STANDING BETWEEN THE DEAD & THE LIVING

"And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed." - Numbers 16:48

It seems that mankind has always been guilty of taking the wrong side on issues.  Numbers chapter 16 records the demise of the rebellious plot of Korah, Dathan, Abiram and their followers.  God ended their rebellion by killing them. 

What is truly amazing is the aftermath of God's action in Numbers 16.  Verse 41 reveals that the very next day, the people confronted Moses and Aaron; blaming them for the deaths of these rebels.  In response to their accusation, God angrily sought to destroy them (verses 42-45).

In verses 46 & 47, Moses had Aaron to quickly make atonement for the people.  It is terrifying to be the subject of God's anger.  If Moses & Aaron hadn't acted quickly, the people would have been destroyed.  Moses and Aaron, subjects of the people's ridicule, came to the rescue of their own accusers.  Our text states, "And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed."  Atonement was made for Israel as Aaron interceded on their behalf --- and the plague was stopped.

As we examine this passage, we should realize a few facts:

1.  THE PEOPLE DESERVED THE PLAGUE THEY RECEIVED

The people were not innocent bystanders.  They deserved the wrath of God.  They falsely accused the man of God.  Furthermore, they rejected God and His work.  It was God, not Moses or Aaron, that killed Korah, Dathan, Abiram and their followers.  It is a dangerous thing to quarrel with God and try to stand your ground against Him. 

2.  GOD WAS RIGHT TO BE ANGRY

Some teach that anger is always wrong.  Modern Christianity refuses to discuss the anger of God, but the Bible is very clear that God does get angry.  His anger is always justified.  In this specific case, it is obvious that God had a right to be angry.  His work was being questioned and criticized. 

3.  WITHOUT ATONEMENT, THE GUILTY WOULD HAVE PERISHED

If Moses & Aaron hadn't quickly made atonement, every guilty person in the crowd would have died.  Sin has a hefty price tag.  The Bible clearly states that, "The wages of sin is death."  The atonement saved people from the judgment that they deserved.

It is easy for us to read Numbers chapter 16 and criticize Israel for their disobedience, rebellion and sin.  Yet we must confess their story closely resembles our own.  Once we lived in rebellion to God.  We refused to heed His commands and perhaps even criticized Him.  

Because of sin, we deserved death.  We deserved God's wrath.  We had selfishly and deliberately sought to live independent of Him.  We rejected His Word.  We had disobeyed Him.  We used His Name in vain.  We were calculating in our sin.  We were cold and calloused to the Lord.  While living in rebellion to the King and His Kingdom, we sought to establish our own kingdom.  The King had every reason to be angry.  We were guilty of treason against the God of heaven.

That's why we owe everything to Jesus.  You see, when we deserved death and faced imminent destruction, Christ Jesus came and made atonement for us.  When Jesus went to Calvary, He stood between the dead and the living.  His death upon the cross was the ultimate act of love, making life available for sinful, dying rebels like us.  

When Jesus stood between the dead and the living, He interceded on our behalf, making full payment for our sins.  His atonement was full and complete.  Jesus did not pay for part of our sins; He paid the debt in full.

Upon the cross, the wrath of God was appeased and the mercy of God was extended.  On the cross, the righteousness of God was satisfied and the grace of God was abundantly lavished on us.  Because of Calvary, life is available to those who are dead in trespasses and sins. 

Jesus hung on a cross, suspended between God and man.  He interceded to the Father on our behalf with His own life. 

Thank God for Jesus.  He stood between the living and the dead.

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

I have a confession to make.  I don't like to see the sight of blood.  I'm a little squirmy.  Despite the fact that I have blood circulating through my body, I don't get comfortable seeing it.  Yet I learned long ago that blood is critical for my life.

