Exodus

Standing in Awe of God

Dan

It was my observation while reading the 28th chapter of Job. The Book of Job is a vital part of what is known as Scripture’s Wisdom Literature, and fittingly, these books closely associate true wisdom with the fear of God.  This is no small thing.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 implores us to “hear the conclusion of the whole matter,” instructing us to “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Walking in the fear (deep respect) of the Lord yields incredible spiritual fruit:

  • It grants us deep wisdom (implied in Psalm 111:10).
  • It shields us from falling into transgression (implied in Exodus 20:20).
  • It emboldens us during evangelism (implied in 2 Corinthians 5:11).

But what does it really mean to fear God? It does not mean being terrified of Him. It means having an internal attitude of profound reverence and awe toward Him because we earnestly respect His absolute power and holiness.

When the Chips Are Down

Consider the incredible moment when Elohim spoke to Lucifer regarding Job’s character (implied in Job 1:8 and 2:3). The Lord said, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”

Think about that for a moment. All throughout his immense trials, Job stood in awe of God. Now, when the chips are down, the Almighty Himself vouches for Job’s integrity. Can you think of anything grander?

Unfortunately, Job’s friends lacked this humble awe. They approached his suffering as if everything were a “known known.” They were absolutely certain they knew exactly why these tragedies were happening to Job. They presumed to fully understand Elohim’s hidden purposes and formed their rigid answers based on their own limited perspective.

Twice in this chapter, Job asked: Where is wisdom? One thing was absolutely certain—it was not to be found in the words of his friends. They completely misread Job’s troubles.

The Natural vs. The Supernatural

When Job spoke so eloquently about nature and creation, he seemed to be delivering a message to his friends: If you do not even understand the natural world—such as the complex paths of rain and thunder—how can you claim to understand the supernatural? If you cannot explain the physical and temporal, how can you presume to explain the spiritual and eternal things of God?

Clearly, his friends were completely unable to comprehend Job’s suffering. To them, it remained an incomprehensible unknown unknown.

(Note to readers: If you want to dive deeper into this concept, please review my previously posted essay, “Figuring out the Unknown Unknowns,” to fully glean the meaning behind that phrase!)

When Job’s friends pretended to understand the mind of Elohim, they did not display divine wisdom—merely flawed human wisdom. Instead, they portrayed arrogance and presumption. That is precisely why Elohim’s anger was kindled against them. Job 42:7-8 records:

“After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.’” (NIV)

Twice, Elohim explicitly stated that their message was wrong. In a beautiful twist of grace, God then asked Job to pray for the very friends who had misjudged him.

True Wisdom Defined

Here is the deeper truth at the heart of it all: Only Elohim knows why certain things happen. Only He knows why He permits specific trials. They are “known knowns” to Him, but most of the time, they are complete “unknown unknowns” to us.

So, this begs the final question: What is wisdom?

Wisdom is remaining in awe and reverent fear of God regardless of what is happening in our lives—even when we do not understand a single bit of it. Job was completely vindicated before his friends and shown to be truly wise, not because he finally figured out what Elohim was doing, but because he continued to trust Elohim even when he did not understand what Elohim was doing.

Let us look at Job’s definitive words one more time. Job 28:28 states: “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (NIV).

Wisdom is realizing that there are a lot of unknown unknowns out there in this life. It is choosing to stand in awe and trust Elohim through every single one of them. We may not know or understand the issue, but we rest in the fact that God does—and He has it completely under control.

As for me, I choose Jesus.

Are my Ways Unjust?

Dan

It was my observation that at some point there is a three-way conversation going in between God and Ezekiel and the Hebrews. In some cases, God is talking to Ezekiel about feelings concerning the mutterings of the Hebrews. God is not surprised; he knew how this would play out before creation. But still, he converses with Ezekiel to make his point.

In this passage we are about to read, something interesting happens. God turns the tables. He is clear, he knows the ordinances the Hebrews have put into place to represent their idols. He knows they have failed to follow their own rules. They are guilty in accordance with both sets of ordinances, not just the ordinances put into place by God. God tells them to pay attention to their own ordinances and repent, for they are failing by the numbers on all fronts. Goodness, what a mess. One thing is for sure, God’s action is justified, they will fall from their own words. In their arrogance they have buried themselves.

