Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)

“Respect everything; fear nothing.” At first glance, this adage may seem to be at odds with the scripture from Proverbs. I think that there is much to be said for respect, compared with fear.
Fear is to “be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening; an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain.”
Respect, on the other hand, is “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements; agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement)”; and, “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others”
For example, I am not afraid of electricity, having worked with it in many ways, but I have a good, healthy respect for its power and what it can do to the body. I have worked with many rotating mechanical devices, again having the capability to inflict major damage, but I do not come quaking and shaking as I approach a farm implement. I do not experience an “unpleasant emotion” in these situations; rather, I hope I exhibit a “due regard for” the qualities that make them powerful.
Now let’s apply this to a Biblical theme, in keeping with the scripture. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22” 37, 39)
To me, this approach to the great commandment speaks more of respect than of fear, according to my dictionary: “Deep admiration, and due regard.”
Let’s look at a case where a lack of respect resulted in fear, as represented by the ark of the Testimony, or Covenant. The Ark was an embodiment of God's presence with the Israelites. The atonement cover (or "mercy seat") that covered the ark was God's throne (2 Sam 6:2) and God's presence was above it (Lev 16:2); It contained the stone tablets of the Testimony (Ten Commandments) a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. The mercy seat was covered with gold. Two winged figures (cherubim) faced each other with outstretched wings. It was designed to be carried by four men, using poles inserted into rings on the sides of the ark.
God had given the Israelites many rules concerning the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be kept in the Most Holy Place in the temple, hidden from view by a curtain (Ex 26:33). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only after he had undergone ceremonial cleansing, made sacrifices to atone for his sins and the nation's sins, and burned incense to conceal the atonement cover (Lev 16). When the ark was moved, it was covered with at least 3 layers of cloth by the priests to protect others from seeing it (Num 4:5-6, 15, 18-20);
Certainly, we may say that the presence of the ark struck fear into the hearts of the Philistines, who had captured it in battle (See 1 Samuel, chaps 5, 6). Giving glory to the God of Israel, the Philistines returned the ark to the Israelites at Beth Shemish.
The Israelites rejoiced to see the ark, and made a burnt offering to the LORD. However, their curiosity led the men of Beth Shemish to open the lid, and to look in the ark, which, out of respect for its symbolism of God’s presence, they were not supposed to do. The LORD struck the people with a great slaughter. (1 Samuel 6:19) Since God's presence was on/over the ark, they were actually coming into the presence of God - and without the least sense of reverence (respect?) towards Him.
And the men of Beth Shemish said, “Who is able to stand before this holy LORD god?” (vs. 20)
Who, indeed! Those who show respect for, and have a feeling of deep admiration for, the abilities, qualities, or achievements of The LORD, expressing love for Him with all heart - soul - mind, should have no need to feel fear.

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:24, NKJV)

Sometimes we need a little help finding our way. Imagine what it would be like to try to find a chosen destination in a location where there are no street names, no building numbers, and no maps to guide you.
The LORD led the people on the Exodus with His own GPS - God’s Positioning Service - as they traveled through the wilderness. A pillar of cloud led the way by day, and a pillar of fire gave them light by night. ( Exodus 13:21)
Navigators - navel and airborne - lacking such heavenly accommodations, long ago developed methods of using compass readings, a chronometer (clock), and sightings of the sun and stars to determine latitude and longitude, thus, their position on the earth’s surface. Surveyors used similar methods on land.
Navigational skills and knowledge require study and practice to develop accuracy. Let’s face it - we don’t want to be at the mercy of someone responsible for guiding us to a chosen port, whether sea or air, who hasn’t mastered navigation.
Naming cities and streets, assigning numbers to highways and building locations, and publishing maps and directories helps even us ordinary travelers, but it is still a chore to navigate in unfamiliar territory. Enter the new navigational technology - the Global Positioning System (GPS).
A GPS system uses signals from orbiting satellites to determine latitude and longitude anywhere on earth - and even above the earth. The latest commercial units are feature-packed marvels that can direct you to a chosen location, show a map of streets and roads, indicate the speed limit and the speed of the vehicle, and calculate the arrival time, among other data. Many have search options for finding rest stops, service stations, restaurants, and more. All in a little package about the size of a deck of playing cards!
Consider that someone had to collect and assemble all of that information. The GPS may pluck the geographic coordinates seemingly “out of the air” from those satellites, but those basic data have to be interfaced with the display screen. From satellite to screen, it seems to me that God is still playing a major role, providing the physics, science, and source of the intellect behind it all.
Another “early” GPS system was in use at the birth of Jesus - the star in the heavens that pointed the way to the manger bed of the Christ Child.
A more important form of God’s Positioning System appeared, manifesting the Divine Presence in the tabernacle, and later, in the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13). As noted by the psalmist, “You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:24)
Jesus, the Christ, has set the example of the ultimate GPS. As is written in Hebrews, 12:1, “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (New King James Version).
The satellite-based GPS unit is a very handy device to guide us while traveling, but we need God’s Positioning Service to guide us to avoid sin and reach the reward of His presence in glory.

