Musing – When God Called, How Did We Respond?

 

Hebraic Musing – When God Called, How Did We Respond?

On August 25, 1977, I fell to my knees and said almost out loud “Jesus Christ, you are real!  I need to learn more about you.”  That was not a simple a commitment to read a new book, or to commit to watching a new TV series or commentator.  At that moment Jesus Christ became the LORD of my life, I was all His and I was determined to follow Him whole-heartedly.  I’ve never forgotten that moment and at the same time, I’ll confess, I’ve not been perfect in following Him.  BUT that was a defining moment when I was willing to leave my old self in the still wet tears on the terrazzo tiled floor.  That turning point in my life started an insatiable hunger to “learn more about Him.”  

Who else in the Bible was called by God in such a way that they truly gave their life over to God? 
Dying to oneself is thought to be NT wording, but did OT saints die to themselves when God called on them?

·      Noah?        God simply said to “Make yourself an ark…”  Gen.6:14   You know the rest…

·      Abraham? The LORD told Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house,…” Gen.12:1   And Abram did it!  Left it all, trusting in God!

·      Elisha?       When called to follow the Prophet Elijah, he slaughtered his 12 oxen and “he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.”  1 Kings 19:21

·      And you can add all those mentioned in the Hall of Fame of Faith in Hebrews 11.

There are many examples of OT saints giving us examples of committing their lives in obedience to God’s call?

In Kyle Idleman’s “Not a Fan”* he makes it clear that while the oft quoted John 3:16 says we need to “believe in Him”; we also need to consider Luke 9:23-24 which requires giving up our lives!  “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”  NKJV   The book of James is about our “belief” being proven – “Faith Without Works Is Dead” and works are our responses to the callings of the Lord.

Have you noticed that there are those who “accepted Jesus as their Savior” because it cost them nothing and offered them everything?  Have they considered –
 - There is no forgiveness without repentance? 
 - There is no salvation without surrender? 
 - There is no life without death? 
 - There is no believing without committing?

“A belief, no matter how sincere, if not reflected in reality isn’t a belief; it’s a delusion.”* 

When Jesus told his disciples, and us, to “take up your cross and follow me”, He expected us to die daily.  The cross is a symbol of death; the purpose of the cross!  Jesus final words to the Rich Young Ruler were “…and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Luke 10:21 NKJV

There was rag-tag group of unlikely men who dropped everything when Jesus told them to “Follow Me.”  And in that select group are the 12 we know as Apostles, and many disciples, and hopefully you and I as well.

Points to ponder

Why does the OT say “God is with us” whereas the NT says “God is in us”?

How many excuses do we come up with to “follow Him” later?

When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, what did you sign up for?

Can we follow Jesus with our own strength?  Or do we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

If it will cost you your life, is following Jesus still worth it?

♫ All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live…♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 31, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

*  Inspired by & Excerpted from “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman

Musing – God is Love; but What is Love?

 Hebraic Musing – God is Love; but What is Love?

The Greek language is known for specificity, and that’s especially true when we look at the seven different but specific words Greeks use to describe what we simply call “Love.”  They would have been shocked to hear us use a single word to whisper “I Love you” over a candlelit meal or to sign an email “lots of love” or to say “I love pizza” or “going to bed to make love”!  BTW – “Love” appears 509x in the NIV with a variety of meanings!  Maybe we should be more specific in our word choice(s)?  Here’s the first four Biblical meanings:

1. Eros, or sexual passion.  The first kind of love was Eros, named after the Greek god of fertility, thus it represents the idea of sexual passion and desire.  This can be a dangerous, fiery, and irrational form of love that could take hold of you and possess you.  That loss of control frightened the Greeks.  That’s odd, losing control is precisely what many people now seek in a relationship.  They want to fall “madly” in love.
Eros in the Bible is what we call romantic love, like the love found in a bride’s profession of passionate love for her husband in Song of Solomon 1:1-2 -- “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!  For your love is more delightful than wine”.   Eros love is the only type of love that when practiced without restraint becomes sin or sexual immorality and idol worship. (1 Corinth.6:18 & Galatians 5:19) 

2. Phileo, or deep friendship.  The second variety of love was Phileo or brotherly friendship, which Greeks valued far more than the sexuality of Eros.  Phileo is the deep brotherly comradely friendship that developed between brothers in arms who had fought side by side on the battlefield.  How much of this comradely love do we have in our lives?  Phileo love is seen in the account of the death of Lazarus when a witness pointed out the depth of Jesus’s love using the word Phileo to exclaim, “See how He loved him!” (John 11:36)  Philadelphia is known as the city of “Brotherly Love.”  We are expected to extend Phileo love for our neighbor.  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35)   Are we really practicing Phileo Love when amassing “friends” on Facebook?

