Reconciling the Abijah Accounts

Friends,

I am going in a different direction from the norm here, but hopefully it will be a blessing to you.  Something struck me while I was reading 2 Chronicles.  It was an insight that provides an illustration for something that I have come to understand for a while now concerning interpretation…and it is interesting that I would find something of an Old Testament illustration to help provide insight for a New Testament principle.  This is certainly not the first time this has happened.  As I have stated in other places, if I had a dollar for all of the poor exegesis and illustrations using Noah and gopher wood, as well as Uzzah and the ark, to try to justify new covenant authority, I would be further ahead in my retirement account.  That said, the following illustration is actually in context, and concerns two distinct, but related passages. 

What we see in 2 Chronicles 13 is that Abijah becomes king of Judah, following his father, Rehoboam.  In the Chronicles account, Abijah appears to be a man of God who leads the armies of the Lord to victory over the armies of North Israel.  There are twenty-two verses displaying the heroics of what took place under Abijah’s reign.  But, something occurred to me while reading this…there are only four kings of Israel and Judah in the divided kingdom that were considered “good kings” (and all were from Judah, by the way).  They were Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah.  Abijah is not on the list.  This is because we need to go to the Kings’ account concerning Abijah to get the other side of the coin.  The account in 1 Kings 15 is about a third as long as the account in 2 Chronicles.  It is here that we see that he “committed all the sins of his fathers.” There is very little information about Abijah and the war with Israel here…it is pretty succinct, and the basis of the message is – Abijah was a bad guy like his father (and most of those who came after him).

So, the question that comes into focus is – how does one reconcile these two accounts?  Many people would have to deduce that one of the stories is correct, while the other one must be in error, because there could only be one possible explanation that is correct.  Yet, I believe that this is the beauty of both accounts -- they can both be reconciled. Both stories concerning Abijah are true…it is simply that the Chronicler has a different focal point than does the author of 1 Kings.  (It is similar, in some respects, as to what we see with the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Each is accurate, but from the unique perspective of the author…even as to whether there were one or two angels at the open tomb).

One of the difficulties that came as the result of being raised in a church culture and exposed to a model of interpretation where an “either/or” deduction reigned was that it would often pin us into the corner and we would have to take a stand that only one thought could be correct.  And therefore, by the rules of deduction that were in place, the other position, by necessity, would have to be wrong.  So, it could only be gopher wood, and therefore, it could only be Matzos used for the Lord’s Supper (for example). The Chronicler offers a perspective concerning Abijah that is unique in that he is not really as interested in what Abijah is doing, as he is in what God is doing in the situation concerning the war with the kings in the divided kingdom.  It may be true that Judah was “seeking the will of the Lord” in relationship to their battle with Israel, but it would not necessarily mean that Abijah was “a righteous and holy leader for God’s people.”  Abijah himself is not as important in the Chronicles account as much as God is and what He is doing through Abijah in the situation.  It is not the first time that God would have used people with some significant struggles, who would even be at odds with Him…Jacob and Jonah are two others that come to mind.  Besides, if God did not respond to sinful people who sought Him and trusted in Him, we would all be in trouble.  So, Judah has a moment in the sun, where they seek the Lord and He responds by delivering them from a force that was twice their size…once again, a story that is repeated in the Scriptures. It is about what God can and will do with and for His people.

So, what does this mean as it relates to the new covenant?  There are accounts where it seems that there might be discrepancies.  I will offer two thoughts briefly that can be expanded at a later time.  How often a person participates in the Lord’s Supper, for example – was it daily (Acts 2), or was it once per week on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).  The text in 1 Corinthians 11:17ff offers some insight, but it is not definitive as to which is should be.  It is easy to get pushed into an “either/or” scenario, when “both/and” may be quite acceptable, as well as accurate.  Paul spends the better part of the last section of Romans (particularly chapter 14) explaining how these matters can be so…that there can be a church that has members where some are vegetarians and others eat meat, (or where some meet at the building on Sunday evenings and others meet in homes) -- and it all works.  Even more challenging – are the believers in Acts 2 in the same spiritual situation as those in Acts 8 and Acts 10?  It is apparent that all are in good standing with the Lord and the church at that time…but what of today?  Many believers would say – those Christians are not acceptable…I cannot fellowship with them.  Yet, it is hard to see how we could or would not accept what those in the first century church did accept.  Furthermore, how can we “critique beyond a doubt” using “deductive methods” an event that is altogether spiritual and led by the Holy Spirit?  It is not any different today than it was then.  It is important to consider that there is more than one proper perspective that could be available and acceptable to the Lord and His body as it relates to the above matters, as well as many others…some things to study, ponder and consider.

