Out of the Garden
“The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners; . . .” Isaiah 61:1 (and Luke 4:18 with modifications) NASB
Sent – The first Adam was sent out. So was the second Adam. In fact, Yeshua’s citation of Isaiah 61:1, even in its altered form in Luke, uses the same Hebrew verb, shalah, found in Genesis 3:23. Do you suppose that is a linguistic accident? Do you think that sending Adam from the Garden is in any way connected to sending the Deliverer into the world? Can the motif of Adam’s expulsion help us understand the kenosis[1] of the Christ?
Why is Adam sent from the Garden? The text tells us that he is expelled because of the possibility of eating of the Tree of Life and living le-olam (usually translated “forever”). What this means and why it is a threat is not explained. olam is itself a mysterious word. While it usually means some sort of indefinite continuance (but not necessarily some kind of existence “outside” of time), there are many occasions where the word refers to the past, not the future. This is further complicated by the fact that olam is never used by itself (independently). It is always used in connection with some preposition (as it is here with the preposition le) or as an adverb or a modifier of a noun. This is how the word is connected to later Jewish expressions like olam habba’ (the world to come). Why was Adam’s eating a threat? Actually, we don’t know. Adam lives a very long time even without eating, but how he might have been a threat by eating is simply not clear. All we know is that he was sent out. God determined that sending him out was the way to fulfill God’s planned redemption. And that is the precursor to sending out someone else. The goal is the same – the redemption of the world. But the sending is different. In the case of the second Adam, God does not expel. The second Adam volunteers to go.
Nevertheless, He is still sent.
This suggests that being sent is not entirely punishment. There is divine purpose in being sent, even for the first Adam. What must be accomplished cannot be accomplished if the first Adam remains in the Garden. What must be transformed is the motivation for being sent, not the sending itself. Until the second Adam relinquishes His right to remain in the Garden, salvation cannot come to the earth. But when He empties Himself of that right, He goes out just as the first Adam went out – empty-handed. He is sent out just as the first Adam was sent out – with the directive to take dominion, to rule, to be fruitful, to restore God’s creation to its proper order. The first Adam will now be required to fulfill this directive with the sweat of his brow in a world of ‘atsav (sorrow), but he is still required to serve (‘avad) the earth. The second Adam will face exactly the same circumstances. He too will find sorrow. He too will serve the earth. He too will be tasked with bringing God’s order to a world in chaos. The consequences of the choice of the first Adam will be foisted upon the second Adam. But the second Adam will accept this role voluntarily. He willingly leaves the Garden.
It seems to me that most of us are doing everything we can to get back into the Garden. It seems to me that we are still fighting God’s plan of shalah. We have not yet determined to volunteer to leave. So we resist the direction of the second Adam. We think it isn’t fair that we must suffer and toil and strain to bring about the purposes of God. We are still standing with the first Adam, head down in mourning as we are told to go out, rather than striding into the chaos with the second Adam, looking toward the glory of bringing God’s will to earth as it is in heaven.
Topical Index: send out, shalah, second Adam, kenosis, Isaiah 61:1, Philippians 2:7
[1] The Greek word kenosis is found in Philippians 2:6-8 (“emptied”) and is the theological expression of Yeshua’s voluntary renunciation of His divinity in the incarnation.
“We think it isn’t fair that we must suffer and toil and strain to bring about the purposes of God.”
This would make refusing to leave the garden a form of escapism or avoidance, much as Jonah tried to avoid his obligations. He left, but for the wrong destination. Whether it’s Jonah or us, we will do most anything to avoid our obligations. Most times it will take a shipwreck to bring us to shore, because we refuse to get off the boat voluntarily.
Challenging thoughts. Thanks for the post.
Many in my church are just waiting for the rapture to leave this earth and enter heaven. Isn’t that just as much refusing to live up to our calling as trying to remain in the Garden is?
KEES, I AM WAITING WITH SO MUCH EXPECTANCY FOR THE RAPTURE/CATCHING AWAY [WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT] TO LEAVE THIS EARTH & ENTER HEAVEN. IF I WERE NOT MEANT TO WAIT WITH GREAT EXPECTANCY WHY WOULD THAT NOT BE POINTED TO AS ONE OF OUR BLESSED HOPES??? THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING TO BE WITH OUR LORD/OUR BRIDEGROOM & LEAVE THIS EARTH/PLACE WHICH IS NOT OUR HOME. I GET REALLY TIRED OF THIS PUT DOWN OF THOSE WAITING FOR HIS RETURN – I WONDER WHAT IN THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THE REST OF YOU THAT PLAY HIS RETURN DOWN & MAKE IT OF NO WORTH – WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE – DO YOU REALLY PREFER TO STAY ON THIS EARTH & TRY TO CHANGE IT YOURSELF – IT AIN’T GOINNA’ HAPPEN – MAN IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE GOD’S PLAN FOR DOING AWAY WITH THIS WORLD FOR A NEW JERUSALEM/EARTH – WHY IN “HEAVEN’S” NAME DO YOU WANT TO PROLONG IT & FEEL LIKE WORKS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE PLAN???
Kees said, “…they are JUST waiting…”.
If I walk into a room and say I’m tired of all the thieves in this world, then those who are not thieves shouldn’t become defensive. Let’s give each other the benefit of the doubt here.
GABE,
IN THE EYES OF MANY HERE “I AM JUST WAITING” TOO – I AM DOING NO GREAT FEATS FOR JESUS AS FAR AS THE WORLD OR SOME HERE MAY BE CONCERNED OR THINKING – I AM SURVIVING AS SOME MAY THINK & I THINK AT TIMES TOO OR AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE BUT IT IS MUCH BETTER THAN SOME HAVE IT IN THE WORLD BUT “I AM JUST WAITING” ON A LOT OF THINGS RIGHT NOW & THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THAT WAIT… ♥ BUT STAND WHEN I CAN DO NOTHING ELSE…
I’m glad you are here.
Dear Jan
Without you this world would not be the same. You make a difference: you are one more image of God for this world. They desperately nead you! So I’m glad you’re here too!