I have another confession to make.  The book of Leviticus is not one of my favorite books of the Bible.  However, it is just as inspired as the Gospel of John.  Our text, from Leviticus, refers to the value of blood.  Think about it.  If you were in an accident, it doesn't matter how much money you have or how much education you have received.  If you need a blood transfusion, nothing but blood would do.  If no blood was available for the transfusion, you may die. 

The Bible has much to say about blood.  From our text, let's consider three things about blood.

1.         THE SUBSTANCE OF BLOOD

First of all, I want you to consider the substance of blood.  Our text states, "the life of the flesh is in the blood."  Isn't it interesting that God reveals a scientific fact in His Word?  Yet man has taken a long time to agree with God.  Because there is life in the blood, we know a couple of things.

First of all, we know the necessity of blood.  Blood is necessary for a person to live.  Many people have died in combat and accidents because they have bled to death.  There is life in the blood.  Blood provides oxygen to the brain.  Blood helps with pigmentation.  Blood brings nutrients to various branches of our bodies.  There is life in the blood.  Without blood, our bodies cannot continue to live.  Because of this, Israel was commanded not to eat blood.  When I eat a steak, I want my steak prepared "well done."  Why?  I don't want to see blood in my plate.  There is life in the blood.

Secondly, consider the nature of blood.  Why is it that the doctor draws blood from a patient?  The answer is simple:  blood reveals things about the patient's health condition.  By examining blood, a doctor can learn much about your heart.  In fact, he can have good reason to know whether you've had a heart attack or not, simply from a blood test.  Blood can be examined to determine some types of cancer.  Blood can be checked to verify the levels of cholesterol in your arteries.  Blood can be used to verify if a person has alcohol or drugs in his system.  There's much that can be learned by examining a person's blood.  Why?  There is life in the blood.

2.         THE SACRIFICE OF BLOOD

Next, consider the sacrifice of blood.  Our text states, "I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls."

One of the reasons that the book of Leviticus is difficult to read is because it is the worship book for Israel.  There are so many sacrifices that are graphically described and commanded to Israel in this book.  To some, the book of Leviticus is a gory book.  So much harm is done to animals.  Cruelly, animals are killed and their blood is used in worship.  For a few, God seems to be an animal-hating tyrant. 

But it brings up an interesting question:  why does God require such sacrifices?  Why did God command Israel to cruelly kill innocent animals?  The answer to those questions is found in the nature of sin.  Sin is so awful that blood must be shed.   We tend to underestimate the nature of sin.  We've belittled sin.  We called sin a choice.  At worst, we consider sin to be a weakness or glitch.  However, God hates sin.  He views sin as a hideous crime.  He sees sin as a rebellious act against His authority.  He knows sin to be a personal attack against righteousness.   That's why the Bible says, "The wages of sin is death."

Sin came into the world when Adam & Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.  They attempted to cover their sin by putting fig leaves together.  When God confronted them about their sin, He covered their nakedness with the skins of animals.  You see, blood had to be shed to cover their sin.  It was a sacrifice of blood.

Think about Abraham.  God tested the faith of Abraham by instructing him to offer his son as a sacrifice.  On the way to the place appointed, Isaac asked his father, "Here is wood and the fire, but where is the sacrifice?"  Abraham answered in a prophetic tone, "God will provide himself a lamb." Abraham took his son and drew his knife to kill his son when he was interrupted and told to stop.  Did Abraham leave without offering a sacrifice?  No.  He saw a ram in the thicket and offered that ram as a sacrifice.   It was a sacrifice of blood.

Our text states, "... the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls."  These words were spoken to the children of Israel.  They were in the wilderness on a journey to the Promised Land.  They had left Egypt and its bondage.  How did they leave Egypt?  Moses was commanded to go to Egypt to bring the Israelites out.  Despite the plagues and miracles, Pharoah refused to let the children of Israel go.  Finally, God made the pronouncement that He would slay the firstborn of Egypt.  He instructed each of the Jews to take a lamb without spot & without blemish and take the blood of that lamb and put it over the door posts of their homes and when the angel of death came through Egypt, it would pass over each house that had the blood of the lamb over the door.  That's why the Jews were later commanded to remember the Passover.   Death passed over every house that had the blood of the lamb.  Lambs sacrificed their blood for the freedom of the Jews.

