 29:1-30:20, calls on the Israelites to renew their covenant relationship with God.

·         The final message found in Deut 31:1–34:12 deals with the death of Moses, along with introducing Joshua who will succeed Moses as leader of the Israelites.

By way of introduction there is a key passage found in Deut 6:4-5 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” These verses are called the Shema, from the Hebrew word translated Hear. The statement in these verses are the basic confession of faith in Judaism, which was prayed morning and evening. This was Israel’s declaration that the Lord (Yahweh) was and is totally unique. He alone is God and One, which was a serious contrast to their polytheistic neighbors. The Israelites were to Hear and Obey and Love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Jesus himself grew up with these words on his lips as a young child. He also spoke these words to the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law – “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt 22:37–40).

I am reminded that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them (Matt 5:17). As followers of Jesus we are to hear and obey and love God and our neighbours each and every day. We do so not in order to be righteous or saved, but as a result of coming into relationship with God our Father, through grace and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you Hungry for God?

                The Israelites wrestled with hunger and thirst while traveling through the wilderness. This drove them to test God on several occasions. God was faithful and answers their complaints, I am not sure if I can say they are prayers or not. This gets me thinking about how often do I pray, or should I say complain to God? How hungry am I to hear God’s Word? Do I thirst for the Spirit of Living Water? Do I want to make obedience my application? Can’t I just trust Jesus to fulfill these needs in my life? What part do I play in entering the Promised Land? Why do I ask these questions? Not to condemn us but to help us consider our journey with God.

                Moses gave a similar exhortation in Deut 8:1-3,  which deserves our attention. Moses’ repeated himself in Deuteronomy because he knew their history; the people strayed away from God. He emphasized truths that are important, while reminding the Israelites that their wilderness journey with God was less than stellar. In chapter 8 Moses went over ground previously traveled, pun intended. “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Here are a few key observations.

·         Be careful reminds me of paying attention, or as I said last week, “praying attention.”

·         Live and increase and enter and possess; this speaks of the process of our journey. Entering into the Promised Land was going to be “little by little,” a partnership between God and His people. Life abundantly is a gift from Jesus. Enter and possess is putting boots on the ground. Wherever you go God goes with you.

·         Remember and its derivatives are mentioned in the Bible over three hundred times. Unfortunately, we all struggle with remembering when it comes to hearing and obeying. That is why at times we experience the wilderness. This is one of God’s ways of humbling and testing us to know what is in our hearts. Will we keep his commands?

·         The point of these challenging times is revelation -  “To teach us that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

God’s Sure Word

                The Israelites were about to cross over into the Promised Land. They needed to be prepared in heart for action and the challenges ahead. They needed courage. Faith. Endurance. Moses is encouraging them to press on and into the Promised Land by taking God at His Word – “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today” (Deut 8:7-18).

                Just as the Israelites had lessons to learn in the wilderness, Moses is now bringing lessons to learn in the Promised Land. There is danger in abundant prosperity when people forget who is the Provider. Moses gives a sure antidote for this danger: praise the Lord your God. If there is a failure to praise the Lord, pride will result. Remember who God is… Remember His capabilities… His prosperity… His ability to authorize and approve His covenant…

In Conclusion

                We are living in days when we need to have our faith strengthened, when we need to know God and His Word are sure and true. There are world events that are shaking us at the moment. We see challenges and persecutions. Tests and trials. When Jesus was tempted by satan, He said, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4). He was directly quoting from this passage in Deut 8:3. Jesus was hungry physically. The devil was tempting him, but Jesus had faith food that he was eating daily. You see, God’s Word is food for the soul. God’s Word is sure. God’s Word is sufficient. One word from Him can change a nation. God speaking over you and me is powerful. His Word directs our future. His Word heals. His Word convicts. His Word is “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2). It is through the entrance of this everlasting Word that we are born again and come into this wonderful salvation, this spiritual Promised Land. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). God has designed that the righteous will live by faith (Rom. 1:17), no matter where they are at in their journey, in the wilderness or in the Promised Land.

                I want to close with this prayer from a missionary in Ukraine…

“No matter what the situation in the world, our divine mandate has not changed. We are in this world at this time for God’s purposes, not our own. We have not been called to comfort or ease, to success or prosperity, but to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. In an era of political chaos, economic instability, pandemic, paranoia and fear, we must keep our eye on God’s objective and press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ. There is but one question that must be answered: how can I please the Lord in this situation?”

“Little by Little”

Learn from the Past

                I have enjoyed reading the Bible this year. Everyday I have insights revealed through the Scriptures, and some of these thoughts stay with me all day long. I am still pondering the situation the Israelites found themselves in after their escape from Egypt. The Israelites have an amazing history. God was revealing himself to a chosen people, guiding them through countries, and leading them spiritually. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all received the promise of God for their future home. Through a famine, Jacob whose name was changed to Israel, went to Egypt with his family, where there was food. Over the years, the Egyptians turned the Jews into slaves for labour. Joseph was one bookend and Moses the other to their four hundred years in Egypt. After God delivered them from that slavery under the guidance of Moses, he returned them to the promised land. However, because the people neglected to obey God's law, he made them wander in the desert for 40 years until that generation had died. However, the journey to the Promised Land of Canaan should have lasted only two weeks at the max. They were free from Pharoah’s oppression, but they were not free from all of the bumps on the road, that I spoke of last week, idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God and a complaining heart.

