Sing a Song part 16

To put it another way, there is no doubt that David was permitted by God to use instruments. (I Samuel 10:5,6) There is no doubt that David used them to praise God, to play songs of thanksgiving or remorse or sadness or anxiety. No doubt He loved to hear David play and sing to Him. In the most practical sense of the term, David's life was worship, although sometimes false worship, but nonetheless worship to God, as God was in front of David's mind and heart, even though there were times he chose to ignore the true God, much like Adam. This presence of God is acknowledged in Psalms 81:1-3 and Psalms 87:7. He praises, gives thanks, and lives his life with God in his music. Psalms 95:1-2 and Psalms 92:1-3 indicate that David's heart is pure and not for anything but worship of God. His people's intentions were this too because they sang to God. This is recorded so many times in the Old Testament. In I Kings 1:40, God's people for example sang with instruments and the mind of the people was on God, not on how they could sharpen their instruments or skill in order to better portray God. A good comparison might be to the tongues of angels that Paul spoke of in I Corinthians 13. If he didn't have love, then what did it matter whether he could play the entire Tchaikovsky Concerto in C# minor like Horowitz? David was happy to sing to God, was happy to play to God. And this joy is shown in Psalms 104:33, 105:2, 135:1,23 and 144:9. David also had a passion to sing to God, as in Psalms 84. David in Psalms 81 displays such a yearning for the presence and capacity to praise God with all His being. Nothing David did would ever be enough. Why? Because David knew that God is in control. He is the one entitled to praise and glory. He controls rain, sun, all strength and music more than any other entity one can depict. He is above all. (Psalms 8:1-9) All the earth, all the heavens are under His control. He chooses the weaklings among all the people in the earth in order that He is believed above all others and that people know His strength, His wisdom, and not anyone else's which is far inferior to anything He can put forth. Who but He could make the beasts of the field to lie down with the birds of the air? Only the heavenly Father.

Sing a Song part 15

Bringing this subject to another point and that is why Jesus didn't say anything about the use of music. The only thing He did say is that we were to come together and share bread and wine and do it in His memory. He made a reference to instruments in Matthew 11:17 in the context to call the Pharisees and Sadducees childish and legalistic in order to say that there were those, including Jesus Himself, that were ostracized because of His teachings. Yet Jesus didn't come to change the infrastructure of Judaism but to bring something quite new. Something heartfelt. Something joyous. And our music should not be a dividing point. It should not be a point of contention that those who want to use instruments believe that those who don't want to use instruments are so totally off base and vice versa. Who is right but God? Who is good but God?

On the flip side of the coin, why don't all of us participate in singing? I have stood next to people, the most solemn of looks on their faces even during songs like, "Thank you Lord for loving me" and "The steadfast love of the LORD",not even moving their mouths. Could it be that they are taking Paul's words in Ephesians 5:19, "Sing and make music in your hearts to the LORD" literally? Could it be they are embarrassed because of their singing voice? I am not here to judge; we all have something that we wish we could do better. But that is the smae pride displayed in the reasoning that someone who uses and instrument because his or her voice isn't good enough. God made us. He made me short, with a bad back and heart problems, whether or not He put those there or allowed the genetics to occur, doesn't matter. I don't think that those were intentioned as stumbling blocks. I fully believe it is so that He can say, "My grace is sufficient for you". (II Corinthians 12:9). It is not the power of our singing but the Joy of the LORD, which will give us strength. God knows I don't have a great singing voice, but it pleases Him when I praise Him and worship Him in song. Would an instrument make that person more close to God or would it help a person worship God. Perhaps but then one is second guessing God, since what he or she is telling God is that the voice He gave him or her or allowed him or her to have is just not good enough and that he or she can do better. That is indeed sad, to think that one can improve upon God and God's thoughts.

Sing a Song part 15

Even though God did allow instruments for a time, does this mean that was to be forever? Remember the new covenant was different than the old and that whatever came before was nailed to te cross because it took men's minds away from God. Instrumentation and music had become like the rest of worship. A pretty outer surface of an alabastar jar. Jesus wanted to put meaning back into all men's lives. Jesus wanted men to give of themselves totally, not just part of themselves.

Sing A Song part 14

So then the argument goes that David used instruments. David's heart was pure before God. Did David use instruments while he prayed before God? Is that not what our worship is, an extension of prayer before God? Our minds are so concentrated and so focused on totally pleasing Him that even the songs we sing should be mind felt as well as heart felt. Paul spoke about that in many passages but in particular I Corinthians 14:15. Besides David obviously pleased God in his use of instruments or certainly God would have redirected him. Also in Habakkuk 3:1-19, instruments were directed by the prophet, who was a man of God, and who was making what would probably today be called a "praise song", but in fact was quite common of religious folk, like David and Habakkuk and is also seen in Ezra 3:9,10 and Nahum 12:27,28. Why didn't God say anything at that time? When one thinks about it, these men are directing groups of people in worship or are they merely directing people's mind to worship. Those are two different doxologies. One leads people in their collective approach to the throne of God, the other to stir people to gather to have a collective approach to the throne of God. To direct to go worship the subscribes to using the instruments worship and commingling that with worship. To direct in worship is to point the public mind at that time when they would be collectively in worship to God. Or instrumentation was used in celebration of God, not necessarily a time of worshipful gathering together to listen and commune with God but certainly a time direct people to worship God at some given opportunity. God is the singing God; let us not forget that. God loves music and song and for us to define those specifics would be difficult at best. If we define those specifics we are also putting God in a box. The use of instrumentation in itself would not displease God. The purpose for using them and the manner of using them would indeed have a great deal to do with pleasing God. Do we need an instrument to praise Him in song? Well, some might because they are self-conscious about their voice. That is reverse pride. After all, God made people, so certainly all human voices lifted in praise to God are pleasing to Him. Not all of us are Luciano Pavarotti or Maria Callas. Not everyone can sing. But it is the effort, the desire within one's heart, when delights that one is God's instrument and that He loves them so much that He called them His children and called them to be brethren with Christ Jesus His only begotten.

