Another name of God, Qanna, describes Him as a jealous God. Israel had adulterated their covenant relationship and given their love to other gods and their desires to earthly things. Note in the History of Israel post when the glory of God left the temple. Can you image seeing the presence of God that had been with Israel since they wandered in the wilderness with Moses leaving? It was almost as if He slowly left hoping they would change their ways. Israel was destroyed, the people scattered and living in captivity; Jerusalem was never rebuilt the same; however, in the last verse of Ezekiel the name Jehovah-shammah was used when describing the new Jerusalem that Jesus will rebuild during his second coming.
Many Christians live without hope. They live in fear of captivity; they have set down at the world’s banquet table and consumed themselves with the things of this life. They have little interest in the glories of heaven. Christians can guard themselves from being imprisoned by the world, and not losing hope by renewing our inner man daily (2 Cor 4:16-18) and turn from whatever our idols are regardless of the cost or the hardship.
I would recommend reading, marking and re-reading the second half of page 187 through page 188 of our book, LORD, I Want to Know You. This is a wonderful illustration of how Jesus - Jehovah-shammah the Lord is There. He walked among His people as Adonai, Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-raah, Jehovah-nissi, Jehovah-tsidkenu, Jehovah-sabaoth, Jehovah-rapha, Jehovah-mekoddishkem and Jehovah-shalom. Jesus was rejected. We know Him after studying the names of God as Israel knew God. Do you reject Him, what have you done with Him and who is He to you?
Thank you for taking this journey.
Blessings and love,
Ellen
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Israel’s History
- God kept His covenant with Abraham and delivered Israel from Egypt, but Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their evil heart of unbelief
- Joshua led Israel over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. They experience victory until another generation rose who did not know the Lord. They did evil in the eyes of the Lord, served gods and 300-350 years of darkness occurred
- Israel wanted a king, Samuel anointed Saul king, but he rejected the word of the Lord.
- David, a man after God’s heart, then became the king of Israel.
- Solomon was the next king, but he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and at his death the kingdom of Israel was divided into 2 parts the North and the South
- Northern Kingdom was 10 tribes and their capital was in Samaria
- Southern Kingdom consisted of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah with Jerusalem as their capitalGod allowed the Southern Kingdom to be taken captive for 70 years. Ez. 10-11 we see a picture of the Shekinah glory leaving the temple. Can you see the Lord’s reluctance in leaving His temple; how do you picture that?
- After 70 years of captivity a remnant returned to Jerusalem. Under Ezra and Zerubbable the remnant rebuilt the temple. Note the Lord did not return to dwell in His Shekinah glory in His temple at Jerusalem. Under Nehemiah they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.
- God promised Malachi a messenger (John the Baptist) to clear the way before He returned and suddenly come to the Temple (fulfilled in Luke 3:23). Malachi was the last of the OT prophets; God was silent for 400 years
Jehovah-tsidkenu – The Lord our Righteousness
Read over the history of Israel (see that post) and see how through the years they had refused to listen to God. We see a stubborn heart that pursued other gods to serve them and bow to them (Jer 13:10). God is holy and could not allow this unholy way of life, judgment was certain. Nothing except repentance and a return to righteousness could stop this judgement.
The word “righteous” means to do what God says is right according to His standards (not according to our standards). We learn what those standards are by knowing Him and what His Word says. Sin and failure are a horrible cycle and can seem hopeless and are hopeless without God. However, a relationship with Jesus allows us to break that cycle and experience His righteousness.
Even our best “good deeds” are as “filthy rags” (Is 64:6). Because God is Holy and cannot be in the presence of sin, our personal efforts cannot move us toward heaven; our only attainment of holiness can come from a perfect sacrifice and our accepting that sacrifice. He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21). This is what it cost Jesus to “be sin on our behalf”, so that we can experience His righteousness… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DdL9J8hu9s
Thank Him! Praise Him!
In Him,
Ellen
The word “righteous” means to do what God says is right according to His standards (not according to our standards). We learn what those standards are by knowing Him and what His Word says. Sin and failure are a horrible cycle and can seem hopeless and are hopeless without God. However, a relationship with Jesus allows us to break that cycle and experience His righteousness.
Even our best “good deeds” are as “filthy rags” (Is 64:6). Because God is Holy and cannot be in the presence of sin, our personal efforts cannot move us toward heaven; our only attainment of holiness can come from a perfect sacrifice and our accepting that sacrifice. He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21). This is what it cost Jesus to “be sin on our behalf”, so that we can experience His righteousness… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DdL9J8hu9s
Thank Him! Praise Him!
