The Last Covenant ... that we will be discussing for now :-)

So here we are, probably needing a bit if a repeat...right?

I need a refresher.

We talked about the Abrahamic covenant, which our Creator made with Abraham because of his obedience. This ensuring that the seed/offspring of the woman, representing God's heavenly organization of faithful angels, would come through Abraham's line. This separating Abraham's family as God's chosen people.

Then came the David ice covenant, promising David that the Messiah would be a descendant of his. This was a kingly line. And it would be established forever because Jesus and his throne will exist forever.

Got it?

However, in order for all mankind to fully benefit, the offspring would need to be more than just a king. They would also need to be a priest.

While the Abrahamic and Davidic covenant makes sure that the offspring of the woman would have a kingly function, for all the nations to be truly blessed, freedom from their sinful state was needed before being brought into Jehovah's universal family. This required that the offspring would also serve in a priestly capacity.

You'll understand why :-)

Our wise Creator provided another legal arrangement, the covenant for a priest like Melchizedek.

Jehovah revealed through David that he would make a personal covenant with Jesus with a two-fold objective: to have Jesus "sit at God's right hand" until he subdues his enemies and for him to be a "priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek."

Why "in the manner of Melchizedek"?

Because, long before any descendants of Abraham inherited the Promised Land, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, served as "priest of the Most High God." Heb. 7:1-3. He was directly appointed by Jehovah to do so. He is the only one mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures who served as both a king and a priest.

This was highly unusual.

And since he was without a recorded predecessor or successor, it was as if he held this position forever. Why he can be called "a priest for all time."

The tie-in?

Jesus is directly appointed to be a priest by means of this personal covenant that Jehovah made with him, and he will remain "a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek," Heb. 5:4-6.

This clearly shows Jehovah has legally bound himself to use the Messianic Kingdom, for which we pray, to accomplish his original purpose concerning humans on earth.

Are you not uplifted?  ... A brand new day is on the horizon!

King David ... Where Does He Fit In God's Purpose?

So is your head spinning around in covenants? Shall I throw another one in?

Sure ... you can handle it. Watch!

Remember, the questions are:

Will the Messianic Kingdom ever become corrupt?
Will this Kingdom government need to be replaced?

The simple answer is "no".

Why not?

Because Jehovah God made another covenant to insure that this won't happen.

The Messiah’s rule will never become corrupt, and the benefits that come from his rule will be/last forever because Christ's death and ransom provided that security.

But before this took place, Jehovah made a promise to King David of ancient Israel called the Davidic covenant. 2 Samuel 7:12, 16.

Jehovah promised that the Messiah would be one of David's descendants. Luke 1:30-33.

In this way, Jehovah gave more specific information about the family line of the Messiah. He said that this descendant of David would have "legal right" to be King of the Messianic Kingdom.  Ezekiel 21:25-27.

David’s kingship will rule forever because Jesus, the descendant of David, "will endure forever; his throne will endure like the sun." Psalm 89:34-37.

Do you see the sun going anywhere?

So we can be confident that the Messiah’s rule will never become corrupt and that the benefits that result from it will last forever!

How do you feel about that? ... Talk about a secure future.

Okay, so again ... the Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant guarantee that the offspring of the woman would rule as a king.

But in order for all mankind to fully benefit, the offspring would need to be more than just a king. The offspring would also need to be a priest.

Do you want to know why? ... Well, I'll tell you Monday anyway :-)

How Does A #Covenant With #Abraham Affect Us?

So, yesterday we discussed that faithful Abraham was the reason the Jews were once chosen as God's favored people. 

But while the Abrahamic covenant was literally fulfilled by his descendants when they inherited the Promised Land, the Scriptures showed that there would also be a spiritual fulfillment. Gal. 4:22-25.

In this greater fulfillment,  the Apostle Paul under inspiration explained: The primary part of the offspring (seed) of Abraham is Christ and the secondary part refers to 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians chosen to rule with him. Gal. 3:16, 29; Rev. 5:9, 10; 14:1, 4.