Sing a Song Part 13

The big argument is whether or not God said "no" to instruments directly. Actually and truthfully, no, He didn't directly say, "Thou shall have no musical instruments." He did say, "Thou shall have no other gods before Me" (Ex 20:3) And many times like man's writing and dancing that becomes our god, our idol. We fashion and fix and edit and chop and whittle until we have what we think is perfect. Not what God thinks is perfect. What is perfect in God's eyes? Do we strive to do what is perfect according to God, or do we strive to say,"Well, not everyone likes it this way or that way so we need to do it the best way that everyone will feel comfortable. Now does that make sense? No indeed! To be looking for comfort when worshipping God is ridiculous because it will never happen. God is not the God of comfortableness. He is the God of comfort, when we mourn or are in pain. We should be striving to see what God wants out of each and everyone of us not to see how we can present ourselves that would make us more lovable, make us more of what the world wants us to look like because that will bring people to church. I want people to come to church as the next person, and on earth that is what I should strive to accomplish according to Jesus. But what I am not here to do is to paint a picture that is my image of God. I was made in His image, not the other way around. Do I in my worship actually look to God and kneel in submission to His Will for me in worship? Or am I confined to the belief that "He made me, when I speak of Him, it must be from Him and therefore Him and I must share this with everyone because God made me and every sound, utterance, movement comes from Him. " I wish that were true, but it would nullify the Garden of Eden episode with Adam and Eve doing what they please by eating the apple given by Satan. Adam and Eve were certainly made by God, but still had a free will. And so do we. We have a free will, so that we will come to Him not as robots but so that we can come to the final conclusion, "Not my will but Thine."

Sing a Song part 12

Go to concerts, see musicals, enjoy!!! I know I do. But remember those are interpretations of one man, or two men, or however many wrote the libretto and music. While God gave Man talent, that talent is not what should be on display in worship. The true test of worship is whether each nman is getting hunmbe before God without any personal crutches and saying to God, "Just as I am". This cannot be done with an instrument. The people in the Old Testament proved that.

Another way to put this is the following. My strengths and my abilities come from Him (Psalms 46:1), but what of my weaknesses. Paul talked about the thorn in flesh (11 Corinthians 12:7) and Jacob was bruised at the hip. All things then emanate from God and it is my choice whether to concentrate on the defiencies or those qualities which are abounding. That may lead to pride and that is why I have to learn self-control. Nevertheless that doesn't come from anyone but God. No instrument, no dancing, no script can give me the mercy and wisdom that God and the study of His Word can do (Psalms 57:1, Psalms 5:1, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 55:1, Psalms 67:1, Psalms 6:1, Psalms 4:1, Psalms 60:1, Psalms 74:1, Psalms 56:1, Psalms 89:1, Psalms 78:1, Psalms 21:1). No instrument can provide the righteousness that God can through a relationship with Him (Psalms 58:1) nor can it provide me with salvation (Psalms 59:1, Paslams 142:1, Psalms 88:1, Psalms 54, Psalms 7:1) Nothing teaches me thanksgiving that is in the LORD, not like a true relationship with Him does (Pslams 75:1, Psalms 92:3) I cannot even praise Him with the same vigor using an instrument that I can with just my whole heart and soul and spirit. (Psalms 9:16, Pslams 42:1,Psalms 151:5, Psalms 98:6, Psalms 33:7, Psalms 71:22, I Chronicles 13:7-8, 1 Chronicles 15:27-28, 1 Chronicles 23:5, 2 Chronicles 7:6, Psalms 8:1-8, Pslams 81:1-5, Psalms 84:1-12). David knew instruments were no substitute for humility of flesh and blood. (Psalms 19:16, Psalms 53:1) Nothing substitutes for the mind and soul of God's creation. (Psalms 44:1, Psalms 45:1) God may have created the talent to fashion and play instruments and the intelligence to do so, but nevertheless, the instruments are still man-made, with man-made imprints on them, and they can and will become idols, as wil writing and dancing become idols if I consider that God is being worshipped by my use of these. While God is giving me my intelligence and will, He also tells me when using my creativity is appropriate and when it is not.

This is the same struggle all Christians face. What is the right way to worship God? Do we worship Him in our homes, in a building, in small groups, in large groups? The answer is quite simple. Yes. We worship God in our homes, buildings, and small and large groups. But mostly we worship Him in our lives, all of our lives, every day. Every breath we take is to worship Him. If that is the case, then coming together should be no different. I cannot hide myself from Him, for He knows me, He knew me when I was being made. He knows how I was made, and that I am perfect in His eyes the way I am. I am physically not equipped with a wonderful singing voice. It is sufficient but I won't get a Grammy with it. I am also short of stature. I am overweight. I am...many, many other sorts of inadequacies, and God wants me still. He loves me as I am. He knows that in the long run, those inadequacies exist but are of no consequence, and He loves me for my soul, particularly when I, me, myself,devote my soul to Him and allow His Spirit to live in me and take those inadequaceis and make me strong where I am weak. God's voice is beautiful and it sings through me when I humble myself and share that voice. Instruments are fine, but they are a crutch to hide who I really am. Shouldn't I be more interested in sharing who I really am, rather than offering God something "better". or at least in my estimation? I am nmot perfect, but in God I am perfect. I reach for God, not perfection in and of itself. I am reaching for Him to create perfection in me, so that when we meet I can be perfect as He is.

Isaiah says it best. In Isaiah 5:12 and again in 14:11, the harp and the viol were silenced because the musicians were not geared toward worshipping God or to please him, but to produce something which by the interpretation which is supposed to represent God. Jeremiah in Jeremiah 48:36 sees the sadness of what God's people had become and through this the instruments display such sadness. Isaiah warns (Isaiah 5:12, 14:11, 24:8) as does Amos in Amos 5:3 of the use of instruments for interpretation, merely the tip of the ice berg of how far God's people had strayed from Him. And they had no clue of this. Isaiah says that God's thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways. (Isaiah 55:8) When I think of worshipping God with instruments, I think of worshipping God with a medal or prayer beads or various liturgies or the seasonal prayer book. That may be a spur, but it is not worshipping God. It does nothign for my relationship with God, only my representation of what I think God wants of me. The only reason I have come to worship Him after all is to understand better Who He is, to know Him, to grasp Him, to share Him. Not my interpretation of Him.

