The Lord Shall Rule Over You

The Lord Shall Rule Over You

In Numbers chapter thirteen the children of Israel have been led to the border of the Promise Land of Canaan. Twelve spies have been sent out to scout out the land. Two of the twelve (Joshua and Caleb) returned and said “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Yet the other ten said that there was no way that they could defeat the people of the land and take possession of it. They saw the people as giants and themselves as “grasshoppers” (vv 31-33).

In chapter fourteen the people grumbled and complained and said, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt” (vv 1-4). Who would that leader have been? Not Joshua, because when he and Caleb tried to convince them to move into and take it, that surely the Lord was with them, all the congregation sought to stone them to death (vv 6-10). Forty years later the only men still alive to cross over into the Promise Land were these two brave men whose council the children of Israel rejected.

Joshua would lead the people in their conquest of Canaan and they said to Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go” (Joshua 1:16). And they did, but the very next generation did evil in the sight of the Lord (Judges 2:10-11). No less than seven times through the period of the Judges the children of Israel would go through a process of sin, servitude, sorrow and supplication, and salvation.

One such cycle occurs and the people restored under the leadership of Gideon. After the victory of Gideon and his 300 over Midian the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us” but Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.” Yet the children of Israel would not listen and following the fifteenth and final judge Samuel the people got what they wanted. “Appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations,” the people cried. God told Samuel “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).

Now before we are too hard on the children of Israel and their foolishness let us take a moment and look at our own lives. We want leaders who will give us what we want. What we “need” is for the Lord to rule over us and submit to his leadership! We want leaders who will make us comfortable and give us what we want. The problem is that neither those human leaders we elect, nor we ourselves, apart from the Lord’s guidance, know what is truly good for us (Jeremiah 10:23).

We want someone to rule over us but on our own terms. Jesus addressed this attitude in His day by asking those who claimed to be allowing God to rule over their lives by asking “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” And He is still asking us the same question today. See for far too many we “want what we want” and reject that which we need.

May God help us to submit to His Word and His will, with the proper heart of humility and gratitude; and let us serve Him and each other faithfully till we take possession of the spiritual Canaan Land of Heaven. Oh how sweet it will be to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

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Jesus Provided Alcohol?

Many have tried to justify the consumption of beverage alcohol based upon the Gospel account of Jesus turning water into wine in the John 2:1-11. Let us begin to answer this question with the Biblical definition of the word wine. In the New Testament, “wine” is translated from the Greek word oinos. This is a generic term for the juice that comes specifically from grapes, either fermented or non-fermented. The entire context of where oinos is used will dictate whether fermented or non-fermented is meant. Just like our English word “cider,” which can be either “hard” (alcoholic) or just plain cider – non-alcoholic, it all depends on how it is used.  The same principle is true of “wine” in the Old Testament. Please read the following passages and answer the questions for yourself. 1.) Isaiah 16:10 – What comes directly out of wine presses? Plain grape juice or fermented grape juice? 2.) Isaiah 65:8 – What is found inside a cluster of grapes? Fermented juice or unfermented? 3.) Deuteronomy 11:14 – What is “gathered in” when the grapes are harvested? Grape juice or alcoholic wine?

We have established the fact that the Biblical word “wine” can sometimes be used in a generic sense (either fermented or unfermented), but that still does not answer the question as to whether Jesus made an alcoholic beverage when He turned the water into wine in John Chapter Two. As was noted previously, in order to establish which use of the word applies in a certain passage, the entire context needs to be taken into account – not just the immediate context (same chapter / book), but the broader context must be accounted for. In the Biblical context in which Jesus lived and in which the Wedding Feast at Cana took place, it would be a sin for one who, like Jesus, is a Jew to consume alcohol or to give his neighbor alcohol. (Habakkuk 2:15-16).

We know that Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life – never transgressing a single, solitary commandment under the Law of Moses. 1 Peter 2:22 “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth…” Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin…” These inspired statements are false if Jesus provided alcohol to the guests of the wedding feast. Neither did Jesus sin here nor did He tempt others to sin. James 1:13 affirms that fact. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Therefore, we can know assuredly that Jesus did not turn the water into alcohol.