GABE & KEES…
THANK YOU FOR WANTING ME HERE & APPRECIATING MY PRESENCE. I FEEL THE SAME & I’M GLAD I HAVE SOMEWHERE TO COME & LEARN & SHARE & DISCUSS. KEES – I’M NOT MAD ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID BUT YOU DID CREATE A SPARK IN ME TO EXPRESS MYSELF & THAT IS OKAY TOO. HOW BORING LIFE WILL/WOULD BE IF WE CAN’T EXPRESS OUR FEELINGS TO ONE ANOTHER & WORK THINGS OUT. I LIKE TO COMMUNICATE & DISCUSS & THAT IS ONE THING ABOUT THIS FORUM/THIS GROUP/THIS MAN/SKIP – NO ONE IS CENSORED FOR THEIR BELIEFS OR EXPRESSIONS – FORGET OPINIONS – DON’T EVEN LIKE THE WORD BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE THEM – THEY ARE A GIVEN & WE CAN EVEN CHANGE THEM WHEN WE ARE ALLOWED FREEDOM TO DISCUSS THEM…
THANK YOU ALL FOR LOVING ME IN SPITE OF MYSELF – JUST LIKE JESUS [LOVING US]… ♥
Dear Jan,
I think you have confused two separate items. 1 – the return 2 – the great escape. They are NOT the same. In fact, sometime soon we will learn that the olam ha’ba is not really about LEAVING but rather about ARRIVING. We all look for His return. But where did you get the idea that His return entails LEAVING? Can you separate those two ideas and ask if there is really evidence that His return will mean all believers LEAVE this world? And where did you get the idea that “this world is not my home”? I realize it is in the songs, but is it in the text? I don’t think so. If God created the world PERFECT to begin with, why would we need to leave?
DEAREST BROTHER IN CHRIST/SKIP…
I REALLY DON’T CARE IF I AM COMING OR GOING OR LEAVING OR STAYING BUT JUST TO BE WITH HIM & WHAT HE HAS FOR US – IS WHAT I AM LONGING FOR.
THE FIRST THING THAT CAME TO MIND IS PHILIPPIANS 3:20 – PICK YOUR VERSION: http://bible.cc/philippians/3-20.htm
AS I SAID – I WILL STAY WHEN THE NEW JERUSALEM COMES DOWN FOR US OR I WILL BE CAUGHT/SNATCHED AWAY WITH THE BRIDE TO RETURN – IT DOESN’T MAKE ME A HILL-OF-BEANS THE METHOD OF HIS IMMINENT RETURN & OUR BEING WITH HIM/THEM/US – I DON’T CARE – I JUST KNOW THAT IT IS WHAT I WAIT & LONG FOR WITH GREAT EXPECTANCY…
THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT MY BELIEF OR YOUR BELIEF ON THIS ISSUE BUT I CAN TRUST THAT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WE WILL BE WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY SOONER OR LATER & WHAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN IS UP TO HIM NOT ME & I REALLY DON’T CARE – I JUST WANT TO GET THERE… ♥
IT’S LIKE WHEN YOU HOLD THINGS IN YOUR HEART – BE THEY BITTER OR SWEET – WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN TO LIFE WITH HIM – ALL THINGS WILL MELT AWAY & ONLY THE ONE THING THAT IS IMPORTANT WILL REMAIN – HIM & US WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY… ♥
Jan, I think you’ll find (if you investigate what the text says) is that the “New Heaven” and “New Earth” is in fact the Renewed Heavens and Renewed Earth. In other words, God’s plan is to restore his creation to its original created order, pre-fall. Restoration, not replacement, is the goal. It was created for us, to live in His presence, here, and it will be restored to His original design. We will be part of that. He’s coming here to meet us.
Yes, absolutely, I’m looking forward to that day. May it be soon and in our day. In the meantime, there’s work to be done. Who’s going to do it? Who will fulfill the purpose for which I am here if I do not?
Hi Jan,
Sorry, I did not mean to offend anyone! You’re absolutely right: I too long for the moment to be together with our Lord. But not JUST to escape this world.
I’m not exactly sure where our future will be. Maybe in heaven, but it could also be it will be on this earth, side by side with our Messiah. Nomatter where, I’m sure it will be absolutely wonderfull. If on earth, it will not stay the same wretched planet we know now. There will be righteousness and shalom, wholeness.
I was not specific enough. There is a group of people in my church that is doing nothing else but wait passively for that moment. They are only looking forward to escaping this world. No activity of faith at all! I don’t think that’s what our present life is ment to be. So I was not adressing all you fine people, not even all the people in my church, just this tiny group of very passive waiters.
B.t.w.: “This world is not my home” is a nice song, but I don’t believe it. This world IS our home! We are taken from the soil and will in time return to it. Neither the skies nor the waters are at present our home, but the dry earth is. I understand the picture: the world as we made it is not my home. Agreed. But we all have the asignment to work the soil, keep the world and multiply on this tiny planet. In that way this world is very much my home. It’s Gods kosmos, His jewel! And He will return it to it’s prostine state once again. Can’t wait to see what it will be like by than! (In the meantime we are the only connection between heaven and earth: taken from the soil, God blew His heavenly breath in our nostrils. We are created in His image and likeness for this earth.)
Can you understand I long for THAT moment? And when our Lord will return with His holy ones, I expect us to be among them – in a completely changed earth. So: Rapture – please come. But not to simply escape my situation.
I’M NOT SURE WHERE WE GOT OFF ON THE SONG THING BUT THAT WAS NOT WHERE MY THINKING/IDEA CAME FROM OF THIS EARTH NOT BEING MY HOME. I GAVE “ONE” SCRIPTURE ABOVE THAT FIRST CAME TO MIND WHEN I RESPONDED TO YOU & SKIP & THAT WAS:
THE FIRST THING THAT CAME TO MIND IS PHILIPPIANS 3:20 – PICK YOUR VERSION: http://bible.cc/philippians/3-20.htm
THE THING IS WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THAT LITTLE GROUP OF PEOPLE IN YOUR CHURCH ARE REALLY DOING WHILE THEY WAIT – DO YOU ABSOLUTELY KNOW FOR SURE THEY ARE DOING NOTHING BUT WAITING??? ARE YOU SURE THEY ARE NOT PRAYING FOR SOMEONE, SOMEHOW, SOMEWHERE – THAT THE LEFT HAND DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING IN THIS INSTANCE??? I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THOSE WHO SO ADORINGLY & VALIANTLY AWAIT HIS COMING ARE DOING NOTHING – YOU JUST MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING BUT GOD DOES. IT MAY “APPEAR” TO YOU OR OTHERS THEY ARE DOING NOTHING BUT I WOULD BET THAT’S NOT THE CASE. I “APPEAR” TO BE DOING NOTHING TO THE WORLD ALSO BUT I AM DOING THINGS. THEY MAY NOT BE THINGS THAT WOULD APPEAR TO MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE OR LOOK LIKE MUCH WORK OR FAITH BUT I AM DOING WHAT I CAN DO FOR NOW & IN GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT’S EYES THAT MAY BE JUST WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO BE DOING FOR NOW OR EVEN LATER…
WE JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING SO I DON’T THINK WE SHOULD BE SAYING THEY ARE JUST WAITING – YOU CAN BE ACTIVELY WAITING & THAT TAKES FAITH & WORKS TOO… WE JUST DON’T KNOW & I AM NOT GOING TO PLAY THE JUDGEMENT CARD ON YOU OR ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE I DON’T THINK THAT IS PROPER EITHER.
