It Is Amazing How Often We Seek

to get the upper hand in situations. Scripture illustrates that there are dangers associated with such a desire.

Abram and Lot had left Egypt and were traveling towards Bethel (Gen 13:3). Both had significant herds and flocks. Living in such proximity friction developed between the households (Gen 13:8). To create harmony Abram proposed dividing up the land. He allowed his nephew to have the first choice. Lot picked, what appeared to be best, the fertile land of the Jordan Valley. Unfortunately, this meant that his neighbour was the wicked city of Sodom.

In time Lot moved into Sodom (Gen 14:12). When the city was attacked Lot, his family and possessions were carried off by the enemy. They were rescued by Abram (Gen 14:16). In time God decided to destroy the city while protecting Lot’s family. Fleeing the city Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (Gen 19:26). He fled to Zoar but fearing the people he moved to a mountain cave.

When it seemed things could not get any worse Lot’s two daughters conspired to commit incest with him. The result was that both became pregnant (Gen 19:36). The children would become two distinct nations, Moab and the Ammonites, both of whom were usually antagonistic toward Israel.

Then there was crafty Jacob. His parents had favorites. Isaac loved Esau best while Rebekah’s favorite was Jacob. When it was time for Isaac to bless the eldest son Rebekah devised a plan whereby Jacob would steal the blessing (Gen 27:5-10). The plan succeeded but the repercussions where massive. Isaac “began to tremble uncontrollably” (Gen 27:33) and Esau planned to murder Jacob (Gen 27:41).

Rebekah encouraged Jacob to flee to her brother Laban (Gen 27:43-45) promising to send for him when things were safe. Mother and son never saw each other again. He spent 20 years of conniving against Laban during which time he married his two daughters. Jacob grew wealthy at his uncle’s expense. Laban’s sons angrily claimed Jacob “has gained all his wealth at our father’s expense.” (Gen 31:1) Their inheritance now belonged to Jacob. Things were getting uncomfortable in Haran

Finally, God instructed Jacob to return home (Gen 31:3). However, he is still living in fear of Esau. Nearing home hearing that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men Jacob responds by crying out: “O Lord, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau.” (Gen 32:11). The meeting of the brothers is cordial though artificial. Esau invites Jacob to live near him. Not trusting Esau he moved off in the opposite direction. The only other mention of the brothers being together is for the burial of their father Isaac (Gen 35:29).

Here we have two men seeking to have the “upper hand”. Lot’s life became a slippery slop that took him from a wealthy owner of herds to a destitute, frightened man living in a cave and fearing for his life. Jacob was driven from home by the threats of an angry brother. His relationship with Esau apparently never healed. While living with his mothers family he became wealthy again at the expense of family relationships. Jacob’s life had become full of fear, anxiety and suspicion because of one up-man-ship.

Trying to get ahead in life at the expense of others always brings negative consequences even if there is ultimately significant material gain. God’s desire for us is that we treat others the way we wish to be treated (Mat 7:12). When this attitude becomes a personal reality the desire to “one up” others will disappear.

Copyright. Bruce October 2012

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near

Robert Frost --- Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Have You ever Wondered Who the Magi Were

that visited the Christ child in Bethlehem so many years ago? First we need to deal with some misconceptions regarding these men. They were not “kings”; There were almost certainly more than three Magi that made the journey; We have absolutely no idea of their names in spite of some inaccurate traditions which appeared in 6th century, and they would not have ridden camels.

History tells us they belonged to a hereditary order of Medeian priests who over the centuries became powerful political and priestly advisers to the kings of the ancient middle eastern world. Some historians have traced them back to the time and location of Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees. The Magi were to became well known as “king makers.” In the days of Nebuchadnezzar the godly Jewish captive Daniel was made the “chief of all his wise men” (Daniel 4:48) which included the Magi.

Based on Daniels character it is very possible that a number of Babylon’s wise men became believers in Jehovah the God of Israel. The Magi were highly educated and studious men. Over the 600 years between Nebuchadnezzar's reign and the birth of Christ they most likely had continued access to the ancient Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) that originally belonged to Daniel. These writings included the “kingly” prophecies of a Messiah which are recorded in Micah 7:8-20.

Let’s now paint a picture of the Magi, who entered Herod’s Jerusalem. Fitting their political position they would have arrived in the city riding black Arabian stallions bred for speed and endurance. They would have been escorted by a large number of soldiers for protection on their journey and to deal with any potential conflict with Roman soldiers on their arrival in Israel. History tells us that at this time many of Herod’s army were in fact out of the country.

Finally, Herod would have been well aware of their reputation as advisors and “king makers.” Their arrival in the city and the questions they asked about a baby king certainly warranted the city being “deeply disturbed” (Mat 2:3). On leaving Jerusalem they followed the Shekinah glory to the house where the Christ child now lived.

Jesus’ whole life was a series of disturbances, Herod’s was just the first. Jesus was a thorn in the side to the chief priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the self-sufficient, those who conducted business in the temple, and Pilate.

Today he continues, through the message of the gospel, to “disturb” those who are in need of his message of spiritual regeneration. However, may the disturbing work of Christ be replaced by the peace that comes hand in hand with the miracle of spiritual renewal through the power of salvation that is in Jesus alone.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Copyright. Bruce December 2010

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.

