February 5th One Year Bible Readings

Exodus 21:22-23:13 ~ Matthew 24:1-28 ~ Psalm 29:1-11 ~ Proverbs 7:6-23
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Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 21 we read the very well-known verses 24 & 25: "If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."  What you may not realize about this "law of retaliation" is that it actually was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime, which prevented cruel and barbaric punishments that were seen in many ancient cultures.  Meaning - before this law it might have been seen as "acceptable" for someone to kill someone in return for knocking out an eye - whereas this law limited the retaliation to fit the crime.  Jesus of course invokes the higher law of love in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 verses 38 through 42: "You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.' But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."  Do you see how Jesus exemplified this higher law of love for us through his ministry, life, death and resurrection? Bible.org has a great article titled "Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)" at this link.

I find it very fascinating to read all of the laws in these chapters today.  I think what is incredible is to remember is that these laws are coming directly from God to the Hebrews.  I find it very encouraging that God is so interested in the minutiae details that are discussed in these laws!  God is not an impersonal God who just sets up the universe like a clock and lets it tick.  God is engaged and concerned with our behavior - back then and today!  Do you believe that God is engaged and concerned with your behavior today?

New Testament - Matthew chapter 24 verse 2 was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans, under Titus, completely destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple building: ""Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, they will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another!"  The Temple in Jerusalem during Jesus' lifetime - before it's destruction in A.D. 70 - may have looked like this image from a model:

Verse 15 stood out to me today's readings: "The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place"--reader, pay attention!"  Per Zondervan's commentary, the primary reference in Daniel 9:27 & 11:31 & 12:11 was to 168 B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes erected a pagan altar to Zeus on the sacred altar in the temple of Jerusalem.  Some believe this is a progressive prediction, which was also fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed - and will also be fulfilled in the future by the antichrist.  Below is a Roman statue of Zeus. Antiochus Epiphanes dedicated the Jerusalem Temple to this false god in 168 B.C.:

Verses 26 & 27 really stood out to me today as some very wise teaching's of Jesus' (well, yes, all of Jesus' teachings are wise! :), which we would all do well to take note of: ""So if someone tells you, `Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, `Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes."  For some reason that little line, "don't bother to go and look" really stood out to me.  Basically, Jesus is saying that if you have to GO somewhere to see the "messiah" in the end of days, it ain't the messiah!  :)  When the true Messiah Jesus comes again, you will know it without a doubt - Jesus will light up the entire sky!  What a beautiful thing to imagine...

Psalms - Speaking of Jesus lighting up the sky when he returns... check out Psalm 29 today! What a beautiful hymn of praise to God the Creator!  Verses 3 and 4 are awesome: "The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders.  The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty."  And verse 2 is something for each of us to joyfully obey - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."  Amen!

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 7 verses 22 & 23 have always stood out to me, reminding me of the mortal danger of sin in our lives: "He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Yes, these verses are speaking about adultery.  But, I think you can apply these verses to many sins that we fall prey to.  Once we let the temptation or seduction of the sin overtake our senses we run the risk of the "arrow" or the "snare."  Sin has consequences.  Very real and often mortal consequences.  We need to stay off the path of sin and pray to God to keep us on the paths of truth and righteousness.  Please don't walk into the traps of temptation!

Worship God:  Matthew 24:27 and Psalm 29:2 reminded me of Third Day's great song "Show Me Your Glory"!  Here's a live version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZaMOuv2RI