The Jews were command to take the blood of a lamb, without spot and without blemish.  Now fast forward a few hundred years.  John the Baptist stood on the banks of Jordan when he saw Jesus approaching.  He proclaimed, "Behold, the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."  Jesus is the Lamb without spot and without blemish.  He came to die for sinners.  Yet His death had to be on a cross.  The Scripture states, "Cursed is he that hangeth on a tree."  As a sacrifice for us, his blood had to be shed.  The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (of sin)." 

Sin is so horrible that blood must be shed.  Thank God that we no longer have to offer the sacrifices required in the book of Leviticus because Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, came and died once and for all for those who would believe.   No longer is it required for a priest to go into the holy of holies to offer a sacrifice.  When Jesus died upon the cross, the Great High Priest, after the order of Melchesedek offered the sacrifice of blood, the blood of the Lamb.  Jesus was that priest and He was that Lamb. 

Now, every time we have communion, we have elements that we partake of.  The bread symbolizes the body of our Lord and the cup symbolizes the blood of our Lord.  His sacrifice was a sacrifice of blood. 

           

3.         THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLOOD

Finally, let's consider the significance of blood.  So far, we've thought about the doctrine of the blood, but now we come to a point of application.

You see, without the blood of Jesus, all of us stand guilty before God and worthy of death.  The only way a person can escape the wrath to come is to have his sins covered.  Sin cannot be covered by fig leaves, like Adam & Eve tried to do.  Sin cannot be done away by hiding, as Adam attempted to do when God came calling.  Furthermore religious activity or self-improvement cannot cover sin.  That's what the Jews boasted in.  The blood of the Lamb must cover our sin.  Paul wrote, " Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." 

The devil can't stand to see the sight of blood --- the blood of the Lord Jesus.  It is through that blood that we are converted.  It is through that blood that we are cleansed.  It is through that blood that we are covered.  It is through that blood that we are consecrated.   The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh."

Our text states, "... it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."  The word atone means to reconcile.  In other words, the blood brings man back to God.  The Jews repented and fasted on the Day of Atonement.  But now, through Christ, those who come to Him in repentance and faith find atonement through the blood of Jesus. 

When it comes to the blood, justice demands it.  Many make the mistake of thinking that God is forgiving, thus they'll be okay on judgment day.  Here's the problem with that logic.  God's mercy cannot violate His justice.  Justice requires that sinners pay the cost for their sinful crimes.  Thank God that, through Jesus, the justice of God is satisfied.  When He died upon the cross, He endured the wrath for our sins. 

Not only does justice demand a blood sacrifice, salvation requires it.  The blood of Jesus now must cover your sins.  There is no other sacrifice available for your sins.  If the blood of Jesus is not covering your sins --- if His blood has not paid for your sins --- guess who will be required to pay for your sins?  YOU!

"There is a fountain, filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins. 

And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains."

"What can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

What can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

It is only through the blood of Jesus that you can have eternal life.  There is life in His blood. 

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

“And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand?” - Exodus 4:2

Moses responded to God’s call with excuses.  Just like many people today, Moses could not see how the Lord could ever use a person like himself.  As a result, Moses responded to God’s challenge with a series of empty excuses.  In Exodus 2:1, Moses complains, “... they will not believe me, nor harken unto my voice ...”.  In response to this excuse, God asked Moses, “... what is that in thine hand?” 

Just like Moses, every Christian is called to serve in some capacity.  When it comes to serving God, most Christians offer excuses by mentioning all the things they cannot do.  They speak about the talents and gifts they don’t have.  When prompted with an opportunity to serve, do you, like Moses, ask, Who am I to serve?   I’m not very great.  I’m not all that talented.  Yet God is asking you, What is that in thine hand?  In other words, what do you have and what can you do?   You see, God is asking you to use what you do have, not what you don’t have.  He is asking to do the things you can do, not the things you can’t do. 