By way of introduction here, the wilderness years proved to be a challenging time for the people of God. It was never to be their home. The wilderness was to last a brief time. It was to be a small bump on the road. The Promised Land was the destination and home. The wilderness was a place of wandering, doubts, and discomfort. It was not meant to become the normal way of life for the Jewish people. It was not home. They were not to become acclimatized to the desert. They were to look towards the Promised Land in hope and trust in God. For migrating herders like the Jews, having a permanent home of their own would be a phenomenal blessing. The Promised Land was a place to rest from their continual wandering. The wandering would stop but not the challenges. They would have to cross over into Land of Canaan and overcome the giants and people in the land.

As followers of Jesus we must be cautious that we don’t become comfortable with the wilderness, so to speak. We don’t want to give into the struggles of the wilderness. We don’t want to live in a state of lack or poverty. We must not doubt and grumble against God. Sometimes we enter into wilderness experiences, maybe a spiritual wilderness, or depression due to some difficulty. But these times are not meant to become a permanent way of living. God still has a Promised Land for each and everyone of us. We will talk more about that in a moment.

“Little by Little”

                As we come to the end of the Book of Numbers, Moses begins to prepare God’s people to cross over into the Land of Canaan. He begins to speak of boundaries and inheritance in relation to the tribes of Israel. In doing so there are three key Scriptures that relate to each other. One is found in Exodus 23:20-33, the second in Numbers 33:50-56 and lastly, Deuteronomy 7:1-26. There is a key phrase – “little by little” which refers to the Israelites gaining the Promised Land through a long, progressive series of campaigns and displacements as seen in Joshua 1–13. In these passages of Scripture, we discover a partnership between God and the Israelites. Here are key points to consider:

·         God is the one going before the Israelites into the Promised Land. God is sending His angel before them. This angel is not to be messed with. “Pay attention to him listen to what he says” (Ex 23:21). In other words, listen and obey. Then God “will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you” (Ex 23:22). This angel of the Lord will be a terror to the enemies of God. Idolatrous worship was one of the problems of the tribes living in Canaan. They would worship false gods and idols on hills and mountain tops. The angel of the Lord would help defeat their enemies, and in partnership the Israelites were to destroy these idolatrous high places. The Israelites appropriate response is that of worship as directed by the Lord and then enjoy the ensuing blessings.

Ex 23:30 – “Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.”

·         In Numbers 33, Moses exhorts the people to drive out, possess or dispossess, or to inherit the land. He tells them to “Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess” (Num 33:53). Again, we see a working together, a partnership. God is on the move on behalf of his people, and they are to keep in step with him. This involves paying attention, listening, obeying the angel of the Lord going before them. God is fully committed to their success. But there is also a warning given to them.

Num 33:55-56 – “ ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. 56 And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.’ ” In other words, it was God’s desire and intention to give the Promised Land fully to the Israelites. The partnership between God and the Israelites to dispossess the tribes in the land of Canaan was based on the depth of their participation; this was the degree of their victory.

·         In Deuteronomy 7, we see the continued emphasis with regards to this partnership between Yahweh and His people. The first six verses again remind the Israelites to have absolutely nothing to do with the idols found in the Land of Canaan. One of the subtle ploys of the enemy was that of intermarriage. This act would lead to deception and turning away from the ways of God that was given to Moses. God was very jealous towards his people.

Why was God so serious about this? We find out in verses, 6-9 – For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. 7 The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Coming into the Promised Land was God’s plan and purpose for the Israelites. He chose them, treasured them, loved them, redeemed them. It was God’s desire to display his faithfulness to a thousand generations through the Jewish people. God initiated this covenant. The Israelites were invited to participate. “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you;” God moved and they responded, “little by little” as they took possession of the Promised Land.

The Promised Land

What made the Promised Land exceptional? The Land of Canaan, eventually called Israel, was a rich land with brooks and deep springs that gushed out of the hills and down to the valleys below. The fertile soil produced all sorts of grains, along with vines and fig trees, pomegranates, and olives. There, the Israelites would lack nothing. It is described as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” (Ex 3:17; Num 13:27 and Deut 8:6-9). The soil was ideal for farming and shepherding. The ocean on one side and the mountains on the other provided security and protection their enemies.