Now please don't get me wrong. Music and instruments are indeed useful and sometimes inspiring in expressing how one feels about God. Such a wonderful expression can elicit peaceful and uplifting or thoughtful feelings and an audience will pick up those emotions. But is this truly worship, or are we like in some theatrical performance picking up on an emotion that the writer and composer what us to feel? How is this worship, if it is the interpretation of the artist rather that God's Word which evokes a feeling in man? Is this not more a worship of the artist than God? That's why I love knowing what scriptures are behind the hymns,and I love even better putting God's Word to music. The feelings that are evoked are purely from God's Word, to me and personal between me and God, not the artist and his interpretaton in between.

Sing a Song part 9

Instruments were obviously part of the Jewish worship service. (Ezekiel 28:13, Amos 6:5) Instruments were also a source of Solomon feeling empty. (Ecclesiastes 2:8), gaining as much opulence and as much treasure so that he could bring the finest musicians and for what? For worship? Solomon later says the only worship to God is with the whole heart. If you can do that and perfect an object, then more power to you. Daniel sees that musical instruments were being used to call people to worship false gods. (Daniel 3:5,7,10) Of course, instruments were used to summon people to worship the one true God in the temple. Nevertheless it was something that all peoples used, much as the universal signal for a play to begin is flickering the lights to enter the theater. Was it important to use instruments? In Job 21:2-12, people hear the tones of musical instruments and are happy. Also in Job 30:31, because of his sorrows, the instruments were making sorrowful tones. But are these important in our relationship with God? Can a musical instrument bring us closer to God, lead us to knowing God more, or even give us some information regarding God? Are they supposed to? I don't think so. An instruments is a work of art, much like a still life or portrait. And as such only reflects the artist's depiction of a particular work. Even a composition only reflects a composer's depiction of some theme, regardless of whether the music is baroque,romantic, impressionistic or expressionistic. Our music is an image of us, given talents by God to make the music to be sure, but the music we make is ours to God. Our music by singing to God, each of us, regardless of talent because God made each of us with vocal cords to be able to sing to Him. God is the singing God (Zephaniah 3:17)and in His image we are singers to Him. What if we try to perfect that singing? There is really nothing wrong with trying to blend voices better, or to be in a chorus, or even to have that chorus accompanied by instruments. But we must remember that that chorus is perfected by the interpretation of a human being, and that God has given us what we need to worship Him. Again let me reiterate, nothing wrong with that interpretation. But is it necessary for worship, or is it even doing the best of God's will that we can? I believe that God likes simplicity. God love me to come before Him, nothing elaborate, and praise Him and bring Him that which makes me joyous and that which makes me sad. Me. Myself. Not my interpretation of my existence on earth.Not my feelings of God. But me. My essence. And a chorus doesn't bring that out in me. It makes me focus on singes, on "I wold have done it this way" or "I don't like that interpretation" or "I prefer that interpretation" or Doesn't that express God?". Actually something may lead one to God, true. Something may spark an idea or a memory, but unless it is backed by His Word, that idea is just my thought of what God is, and not the truth of Who God is.

Sing A Song Part 8

The origin of instruments biblically is given in Genesis 4:21. In this passage the father of musical instruments, Jubal, is mentioned. Specific musicians were anointed and appointed for praise worship in 1 Chronicles 23:5. This appears in 2 Chronicles 5:12-13, 23:1-18, 31:2, 35:15-25 as well as in Ezra 2:64, Ezra 3:10,11. The musicians were even given an office in 2 Chronicles 7:6, 1 Chronicles 16:4-6, 1 Chronicles 16:4-6, 1 Chronicles 23:5-6, and 1 Chronicles 25:1. The musicians even went before David to announce wars or worship to God. (2 Chronicles 29:23-26) as well as going before other kings (I Kings 10:2, 2 Chronicles 9:11) and the announcements and pronouncements got rather large. (I Chronicles 15:20, Genesis 31:27, Exodus 15:1, 20,21)

The Book of Revelations as is does mention instruments and this does throw a kinker into the whole picture. The emphasis on the Book of Revelations is not the presence of instruments but the "new song". (Rev 5:8,9;Rev 14:2,3; Rev 15:2,3) and the writer makes it plain that a new song is to be sung only by those redeemed from earth. The text says 144,000. Is that all that will be going to heaven? If that is the case, I may be in trouble, because I have missed the numbering by being born so late in the history of the world. I really don't have a clue how many will be going to heaven or hell. What I do know about the writer John is that he was originally Jewish and he was probably expressing what was the symbol for the perfect number. What that is God only knows.If you look the number 144,000 it is 36,000 times 4, which means it is a perfect square. Meaning as the scripture says, "Not everyone who says, LORD, LORD, will enter the gates of heaven. " (Matthew 7:21) Is it up to us to know how many people are going to heaven or hell? Not according to Paul in Romans 14:10.

All that John was describing was the perfect square as it were. Something that denoted perfection.

So what does music have to do with all of this? Probably to know that at any span of time that God gives me or anyone else, time for repentance and purity is urgent and short. I must consider what is His way, what He wants, and praise Him, not being judgmental to my brethren, but letting God tell me what is His way. What that means is that I must consider which is the absolute purest and best way to worship Him, in accordance with His will.

Let's continue.

In Numbers 12:42 there is a good example of a chorus. In Numbers 3:19 there is instruction to those that play stringed instruments. In Exodus, women were led by Miriam in song and praise using tamborines. Instruments were used also in Joshua 6:8, and instructions were given how to make instruments in Numbers 10:2. And when the temple was built, there were various groups of singers. (Ezekiel 40:44) But once one gets to the New Testament and specifically the New Testament church where did the instruments and choruses go, according to the bible? Were these no longer considered godly? Obviously, there is a point in time that God did in fact accept or allow the presence of His temple of certain instruments. Trumpets, drums, horns, maybe to call such a big assortment of people to worship. But not in the New Testament. Only God knows why. It does give one pause to think.