AN OLD CLICHE OF “WHAT WE DON’T KNOW WON’T HURT IS” IS A GOOD ONE FOR THIS ISSUE – BECAUSE WHAT WE DON’T KNOW “HE” DOES – SO LET’S LEAVE THAT DETERMINATION WITH HIM. HE KNOWS WE DON’T – A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DOING A LOT OF THINGS GLOBALLY THAT WE HAVE NO IDEA OF – SO WHY WOULD THAT LITTLE GROUP BE ANY DIFFERENT???
UNDER HIS WINGS & IN HIS LOVE…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flygirljc/7337295356/in/photostream
Hi Jan,
You’re absolutely right. I stand corrected. Thank you!
(B.t.w.: See what God did today? He used YOU to correct me)
KEES, MOSTLY I WAS PREACHING TO MYSELF & THE CHOIR. I HAVE TO REMIND MYSELF THAT EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT OUT THERE RESCUING PEOPLE FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR EVANGELIZING THE NATIONS OF ISLAM OR LAYING HANDS ON ALL THE CHILDREN WITH AIDS & OTHER DISEASES – THAT I AM STILL WORTHY & DOING THE WORK OF GOD. WE NEED TO STOP ASSUMING WE KNOW OTHERS ARE JUST WAITING & DOING NOTHING.
I KNOW PEOPLE THAT ARE DOING WONDERFUL THINGS IN THE WORLD BUT THEY MAY NOT BE DOING TO GOD’S GLORY & THAT CONCERNS ME TOO BUT I REALLY CANNOT SEE INTO THEIR HEARTS & KNOW FOR SURE IT IS FOR THEIR OWN GLORY & NOT HIS EVEN THOUGH IT MAY APPEAR THAT WAY – I REALLY & TRULY DON’T KNOW & YES, I AM GUILTY AS HELL [MYSELF] FOR ASSUMING ABOUT SUCH. SO I AM NO DIFFERENT THAN YOU KEES IN REGARD TO THE LITTLE GROUP OF “WADERS”… DEEP CALLS TO DEEP & WE CAN’T SEE TO THE BOTTOM IN VERY DEEP WATERS…
WITH MY TYPE OF “A” PERSONALITY – I WOULD LOVE TO BE “TRYING” TO DO IT ALL – BUT I LEARNED A LONG TIME AGO WITH ME – THAT IS CALLED BURNOUT… I HAVE BEEN IN REST MODE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF NOW & I HAVE ENJOYED IT. I MINISTER TO MY FRIENDS DAILY VIA FACEBOOK, PHONE, EMAIL, TWITTER – ENCOURAGING & COMMENTING & LEARNING & TEACHING & I ENJOY THIS & WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THIS TYPE OF MINISTRY BUT HAVE TO HAVE AN INCOME TO PAY THE BILLS – SO STILL WORKING AT GETTING A JOB. I AM REGISTERED WITH MANPOWER NOW & TOOK A DRUG SCREEN TEST LAST WEEK & THEY ARE DOING BACKGROUND & CREDIT CHECKS ALSO BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM & CHECK IN WITH THEM EVERYDAY & SOMETIMES LIKE TODAY FEEL I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND. I TRULY DON’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK ABOUT GETTING A JOB AT THIS POINT. I JUST HAVE TO LEAVE IT IN HIS HANDS – SEEMS HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN & WILL OPEN THE DOOR CAUSE I SURE CAN’T.
If Jan or somebody didn’t say what she did, I was going to!
amen, I, the church, (am not ashamed to be called thus) His bride, do eagerly LOOK for His return!
I, want to meet Him in the air, –talk about romantic!
To be changed out of my work clothes, and field rags, and sun dark face, (darkened from too long out of the absence of Hhis radiant face) to a wedding dress . . .ah . . no better daydream that is a reality and NOT an idle dream. Run to the chariot of the arms of my Lover and know that He longs for me, too.
The voice of my Beloved, Behold, He comes, leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills!
and to hear Him say, Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away, the winter is past.
Oh, but I dream long enough for today, time to return to the toil in my Father’s field, pulling weeds of error, uprooting hatred, pointing out lies, serving the perishing where ever I see the need, praying as I go, for those I can’t touch, the homeless holding his sign that says “God bless” and driving past the porn shops, picking out cars to beg my Father to have mercy and free the prisioner inside …everyday is full with His work that is my JOY.
Still my heart sings: Make haste, my Beloved, come, I wait for Thee!
That’s right. We look for His return. But as I replied to Jan, that is not the same as looking for a way out.
SKIP, I AM GOING TO BE STRAIGHT UP & FORWARD WITH MY RESPONSE HERE & I AM NOT ASHAMED TO SAY IT, “I AM VERY MUCH SO LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT!” I AM A PILGRIM HERE AS THE SCRIPTURES SAY – THIS JOURNEY ON THIS EARTH AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE & I’M SURE THE LIVES OF OTHERS GLOBALLY ARE NOT WHAT IS TO BE DESIRED…
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT – THANK GOD HE IS PROVIDING US ALL WITH A WAY OUT OF THIS MESS – JUST LIKE HE DID NOAH!!! AND WHAT ABOUT ENOCH & ELIJAH – THE ONES WHO WERE CAUGHT UP & DID NOT DIE – WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT??? DIDN’T THEY JUST DISAPPEAR TOO??? CAUGHT UP – SNATCHED AWAY??? WHATEVER… ♥
RODNEY/BROTHER – I DON’T CARE IF IT IS RENEWED OR RESTORED/REPLACED – BUT THAT IT IS COMING & SOME OF US WILL BE ENJOYING IT TOGETHER WITH KING JESUS. MY MORE CONCERN IS THAT I AM READY – THAT MY OIL DOES NOT RUN OUT… AND THEN GOD/KING JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT WILL DIRECT ME IN WHATEVER HE WANTS ME TO BE DOING IN THE MEANTIME… ♥
Amen!
Hi Skip,
I really liked the way you tied things together at the end and pointed to our avoidance of voluntarily leaving the garden…our resistance to suffering, toiling, straining for the kingdom. That’s certainly true in my life. I usually look for ways to help with minimal suffering. Your message was convicting.
But, I have a question. You said, “Why was Adam’s eating a threat. Actually, we don’t know.”
That statement left me puzzled. Scripture begins with that act of disobedience in the garden, the rebellion it represented on the part of man and the consequences that followed, as well as the redemption that G-d provided. Isn’t disobedience always a threat, because of it’s implications and consequences?
But the question is “Why was it a problem if Adam ate from the tree of life?” Isn’t God still in charge? Doesn’t sin carry a consequence anyway? How does it make any sense for a sinful, rebellious person to somehow reclaim eternal life? The question is about disobedience. It is about the unusual claim that a sinner can recapture eternal life.
The first Adam disobeyed the direct commandment of his Creator- “don’t eat the fruit.” The second Adam, succeeded marvelously in His mission, living a life of perfect submission and obedience to the Father, showing us, demonstrating to us, fellow creatures, -it can be done. Yes, He was sent and yes He came. He came, He saw and He conquered. He also succeeded in restoring to the first Adam what was originally his- dominion or authority. God’s original design, marred and scarred by sin and the serpent was redeemed and restored by the Second Adam, our Savior and Redeemer, the conquering Christ.
