The 100 Year Challenge

The children of Israel were given a great land with wonderful resources. But Moses challenged them to protect their greatest natural resource—their children. He said to them before his death, “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:1-2). Did you notice the command was not only to this generation but also to “thy son, and thy son’s son”? That’s 100 years of faithfulness.

Sadly, they failed to keep the challenge. As the people take the land in Judges, we read that the next generation failed to serve the Lord.

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. –Judges 2:10-13

Israel failed to keep the challenge. Will we? Starting today, we need to teach our children in a way that not only provides them with the motivation and desire to serve God but also their children. We should leave a legacy of faith. One hundred years from now, I will have left this earth. But will my family remember me? And more importantly, will they remember me for my faith?

Isn’t that what is most important? Not that I was wildly successful in business. Not that I have buildings bearing my name on them. Not that I raised a world-class athlete. Not that I had beautiful girls that could win pageants. None of that really matters. What matters is that my children and my grandchildren and the generations after that serve God.

Accept Moses’ 100 year challenge today. Teach the ways of God to your children and to your children’s children.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Blessings & Curses

At first glance, the pronouncement of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28 seem to have one purpose—scare the children of Israel into obedience. Moses uses almost four times the space for curses as he does blessings in the text. The threat of punishment is often a greater motivator for obedience than reward. But, is this chapter solely about rewards and punishments?

To sum up Deuteronomy 28 as merely a listing of consequences is mechanical and shallow. The purpose of the text goes much deeper. God is not just delivering a listing to promote fearful obedience among the Israelites. There is a greater meaning to this chapter.

From Genesis 12 on, God has chosen the Israelites to be His chosen people. From the day they left Egypt, this had been clear to all of Israel. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have eaten manna and quail for forty years. They have followed a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. The direct providence of God has been clearly seen in their lives.

Upon gaining the Promised Land, the Israelites could potentially forget God. Israel needed to remember that God was the source of their life. Israel’s relationship was the very thing that gave their nationhood meaning. Without Jehovah, they truly would be nothing. Israel’s peace and well-being was wholly dependent on God. This is the crux of Deuteronomy 28. They would not be cursed for rebellion because God was a vengeful God. They would be cursed because life without Jehovah was death for the nation of Israel. Without Him they truly were nothing. They would not be blessed because God was happy when they obeyed but rather they were blessed because a relationship to God was the source of blessings—it was the source of their life.

An example of this is the respect other nations had for Israel. Rahab told the spies hidden on her rooftop that the people in Canaan knew that the Lord had given the land to Israel (Joshua 2:9–13). The Canaanites weren’t afraid of the Israelites. They were afraid of the Lord who supported and strengthened the Israelites. The historical account of the Old Testament shows clearly that Israel without God was easily defeated. It was only when they fulfilled their requirements of the covenant to have a relationship with God that they were blessed as a nation.

What can we learn? Just like Israel, our life is wholly dependent on the Lord. We sing songs like “Without Him” and “Count Your Blessings” which remind us of the need for God’s providence. We must realize God’s blessings and care are dependent on our relationship with Him. Jesus promises to take care of our needs but only when we put the kingdom first (Matthew 6:25–34). In contrast, God disciplines us when needed because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5–11). These statements are parallel to Deuteronomy 28. When we obey the Lord, He blesses us. Life will be good. When we choose to disobey the Lord, He disciplines us. Life will not be good.

Ultimately, our blessing or curse will come upon the Judgment Day. In Matthew 25 in the picture of the throne scene, the sheep are blessed for their service and obedience. They are allowed to receive the inheritance prepared from the beginning. The goats will be cast out into eternal fire prepared for the devil because they failed to be obedient and serve others. Jesus said, “…these go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46).