Many people say that if there were instruments in the Old Testament why do some congregations say they can't have them? The fallacy is clear in that argument. There were kings in the Old Testament times, and even through New Testament times. Are there kings in Isreal now? In some nations that profess to be Christians, yes there are kings. But do those kings have a purpose in leading God's people. Not in the same way as Isreal's kings. The same could be said for worship. The Jews went to Temple and sacrificed animals to worship. Do we do that now? Notwithstanding Christ came and made the final sacrifice, the one that meant something. (Hebrews 1:1) Even things in the Old Testament changed. First Abraham was allowed to maintain his idols, even though his faith was in God. Then God told the people just to worship Him. (Deuteronomy 5:6) Priests used to wear phylacteries on their heads. Now that we are all priests and we are supposed to count the costs before we accept Christ, we don't wear those on our head but the Word is written on our hearts. And we are to keep it there. (Romans 10:1-10). All throughout the Old Testament are differences between those that play instruments and sing. For instance, in I Chronicles 15:22, Chemiah was appointed to make songs and give instructions, perhaps to musicians but certainly to those who would be singing. Further instruction was given in 1 Chronicles 25:7,8. And there was a great deal of joy here because it was felt that these things were what God wanted His people to do, and they wanted to do their best for God. In 2 Chronicles 23:13 Athaliah wanted to stop that joy, not only singing, but singing to the One and Only God, the joy of singing songs to the LORD, the joy of playing instuments with the joy that emanated from knowing God and and realizing that He was the author and is the author of all musical talent. (although in present times one wonders, but that is only man trying to improve on what God has given them and expressing desires away from what God wants). And there are those like Ataliah trying to dispel the joy of singing to God and realizing that one's talents come from God, the Father, for the edification of those watching. Davidwas certainly one not to dispel this joy. When he expressed the joy of the LORD it was usually a party like atmosphere. 2 Samuel 6:15 was not exception. This was a party, a celebration of the recovery of the ark, the history and meaning of what was to be God's people. The party was replete with trumpets and heralds and dancing. Was God pleased? I don't read where He came down with thunderbolts in disdain. But then neither do I read about Him coming down and saying, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased." He allowed joy to be spread and instruments to be used. Even during congregational worship in 2 Chronicles 29:27,28 there are trumpets and instruments but they are comissioned, ordained by David, as it were, to accompany burnt offerings. Again, though, do we now have burnt offerings and how would that enhance our relationship with God if it did? The whole church, the entire New Testament is based on our relationship with God. Certainly the Old Testament has a lot to say about our relationship with God but Jesus freed us fromt he Old Testament traditions and reasons for worshipping or doing daily tasksby being the final sacrifice and nailing the Old Covenant to the Cross. Is the use of an instrument going to enhance that relationship more than coming to God just as I am? If I play to God with an instrument other than the one He gave me, how close am I becoming to God? Or am I truly giving Him back what He has given me? Maybe. Am I acknowledging that fact? Perhaps. What pleases God more, bringing Him a song that I have practiced so that i can play it perfectly in His presence or to come to Him humbly and tell him that I am truly nothing without Him. In other words am I trying to please God or am I tyring to be what I think He wants of me? Am I performing for Him, or am I dropping to my knees before Him?

The Singing God part 7

Let me preface this by saying that I played piano, and can still play, in training for 13 years and then continuing to play after that. I love music, musicals, shows, etc. But just because I love music and singing and instrumenments has nothing to do with whether or not this is to be used in my worship to God. It pleases me to hear a huge orchestra. How does God feel about that in worship. I ask the readers of both opinions to keep an open mind.

The Singing God part6

God allowed David to write Psalms and give instructions, yet He also struck David's family down and put David in exile for a time. God allowed Solomon to do what he wanted, ie marry alien women that were polytheistic and at the same time build a glorious temple to God, but God would later strike down the Kingdom of Isreal. God allowed Solomon to build this rich country but because he started to follow idols, which may have been the use of elaborate instruments as is done in idol worship, God split the kingdom in two then caused one to disappear and then the other to be dispersed because they could not give up their idols in money and worhsip, including the type of music that was being used, whether instrumental or no. God allowed muscial instruments because His people were involved in reverence to Him. By the time Jesus came, musical instruments, like prayer, became a matter of pride. There truly is no use of them seen in the New Testament. While nothing is said against them, really nothing is said for their use either. What was the purpose for allowing such instruments in worship? And what example do we see in Christ?

The Singing God Part V

The Singing God, you say? Who is this, this singing God? Zephaniah 3:9-20 describes Him perfectly. Some would shy away fromever thinking of God as being so frivolous as to sing. No, that's not reverant for God to be singing. And God expects our head to be bowed and us to be in constant fear of Him. Do I really believe that? I don't see any where in the scripture that would make me think it is irreverant of God to sing. While I believe in reverance, I see nothing wrong with thinking that God sings. God has a voice and uses it,much as He wants ujs to, whether or not we can carry a tune. On the other hand, I cannot think of another subject that is more controverial than the use of musicin worship services. I cannot think of another subject that has divided more people, something that satan can use and has used to keep God's people separated from one another and unable to complete Hs work because of their differences. What inhibits evagelism more? Selfish desires toboldly pronounce my right to be different and my right to express myself tot he Deity. I even had a woman who was visiting the Church I was attending tell me that I mustn't like music because the church where I worshipped used acapella music. That simply is not true. Music is a big part of my life. But my worship does not involve instruents because I want to come to Him with my brethren without the constraints of instruments or idols.

The Singing God Part IV

I just love David. He had such a handle on this singing God. David, player of the lyre, singer, composer, bravest of the brave (if you've ever danced in front of an audience as an adult you know what I mean). The Psalms even come with instructions for musicians and singers. For instance, the chief musician instructed his people to play like "Hind of the Dawn" and "lilies" and playing in lamenting tones and singers to sing poignantly. More than mere historical references, these are instructions to people to conduct themselves in solemn fashion and yet a joyous fashion and to elicit an emotion of solemnity and joy from the people as a form of worship. As well it was an indication that there was a time and a place for emotions and expressions as well as for garnering knowledge and giving praise any time, and an appropriateness to conducting themselves in the playing and singing of music as well as praising and praying. To throw ourselves into this thing for all of our lives, not just one minute or an hour of worship, but to break out in song whatever the occasion all of our lives with all of our hearts. And for a time that was pleasing to God, until people got caught up in "this is the wrong way to sing this and this is the right way to play this". God doesn't care if you come to Him unpracticed, as long as you come to Him. He will sing to you for He is the singing God. And in Psalms 68:4-35,David tells me to sing His praises, sing joyfully and praise His holy and wonderful Name. He is the God that brings me together with my bretheren, and He is the God that triumphs over the world. David understands about the Creator and His works andthe praises He so richly deserves. (Psalms 98:1-9). David exemplifies the attitude of being joyful in the LORD. And God allows instruments in worship as long as it was to His glory. As seen again in Psalms 149:1-9 and 150:1-6,music is celebrated as such. But what I suspect happened is that music became too complicated for common folk to follow, and Chronicles indicates this because it was the Levites and several others that were involved with the music, indicating that it was out of the commoners hands and that only those that were truly skilled were used to play music to the LORD. This is not what God wants. God gave us voices so that we could raise our voice in song to Him, regardless of whether it is audible or not. Choosing only the best players and singers and making music so complicated it required a music major to play emphasizes that the focus of worship was beginning to move away from God and follow man's image or interpretation of God,being under the misconception that God want the perfect to come to Him. In Jesus all are invited to come to Him.