Yet, some make the objection that the immediate context gives the impression that Jesus did provide alcoholic wine. They quote the “governor of the feast” in John 2:10, “Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now…” It is assumed by some that the phrase “well drunk” refers to the guests being inebriated. That assumption does not consider the possibility that “well drunk” refers to the quantity they had consumed rather than the effect (drunkenness) it had on them. They had apparently consumed enough grape juice that their sense of taste had become dulled. The “governor of the feast” was simply noting the unusual circumstances in which the host had brought out the good quality wine after all of the lesser quality wine had been consumed.

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Neglect

Can We Neglect Our Souls Salvation?

There is no doubt to the Bible student, that the majority of people in the world will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). This means that these will not so act as to “save themselves” by obedience to the primary principles of the Gospel, faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Acts 2:38-40), or else that they will so neglect the interest of their souls, by failing to remain faithful in living the Christian life (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-11).

We are sometimes our own worst enemies, simply because of our neglect. The Hebrew writer said, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1). He then asked, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation . .?” His rhetorical question actually states that we will have no way to escape, if we neglect and ignore the salvation offered in the Gospel! The salvation of our soul should be the greatest importance to every individual in the world (Matthew 16:26).

WHAT ABOUT YOUR SOUL?

Do you think, in your neglect, that the Father in Heaven will make an exception in your case, and save you in spite of your wicked life? (1 John 2:15-17). Do you think, in your neglect, if you do not fear God and keep His commandments He will save you anyway? (Acts 10:34-35). Do you think, in your neglect, that you can take care of the affairs of this world, without living for God, and all will be well with your soul? (Luke 8:14). Do you think, in your neglect, that you can place God down your list of priorities, but that He will bless you fully? (Matthew 6:33). Have you been fooled into thinking, in your neglect, that you will obey the Gospel some day, but that you have an abundance of time to do so? (James 4:13-15). Have you, in your neglect, been thinking like Felix about “righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come,” in that you tremble but do not obey your God? (Acts 24:24-25). Do you realize, in your neglect, the deceitful nature of sin? (Genesis 3:1-6; Hebrews 3:12). Do you think, in your neglect, that your ways are just as good as God’s ways, and that your thoughts are equal with His? Please get your Bible now, and read Isaiah 55:8-9. I urge you to neglect your soul no longer!

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Who Should Teach the Bible?

It is an acceptable concept that preachers and special educated people should teach the Bible in our world today. If a person desires to teach the Bible he will first consider going to a school that grants Biblical degrees or he will seek an online theological school that offers degrees in Bible so that he will be accepted as a credited and qualified teacher, preacher, theologian. Now, I do not reject the concept of advanced education in any of the previously mentioned type of advanced schools; my problem is that I do not find anywhere in the Bible that God established an ecclesiastical standard for teachers of the Bible. That there are no such standards is exemplified by the fact that throughout the whole of the 66 Books of the Bible {i.e. Genesis to Revelation} God’s teachers, prophets, and chosen leaders were of all types of people from all walks of life; they were farmers, herdsmen, kings, fishermen, tax collectors, and educated persons [i.e.  Saul – Paul]. There is no indication that God requires that teachers of the Bible have some advanced, accredited degree from a theological school or a graduate study in Bible. So far as is known the writers of the New Testament were fisherman, physicians, a tax collector, and Paul a converted Pharisee; God did not select leaders based on their educational qualifications.

Let me say here; there is no reason to qualify or disqualify a teacher predicated upon the amount of or lack of advanced biblical degrees from an institute of higher learning. Whether a brother in Christ possesses an advanced degree in Bible or not is not the important consideration for the Bible teacher. The very first quality that a Bible teacher should possess is; that he/she is a Christian. Other important considerations for a Bible teacher is, does he know the Bible, is he familiar with the concept of interpretation, and the nature and extent of revelation from God? These and similar qualities are the qualities that enable a person to teach the Bible. Also along this line of reason we must recognize that the teacher ought to know their place in the scheme of God’s plans. The teacher is not necessarily a boss {i.e. the Pope, the Pastor, or His Most Excellent Father, His most worshipful Master, etc.} but he is simply a teacher of the Bible with a task greater than any other and more beneficial to mankind than any occupation he/she may undertake (2 Timothy 4:1-5). It is noteworthy to observe the qualifications of an elder in the church of Christ; he is to be able to teach in such a manner that he can convince the person who is difficult of understanding (Titus 1:9).

