Stay close to the light…

 Stay close to the light….

Recently, one of my daughter-in-laws, one grandson and I visited a nearby cave, called Mammoth Cave…A unique tourist stop north of Twin Falls…

Acres of rusty farm equipment, old trucks, old fences, corrals, buildings…lose chickens, 40+ peacocks and hens, 3 emu…

You check in, receive a LED lantern  and off you go on a self-guided tour of a lava tube which extends about a quart of mile underground, following the designated pathway in and out…your lanterns are the only light except the entrance hole…the cave is huge…painted signs are placed once in awhile…but mostly you are looking at the variations of colors and formations  in the rock wall…moisture seeps from above, with a temperature of 40 degrees…

(Down the road at the Shoshone ices caves, ice is the floor…where they once made ice to sell…)

My grandson, who is six, wasn’t a big fan of the dark around us , but my daughter -in-law kept encouraging him with our lanterns, saying “ we need to keep close to the light” so that we could see, find our paths and look at the cave and rocks…

What a reminder again that we also need to keep close to the Light…

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:3-4

You shall make seven lamps for it. And the lamps shall be set up so as to give light on the space in front of it.

Exodus 25:37 

For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.

2 Samuel 22:29 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:105,130 

Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

Daniel 2:20-22 

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, 

for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 

to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, 

to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, 

whereby the sunrise shall visit us  from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1:68-79

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6 

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

Ephesians 5:13,15

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:5,7

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 

By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, And night will be no more. 

They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 21:23-24,22:5

Thank YOU for lights to light our paths and being the Light to light our lives…. 

Here I am…

 Here I am….

You call and call and finally they listen…your children or husband are concentrating on some thing vitality important..mud pies, building a fence, a contract, feeding the sheep…chasing rainbows, stomping in the mud or snow….whatever…finally they answer, “here I am”…and you are content to know where they are, what they are doing….if they really listen…or maybe you wanted the,to check in once in awhile…

Or for your children, maybe they have gotten lost in the night darkness, or had a bad dream and they are calling you…and you comfort them saying, “ here I am”…you both want that answer…in the dark, in the light, knowing that someone is there…

Several times that phrase is used from Genesis to Revelation…

God calls and is wanting an answer…an acknowledgment…that obedience…

I realize I don’t always answer to those callings with an immediate, “here I am”…it may be more like, “okay, okay, I hear you”…when I would rather not…even when the former is more appropriate…

Then I see two verses, Isaiah 65:1 and Revelation 3:20…where God is not asking but giving of himself to our seeking, saying, “ here I am” to Israel and to anyone who is seeking…waiting, wanting…He desires that we open up to Him…how I love that…the God of the universe wants to be with me…thank YOU….

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”

Genesis 22:1

But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.

Genesis 22:11

 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered.

Genesis 27:1

And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied.

Genesis 46:2

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

Exodus 3:4

Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am. ” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” 

But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” 

And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 

A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” 

Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ” 

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:4-6,8-10 

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 40:7-8 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’

Isaiah 65:1

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

Acts 9:10

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 

Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll — I have come to do your will, my God.’” 

First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them” —though they were offered in accordance with the law. 

Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:5-10

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20 

Joints and marrow…

 Joints and marrow…

After my husband passed away, I spent a bit of time at the orthopedic doctors…having X-rays, cortisone shots in knees, heels, ankles and hands, as well as surgery on one hand remaking a thumb joint…these areas still are reminder of those visits as they flare continually …all from caring for, stress and lifting him during his last earthly days…

I would watch a screen showing the routes of the needles as they moved around, finding just the right spots to inject the medications…was so interesting and a good distraction from the pain they inflicted at the time…some so tiny it was hard to penetrate…

This verse reminded me of those days … 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13

 -alive…

-active…

-sharper than any double-edged sword..

⁃ penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow…

⁃ Judges the thoughts 

⁃ Judges the attitude…of the heart…

⁃

God’s word is so much more than those needles for medication…medications are just a temporary fix…they give help for awhile and wear off…needing to be repeated periodically with the need of another injection, for which I am grateful…

 But, the Word is eternal, alive, active, teaching…penetrating our hearts, souls and minds…teaching truth, convicting…transforming….reaching deep…finding all…uncovering all…laying bare before Him…deeper than any screen I watched…the Word is more than just another shot…it is always working, never getting old, or wearing out or needing changed…it is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow…applicable…

In Psalm 119,  David  speaks over and over again about the Word…what is does..how it works… 

A few from those writings…

Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. 

Teach me,  Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 

Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. 

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Psalm 119:27-29,33-35,43,58,66,89

Paul wrote…

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

The Word made flesh..

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5 

Thank YOU that we have your written Word…that Jesus came as the Word, walking amongst the people…living the Word …He fulfilled the Word…and that He can live within our hearts….as well as the universe…

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 40:8 

“ I charge you…”

 

“I charge you….”

Watching a video this week from Dr. David Jeremiah, he spoke of charges given through time in the Word…that peeked my interest to find what each said…

Moses to the people …

And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” And at that time I told you everything you were to do.

Deuteronomy 1:16-18

To Solomon…

“So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.

