Walking Orderly with An Orderly God

WALKING ORDERLY WITH AN ORDERLY GOD

God is a God of order. It is man that puts the cart before the horse. God’s order is seen in the Creation of Genesis. It is also seen in the Tabernacle of Exodus. In Exodus 25, we are given the specific instructions for the Tabernacle. All who were of a willing heart were to give the supplies for the Tabernacle. Exodus 25:2 All the instructions for the following things came first:

· The furniture

· The utensils

· The various coverings for the Tabernacle

· The dimensions for the inner and outer court

· The dimensions for the entire Tabernacle area

· The clothes for the High Priest and the priesthood

The artisans were given instructions on how the various curtains and coverings were to make. Then the specific instructions for the various offerings and sacrifices were given. Those who were gifted by God to make cloth were given instructions how to make the clothes that the High Priest and those of the priesthood would be wearing. After all these instructions were given and completed, then Aaron and his sons are consecrated for the ministry of the Tabernacle.

When looking at the actual chapters in the Bible, the instructions for the Tabernacle start in Exodus 25. In Exodus 28:1-5, Moses is told that Aaron and his sons are to be the servants of the Tabernacle. Then the chapter continues with instructions on the Tabernacle and its fixtures, etc. The consecration of Aaron and his sons are not done until after the work on the Tabernacle is completed, and ready for worship. Then we read in Leviticus 8 of their consecration. Everything is put in place first before they are put in their place as ministers of the Tabernacle. God is a God of order. Everything must be in its place according to the Mind of God before His servant can come forth.

If Aaron and his sons had gone ahead and started serving in their calling before everything was in place, it would have been a waste of their time. Nothing was ready. Not only was the Tabernacle not completed, but also they had not developed a relationship with the Lord. Scripture does not discuss what they had to undergo from a spiritual perspective, but I am sure that God began to deal with them concerning certain things. God required holiness of them. They were representatives for a nation of over a million plus people. They had to be in right standing with God for the people, and above all else, for themselves. This was nothing to play with. It should be remembered that it was such a serious thing that if they had sinned without confession, they would be in trouble. On the Day of Atonement, they had to place a robe around their body. As long as the bells were heard, they were alive. If the bells stopped, they had done something wrong or there was sin in their lives. They had been struck dead because of judgment coming upon them. (The bells represent the joy of the Lord; the fruit represent the fruit of the spirit

The Goodness of God

When others behave badly to us, it should only stir us up the more heartily to give thanks unto the Lord, because He is good; and when we ourselves are conscious that we are far from being good, we should only the more reverently bless Him that He is good. We must never tolerate an instant’s unbelief as to the goodness of the Lord; whatever else may be questioned, this is absolutely certain, that Jehovah is good; His dispensations may vary, but His nature is always the same. (C. H. Spurgeon).

The Tent of Meeting

 

Scriptural Foundation: Exodus 33:7-23

Exodus 33:7 says that the Tabernacle of the congregation was set up outside the camp of Israel.  Moses made plans to meet with the Lord here.  Exodus 33:7-10 gives information on the Tent of Meeting. 

Key Verses: Exodus 33:7-10

Introduction of the Tent of Meeting

God had given Israel instructions on the construction of the Tent of Meeting   through His servant, Moses. The instructions not only included what items needed to be built, but the type of materials needed for the construction. Exodus 25-30 gives the specifics concerning the building of this sacred structure.  Nothing is left to the mind and imagination of man.  God directs the entire construction with humanity as His tool. 

Since the people are given the commandment to give what is needed for the Tabernacle, the manner in which the giving of the construction materials is given is also outlined.  The offerings must come from a willing heart.  Exodus 25:2 This is reiterated in 2 Corinthians 9:7. The offering given in this manner will be acceptable to the Lord.  Various versions of the Bible make this commandment very clear.  As we look at these versions, we need to examine our hearts to see if our hearts are lining up with the Word of God when we give. 

The Holman Christian Standard Bible

“…everyone whose heart stirs him [to give].” 

Is your heart stirred to give?  If it is, then what is the motivation behind the stirring? 

New International Version

“…whose heart prompts him”

What is “prompting” you to give?  Is it out of love for the Lord and the work of the ministry?  Are you looking for recognition through your giving?  The accolades of man will be all that you obtain.

The Living Bible

“…whose hearts are moved to offer them.” 

What is moving you to give? 

It is important to ask these questions when we give.  We must learn to give in the right spirit with the right motive.   We must examine ourselves all the time in all things.  We must correct ourselves when we are not doing things for the kingdom’s sake.  It is not about us, but about God. 

Asking for Divine Direction Early

I always ask the Lord what is His Word for me today is before I begin my biblical research.  I would like to share today’s word with you.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel–that will stand.  
Proverbs 19:21 (New King James Version)

Although we have many plans (desires), that we would like to accomplish in our life, in our week, and in our day, it is more better to seek the Lord’s counsel for the day–sometimes even for the hour!  To have the Mind of God is more than enough for me.  For I know that if I have the Mind of God concerning me, then I will walk in the path that He has made for me. I will not walk in confusion and darkness.  For he will light my path as I walk.  It may be one step at a time, but that is fine with me.