Blessings, Don

Sacred Sacrifices

Friends,

Pastor Paul Ciniraj of India wrote these words:  “I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the power of the Holy Spirit. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.  I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.  I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.  My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.  I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.  l have a great hope of His coming back, so I preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me; for my banner is clear!”  Perhaps this is the kind of life that the Hebrews writer has in mind when he says that believers need to live a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:10-16,18).  Or, even if not, there is much to be loved, learned and lived in the brother’s statement. Regardless, we all need to be seeking to glorify God in our lives.

In chapter 11, there are some great examples of people who live by faith. In chapter 12, Christians are encouraged to live by faith.  This last chapter (13) of the book of Hebrews considers evidences of faith. Now, we consider some characteristics that should appear in our lives if we are truly walking by faith and not by sight.  A majority of the book of Hebrews compares the old and new covenants, and distinguishes between the two by sharing that the new covenant of Jesus Christ is far better.  A Jew under the old covenant could point to the temple as an important landmark for their faith.  Christians do not (or at least they should not) put the same emphasis on a building which could be here today and gone tomorrow.  We are the building…Christians are a heavenly sanctuary (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), inasmuch as our lives are committed to God.  The Jewish people were proud of the city of Jerusalem, but Christians have an eternal city – the New Jerusalem (heaven).  For each of the Old Covenant believer’s religion that involved temporary earthly details, there is a spiritual, eternal counterpart which is far better for the Christian.

Verse 10 says, “We have an altar,” and this is not speaking about a “physical” altar, as under the old covenant, but for us who are believers in Jesus, He is our altar.  It is through Him that we offer our “spiritual sacrifices” to God.  This can be so, because Jesus the Christ’s sacrifice has already been made. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Day of Atonement. He was the perfect sin offering sacrificed for us outside of the camp, so that we might have eternal life.  The gifts that we bring to God are acceptable…not because of an earthly altar…but because of Him, our heavenly altar.

The big issue for the Hebrews then, and for us now, is – separation from a dead religion and identification with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  This has not ever changed.  We must give ourselves wholly and completely to the Lord and not compromise with religion or the world. (Romans 12:1-2)  The Hebrews writer names some of the “spiritual sacrifices” that we, in turn, offer as believers in Christ.  Words of praise that come from our lips should find their origin from our hearts…and in turn is displayed like beautiful fruit on a fruit tree.  There are many ways that we are able to praise the Lord in song.  If we are filled with His Spirit, songs just spill out of our hearts and from our lips.  We may be participating in a worship service on Sunday, traveling down the road in our family car having a sing along, or walking down a lonely road.  When we are joyful, we sing praises (James 5:13).  When we are tempted to grumble instead of being grateful, we need to count our blessings and realize just how blessed that we truly are.  As one person shared, “Sacrificing our praise begins with a frame of mind that tunes the heart.”

Another spiritual sacrifice is the good works of sharing, which, according to the Hebrews writer, includes hospitality and ministry to prisoners (13:3).  “Doing good” covers a multitude of ministries – whatever blessings and gifts God has given us to share…sharing food with the needy, taking people to and from church and to others places, sharing our resources, perhaps just being a good neighbor (as State Farm is).  Finally, the writer emphasizes the importance of prayer. He is unable to visit with his readers personally, but he does ask for their prayers.  When we are convicted by the Lord and for the Lord…many wonderful things happen.