In Him,
Ellen
Jehovah-raah – The Lord my Shepherd
It doesn’t matter what I am. It only matters who He is because He is all I need…The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.
When He is our Shepherd, we are His sheep. Did you know that sheep are the dumbest of all animals, helpless, timid, require constant attention and meticulous care? At first I thought “I am NOT” I then resigned to “well sometimes” before admitting “OK that description does apply to me”. Even though we do dumb things, are not perfect, stumble in many ways we CAN succeed WHEN the Lord is our Shepherd…
Remember you have a Shepherd who loves you and would do anything for you including give His life and go into the wilderness to bring you back to Him.
When He is our Shepherd, we are His sheep. Did you know that sheep are the dumbest of all animals, helpless, timid, require constant attention and meticulous care? At first I thought “I am NOT” I then resigned to “well sometimes” before admitting “OK that description does apply to me”. Even though we do dumb things, are not perfect, stumble in many ways we CAN succeed WHEN the Lord is our Shepherd…
- The Shepherd knows the sheep and calls their name (Jn. 10: 4). Jesus is the good shepherd (Jn. 10:11) and brings His fold together (Jn. 10:16)
- As His sheep, we know His voice and follow Him (Jn. 10: 3, 27)
- We must be on watch for thieves who are after us [the sheep] (Jn. 10:1) for the purpose of killing, stealing and destruction (Jn. 10:10)
- The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures – the word “makes does not mean he forces me” instead because I am free from hunger, fear, friction and pests I can lie down. If a sheep was hungry he would eat not lie down in the green pastures; I can be free from hunger will I am filled with the Word of God. If a sheep was afraid he would not lie down; I can be free from fear by trusting in God, His love and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me.
- He leads be beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. – Linda showed us the pictures of the Jordan River where the parasites are found at the bottom of the river when it is still and only then is it safe for the sheep to drink.
- Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies – we are able to walk and sit before our enemies when we are free from friction; in order to experience this we must experience forgiveness (both give it and accept it) and have a humble spirit.
- You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. – without ointment placed on the nose by the shepherd, sheep are attacked by worms that work their way up their head into the brain; they are so irritating that sheep will bash their heads until they die. In the same way our thoughts torment us…thoughts of fear, rejections, bitterness, hatred, failure, incompetency, sensuality and greed.
Remember you have a Shepherd who loves you and would do anything for you including give His life and go into the wilderness to bring you back to Him.
Blessings,
EllenFriday, November 6, 2009
Jehovah-sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts
In the original text, “hosts” refers to an encampment of troops/army; a mass of persons organized for war – literal war or figuratively for the handling of a hardship. Jehovah-sabaoth “The Lord of Hosts” meets failure and offers strength, deliverance and a place of refuge.
Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel encountered persecution and condemnation below is a summary of how the Lord of Hosts offered them strength, deliverance of their trials and a place of refuge:
(1) Jehovah-sabaoth was first used in the book of 1 Samuel…
(3) Jehovah-sabaoth was not mentioned once in the 48 chapters of Ezekiel. God’s people had given up during their 70 years of captivity.
(4) During the years Zechariah prophesied the name Jehovah-sabaoth appeared 52 times in 14 chapters. Zechariah was born in exile in Babylon; the children of Israel was returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple after being in captivity in Babylon for 70 years (the first group return in 538 BC).
(5) The name Jehovah-sabaoth was used appeared 24 times in the book of Malachi; 22 of those instances was a direct word from God wanting them to see Him as their Lord of hosts and to bow their knee to Him. At this period of time the Israelites gave God lip-service but showed no actions to back up what they said.
Just as with Hannah, during our rock bottom experiences in life, Jehovah-sabaoth is there waiting with open arms for us to cry out to Him. There is no substitute for a relationship with the Lord, seeking religious experiences/rituals will only leave you empty and facing your time(s) of need alone. However, when seeking the Lord and a relationship with Him, true strength even during times of weakness is possible.
Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel encountered persecution and condemnation below is a summary of how the Lord of Hosts offered them strength, deliverance of their trials and a place of refuge:
(1) Jehovah-sabaoth was first used in the book of 1 Samuel…
- Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, worshiped and sacrificed to the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 1:1-3) then Hannah in her barren state cried out to the Lord of Hosts; she was at her rock bottom wanting a child and feeling great distress (1 Sam 1: 6-7, 10-11).
- David had faith; he knew without God the task ahead was impossible but knew he could accomplish great things with the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 17: 42-47). Contrary to the manner David cried out to the Lord, the people were overwhelmed by the Philistines and thought the ark would save them. They were seeking religion and religious rituals not a relationship with the Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 4: 3-4) and as a result they experienced defeat (1 Sam 4: 10-11).