Ezekiel 18: 29-32 says — Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! [NIV]

The Hebrews have decided God’s way is unjust. The Hebrews say God is not being fair. Goodness, this is nothing but blasphemy. How can they not see the issue. Rather than owning their rebellion, they say they are walking the straight and narrow (as defined by them). They are the righteous ones. God is at fault not them. Oh my! If God is the definition of moral truth, then how can God be wrong. There is no court higher in this universe or any other universe they can take their case to. He is the Court!

We are not without precedent for this type of thinking today. How many times have you listen to somebody rail against the unfairness of God’s plan, how his ancient wisdom is no longer valid for homosexuality, open marriages, war, free will, absolute truth, honoring parents, lust, and self-control to name a few.  Is this not the same thing the Hebrews were doing?

Consider God turning the tables on us and judging us by our new and improved morality. Does not the current ‘anti morality crowd’ have the same problem? They have no court to bring their case to. There is nothing in this universe that will cause God to bend his knee. Selah.

I think that God’s reasoning is gracious. He takes the time to explain his position and then offers an wide range of rules to abide by. Rules they created on their own. And still, they are guilty of not following their own ‘homemade’ rules.

And so, we have the conclusion of this matter. We can hear God saying — ‘I have done you no wrong. Rather, you have wronged yourself by your own behavior and your own rules’. A fair trial has been accomplished. The verdict has landed on God’s side. The judgement shall be rendered. One would think that God would launch a thunderbolt and send them to the pits of Hell. But instead, one last time, he offers mercy. He shows the hand of graciousness, of kindness, and a full pardon to the Hebrews if only they would repent. It is hard to not feel the sadness of the moment as the Hebrews raise their fist in defiance one last time. They wallow in pride and choose death. I choose Jesus.

I have set my Face Against Them (Part 2)

Dan

It has been my observation that God’s tears flow in the book of Ezekiel. In the 15th chapter, we find a woeful message for those who teach and lead others. When we fail to abide by the guidelines, we lose track of our role, or we drift from the truth to what is expedient, then we are setting the stage for trouble (see Mark 9:42-50, I am a poster child for this issue, yet God’s mercy prevailed after I repented).

The Hebrews were famous in the middle east for treating others justly, exuding mercy, and walking humbly. And then, they didn’t. They lost their way, they lost their collective walk with God, they lost interest in serving the one true living God. They turned to the habits of their neighbors trying to fit in and look relevant amongst the progressive leaders of the surrounding nations (see Mark 9:38-41).

Ezekiel 15: 6-8 says — This is what the Sovereign Lord says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. I will set my face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, the fire will yet consume them. And when I set my face against them, you will know that I am the Lord. I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign Lord [NIV].

When proper worship of the one true living God was in vogue, God blessed the Hebrews for their attentiveness. God had built a fence around the community; he kept predators out. But now we see a transition, the Hebrews were abandoning their faith. Thus, we see the hedge removed (see Isaiah 5:5-7). At this point, we are given a front row seat to view the Hebrew problem through God’s eyes.

The Hebrews were presented in this segment of scripture as a vine branch, one that was defective, thus it was proper for God to set his face against them as the Hebrews had set their face against God. The first conquest of Judah occurred about 605BC; Daniel was transported to Babylon. In 597BC Nebuchadnezzar II invaded and captured Jerusalem. He deposed Jehoiachin and transported much of the population (including Ezekiel) to Babylon. Then there were multiple encounters between the Egyptians and the Babylonians in the general proximity of Jerusalem for the next 18 years.

In 587BC Zedekiah started to resist Babylon, Jerusalem was attacked, this time the temple was destroyed. More people were taken to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar II was in full control of Jerusalem by 572BC. Control of Babylon passed through several Babylonian rulers and then in 539BC Cyrus the Meade took Babylon for himself and returned the Jews to Jerusalem. Upon their return, the foundation of the temple was laid, but work stalled. Ezra returned to Jerusalem and the walls of the city were started.

The temple was completed by 515BC but the Ark of the Covenant was not present. The room was empty.