Singing with God, part 3

Music is such a peripheral topic that it makes God cry when people cannot agree on what is actually in His Word. I suspect it invokes His wrath at time. There are people who say an instrument helps their voice becuase they have no singing voice. That's foolishness. You are blessed with the voice that God gave you. I am not a wonderful singer, but I sing with the voice He gave me. He blessed me with such a voice so that I in turn could bless Him. So, if I sing off-key, to God it's perfect because I am giving back what He gave to me. If I were to use an instrument in lieu of my voice, it would be as though I was telling God, "Oh, I know you gave me this voice, but I can do better with this guitar". How sad! To think I can do any better than God, the Almighty.

When it is just I and God, though, and no one else, and my walls are down, would it hurt to put my instrument down and give Him myself without saying, "Wait a minute God, that's not good enough"? Surely God thinks its good enough for me just to bring myself to Him. God gave me a voice, and it is weak, and it cannot perform sustenuto or even vibrato, and it has trouble staying on key. ButGod wants me to sing nevertheless and in Him my singing is beautiful. That after all is what singing is to God. Like prayer. He wants all of me. No borders, no boundaries, nothing to hide me from Him. Me, the real me. I don't know, but at the Last Supper I suspect there were no instruments to be found. After all, it does say in Matthew 26:30 they sang a hymn, not they played a hymn. I suspect there were no instruments in the house churches and catacombs, mostly because it would not have been convenient to have them but what about because they wanted to follow the Last Supper. I believe they would have been found a distraction. Jesus wanted all of His apostles' love and devotion, not for them to focus on playing an instrument.

Sing a Song...

When I consider music or rather the use of instruments to produce such do I ever consider what my involvement is in the production of such? Am I so wrapped up in performing my praise that I forget the simplicity of Christ is in the two pieces of wood hung drosswise and that it matters not whether I can play an instrument or whether I can perform any of the "fine arts"? What does matter is, am I doing all I can to give God a purified worship, one which is just of myself and no one else? That is, how is my relationship toward God growing and how am I most obedient to him? In and of itself there is nothing wrong with the use of instruments. But where is my focus. Am I getting into those areas that demand all of my attention and none of my attitude? When I sing, am I singing from my heart? When I play an instrument do I play the perfect note or am I striving to please Him? Where does my praise come from? Do I sing from my soul and mind? I know that everyday is not the same. Because of my humanity I may not feel like singing but merely mumbling the words. But where does my heart lay? Worse still am I seeking perfection in my instrument or in my voice and am I in a constant mode of correction to make it perfect because I believe that is what God wants?

There were and are also false teachers. Isaiah 28:9-10 even makes fun of them by penning their words to their followers. The wording was repetitious, almost sonorous and displays the idea of the ludicrous nature ofthe Pharisee's teaching. This is reiterated in Matthew 23:13-29, in Jesus' sermon about various woes that will come upon the Pharisees and their followers. In fact in looking at Matthew 5:1-48, in which Jesus instructs His apostles about the meek and the poor in spirit and those that mourn, etc. etc., in the Sermon on the Mount, as well as teaching them about divorce and praying and fasting, Jesus shows His followers how to look out for false teachers and to be wary of what they are teaching. Mark 12:35 also displays the scribes as false teachers, because of their interpretation of who the Messiah is. And there was a warning about being a false teacher, witout even knowing that one is a false teacher, given in James 3:1 which says that one shouldn't seek to be a teacher because the responsibility is stricter than for those that are not teachers. That doesn't mean tht people who are students are immune to the responsibility of spreading the gospel. No, the responsibility is there as well, according to Galatians 6:6. Hence all of God's children have the responsibility not to spread things that are not the truth about God's Word.

Teach me that I might teach...part 9

When I think of ministers and preachers, I don’t really think of teachers, but so very often they are indeed involved in that. Teaching is something that keeps knowledge in the hands of the people and allows people to grow strong in God. As well teaching allows new knowledge or new ideas to be examined and to see if these are in synch with God’s word. Never ever be afraid to attend lectures at a secular college because of what it might teach you about various controversial issues. The point is to absorb and prescribe those issues and filter out what is not in teaching the bible, that is what does not agree with God’s word. The reason God had officials teach the Law in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 is because they were the ones most versed in that Law, as were the priests. Much as in various colleges Physics is taught by people versed or becoming versed in that topic, and German literature teachers are taught by those who have some knowledge and experience with that topic. I know that my best teachers were experts in their field or else had a wide range of experiences that were attesting to the fact that they could claim to have knowledge and were getting a degree that agreed with that statement. The worst teachers I have ever had were those who had no knowledge of their subject, because they were drafted to teach English History from having taught Typing. God provided His people with a means to gain knowledge of His Word, and He made sure this Word was spread, as in Nehemiah 8:7-8. It could be said that all of the Old Testament was to teach all of God’s people Who God is and what He expects of us. For example, in Leviticus 11:44-47, the LORD speaks and tells them to follow His ways, to make themselves (consecrate) holy because He is. Does that mean perfect? No, and the Old Testament as well as the New Testament stress that God’s people can indeed come back to Him time and time again by just asking for forgiveness. (I John 1) All they have to do is follow Him, and obey His commandments. That means following the footsteps of our prime example, Jesus. After all, all teaching has its focal point in Jesus, whose teaching in Luke 4:6-21 demonstrated that He indeed was the fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah, lending credibility to His claim to being the Son of God. And what I love most about teachers and preachers is that they give us standards from God’s Word that I can search and verify as truth. This has always been so between God and His people. For instance, Moses and the elders in Deuteronomy 27:1-26 gave God’s people commandments that had been given by God to them. They thereby instructed the people how to proceed according to the commandments and standards God set out. In this way Moses and the elders taught and led God’s people in how to conduct themselves in accordance with God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 31:19, the people were lead to sing, the song intended to tell the people where they came from and what God intended for them, much as I am led in song to know God deeper through songs in that I can see God’s Word and encouragement. God gives me a history and a way to conduct myself and preachers and teachers instruct me in these facets in accordance to His Word.