God is the source of our life. If we walk with Him, we will be blessed. If we choose to defiantly leave Him, we will be cursed. Our life is wholly dependent on Him. May we all choose wisely so that we may be blessed both here and in the world to come.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: “…the place that the LORD your God will choose…”

It has been months since we had the “Tuesday’s Notes.” I’m hoping to start them back up regularly. Thanks for your patience. –Terry

In our text for the weekly Bible classes here at the East Shelby church, one phrase was repeated numerous times: “…the place that the Lord your God will choose…” The frequency of its use could not be overlooked. As the children of Israel prepare to enter the land, it is obvious that God was in control. He was actively guiding them in this specific area. There would be direct oversight from Him in regards to these specific situations.

It’s interesting to note what this phrase modifies. It is used six times in Deuteronomy 12. In vv. 5–6 it is used in reference to God choosing the place where the Israelites would bring their tithes, vow offerings, freewill offerings, and the firstborn of their herds and flocks. In vv.10–11 and vv. 13–14 Moses uses the phrase similarly and adds the concept of their burnt offerings and sacrifices to the list of things they would bring to this unnamed place. In vv. 17–18 it refers to the place where they would eat of their tithes. In v. 21 it is used in the process of making an exception to the rule of where they could eat their tithe due to great distances. In v. 26 Moses speaks of this place in reference to where they would bring the holy things they owed to the Lord. It also occurs in Deuteronomy 14:23 in reference to the eating of tithe offerings. It is also found in Deuteronomy 15:20 in reference to eating the firstlings of the flocks and herds. And finally, it is used in reference to the observance of feast days in Deuteronomy 16:2, 6, 7, 11, 15, 16. In these five chapters, Moses uses the statement fourteen times. All of them have a common thread tying them together. (Coincidentally the phrase is used several other times in future readings—five more times).

All fourteen instances that this phrase is used deal with the offering of worship to God. Eventually, this phrase will be fulfilled with the construction of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. Prior to that construction, God determined and decided where the gifts and offerings of worship were given. During the period of the Exodus, this was done with God literally selected the location of the tabernacle through the cloud and pillar of fire. God choose where they would come and offer their worship. The point of the phrase “…the place that the Lord your God will choose…” is that any location that was not selected by God and approved by God was not permitted to be used as a place of worship.

What does that mean for the Christian today? Is the application that God must somehow supernaturally select the location of every meeting house before a local body can use it? No. That’s not the application at all. To promote such would be silly (although it is certain some have likely tried to make that application).

The application for Christians today is to recognize the sovereign authority of God. Many seek to change the practice and nature of the assembly of Christians and the worship offered based on their needs today. The argument becomes that only people today can decide what is truly uplifting and spiritual for them. And even if the Bible seems to show a particular pattern, it can be abandoned for what “feels” more spiritual. As spiritual Israel today, we need to recognize the Almighty God as the one who is control. It didn’t matter if Old Testament Israel felt it was more spiritual to offer their burnt offerings in the high places. God had a designated location for that. Solomon offered his sacrifices in the high places (1 Kings 3:3). It was the only thing he had done that was not acceptable to God.

God’s authority matters. The New Testament has given us a pattern through commands, examples, and inferences that show what He expects of us as worship. We cannot discard that as unnecessary simply because we feel there is a better way or it helps us feel more “connected” and more “spiritual.” He has already chosen how we should worship Him. Let us honor that so that we can honor Him as our Lord and King.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: More Than Enough

Imagine it is next Sunday morning and one of the elders makes the following announcement: “The elders have met and determined that the collection is too much. You have been giving much more than the work needs here. Since there is no way we can scripturally administer all of these funds, we are asking you to stop giving until further notice. There will be no more collections until the need returns.” While that sounds too good to be true, it actually happened once.

“…all the craftsmen…said to Moses, ‘The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that they Lord has commanded us to do.’ So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, ‘Let no man or woman do more for the contribution of the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” –Exodus 36:4–7

Israel is often used as the “poster child” of what not to do—especially during the Exodus. They are often seen complaining about food and water, accusing Moses of leading them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness, and failing to trust in God. While the Israelites were certainly guilty of failure at times, their example of giving is one we should not overlook.