Awww, come on now ... you know it makes sense!

How many times have you complained against your congressmen or senators, or leaders of any government because of their lack of understanding or compassion?

Jesus learned a lot while here on earth. The scriptures said "he learned obedience from the things he suffered." Heb. 5:8, 9.

However, are you not comforted by the fact that these individuals are chosen from all walks of life? 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

When judged during the 1,000 years wouldn't you want sympathetic representatives to speak up in your behalf as you work towards perfection?

Not that Jehovah and Jesus would be unfair, by any means! It's just our nature to want to know that another human--or a spirit creature once a human being, understands us. Will vouch for us.

You know you agree:-)

So let's back up. As a reminder, the woman of Gen. 3:15 producing the offspring is none other than "the Jerusalem above"--the heavenly part of God's organization, made up of loyal spirit creatures. Gal. 4:26, 31. And as the Abrahamic covenant promised ... all mankind will be blessed.

It, the covenant, points to the King and his corulers in God's Kingdom, and it forms a legal foundation of the Kingdom of the heavens. This was Jehovah's sworn oath with Abraham that it would come through his line. It's a kingly covenant. Heb. 6:13-18.

How long will this covenant stay in effect?

It is "an everlasting covenant." Gen 17:7. It remains in effect until the Messianic Kingdom destroys God's enemies and all the families of the earth have been blessed. 1 Cor. 15:23-26.

No elections every four years since the rulers are crowned with immortality. Rev. 20:6; 1 Cor. 15:50-54.

However, those who will then live on earth will benefit in an everlasting way. God's covenant with Abraham shows that Jehovah is determined to fulfill his purpose that righteous humans 'fill the earth"! Gen. 1:28.

But you may wonder ... will the Messianic government ever become corrupt and then have to be eliminated? 

That takes us into another covenant.

Shall we discuss that Friday?

Why God Chose One Nation Over Another

So, back to Eden and the Edenic promise.

Wasn't ìt awesome how Our Creator showed his immense love for us as future offspring of the now imperfect Adam by making provisions for our salvation immediately? ... Gen. 3:15.

And ... the Messianic Kingdom with Christ Jesus as its established King would be/is solidly based on God's righteous standards. Ps. 89:14.

Are these not reasons enough to find out more about this kingdom government?

Okay, then let's continue.

If you ever wondered why God chose one nation over another here is the Biblical reason why.

2,000 years after passing sentence on Satan, Jehovah commanded the patriarch Abraham to leave Ur, his hometown in Mesopotamia to go the land of Canaan. Acts 7:2, 3. Jehovah said to him:

"Go out from your land and away from your relatives and from the house of your father to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you will become a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who calls down evil on you, and all the families of the ground will certainly be blessed by means of you." Gen. 12:1-3.

Sounds familiar? 

This is the earliest recorded account of the Abrahamic covenant--the covenant that Jehovah made with Abraham. We don't know exactly when this covenant was first made known to Abraham. But we do know that it went into effect in 1943 B.C.E., when Abraham left Haran and crosses the Euphrates River ... at the age of 75 years!

Now, how many of us think that we want to relocate from all that we know based upon a promise that seems a bit unbelievable? ... To live in tents! ... And when was this to take place? ... He was already getting up in years.

Were those his thoughts?

Well ... Jehovah restated his promise to Abraham many times, adding further details. Gen. 13:15-17; 17:1-8, 16.

So Jehovah was considerate even if Abraham didn't voice his concerns. Although, maybe Sarah did. Or maybe not. . . Maybe you can ask them when they are resurrected back to earth.

Imagine them finally getting a chance to literally see the fulfillment of that covenant. Not just through the eyes of faith. Their faith will be realized right before their eyes...all nations serving Jehovah unitedly on a cleansed earth. Ps. 37:10, 11, 29; Rev. 21:3, 4.

Sorry, where was I ...

That's right ... Abraham showed a willingness to offer up his only son--as a foregleam of Jehovah's willingness to offer up his only-begotten Jesus in our behalf ... so the deal was sealed!