As we look at Moses’ situation, we learn several things.  First, we cannot serve God in our strength.  Without God’s help, our efforts will be in vain.  All of Moses’ excuses hinged on his own ability, not God’s.  While it was true that Moses couldn’t do anything by himself, he was forgetting that God has the power to use unworthy, weak people in a great way.  Excuses actually reveal our tendency to doubt God and serve in the flesh.  We can only serve as He leads and by His Spirit.  Thru His power, a weak, unworthy person can be used in a dynamic way. 

The second lesson we learn is, God can use anything to accomplish His work.  In Moses’ situation, all he had was a rod.  The simple staff that he held would be used of God to perform miracles.  Isn’t it great that God can use the simple things in your life in a powerful way? 

Third we learn, God uses the things that we surrender to Him and His work.  God asked Moses to cast down his staff.  God began to use the rod when Moses released it into God’s will.  In Exodus 4:20, the same rod was called, “... the rod of God...”  Possession of the rod transferred from Moses to God.  Is there anything that you’re unwilling to give to the Lord? 

Next, what we have should be used faithfully for God.   Moses took the rod and used it regularly.  He used it at his first meeting before Pharaoh (Ex. 7:9-10, 12).  The rod was used when the water of Egypt was turned to blood (Ex. 7:19-20).   The rod was further used in bringing frogs (Ex. 8:5), lice (Ex. 8:16-17), & locusts (Ex. 10:13).  The rod was used to bring water from a rock (Ex.17:4-6) & was lifted high as the Israelites defeated the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-13).  Moses faithfully used the rod.  God expects you to faithfully use the talents, gifts, and opportunities He gives you. 

Finally, obey the Lord as He leads.  Moses used the rod in response to God’s command.  Happy is the person who uses all they have as God commands. 

Maybe you’ll never preach.  Possibly you can’t sing as well as others.  Maybe you’re not a gifted teacher.  God is not asking you about the things you don't have.   Instead of making excuses (and regretting every one of them), honestly give the Lord what you do have.  Serve Him faithfully.  

God is asking you, “What is that in thine hand?”

BEGINNING AT THE BEGINNING

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

I love to read.  When I begin to read a book, the opening pages are critical.  A good author will grab my attention early in the book and keep me captivated as I continue to read.  Sadly, some books begin boring and get worse with each page.  I rarely finish boring books. 

The Bible is the greatest Book ever written.  Actually, the Bible is a book of books.  66 books are found in the grand library of Holy Scripture.  God is the author of this fine work of literature.  Yet the Bible is more than just good reading material, it is God's inspired word to us.  Although the Bible has great stories, wonderful poetry and historical records, it is the Book we should live by.  God has written a book with us in mind.  Each page is lovingly written for our benefit.

Like any good book, the Bible has a great beginning.  The book of Genesis outlines the beginning of human time for us.  We need to be clear about something:  God did not begin with the first chapter of Genesis.  God has always been.  He is eternal.  The human race and planet earth are not eternal.  There was a beginning to them.  Time itself had a beginning and will ultimately have an end.  The word "genesis," literally means origin or beginning.  The book of Genesis records the beginning of creation and the human race.

Although God existed before the recorded history of Genesis chapter 1, the beginning of creation is traced back to its source, God Himself.  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  God is the creator of all things.  Although many may argue this point, it doesn't change the truth that all things were made by Him.

The book of Genesis begins with the creation of the world and beginning of mankind.  Furthermore, the book of Genesis documents the fall of man and gives us the reason for the evil, pain and suffering that exists to this day.  The fall of man brought sin into the world.  