God had given specific instructions for building the Tabernacle. He had carefully delivered a blueprint with every detail. Included in those instructions was a detailed “shopping list” for building materials: gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, animals skins, etc. The people were expected to give those items and they did. As seen in the text from Exodus 36, they gave “much more than enough.”

It is important to note why the children of Israel were able to supply the needs for the Tabernacle so easily. Prior to their abrupt departure from Egypt following the final plague, the children of Israel asked their Egyptian neighbors for silver, gold, and clothing as Moses commanded them. The Egyptian people granted those request because God had given the Israelites favor in their sight. In fact, the text says, “They plundered the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:35–36). The Israelites left Egypt wealthier than they could have ever imagined. But, their wealth was not delivered to them in order to make them a prosperous people. God blessed them with earthly wealth in order to carry out the instructions that would soon come regarding the Tabernacle.

Many of God’s people today are a prosperous people. We are blessed with well furnished homes, multiple cars, filled closets, overflowing pantries, stocked financial portfolios, etc. Is it possible that we fail to see the point of our blessings? The Israelites were blessed for a purpose—to carry out the work of the Lord. Is it possible that is the purpose for our blessings? I am convinced it is the very reason we are blessed.

There are some who attempt to do away with the weekly contribution. Their presentation centers on 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 as they assert the collection was only “need based” in its design. I agree. The collection was on necessary when a need was clearly present. The question is whether there is a need or not. Here are three reasons the need is greater than ever before.

• There are request for support received weekly at congregations for men who are diligently working for the Lord. These men have stepped out in faith and risked the welfare of their family to preach the gospel as they wait on other congregations to help supply their needs. Many churches are having to turn down these requests because they just don’t have the funds to help.
• Many congregations outgrow their meeting houses. While that is a reason to be overjoyed that the church is growing and souls are being saved, it also creates great anxiety. Buildings are more and more expensive to build. Many congregations can only secure the funds through financing which then requires the local body to pay off large loans over an extended time. This causes a great financial burden on the church.
• The economy is hurting which means many Christians are struggling financially. Some are losing their jobs. This creates a greater benevolent need in each local church. Some churches are struggling to meet the financial needs of their members. They simply lack the funds.

The needs are great. But we are a propserous people—even in the midst of a bad economy. God has blessed us greatly. Israel was given their gold and silver to provide for the Lord’s work. The same is true for us. I wonder if God is as pleased with the way we spend our blessings as He was of Israel. I wonder if we are giving “more than enough.”

TUESDAY NOTES: Do Not Curse Your Leaders

So many laws found in the Old Testament are missed in our readings. Lengthy readings quickly become boring and mundane. Important commands with great applications are missed because they are overlooked by the reader. There is a text in Exodus 22 that seemingly falls into that category:

“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” -Exodus 22:28

In the midst of the great book of Exodus with all of its commandments, laws, restrictions, and rituals there is a one sentence verse with tremendous power. In common language today this would read, “Don’t verbally abuse God and don’t verbally abuse your leaders either.” It appears that Moses is almost equating the verbal abuse of leaders with a verbal attack on God Himself.

A careful reading of the New Testament would show us that despite a change in covenants, God’s desire appears to be the same. Consider some of the New Testament principles about how we view and handle those in positions of leadership above us:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God…Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” -Romans 13:1, 7

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work” -Titus 3:1

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” -1 Timothy 2:1-3

Today the same principle applies. It is obvious that God should not be the target of verbal abuse, or reviling. Most would agree with that. But the concept of honoring our leaders is often difficult to grasp. It is not unusual for individuals to disagree with civil leadership-whether it is on a local, state, or federal level.