Jehovah reinforced the covenant with an unconditional promise stated in Genesis 22:15-18; Hebrews 11:17, 18.

After the covenant went into effect, Jehovah gradually revealed important details about the offspring of the woman: It would descend from Abraham, would be many in number,  would have a kingly function, would destroy all enemies, and would be a blessing for many others.

So you understand why the Jews were chosen over other nations?

Abraham, God's faithful friend, with whom he made a covenant was a Jew. And Jehovah is loyal to his friends. So the Jewish nation, for awhile because of him, held a special position with God.

But remember, all nations would be blessed by means of Abraham's seed.

And before we move on from this covenant, ...

While the Abrahamic covenant had a literal fulfillment for the descendents of Abraham when they inherited the Promised Land, the Scriptures show that there also was a spiritual fulfillment.

This affects us even today.

Shall we discuss that tomorrow?

Should We Allow The World To Mold Us?

Should We Allow The World To Mold Us?

What do you think about this question?

Many would say why not? ... Whereas others may already be aware of the dangers in doing this.

So, instead of continuing with the blogs about the Edenic Promise and Why God Chose One Nation Over Others, today let's temporarily divert.

The reason?

Read a Bible commentary today and so enjoyed the topic, thought I'd share. Especially because many find it difficult not to follow the crowd.

It may start in the family. The more dominant or vocal member drowns out any of the others until they are flooded out mentally and emotionally.  So then they bob, non-to-merrily, along.

They figure why fight it?

Then, in school the same thing happens. After that the workplace. And it has been happening for centuries.

So again you may ask: why fight it?

Every answer is personal. I would just like to share something I've learned.

That is this:

That prophecies in the Bible regarding the end usually have two fulfillments. The first, because of Israel's rejecting and eventual killing of God's Son, Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.

Why Jesus said in Matthew 23:37-39:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her--how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you. For I say to you, you will by no means see me from now until you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah's name!"

The Disciples were not told the date of this destruction. But they were given a sign about when to flee Jerusalem.  Many Jews saw that sign four years before the end.

The Roman armies surrounded the city, then amazingly withdrew without any apparent explanation, allowing all believers to exit quickly. Their faith further tested in their living/waiting for this to happen in the mountains without their creature comforts. Some eased back into the city and were caught in its demise.

Further details of this are found in The War of the Jewish by Flavius Josephus.

(However, there is no evidence that he--Josephus, was himself a Christian, or even that he was familiar with Jesus' prophecies.)

And the Second fulfillment is in regards to Our Day.

We are admonished:

"Be transformed by making your mind over." Romans 12:2.

What does that mean?

Here is what the commentary stated:

"The "mind" relates to our thinking faculties. But as used in the Bible, it includes our mental inclination, attitude, and power of reason. Earlier in his letter to the Romans, Paul described people who reflected a "disapproved mental state."

Such ones were given to "unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit," and other hurtful things. Romans 1:28-31.

Sadly, we are surrounded by people in the world who fit Paul's description. For us not to be fashioned, or molded, by the world any longer, we need to make an honest appraisal of our innermost attitudes and feelings, our goals, and our values.

Such things may be hidden from public view. Others may tell us that we are doing well. Yet, we alone know if we really have allowed what we have learned from the Bible to transform us in these critical areas. James 1:23-25."

Although this quote was not written for the world in general, I felt that some of you may enjoy this reminder that just like in Jesus' day, Jehovah has a time frame in mind. The final end was not prophecied for Jesus' day. Jehovah has given humankind an additional 2,000 years to demonstrate their ability to rule themselves, really under Satan's direction.

How are they doing?

Do you think that anyone can rule better than Jesus, under Jehovah's direction when they have sacrificed so much already in our behalf?

And when he lovingly choses humans--starting with his disciples, to rule with him, because they that can relate to us better than angels, does this not show us their further concern for our future development? Rev. 5:9, 10; 7:4.

Can anyone show greater love for us than they have? 

So, when Our Creator says that he will "bring to ruin those ruining the earth" should we not be happy and try to comply with his standards for the new earth? Revelation 11:18; 2 Peter 3:13.