One of my friends who lives in the desert of Arizona posted this picture of a giant Saguaro recently.  This is one of the remarkable creations in nature.  It can grow to be over 50 feet high, weigh in excess of ten tons -- a plant that can weigh up to 20,000 lbs! Their efficient root systems, which can stretch to 60-70 feet across collect every bit of moisture that filters through the topsoil. It stores the water in its body, which functions so well that even after years of drought, the Saguaro still retains enough moisture to produce fruit.  In a similar way, we Christians are to be filled with Living Water…but we cannot ever get full enough.  The fuller that we are, the more that we are able to bear fruit for the Lord.  We have much to be thankful for, and much to praise God about – family, church family, health, life, opportunities, homes, jobs.  If we seek to live a life with integrity, we need not be ashamed or guilty, but as Paul Ciniraj indicates, live life blameless, and to the fullest…to sacrifice our praise and our lives for the Lord.  We are so blessed to be able to be in a one on one communication with our Creator.  We no longer have to be subservient to a system, but have openness and freedom thanks to the death, burial and resurrection.  Let’s live a life that reflects our thankfulness to God for what He has given us, and offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to His service.

Blessings, Don

Religion of the Heart

Friends,

A man relied upon an experienced guide while crossing a dangerous African swamp.  The two stepped from one clump of grass to another as they crossed.  The clumps all looked alike to the man, but the guide repeatedly warned about certain clumps.  They all appeared to be secure…but, while some of the clumps were fastened to rocks, others were free-floating.  The native had learned by experience how to tell the difference between the two.  What the guide knew that his follower did not could very possibly save his life.  He had learned wisdom through his experience.  He knew that if he did not take care to attend to the things that truly mattered, that all could be lost.

This is, in essence, what Jesus is saying in this section of Matthew 15 (vv.1-20). Jesus is dealing with Jewish leaders who had become not only distracted, but corrupt -- their hearts were not right with God.  They had indiscriminately stepped, religiously, where they were not supposed to, and this led them down a path away from God.  What they needed was a right religion -- one based upon a genuine relationship with God -- that would help them not to please themselves, but to seek God with all their hearts.  At times, we believers can say the right things, do the right things, keep all of the correct regulations, traditions…and still be far from God.  Unlike the Pharisees, we have every opportunity to make good, spiritual decisions for our lives, and this will ultimately be the difference between whether we sink or swim.  As I shared from John’s gospel recently, the Holy Spirit is the Advocate and Helper that we need.  God, through the Holy Spirit, is the guide that helps His people to know where to step. 

Meanwhile, in an unsurprising development, some Scribes and Pharisees come to test Jesus.  They accuse His disciples of breaking “the traditions of the elders.”  These traditions (or Mishnah) were a significant number of extra rituals and regulations that the Scribes and Pharisees thought the Jewish people should do as a part of their belief system.  Jesus’ disciples were not adhering to the ritual purification cleansings before eating bread.  (The stone jars at the wedding at Cana in John 2 were those that were used for such washings).  To the Pharisees and Scribes question, Jesus asks a question of His own…and by so doing, tells them that they are violating the Word of God for the sake of their traditions.  In a similar situation (Luke 11:37-39), Jesus tells the Pharisees and Scribes that “they clean the outside of the cup, but the inside is dirty”…that is, that they look good on the outside, but that they are full of wickedness.  They looked good, sounded good, probably even used their Axe body spray, but they were corrupt in their hearts. 

Jesus tells them, in essence, that they know that a Jew is not to speak evil of his father or mother (as seen in the Ten Commandments), yet they neglect their parents by taking their Corban, “retirement money” (similar to social security) “committed” to them and give it to God (as a contribution).  In so doing these Jews were claiming to be doing “the righteous thing.”  But, they were taking away from their parents, thereby making void God’s Word.  (It is what we call “straining for gnats and swallowing camels”…or nonsense).  Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 and plainly tells these Jews – “you are of two minds” (hypocrites).  Their hearts are “far, far away” from God, and because of this, their worship is in vain.  Jesus goes even further to explain His words (vv.10-11).  "Listen and understand.  What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth…that is what makes him 'unclean.'"  The disciples see it as a parable (v.15), but it is a critical statement.  The key thought is that…it is an inner, spiritual religion that matters, not an outer “going through the motions” religion.