~And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the ONE I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for He existed long before me.'” (Oh??) From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Yeshua HaMashiach, the LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ. ~ John 1.14-17
Moses was NOT the lawgiver. He was only the messenger boy- the delivery boy. God wrote the Law. He is the Law Giver. It was His words that were written upon the tablets of stone and I don’t think (maybe I’m wrong) He conferred with Moses about writing these ten “words.”
Now what if? What if the written words of God were to become a Man?- and live among us- to show us, to demonstrate to us- the “How to” of living? What does Love look like? Look unto Jesus. What about compassion? Look unto Jesus. How do I keep God’s commandments? Look unto Jesus.What about obedience? Look unto Jesus. What about kindness? Look unto Jesus. What about joy? Look unto Jesus. What about guidance? Look unto Jesus. What about wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption? Look unto Jesus. You, my friends have come to the right place, -pardon me- to the right Person. It is the LORD.
And may I quickly add, He is the LORD Jesus Christ and ~ On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS ~ (Revelation 19.16). Gloriously, “it is written.”
~ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God ~ (Revelation 19.13)
~ Grace to you and peace (shalom) from The One Who is, and was, and is coming, and from The Seven Spirits which are before His throne, and from Yeshua The Messiah, the Trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead and The Ruler of the kings of The Earth- Him who loves us and has loosed us from our sins by His own blood. ~
Uh, how was that again? “by His own blood”. Blood. The life-giving red stuff that courses through the veins of every son of Adam. Redeemed, restored, renewed and refreshed by the Passover Lamb’s blood shed on the tslav (the execution stake) of Calvary.
And as it was written (just recently) ~ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself ~ (Luke 24.27)
He is:
HE is the King of the Jews
HE is the King of Israel
But HE is also
King of all the Ages
King of Heaven
King of Glory
King of Kings
..and LORD of Lords
HE is:
a prophet before Moses
a priest after Melchizedek
a champion like Joshua
an offering in place of Isaac
a king from the line of David
a counselor above Solomon
beloved, rejected, and exalted
like Joseph
and yet far more…
The Heavens declare His glory
and the firmament shows
His handiwork
He who is, who was
and who always will be
The First and the Last
HE is the Alpha and Omega
the Aleph and the Tau
the A and the Z
HE is the ego eimi (ἐγώ εἰμι)
the “I AM that I AM”
The voice of the burning bush
the Captain of the Lord’s Host
the conqueror of Jericho
HE is our Kinsman-Redeemer
and HE is our Avenger of Blood
and HE is our City of Refuge
HE was crucified on a cross of wood
Yet HE made the hill
on which it stood
By Him were all things made
that were made
without Him was not anything made
that was made
By Him are all things held together!
In Him dwells
the fullness of the Godhead bodily
The very God of very God
HE became
the first fruits of them that slept
HE is our Performing High Priest
Our Personal Prophet
Our Reigning King
HE is enduringly strong
entirely sincere
eternally steadfast
HE is imperially powerful
immortally graceful
impartially merciful
HE stands alone in Himself
HE ‘is unique
preeminent
supreme
unparalleled
HE ‘is the Loftiest idea
in Literature
HE ‘is the highest Personality
in Philosophy
HE ‘is the Fundamental Doctrine
of Theology
HE ‘is the Supreme Problem
in “higher criticism”!
HE ‘is the Son of God!
There is no means of measuring
His limitless love
It was written in blood
on that wooden cross
erected in Judea
2,000 years ago
HE was born of a woman
so that we could be born of God
HE humbled Himself
so that we could be lifted up
HE became a servant
so that we could be made joint-heirs
HE suffered rejection
so that we could become His friends
HE denied Himself
so that we could freely receive all things
HE gave Himself
so that HE could bless us in every way
He
is available to the tempted and the tried
Blesses the young
Cleanses the lepers
Defends the feeble
Delivers the captives
Discharges the debtors
Forgives the sinners
Franchises the meek
Guards the besieged
Heals the sick
Provides strength to the weak
Regards the aged
Rewards the diligent
Serves the unfortunate
Sympathizes and He saves!
His Offices are many
His Reign is righteous
His Promises are certain
His Goodness is limitless
His Light is matchless
His Love never changes
His Grace is sufficient
His Mercy is everlasting
His Word is enough
His Yoke is easy and
His Burden is light!
He’s indescribable
He’s incomprehensible
He’s irresistible
He’s invincible!
The Heaven of heavens
cannot contain Him
Man cannot explain Him
The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him
but soon learned
that they couldn’t stop Him
They railroaded Him
through 6 illegal trials
and yet
The witnesses couldn’t agree against Him
and the personal representative
of the ruler of the world
couldn’t find any fault with Him
Herod couldn’t kill Him
death couldn’t handle Him
the grave couldn’t hold Him!
HE has always been and always will be
HE had no predecessor and
will have no successor
You can’t impeach Him and
HE isn’t going to resign!
His Name is above every name
That at the name of Yeshua
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue shall confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord!
HE is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory…
for ever, and ever.
Hallelujah! …and Amen!
The confession of Christ – “I AM.”- Today, hear my happy confession. He is.
All of the above, -and more!
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Brother Skip,
I am in agreement with brother Ian on this very challenging word this morning. I have never been exposed to this trajectory of teaching regarding Adam. Even in Adam’s failure and expulsion from the Garden there is still divine purpose to be accomplished by Adam.
That is very revelatory to me!
And then tying it together with the voluntary leaving of the second Adam from the Garden to accomplish the purpose of the Father of redeeming His creation.
This is a very convicting and powerful word! Much blessings!
May we all volunteer our lives to be shalah for the tikkun olam (the reparing of the world).
Amen Brian. I’m the smartest most insightful person I know 😉 and yet here is another piece I’ve never thought about.
Very good Skip! Two weeks ago, for Shavuot, I came across this very interesting commentary on Adam in the garden. (and yes, Shavuot is about redemption of ourselves and the world.)
In God’s original plan all trees that He planted were to bear fruit. Adam did not have to work the ground to eat. Everything he needed was provided. The tree that he was not to eat from was a wheat tree. A fruit tree, once it matures, needs little maintenance only pruning ..the fruit is ready to eat, but it takes a lot of work to plant wheat and produce bread as the final product which is the curse that was placed on Adam. On Shavuot you bring two loaves of bread instead of fruit because the fruit is being judged. Why bring bread instead of fruit? To remind us to return to the state of the garden. The two loaves of bread presented on Shavuot are the clearest reminder of where we were, where we are, and where we can be. Shavuot is the desire, longing to get back to the state of the bread once again, being the fruit of the tree
It is about redemption. Isn’t this amazing that this holiday is the aniversary of the giving of the Torah, and also for us, the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
There is a rabbinic connection between the Torah and the tree of life. Not surprisingly.