Is this not something worth considering?

Part V ... Who Do They Represent?

So we are to discuss the identity of the serpent and his seed and the woman and her seed mentioned in Genesis 3:15. Before we do let's recap...

Our beautiful planet was prepared for human habitation and the Creator issued three decrees regarding humans:

God would create mankind in his image

Humans were to expand Paradise globally, filling it with perfect righteous offspring

And ... Humans were prohibited from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Gen. 1:26, 28; 2:16, 17.

Was anything else needed? ... Food, a home, and work ... check!

So after God created man in his image, all Adam and Eve needed to do was fulfill the other two decrees to have God's purpose accomplished.

Well, we've discussed the outcome.

Yet, what if God had just destroyed them right off the bat? You know, started over?

Destroying the rebels, Satan included, would have ended the #rebellion, but God's expressed purpose
to have the earth filled with obedient descendants of Adam and Eve would go unfulfilled.

So our wise Creator responded with the profound prophecy of Genesis 3:15. He saw the need for a new #government over mankind. So the Edenic promise was issued to indicate how this would be accomplished and to ensure that every detail of his word would come true.

By means of this promise, Jehovah passed judgement on the serpent and its offspring representing ... Satan the Devil and all those who would take his side on the issue on God's right to rule or of God's #sovereignty.

The true God gave to the offspring of his heavenly woman the authority to destroy Satan and reverse the ill effects of his actions by means of the woman and her offspring.

Who is this #heavenly #woman and her offspring?

Since her offspring was to crush the serpent's head, or to "bring to nothing" the spirit creature Satan the Devil, the "#seed" would have to be a spirit person. Heb. 2:14.

So, the woman giving birth to the offspring would also have to be of a spiritual nature too?

Yes. She is not an earthly woman. Satan has not had any special hatred toward any human female that we know of.

Rather, this is a symbolic woman identified in Revelation. She is described as being "adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head."

She, "The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne." #Revelation 12:1-5, The Jerusalem Bible.

Learning the identity of the "male child" will help us identity her.

Is the child literal?

Couldn't be; just as the woman is not a real human female.

Remember the scripture says the male child would do what?

"Rule all the nations." Not possible from a human standpoint.

So the child represents God's government with Jesus Christ ruling as king.

Therefore, "the woman," represents God's organization of faithful heavenly creatures.
Just as the "male child" came forth from "#the #woman," so the king, Jesus, came forth from the heavenly organization, the body of loyal spirit creatures in heaven that work together to carry out God's purpose.

You recall that Jesus was the "first-born of all creation," "Image of the invisible God," "by means of him all other things were made to exist," ... right? Col. 1:13-20. (Any questions, please ask.)

Okay ... so we will continue

Galatians 4:26 calls this organization "the #Jerusalem above. "

So then, when Adam and Eve first rebelled against God's rulership, Jehovah made this arrangement for a Kingdom government that would serve as #hope for lovers of righteousness.

As, Satan's "seed" or offspring increased, the identity of the woman and her offspring stayed a mystery for almost 4,000 years after Jehovah gave this Edenic promise.

Meanwhile,  Jehovah made several covenants that identify the offspring and assured His servants that this offspring would undo the damage done to the human family by Satan.

We will discuss those covenants later... give our brains a rest.

Part IV ... Was God Too Harsh In His Punishment?

Was God Too Harsh In His Punishment?

Well ... was it really just a matter of eating a piece of fruit? 

No.

Sadly, Adam and Eve were not content to have Jehovah as their Sovereign.  Instead, they chose to follow a rebellious spirit son of God, Satan. Gen. 3:1-6. And as we have seen in our time, life apart from God's rule brings/brought pain, suffering, and death to them and their offspring.  Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 5:12.

Our Creator no longer had obedient subjects on the earth.

This was the beginning and all the heavenly angels were watching.

How sad! ... And how this emboldened Satan.

But did this mean that The Almighty lost control, that he had relinquished sovereignty over the earth and its inhabitants?