As the book of Genesis continues, the focus is narrowed to a specific group of people:  the descendants of Abraham.  There has never been a more hated group than the Jews.  I believe that the main reason for this hatred is the fact that God chose this group of people for Himself.  Because of this, the devil has sought to destroy the Jews through the years & seeks to destroy them even today.  While many debate the "political" problem in the Middle East, the Bible-believing Christian knows that the core issue is not a political dilemma but a spiritual matter. 

The book of Genesis describes the beginning of mankind, but it also leads the reader to understand that there is a deeper story that is unfolding.  The problem of sin requires a remedy. This remedy would be provided through the arrival and ultimate sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ.  In Genesis 49:10, Jacob prophesied that the Messiah would come through the lineage of his own son, Judah:  "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10).  In this verse, Jacob referred to Jesus Christ.  In the last book of the Bible, Jesus said of Himself, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13).  Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter.  Using the Greek alphabet in an analogy, Jesus declared Himself to be the beginning and the end.

The Bible has a beginning and an end.  The Bible begins with God and ends triumphantly with Him.  God is the author of the Bible and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the hero.  Through the death and resurrection of Christ, a lasting remedy for the problem of sin was provided to those who would repent and believe.  Jesus was born King of the Jews, but He ever lives as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

No greater story has ever been recorded.  Yet it is more than a story, it is the life-changing truth that changes lives.  God was in the beginning, but more than that, He is the beginning.  Now He offers a new beginning for sinful man --- and this new beginning is available through Jesus Christ.  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17).  The world around us may seem to be unraveling, but the Christian has no reason for despair.  Rejoice, my brother, for "... he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6).

Although God has no beginning or end, He is the beginning and the end for us.  As time races toward the end, God's people need not fear because He will still be Lord of all and we can depend on Him.  Soon we will be with Him in heaven & time will be no more.  

You & I had a beginning --- but because of Jesus we will have no end.  Sure, we will die physically, but because of Jesus we have eternal life.  Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).   

As we get older, we're tempted to think that the best years are behind us.  Actually, the best is yet to come.  I'm looking forward to it, what about you?

ROUTE 66

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:15-16

This past week, I spent a great deal of time traveling.  Interstate travel is busy and often stressful.  Each road is numbered.  For instance, this week, I traveled on I-77, I-74, U. S. Route 52, I-40 and other roads.  In order for me to reach the right destination, it was vital to be on the right road.

Life is like a highway.  For the Christian, it is important that we keep ourselves from being lured onto side roads or the wrong highways.  Just because a road looks impressive doesn't make it the right road to travel.

The Christian needs to keep his journey simple.  We just need to stay on Route 66.  What is Route 66?  The Bible contains 66 books, each designed to keep us headed in the right direction.  The Bible is Route 66.

The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  I am amazed at the number of Christians who claim that they, "believe the Bible from cover to cover," yet rarely open the covers. 

Are you traveling daily on Route 66?  Here are some things we know about the Scriptures:

1.  THE PURITY OF THE BIBLE

First of all, the Bible is God's Word.  Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God."  The word, "inspiration," means, "God-breathed."  When you speak, breath is used in transmitting your voice.  On a cold day, you can see the steam come from a person's mouth as he speaks because his breath is used as he talks.  The Bible is God's Word to us.  He has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible. 

The psalmist wrote, "Thy word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it." (Psalm 119:140).  The Scripture is pure because it is the very Word of God. 

Notice that Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." (Emphasis added).  There are many people who wish to declare only part of the Scripture as inspired.  Many think only the New Testament is inspired, but that is simply not true.  The books of Leviticus and Nahum are just inspired as the books of Matthew and John.   All of the Scripture is pure because it is the Word of God.

2.  THE PROFIT OF THE BIBLE

Paul wrote that all of the Scripture is inspired, "... and is profitable."  The Bible is beneficial for all of God's people.  The Bible is more than a book we read from during church services, it is the most beneficial book you will ever read.

I admit that I love to read.  I read some books for entertainment and other books for instruction.  The Bible is the one book that has the power to change a person's life.  I may read from other books, but the Bible is the only book I read from daily.