Since I first learned that, it has intrigued me. The Tree of Life was protected from man’s taking its fruit, and thus living forever. However, we DO have access to the Torah. Also, we now claim eternal life (the fruit ?) in Yeshua.
Even though the rabbis teach of PARDES levels of understanding encompassed in the Torah, what if there are infinitely more? Did the torn veil indicate an unguarded pathway back to the Tree of Life, and the unhindered Spirit bringing all things to our remembrance? It sounds like a circular path. 🙂
OHHH GAYLE, THAT IS AN EXCITING WAY TO LOOK AT – BE ENLIGHTENED – REVELATORY HOPEFULLY…
“Did the torn veil indicate an unguarded pathway back to the Tree of Life, and the unhindered Spirit bringing all things to our remembrance? It sounds like a circular path.”
SOMEONE ELSE WROTE IN THIS DISCUSSION – MAYBE SKIP – THAT THE GARDEN WAS OPEN TO COME & GO FREELY IN… PERHAPS, MAYBE… ♥ SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES WITH HIM/CHRIST WE CAN COME & GO FREELY ALSO…
Interesting ideas once again presented as for “food for thought” from Skip’s banquet table. Seems as if Skip is on a run lately! Our cup overflows! We love it… and you, Skip! So it got me to thinking that what if it was not just Adam’s “original” sin which caused the world to suffer -including he and the “first family”, but the continual accumulation of all the subsequent sins he committed after the fall. ( the first instance of compound interest?) We know additional sins were there, not just from reasoning backwards, but the Genesis 3 text clearly states some of them. The attempt to hide, naked in the garden, from YHWH. Adam blaming the woman for his eating of the forbidden fruit, never accepting personal responsibility for his actions or lack thereof. The naming of his wife in Gen 3:20
( see Skips book “Guardian Angel” if you don’t know the sin he committed by naming her; but briefly he was never given permission to name his wife-only the right to name the animals whom he was given authority and dominion over). We might be able to also infer from the narrative that his priestly role in his family life may have been likewise affected by sin in citing the murder of Abel by his brother.
So could there be a “piling on”‘, a compounding of sins as it were- not just personally, but also from one generation to another; which if so, is it any wonder that that judgement MUST be soon forthcoming? Have we, in this (perhaps) final generation become so far removed from the image of YHWH by accumulated sins compounded over multiple generations- just as in Noah’s day- that Yah must “destroy the village in order to save it” ? Yah help us.
But the point I was making, before sidetracking myself, is that just as Adams failure was not only a one time event ( though it started there) so is Messiahs mission not to be reduced to a one time event- His birth or His death upon the cross. In order for His life and death, burial and resurrection to be relevant and effective there had to have been the sinless life lived – faultless in every temptation that Adam – and us- failed in. (Sidetrack warning)… If it were just overcoming the sins that Adam failed in, then His temptations might have been reduced to a “manageable” level, that perhaps a “good” person might have been able to achieve? i.e. don’t eat the fruit, don’t blame others, don’t hide, don’t do this and don’t do that. But to overcome all accumulated temptations that are now common to ALL men and remain sinless and walk in perfect obedience to the Father… well, that took not just a 2nd Adam, but a new man.
So likewise our salvation is not a one time event of confessing Him as Lord and Savior, but it is a walking out YHWH’s commandments in faithful obedience and overcoming all temptations by the ” word of our testimony and the Blood of the Lamb”. To relegate it to something less is to FAIL. And this failure will make all EPIC FAILS seem like huge successes. Michael
Yes! Well said.
What if salvation is volunteering to leave the Garden in order to repair the world and reclaim it for God?
What if the compound interest of sin results is the need for greater volunteer sacrifice?
What if this is what it means to love? – To go back in order to heal?
What if Adam’s directive was to reclaim the world and make it like the Garden? What if that is our directive?
What if there is no leaving? Noah didn’t leave, he was rescued while the others were taken out.
What if the second Adam did what the first Adam was supposed to do?
What if Havvah followed (voluntarily?) because it is her role to be the boundary setter for her husband?
What if there is no mention of Havvah leaving because she wasn’t COMPELLED to do so?
What if we were always intended to go in and out of the Garden?
What if the Tree of Life cannot be accessed because this is symbolic of the impossibility of renewal in any other way except through restored relationship?
Finally, isn’t it amazing how many people have responded to this quite simply little anomaly in the story, the lack of a plural pronoun? Does this indicate how tenaciously we hang on to our childhood understandings of the text? Does it give us pause about the other “traditional” readings? Are we encouraged to read much more carefully and to ask about the white elephants in the room, those unspeakable questions that no one seems to want to ask?
SKIP,
WAS THIS QUESTION “What if there is no leaving? Noah didn’t leave, he was rescued while the others were taken out.” IN REGARD TO MY/THIS STATEMENT: “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT – THANK GOD HE IS PROVIDING US ALL WITH A WAY OUT OF THIS MESS – JUST LIKE HE DID NOAH!!!
NOAH DID LEAVE – HE FLOATED AROUND FOR 40 DAYS OR MORE TILL THE WATERS SUBSIDED & LANDED ON A MOUNTAIN – HE LEFT HIS HOME OR COUNTRY & TOOK HIS FAMILY & ANIMALS WITH HIM. YES, ALL OTHERS WERE TAKEN OUT BUT HE DID LEAVE & YES, HE WAS RESCUED – THANK GOD. IF THINGS WERE AS EVIL/BAD AS TO BE ANNIHILATED BY GOD I WOULD BE THINKING THAT NOAH HAD ALSO BEEN PRAYING FOR A WAY OUT OR TO BE RESCUED OR A CHANGE TO TAKE PLACE (I’M SURE HE WAS SICK/GRIEVED ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON AROUND HIM JUST AS MUCH AS GOD WAS OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO ARK) – NOAH WAS THE MAN BECAUSE HE WAS PRAYING/ASKING/WONDERING FOR A WAY OUT & GOD GAVE IT TO HIM & HE HAD TO BUILD IT BY THE SWEAT OF HIS BROW WITH MUCH CRITICISM & PERSECUTION I’M SURE – ESCAPE/RESCUE – THEY CAN BE & ARE ONE IN THE SAME MOST OF THE TIME.
So the question that occurs to me is this: Would Adam have been sent (as opposed to cast) out of the garden had the fall not occurred?
If the sending out was a necessary part of fulfilling the purpose for which he was created, then is not the fact that he was still send out, perhaps despite rather than because of his disobedience, still clothed with priestly garments, and still allowed (or required) to fulfill his purpose (albeit with reduced capacity and greater hardship as a consequence of his actions) yet another illustration and expression of the grace of YHVH at work?