Absolutely not!

He exercised his authority by driving the man and woman out of the garden of Eden; prevented their return by assigning cherubs to stand guard at the entrance. Gen. 3:3, 24.

Is this not what companies do to those no longer under their employment ... have them escorted out?

However, at the same time, Jehovah showed his fatherly love by confirming that his purpose to have a universal family of devoted spirit sons as well as humans sons would be accomplished.  He promised an "offspring" who would bring an end to Satan and undo the effects of Adam's sin.

This first prophecy is found in Genesis 3:15:

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.  He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel."

The mystery began ... how does it affect us? 

Let us first identify the players.

Why Obedience Is Better ... Part III

Why #Obedience is Better.

Pure and simple ... You are happier. No looking over your shoulder with a soiled and guilty conscious, hiding, covering over your tracks, etc.

It's Freedom! ... Okay, in the world it doesn't seem so. But let's go back a second to yesterday's post.

Do you not think that Eve would have done things differently if she had known or really given consideration to what her husband said? He was the one given the instructions. He even added: "You must not touch it: otherwise you will die." Genesis 3:3.

Do we know how long Adam lived before Eve was created? ... No.

What we do know is: the earth God provided, even now, is beautiful. Adam, made in the image of God, was the crowning touch on the Creator's earthly works. Gen. 1:26-28.

So, should not God expect Adam's obedience?

Jehovah conveyed all of his instructions with love and kindness. In no way did those directives unduly restrict man's freedom. Gen. 2:15-17.

And think about it. Adam lived in a marvelous self-sustaining home.

And working under Jehovah's direction should have been the ultimate, since he is pleased to delegate responsibility to his subjects, treating them as trusted members of his family--unlike many human monarchs.

Adam had #authority over other living creatures. He even was assigned the enjoyable and challenging task of naming the animals. Gen.1:26; 2: 19, 20.

So, Adam was an intelligent man. What we don't know is why and how Eve manipulated him.

But was she happier with increased birth pangs, a husband now working a job that was more difficult to provide for his family? Murder and the exile of a son, which probably made it harder for her to see those grand children? And the list goes on and on...

Was she happier?

But you may be asking: Was God too harsh in his punishment?

Is It Fair... Part II .... Ask "My Mother"

My #Mother

by Seah Greenhorn

So the question was raised...Is it Fair ... that, in order to live in the New World of 2 Peter 3:13, we must obey God in every little thing? ... I mean, at least try to?

Maybe the following will help us understand the consequences of disobedience:



In sin my mother conceived me

though #naive, decisive she'd be
when a narcissistic serpent deceived she
enamored, her man,
his power he'd concede

and his "head" he also
disloyally forsook.

In sin my mother #conceived me

at times happy, yet sadly she'd see
early, how sin birthing #envy
in the heart of one seed
sprouted hatred. Now a wicked river
courses centuries between brothers,
their blood mingling tears

flowage from the roots.

In sin my mother conceived me

Disunity of nations the fruit
commencing with families #dysfunctional,
foundations makeshift ... then poof!
Into sinkholes of depression and death
in succession--the proof.

In sin my mother conceived me

Just think how different it'd be
If only she'd loved and obeyed "He"
then families, not racially divided
would've lived Eternally perfect,

Universally in "Truth."

Yes ...

In sin my mother conceived me

So,

though Adam is responsible
for our sin and death
unfathomable,

Eve was accountable
too.

In sin my mother conceived me
In sin my mother conceived me

In sin

My Mother

Conceived
Me.

Is obedience a small thing?

Words to Ponder: Ride in the cause of Truth and Humility

Words to Ponder:

Ride in the cause of Truth and Humility...

Psalm 45:4

Ride in the cause of Truth.

Yes!!! ... Isn't it about time?

But, ... Humility?  Do we want our Leaders humble?

Well let's consider it.

How often have we read these famous words?

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." #Charles #Dickens--#A #Tale #of #Two #Cities, about the #French #Revolution.

The reason for his words?

Helping his readers understand the unrest of that day, as well as the optimism that momentous changes in history were occurring.

