Decision Tree
For you trusted in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me.” Your wisdom and your knowledge, it leads you away, and you said in your heart, “I am and none else is.” Isaiah 47:10
Leads You Away – In characteristic Hebrew style, the verb used here for “leading away” is the same verb that could offer hope to the blind idolater. That verb is shuv. In this verse, shovevatach really means “turning away.” But shuv is used hundreds of times for turning back to God. The paramount cry of the Scripture is “Return to Me.” It is God’s plea for us to come back to His grace and lovingkindness. But the man who believes he is hidden from God is the man who turns away. He does not miss God’s goodness because of ignorance. He misses it because of idolatry. It is his unfaithfulness that he wishes to hide.
Did you notice that this man falls because of his wisdom and his knowledge? The phrase is alliterative (hohmatech veda’atech hi shovevatech) – “your wisdom and your knowledge they lead you.” What kind of wisdom and knowledge leads a man away from the Lord? Certainly it cannot be God’s wisdom or God’s knowledge. The kind of wisdom and knowledge that lead away from God must be the mistaken wisdom and rebellious knowledge associated with false gods. This wisdom and knowledge is a parody of the real thing. It appears as insight and understanding, but it is in fact deception and destruction. It leads to death, not life.
Idolatry is the fundamental sin of the Bible. No, it’s not bowing down to little wooden statues or offering sacrifices before stone faces. Idolatry is unfaithfulness to God’s claim on our lives. In other words, it is a moral act, not a cognitive error. I commit the sin of idolatry not when I mistakenly worship a false god (a mental error), but when I deliberately remove my commitment of fidelity to the One who loves me and made me. God places a claim of ownership on me. This is the impact of the first commandment. I belong to Him. It is my lust for another way of life, for another offer of apparent liberty that permits me to leave the covenant relationship I have sworn with Him. This is why idolatry is described in terms of sexual infidelity. It is spiritual adultery.
What is the false wisdom and the rebellious knowledge that leads me away from my King? It is the appeal of the serpent. “Just determine for yourself what is good for you and what is bad for you.” Idolatry is me deciding what is good for me. God alone can determine what is good. When I enter into the moral equation, I introduce my own desires on par with the desires of my King and Master. My knowledge of good and evil is precisely that, my knowledge. As such, it denies my oath of fidelity to live by His determination of the good. It is spiritual sexual sin.
The only question we need to ask of ourselves when it comes to idolatry is this: Who decides?
Topical Index: idolatry, shuv, leads you away, return to me, Isaiah 47:10
Shabbat Shalom,
“The kind of wisdom and knowledge that lead away from God must be the mistaken wisdom and rebellious knowledge associated with false gods. This wisdom and knowledge is a parody of the real thing. It appears as insight and understanding, but it is in fact deception and destruction. It leads to death, not life.”
Skip … I think we all would have no problem agreeing that the straight up secular knowledge … the overt non-spiritual knowledge of this world, is equal to just plain rebellion. It is paramount to the individual claiming to be G_D!
However … the last I heard about 80% of the globe still claims a “spiritual affiliation” … as such there are many purportedly spiritual individuals actively engaged in idolatry … as were the pagans of old!
For purposes of discussion I think we can agree that the adherents of Islam and other religions are not in relationship with YHVH. Together with the secular non-believers we can agree that these people are captives … they are “shevuyim” [Notice the similarity of this word to oath and repent]
Since Yeshua and YHVH are “echad”! And since the eternal covenant … in its original and renewed forms, represents “the oath” … the “Shevu’ah” … the next question that begs to be answered is: What does it mean to be in the covenant relationship with ELOHIM?
It seems pretty clear (IMO) that being captive is being trapped in a state of “turning away from YHVH”! In fact Yeshua declared that He Himself came to first set free those of Yisrael who were captive! These were people who were supposedly in the covenant relationship with YHVH! So proximity to YHVH by way of religious affiliation counts for NOTHING!
Now as far as the truth … we know that Sha’ul declared wisdom … 1 Corinthians: 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not Elohim made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of Elohim the world by wisdom knew not Elohim, it pleased Elohim by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Mashiach crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; …
And we all cry Ahmein for such glorious mercy and grace! …. Yet … Yet … we also need to balance this awesome truth with other declarations of YHVH’s wisdom:
Dueteronomy: 4,5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the midst of the land whither ye go in to possess it. 4,6 Observe therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that, when they hear all these statutes, shall say: ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 4,7 For what great nation is there, that hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is whensoever we call upon Him? 4,8 And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
As a consequence of revelation within The Word Itself, we can not separate truth from truth or wisdom from wisdom. Yeshua is the Word made flesh … the manifestation of complete truth … the living midrash/exegesis of YHVH!
If one is amenable to the truth we therefore can revisit the big question: “What does it mean to be in the covenant relationship with ELOHIM?”