3. Agape, or Love for everyone.  The most radical form of love is Agape the highest form of Christian love.  It’s a selfless love or Unconditional Love we should extend to all people.  C.S.Lewis called it “gift love.”  Do we need to revive our capacity to care about strangers.  Perfect Agape Love is famously described by Paul as “Love is patient, Love is kind…” in 1 Corinth.13:4-8.  It’s the highest and most noble form of love, the love that God has for us.  Jesus demonstrated Agape Love for us on the cross by sacrificing his life for the sins for all mankind.

4. Storge is the Familial Love between family members.  How many examples of familial love are in the Bible?  Examples: Noah and his children, devotion to children, Ruth and Naomi, Jairus for his sick daughter to name just a few.  Some Biblical figures displayed notable absence of Storge Love – Cain’s hatred for and murder of his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1-11); and Joseph’s jealous brothers sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:18-36).

Greeks had three more words for love which God understandably did not use in His Word:

5. Ludus, or playful love.  This form of love concerns the playful affection between children or casual couples; like when flirting, teasing and dancing with strangers; such adult frivolity is frowned on by Biblical morality.

6. Pragma: Enduring Love.  The Greek root word “Pragma” applies to a form of mature, realistic love more commonly found amongst long-established couples.  Pragma is about making compromises to help the relationship work over time by showing patience and tolerance.  Do we expend too much energy on “falling in love” and not enough effort to “stand in love”?  Is there enough effort to give love rather than just receiving it.  Thus about a third of marriages end up in divorce in the first 10 years.  Do we need more Pragma Love?

7. Philautia, or self-love.  Aristotle recognized two types of self-love.  The unhealthy variety is associated with narcissism, self-obsession and a focus on personal fame and fortune.  And the healthy version enhances your capacity to love – if you like yourself and feel secure, you will have plenty of love to give others.

Points to ponder

Have you ever said “I love something” when you should have said “I like him, her or it”?

Are we too casual or sloppy when we use the word “Love”?  What word(s) should we use?

♫  And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,…  ♫

Brother Joe   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                     August 24, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Excerpted from article by Roman Krznaric, December 28, 2013 and other sources.

Musing – Was David Considering 2021 Events When He Wrote Psalm 2?

 Hebraic Musing – Was David Considering 2021 Events When He Wrote Psalm 2?

Let’s look closely at the opening three verses of Psalm 2 to see if the Psalmist might have foreseen today’s current events. 

Verse 1  “Why do the nations conspire(rage) and the peoples plot in vain?”  NIV
Does verse 1 refer to the people today who are plotting in vain?  Who is their Lord?  Are they worshipping a triune god – me, myself & I?   And Proverbs 21:7 describes the ungodly.   “The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.”  Currently there are many nations in rebellion mode, but “Covid” and “Divisiveness” news dominates headlines.  What is their End Game/objective?  Is ungodly behavior increasing at an alarming rate?

Verse 2 “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.”
This sounds a lot like the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.  Are kings and rulers and leaders gathering together to promote ungodly agendas, contrary to God’s plan for His people?  Are they working together (conspiring) toward a “One World Government”?  Have we/they forgotten what the LORD did the first time the people tried that?   “That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world.  From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”  Genesis 11:9   God clearly wanted nations, not a “One World Government”, BUT high-tech firms doing business all around the globe garner more money and power if not encumbered by national borders.

Verse 3 “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”  
This verse speaks of violating any law, commandment or rules that the “Anointed One” wants His people to observe.  Are we experiencing lawlessness resulting in the beginnings of Judeo/Christian persecution?  What in the world is happening to our Judicial system?  Job knew God had let wickedness happen.  “When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges.  If it is not he, then who is it?”  Job 9:24   Does this describe our world, the one we have to deal with?

Do we find ourselves relating to the Psalmist’s speaking in these later two examples in Psalms?
 - “Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.” Psalm 64:2 
 - “Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.” Psalm 71:4

In his day Jeremiah had concerns similar to ours.  “You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you.  Yet I would speak with you about your justice:  Why does the way of the wicked prosper?  Why do all the faithless live at ease?  You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.”  Jeremiah 12:1-2
Apparently it was also true in Jeremiah’s time that wicked leaders claimed to know God, but were far from Him.   

Points to ponder

Did David foresee 2021 events?

Just because some of our Political leaders attend church, does that mean they respect God?

When will Almighty God say “Enough” and blow the trumpet?

What does it take to give a man of valor* the courage & boldness to speak up and tell the truth?

♫ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;…. ♫  

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  Ps.84:10

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 17, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

*  The men’s ministry at Immanuel Baptist is called “Men of Valor.”  Definition of “Valor”:
            Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. "the medals are awarded for acts of valor"

Musing – Do We Make Choices, or Non-Choices?

 Hebraic Musing – Do We Make Choices, or Non-Choices?