Has God shown you His Glory?  Click here for Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today: "Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:4-8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be deceived in the end times. Pray that you will keep your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus alone in all times and all places.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  I read an interesting commentary on Psalm 29 verse 2 today - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." This commentary suggested that possibly "worshiping God in the splendor of his holiness" may have been a call for the ancient worshipers to basically dress up before going to the Temple.  To wear the proper white robes or garb for worship.  And this made me think about how we dress for church today.  I'm wondering if maybe we're getting too casual in the way we dress for church these days?  I know in my grandparents' day, you were in a suit / nice dress.  Today, it seems like we can go to church in just about whatever we want to wear - jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, etc.  And maybe this is okay?  Maybe this is a good thing?  Or maybe not?  Dennis Prager on his radio show talks about this very topic and says that if we were going to meet with the Queen of England, how would we dress?  Obviously, we'd dress nicely.  Well, if in church we're going to meet with the King of all creation, how then should we dress?  At least as nicely as we'd dress for meeting with the Queen of England?  Or no...?  Please let me know your thoughts on this topic.  Do you dress up for church?  Why or why not?  (I'll confess - I wear jeans to church... and sometimes even sandals in the summer...)  Are we getting too casual with what we wear to church these days?  Should we maybe learn something from this Psalm and "worship God in the splendor of his holiness"?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Ramona]

Should we dress up to go to church? Hmmm. I have dressed up and dressed down for church. I visited my son who lives in the Seattle Washington area and thought I was dressed down; but, when I got to church I found that I was dressed up. God wants our hearts not our clothes. However I do think we need to be aware of our personal hygiene in church so as not to distract others from the message; come to think of it, when we are in any place where there is a crowd, we should be sure we do not offend by our lack of hygiene. We must remember to emit the fragrance of Christ and not be an odor of the world, literarily and figuratively.

What is the appropriate dress for church? Having clothes on, being appropriately clothed so as not to cause a distraction. And women should be sure they do not wear clothing that is sexually provocative. Men are visual beings (God made them that way), and can be easily distracted by our choice of clothing or lack there of.

Upon visiting churches, I have found that churches that have many members that are poor and unskilled will dress up; and churches that are middle to upper middle class with high skills tend to dress down, at least in New York City and the outskirts of Seattle.

Exodus 21:22-23:13

Today’s Old Testament passages give “flesh” to Commandments five through ten, with a dash of skin to numbers one through four. Responsibility and accountability are found in these chapter and verses, responsibility to God and man, and accountability for actions that violate men and the community’s relationship to each other and God. I don’t know why I never saw this previously I just saw a bunch of rules and regulations to follow but this is all about right living in the midst of community and right actions toward God, who created us and thus the One who wrote the How-To-Manual

And if men fight and hit a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no serious injury, he will surely be punished in accordance with what the woman's husband will put on him, and he will pay what the court decides. But if there is serious injury, then you will give a life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. (Exodus 21:22-25 NET.)

When things like the above happen, people fighting or even rough housing where there are people around going about their daily business, when someone is hurt or injured, the people involved usually try to “excuse” their way out of it. “He/She made me so mad I couldn’t help myself, You just don’t know what they did to me.” The word “Sorry” is bantered about as if just the sound of that word justifies everything. God says, “No, you are not excused by use of the word, “Sorry.”. You must restore to its original state.” In fact, the Hebrew word, shâlam, where shâlôm, the word peace is derived from, implies restoration. Come to think of it, isn’t that what God will do when He ushers in the “New Jerusalem,” bring everything back to the “In the Beginning” state?

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Frederick Y]

Matthew 24:26-27 (NIV)

26"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

I echo Mike's comments on these two verses. It seems that in the end time when Jesus will be around the corner to return to the world, Satan will be doing his work as well. But Jesus's second coming will be a glorious one. He will need no one to do the promotion and advertisement for Him. It is an important matter to remember (and to teach our children) about this.

[Lesley Pettitt]

I don't think it is really important how you dress to go to Church, we are all different and it is what is in your heart that God is interested in.

[Raeann]

"Blessed is HE that comes in the name of the LORD."
When I go to church on Sunday I wear dress slacks and a nice blouse, I do not wear a dress because I work in the nursery after my service and have to be on the floor with the kids.

[Debi Pate]

Many years ago, we found ourselves in a new place on Christmas Eve, and I called the pastor of the local church to ask him about the dress code in his congregation. He told me "I don't care how you dress...you can wear your bathrobe and bunny slippers, just come and worship". Don't think God cares either...

