Leviticus 23:24 (NKJV): "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.'"
This day is also called the Head of the Year, or Rosh Hashanah, i.e. the Jewish New Year. Notice the Jewish New Year begins in the seventh month (Tishrei), and very interestingly, Leviticus 23:24 says it begins with a sabbath-rest! The word 'sabbath' in Hebrew here actually means 'rest, stillness, quietness, or to desist from exertion'. I like the words 'to desist from exertion' here. Let me explain further.
As a believer in the New Covenant, know that Jesus is the Lord of Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). In Him, you find sabbath (rest, stillness, and quietness for your soul). Notice just before Matthew 12 about Jesus being the Lord of Sabbath, in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Your year begins with a sabbath-rest! I used to wonder why is it so, and 1 Chronicles 22:7-10 came into picture: And David said to Solomon: "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God, but the word of the Lord came to me saying, You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father..." By the way, 'Solomon' in Hebrew comes from the word 'Shalom', meaning 'peace'.
Let me reiterate this: Your year begins with a sabbath-rest! And so it is with a new season (or project) you are walking into! In other words, begin your new season (or project) with the revelation of sabbath-rest!
You see, only a man of rest can build God's things! When one is striving, restless, or in strife (i.e. not at rest), one cannot make 'pinpoint' or accurate decisions, hence building God's things, or walking in the fullness of God's destiny for him/her. That's why the psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) And when one is at rest (i.e. 'to desist from exertion', which speaks of 'to stop trying hard with one's own strength and self-effort'), God's divine wisdom and revelation also flows. What takes many days for somebody else to 'achieve' with his/her own self-effort or intelligence, with God, it may only take you one day!
In fact, studies have proven that one's inability to handle stress effectively raises his/her heart risk (i.e. the risk of heart attack or having heart-related problems). Also when one is striving and not at rest, his/her body's immune system lowers down, and therefore becomes easily susceptible to all kinds of illnesses!
That's why God wants us to start the year (or a project) with a restful heart. When you have a restful heart, you are in effect allowing God to take charge and take over. You also cast your care to Him, knowing that He cares for you, and will lead you on. Jesus would then become your wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), instead of you relying solely on your own human wisdom. And when His divine wisdom flows, whatever He has called you to do will never be in vain! Psalm 127:1-2 confirms it: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep'. 'To eat the bread of sorrows' here can mean 'to be anxious, restless, and worried about many things'.
So, people of God, begin to look to Jesus as you begin your year (or a project). When you learn to rest in Him, that's when He acts! He is your 'head start'! He is also your all-sufficient Lord and God. Rest in His wisdom and revelation for you (Ephesians 1:17). Rest also in His assurance that He is with you, and will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In Him, you find every good thing flowing to you and through you. His work on the cross has already been completed and finished! (John 19:30) And He is now highly exalted above all else (Philippians 2:9), sitting together with the Heavenly Father. 'To sit' speaks of 'rest'. Today, He is also inviting you to sit together with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and reign with Him (Romans 5:17), as you walk into the fullness of God's destiny and calling for your life. Amen.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The 'ark' opens the way into your new season!
Joshua 3:3 (NKJV): And they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it."
The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.
The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.
After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.
And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).
A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!
So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!
He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).
Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!
The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.
The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.
After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.
And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).
A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!
So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!
He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).
Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Your drought is ending, and your rain is coming!
1 Kings 18:1 (NKJV): And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth."
'Elijah' here speaks of 'God coming down and presenting Himself to humankind'. Some 2,000 years ago, God came down (John 1:11-14) and presented Himself to humankind, and with Him also came grace and truth (John 1:17). Not only that, victory had also been won for us (those who believe) when He died on the cross!
On the other hand, 'Ahab' here speaks of 'humankind', yet susceptible to influences, whether good or bad. In Ahab's case, he was very much influenced by his wife, Jezebel, worshipping and serving Baal, and provoking the Lord God of Israel (YHWH) to anger more than all other kings of Israel who were before him (1 Kings 16:31-33). This led to God proclaiming a drought in the land (1 Kings 17:1).
Note: 'Baal' speaks of 'other gods'.
Let's now go to the background leading to the rain coming. Elijah then said to Ahab in 1 Kings 18:19, "Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." Interestingly, the word 'Carmel' literally means 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place', derived from the Hebrew word 'kerem', meaning 'vine, vineyard'.
In other words, Elijah called on the people to gather at Carmel, a place of 'fullness of blessing', where they would witness who the real 'Vine' is! (see also John 15:1, John 15:4-5) Today, God is also calling the people to return to the 'Vine', the very source, where the 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place' is! It's a call to stay connected with Him, just like a 'branch' to the 'vine', no matter what happens in this end-time.
That's why Elijah threw a challenge to all the people those days, saying, "How long will you falter (waver) between two opinions? If the Lord (YHWH) is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21) People of God, this is an important time to continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and not waver or doubt, no matter how the 'Baals' of today may try to 'side-track' you.
Elijah then said to the people, "Therefore let them (the prophets of Baal) give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it." (1 Kings 18:23) And to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said, "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord (YHWH); and the God who answers by fire, He is God." (1 Kings 18:24)
The prophets of Baal soon tried to call down fire, but in vain. They even cried aloud and cut themselves with knives until blood gushed out on them! (1 Kings 18:28) Yet, there was still no fire! This speaks of men's 'self-effort' to try to earn the favor of their 'gods'.