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: David said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and refuge . . . “ (2 Samuel 22:3a)

There are many scriptural references to horns, in both the Old and New Testaments. Animal horns, the “usually paired bony processes that arise from the head of many ungulates,” especially those of cattle (the ox) and sheep (ram’s horn) were used for musical instruments and as containers.
The shofar, a ram's-horn trumpet, was blown by the ancient Hebrews in battle and high religious observances and used in synagogues before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
A horn was used to hold oil for the sacred rite of anointment (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where the Lord instructs the prophet to anoint David as king.)
The altar used during the Exodus journey had ‘horns’ on the four corners, overlaid with bronze. (See Exodus 27:1-8) The Book of Ezekiel also mentions an altar with four horns extending upward from the hearth. Blood from the sacrifice was to be placed on the four horns as part of the ceremony. (Ezekiel, 43:15; 20)
The Jewish historian, Josephus, describes the temple of Jesus’ day in The Wars of the Jews, Book V, Chapter V. The altar, which stood in front of the temple, had “corners like horns.”
The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28).
The phrase ‘horn of my salvation’ is typical of many scriptural references, in both the Old and New Testaments where it is obvious that “horn” had significance beyond trumpets and anointing vessels.
. The Bible uses ‘horn’ as a metaphor for strength; its loss as dishonor.
Moses compares the tribe of Joseph with a firstborn bull, with horns like the horns of a wild ox, (Deut. 33:17) denoting strength.
Lamentations 2:2-3 describes how the Lord, in fierce anger, has cut off the horn of Israel (strength) and brought her kingdom down to the ground in dishonor. Job, also, laments that he has “defiled my horn in the dust.” (Job 16:15, KJV)
Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defense with the animals endowed with them. The books of Daniel and Revelation are rich in prophetic imagery of horns, signifying royal dignity and the might of kings, especially military power, (Jer 48:25; Zac 1:18; Dan 8:24). John saw beasts with horns in Rev. chapter 13, vss. 1 and 11.
Zacharias echoes David’s psalm of triumph in Luke 1:69, that the Lord has “raised up a horn of salvation for us,” in the Christ, the Messiah, of John 3:16. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Paul proclaimed that all things - of the world, of life, death, things present or things to come - “all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” (1 Cor. 3:21-23)
February 4, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: David said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and refuge . . . " (2 Samuel 22:3a)

There are many scriptural references to horns, in both the Old and New Testaments. Animal horns, the "usually paired bony processes that arise from the head of many ungulates," especially those of cattle (the ox) and sheep (ram's horn) were used for musical instruments and as containers.
The shofar, a ram's-horn trumpet, was blown by the ancient Hebrews in battle and high religious observances and used in synagogues before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
A horn was used to hold oil for the sacred rite of anointment (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where the Lord instructs the prophet to anoint David as king.)
The altar used during the Exodus journey had 'horns' on the four corners, overlaid with bronze. (See Exodus 27:1-8) The Book of Ezekiel also mentions an altar with four horns extending upward from the hearth. Blood from the sacrifice was to be placed on the four horns as part of the ceremony. (Ezekiel, 43:15; 20)
The Jewish historian, Josephus, describes the temple of Jesus' day in The Wars of the Jews, Book V, Chapter V. The altar, which stood in front of the temple, had "corners like horns."
The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28).
The phrase 'horn of my salvation' is typical of many scriptural references, in both the Old and New Testaments where it is obvious that "horn" had significance beyond trumpets and anointing vessels.
. The Bible uses 'horn' as a metaphor for strength; its loss as dishonor.
Moses compares the tribe of Joseph with a firstborn bull, with horns like the horns of a wild ox, (Deut. 33:17) denoting strength.
Lamentations 2:2-3 describes how the Lord, in fierce anger, has cut off the horn of Israel (strength) and brought her kingdom down to the ground in dishonor. Job, also, laments that he has "defiled my horn in the dust." (Job 16:15, KJV)
Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defense with the animals endowed with them. The books of Daniel and Revelation are rich in prophetic imagery of horns, signifying royal dignity and the might of kings, especially military power, (Jer 48:25; Zac 1:18; Dan 8:24). John saw beasts with horns in Rev. chapter 13, vss. 1 and 11.
Zacharias echoes David's psalm of triumph in Luke 1:69, that the Lord has "raised up a horn of salvation for us," in the Christ, the Messiah, of John 3:16. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Paul proclaimed that all things - of the world, of life, death, things present or things to come - "all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (1 Cor. 3:21-23)
February 4, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Pomposity
* Scripture: Paul wrote, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Philippians 2:3, KJV