I mean, God could just as easily have said, “Adam, go to your room and stay there!”. Or, he could have just as easily said, “OK, I”ll start over” and killed him. But, no. “Adam, you’ve still got a job to do. It’s going to be a lot harder, and the results won’t be quite as good, but we’ll deal with that later. What’s happened has happened. You can’t change it – it’s in the past. Move on. Time to get on with the job.”
“…still send…” -> “…still sent…” (my fingers got my tenses mixed up). 🙂
Hi Skip,
Could it have anything to do with the fact that Adam was created OUTSIDE the garden, only to be placed IN the garden later? (Gen.2:7+8)
B.t.w.: how could he rule over the fishes of the sea, when there was no sea in the garden?
also read Gen.2:15
What I am seeing here is that Adam was “sent” because if he wasn’t “sent”, his actions would be forever preserved. It was only because he had to experience life “outside”, that he would learn what HaShem wanted him to learn in the first place. Just like the prodigal, sometimes only the harsh reality of “doing” it ourselves, without Him, teaches us that we need Him. If Adam would not listen to G_d as well as the woman (and learn the difference between the two) then the separation from her and in some ways G_d, would help him “remember and obey”. I’m going to stop here before I go off on a bunny trail…
Maybe today is a good day to introduce this line of thought.
How many of us drag thru life convinced we have messed up so badly that we are demoted to plan B? No, not even Adam (nor women who have aborted) messed up so badly that they went from plan A to B and now must ‘make do’.
God is soverign — you are still on plan A. Remember all those verses that say the devil meant it for evil, but God meant it for good?
Consequences you must bear, yes, but YOU CANNOT DISAPPOINT GOD! Isn’t that liberating?
God has played all the way through and put His period.
First vs. in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Last vs. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
How beautiful that is to me !
First recorded statement of Jesus incarnate: (off the top of my head) ‘I must be about my Father’s work.’
Last: “It is finished.”
Thank You, Lord Jesus, thank You !
Just some thoughts before we leave this great conversation and press on to other issues, I’ve been standing back and listening to the conversations over the past couple of days and pondering some of the things that have been posted. Here’s some thoughts that I’ll just throw out there.
In 1 Cor. 11 it says that the woman is the glory of man and it’s preceded by the statement that the …..man is the head of a woman…..the word used in the greek comes from a root that means to seize or take a hold of, hence the head (being the easiest thing to grab onto, so says strong’s) The Hebrew word for this is RSH or rosh translated head, first and captain, amongst others. In Gen. we find it in the first word, BeRESHith, and in Israel’s “blessing” to his son Rueben, “..my firstborn you are my vigor the beginning (v-roshith) of my strength… so we see that a head and a captain and firstfruits are related in that a head is a head because that’s where things are “initiated” from just like the beginning is the initiation of creation and a captain is the initiator of a battle plan. So, go back and read the section of scripture and replace the word head with “initiator” and see what happens.
It seems that everything takes us back to the garden and this is no different. To be a female is to be pierced or bored into, and one can’t be pierced without a piercer, or an initiator! Aside from the obvious sexual connotation isn’t this what we find Adam NOT doing? Do you find it interesting that as far as the text is concerned, Chavah doesn’t bear fruit until AFTER God sends the man out from the garden. What we do find is that Adam doesn’t interfere with a conversation going on between a “serpent” and his wife (pretty complacent, wouldn’t you say?)
Another part of this is that Chavah is the ezer kenegdo, a relationship that also speaks of God’s relation to His people Israel. It’s interesting that although the division was made between male and female in the creation account, The formation of Chavah doesn’t show up until AFTER the completion of the heavens and the earth, and from the man. Wasn’t there another One that showed up later, born of the tribe of Judah from the nation of Israel?
And that brings us to the deception of Chavah. We know that she was deceived, but about what? That she would die? I think that was pretty clear. Could it be that she thought that she could “fix” the man herself by taking of the fruit and therefore giving up her life so that he would be forced to do what he was designed for? There’s another one who loved the man so much that He became sin for us and Gave His life that we might live. So she willingly followed him out of the garden, and THEY became fruitful.
Just some thoughts.
Robert, many men there be that are “chips off the old block”, Lol, won’t make decisions to lead the family God gave them to shepherd, complacent: “whatever you want, dear, you decide” “makes no difference to me”.
All this while women are pleading for someone to follow, –rather hard to follow a parked car!
No wonder women want to “fix”. Yes, its wrong. When I am tempted to fix mine, I decided to turn him over to our Father. If God can’t fix him, no one can, I figure! (But, I am ever so thankful for my husband, don’t mean to leave the impresssion I’m not. What in the world I’d do without him I don’t know, and that is the honest truth.)
However, I don’t see how Eve could have decided to give up her life, she/they didn’t know what death was. No more than Mary and Martha knew about ressurection power in the now. They thought only in the someday. And as for the idea of her acting to “force him”, that is the sin of manupilation, and there was no sin yet.
I guess everybody has, previous to this conversation, spent some time wondering about the fact that they didn’t conceive until after the fall. We know they were a healthy man and woman. It leaves me only to think the tempatation and fall was very SOON after their creation. Satan likes to catch people at the earliest and the most innocent. (even to delighting in killing babies).
Not saying I’m not right and you’re wrong, just more ideas to the conversation
Your comment about “Eve” not knowing what death was deserves a reply. Once again I would remind you that the story is was written for Eve or for Adam. It was written (and understood) for the children of Israel who came out of Egypt and they certainly knew what death was. Once more we must look to the culture and the history in order to interpret the text. This is a story that answers the question “Where did we come from?” but that question is NOT Adam’s question (or Eve’s). It is the question posed by the children of Israel in the 16th Century BC and the language of the story must be read according to them, not Eve and certainly not us.
Okay, Skip, forgive me if I offended you by asking Carl’s opinion. Its your blog, but lots of teachers here. I’ll assume I am forgiven, you’re not a “little man”.
But now your answer, tho appreciated, is confusing to me!
I am not always able to keep my thoughts to who it was written to. It is written to all of us. I know you speak of ages/cultures, and I appreciate that about your teaching. To you it is everything. To me, it isn’t. Because I learn differently.
I am truly interested in these verses revealing the first day or days, thoughts about when, how was it for them in the garden, God’s soverienty, God begining of making a whole community to live with forever and ever. HE is community, I read “let us”.
Sometimes I want to talk in the current for them, not Israel, God’s Word is revelant to me this morning. I’m part of His community.
Of course, no offense. We are here just trying to pursue the truth. Offense is not part of that endeavor.
Wow! Skip, you really sparked something.
Dorothy, -“few there be that find it”- ’nuff said… amen!
Umpty-ump years of human history – (who wants to tell us how long this has been goin’ on?) and (heaven forbid) personal experience of decades of living and the living word(s) of God tell me- (and there are others among us) sin separates and divides.