Does this matter? Yes, it matters. The Ark was the sign of God’s presence. We read in Exodus — I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the covenant, I will deliver to you all my commands for the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). Effectively, from the time Ezekiel documented the departure of God from the temple (see Ezekiel 10) to the time the holy Spirit arrived in the Church (Acts 2) the Hebrews were drifting. The Hebrew remnant did have God nearby for the duration (see Ezekiel 11:16-25). But the formal presence of God within the Hebrew nation was over. The Hebrews said they would not do what God asked (Ezekiel 5:5-6) and God put his foot down (John 15:6, Ezekiel 5:14-17). Considering the outcome, I doubt the rebellious Hebrews fully understood the implications of their actions. Fortunately, God’s mercy prevailed and we were given a new covenant. I choose Jesus.

Windstorm from the North (Part 1)

Dan

It was my observation while considering the impact of Ezekiel chapter 1 on my perceptions of God that the vision presented is very humbling.  In the vision there is a complex structure presented, in its simplest form (from bottom to top) we have four wheels (four angels), each wheel supporting a column (four angels), the four columns support a flat roof with a throne on top of the roof.  Seated on the Throne is God.  The entire structure is wrapped in a massive fireball.  That is the sum of chapter one.  But, as you might guess, there is more to the story – the details matter!

Ezekiel 1:4-8 says — I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings, and the wings of one touched the wings of another [NIV].

Why do we start this book with this vision?  I suspect there are definable reasons.  First, this firms up Ezekiel’s calling – he knows he is working directly for the boss. Second, it refines the view of God for Ezekiel’s audience – God is getting into their face — they know God means business. Their days of defiance are numbered.  They quickly learn their God is a consuming fire whom they cannot stand before. Finally, they know his mercy will not be withheld forever. They have reassurance, the column of fire that led Moses to the promised land – is the ball of Fire that Ezekiel is seeing. Symbolically, God is on the move from Jerusalem to where they are at in Babylon. They have not been abandoned. All of this assurance unfolds in the vision of chapter 1. The message is clear – let them know captivity is not the end, God is with them. Even though God is not in his sanctuary, he is near.

God clears the sky with a windstorm preparing the space for his holy presence. This clearing produces a serenity of the mind that opens our heart to heavens message. The great cloud that appears wraps the holiness of God to protect us from the intensity. The whirlwind comes to us in much the same way that is presented in 1 Kings 19:11 for Elijah. The whirlwind prepares the way for God, it demands our attention, in a sense it issues the command if you have eyes, then look, if you have ears then listen.

The cloud brings fire to the vision, as we see in Mount Sinai, where God presents in a thick cloud that rings his consuming fire (see Exodus 24:16-17). But this time we see a fire that seems to have no fuel, it is sustained by God himself forever. We also see that the fire is surrounded with visible glory, we are not able to see into the fire, yet we do see a glow or brightness that is produced by the fire, it is perhaps a reflection of the fire in the clouds. Similar to Moses seeing the back of God, just of glimpse of him. We have the same in this vision. Finally, we are told of an amber hue (glowing metal). Some think it is the color that is reflected in our eye when we look at fire and others see the fire in our eye.  

Then Ezekiel speaks of the four angels (the columns). They are presented with a sense of greatness, the goodness of God in their work, the important role they play in his glory. Their image emerges from the fire, a ray of hope for us that he loves his creations. We find later, in chapter 10, Ezekiel tells us they are cherubim. What are they doing in this vision? Their wings are interlocked, these four angels working together as a community to support the glory of God, sustain a platform for his throne. Is that not what our prayer and service provide?  Is this not a shadow of what the church does? Do we not fill the temple with the incense of our prayers and our service offerings? I think so.  This compels me to say…

I choose Jesus.

The Hand of the Lord was upon Him

Dan

It was my experience while assessing the Babylon exile story, Ezekiel entered this at the very beginning of the story. Ezekiel was among the first wave of captives (Much of the Hebrew nation was still in their own land). Jeremiah spoke of this first wave of exiles as the ‘good figs’ who had been initially sent to Babylon (Jeremiah 24:5). For this group of figs, God provided a prophet to bring them back to the Law. We read in Psalms 94:12 — “Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law. From this context, we could say, this first group was being pursued by God.

Ezekiel 1:1-3 paraphrased says — In my thirtieth year … the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest … in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him [NIV].