Pomposity! Oooh; That's a nice, big word! Think ostentatious; think vainglory; well, think showy.
The tune played at graduation exercises, and other ceremonial and festival events, is called "Pomp and Circumstance," to give you a better feel for the image of the word. Dignitaries, public officials, royalty and their retinues. Splendor; a show of magnificence.
Puffed up words to show a puffed up attitude - pomposity!
We use the word glory often in reference to God, and rightfully so. We confess, in The Lord's Prayer, the kingdom, power, and glory that is rightfully His. Worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving is an appropriate use of the word 'Glory' when speaking of God.
But what a different meaning we get simply by adding the word vain in front of glory, as it appears in the King James Bible. The word in the Greek language (translated as "vain") can have several possible meanings, including empty, fruitless, ineffectual, and - I like this - empty- handed!
Paul had ample opportunity to observe pomp and magnificence. Luke records that King Agrippa and Bernice arrived to hear Paul with "great pomp," accompanied by high ranking officers and prominent men of the city of Caesarea. (Acts 25:23)
Paul used the opportunity to proclaim Jesus to all who were listening, from the king and governor to the lowest servant.
Paul was serving, and had support from, a much higher authority than earthly kings and governors. He had respect for their office, but apparently was not in awe of their pomposity. Paul, as did Peter and the other Apostles, followed the example of Jesus, who also faced governors and kings confident that God stood with them.
I think that Paul understood that kings are all about pomp and splendor. We expect royalty to be, well, magnificent. But not Christians. And that's what caught Paul's attention in the Church at Philippi - pomposity!
Christ 'emptied' Himself to become a servant of others (the Incarnation.) And right there, in Christ's Church in Pilippi, Paul found strife and vainglory.
All the gold in the world is worthless in heaven. Earthly pomp and majesty pales to nothing before The Glory of the Throne. Vainglory - Don't get caught empty handed!
January 22. 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* I Am
* Scripture: Moses asked, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?" Exodus 3:13, NKJV

If you recall the passage from Exodus where God calls to Moses from the burning bush, God concludes by instructing Moses to tell the people that "I AM sent you."
Later, on the mountain, Moses received the Commandments, beginning with the statement, "I am the Lord your God." These first commandments establish a relationship with God, one based on reverence, worship, and esteem. That includes a proper respect and understanding of HIS NAME.
Suppose that you are responsible for translating the ancient writings into a modern version of the English language. There is no one to speak those ancient words, no one still using those symbols that represent speech.
Now add the complexity that derives from a reluctance of those ancients to even speak or write that most righteous Name, and the the scholar is left searching. The scribes would write the letters YHWH instead of spelling out THE NAME. It is called a Tetragrammaton. From it, we get ‘Yahweh.’
About 300 B.C. the Jews began the custom of pronouncing the name 'adonay' (my Lord or LORD) or 'elohim.' Take the various spellings, run the Hebrew through Latin, and we get 'Jehovah.'
According to one of my references (The New Westminister Dictionary of the Bible) the word comes from a verb which means to befall, to come to pass, happen, become, be ; The name accordingly means "He who happens (upon us), he who befalls (upon us), he who in the absolute sense exists and who manifests his existence and his character." (Ex. 3:13-15) - "I AM."
The dictionary further gives these definitions:
'elohim, God, is the creator, upholder, and moral governor of the universe;
'el Shadday, God almighty, is the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their present strength and future existence;
Yahweh (YHWH) is the God of revelation and grace, dwelling with his people, guiding and delivering them, and receiving their worship.
"Lord" in our Bibles came from Hebrew 'adon,' "Master," or 'adonay; "my master", (i.e., "my Lord.") When you see LORD the original was YHWH.
A name is a very personal thing; it identifies who we are. At least for the time being:

"There's a new name written down in Glory,
"And it's mine, O yes, it's mine!"
(C. Austin Miles)

To him who overcomes will be given a new name, according to Revelation 2:17 and 3:12. That will be an even more special name than the one we use now, because it will be given by THE ONE!
January 8, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Advent
* Scripture: Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18, NKJV)

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, . . .
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart. (C. Wesley)

Longing, anticipation, and expectation, the root of hope, the expectation of future good. Looking back, we find many peoples living in times of trial and suffering, typified by the words of the Lord to Moses at his calling; “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters.” (Exodus 3:7)
It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!
It was such a time, oppressed by brutal rulers, dominated by a foreign empire, that moved the Apostle John to write of a light coming to illuminate the darkness, the ‘True Light,’ “which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9) John is only one of many bearing witness to that Light.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . .full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The ‘Incarnation’ - the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ. The coming into being, The Advent. For many Christians, Advent marks the beginning of the church year, the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting.
John makes an important distinction, affirmed by Paul, who wrote that all creation groans for its redemption as we witness the evil that so dominates our world (Rom 8:18-25). The sufferings of oppression and injustice, the systemic evil of the world expressed in evil empires and tyrants “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.”.
The Word became flesh, that as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. And as children of God, heirs of the glory to come.
While some church traditions focus on penitence during Advent, for others, Advent is celebrated as a time of joy and happiness awaiting the coming of the King.
November 27, 2005