Teach me to teach,...part 8

Elders and church leaders are themselves to be looked up to as leaders in the church. According to Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 3:3-13, elders and leaders must be good examples of godly lives, demonstrating that God controls them and therefore they also show the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5). That way I and the rest of the flock can learn from their example, much as a child that hears and sees parents will learn from that example. Further, what is my relationship with an elder and leaders? I learn from 1 Peter 5:1-9 that I am not to be a burden to them, but a blessing. What is my relationship like? Do I question them? When I do, because it is my right to do so, but when I do, do I present things humbly, objectively? Do I show proper respect to the leaders and elders? Is there humility in my thought and manner? Otherwise God will resist me, as He resists the proud and exalts the humble. God knows my heart, He knows when I am taking things personally, and He knows that only when I look at things objectively after much prayer that I can talk to those in authority, if I, through speaking with God, must speak with them. Sometimes God will tell me not to do so, that I am not the appropriate one, even though the leaders may be in error. It is not just a matter of bringing this before the elders, it is also a matter of how I treat my brothers that also happen to be doing the work of God. If I am incapable of bringing the matter to them in a manner that is not conducive to peacefulness, then it is up to someone else who can. Above all else, God does the correction, whether I or someone else is His tool.

Teach me to teach, part 7

I am one of His people. His church is in fact looked upon as His people. He looks upon us and watches as we pray. Should we pray for His people (Ps 122:6,9), the good will be sought out. And He will bless me, because I have chosen to be one of His people and to be His child. (Ps 125:5,6) And God is a healer, the repairer of broken relationships, the provider of light along whatever path I travel (Is 58:12) And it is He who builds the spiritual building within me, and those who call themselves His.

Biblically, according to Acts 1:15-26, disciples and apostles were teachers of the early church. This later was also distributed to deacons. Disciples were different than apostles. Apostles were in direct contact with Jesus, and disciples knew Jesus and were taught by Him, but the contact was not as close. Paul calls himself the last apostle (1 Cor 4:9) and the least of them in I Corinthian 15. Actually, a disciple just meant a follower, a believer to the point of accepting His teaching and living them out, and Jesus had many of those, many who may have seen Him at a glance but not spoken with Him, many who never saw Him. Apostles on the other hand were special, enjoying a special relationship with Christ. In Acts 6:2-6, there shows the difference, as from the disciples is appointed apostles with the action of the apostles directed by God. Acts 11:22-30 demonstrates the Church’s growth in terms of teaching, giving, and being of good fruit and one accord. This is again shown in Acts 15:1-31. Paul and Barnabas try to show that the church is not about binding things on people, nor forcing others to be just like them. But the church was about allowing for differences in people. Did they lay down guidelines? Surely, they did, and there are four that the church was to follow: not to consume blood, meat from strangled animals, meat in front of idols, or becoming involved in fornication. I think it is interesting that in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he speaks that the only reason not to eat meat sacrificed to an idol is when it causes a brother to stumble. If that brother has a problem with the fact that that idol represents something that replaces God and therefore meat sacrificed to that idol is pledging allegiance to the other god, then don’t eat that meat. On the other hand, if it causes no one any problems, eat the meat, because idols were merely objects in truth.

Teach me to teach...Part VI

A reproof, a rebuke or an exhortation to bigger and more moral things is not necessarily as bad as it seems, at least to the innocent or not so innocent bystander. If these things are done in love, with a velvet boxing glove, then peace and love can be obtained. If one carries a big stick and speaks softly, more results are really attainable. 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 1:13, and Titus 2:15 are brilliant affirmations about the kindness of being tough and doing so in a way that is kind. I am, at the same time, admonished not to follow those who will not follow God. (Titus 3:7, 10,11) Does this mean “Don’t speak to them”? I hardly think so. What it means is that do not be linked to these people. Do not socialize, do not develop an intimate relationship with, and any of the other connotations of this. I am instructed to treat people with kindness, that doesn’t mean I have to be linked to them. I have a friend that has chosen to follow a way that is unacceptable to Christ, the way of legalism. (Gal 2 and 3) She and her husband have chosen this way after many discussions with the elders of the church and have decided that the best way to worship God is to follow Jewish precepts while embracing Christ. So be it. They are happy in this. But I cannot follow them. I cannot be accepting of what they believe, nor can I give them indications that I am willing to believe they are going in the right direction. Either I am for Him and what His son said, or I am against Him. And God exhorts me not to add anything to His word, in Revelations 22:19. At the same time, I am told to be compassionate and kind and holy in Jude 22.

Teach me to teach, that I might teach Part IV

And a teacher can show us how to be in one accord, how to join in with singing with one another songs of praise to God, how I can teach the person standing next to me in church just by sincerely singing and having harmony with my brethren. I sing to my God, and for the purpose of singing to Him as He sang to me before I was even born. I sing so that in my song there is praise, lifting others up, admonishing some, instructing others and above all unity in the Spirit of the body. (Col 3:16) I must allow God’s word to consume me, and a teacher can help me in this regard. By singing in church for the sake of God, I am acknowledging that God loved me enough to send His son in to this world so that I may have eternal life and not perish in my sins. (John3:16) I must be taught to be willing to do whatever it takes to stay family, because that, too, is God’s will. The love I have for my brethren will demonstrate that I am His. Even when I suffer, as in 1 Thess 2:14-15, “For you, brothers, become imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all me.” When I am truly in Him, I share freely with all in His family, I break bread in remembrance of Christ, and I love as He did, putting their needs ahead of mine. I Corinthians 11:22 describes greed and selfishness that strife and individual desires produce. The chapter is a great admonisher because it convicts me of not being serious in my love for God when I refuse to come to the defense and aid of my brethren, or when I allow my sinful desires, lusts, and misinterpretations to harbor and separate me from my brothers. The separateness defiles God’s temple, as spoken of in I Corinthians 3:17, because it leads me to instant gratification and a life of constantly trying to fill a hole with pleasures instead of God. I do not treat God as seriously as I do the cares of this world. And I become lost in my addictions to seeing and doing things that make me feel better and temporarily happy. Teachers can show me that eternal peace is much better than temporary happiness because temporary happiness is just that…temporary. Those desires only last for the moment and may not return. On the other hand, the peace which passes understanding will never leave.