What is the spiritual meaning behind the Promised Land? The promised land is both a physical place (the land of Canaan) and a theological concept. This recurring theme from the Old Testament is also taken up in the New Testament. The Promised Land speaks of the fulfillment of promises, personal satisfaction, the experience of hopes and dreams realized, and rest for your souls. Here are two passages found in Hebrews. We are told “the promise of entering his rest still stands” (Hebrews 4:1). It was Joshua who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The writer in Hebrews tells us someone greater than Joshua is on the seen, Jesus Christ, who is our rest, the Promise of God fulfilled. The second Scripture is found in Hebrews 11:8-10 – “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

The New Testament does not negate the Old Testament promises given to Abraham, but rather expands them for all peoples and extends them for eternity. Jesus becomes the fulfillment of the Promises of God and one day He is coming back to completely usher us into an eternal home, a New Heaven and a New Earth, “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

In Conclusion

                “Little by Little…” We are involved with a partnership with God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are chosen, treasured, loved and redeemed, just like the nation of Israel. Salvation has been given freely to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Good News, forgiveness of sins, deliverance from satan, healing for our bodies, intimacy with God. As we journey with Jesus through life, as we partner with him we experience God’s faithfulness and “little by little” we grow and mature and come into agreement with Him. This working out our salvation is not in order to be saved but is as a result of Jesus entering our lives by faith and through grace. The “little by little” is our daily paying attention to the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible. I like to think of this as “praying attention!” It is mentioned in the Scriptures to be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10). In other words, if we treat “little by little,” or day by day, as an important thing, significant in our walk with Jesus, then God will see and do abundant and awesome things for us. God is always faithful. God responds to faith. Faith is key to entering the Promised Land.

Let’s Pray…

Bumps on the Road

The Journey 

The Book of Numbers contains a lot of statistics related to the people of God, but it is much more than just facts and figures. It records Israel’s 40-year journey through the wilderness, beginning at Mount Sinai and ending on the plains of Moab, across from the Promised Land. The writings found in Numbers reveal a genuine picture of the Israelites and their growing relationship with God. The successes and failures of God’s people are recorded as they journeyed through the wilderness. This book is an instruction manual, a road map, that is designed to help the Israelites as they come out of the bondage of Egypt and into the blessings of the Promised Land. In three way it describes: 

• how the nation was to organize itself for its journey to the Promised Land.  

• how the priests and Levites were to function during this journey which lay ahead. 

• how they were to prepare themselves for the conquest of the Land of Canaan. 

The fact that the book covers nearly 40 years leads me to the title of today’s sermon – “Bumps on the Road.” They were on a journey that was filled with discovery and learning, along with challenges and failure. Despite their struggles and rebellion, God honours his promise to Abraham and prepares the Israelites to cross over into the Promised Land. This wilderness journey is more than simple acknowledgment of the 10 Commandments giving at Mount Sinai. It involves an intentional commitment to obedience. Taking risks for God. Faithfulness. Overcoming the bumps on the road. The Book of Numbers is not for the faint of heart, it is for those who are willing to pay the price, so to speak, like Joshua and Caleb, who despite the challenges, were confident that God could and would take them into the Promised Land.  

Connecting the Old and the New 

As a young boy growing up I had lots to learn. School was something I liked because I wanted to learn, to discover and find out about life on earth, but I was also a dreamer and wanted to go to the stars. My mind was always thinking and imagining. The lessons preparing me for life were not just taught in the classroom, but also learned is daily experience. I learned by study but also by failure; failure is not sin. And sometimes I learned very difficult lessons as a result of my disobedience or rebellion. The same is true for the people of God as seen in the Book of Numbers.  

There is a connecting passage of Scripture that relates to the Book of Numbers that we  are reading through now. Do you ever look at these Old Testament books and we wonder why in the world are we studying them? How does this relate to us today? Is this even applicable? 1 Cor 10:1-22 unpackages the Book of Numbers for us. It connects the Old and New together. It gives understanding to us. Helps us to overcome some of the bumps on the road as we journey towards our Promised Land. You will find that the Lord says what happened to the children of Israel in the Old Testament happened as an example to us of the things that we have to deal with in our life. 

The Bible is our instruction manual, our road map that reveals timeless and eternal truths. It is God’s Love Story calling us out of self-consciousness and back into a God-Consciousness. This is the journey. The bumps on the road that we face daily are really no different from the problems that people faced back in the Book of Numbers.  

Bumps on the Road 

Let’s read through 1 Cor 10… For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.  

This is all about a journey; they all passed through, they all ate, they all drank, they were scattered. During the Israelites 40 years of wandering, Jesus accompanied them, not in person, not flesh and blood, but through provision, through divine and supernatural encounters. There is something to be said about learning from our forefathers, learning from the past, so that history does not repeat itself. We are to learn from these examples, these models or types, so that we keep our heart from evil things. Here are a few bumps in the road to avoid. 

• Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” (1 Cor 10:7). Idolatry is the worship of an idol as though it was god… devotees, fanatics, worshippers. In the day and age of enlightenment, idolatry is far more elusive to pin down. Our minds can make up idols as easily as bird’s tweet. And there are a lot of Tweets out there today leading people astray. How about carved images? (Ex 20:4-5). Government. Economy. Science. People. And so on. The Bible says covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). Worshipping creation is idolatry (Rom 1:25). 

• We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day (1 Cor 10:8). The trouble with sex and immorality and perversion is not new. It has been going on for generations. This is a bump in the road that can sideline people. We live in a sexualized culture where marriages suffer. Men suffer. Women suffer. Children suffer. In the context of Numbers 25, sexual immorality led to eating and drinking and sacrificing and worshipping other gods. The Lord was very angry because of this.  

• We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes (1 Cor 10:9). The Israelites put God to the test (Psalm 78;18) by questioning the plans and purposes of God. They demanded water and food and were selfishly challenging God to provide. We can learn from this. Self-care is a benefit to us for sure, as long as it does not cross over into selfishness. There is a fine line between what is good and seeing how far you can push the limits with God.  

• And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel (1 Cor 10:10). The grumblings of the Israelites against God is seen several times on the way to the Promised Land. It is so easy to overlook this bump in the road as insignificant or inconsequential. The power of life and death is in the tongue (Prov 12:18). We must learn from the examples of Scripture and avoid this all-too-easy slip of the tongue.  

Listen to how Eugene Peterson sums up these bumps in the road. These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it (The Message 1 Cor 10:11-13). 

In Conclusion 

The Israelites experienced a few bumps in the road during their wilderness wanderings. They would have engaged in the Passover Meal 40 times or so. They knew what it was to remember, year after year, God delivering them from the bondage and slavery in Egypt. This is also spoken of in 1 Corinthians. The Apostle Paul uses the Old Testament passages from Exodus and Numbers to warn us of potential slavery and bondage to sin. In the same breath he then speaks of the Lord’s Supper. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:16-17). This cup of blessing or thanksgiving is the name the Jews gave the cup at the end of a meal. It was also used of the third cup at Passover. Paul now brings it home in relation to Communion. He also does this with the bread. In essence he is saying it is time to partake of the person of Jesus Christ. We all have bumps in the road of life. Nevertheless, we have a gracious and merciful God. He warns us from lessons of the Old Testament. He are some bumps in the road to avoid; idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God and grumbling. Paul even states that when these temptations come “God is faithful; he will not let you tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Cor 10:13). 

Communion Time… 

Finding Identity – The Life of Moses

Introduction

                We have been reading the Bible over the last few weeks and will continue on in the days ahead. I mentioned last week in the Book of Genesis, how the Life of Joseph was like a Hollywood Soap Opera. Now as we read through Exodus, I am reminded of Charlton Heston and the movie, The 10 Commandments, or the animated, Prince of Egypt. There is so much to consider as we read this book together. It is difficult to decide on a singular theme in Exodus, because there are so many stories that make up the book. Moses is one of the primary characters in this book. And this morning, I want to look at his life and see what we can learn from him about finding our identity as followers of Jesus.

Life of Moses

                We know from the Scriptures that Joseph and his descendants prospered greatly in Egypt. After that generation died off a new Pharoah came to power and put the Jewish people into forced labour and slavery for about 400 years. They were too numerous for the liking of Pharoah, and he ordered all the males born of Jewish women to be put to death. Moses mother places him in a basket and puts him in the Nile. After Moses had been found in the Nile River by Pharaoh’s daughter and adopted in defiance of her father’s wishes, he lived the first 40 years of his life as a Prince of Egypt. He lived in the comfort and wealth of that great nation which was one of the superpowers in its day. Moses received the best education Egypt could offer and became well known, for it was said of him, “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22).

One day Prince Moses went for a walk and came across an Egyptian beating up one of his own people (Ex 2:11). 40-year-old Moses runs for his life after Pharoah tries to kill him. With a price on his head, he became a political refugee wanted for murder. He runs into the desert of Midian where he meets the daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), who was a priest of Midian. Days turn into months and years, he felt like a “stranger in a foreign land” (Ex 2:22). He marries Zipporah and has children and, becomes a shepherd for the next 40 years. Most likely, close to the end of those years, God encounters Moses at the burning bush. This experience challenged Moses to the core. It was holy, like nothing he had ever experienced. His story carries on with a return trip to Egypt and the 10 plagues and the “exodus” from Egypt towards the Promised Land. All of these life events for Moses, lead up to the climax of the 10 Commandments and everything after that describes the practices and rules of worship, the priesthood, and tabernacle.

Discovering your Identity

Moses is an interesting case study when it comes to personal identity. He was adopted. He was a Prince. He was Jewish. Or was he Egyptian? He was a murderer and a refugee. He was a stranger, but he was also a leader. He talked with sheep and goats, but he also talked to a burning bush. He met with God on Mount Sinai. There are so many aspects of Moses life that are a challenge to securing his identity. He experienced cultural differences between Egypt, the desert of Midian and his Jewish roots. There were differences in religious beliefs. Different customs. Different families, foods, and lifestyles. New languages to learn. All of these were competing for Moses identity. Where did he come from? Who was he? What did he really believe? What was his purpose? Where would life lead him?