When it came to Elijah's turn, he then said to all the people, "Come near to me." So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down (1 Kings 18:30). He then put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, "Fill four water pots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood." (1 Kings 18:33) This indeed is a beautiful 'picture' of the sacrifice of Jesus on the (wooden) cross! At the cross, blood and water also came out from the body of Jesus, as He was being nailed and pierced.
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah said, "Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and I have done all these things at Your word." (1 Kings 18:36) Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench (1 Kings 18:38). This is a 'picture' of Jesus becoming the burnt offering for you on the cross. And just as fire consumed the burnt sacrifice in Elijah's time, God is also well-pleased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross! And when the work was completed, Jesus said, "It is finished!" (John 19:30) This happened in the ninth hour, at the same time of the evening sacrifice!
Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord (YHWH), He is God! The Lord (YHWH), He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39)
This also marked the ending of drought, and the beginning of rain (speaks of 'blessing') again for Israel (see 1 Kings 18:41-46). It is the same today. As a believer, know that He is here for you too, even if you've failed Him time and time again (just like the people in Elijah's days). Look to Him, draw near to Him, and call on the name of the Lord again, no matter what you are faced with right now. With men, it may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27), just as happened in 1 Kings 18. He can turn things around for you, just as He did through Elijah.
People of God, 'drought' is a curse. It's never meant to be when God created man (and woman) and the Garden of Eden! Today, it's also never meant for you too. Indeed, He has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So, whatever your 'drought' may be at the moment, know that Jesus has already become a 'drought' ('curse') for you on the cross (Galatians 3:13), and in exchange, you now have your 'rain' ('blessing'). Believing this, and you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
'Elijah' here speaks of 'God coming down and presenting Himself to humankind'. Some 2,000 years ago, God came down (John 1:11-14) and presented Himself to humankind, and with Him also came grace and truth (John 1:17). Not only that, victory had also been won for us (those who believe) when He died on the cross!
On the other hand, 'Ahab' here speaks of 'humankind', yet susceptible to influences, whether good or bad. In Ahab's case, he was very much influenced by his wife, Jezebel, worshipping and serving Baal, and provoking the Lord God of Israel (YHWH) to anger more than all other kings of Israel who were before him (1 Kings 16:31-33). This led to God proclaiming a drought in the land (1 Kings 17:1).
Note: 'Baal' speaks of 'other gods'.
Let's now go to the background leading to the rain coming. Elijah then said to Ahab in 1 Kings 18:19, "Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." Interestingly, the word 'Carmel' literally means 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place', derived from the Hebrew word 'kerem', meaning 'vine, vineyard'.
In other words, Elijah called on the people to gather at Carmel, a place of 'fullness of blessing', where they would witness who the real 'Vine' is! (see also John 15:1, John 15:4-5) Today, God is also calling the people to return to the 'Vine', the very source, where the 'orchard, fullness of blessing, fruitful field, or a plentiful place' is! It's a call to stay connected with Him, just like a 'branch' to the 'vine', no matter what happens in this end-time.
That's why Elijah threw a challenge to all the people those days, saying, "How long will you falter (waver) between two opinions? If the Lord (YHWH) is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21) People of God, this is an important time to continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and not waver or doubt, no matter how the 'Baals' of today may try to 'side-track' you.
Elijah then said to the people, "Therefore let them (the prophets of Baal) give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it." (1 Kings 18:23) And to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said, "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord (YHWH); and the God who answers by fire, He is God." (1 Kings 18:24)
The prophets of Baal soon tried to call down fire, but in vain. They even cried aloud and cut themselves with knives until blood gushed out on them! (1 Kings 18:28) Yet, there was still no fire! This speaks of men's 'self-effort' to try to earn the favor of their 'gods'.
When it came to Elijah's turn, he then said to all the people, "Come near to me." So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down (1 Kings 18:30). He then put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, "Fill four water pots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood." (1 Kings 18:33) This indeed is a beautiful 'picture' of the sacrifice of Jesus on the (wooden) cross! At the cross, blood and water also came out from the body of Jesus, as He was being nailed and pierced.
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah said, "Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and I have done all these things at Your word." (1 Kings 18:36) Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench (1 Kings 18:38). This is a 'picture' of Jesus becoming the burnt offering for you on the cross. And just as fire consumed the burnt sacrifice in Elijah's time, God is also well-pleased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross! And when the work was completed, Jesus said, "It is finished!" (John 19:30) This happened in the ninth hour, at the same time of the evening sacrifice!
Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord (YHWH), He is God! The Lord (YHWH), He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39)
This also marked the ending of drought, and the beginning of rain (speaks of 'blessing') again for Israel (see 1 Kings 18:41-46). It is the same today. As a believer, know that He is here for you too, even if you've failed Him time and time again (just like the people in Elijah's days). Look to Him, draw near to Him, and call on the name of the Lord again, no matter what you are faced with right now. With men, it may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27), just as happened in 1 Kings 18. He can turn things around for you, just as He did through Elijah.
People of God, 'drought' is a curse. It's never meant to be when God created man (and woman) and the Garden of Eden! Today, it's also never meant for you too. Indeed, He has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So, whatever your 'drought' may be at the moment, know that Jesus has already become a 'drought' ('curse') for you on the cross (Galatians 3:13), and in exchange, you now have your 'rain' ('blessing'). Believing this, and you'll receive. In Jesus' name. Amen!
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