It would seem that doctrinal adoption/adherence of a way that keeps people from Torah is in opposition to the covenant! Adoption of a way that provides individuals with a false sense of relationship with our Lord, while fostering individual discernment and application of G_D’s will, is paramount to elevating the individual to the status of a “false G_D”!
As the Lord reveals in Revelations … you have a Name that lives yet you are dead! Now let us seriously consider this declaration and ponder in this day and age what segments of the body of Mashiach operate under a Name that is life … yet they are dead?
The bride of Mashiach is bound to an oath that removes us from captivity. This oath does not provide us liberty to continue in sin but rather the liberty to live free of sin and live towards the standards that are befitting a faithful wife. And I hope that we are clear on what those standards of fidelity are!
So … we preach the good news and wisdom of “The Cross of our most Holy and Awesome Yeshua” … He is our salvation! But we also preach the wisdom and Holiness of haTorah … the living midrash in our lives, which is sealed by Ruach HaKodesh in response to our salvation!
Brachot
It is an easy trap to look at wisdom from outside tha sounds so good. I fear that I have not been helpful, in the past, leading some in the wayward direction that I would bend to. I do attempt to be more faithful in allowing wisdom to be from God these days. It may well be that as I become more mature in years that I do not need to attempt to dazzle others and am willing to go with God. I hope so anyway.
RETURN TO ME is always God’s message to us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow_aWVqy3_k&feature=related 1 MINUTE video of the spoken song by this title from Brian Doerksen, from “Holy God” CD.
Your wisdom and your knowledge, it leads you away, and you said in your heart, “I am and none else is.” Isaiah 47:10
It’s all about me. I am the center of the universe. The world revolves around me. I am the one with all the answers. How can I use you to serve me. I am Mr. “In Charge.” How dare you question me..
This man needs a doctor. An optometrist for sure, because he has a bad case of “I” trouble. The “unholy” trinity- me,myself and I. – I am the captain of my fate- I am the master of my destiny- I-I-I. (as Ricky Ricardo might say) The big “I”. Ego. -Edge G-d Out.
Now brothers and sisters what happens when “man” (without G-d,- natural man) is in charge? Or worse yet a man who thinks (little dummy) He is G-d. When “self” is on the throne- narcissism (and the manifested behaviors resulting) is not far behind in revealing it’s nasty head. A man without (or outside of) Christ is nothing but an animal and fully capable of great wickedness. It is the G-d consciousness or awareness in each of us that keep us from reverting to “fist and fang” living or living as an animal would live. (whatever it takes to survive and BTW- whatever makes “me” happy!.
Are we going to live “self” centered lives or “Savior” centered lives is the question. Will we trust in the wisdom of men or the wisdom of our Messiah?
“I did it my way” is also the theme song of Solomon. (Poor guy..) He was a wise man, but he was destroyed by following not the will and wisdom of YHWH, but instead answered the siren call of the Yetser H’arah and enthroned “self” as king. King Saul is another example of establishing “self” as judge, jury and executioner. (Remember.. “I” am in charge!) He did not listen (shema) to the voice of the LORD, but decided (wrongly) to listen to the counsel of the man in the mirror, and the end of that man as we have seen, is not a pretty sight. He either forgot or did not know, the first rule of authority- “in order to be over- you must be under”. (For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. -Matthew 8.9)
Now let’s try this again and this time Carl- get real- would you? First things first Mr. Carl, I ask you, please tell me sir- “Who is in charge?” (Reminds me of Jimmy Stewart in “Shenandoah!”) “Whose the leader of this band of fools?” lol!- Answer? “G-d is”. Clear, plain and simple- (remember, I’m a simple man)- G-d is large and in charge. He reigns, He rules, and (He rocks!)
Please don’t “look at me”- look at Him. He must increase, but “I” must decrease. As little Pogo once said, “we have met the enemy and he is us.” How careful we must be to “give unto our LORD the glory due His name!” (Psalm 29.2)
“Skip … I think we all would have no problem agreeing that the straight up secular knowledge … the overt non-spiritual knowledge of this world, is equal to just plain rebellion. It is paramount to the individual claiming to be G_D!”
Hi Drew,
I’m not sure what you are saying in the statement above.
How does secular knowledge, which is non spiritual knowledge, equal rebellion?
And when you say “the adherents of Islam” are not in relationship with Yahweh; they might argue that Jesus tells us not to worship himself.
That Jesus tells us to worship his father.
They might argue that Jesus is just a prophet and an “image” of his father.
And an “image” is an idol.
How do we counter that arguement?