Before Moses passes his leadership role to his successor, Joshua, in Deut.31; Moses desperately delivers his final message to his people as he concludes in Deuteronomy 30:15 NKJV    “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.”  But is “Sets before you” a choice one has to make, or is he pointing out two options for outcomes?  After all, it does not make sense that one would choose “Death, evil, perishing and curses.”  They happen, but usually not by deliberate choice.

In the next verse Moses references the familiar Shema*…  “in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.” Deut.10:16   Moses is telling the people make a choice by taking action by (1) Loving the LORD, (2) Walking in His ways and (3) Keeping His commandments, statutes and judgements.**

Then Moses continues on in v.17 with the default life style if we don’t take action. “BUT IF your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them,  I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.” Dt.30:17-18   So if you do not take the actions called for in the Shema prayer, then Death AND no inheritance in the “promised land”!   He’s telling us there are consequences for (1) not Loving the LORD, (2) not Walking in His ways AND (3) not Keeping His commandments, statutes and judgements.**

To make sure we all get the message, Moses calls on two witnesses (required by Jewish law to convict one of a crime).  “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing;…” Deut. 30:19a   What were the first things God created?  Heaven and Earth.   BTW – Where can you hide from Heaven and/or Earth?

THEREFORE Moses pleads with the people.  “… therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”  Deut.30:19b-20 NKJV

Should we be choosing life by clinging to the Lord, you know, like when a parent is going to leave on a trip and the child might cling to a parent; grabbing a leg or waist and not wanting to let go?    Cling to the Lord!

Maybe this message explains why my all-time favorite Bible verse is Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 

Points to ponder

How many times a day do we exercise our power to choose?  Or to not choose?

Can you hear and feel Moses pleading with us to “Choose Life”?

How might we cling to the Lord?

What happens in our lives if we just follow our natural inclinations?

What are the most important choices you make in life?  How often?

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 10, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired by Corey Corrick’s message July 18, 2021 at Immanuel Baptist Church.

*  The Shema is a familiar prayer said to be recited thrice daily from Deut.6:4-5 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”  In Hebrew it starts with - Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

**  The difference between those three words is in Hebraic Musing - Why Did God Bless Our Father Abraham?                 http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/2014/08/

Musing – Do We Do Enough Intentional Witnessing?

 

Hebraic Musing – Do We Do Enough Intentional Witnessing?

It is said that 90% of “Christians” have never lead anyone to Christ.  Why don’t Christians do more witnessing?  Many excuses, so Paul addressed this early in Romans 1:16  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes….”  NIV   The eternal lives of our loved ones, of our neighbors and of everyone we meet is at stake.  So let’s look at three steps to intentional witnessing:

1. GO   Jesus’ final command to us was - “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matt. 28:18-20 NIV  Jesus not only told us to GO, but He assured us “I am with you”.

Man has a natural desire to be comfortable.  When Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, the man wanted to stay with Jesus; but what did Jesus tell him to do?  “As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’” Mark 5:18-19  Jesus has given each of us a beautiful testimony and He wants us to go forth and share it!  We can’t expect people to come to church to get saved!  We need to go to them.

2. SOW  Are we actively and intentionally looking for opportunities to share the Gospel message?  One sows seed for one reason – to Harvest.  “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, … preaching the good news of the kingdom …he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, … they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Does Jesus also see that today?)  “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”    Matt. 9:35-38   Who are the harvesters Jesus is calling on today?

Are we broadcasting seed?  You cannot have a harvest if you do not sow; Jesus reminded us of that.  “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.’” John 4:35   It is true that many are not ready to receive.  Jesus knew that.  “As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil….” BUT   “… Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”” Mark 4:5-8  He’s telling us to sow, and just keep sowing.

3. SHOW  Share the Good News by showing Love.  Jesus was asked “which is the greatest commandment”?  He answered “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”  Matt. 22:37-39  How much do you love yourself?  How much do you love your neighbor?  Didn’t we learn to “Share” in Kindergarten?  Remember how you felt at that moment of your salvation when you had 100% faith in Christ?!?!

Some will say that they show love by their lifestyle, BUT has that resulted in anyone getting saved?  We need to be a witness and tell them of Jesus love and His plan for us.  We need to have a salvation message or two ready to share; and our personal testimony is a great start!  Remember what your life was like before you accepted Christ as your LORD?  That’s the start of your testimony.   Let’s be ready to testify of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and of (a) our love for Jesus Christ; (b) the love of Jesus Christ for us; and (c) the love Jesus Christ has for sinners – Everyone….   “For all have sinned and fall short…”   

Jesus lovingly said to his disciples “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”   Matt. 4:19
Tough question – if you are not a fisher of men, are you a follower of Jesus Christ?

Points to ponder

If we are not going, sowing and showing love by harvesting, is Jesus truly our LORD? 
GO, SOW, SHOW.   It is the neighborly thing to do.

Do you have your testimony ready to share?

♫Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere. … That Jesus Christ is born.♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 3, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired by and excerpted from Pastor Sam Moore’s message July 25, 2021