Going For Water

Each laid on other a staying hand

To listen ere we dared to look,
And in the hush we joined to make
We heard, we knew we heard the brook.
Robert Frost --- Going For Water

There Is A Time in Eternity Past

that is completely shrouded in mystery. Its much further back than our finite minds have the ability to imagine. It is eternity past when only God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed. It was eternity before creation.

The Genesis account commences with the comment that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1). In the beginning of what may we ask? It is certainly not referring to time as this scale of measurement had yet to be created. Quite simply it refers to the point in eternity when God began his creative process.

It must have been quite an experience to witness the creative power of God being brought into action. The sights --- the flaming fire, the sounds --- incredible noise, the real BIG BANG the one controlled by the God of the universe as opposed to some evolutionary accident of fate.

We have no way of knowing how much "time" was used by God to accomplish his work of creation. The Bible talks about six days. Many contend that these are literal 24 hour days. However, one could argue that God was communicating the immense time length of creation using everyday terms/concepts that the original ancient targeted audience could appreciate. This would be similar to describing God who is a Spirit as having eyes, ears (Psa. 34:15) hands and arms (Psa 98:1).

Those who hold to the position of an Old Universe and Earth accept a totally defendable alternate translation of the Hebrew word commonly translated “day”, that being, "an age of time". They believe this is the context in which creation should be understood. Those who hold this position do not support evolution. This is a biblical position built on the teachings of Genesis that proclaims that God created all animal and plant life with the capability to only reproduce after its own kind (see Gen. Chapters. 1 & 2).

The Bible reveals that the first three "ages/days" were grounded in eternity. Time had not yet been instituted. Therefore, the phrasing "evening passed and morning came" indicates the completion of a specific element or segment of God's creation.

Time broke into eternity on age/day four when God commanded, “Let great lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years ( Ge 1:14). Does this verse indicate that we have now entered the 24 hour day of creation? Not necessarily so!

Consider for a moment age/day six. By this point God has created animal life and man is now upon the face of the earth. The Lord gives Adam the awesome task of choosing specific names for "all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals" (Gen 2:19).

How many animals would be included in this group? Creationist Dr Henry Morris suggests the number 3,000 (many would suggest a much higher number). Based on this number if Adam worked 24 hours solid he would have to name 125 animals an hour to get the job done in one day. This would not allow Adam any time to observe the animal its characteristics and interact with the Lord before giving it an appropriate name. This could not be a literal 24 hour day. Age/day six must have consisted of a number of 24 hour days.

How long were the ages/days of creation? Only God knows. The Bible's purpose is not to describe the process of creation but to clearly proclaim that God was the creator and that the angels shouted for joy at the laying of its cornerstone! (Job 38:4-7). Finally, what part of the Godhead was responsible for the actual act of creation --- it was the second person of the Trinity --- Jesus Christ (John 3:1-3).

Copyright. Bruce November 2010

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.

The Freedom of The Moon

I've tried the new moon tilted in the air
Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster
As you might try a jewel in your hair.
I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster,
Alone, or in one ornament combining
With one first-water start almost shining.

Robert Frost --- The Freedom of The Moon

The Hour Is Now Late, Mourners

stand by grieving parents. The devastated husband and wife take a somber moment to look west towards Eden. For a fleeting moment they remember the perfection of earlier days. Sin had brought that life to an end. Now their grief has been intensified. The sanctity of life had been broken. Abel lies dead. How did he die? He was violently murdered by a jealous brother (Gen 4:8).

For Cain the result of his action was separation from family and God (Gen 4:14). God condemned him to a life of nomadic wanderings on an earth that would not yield him produce (Gen. 4:12). Belatedly he fears that someone will seek revenge and kill him. Remarkably, God indicates his willingness to protect his life. He puts "a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him" (Gen 4:15) of the “sevenfold punishment” accompanying such an action.

There was to be one further act of divine judgment. At the end of this face to face interview, the Bible records: "So Cain left the presence of the Lord” (the pre-incarnate Christ: Gen 4:16). The implication of this statement is clear. His vile actions had irrevocably broken his relationship with the Lord.

Why would God protect the life of Cain as opposed to passing a death sentence upon him? Certainly, it was not because he or his offspring would begin to seek after godliness. Five generations later Cain's decedent Lamech boasts belligerently to his wives about killing a man.

In this event we witness an act of “divine prerogative” and possibly enter the realm of “progressive revelation”. Divine prerogative quite simply means that God can do whatever he wants whenever he desires to do so because there is no higher authority than himself. Thankfully he is consistent in his nature while occasionally exercising divine compassion.

Progressive revelation is the process whereby God gradually revealed his nature to humanity. In the Old Testament he did this through giving himself a variety of names which described his person. Later the laws given to Moses told us more of God’s nature and expectations including those related to murder. Finally and most dramatically he declared his nature by sending his son to walk among humanity.

Beyond “divine prerogative” it would be foolish for us to think we could determine God’s reasoning related to Cain. However, if “progressive revelation” was also a part of the mix God would have weighed his divine judgement at least in some measure upon how much of his nature had been unfolded to humanity at the time in question.

We now come to the present day. God's revelation to humanity is complete. This then begs the question: How aware are we of the nature, person, demands and requirements of our Heavenly Father? If it is true that Cain was judged based on his understanding of the revealed person of God it is sobering to think of our level of responsibility before a holy and true God.

Copyright. Bruce November 2010

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.