For example: this morning’s Commercial Appeal contains an article focused on the topic of government consolidation between the city of Memphis and Shelby County. What should my reaction be? Should I put down Mayors Willie Herenton and A.C. Wharton in every conversation that I can today? Should I speak evil and revile them as rulers at the local level? Certainly not! To do so would bring shame upon Christ because I have failed to respect the rulers that have been appointed by the authority of God (Romans 13). This does not imply that we are unable to voice or displeasure over issues and express our opinions on different matters. But we must not curse the leaders involved in those discussions.

Jesus is always the supreme example of godly living. As Jesus was being mistreated by the rulers who were rushing Him to injustice, how did He respond? “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Even as Pilate questions Jesus, the Lord answers with an admission of Pilate’s God-given power: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Jesus accepted the leaders over Him and refused to dishonor and revile them in the most difficult times.

As Christians, we need to be the example to the world concerning how we treat our leaders. We need to show honor when others think no honor is due. We need to show compassion and respect when we are tempted to respond with disdain. It is what our Lord did. And as His people, they should see Him in us. Can they?

Do not revile God. Do not curse those who rule over you. The command to Israel is a good reminder to us today!

TUESDAY NOTES: The Manna Test

And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. -Exodus 16:2-4

The manna of the wanderings in Exodus always fascinated me. I can’t imagine leaving the tent every morning to go gather up small grain the size of seeds that covered the ground like dew to make into cakes. I can only imagine that for those many years the manna cakes became boring and routine. I love a good cheeseburger. But I can’t imagine eating a cheeseburger every day for forty years. You almost wonder if there was a gift shop with “Miriam’s 101 Ways to Cook with Manna.”

Manna had a greater purpose than just feeding the children of Israel. It wasn’t just a way to fill their stomachs. It was a reminder of their dependence on God. It was a daily lesson on humility. From the beginning of the institution of the manna diet God said, “…the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not” (Exodus 16:4). What did God mean when He said He would “test them”?

He tested their ability to obey. Within the “Manna Plan” there were guidelines and restrictions. They were to gather enough for one day worth of eating (Exodus 16:16-19). This was a specific and exact instruction. It was also an instruction that some failed to keep (Exodus 16:20). On the sixth day, the people were to gather two days worth of manna to use for the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22-24). The manna did not rot and fill with worms on the sixth day. The amazing hand of God’s providence was clearly seen. But even with this command, some failed (Exodus 16:27). Notice the words of God after they had failed to obey: “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?” (Exodus 16:28). God gave the manna to test the Israelites. Many failed the test.

As Moses prepares to die, he addresses the nation of Israel and reminds them of all of the things God had done for them and asked them. The collection of that address to the people is known as the book of Deuteronomy. Notice what Moses said about the manna:

And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. -Deuteronomy 8:2-3

Did you see the point of the Manna Diet? Moses said God did that so that “…He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Exodus 8:3). The manna was a test. Would Israel put their faith and trust wholly in the Lord? Would Israel listen to the commands? Would Israel obey His Law? We see that some of the Israelites failed to do so.

We should not be surprised. We often choose to follow the same pattern. God wants us to obey His Law today. He wants us to follow His Will. He wants us to listen to His Word. Yet, like the Israelites, we fail to do so.

God says the man is the head of the house. We turn to cultural standards and our own philosophy and say all are equal. God says to bear one another’s burdens. We follow the selfish standards of society and seek what’s best for “me.” God says to attend the assemblies and encourage one another until the Judgment Day. We come once a week and fill the remainder of our time with the pleasures of this world while we still can. God says we should love one another and not speak evil of our brethren. We gossip and backbite against one another. The list of our failures could go on and on.

Brothers and sisters, we look at the children of Israel and Exodus and we are amazed at their lack of faith and gratitude. We criticize them for failing to see what God had done for them. We judge them for failing to obey. Perhaps we should consider our own lives through the all-telling mirror of scripture. Are we any different?

God has sent the “bread of life” to us. Jesus is our spiritual manna. His words are our guidelines for today. This is a test just as the manna of old was. It is a test to see whether or not we will obey His commands. Are we?