He had been an Egyptian ruler but now he married into a family of shepherds. He was rejected by Pharoah and by the Jews.  I wonder what happened to his self esteem and identity as a person? I am sure Moses wrestled with these questions.

In order to form a strong personal identity, we must encounter God. This was the case with Moses. The burning bush was life changing for Moses. It was his introduction to his Creator. Moses saw a burning bush that did not burn up and decided to check it out. Something unique captured his attention. In the back of his mind he had many unanswered questions about himself. As I said earlier, Moses had to be wondering how he ended up here, in a foreign land, with somebody else’s sheep. And now he is having a conversation with a burning bush.

“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

I want to share with you a key to discovering your personal identity. You must first discover God. God speaks to Moses - I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This place, this encounter with God and the burning bush is holy. Moses’ response is understandable, he hides his face. God then gives Moses some direction for his future. You are going to be my servant and deliverer on behalf of the Israelites. Again, Moses responds with uncertainty, with a question – “Who am I…?” God does not respond by answering Moses’ question but reveals His identity to Moses. It’s going to be OK. I will be with you. “I AM WHO I AM!” Moses was a composite of his upbringing. He was born Jewish, adopted and raised as a Prince of Egypt for 40 years, then a shepherd for 40 years. Who am I, was a difficult question to answer. There was a lot of uncertainty in Moses heart.

Now, God introduces himself with an identity that is unshakeable. “I AM WHO I AM” – I think, with this title, God is telling us, I exist because I exist. I am not dependent upon anything or anyone else to give me an identity. I am the source of your identity. And this God introduces himself to Moses, to help him come to grips with who he is. Moses needed to lay down the questions and come face to face with God as his source of life and identity. Moses learns his true identity as God’s servant and prophet, by learning the true identity of God. I AM WHO I AM is revealed to him. This conversation at the burning bush is just the beginning for Moses’ journey. Moses repeatedly questions his own abilities for the task before him, and every time Moses asks the equivalent of “Who am I?” God responds, “I am with you.”

In Conclusion

This sounds a lot like Jesus speaking to us today. I will never leave you or forsake you. I am sure there are times in each of our lives when we question God. “Who am I? What is going on? Where is my future taking me?” We need to remind ourselves that the answer to these questions of identity and security are found in getting to know God, who says, “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!” Our true selves, our authentic identity, flows out of our relationship with God.

In these times of Covid and uncertainty, it’s easy to ask, “Who am I?” “What’s my purpose?” or  “What’s the point?” These questions are different for every person and deeply personal. I will say this to you this morning – that each day is one day closer to the return of Jesus Christ. And that we will discover our true identity in our relationship with God. Jesus is always with us. The Holy Spirit lives personally and intimately within us. When you feel lost, find God. When questions arise that threaten your sanity, draw near to the Prince of Peace. When you fail, when you feel worthless, when you feel frustrated, remember that you are God’s child, loved and accepted. God is the source of identity; God is the great I AM.

The last few weeks I felt really lost. Questions, questions and more questions. About work, church, family. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, anxious, and, not sure what to do. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get tired with all the stuff. Then I get tired with being tired. Can you relate. I want to say that in all these challenges, “I AM” is with us. “I AM WHO I AM” and all of God’s grace, mercy and peace is with us. His love and patience are always surrounding us.  God is our sure foundation and the source of our identity. I am a child of God.

In Application

                This morning, we have learned about finding our identity as we get close to God. How do we do that? Hear are a few tips that as a pastor I repeat over and over to myself and to the church.

·         Read the Bible… Join us as we read through the Bible plan on YouVersion.

·         Pray… Talk with God about all the questions you have.

·         Tell others about how God is there for you…

Let us pray

Stepping into your Destiny - The Life of Joseph

Introduction 

This morning we will carry on through the Book of Genesis and look at the lessons learned from the Life of Joseph. One of the key family lines in Scripture begins with Abraham and carries on down through Isaac and Jacob. Their journey described in Genesis is both historical and inspirational. The father of our faith, along with his children, reveals their interaction with God’s plan to bless them. This blessing would carry on down through the generations as seen in Gen 12:2-3 - “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” We have heard some of their stories over the past few weeks as we have been reading through Genesis.  

This morning we consider Jacob and his children. We remember that Jacob worked for 7 years expecting to receive Rachel as his wife, only to be tricked by Laban. After Laban’s sneakiness, Jacob worked another 7 years and then received Rachel, whom he truly loved. This sister/wife relationship with Jacob created an awkward rivalry. Over a period of about 34 years, the Scriptures record that Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants gave birth to the 12 sons of Jacob and 1 daughter. Joseph was the second to last born son, by Rachel, given to Jacob. The life of Joseph is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible – better than the best Hollywood Soap Operas. It was like All My Children meeting the Young and the Restless all the while hoping for some Guiding Light. All fun aside, reading through the life of Joseph is fascinating. 