[Billy Bain]

God knows our heart and He knows if "we know" that we are dressed properly to be in the presence of the King of King and Lord of Lords. We owe our Lord our very best. Sometimes our best isn't very much. On the other hand,lost people who are in our midst should be shown respect, for they have been drawn to the presence of God for the miracle of salvation. Don't let our attitudes toward them demonstrate anything but the love of God.

[Wendy]

I believe our manner of dress in Church should be guided as to what type of respect you wish to show God. I was brought up to dress and act respectfully. The manner of "casual" dress may affect some people's attitude, dressing up for Christ is like dressing for the Bride Groom. I wish to be dressed appropriately for my Bride Groom. I have never seen a wedding where the Bride wore Jeans and the Bridegroom wore a tux. My statement is not meant to demean anyone, this is just MY opinion.

[Shamica]

John A.-- Thanks for your response yesterday about polygamy.

[John A.]

Psalm 29

This Psalm is ascribed to David as he sees a thunderstorm coming from the north. Sometimes people grumble about the weather, but David uses it here as an opportunity to praise God.
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Verses 1-4

In the Hebrew poetic form there is a building of tempo with a climax of emphasis in verse 4.

David calls for the angels to praise God's glory and strength - the glory due His name - with climax being a call to worship.
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Verses 3-9

David watches as the storm moves inland with power, thunder and lightning, and its effects over the land. All in his temple (nature, actual temple, or heaven???) cry "Glory". God is sovereign.
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Verses 10-11
Through it all: the storm, the flood, whatever - God sits enthroned forever.

The same power and control over nature regarding the storm, God's everlasting rule, and the God who is soverign - He and He alone decides to give His strength and blessings to His people by His grace.
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"Some Bible students believe that this Psalm prefigures a military storm that will sweep down from the north on the nation of Israel during the Tribulation Period (vv. 3–9). Following that troubled time, the Lord Jesus Christ will reign as King over all the earth and bless His earthly people with strength and peace (vv. 10, 11). The idea deserves serious consideration.
W. E. Vine sees the Psalm as picturing Christ in His Second Advent, appearing first at Har-Magedon (Rev. 16:16), then sweeping down to the wilderness of Kadesh, the center of which is Bozrah (Isa. 63:1). 25 The Psalm thus describes poetically the complete overthrow of the nations that will have invaded Israel at that time.
But then there is always the practical application for today and every day. God’s voice is heard in the storms of life as well as in the sunshine. He is working out His purposes. Nothing is beyond His control. For those who know and love Him, He is working all things together for good. Ironside says:It is a wonderful picture of the soul that has gone through its exercises, its stress, its trouble, but has learned that God is over all, that He is strong to save. And so the heart rests in Him and is at peace."
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville

[John A.]

Exodus 21:22-23:13

The Sabbath

Why was the Sabbath so important to God? In Jeremiah, God even warns Jerusalem of destruction if they violate the Sabbath. What is God saying when he says, "on the seventh day do not work"? Is it the day that is important or is it the concept of getting a day off, or is it what the "rest" represents that us important.

Clearly, Jesus and Paul say it is not the "day" itself". Any day is ok, just pick one, and "rest". Some will disagree with this, and it can be addressed when we get to those verses in NT.

I have come to believe the idea of "resting" once a week is a picture of Salvation. Just like the Lord rested from creation, that is ceased working on creation, (God never ceased managing the universe). We are to take a weekly respite and "rest" in the Lord. The picture? Cease working, cease toiling to earn salvation. Rest - trust in the Lord - believe in the Lord - believe in His Son - let God do the work, just rest, reflect, and choose God and His ways. Because the picture here revolves around salvation and God - I believe that is why the Sabbath command is so important to God. (my opinion).
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From yesterday:

"The primary function of the law of God is to reveal God. It's his law; therefore, it tells us about him. It tells us what he cares about. And even a casual look and the 42 commands in this section leaves one with the overwhelming impression that God cares about people." - Scott Grant

All one has to do is compare God's instructions with the codes of Law of the time (example: Hammurabi's code). God's instructions were revolutionary in that the instructions value all people - and places great emphasis on the poor, the disadvantaged, the slave and the alien.