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Excuses, Excuses

Sometimes excuses can be so irrational that they become entertaining. “The dog ate my homework.” “I can’t come to work today because they’re paving my street today and I can’t get out.” “I won’t be there because I stopped at Wal-Mart to get my blood pressure checked and I’m stuck in the machine.” Those are great for a good laugh but we need to realize often excuses aren’t acceptable.

The story of Moses in Exodus 3-4 is one filled with excuses. The Lord has hand-picked Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He appears to Moses in the form of burning bush telling Moses of the mission He is giving him. Moses balks at the idea and offers several excuses. Notice these excuses:

Who am I? (Exodus 3:11) Moses makes the excuse that he’s not worthy to fulfill such a great role. God’s answer is clear and simple: “I will be with you…” (v.12). When God picks you for a role, it doesn’t matter who you think you are or are not. God is with you.

What will I say? (Exodus 3:13) The second excuse focuses on the message. Moses says he won’t know what to say when they ask who sent him. God again removes this excuse by giving him the proper answer in vv.14-17. The message was not as confusing as Moses wanted it to be.

What if they don’t believe me? (Exodus 4:1) God gives Moses three powerful signs to prove he is sent for a Divine purpose: a staff that turns into a serpent, a hand that can become leprous, and the ability to turn water from the Nile River into blood (vv.2-9). Again, Moses sought a way but God removes the excuse from discussion with a powerful answer.

Lord, I’m not a good speaker. (Exodus 4:10) God’s answer centers on His ability to make Moses into a competent communicator (vv.11-12). God made Moses’s mouth. He could easily make Moses into a qualified speaker. Later we read that God removes this excuse by providing Moses with a spokesman in his brother Aaron (vv.14-17).

Moses gave four excuses as to why he didn’t feel qualified to lead the people out of Israel. None of them were acceptable. The reality was that none of those four reasons given were the real reason behind Moses’s hesitation. Finally, Moses admits why he doesn’t want to fulfill this role.

Oh, my Lord, please send someone else. (Exodus 4:13)

Moses finally admits he simply doesn’t want to do it. “Please God, just let somebody else do it. I don’t want to.” That’s why my children give me excuses for not cleaning their room, doing their homework, taking their dishes to the sink, etc. They don’t want to do it. And Moses was no different. He didn’t want to do it. God’s answer was clear and firm. God answers with a firm, “You will go…” in Exodus 4:14-17.

We ought to see ourselves in Moses. There are many things we need to be doing in our service to God. God has called us, just as He did Moses, to fulfill certain divinely appointed roles. We are to be teachers, soul savers, encouragers, givers, burden bearers, etc. As Christians, we are aware of these responsibilities. We are reminded from time to time in our pulpits in churches across the globe of the need to fulfill these roles. Yet often our response to God is, “Please just let somebody else do it.”

Our neighbor needs to hear the truth and yet we never share it. Why? We want someone else to do it. The church needs elders and we are qualified except we don’t “desire the office.” Often the real reason is we want someone else to do it. A brother is in need of encouragement and support but we hesitate to offer assistance. Why? We’re waiting for somebody else to do it.

It’s interesting to notice we use some of the same excuses in our defense of not fulfilling our responsibilities. “Who am I to serve as an elder?” Answer: God will be with you. “I can’t try to encourage them. What will I say?” Answer: God is with us and will always help us-the same God who helped Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “What if people don’t believe me when I try to correct them in their sins?” Answer: God can make them believe through His Word. “I can’t teach my neighbor. I’m not an eloquent speaker.” Answer: You are delivering an eloquent message worded and inspired by God. You don’t have to be eloquent.

It’s time that we lay our excuses down. It’s time for us to stop waiting for someone else to do the jobs we know we should be doing. We should read the words of God to Moses for our motivation: “You will go and you will do this.”

May God help us all to go fulfill our responsibilities in our service to Him and our fellow man without excuse.