Lessons from the Life of Joseph 

We are often told in the Scriptures to remember what God has done for us. This inspires us to be grateful and thankful, two beautiful characteristics of following God. In Gen 30:22-24 we see God remembering… “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” 24 She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.” No matter our circumstances or struggles we must take note that God is listening, just as in the case of Rachel. God was answering prayers regarding the life of Joseph even before he was born.  

The next we hear of Joseph directly mentioned is in Gen 33, when Jacob is being reunited with Esau. This was a very unsettling time for Jacob and his family, and we see Rachel and Joseph at the rear of the entourage. They were very precious to Jacob, and he wanted to afford them the easiest route of escape if needed. The bulk of Scripture relating to Joseph’s life begin in Gen 37 and carries on to the end of Genesis. Joseph was 17 years old when he snitched on the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and brought a bad report about them to Israel, formally Jacob. This is the beginning of Joseph’s journey with God, albeit a difficult one. Here are a few lessons we can learn from him. 

Lesson 1 

Joseph knew that his father Israel loved him. This is so key when is comes to walking through life with all its challenges. This love between father and son climaxed with a coat of many colours given to Joseph. This incredible act of favour secured their love, but with it came the hatred and disdain of his brothers. Joseph’s love encounters did not end with Israel but continued with God showing him his love and favour through several dreams. These dreams were gifts of God securing Jacob’s destiny. I am reminded that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). However, it would be many years before Joseph would see these blessings in disguise. We are told that his father rebuked him, and his brothers were jealous of him, but that his father kept all these matters in mind. Lesson 1 – it is so important to know that God loves you.  

Lesson 2 

We have seen that Joseph’s brothers did not think highly of him. In fact it says they hated him and were jealous of Joseph. These kinds of feelings can ruin a family relationship. When I grew up there were times that us kids fought with each other, and mom and dad would have to step in. But in Jacob’s household, it turned into very serious sibling rivalry. This is because Jacob had favored Joseph more than any of his other children. This was a classic dysfunctional home. Aside from the beautiful coat, Joseph’s unusual dreams caused his brothers to be more spiteful of him. The story goes on in Gen 37:12-36, where Joseph’s brothers stripped Joseph of his multi-coloured coat and threw him into the cistern to kill him. His brothers wrestle with what to do with Joseph and eventually sell him into slavery where he ends up in Egypt. You see how jealousy wrecks even a close family relationship. Lesson 2 tells us that unresolved issues can wreak havoc on a family. This family had many skeletons in their closets. Despite all of their sinfulness, God was at work.  

Lesson 3 

Joseph was an industrious young man. At seventeen, he was tending the flocks with his brothers. When he was taken to Egypt as a slave, he worked hard in Potiphar’s house. Joseph was able to make sure he was doing his best, especially when he was ruling and managing the food crisis in Egypt. Despite all of the negative circumstances that Joseph faced he maintained his faithfulness to God and man. I am reminded of this New Testament Scripture – “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward…” Col 3:22-24. I am not condoning slavery here, but simply making this point. Slavery was part of the culture of the day and in that light, Lesson 3 is simply this - always do your best. God is always looking out for his children. He has a future and an inheritance for each one of us.  

Lesson 4  

God protected Joseph in the midst of troubles. In his early years he was thrown into the cistern by his jealous brothers and eventually sold him to traders as a slave. It was not easy, but God was protecting him. In Gen 39, he was accused of raping Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned. Prison was a potential death sentence, but God protected him. While in prison God stirs up Joseph’s gift with regards to dreams and this eventually secures his release. He may not have seen God’s plan in his life at this time, yet God was securing his destiny. Lesson 4 from the life of Joseph reminds me that God will never leave or forsake us. We may go through very difficult times, but God has not left us alone. God protects. 

Lesson 5 

I am sure that Joseph wrestled with temptation and sin in his life. However, when I read through his story, as difficult as it was, he appears to be a man of godly character. He had lots to complain about, but we don’t see any on his lips. Joseph was a hard worker, he was handsome, intelligent, and a very competent leader. When Potiphar’s wife became infatuated and tried to seduce him, he literally ran out of his cloak to escape temptation and sin (Gen 39:12). There are times in my life when I have wondered if I will overcome sin and temptation. Maybe you can relate. Do not worry because God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Cor 10:13). Lesson 5 encourages us to avoid temptation and sin at all costs. This is pleasing to God and brings with it peace of mind. 

Lesson 6 

As a result of God’s favour upon Joseph with regards to dreams and interpretations, he was promoted and blessed. Joseph’s promotion brought him bigger roles and responsibilities. He was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Because of his unquestionable character and wisdom, Joseph was able to save two nations from starvation, Israel and Egypt. Eventually he is reunited with his family and says, “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt” (Gen 45:8). Lesson 6 speaks to me in this way - Success does not happen overnight. God’s favour is key along with our hard work and faithfulness.  