Teach me that I might teach

Even though a child is cruel, God chooses to give them His blessing. And as instruments of His blessings, He instructs the elder ones, such as Jacob, Moses, Joseph (Deut 33:1-29; Gen 49:1-33; Gen 47:7-10) to dedicate and bless His people and to remind them of the Father in God. And God does something really interesting in the blessing. It appears that the younger and lesser has always gotten the better part of His blessings or the first blessings. (Gen 48:8-22; Gen 28:1-4; Gen 27:23-31) Could this be to demonstrate that the law of primogenitor is incorrect, that man’s ways are not God’s ways? Could it be? I’m not certain. But I do know that God considers the least shall be first, the last shall precede and so forth. That is part of His role as the protective Father, looking after those who would otherwise perish in the cruelty of mankind, cruelty that was learned from childhood and somehow not discouraged.

And I need to look to my teachers in the church to teach us the truth. That I am part of the fold and that all we are is sheep in need of a shepherd. My teachers need to show me that we have a Shepherd that will lead us to heaven and the peace that passes understanding. (Acts 20:28) And my teachers show me that I can make a contribution, as Paul writes about in Ephesians 4:15, 16, no matter where I come from, no matter what my background is or how different it is from everyone else, no matter if I am rich or poor or what my race is or educational background. I am part of the whole and with me the “we” is a well-oiled machine and without me the “we” misses something. God created all of us for the purposes of growing in Him, for the sole purposes of demonstrating His power, and the more elements in the “we” the stronger His body is. And the whole key issue that teachers need to emphasize to me, is how I can better serve, not just what I can get involved in, but in making my heart conjoined to His heart, not just how and what I can learn about Him, but what I allow to absorb into my being. How quick am I to say, “Not my will…” to Him? My teachers can demonstrate how I can effect a change in attitude. In eastern religions the importance of a teacher ranked with how one understood their higher power. It is the same with God. A teacher, a good teacher, explains and exhorts his or her students to not only know of God, but how to become part of God and to experience the spiritual relationship with Him. For that to happen, a teacher must show that I can only lift up with a teaching and not with a talent. Talent can only carry me so far, teaching will show me how best to use that talent for the purposes of being one of God’s children. (1 Cor 4:4)

Teach me so that I may teach...part III

Children are cruel. They are raw, they are loud, they are mean. These are gross stereotypes, but for good parents, those who are not raw, loud, and mean would soon follow their peers. I was not born good. Nor was I born bad. I was just born. Left to my own devices and without the guidance of my parents I would not know manners, I would not know right from wrong, and I would not believe in God. Parents are gifts to their children from God, and they are emissaries of God to teach morals and wisdom and to guide along the straight and narrow. They are also givers of love. For the most part. Those who aren’t like this make God truly upset, because they are not being what He intended His children to have. When a parent abuses a child, God cries and is angry and makes Him repent of making that parent a parent.

Teach me...Part III

Above all God desires me to be His child. And to be His child, He wants me to play nice with other children, and not to forsake other children. (Heb 10:25) He wants me to get along with others, to be as a family together. He wants me to learn from my elders and parents (Joshua 8:35; 2 Chronicles 20:13; 2 Chronicles 31:11; Ezra 8:21; Neh 8:2,3; Neh 12:43) He wants my parents to be an example to me. He wants to be an example to me. He wants me to at least be learning as His older children (my parents in the Lord) are learning. More importantly, He wants me to learn to worship Him and that example comes from my parents. And this applies literally to when I was a physical child as well. As a young one must be taught how to do things the way God wants them. That was the purpose of the Sedar at Passover, to pass on knowledge of what God did and why, and that is the purpose for bringing my child or children, if I ever have children, to church with me. Knowledge and wisdom of why and how God wants me to worship Him. Does this mean there can be no “children’s church” as some congregations have? That is up to each man’s conscience and really there is nothing biblically to stop either way. If one is to take the bible literally, then children are brought into the assembly, and so should I. Jesus himself went into the temple and was learning along with the scribes and teachers of the Word. That was at age 12. But I believe that as long as the principles of the how and why are taught in child’s church and that it is a replica of what is going on in the adult worship then there is no harm done. The problem arises when children’s churches become free-for-all and no lessons are really taught. Then can I honestly say that I am not going according to His Word, and am doing a disservice my child or children, should I be blessed by God with them.

Teach me that I may teach

God is just. And inclusive in that, God is the judge. And in His view He cannot look upon evil or sin. He cannot look upon my sin anymore than He could any other person from Moses’ time, or David’s time, or even Jesus’ time. But there are people to plead my case before Him, much as there is at other times: Moses (Exodus 1;) Jeremiah (Jer 14:21)and of Jesus as a helper (I John 2:1 –I now have an advocate). All of these men have taught me to say the same thing, “Please, God, for Holy Name’s glory, don’t punish.” And the one thing that God shows me that keeps me on the straight and narrow that Jesus will go the extra mile for me, but if I continually let him down (Jer 18:20,21) he has no other recourse than to let God render judgment upon me. If I do not heed Jesus’ teaching, I have only myself to blame. As does anyone else. Especially my spiritual leaders. They must do God’s will, for the sole demonstration of God’s Almighty power. (Joel 2:7) so that the unbeliever may understand God is God.