(3) Jehovah-sabaoth was not mentioned once in the 48 chapters of Ezekiel. God’s people had given up during their 70 years of captivity.
(4) During the years Zechariah prophesied the name Jehovah-sabaoth appeared 52 times in 14 chapters. Zechariah was born in exile in Babylon; the children of Israel was returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple after being in captivity in Babylon for 70 years (the first group return in 538 BC).
(5) The name Jehovah-sabaoth was used appeared 24 times in the book of Malachi; 22 of those instances was a direct word from God wanting them to see Him as their Lord of hosts and to bow their knee to Him. At this period of time the Israelites gave God lip-service but showed no actions to back up what they said.
Just as with Hannah, during our rock bottom experiences in life, Jehovah-sabaoth is there waiting with open arms for us to cry out to Him. There is no substitute for a relationship with the Lord, seeking religious experiences/rituals will only leave you empty and facing your time(s) of need alone. However, when seeking the Lord and a relationship with Him, true strength even during times of weakness is possible.
Jehovah-shalom – The Lord is Peace
When the hour is dark and the situation desperate, we long for God’s peace and to know Jehovah-shalom. Some descriptions of the opposite of peace include war, chaos, turmoil, worry confusion, anger and fret (see Ps. 37 for message on fret).
Israel experienced a dark hour in Judges 6: 1-5; however, Gideon experienced the Lord’s Peace later in Judges 6: 22-24. Gideon was in a right relationship with the Lord, he came face to face with an angel of the Lord; in that interaction he experienced true peace.
Fear that comes from circumstances of this life is nothing compared to the fear that can come when one finds himself face to face with God. There will be a day in EVERYONE’s life – believers and non-believers where we will come face to face with the Lord and give an account for our lives.
Peace begins with our thoughts and mindset (Phil 4:4-9) we are told to control our thoughts, not to worry, be prayerful and to focus on what is true/genuine, noble/honorable, respectful, right/fair and lovely. In order to experience peace, we must clear our mind of worry and focus in a steadfast manner on the Lord (Is. 26:3) we see this also in Prov. 3:5-6.
It is much easier to say control our thoughts and seek peace especially when difficult times come. Below is a list of scripture to mark so that when trials and tribulations come in your life you have the source of peace to turn to…
Rom 5:3-5
Phil 4:4-9
Jer. 29:11
Rom 5:1
Heb 13: 5-6
2 Tim1:7
5:22
Israel experienced a dark hour in Judges 6: 1-5; however, Gideon experienced the Lord’s Peace later in Judges 6: 22-24. Gideon was in a right relationship with the Lord, he came face to face with an angel of the Lord; in that interaction he experienced true peace.
Fear that comes from circumstances of this life is nothing compared to the fear that can come when one finds himself face to face with God. There will be a day in EVERYONE’s life – believers and non-believers where we will come face to face with the Lord and give an account for our lives.
- Believers stand behind the blood of Jesus having our sins forgiven, but giving an account for the work we did on earth for the kingdom at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).
- Non-believers will stand and give an account of their lives at the White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15). These individuals will be judged in accordance of their sins.
Peace begins with our thoughts and mindset (Phil 4:4-9) we are told to control our thoughts, not to worry, be prayerful and to focus on what is true/genuine, noble/honorable, respectful, right/fair and lovely. In order to experience peace, we must clear our mind of worry and focus in a steadfast manner on the Lord (Is. 26:3) we see this also in Prov. 3:5-6.
It is much easier to say control our thoughts and seek peace especially when difficult times come. Below is a list of scripture to mark so that when trials and tribulations come in your life you have the source of peace to turn to…
Rom 5:3-5
Phil 4:4-9
Jer. 29:11
Rom 5:1
Heb 13: 5-6
2 Tim1:7
5:22
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Jehovah-mekoddishkem – The Lord who Sanctifies You
The next name that was reveal to the children of Israel was Jehovah-mekoddishkem, the Lord who sanctifies you. In simple terms the word “sanctify” means to purify, set apart or to make holy. Our sanctification or purification begins when we accept the Lord and enter into a relationship with Him. Jesus’ offering of Himself on the cross is how we are sanctified (Heb 10:10-14). He is purifying us from those deeds of the flesh mentioned in Jehovah-nissi. We are to be sexually and morally pure, honoring, not caught up in lustful passions of the flesh and not defrauding each other (1Thess. 4:3-8).