For He has plans for me.  Plans of good and not evil!

You are Gifted for the Kingdom

Too many times, we, as Christians, seek to become successful in the world.  The success of the world is hollow and meaningless.  It brings temporary happiness–but not true fulfillment.  God has ordained us to be successful in His kingdom where we will experience not just happiness, but fulfillment as well.  We have been given gifts from God that are to be used for the glory of the kingdom of God.  Just for a few minutes, read with me from the Book of Exodus.

 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:    “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.    And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,    to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze,    in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.  
Exodus 31:1-5 (New King James Version)

All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands, and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.    And all the women whose heart stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats’ hair.  
Exodus 35:25-26 (New King James Version)

God had gifted men and women for the work of the ministry (the building of the tabernacle in this context) so that His plans and purposes could be manifested in the earth.  God has gifted you also for the revelation of His kingdom here on earth.  Go forth and do the work of God. Walk in your gifting just like the artisans did in Exodus.

Peace and Blessings to You!

In the Light of Spiritual Knowledge

 

[4:6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who 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 (New King James Version)

 

 

 

This verse speaks of the word “knowledge” which has been shined into our hearts.  In fact, the phrase is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.”  That is a heavy statement.  First, let me deal with Barnes’ Notes on this verse.  Then I will begin the word study on this.  Barnes says some profound things that you should know.  As believers, we should have a firm, unwavering faith of the truth of this faith that was once delivered to the saints and to us.  This is what we contend for as defenders of the gospel.  This same truth is what we are to share with others. 

Since we have been given this knowledge, it should be understood that no man successfully preach and be of much good if they do not have a working relationship with the Lord and His Written Word.  The individual mind cannot be vacillating and hesitating concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the mind is filled with doubts, there is no faith.  When there is timidity in doing the work of the Lord, then the boldness that is promised has not been received.  The individual who declares what he has no acquaintance with cannot be effective.  If there is no deep-felt conviction concerning the words written in the Bible, then how can this individual be effective for the kingdom of heaven?  There is a lack of understanding concerning what the individual affirms.  How can you stand by something that you do not understand? 

 

What should be the standard of the one who preaches the Word?  First, and foremost, there must be unwavering faith in the life of the individual.  Second, there must be a conviction of truth concerning the words found in the Bible.  When this exists in the life of the individual, it shows through the words that are spoken.  This conviction must be constant if it is to be effective.  The belief that the individual holds on to must be everlasting like the hills in a valley. Nothing can shake it nor overturn it.  With such spiritual ingredients, the individual can only speak of the goodness of the Lord with effectiveness and conviction.

    

In Part Two of this study, I will be dealing with the phrase “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” Thank you.

 

Final Thought:

If there was a thermometer by which could measure our faith, conviction and mindset, where would our temperature be? What would it be? Hot, cold or lukewarm?

 

Understanding the Number Three

Foundation Scripture: Gal 1:18

 

Key Verse

[3:6] not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6 (New King James Version)

 

After three years alone with the Lord receiving personal revelation about Jesus, the Apostle Paul met with the Apostle Peter.  Three years mind you—not three days, or three months or even three weeks. Brother Paul literally sat in the Garden of God’s Presence at His feet where he was taught by the Master Himself.  When I was called into the ministry, I went into training for three years.  My cousin, who has been called into the ministry, will be in training for three
years.  When Jesus was here on earth, His disciples were in training for 3 1/2 years–the complete time of His earthly ministry.  This is significant.  It takes time to become what God has called each one of us to be.  It takes time to be spiritually matured, spiritually formed and spiritually shaped by the Spirit of God.  The mind and memory along with the understanding and comprehension of the Holy Scriptures, and sensitivity of the spirit to the Voice of God must be spiritually nourished for the destiny that God has called us to within the Body of Believers. The call comes first, and then the training through learning and experience. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God—not man. Then we will be thoroughly furnished unto good works. Note the following versions of this verse:

 

^[2:15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New King James Version)

 

^[2:15] Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.
2 Timothy 2:15 (God’s Word)

 

^[2:15] Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

 

2 Tim 2:15 Study {and} be eager {and} do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing {and} accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (Amplified Bible)

 

This scripture applies to all believers—not just those who have been called to preach and teach. We all must know how to rightly divide with Word of Truth. It is our spiritual food. It is our love letter from the Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not read it, we will never know what the Lover of our Soul wants to share with us. We will never know what His will and testament says concerning us. We will never know what we have inherited by His death, burial and resurrection.