I do believe God’s favorite number (if He has one) is “one.” The two shall become one flesh. Hear O Israel, the LORD “our” God is ONE. For there is (and will always be!) ONE LORD, ONE Faith, ONE baptism.. (helpful household hint..) – it is NOT the baptism of John! – or even of the Baptists (of which I am one)- it is the bride of Christ who has been baptism by ONE Spirit into the Body of Christ, His church, His future bride. There is a wedding supper yet to be, and a heavenly honeymoon that will follow. I will be seated, with all other Mephibosheths at the King’s Table and feasting (this time literally) on the riches of His grace. Yes, there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth for the old will be thoroughly purged with fire. Fire is that which purifies and as we know -“our God is a consuming fire”- ~ But who may endure the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appears? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap…~ (Malachi 3.2)
This is the subject to which we all should be paying great attention to and this is no “subject” but rather the KING of glory! This is no meek and mild gentle Lamb who once was- this is the ONE who was dead but is NOW alive forevermore! This, dear brothers and sisters is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Second Adam, the ONE who HAS conquered death, hell and the grave.
What we “all” need to be asking ourselves, the one in the mirror, is this one question: Do I belong to the Shepherd? Is “I” a sheep, or is “I” a goat? (my English teacher would have a hiss-tissy!) Is “I” a wheat or is “I” a tare? (they look so much alike!).
~ But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear His word? Who has listened and heard His word? ~ (Jeremiah 23:18)
~ and all these My hand hath made, and all these things are, an affirmation of YHWH! – and unto this one I look attentively, unto the humble and bruised in spirit, and who is trembling at My word ~ (Isaiah 66.2)
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.
Mercy there was great, -and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There, -my burdened soul found liberty. At Calvary.
Praise God for the Second Adam, our Mediator and Intercessor, the LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
~ For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that “whoever” believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. ~ (John 3.16)
~ I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance ~ (Luke 5.32)
Carl, please go look at my reply to Robert’s thoughts this morning. I’d be most interested to hear it if you decide to add your viewpoint.
Excellent word study!!! This whole “rapture theology” was spun from the mind of John Darby in the early 1800’s, based soley and wrongly on Darby’s interpretation of 1Thessalonians4:16-17. Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins have profited quite well off of Darby’s rapture theology, i.e., the “Left Behind” series. There is no rapture scripture that I can find in my Bible, if the scripture is read in context and Pauls use of the lurid metaphors from Daniel, interpreted correctly. The Second Coming of the Savior will be a reality and the Lords Prayer will come to Earthly fruition: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Jeshua preached the Kingdom of God is at hand!! Jeshua is the first fruits of the renewed and redeemed creation, whereby, in God’s perfect timing, this Earth and all the cosmos will be transformed. So roll up your sleaves, for there is work to do on this Earth, this Earth that is being transformed as we speak.
Thanks, David. What a disaster Darby created! How many Christians think that our true home is somewhere else – and therefore there is nothing to do here but let it go to rot.
NOW SKIP – THAT KIND OF ATTITUDE WILL GET YOU NO WHERE FAST – EVEN WITH GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT – YOU KNOW THAT THOSE OF US WHO WISH TO MEET HIM IN THE AIR OR ANYWHERE ELSE HE CHOOSES TO PRESENT HIMSELF OR BE HIS BRIDE AS SCRIPTURE SURELY TEACHES US – DO NOT HAVE THE DESIRE TO SIT HERE & LET IT GO TO ROT.
NONE OF THOSE IN CHRIST TRUE HOME IS HERE – HERE IN DEGRADATION & FILTH THAT IS OVERTAKING US & THIS PRESENT WORLD??? WHAT DO YOU PROPOSE WE DO ABOUT THIS MESS OTHER THAN PRAY & GO WHERE GO LEADS US – AGAIN, YOU ARE ASSUMING THERE ARE THOSE LETTING IT GO TO ROT & I AM SAYING/EXPRESSING DO YOU ABSOLUTELY KNOW FOR SURE THAT IS THE CASE IN THOSE WHOM YOU ARE HAVING THIS OPINION ABOUT.
I SEE A LOT OF COMMENTS MADE HERE RECENTLY THAT SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHT OF THAT OF KINGDOM THEOLOGY & DOMINIONISM. WHICH TO ME IS WRONG ALSO – THIS SCHOOL OF THOUGHT BELIEVES THAT “MAN” WILL READY THIS BROKEN & FALLEN WORLD FOR KING JESUS’S RETURN – THAT WE/MEN/WOMEN ARE GOING TO BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR OF HIS IMMINENT RETURN – THAT HE/KING JESUS WILL NOT RETURN UNTIL “WE” HAVE CLEANED UP THIS MESS & THAT IS NOT SCRIPTURALY ACCURATE OR TRUE.
Our “Christian Theology” focuses so much on “Not of this World” rhetoric, (actually I believe the correct translation is “Not from this World”), that we believe the rhetoric and completely miss the Biblical message that the Kingdom is advancing, even though we may not see it or understand it. I don’t have anything “nailed”, but I know that the Creator has/had a plan, employed His plan and saw the First Fruits of His plan for the redemption of humanity and the renewal of the cosmos, layed bare on the Cross of Jeshua. I give no credence to sloppy slogans, but only to the blood of Jeshua the Messiah. Shalom!!
Then you will both still be here when the church is taken away. Jesus is coming for His church soon.
DOROTHY, MY BELOVED SISTER IN CHRIST – I FEEL YOUR HEARTBREAK – IT IS MINE TOO & I FEEL THE SAME – I WROTE FROM MY HEART & WAS DOING SO WHEN YOU POSTED THIS SO BE SURE TO READ MY COMMENT/POST… 🙁
Jan, you said I could be your mama. okay 🙂
I glean this blog for names for my prayer list.
Yours is on it, –hold fast to that you know is right. (read I Peter 5: 7)
Rhanda is on it, –young Joan of Arc, the race is not always to the swift, (read Isa. 51: 7)
Carl is on it, –he is a warrior who believes every jot & tittle of the Word straight up! Long may he prosper and long may he continue to be a signpost for truth, –long may his fingers keep hitting the keys! He probably buys keyboards by the 6 pak. 🙂 and he is my strong brother.
Skip is on it, –for I fear for him.
And there is a couple on it, that I can’t recall their names, God knows.
My Jesus is scooting me along out of here, (you know that, Jan, don’t you?) I must go where He leads. He sees danger and is moving me to another pasture for feeding.
(yes, Skip, I know you see every comment instantly, I co-run 3 websites myself, became too weary and dumped my own blog, and I know you have much else to attend to as well.) I hope you let this stand. I’ve used the delete key many a time myself!!
Actually, Dorothy, you will be here also and the “Church”, the body of God, will not be taken anywhere, notwithstanding any teachings you have heard. God’s Heaven will spread across this Earth, as the Lord’s prayer commands. Heaven is near!! The Body of Christ (Church) will be where the Lord’s is: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” The nexus of Heaven and Earth, the merging of Heaven and Earth is found within each of us, if you believe/trust God. So where do you want to venture but into the arms of Jeshua?? Shalom.