1 Chronicles 28:8 

But Jesus remained silent. 

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 

64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Matthew 26:63-64

From Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…

I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

1 Thessalonians 5:27

Paul to Timothy…

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time —God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. 

To him be honor and might forever. Amen. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

1 Timothy 5:21,6:11-16,20-21

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction. 

2 Timothy 4:1-2

Two spoke of judgment, partiality, favoritism…

Most spoke of keeping on through Christ with the Word…

Being faithful…in the Word, God’s calling and direction…

Charges, not just for those In history but, for today, tomorrow…for anyone who desires to be a follower of Jesus…

Thank YOU….

Wise men….men of the East

 Wise men…men of the East….

A friend shared the other day about a passage in Esther…

Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

Esther 1:13

And how it shared similar language to Matthew 2… 

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/magi/

Susa is almost due East of Jerusalem…Esther, which book does not name God throughout, talks of wise men…

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/ancient-persian-capital-susa/

https://bible-history.com/map_babylonian_captivity/map_of_the_deportation_of_judah_susa.html

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility — young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. 

He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. 

And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. 

He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. …

Daniel 1:3-4,17,20,2:27-28 

Daniel talks of wise men as well, their training, …but, acknowledges that only God reveals wisdom… as does James in the New Testament.. or Solomon in the Old Testament 

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings 3:9,12 

 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

1 Kings 5:12

All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.

2 Chronicles 9:23 

Solomon writes of wisdom numerous times in the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes….

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 

Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words,

Proverbs 2:6,10,12,16

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 

David spoke  of wisdom as well…. 

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

Psalm 37:30

My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.

Psalm 49:3

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10

James speaks of wisdom…

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 1:5,3:13,17

And on through the book of Revelations…

Oh, to be wise…from ruling nations, to humbleness…to making right decisions…to finding the King of Kings…useful in all of life…

Thank YOU that we can ask…

If walls could talk…interesting connections….

 If walls could talk…..interesting connections….

Just interesting connections….

At the beginning of Jesus’ life, Herod “the great “ heard the magi ask the question about finding the “king of the Jews”…probably in his home in Jerusalem….he didn’t like it…he wanted to be the king of the Jews, according to historians…this could be an interloper ….so he ordered the death of boys, two and under,  in and around Bethlehem…

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Matthew 2:1-8,16

Then, at the end of Jesus’ earthly life, Jesus himself, who had escaped the first slaughter of boys, stands in the same palace being questioned by Pilate, a successor of Herod…about being the “king of the Jews “…

Pilate, unlike Herod, washes his hands of the blood of Jesus death…not only that, a sign is placed with his “charge” …”King of the Jews “…

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 

Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. 

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” 

Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”

Matthew 27:11-14,24,37

I wonder, if anyone at the time, lived to see both incidents…did they stop to consider…did they put the two events together…what were their thoughts… 

We have the written Word which records the historical view…do I stop and consider how all of the puzzle pieces fit together…how the Word is faithful…even the details…of times and places, “irony” of words spoken…

Thank YOU…

Then later another Herod dealt with Paul…did he know the history of the “King of the Jews”… all the threads of the Historical “tapestry “…woven in more connections….

https://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/main-articles/herod-the-great

https://biblehub.com/topical/h/herod_the_great.htm

Chaff…

Chaff…

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:12

In the English Standard Version the word, chaff, is used  16 times…it is not a term that we want to be called or referred to…. 

A few references…

Will you frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff?

Job 13:25

“How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out? 

That their calamity comes upon them? 

That God distributes pains in his anger? 

That they are like straw before the wind, and like chaff that the storm carries away? 

You say, ‘God stores up their iniquity for their children.’ Let him pay it out to them, that they may know it. 

Let their own eyes see their destruction, and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty. 

 For what do they care for their houses after them, when the number of their months is cut off?

Job 21:17-21 

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Psalm 1:4

I will scatter you  like chaff driven by the wind from the desert. This is your lot, the portion I have measured out to you, declares the Lord, because you have forgotten me and trusted in lies.

Jeremiah 13:24-25

Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect —before the day passes away like chaff— before there comes upon you the burning anger of the Lord, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the Lord . Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord .

Zephaniah 2:1-3 

Chaff is the husk that covers the kernel of wheat…it is beaten/removed/thrashed away from the kernels of grain…it floats in the wind…

When you watch the harvest of a wheat/grain field, there is a “cloud” around the thrasher. The chaff is coming off the grain…the grain is saved and the chaff is thrown away…it is light and easily floats, settling to the ground, having no value.

As a child, my father and I would walk through wheat fields adjacent to our home, picking a few wheat heads at harvest time…rubbed them in our hands until the kernels were loosened, blowing away the chaff and then chewed the kernels until we had “wheat gum”. We savored the kernels but got rid of the chaff…

 

Looking at the previous verses, chaff is what you get rid of…the wheat is saved…it compares to the wicked and the righteous…judgment…

In the Matthew verse, John the Baptist is speaking of Jesus…a time of judgement…

God desires that all would be “wheat”…

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,  not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 

He gave his Son for us…

  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:16-21

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. 

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 1:1-6

Thank YOU….