I think we can agree that it is an act of mercy for God to bring a message of hope to them even when they were experiencing self-inflicted trouble. Those chosen to deliver God’s message and mercy are blessed for their actions. I would be remiss if I did not make clear; it was 5 years into the exile before God provided Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1:2). He gave the Hebrews in Babylon time to realize their need. However, at the same time, God provided Jeremiah to the Hebrews still in Jerusalem to guide them. Even in distress, God did not leave the Hebrew nation unguided, no matter how obstinate they were.

It was by the rivers of Babylon the Psalmist spoke of musicians setting down and singing songs of lamentation (see Psalm 137:1-3). What was the topic of their songs? The people who were in this area Babylon were experiencing the harshness of captivity, more important, they were feeling the national and personal judgement inflicted upon them for sin against God’s law. Yet, they were not very repentant – they continued to claim entitlement as God’s people. This accounts for Ezekiel’s assessment of their resistant heart as the cause of their woes. This theme recurs often in Ezekiel’s message

His message was a combination of condemnation, aggressive counsel to repent, and restoration (the exile would not last forever). I think God knew the message would be easier to hear if the message came from a fellow exile. For, even though God’s messenger is bound in chains, the message from God is not bound (see 2 Timothy 2:9). John the Revelator was banished to an island and yet the message from Jesus to John left the island and traveled around the globe. Paul tells us — For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:5)

Ezekiel was clearly being guided by the Holy Spirit, he tells us what he saw, what he heard, and what he felt; all of it centered on connectivity with the Spirit of God. In the first chapter, Ezekiel saw a profound vision of God, even when scripture says no man can see God and live, Ezekiel has a vision (the next best thing). This was not the first time this happened. We are reminded of visions in Isaiah Chapter 6 and Jeremiah Chapter 1. Furthermore, let us not lose sight of Moses (Exodus 34:5-7), Abraham (see Acts 7:2), and Paul (Acts 9:1-19) to name a few. They all saw, they all heard the voice of God.

It is wise for all of us to be well acquainted with God and willing to be influenced by his message. Especially if we want to be engaged in the business of bringing others to the knowledge and love for Jesus. In this context, we find the hand of God upon Ezekiel, as it was on Moses, Abraham, and the others. This kept them focused, safe, and able to press forward not crushed by resistance to the message. God’s grace was sufficient for them. Furthermore, it is sufficient for us as we press on towards that higher calling. His hand is certainly upon us. His grace will abound. I choose Jesus.

Do not be Hasty!

Dan

It has been my observation while reading Solomon’s thoughtful epistle Ecclesiastes, he recommends we guard our steps when we enter the house of God to worship. Being near to each other in corporate worship helps us to draw from the common expression of adoration towards Elohim by the community of God. On Sunday morning we move about with quiet expectation, we allow the lion within us to sing, but also to listen, we avoid haste and lack of self-control in our heart, guarding and measuring our thoughts before we utter anything to God. Please understand, He is close, not because we are in the House of God, but because He is close 24/7. He hears our thoughts even before we think them, he surrounds us with his presence; Under his protection, we rest and lean into his shelter. We are wise to let him envelop our worship, and then, in that framework, offer up a respectful sacrifice of praise, embracing and expressing the fear of God (massive respect for the formidable nature of God) in our worship.

Solomon writes — Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3).  

Solomon’s focus is to guide us away from the world, by showing us the vanity of human-ness, we find the path to God and to our calling, that we may not walk in the way of the world, but by God’s will, nor depend upon the wealth of the world, but focus on prayer, praise, worship and doing the will of God for others. This is why we linger with the community of God; this is why we listen more and talk less.

Consider the fact that Solomon is nudging us towards the House of God; our place of public worship, created by men and women – at God’s direction. Notice in Ecclesiastes that Solomon reflects with regret on much of his life activities (implied in Ecclesiastes 2:4) claiming they were meaningless. I do not recall Solomon regretting creating God’s House, rather he indirectly reflected on God’s House with pleasure, completing the task his father David had assigned years earlier. This observation is not openly discussed in Solomon’s epistle lest it appear to be a point of pride. I think he did find quiet pleasure in building this focal point for the community to gather and worship the one true living God. Some things do not need to be spoken about in detail to be clear.

When David was anxious or confused, he went into the sanctuary of God. David wrote — If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood (Psalms 73:15-17).