If I understand Scripture correctly, His will, WILL, be done on Earth, as in Heaven. Jeshua is the first fruits of the renewed creation. If the Holy Spirit resides within you, then the nexus of God’s dimension(Heaven) and his creatures(Earth) are joined. There is really no where to retreat to or to escape to or be transported to. Read Revelation 21 and notice where the new Heaven is located. Come from love and be your best and live a life worthy of the gospel of Jeshua!! Shalom!!
Dorothy- **My Jesus is scooting me along out of here, – I must go where He leads. He sees danger and is moving me to another pasture for feeding.**
Don’t you be leaving this website, if’n that if what I’m reading between the lines- we need you right (write) here! You’re like a shot of oxygen to my lungz! Either that or I’ll tell ya’, – “if you ever leave me, -I’m going with you!” lol!
Yes, and yes. This world is not my “final” home, but His words to me (and to us) were “occupy-invest-pragmateuomai!” ’til I come! There is work (and much work) to do- right here, right now, today- and in “this” place!- (wherever “this” place may be!) We truly are to “brighten the corner where we are!” – In His words?- ~ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven ~ (Matthew 5.16) Good deeds? Oh? Yes. Good deeds. Why? – Because He also “went about doing good!”- and the servant is certainly not above His Master.
Christians are not scared of good works, but we don’t work our soul to save- that work is already done! But we will work like any slave for the love of God the Son! – Our motivation to avad (work-worship-love-serve) ADONAI is love. We love Him because He first us, and we love one another because we (who belong to Him) are one big (and very diverse!) family. I, for one, am so glad to be part of the family of God dear brothers!- and so grateful to be sitting at the King’s Table, though I also am lame in both my feet! (figuratively speaking). Oh, but I can also surely testify of the desolate land of Lodebar, the land of no pasture!- for brothers, sisters, – I have “been there- done that!- and this saint ain’t goin’ back for nothing! I’m through with that lifestyle. No more eatin’ tin cans with the devil’s billy goats, this man has eaten from the Banqueting Table of the King and I like it! ~When I discovered Your words, (whose words?, God’s words!) I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your Name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies. ~ (Jeremiah 15.16) ~ More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb ~ (Psalm 19.10) Moreover by them is Your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward! (Psalm-song 19.11)
Now here’s the thing, not only are we sons and saints, soldiers and sheep, but we also, I believe most importantly, are stewards!- Yes, not owners, (we know Who the Owner is) but rather – stewards. Someone who takes care of things, while the Owner is away, and from the Bible I read, the “Earth” is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof and six days (Adam) shall we labor. (We are commanded to work!) If God owns it, (rather “since” He owns it)- should I be then, a good steward of what rightfully belongs to Him? Oh, and we all have been given so much!, – such an awesome responsibility!
I wonder have I done my best for Jesus,
Who died upon the cruel tree?
To think of His great sacrifice at Calvary; I know my LORD expects the best from me.
The hours that I have wasted are so many; the hours I’ve spent for Christ so few;
Because of all my lack of love for Jesus, -I wonder if His heart is breaking too.
I wonder have I cared enough for others, or have I let them die alone?
I might have helped a wand’rer to the Saviour, the seed of precious Life I might have sown.
No longer will I stay within the valley, I’ll climb to mountain heights above;
The world is dying now for want of someone, to tell them of the Saviour’s matchless love.
How many are the lost that I have lifted?
How many are the chained I’ve helped to free?
I wonder, – have I done my best for Jesus, when He has done so much for me?
You will know if you have done your best for Jeshua if you answer that question with, “I don’t know or more accurately, I don’t have a clue!!! Forgive me Jeshua!
Carl, if you can hear me over the racket, don’t YOU go! We have confidence in His presence and know we are never alone. There are others here who want to stand, but are yet too weak.
I have been praying for your strength, and power to your words, and praising God for your assignment since a few days after getting here. All glory to God alone for any refreshing you feel!
He hears our prayers and still each time I am dancing a little happiness jig when I hear of an answer. I’m going to have a t-shirt made that says “I’ve had thousands and thousands of prayers answered. Do you want to know MY God?”
Quote from a 19th missionary with a passion for God. “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”
Dorothy!- dude-ress! Let’s do this! For He has said, (isn’t this “how we roll?”) – “I will build my church!”- and I’d certainly rather be a help than a hindrance!
The unchanging words of God are “after” you have suffered awhile- make you perfect, stablish, strengthen you, and I would hope I’m now living on the other side of the “after!”- however, like the *ahem, “sizable sister” said, -“it ain’t over, ’til it’s over!- and amen! (sister), – “it ain’t over!”
Lol!- I’m no hero m’am, just one who through many dangers, trials, tears and fears has learned to listen, to pay attention and (of course!) to do.
I’ve also (through this very blog-site, web-site, cyber-gathering of like-minded followers of the Way, (if you’re real radical you might whisper “Christians”)- it’s not about “me”, -but it absolutely is “about us”- the very diverse body of Christ, “both” Jew and Gentile, male and female, Barbarian, Scythian, slave or freeman. I actually am simple enough to believe if “any man” (or woman) is in Christ, he (or she) is a totally new creation, even though I would like to meet a real Scythian one day. I’d love to say, “Meet my new friend Steve, he’s a twice-born Scythian!”
I hear. I’ll take a few days off and seriously pray about staying ‘write’ here.
And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]. 1 Thess. 5:14
And no matter what, I’ll see you here, there, or in the air! Blessings to you and wife and all those you love.
Dorothy,
How are you doing? I do not really understand some of your comments. How do you know if someone is on target with YHWH or not by simply reading what they post here? Are you in relationship with any of the people that you approve of or those who disturb you? How can you tell so much by what is written?
How long have you been reading here? I have been a part of this website for over three years now and studying our Biblical roots for almost thirty. Please do not take my questions as threatening.
In relationship to the whole Rapture theology, have you ever heard of Corrie ten Boom? I wll assume that you have, and I want to leave you with her warning to the Christian world and particularly to the church in the West. There are many places you can go on the internet to find her warning, but here is one.
http://filesfromtoni.blogspot.com/2010/07/corrie-ten-boom-warns-against-pre.html
In His Care, Brian
Once more with feeling: THE TRADITION IS STRONGER THAN THE TEXT. I have seen a lot of this is the last few days. Massaging the text to get it lined up with our inherited traditions (and theological doctrine is also a tradition). This is especially true when we use texts written thousands of years later in order to supply meaning to verses written thousands of years earlier. Of course, this is a legitimate exercise if we are attempting to provide theological doctrine, but in terms of MEANING, this violates most exegetical principles. The works of Paul might help us understand how PAUL understood the texts of Moses, but it will not help us understand how MOSES understood those verses.