Indeed, a good Bible teacher must plan, study, and pray about their work of teaching the Bible. Paul the apostle encourages all to be consistent in teaching; “For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. {ASV} (1 Corinthians 4:17). The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy in the two letters he wrote to him about how to excel as a Bible teacher. Please observe some of the instruction that Paul gave to Timothy:

1 Tim 1:3, “As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,” ASV

1 Tim 2:12, “But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.” ASV

1 Tim 4:11-16, “11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. 16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shall save both thyself and them that hear thee.” ASV

1 Tim 6:1-2, “1 Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.” ASV

2 Tim 2:2-4, “2 and the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardships with (me), as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of (this) life; that he may please him who enrolled him as soldier.” ASV

2 Tim 2:24-26, “24 And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, 25 in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if       peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.” ASV

Also, to the Hebrew Christians Paul wrote concerning the need for teachers to mature and not to become unfruitful (i.e. See also 2 Peter 3:18).             Hebrews 5:12-6:1, “12 For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For every one that partakes of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. 14 but solid food is for full-grown men, (even) those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

Hebrews 6, “1 wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” ASV

CONCLUSION: Therefore, let us proceed to always speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. Let us also seek purity of mind and doctrine as we undertake to teach the Bible to others wherever we may be privileged to do so. We must take care to present not only sound teaching but present ourselves as pure, humble, and dedicated servants of the Most High God (i.e. “The One True God.”) 

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Solve this Problem

How Will God Solve this Problem?

There are those times in our lives when our problems seem far more than we can bear. We know His promise that we will not be tempted above our limit, but the future seems so uncertain and our faith seems so weak. We wonder how on earth we will be able to deal with our problems. If He would only let us know how it will all work out.

Moses was at such a point in his life. At age forty, he had confronted the disappointment of not fulfilling his expectation of leading Israel out of Egypt (Acts 7:23-25). By his own calculation, he had figured out that the time had arrived for the exodus, and he saw himself as the one God would use. Then, it happened. His dream became a nightmare. For the next forty years he was a shepherd, going from the palace to a tent!

Forty years later, God called him at the burning bush.  When he reluctantly accepted the call, he was told that the future would not be easy. Pharaoh would not be easily persuaded to listen to the words of God. Yet, Moses went to Egypt and was God’s instrument in the devastation of that nation. Things seemed to now be falling into place.

He led the Jews through the Red Sea and arrived at Mt. Sinai where God revealed Himself in ways never seen before.  The mountain was on fire and the earth shook as the voice of God revealed His Ten Commandments. Moses ascended the mount and talked to God face to face.

Then, it all happened. Imagine how Moses felt when he saw God get angry! Moses had seen His power, but now he saw the wrath of God. His wrath was so great against Israel and their calf! He was ready to destroy all of them. Had Moses not interceded the nation would have been destroyed (Ex. 32:10-14). Moses’ dream of being the one to lead His people was crashing to the earth.

God promised Moses that His angel would be with Moses in the rest of the journey (Ex. 32:34), but he wanted so much more. It was as though he said, “God, just tell me how you are going to do this.” His exact words were, “You have not let me know whom You will send with me” (Ex. 33:12).

Isn’t that the way we often feel when our world tumbles in! We know His promise, yet we so want to know the details! How is God going to solve the problem?

God’s answer? One phrase. “My presence will go with you.” It is as though God was saying to Moses, “I will keep my promises, but you do not need to know how.” His presence is enough. The details do not really matter. As you deal with your problems, think about God, Moses and his problem!

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