Now the disciples come back and tell Jesus…in one of the great “duh” moments in the New Testament…saying – “Do you know that you offended the Scribes and Pharisees?”  Yes, He knows.  In fact it was possibly a shock value statement for a purpose -- He wants them “to hear and understand.”  And not just the religious folks, He wants His disciples to understand that these religious leaders are not reliable as “spiritual” guides.  Jesus presents two more images --”plants without roots”, and “blind guides,” in order to cement what He is saying.  Peter, speaking for the others (nothing unusual there) expresses confusion concerning what Jesus has been saying.  And for His part, Jesus is amazed at His disciples’ lack of understanding.  So, He makes one final spiritual application – what goes in the mouth (food, drink) is not as important (in a spiritual sense) as what comes out of the mouth.  What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.  The point is -- everyone has a heart condition (spiritual), and it is either good or bad.  Jesus goes back to the beginning of the discussion to make His final point…it is not the washing of hands that defiles, but an unclean heart, life, which is the condition of the religious leaders.  If our life and religion keep us from seeing Jesus…and more than this, having His heart, mind, living like Him…then something has to change.  God is not going to be impressed with our worship on Sunday or any other day of the week (Romans 12:1-2) if it is not from the heart.  We must consider Jesus’ admonition to keep the proper perspective and strive to be spiritually focused.

I know that some have seen the following video, but I think it illustrates well…especially concerning those in our fellowship…what Jesus is talking about in this message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Clfx_hcVw.

Blessings, Don

If

Friends,

If I could, I would make sure you never lost at anything. But what would you learn from winning all the time? Losing keeps you humble.

If I could, I would catch you when you fall. But then you'd never know the power of rising up again.

If I could, I would take you directly to your life's destination. But then, you'd never know the thrill of getting lost along the way.

If I could, I would find the love you long for, the love of your life. But then you'd never know that the joy of true love is in the journey it takes to find it.

If I could, I'd make your days all sunny. But then you'd never know the cleansing of the rain.

If I could, I'd surround you with the treasures of the world you live in. But then you'd never appreciate the value of the treasures of the world within you.

If I could, I'd put happiness within your reach. But then you'd never learn that real growth only comes from reaching for things beyond your grasp.

If I could, and I will...I'll love you until my last breath of life and through eternity.  Bob Perks

“If” is one of the shortest and yet most interesting words in the English language.  We certainly get our fill of it in English class where we learn that it is combined with “then” in order to make conditional statements.  What we do understand concerning “if” is that…debating over what might have happened had Germany won WW2 or should Napoleon have won at Waterloo is an exercise in futility.  But, when the “ifs” are left out of these last chapters of Leviticus, then we miss the meaning.  The word is used 32 times.  The history of Israel cannot be fully understood apart from the “ifs” in God’s covenant.  For the Israelites were to be responsible for fulfilling God’s covenant.  For example, 26:3 says, “If you walk in my statutes, then you will have blessings…”  The conditions are laid out by God, and His people must make a decision concerning Him.

The Almighty God is not some idol that the people manufactured.  He reminds them, “I am the Lord your God.”  In spite of Israel’s promises to obey the Lord, however, the Jews broke the first two commandments by turning to idols.  If they had been true to God by keeping the laws, the feasts, the Sabbath, etc., these matters would have been a reminder to them that they were supposed to be God’s special people.  They should have fully understood that God dwelled among them…in their camp…in the sacred tabernacle (and later in the temple).  How could they think of disobeying Him when He was so near?  The “so-called” gods of the other nations were nowhere “near” to them.  God promises His children many things, but they are just this -- “children” in their faith.  They need to learn and grow as all children must do.  God promises rain, faithful harvests, peace and safety in their land in order to multiply their population…if they will enjoy the tremendous blessing of His presence.  This is the most important thing…and every other blessing depends upon it.  This is something that has not ever changed – right living has always been about God’s presence in our lives.