 

Note the following uses of the number 3:

 
 

Enoch walked with God for 300 years after having children	Genesis 5:22
Noah begat 3 sons—Shem, Ham and Japheth	Genesis 6:10
The order, form, and use of the ark	Genesis 6:15
Noah lives after the flood 350 years	Genesis 9:28
Three men appear to Abraham	Genesis 18:2
Jonah in belly of great fish for three days	Matthew 12:40
Jesus He would build the temple of His body in three days	Matthew 26:61
Jews divided the OT into three parts	The Law, The Prophets, and the Hagiographical or the Holy Writings
Division of leading persons and events—Equal parts	Abraham David Babylonish captivity
The Spiritual Triangle	God Man Woman

 

 

Understanding the number three will shed much light on this statement made by Paul, which is also found in other scriptures.  Note Matthew 28:19.  This is called the Great Commission, which reveals the Godhead of the Father and the way of baptism. 

 

The number three means divine fullness or completion.  It is spiritual fullness–Jonah in the belly of the great fish.  Jesus was in the grave for three days.  He conquered sin, death and the grave. 

 

It is the minimum number to establish a pattern.  Samuel heard God call him three times. I Samuel 3:8 

To those who need confirmation concerning a matter, the number three cements the answer.  This means greater fulfillment shall be unfolded.  It causes an event or word to gain emphasis.  Peter denied Jesus three times. Pilate wanted to release Jesus three times.  Three times the chief priests and rulers rejected Jesus.  Emphasis is placed on rejection in this respect.  Luke 23:13-25 

 

It also speaks of totality, sufficiency and complete work of God.  Man is a tripartite being—body, soul and spirit.  Preachers and bible teachers speak in a tri-fold concept.  This is automatic.  Finally,

 

Faith hope love

Grace peace mercy

Peter James John

Abraham Isaac Jacob

Holy Holy Holy

 

I leave you with this benediction.

 

2 Corinthians 13:14 

  

The Indescribable Gift

 

[9:15] Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (New King James Version)

 

 

The gift of God is unspeakable.  The word “unspeakable” comes from the Greek word anekdiegeto, which means unable to recount or tell fully.  It is found once in the New Testament.  The gift that God gave to the world–His only begotten Son–Jesus Christ, is an unspeakable gift.  A gift is so rich, so filled with love, mercy and compassion, that we have no words to express neither what this gift truly means nor its effect upon the lives of those who receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  For once, humanity is speechless if they were to consider this gift of God.  First, a gift of God?  That is enough to consider right there!  The Almighty God.  The El-Shaddai.  The Elohim.  The Jehovah-Nissi.  The Jehovah-Raphi.  Need I say more?  How can we put into our finite language the infinitesimal act of giving of this Son?  To consider this act of God is to remain speechless.  We attempt, in order to tell someone else, what a great gift that God gave by the surrendering of His Son to the cruel Cross of Calvary.  We attempt to tell how the nails that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet also pierced the heart of the Father. . 

 Easter comes around, and we attempt to tell individuals of the unspeakable love that hung on the Cross for us.  Even though it happened a long time ago, time has nothing to do with its effectiveness.  We are the ones held by time.  Time was created for us.  God is infinite.  Your yesterday and your past is God’s present.  He is eternally present.  Though our lives are said to be but a vapor, we are precious in His sight. 

We have much to give God thanks for in our lives.  With the one tongue we have, we will never be able to tell it all.  We will never be able to tell effectively what the Cross means to us on an individual basis.  This does not mean we will not try.  That is all that is required of us.  Let us continue to try to tell of the all-encompassing love.  We have been called to do just that.  We have been called to testify with our limited language about a God who is all-in-all.  We are called to testify about a God who fills all and sees all.  For He is all. 

Contrasts

 

 

 
 

Genesis 3

 
 

There is an immediate dividing line here.  The line starts at the end of Genesis 2. Note the following:

 
 

Light spoke bringing forth life.

Genesis 1-2

Darkness spoke bringing forth death.

Genesis 3 

 
 

Happiness.

Peace.

Joy.

A choice was made.

Shame.

Guilt.

Despair.

 
 

God brought life and order.

Satan brought chaos and death.

 
 

Truth is older than falsehood.

God’s life-giving words came first—then Satan’s lies.

 
 

Why should you accept something that will put you in bondage

when you can have the

First and the Best and the Liberating?

The Oracle of God

God’s word branches out to instruct man.  It makes him wise unto salvation.  One of the places that God gave answers or revelation knowledge was the mercy seat. Exodus 25:17. God gave “oracular answers” from this place. He spoke to Moses face to face.  The place was called the Oracle.  Debir means the speaking place. Debar meaning he spoke. I Kings 6:23 The mercy-seat represents our Redeemer.  Therefore God spoke, in times past, to the fathers by the prophets. Now He has spoken to us by Jesus Christ who is His dear Son.  Therefore Jesus Christ is the true Debir or Oracle whereby God speaks to man.  This is why God tells Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration–”This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5. Jesus was the manifested Oracle of God.  Now those who have been called to be teachers and preachers of the Gospel are oracles of God.  Your message, as a servant of God, comes from God.  The Holy Spirit can but speak only what He hears the Father say.  Therefore the Holy Spirit speaks through God’s chosen vessel to deliver the Divinely sent message to His children.