Lesson 7 

Jerry Cook was a Foursquare pastor who passed away a few years ago. He wrote a book called, Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. When I consider the life of Joseph, I think that Joseph excelled on forgiveness. He experienced a lot of misfortune in his life, and he chose to love, accept and especially forgive. Joseph was a leader when his brothers finally showed up in Egypt and they didn’t recognize him. Joseph’s dreams became a reality when his brothers did indeed bow down to him in respect. Joseph could have let resentment lead to revenge, but he instead rescued his entire family from the famine. Lesson 7 is a challenge for many. How can I forgive those who have deeply and in some cases intentionally wounded me? It is not easy to love, accept and forgive, but it is in our best interest to do so. After all, Jesus came to forgive us our sins so that we know and live in his amazing love.  

In conclusion 

The past several years has reminded us that life can at times be difficult.  The life of Joseph demonstrates God’s ability to transform tests and trials into a positive result. Joseph’s life was a challenge, especially his early life; hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and then imprisoned for the crime he didn’t commit. Despite all of these things that were beyond his control, God was at work. God was in charge behind the scenes and directing Joseph’s outcome. For sure Joseph had a part to play. Be faithful. Be a good worker. Avoid sin. Choose love, acceptance and forgiveness. Even though he experienced many setbacks, Joseph pressed forward into the promise of God’s blessings. He may have lost sight of his destiny, but God was going to bring things full circle. Joseph sums this up with a key verse, Gen 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives”. What a great revelation. Even though adversities may come our way in this life, God still intends for His goodness to be our experience. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Let us pray… 

God is in Control

Introduction

Another year has come and gone. And the last few years have been more than challenging for most. As I look forward to 2022, I am wondering what this year will hold for us. One of the thoughts that comes to mind for this New Year is simply this – God's Plan is Best. What do I mean by this? We are drawing nearer to the return of Jesus Christ year by year. And we know that in the last days of the last days (Acts 2:17), God’s plan and purpose is going to come to fulfilment. We may have plans and purposes that we want to see put into practice; like those who make New Year’s Resolutions. I believe that as we begin 2022, we need to take to heart this key verse, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

A New Year is often the time we look back and forward at the same time. We look back on our spiritual journey as Christians. We hope to learn from the past and not to make the same mistakes. And we look forward to a New Year and all the possibilities awaiting us. This morning I want to take a brief look at the life of Jacob in the Old Testament and glean some divine truths for us to embrace in 2022.

God’s child – Jacob

The story of Jacob is full of promise and intrigue from the time of his birth. Jacob is the grandson of Abraham who inherited the patriarchal promises to Abraham concerning possession of the land of Canaan. Jacob was to be blessed and be a blessing to all humanity (Gen 12:2–3). He is the third and last of the major patriarchs whose experiences with God form the basis for God’s later identification of Himself as the “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Jacob was a twin. His brother Esau was born first, with Jacob grasping his heal. These twin boys would later form two nations that would be at odds with each other. This is spoken of by God in Gen 25:23 - 23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” The struggle between Esau and Jacob continues into adulthood. The story spends no time on the early years of Jacob and Esau’s lives. The birth story is followed immediately by the statement that they grew up, discovered their identities, while being favoured by opposing parents Gen 25:27-28 - “The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” Jacob and Esau grew up in a dysfunctional home, but they were all God’s children.

The story of Jacob acquiring Esau’s birth right is as such. Jacob had cooked a stew, and Esau “came in from the field” (Gen 25:29), exhausted and hungry. When Esau asked for the food, Jacob replied that its price was Esau’s birth right. Esau agreed to sell Jacob his birth right, and Jacob gave him bread and stew. There are times in our lives when we make choices based on our appetites. At other times we let our circumstances dictate our choices. I am sure in the moment of Esau’s choice; he had no concern for any future consequence. This is a very hard lesson to learn as Esau would soon find out.

Genesis 27:1–46 reveals the stealing of Esau’s birth right by Jacob and the trickery of his mother Rebecca. Isaac was old and going blind. Fearing he could die at any time, Isaac asked Esau to hunt wild game and prepare it for him so he could eat and bless Esau before he died. Rebekah was eaves dropping and helped Jacob deceive Isaac by preparing food, having Jacob wear Esau’s clothes, and covering Jacob’s arms with goat skins so they would feel hairy like Esau’s. Their scheme was successful, and Jacob received the blessing, even though Isaac expressed doubts of whether Jacob was really Esau as he claimed. Esau returned, and he and his father discovered the deceit. It was now in Esau’s heart to kill his brother after Isaac’s death, but Rebecca learned of his plan and sent Jacob away to his uncle Laban.

