It has been awhile since last time I sent you a reflection on the daily reading. I have been keeping up, just did not spend the needed time to write down my thoughts. If you have a chance check out Numbers 6 and the desire to be a Nazirite. I think it is pretty neat how God gave both men and woman a way to express a greater devotion to Him for a short time of their life. Can you name some famous Nazirites?
Today's readings (check the calendar for today on my Christian Ninja blog page) remind me just how dangerous our Lord and Saviour can be. In Numbers, we read how the anger of God consumed people living on the edge of the camp. While I am confident the people consumed by the fire, knew they were challenging the God who had saved them from horror of Egypt, I am equally sure the people were surprised by God's response. Are we surprised when God acts in a physically destructive manor?
Next we see God sending the Holy Spirit (the Spirit that gives Moses the strong desire to teach and care for the people) onto many of the recognized elders of the people. The Holy Spirit was even shared with men who should have been at the gathering but did not attend. Adds new meaning to the statement "Those who miss the meeting are given the most difficult tasks". Two points I wanted to highlight.
First, that God is the one who sends the Holy Spirit and its concern for the people onto the elders. So while all of us should strive to live like an elder (Titus), the elder is someone we (the church) agree the Holy Spirit has gifted and burden with the concerns of the people. The other point is the elders response to the Holy Spirit resting on them. They prophesied (Numbers 11:25).
One idea my seminary professors continue to drive home, is that when one prophesies, they are not forecasting the future, they are speaking for God. That could be telling the people about a vision of the future like Daniel. It could be telling the people about God's law, something Moses has been doing throughout the book of Numbers. Today, we would say our pastors and ruling elders speak prophesies to us as they read and teach us from the Bible (our only inerrant source of God's revelation). These are the men who we believe God through the Holy Spirit has placed a concern for the flock (us) as confirmed by there ability to preach, teach, and live out what God tells us in the Bible.
Pray for these men. It is a great burden they carry.
Know that I continue to pray for you. Pray for me, I meet with the Presbytery Education Committee on Thursday to look at my progress in ordination process. Finally, I am working on my next resource building letter and updating my blog page.
In the mist of these struggles, continue to faithfully turn to God's Word. It is the only place to find stability in an ever changing world.
Seeking to know Jesus better,
Dwayne
No comments:
Post a Comment