It is an amazing thought that a holy God wants to be in a relationship with us, and to be in the presence of holiness we must be made holy. Almost as amazing, is that He loves us so much that He continues to work in our lives to continue to purify us making us more and more like Him. Paul tells us in 2 Tim 2:21 to cleanse ourselves from worldly and empty chatter and temporal desires so that we can be used by God for honor, prepared for every good work. That word “cleanse” in Greek is ekkathairō which means to sanctifies, purge or cleanse thoroughly. It is a cleansing of our body, soul and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). After entering into a relationship with the Lord we are to continue to be set apart/purified/made holy by washing ourselves in the Word of God (Eph. 5: 25-27). The only way to know how to be holy is to know the one who is holy. The only way to get to know the Lord is by spending time in the Word and relying on the understanding provided by the Sprit. We are sanctified by truth and the Word is truth (Jn. 17: 15-19)
Holiness is important to God; so important to Him that he allowed His son to be the sacrifice for us allowing us to be made holy. Therefore, it must be important in each of our lives, Heb 12:14 states that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord”.
How is your life different, set apart, what steps do you take to pursue holiness?
It is an amazing thought that a holy God wants to be in a relationship with us, and to be in the presence of holiness we must be made holy. Almost as amazing, is that He loves us so much that He continues to work in our lives to continue to purify us making us more and more like Him. Paul tells us in 2 Tim 2:21 to cleanse ourselves from worldly and empty chatter and temporal desires so that we can be used by God for honor, prepared for every good work. That word “cleanse” in Greek is ekkathairō which means to sanctifies, purge or cleanse thoroughly. It is a cleansing of our body, soul and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). After entering into a relationship with the Lord we are to continue to be set apart/purified/made holy by washing ourselves in the Word of God (Eph. 5: 25-27). The only way to know how to be holy is to know the one who is holy. The only way to get to know the Lord is by spending time in the Word and relying on the understanding provided by the Sprit. We are sanctified by truth and the Word is truth (Jn. 17: 15-19)
Holiness is important to God; so important to Him that he allowed His son to be the sacrifice for us allowing us to be made holy. Therefore, it must be important in each of our lives, Heb 12:14 states that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord”.
How is your life different, set apart, what steps do you take to pursue holiness?
Jehovah-nissi – The Lord my Banner
A banner that was carried at the head of a military band or body to indicate the line of march or the rallying point. Jehovah-nissi rallies over our battle with the flesh; He wants us to have victory over the enemy, our flesh
In Exodus 17 the children of Israel were led by Joshua in a battle with Amalek. During the times when Moses raised his staff overhead Israel was victorious, when his arms fell Amalek overpowered them. His staff was a picture of a banner and this battle with Amalek was a picture of our battle with the flesh. We are going to battle the flesh and we will wear out of we try it on our own. However, if we stay under the Lord we can overcome; it is imperative to also acknowledge that we need the support of other believers.
A little background: Amalek was Isaac’s great-grandson. Abraham’s son, Isaac, had 2 sons, Esau & Jacob; Esau gave his birthright for stew because he allowed the flesh to overcome him. Esau’s son was Eliphaz and Eliphaz’s son was Amalek… Amalek was the grandson of Esau the great-grandson of Isaac; however, Amalek was also the “first and constant enemy” of the nation of Israel. Amalek did not fear God, which means he did not show reverence, respect or honor to God.
The flesh is one of the greatest enemies of the child of God; it is the first enemy we encounter after we are saved. Think about it, Satan can’t take away our salvation but he sure can get the best of our testimony and the desires of the flesh is how he accomplishes this. These attacks occur when we are faint and weary (Deut. 25:18); so we must be on guard and surround ourselves with believers to help through this journey of life.
Gal 5: 19-21 describes the attributes/deeds of the flesh:
1. Immorality/Adultery – sexual relations with anyone you are not married to
2. Impurity/Uncleanness - a substance that adulterates or contaminates something; physically or morally unclean
3. Sensuality/Lasciviousness - the capacity for enjoying the pleasures of the senses
4. Idolatry - the worship of idols or false gods
5. Sorcery enmities – witchcraft or magical from the Greek word pharmakeia where we get medication
6. Strife/Hatred – hostility or bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry
7. Jealousy/Emulation – fervent desire what another has
8. Outbursts of anger /Wrath– to breath hard, fierce anger because something seems unfair or unreasonable
9. Disputes/Stife - disagree or argue about something
10. Dissensions/Seditions - disagreement or difference of opinion, especially when leading to open conflict
11. Factions/Heresies - a portion of a group (sect) that has interests or beliefs that are not in harmony with the larger group
12. Envying – jealous spite; the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions
13. Murder – to kill someone
14. Drunkenness – intoxicated from excess of alcohol
15. Carousing - to drink and become noisy, especially in a group; to riot
In 1 Samuel 15 Saul’s flesh is in control of his actions; he led Israel by his EYES rather than by obedience in his HEART. He was told to completely destroy everything; however, he allowed his people to keep the “good stuff”. Because of his disobedience, the person he should have killed ended up killing him (2 Samuel 1: 6-10).