Yet, are not the problems back then in the late 1700's the same problems we are experiencing today, around the world? ... #Abuse #of #power and massive #governmental #debt?

So really, do not Mr. Dickens' words apply more aptly today?

Think about it ... Is an arrogant haughty attitude the answer?

Arrogantly people force others into a subservient role and fight to keep them there. Under that mentality would justice ever prevail?

How could it? Is not pride of race, privilege, background, etc. the reasons why many feel they Can dominate others?  

Also...foretold for our day, on top of this:

Great earthquakes,  food shortages, pestilence, international war ... and,

The Good News proclaimed worldwide.--Matthew 24.

Good News?!

Yes!

The #Warrior-King, Jesus, does not wage a war of conquest in order to occupy territories and #subjugate peoples.

His is a #righteous #war with noble objectives.

Like the above scripture mentions...He rides "in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness."

So you ask ... what's his "truth"?

The greatest truth that must be defended is that of Jehovah's universal sovereignty.

It was challenged immediately upon Eve's arrival on the scene. Satan chose the young and naive to introduce independence from her Creator.

Satan challenged the legitimacy of Jehovah's #rulership when he rebelled against him. Since then, the above fundamental truth has been disputed by both demons and humans.

Now the time has come for Jehovah's anointed King to ride forth ... like the picture ... to #establish the #truth of Jehovah's sovereignty ... Once  ... and for all time!

Okay, okay, you say; but "in the cause of humility"?

Yes, humility is key. As God's only-begotten Son, Jesus provided a magnificent example of #humility and #loyal #subjection to his Father's #sovereignty.

Said of him:

"The Sovereign Lord Jehovah has given me the tongue of those taught, so that I may know how to answer the tired one with the right word. He awakens me morning by morning;  He awakens my ear to listen like the taught ones. The Sovereign Lord Jehovah has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction." Isaiah 50:4, 5.  Like his brother.

Said by him:

"Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also does in like manner." John 5:19.

Is this not the attitude a father expects of his son?

Especially if the Father is #Perfect and #Eternal!

He is total #goodness. No one need ever check his hand.

All loyal subjects of the King must follow his example and humbly #submit to Jehovah's sovereignty in all things. Only those who do so will be allowed to live in God's promised #New #World. --Zech. 14: 16, 17.

Is that fair? 

Finale...Do Not Become Forgetful Hearers

So today let's give a bit of consideration to the Israelites and their journey as God's then chosen people.

Would you not agree that many of their experiences can be called "Unforgettable"? ... The Ten Plagues, The Parting of the Red Sea.-- Deut. 34:10-12.

Do you think you would have forgotten the One responsible for them if you had seen them?

Yet, the psalmist sang: "They forgot God their Savior, Who did great things in Egypt, Wonderful works in the land of Ham, Awe-inspiring deeds at the Red Sea." Ps. 106:1, 22.

Initially,  they were grateful.  After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites "began to Fear Jehovah and put faith in Jehovah." Ex. 14:31. The men even joined Moses in a victory song to Jehovah, with Miriam and other women playing tambourines and dancing. Ex. 15, 20.

So can we say that they weren't impressed with Jehovah's mighty acts?

No we can't.  But their appreciation was short-lived. Their actions, unfortunately, were similar to those who have received repeated blows to the head--a loss of memory.

On top of that, they began murmurers and complainers against Jehovah.

Have we ever experienced this? You've done something nice or gone beyond what was necessary for someone and they can only say what you have not done? ... How does that make you feel? ... So imagine...

They even broke their promises by breaking his commandments, when they engaged repeatedly and without conscious in idolatry and sexual immorality. Nu. 14:27; 25:1-9.

Does it boggle your mind? ... Should it?

What about us today?

True, Lake Michigan has never been parted. And we have not received any Ten, nine, eight... plagues.

But, do we not see miracles daily? Have we not experienced displays of Our Creator's power in our lives? Ps. 118:15.

And most of all ... Do we not appreciate the sacrificial death of His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we have the hope of salvation? John 3:16.