We read in Proverbs – Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way (Proverbs 19:2). We should render our approach to the one true living God with a quiet pause, take time to compose our heart, avoiding carelessness and haste with our feet. During worship preparation we should harness our thoughts from roving and wandering from the task; for when we worship the one true living God – our sacrifice should be an all-encompassing effort. Some think this level of worship embodies the request from God for Moses and Joshua to put off their shoes (Exodus 3:2-6, Joshua 5:13-15) as a sign of subjection and reverence. I suggest you keep your feet clean (Exodus 30:17-21).

The Deeper Truth is — our sacrifice should not be the sacrifice of fools, that we bring our passive attention, lame thoughts, and careless words (implied Proverbs 15:7-9). We should not bring second best to the table, we should not revel in the sign, ceremony, and performance, without embracing the sense and full meaning of it, for that would be the sacrifice of fools not the sacrifice of praise.

You all know I am a musician; I have spent considerable time on worship teams; I have struggled with this. But, in the end, God accepts our meager offerings. He knows we are broken people who bring a ‘less than perfect worship’ to his alter. If our heart is in the right place, God’s mercy washes over all our failure and brings the true worship to surface. We are blessed to have permission to enter into the temple. Embrace it. Humble yourself and worship the one true living God…

I choose Jesus.

Do Not Be Hasty

Dan

It has been my observation while reading Solomon’s thoughtful epistle Ecclesiastes, he recommends we guard our steps when we enter the house of God to worship. Being near to each other in corporate worship helps us to draw from the common expression of adoration towards Elohim by the community of God. On Sunday morning we move about with quiet expectation, we allow the lion within us to sing, but also to listen, we avoid haste and lack of self-control in our heart, guarding and measuring our thoughts before we utter anything to God. Please understand, He is close, not because we are in the House of God, but because He is close 24/7. He hears our thoughts even before we think them, he surrounds us with his presence; Under his protection, we rest and lean into his shelter. We are wise to let him envelop our worship, and then, in that framework, offer up a respectful sacrifice of praise, embracing and expressing the fear of God (massive respect for the formidable nature of God) in our worship.

Solomon writes — Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3).  

Solomon’s focus is to guide us away from the world, by showing us the vanity of human-ness, we find the path to God and to our calling, that we may not walk in the way of the world, but by God’s will, nor depend upon the wealth of the world, but focus on prayer, praise, worship and doing the will of God for others. This is why we linger with the community of God; this is why we listen more and talk less.

Consider the fact that Solomon is nudging us towards the House of God; our place of public worship, created by men and women – at God’s direction. Notice in Ecclesiastes that Solomon reflects with regret on much of his life activities (implied in Ecclesiastes 2:4) claiming they were meaningless. I do not recall Solomon regretting creating God’s House, rather he indirectly reflected on God’s House with pleasure, completing the task his father David had assigned years earlier. This observation is not openly discussed in Solomon’s epistle lest it appear to be a point of pride. I think he did find quiet pleasure in building this focal point for the community to gather and worship the one true living God. Some things do not need to be spoken about in detail to be clear.

When David was anxious or confused, he went into the sanctuary of God. David wrote — If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood (Psalms 73:15-17).

We read in Proverbs – Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way (Proverbs 19:2). We should render our approach to the one true living God with a quiet pause, take time to compose our heart, avoiding carelessness and haste with our feet. During worship preparation we should harness our thoughts from roving and wandering from the task; for when we worship the one true living God – our sacrifice should be an all-encompassing effort. Some think this level of worship embodies the request from God for Moses and Joshua to put off their shoes (Exodus 3:2-6, Joshua 5:13-15) as a sign of subjection and reverence. I suggest you keep your feet clean (Exodus 30:17-21).

The Deeper Truth is — our sacrifice should not be the sacrifice of fools, that we bring our passive attention, lame thoughts, and careless words (implied Proverbs 15:7-9). We should not bring second best to the table, we should not revel in the sign, ceremony, and performance, without embracing the sense and full meaning of it, for that would be the sacrifice of fools not the sacrifice of praise.

You all know I am a musician; I have spent considerable time on worship teams; I have struggled with this. But, in the end, God accepts our meager offerings. He knows we are broken people who bring a ‘less than perfect worship’ to his alter. If our heart is in the right place, God’s mercy washes over all our failure and brings the true worship to surface. We are blessed to have permission to enter into the temple. Embrace it. Humble yourself and worship the one true living God…

I choose Jesus.