Some thoughts. First, knowledge in Scripture is not the same as facts. IN the Greek world, knowledge comes through the collection of facts and rational interpretation of those facts. Knowledge has the purpose of offering the knowing control over his world. But in Hebrew, knowledge is not about facts. It is about right behavior. To have knowledge is to ACT according to the revealed truth of God. It is not to first collect information and then decide what to do with it. It is first to listen to God’s voice and then respond to it. So, secular information is essentially rebellious because it either ignores or denies the fundamental tenant of Hebraic knowing – that is, DOING WHAT GOD COMMANDS. In our world, I am the arbitrator of truth. I decide if the information I gather is worthy of action. But this is contrary to the Hebraic model which begins with what God demands of me, not what i decide is valuable. This is the challenge the serpent leaves with Havvah. Will she listen to God’s word (voice) or will she determine what is good for her. She choses the latter. So do we.
“So, secular information is essentially rebellious because it either ignores or denies the fundamental tenant of Hebraic knowing – that is, DOING WHAT GOD COMMANDS.”
Hi Skip,
I’ve never heard the term “secular information” before, but you define it as “essentially rebellious” in the statement above:
“because it either ignores or denies the fundamental tenant of Hebraic knowing”
So I understand and agree.
I was referring to secular/non spiritual knowledge such as biology, anatomy, physics, math, history etc.
As far as I know, this type of secular information can neither prove nor disprove the fundamental tenant of Hebraic knowing.
With all due respect to Helen Wolf in her response on Sight Unseen, her argument against the Hebrew worldview is about as good as it gets IMO.
And her rebellion doesn’t “carry much weight” for those of us who disagree with her 🙂
In my view, we choose to believe in the Torah and then act according to what God commands.
Or we don’t.
If we recall that the Hebraic worldview considers the first and most important question to be “What does God demand of me?” then all the rest of our accumulated knowledge (biology, physics, medicine, economics, etc.) is essentially worthless if we have not answered the first question. That’s not because the information is useless or false. It’s because the information has no eternal bearing on the most important question. Why would I spend my life pursuing information that ultimately does not affect my eternal destiny? Wouldn’t that make the pursuit pointless? It is not a matter of intellect here. The Hebraic view is fundamentally a moral perspective, not a cognitive one.
I’ll have to go back and look at Helen’s argument again. Thanks for the reminder.
Shalom,
Thanks Skip for responding to Michael’s posts in my absence. Your answers regarding “secular knowledge” are right on! It’s not about the facts its about the pursuit of classical disciplines as a religion unto itself and or the pursuit of the classical disciplines in a manner that has no bearing on one’s walk with The Lord. Worse yet we know that the Greek model pursues “knowledge” as the means to understand in order to control! As it is written: the knowledge of this world is foolishness!
Regarding Michael’s question about how Islam might regard Yeshua? Although Skip passed on this issue I will not!
Michael I personally think that this is your question and this is your issue! Other posts I have seen from you lead me to believe that you are uncertain of the unity of ELOHIM. The WORD (Yeshua) is G_D … the image of The Father revealed in Scripture is not a picture of the Form … HE is the Manifestation of ELOHIM in FORM! Yeshua is no demi-god! It has been written!
Many posts and threads through the years on this site have dealt sufficiently with this issue and I do not desire another extended debate on Elohim’s unity … however I did not want the challenge left unresponded and give a false perception that there is no adequate response to said challenge!
As believers we should be able to bear witness to the truth of Elohim’s unity … if our understanding is insufficient we should then be quite careful in entertaining debates on the matter! IMO
Skip, since you and Michael are discussing Helen Wolf, will you please tell me to what posts you refer?
Thanks,
Helen
I think all of my comments are found under the “Sight Unseen” thread.
Hi Ship,
On the road using my son’s laptop, and with less time than usual to respond, I can say that I don’t disagree with your points above.
When you ask:
“Why would I spend my life pursuing information that ultimately does not affect my eternal destiny?”
I would answer:
“In my view, we don’t need to know math, science, history, linguistics, philosophy, etc to obey God.
But understanding these secular bodies of knowledge can enrich our understanding of the Bible itself.
And help to illuminate the differences between the Greek and Hebrew world views.”
You’re right about that. All the information gathering knowledge can certainly assist us in exploring the Word of God – and the rest of life. And it can make life better. But it is still useless until I answer the BIG question. It is simply a matter of priorities. If I get lost in the collection of information and forget to answer the question of God’s demand on me, I have gained nothing. So, let’s get the BIG question settled first. And isn’t it nice to know that I don’t need a PhD in astrophysics or theology in order to be obedient.
“Michael …. this is your question and this is your issue! …. you are uncertain of the unity of ELOHIM. …. Yeshua is no demi-god! It has been written!
“I do not desire another extended debate on Elohim’s unity … however I did not want the challenge left unresponded and give a false perception that there is no adequate response to said challenge!
Hi Drew,
Actually, I do not have an issue with the “unity of ELOHIM” and don’t refer to Yeshua as a “demi-god.”
And I do not think you responded to my points that Jesus tells us to worship his Father not himself and that to worship him as an icon might be considered an act of idolatry to your ideological opponents.