Ray Comfort often asks professing believers, "Do you read the Bible daily, without fail?"  That is a good question.  You'll never find a more beneficial book than the Bible, so read it daily.

3.  THE POWER OF THE BIBLE

The Word of God is "... quick and powerful," (Hebrews 4:12).  People often underestimate the power of God's Word.  Paul wrote that the Scripture is "... profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  As we travel through life, the Bible does a number of things to help us.

First of all, the Bible informs us.  Our text teaches us that the Scripture is profitable for doctrine.  The word, "doctrine," means teaching.  The Bible informs us.  One of the greatest blessings given to help us travel is a GPS.  A GPS informs you about your trip.  While traveling this week, my GPS gave me vital information, such as the road I was on, the speed limit and the current speed I was going.  In a similar manner, the Bible is like a GPS for Christian living.  The Word of God gives us the vital information we need for our journey through life.

Secondly, the Bible rebukes us.  Paul wrote that the Word of God is profitable for reproof.  The Bible lets us know when we get on the wrong road.  There are so many road signs that can confuse or mislead us in life.  The Word of God alerts us when we take the wrong road.

Third, the Bible corrects us.  The Word of God is profitable, "for correction."  Just as a GPS "recalculates," and gives directions to get you back on the right road, God's Word also directs us back to where we need to be.  Without God's Word, we are prone to drift further away from the direction we need to go.

Finally, the Bible leads us.  Paul wrote that the Scripture is profitable for "instruction in righteousness."  If we follow the Scriptures, we will stay on the right road.

Basically, the Bible is profitable to change us.  God uses His Word to transform our lives.

4.  THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE

Finally, Paul wrote that the inspired Scriptures are profitable, "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  The word, "perfect" refers to being complete or mature.  God intends for us to be spiritually mature & fruitful.  A mature, fruitful believer honors and delights God.  A believer who lives a fruitful life brings glory to God. 

Realizing the importance and impact of the Scripture, we need to open God's Word and read from it daily.

Route 66 is not a congested highway.  Few are traveling this freeway, opting for newer roads of philosophy, new age or science.  Yet those who travel Route 66 are the ones who are on the right road and are headed for the right destination.

Consider this message to be your invitation to travel Route 66.  Clean the dust off of your Bible and read it.  Be challenged by this final quote: 

"Read the Bible to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy."

WHO WILL SEEK THE GLORY OF GOD?

"And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." - Exodus 33:18

Google is famous for its search engine.  Millions of people have used Google to find items on the internet.  Google made the internet more user-friendly for countless people. 

It is amazing what people search for on the internet.  Even more interesting are the things that people look for in life. 

Moses sought something unique.  He made this petition of the Lord:  "Show me thy glory."  Prior to this, we don't find record of any person making that kind of request.  I suspect that very few people have ever desired to see the glory of God.  What about you?

Moses asked to see the glory of God at a vital time.  He had been used of God to lead Israel out of Egypt's bondage.  Miracles had been performed during their wilderness journey --- yet despite all of this, the people were superficial and rebellious.  Finally, the Israelites enticed Aaron to create a golden calf during Moses' long departure in the holy mountain.  No doubt, Moses was weary and needed encouragement.  He had close fellowship with God and yet he desired more.

I fear that many Christians are content to have shallow fellowship with God.  They are content with a Sunday morning church service, but are unmotivated to go deeper with God than that.  They don't seek the glory of God, merely His blessings.

What is God's glory?  Marvin Rosenthal once defined God's glory as His intrinsic, eternal perfections.  God's glory is the fullness of His being. 

Far too many believers focus on one or two attributes of God, instead of meditating on His numerous attributes.  It is wrong to treat the attributes of God like a buffet --- choosing the ones you like and rejecting the rest.  By doing so, many are guilty of mental idolatry --- creating a god that they want rather than the fullness of God Himself.   