In Gal 5:24 Paul writes “Now those who below to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. The flesh cannot be tolerated, catered-to or spared in any way; it must be put to death otherwise it will devastate you. If you don’t declare the flesh, with its passions and lusts, dead; it can kill you. The great thing to remember is that we are not alone in this battle of the flesh, we have a banner and it is Christ, Heb. 7:25 tells us to look up. There on the holy mount is the Son of God with arms extended high, ever living to make intercession for you. Under the banner of God, victory is always assured; but apart from it, defeat is certain. (John 15:5)
We are going to experience times when the deeds of the flesh are more visible and we are led astray. Unlike King Saul’s response, we should have a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and bow under the banner of the Lord and His outstretched arms.
The desires of the flesh are real; how do you dealt with your flesh?
In Exodus 17 the children of Israel were led by Joshua in a battle with Amalek. During the times when Moses raised his staff overhead Israel was victorious, when his arms fell Amalek overpowered them. His staff was a picture of a banner and this battle with Amalek was a picture of our battle with the flesh. We are going to battle the flesh and we will wear out of we try it on our own. However, if we stay under the Lord we can overcome; it is imperative to also acknowledge that we need the support of other believers.
A little background: Amalek was Isaac’s great-grandson. Abraham’s son, Isaac, had 2 sons, Esau & Jacob; Esau gave his birthright for stew because he allowed the flesh to overcome him. Esau’s son was Eliphaz and Eliphaz’s son was Amalek… Amalek was the grandson of Esau the great-grandson of Isaac; however, Amalek was also the “first and constant enemy” of the nation of Israel. Amalek did not fear God, which means he did not show reverence, respect or honor to God.
The flesh is one of the greatest enemies of the child of God; it is the first enemy we encounter after we are saved. Think about it, Satan can’t take away our salvation but he sure can get the best of our testimony and the desires of the flesh is how he accomplishes this. These attacks occur when we are faint and weary (Deut. 25:18); so we must be on guard and surround ourselves with believers to help through this journey of life.
Gal 5: 19-21 describes the attributes/deeds of the flesh:
1. Immorality/Adultery – sexual relations with anyone you are not married to
2. Impurity/Uncleanness - a substance that adulterates or contaminates something; physically or morally unclean
3. Sensuality/Lasciviousness - the capacity for enjoying the pleasures of the senses
4. Idolatry - the worship of idols or false gods
5. Sorcery enmities – witchcraft or magical from the Greek word pharmakeia where we get medication
6. Strife/Hatred – hostility or bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry
7. Jealousy/Emulation – fervent desire what another has
8. Outbursts of anger /Wrath– to breath hard, fierce anger because something seems unfair or unreasonable
9. Disputes/Stife - disagree or argue about something
10. Dissensions/Seditions - disagreement or difference of opinion, especially when leading to open conflict
11. Factions/Heresies - a portion of a group (sect) that has interests or beliefs that are not in harmony with the larger group
12. Envying – jealous spite; the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions
13. Murder – to kill someone
14. Drunkenness – intoxicated from excess of alcohol
15. Carousing - to drink and become noisy, especially in a group; to riot
In 1 Samuel 15 Saul’s flesh is in control of his actions; he led Israel by his EYES rather than by obedience in his HEART. He was told to completely destroy everything; however, he allowed his people to keep the “good stuff”. Because of his disobedience, the person he should have killed ended up killing him (2 Samuel 1: 6-10).
In Gal 5:24 Paul writes “Now those who below to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. The flesh cannot be tolerated, catered-to or spared in any way; it must be put to death otherwise it will devastate you. If you don’t declare the flesh, with its passions and lusts, dead; it can kill you. The great thing to remember is that we are not alone in this battle of the flesh, we have a banner and it is Christ, Heb. 7:25 tells us to look up. There on the holy mount is the Son of God with arms extended high, ever living to make intercession for you. Under the banner of God, victory is always assured; but apart from it, defeat is certain. (John 15:5)
We are going to experience times when the deeds of the flesh are more visible and we are led astray. Unlike King Saul’s response, we should have a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and bow under the banner of the Lord and His outstretched arms.
The desires of the flesh are real; how do you dealt with your flesh?
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