Yes, some of the penalties were harsh - involving death. One, the people should recognize how serious God takes His instructions. Two, if God is leading them around by a cloud and a pillar of fire, providing food and water for them, talking to Moses - I would tend to take him seriously. third, the punishments were a reflection of the times, and nowhere near as serious as ome of the other legal codes in the world. Fourth, there is no record of some of the stoning's and death sentences being given out, and perhaps the people did take them seriously, or possibly commuted some of the sentences with leader's approval?????

Really a good read:
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/10439/exo020.html

[John A.]

Matthew 24
Signs of the End of the Age

My policy on this blog is not to get specific about prophecy. One, it is open to many interpretations, and two, it is very divisive amongst the body of Christ.
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Matt24:3 "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

The disciples are asking three questions:

1) when will this happen: the destruction of the temple.

2) what will be the sign of your coming? Not the Second coming. The apostles do not understand that yet. From their reading of the OT prophets they think it is all going to happen in one trip - which is the Jewish thought to this day. "Coming" here in Greek is "parousia" meaning "presence". They are asking when will Jesus come in His full final presence as the glorious Messiah. That is the Second Coming, but they think it is now or near term since Christ is here with them on earth.

3)what will be the sign of the end of the age? end of the age or "world" is in Greek "full final end". It is used five times in Matthew. Jesus will be with them unti the end of the age, and a few times in Matt 13 with parable of wheat and tares: angels will come and harvest, and judgment will be done at the end of the age. The full final end.
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Jesus ignores the first question for now and delves into the second two:

birth pangs - I only know it involves pain with increasing frequency and intensity.

So what will be like the Beginning of birth pains?
Deceptive voices, Wars and rumors of Wars, Natural disasters, persecution, and love gone cold. This is not the end. (verse 6) it is just the beginning.

The clues to the "end" starts in verse 15, and as Jesus says - "let the reader understand" :)

[Chris D]

I think my best dress would be a pure heart ... and I am so often not dressed with this.

[Holly K]

Regarding dressing up or down for church...funny that you bring it up Mike, as it has been on my mind the last few weeks as I choose my clothes on Sunday morning. Being a woman & choosing clothes can be a daunting task!! :)
I too have dressed up & have worn jeans. I have gained a lot from reading the comments to your question about dress....really insightful people!!! :)
In the short time that I have contemplated the question, I have to say that when deciding on my clothes for church, I have caught myself thinking..."Who am I dressing for?" Sometimes I find myself thinking I am dressing to spend some comfort time with my best friend (Jesus) & want to wear jeans. Other times I find myself thinking that I am dressing for a big event (big time worship with HUGE amounts of praise) & want to show reverence by wearing my very best - I think that if I am going to worship, & meet my Savior who died for me, I'd better get my act together & put some effort into my attire. I think that the bottom line is that only you and God know where your heart truly is. If we do have a God who loves us unconditionally (which I believe we do) than He knows why we dress the way that we do. If there is a problem with it, the Holy Spirit will convict us, we will know it & choose to act accordingly.
I go back to Matt 22:37 - "Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." With that being the Greatest Commandment, I think my whole routine of mental gymnastics with choosing my attire may be a mute point :)

[jhon hondo]

However, the most universally misunderstood and misapplied commandment is God's command to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Many people view the Sabbath as a quaint relic of history, perhaps a nice idea at some time in the past but altogether impractical in today's busy world. Some think the Sabbath is Sunday and that spending an hour or two at church on Sunday morning fulfills the intent of the Sabbath commandment. visit:Sabbath
Others think Jesus Christ did away with any specific day of rest, or the need to worship on a particular day, and that whatever time we choose to revere God is holy.