Do we really seek God's glory or our own?  Do we really wish to behold God in His glory or is heaven our goal only because it is the better of the two eternal options available?

You cannot separate God from His glory.  If you desire God, you must desire His glory.  Many church members seek God only when they get into trouble.  They want the grace of God but not the God of grace.  It is one thing to desire God's blessing but it is something entirely different to desire God Himself.

Moses' request was only granted in part.  God permitted Moses to only see part of His glory.  God mercifully kept Moses from being consumed by certain aspects of His glory. 

One day, genuine believers will be permitted to see the glory of God.  Our new bodies will be designed to behold God in His fullness.  Our concept of heaven is often tainted with sentimentality and human reasoning.  Heaven will be a place where the glory of God will be on display. 

We tend to get too attached to this world.  As a result, we no longer seek the glory of God.  Instead, we pursue the temporary trinkets of this world rather than seeking the eternal glory of the Lord.

We were created for more than a career, family, and retirement.  When we settle for anything less than God's glory, we sin against God and cheat ourselves.

Moses sought God's glory.  It is time we do the same.

FIGHTING FEAR WITH FAITH

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10

We are living in troubled times.  Our nation is deep in debt.  Many families are struggling financially.  Religious liberty is under assault in our country.  Churches are struggling.  Marriages are falling apart.  Drug addiction is widespread.  There is racial unrest.  Violent crime is increasing.  The political climate is tense. To make things worse, there seems to be little hope for a turnaround.

It would be easy to let fear run our lives.  It is tempting to give up hope and simply hang on till Jesus comes.  I find that most Christians are pessimistic about the future.  There is an undercurrent of fear and dread. 

We need to remember Paul's words to Timothy:  "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7).  God does not want us to live by fear.  Instead, the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17).

We can overcome fear with faith, but it needs to be the right kind of faith.  Our faith should not be in circumstances, people or politicians.  Our faith needs to be anchored in the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ.

God challenged Israel to trust Him, despite the temptation to live in fear.  In Isaiah 41:10, God said, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  The words God spoke to Israel parallel New Testament truth for believers today.  God gives His people five reasons not to fear:

1.  WE HAVE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

First of all, God said, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee."  Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."  (Hebrews 13:5).  God will always be with us regardless of what the future holds.  The psalmist wrote, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  We have an ever-present God for our ever-present need.  Why worry, then?

2.  WE ARE THE POSSESSION OF GOD

God said, "... be not dismayed; for I am thy God."  We belong to Him.  You can be sure that God will take care of His possessions.  John wrote, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..." (1 John 3:1).  God takes care of His children.  Good parents look out for their children and take care of them.  Certainly our Lord loves us and will take care of us, thus we don't need to worry or fear.

3.  WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD

Furthermore, God said, "I will strengthen thee."  God give us strength that we need at the exact time we need it.  Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Phil. 4:13).  Without Him, we can't do anything; but with Him working in us and through us, all things are possible.  Fear, worry and dread are unnecessary if the all-powerful God is at work within us.

4.  WE HAVE THE PROVISIONS OF GOD

God said, "... I will help thee."  God will provide what we need.  Paul wrote, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:13).  God never promised us a life without problems.  We will need help.  It is great to know that help is available 24 hours a day.  Help is just a prayer away. 

In my work, often I have to call an expert to help me resolve technical problems.  This is fine until I work in a location that doesn't have a telephone or cell service.  In life, I have help available all the time.  He knows the answers to my problems.  When I pray, the Lord is there to help.  Have no fear, God is near with the help we need.

5.  WE HAVE THE PROTECTION OF GOD

Finally, God said, "... I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." God keeps His children.  Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28).  The President of the United States is protected by the Secret Service.  God Himself protects the child of God.  Why fear if the Lord is protecting you?

Unbelievers have every reason to worry and fear.  For the child of God, our future is held in the hands of God.  He is in control and we can trust Him with the future!