We do forget. Imperfection and temptation affect our memories often. We daily overlook what our Father does and has done for us.

But can we ... today ... remember to "become doers of the word and not hearers only"?

Balaam...Part VI ... The Midianites

The Midianites

So the question was raised...what could the Midianites have done differently?

They could have demonstrated the same attitude as the Gibeonites who found themselves in the same position. . . Humility.

I divert to an excellent example!

Let me tell you about them.

They lived about six miles north of Jerusalem. And they heard..."The Israelites are coming!  The Israelites are coming!" . . . Maybe not quite like Paul Revere, but you see the point.

They were worried. They had just heard about Joshua and his winning battle at Jericho. These Canaanites of Gibson saw that a battle could not be won against a nation with divine backing.

So what did they do?

They tricked the Israelites! They sent representatives who posed as travelers from a distant land. Their suing for peace was successful. Israel ended up making a covenant with them and when the ruse was finally exposed, the Gibeonites became gatherers of wood and drawers of water for the Israelites.

You just may be thinking ... what kind of life is That?

It is Life, as opposed to death. And really, it wasn't a bad life. It was a job reassignment with perks, since Jehovah was not displeased with them. They actually gained divine favor and protection.

When five kings attacked the Gibeonites, Jehovah even performed the miracle of extending daylight for that battle. Joshua 9:3-27; 10:1-14.

So are you wondering: Do we have evidence that this people actually existed?

Yes, for excavators found on the mound where the city was located a deep pit, or pool, cut into solid rock. The Gibeonites could step down into this and obtain water from an underground chamber.

Did not 2 Samuel 2:13 mention "the pool of Gibeon"?

Archaeologists also discovered cellars cut into rock and a large amount of wine-making equipment.

This tells me that after a long hard day of toting, they knew how to relax. No need to feel too sorry for them :-)

Plus, being a slave for the Jews then was not bad. Notice what the Jewish scholar Moses Mielziner stated:

A "slave could never cease to be a man, he was looked upon as a person possessing certain natural human rights, with which the master even could not with impunity interfere."

Is this not a stark contrast to the abusive systems of slavery that mar the annals of history today?

So back to the original question: What could the Midianites have done differently than try to curse God's people?  ... They could have sued for peace. Used their old noggins for coming up with an alternative to death.

How about Life? ... Surely death was not preferable to a good clean life with divine protection and guidance?

It was for most of the Midianites and many other Canaanites nations. The obedient Israelites continued their conquests with Jehovah's backing.

But things didn't always fare well with them. Many times they also lacked humility, finding themselves later pleading for God's forgiveness and direction.

Sounds familiar?

My Castle

My Castle

by Seah Greenhorn

(Poem with copyright)

A dragon proclaims:

"You can fly!

Jump off this cliff."

"No thanks!

I'd die.

That's not faith.

That's lunacy!

To believe in that

an unreality.

Do I have wings

to catch a breeze,

to soar with the eagles,

gliding

and at ease?"

No, real faith

is a

castle

solidly

built

brick-by-brick

on a concrete

foundation--

God's Word of Truth

not

meticulously upheld by

traditions on silt.

A fortress to store

treasures

secured/protected

behind a

massive door,

since

Deep

in the ocean

beautifully blue

I dove

frequent,

Yes,

excitely

often

to procure

and

accumulate, 

True

Pearls of high value

with a slight rosy hue.

No,

faith is not

credulity

Blind in the eye,

thinking without wings

A child can fly.

Yet,

Faith

does

have actions.

It's

not dead

but

ALIVE

Inside

My Castle.

Based on Hebrews 11:1; Matthew 4:5, 6; 13:36, 45, 46; Acts 17: 10, 11; 1 Thess. 2:13; James 2:26.

A Visit To Mongolia

A Visit To Mongolia

Like cashmere?

Isn't the feel of it wonderful?

Well, it just may have come from Mongolia.

How much do you know of them as a people?

Why not find out a wee little bit more...since they are our brothers.

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201507/visit-mongolia-facts/