Jacob had stolen Esau’s birth right and now his mother had secured the blessing as well, but God had something planned as well. Isaac, Jacob’s father, agreed that Jacob should go “to Padan Aram, to the house of Bethuel his mother’s father” (Gen. 28:2). On his way there, Jacob rested his head on a stone. In his dream, he saw a “ladder … and its top reached to heaven” (v. 12). Above the ladder, Jacob saw God and heard Him say, “The land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants” (v. 13). He also heard God tell him, “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you” (v. 15).

It was there that Jacob worked for Laban. Jacob initially received a warm welcome in his uncle Laban’s household (Gen 29:12–14). But when Laban asked what wage Jacob wanted to receive in exchange for his work for him, Jacob asked for Rachel, Laban’s younger daughter, as a wife in exchange for seven years’ labour. Laban agreed to this arrangement. However, when the time came for Jacob to receive Rachel as wife, Laban deceived him by substituting Leah for Rachel. When Jacob confronts Laban over the deception, Laban offered to let him marry Rachel in exchange for another seven years of labour. Jacob agreed, but his preference for Rachel became an ongoing problem in his family.

The story carries with Jacob becoming the father of the nation of Israel. Jacob had 12 sons and 1 daughter through Rachel, Leah, and their maidservants, Bilhah, and Zilpah. The narrative says that since Jacob did not love Leah, God blessed her with children first (Gen 29:31). Leah bore six of Jacob’s 12 sons. Rachel eventually bore Jacob two sons. Both Leah and Rachel gave their maidservants to Jacob as concubines, and each concubine bore him two sons. As Jacob builds his family, he also is faithfully building up his wealth, which he eventually passes onto his children. There is so much more to Jacob’s story involving his return encounter with Esau, his twelve sons especially Joseph and his eventually journey to Egypt.

God’s Plan is Best

                What a good thing for Jacob that in the middle of carrying out his own plans in life, God found him at the right places. God seems to step in at the right time to make sure that His plan is carried out. And God brought the right people into Jacob’s life to produce the offspring and the Nation of Israel. The manipulation to obtain Esau’s birth right had not been the honourable thing to do. The trickery of Rachael and Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing was outright deceitful and sinful. Despite all their sinful actions, God was making sure His plans and purposes were going to be fulfilled in and through Jacob’s life.

                I am reminded of our opening Scripture - “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Looking back on our spiritual journey over the years, we will see that at times, we have held on to our own way too much of the time. When we come to the end of ourselves, it is then that God can begin to take charge of our circumstances. We cannot enter the profound truths of God until we relinquish control. God does not need our help in fulfilling His plans and purposes, He needs our obedience. When Jacob came to the end of his plans, God had a better plan. Jacob was a diligent worker, and he would go through any hardship if he could have his own way. In numerous situations, he had his way; all the while, he was ignorant of how gloriously God had saved him from calamity. We must remember that Jacob was to receive the blessings of God and pass them onto his children and his children’s children.

God has a plan beyond anything that we could ever ask for or imagine. He has a plan for each one of us. Our past is never to limit God in our present day, and nothing in our present can limit the blessings of tomorrow. Tomorrow should be filled with holy expectations. Tomorrow is an opportunity to receive God’s blessing. God never intended His people to be ordinary or commonplace. He intended His people to be blessed.

Many things have happened in our lives in the past several years. One of the challenges is not to let those circumstances dictate to our lives. Jacob experienced twenty-one years of wandering, fighting, and struggling. In spite of the challenges, the God of Jacob did not allow his life to be destroyed. He blessed his with children and did not send him away empty-handed.

There is a way that God blessed and establishes His people. In our human planning, we may experience success to a certain extent, but we also undergo tests and trials that at the end of the day, can sour our successes. But when we follow God’s ways, even though it may involve hardship, we are blessed with joy and peace. I realize that through the love of my Father and, intimacy with Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, there is a refreshing, an inner peace and calm and glow. We find a security in God where you can know that God is with you all the time; He will never leave or forsake us. There is a place of experiencing God’s blessings daily, so that we can pass these blessings to a lost and needy world.

In Conclusion

Here are my takeaways for 2022 considering the life of Jacob. There is good; there is better; but God has a best, a higher standard for us than we have yet attained. Be encouraged:

·         You are God’s child…

The promises of God are yours for the taking.

Walk in your God given identity. I am loved. I am appreciated. I am blessed. I am favoured. I am forgiven. I am gifted. I am capable. I am courageous. I am an overcomer.

I could go on and on…

·         God’s plan is best…

The life of Jacob was one of struggle and striving on his part. He needed to learn one lesson.

The key here is surrender. Flesh and blood and human effort cannot inherit the kingdom. Let us learn to walk in self-control as a fruit of the Spirit while giving up our wills to God.

Let us allow the grace, the blessing of God to overtake us in our journey with God this year.

We do not know what 2022 will bring. But we do know who is in control. God!

Not our failures or fears. Not our circumstances. Not our struggles. God is in control…