Israel’s privileged position brought with it the responsibility to obey and glorify God.  Yet, as the privilege is forsaken, the Lord sends chastisement, discipline.  There are six periods of judgment mentioned here for Israel.  The first five punishments are concerning the land…and for the sixth, they are taken out of their land and dispersed among the nations.  As he did with Pharaoh, God was turning them over to the desires of their hearts, and they would feel the “terror” of such. God’s purpose was to break down their stubborn pride.  The rains would cease, the ground would become hard…no crops would grow.  They would put forth great toil, but there would be no harvests.  Still, they would refuse to repent.  Next, there would be invasions of wild beasts that would kill the cattle and the people.  Warfare, famine and plague would follow…and enemies would conquer and destroy them.  As their hearts would remain hardened, ultimately God removes them from the land at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians to be taken away and disciplined.  By His mercy, He brings back a remnant of Jews, but they are not really ever the same again.

It seems strange that this book should end with a section regarding vows, instead of some demonstration of God’s glory and holiness…but, as with many of these other matters, there is a purpose.  God want his people’s hearts.  There is opportunity for them to show their allegiance to Him and His will.  The promises (vows) of God’s people should be as unbreakable as His covenant with us (Proverbs 20:25).  The vows given to God are strictly voluntary and expressions of the worshipper’s gratitude to God for His blessings.  It begins with the dedication of individuals.  A worshipper might dedicate himself to the Lord or bring a family member or servant to serve the Lord for life at the sanctuary.  Animals dedicated and redeemed are considered holy, or set apart, which means they would belong to the Lord.  Property, likewise, is able to be dedicated and redeemed and would also be considered holy to the Lord, but the owner would have to add twenty percent to the amount when he gave redemption money to the priest.  And there were other things that could be dedicated and redeemable.  Ultimately, this would all change with the completion of the old covenant, some 400 year after the people’s return from exile.  For those of us who live under the second or “new” covenant, God dedicated His Son.  He made that commitment through a covenant of (His) blood in order that our sins would be washed away so that we could live forever.  God still expects His people to make the most of their opportunities to give their hearts to Him…to accept His Son as their personal Savior…and live genuinely spiritually.

An American traveling in Syria became acquainted with a shepherd.  Each morning he noticed the shepherd carrying something to the sheep.  The traveler followed him one morning and found that he was taking food to one particular sheep that had a broken leg.  As the traveler looked at the animal, he said to the shepherd, “How did the sheep break its leg…did it have an accident or was it attacked by a wild animal?”  “No,” said the shepherd, “I broke this sheep’s leg myself.”  “You broke it yourself, but why?”  “You see, this has been a wayward sheep…one that would not stay with the flock, and in fact, would lead other sheep astray.  Then, it would not let me near it.  I could not approach it, but when I finally did connect with it, I broke its leg so that it might allow me, day by day, to feed it.  In doing this, it will come to know me as its shepherd.  It will learn to trust me as its guide and keep with the flock.”

Like Israel and the sheep, we humans tend to go astray from time to time.  If we do not find a way to humble ourselves and bring ourselves back in line, the Lord will provide discipline for us in order that we will come to understand and follow His will.  We need to keep ourselves humble by walking with the Good Shepherd, Jesus, on a daily basis.  When we are able to do this, we avoid most of the same mistakes that prideful Israel made.  In addition to this, we will be a blessing to the Lord and to those around us whom we serve.  We don’t have to settle for a mediocre faith, as most of the Israelites did.  We have every opportunity to make wise choices in our lives under this new covenant that will be to our spiritual and eternal benefit.  God’s faithfulness to His Word and to His covenant should be great assurance to us…He always keeps His promises.  If we give our lives to Jesus Christ and live for Him, one day He will return and take us home with Him…there are no ifs ands or buts about this…simply the fulfillment of promise.

Blessings, Don