In 1 Kings 18:36, 39, Elijah is about to make an evening sacrifice, “Alright, God, “ he says, “Remember how good I’ve been as ymy true and faithful servant. Let’s show ymy people the One and Only True God.” This is a pleas for God to show who is boss. Teach His people obedience and the reason for such. When I was in grammar school, one of the quickest ways to get me to read and learn something is to give me a reason. And if the teachers wouldn’t give me a reason, at least give me a reason to trmet them that my best interest was in their intent for me to learn. God is the same way. He doesn’t always ansIr why until He is done teaching me. And that was the same whether the student was Daniel, or Jonah, or Joseph, or Elijah. When Elijah requested a refresher cmyse, he didn’t want anything major, jmet something that would catch the people’s attention that they Ire really on the wrong track with idol worship. And something without the benefit of human “Deux ex machina”. Asa asked for God to teach the enemy during war time (2 Chronicles 4:11). Many of the lessons that Ire asked for Ire so that those who didn’t believe that God was the Only True God would really see a light bulb go off in front of their eyes so they might repent. Some didn’t, but God was patient. And Moses stopped God, reminding Him of the unbelievers that might look upon God as being too harsh and not something they would want to embrace. I think God likes it when I consider other angles and ask Him questions, like any great teacher would. I think He likes it when His qualities of goodness and mercy are considered and called to His attention so that others won’t think of Him as being a God steeped in evil. (Num 14:13-18) It teaches me how to really speak to Him of His everlasting mercy and that He gets more flies with that honey rather than meing His vinegar. It teaches me communication with others, becamee if I don’t tell them of His mercy, who can comprehend His love and the fact that He could make me a pillar of salt if He wanted to, but He has called me to accept His son’s word that his blood cleanses me continuomely. It teaches me that He knows me more than I will ever realize, that I cannot hide sins, whether from a long time ago that I thought Ire gone and dealt with, or from the present which Ire after all built in the past. It teaches me to be Nehemiah, and remind God that He is a God of refuge (Neh 1:8,9; Neh 9:52) and then to be like David in Ps 74:10 – 23 and Ps 9:19,20; Ps 38:16 even when I am old and gray to rely upon God and communicate that need to Him to tell Him of Himself. Not that He needs to know who He is, but I am the one who when voicing it am reminded of His great and wonderful persona. With His words, God teaches me to ask Him to flex His mmecles a little (with jmetice), show His love a lot (with compassion) and to show evidence that indeed He does exist (as Creator of creation).

Teach me... Part 1

What does it mean to teach? To be taught? To learn? Other than the dictionary definition of Merriam-Ibster, “To camee to know”, what does that mean, especially when considering Jesme and God? Jesme had no blackboard, and yet I can visualize him in front of a classroom, students gathered around him and he quoting the scriptures, becamee realize he was a rabbi and knew the teachings of God’s Word with proficiency. I can see the applications to real life as the parable of the talents or the mmetard seed or the wheat and chaff. I can see him bringing to life all his principles for to his pupils, such that when they left for the day they Ire not the same as when they initially sat down. And what a wonderful, gloriome enigma God and His son are! My mind is so small I cannot comprehend the depth and breadth of God, the dimensionless scope of His being and how He and His son are so conjoined they are totally in synch and loving each and everyone of me. God knows all things at all times, something else which jmet boggles my mind. Nevertheless, I honestly believe God expects me to remind him of what He has told me and my spiritual forefathers, surely not for His memory by any stretch of the imagination, but as a mental exercise for me, that God way back when knew that I needed to know He knew, that there was a reason and a season for all things. Why? Certainly for my strengthening. He has already ansIred His promises many times over to Abraham and Moses.. But also He wants to convey to me on a personal level that I need to convey to others and influence another’s faith or at least point out what they may not know about God.

There are no Jews, Greeks, etc part 37

What is so wonderful about God in the grand scheme of His people is that all play an important and vital role. God is no respecter of men as it says in Acts. And as the title of this chapter and devotional say, there is no Jew, no Greek, no male, nor female. What this means is that women were never intentioned to be robots. God fully intentioned that women would be responsible for their own actions. For example, in Deuteronomy 22:21-28, if a man leads a woman astray and she follows, she is punished; yet if she does not follow him into sin, she is vindicated. God protects women the same way He protects men, with a way out. The truth always wins out, and those that follow the truth are to be admired. Other traits to be admired in women are resourcefulness, working diligently and unceasingly, and in kindness and unselfishness. And women do all this quietly. All these are qualities described in Proverbs 31:10-31, often called “the Worthy Woman”. Women in Exodus were also described as being protectors, as Pharoah’s daughter was to Moses in Exodus 3. In the kingdom of Judea, in 2 Kings 11:1-18, Jehosheba protects Joash so that he could rule and later remove Athaliah from the midst of the Isrealites so that they could be faithful to God. God thus used women as a way to keep the family going, not only by giving birth but by provided examples and teaching family members (Numbers 36:1-13). And God delighted in women that walked in holy ways both in their heart and in deed, and He actually shared divine information with them, as in 2 Kings 22:14. This demonstrates that all humans were created in His image. And the same intent is expressed in 2 Chronicles 34:22-28. These scriptures and Numbers 27:1-11 are indicative that women are to be treated fairly. This is reiterated in Joshua 17:3-6. Women are also shown to give God praise during times of trial, much as Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. And God blesses such women and looks after them as in Ruth 4:3-9. In Judges 5:1-31, Deborah as a woman of God demonstrates another woman that had God’s heart and hand because she was willing to step aside and let Barak lead troops into battle. And of course the godly women in Luke 1:41-59 are examples of how God blesses and protects women

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc...part 36

While it is so that there is no male or female in Christ, spiritually, and in the grand scheme of things, in the physical world, women are to be submissive to men. That does not mean enslaved, nor does that mean that women cannot rule countries or sit as judges or be senators. What that means is that under certain circumstances women are submissive to the leadership of men. One of those circumstances is in church. Isaiah 3:6-25 speaks about this. Women had become show-offs and prideful and they forgot that God made them and they should follow God. Since women have a definition in the flesh, they also have a hierarchy in the flesh. The connection to this is that in this world man is the head of woman. That is what 1 Corinthians is speaking about, not about the literal maintaining of a woman’s hair length, but of the figurative covering representing the submission of woman to man. The relationship between men and women is interesting in this regard, if woman is submissive to man, then why are women considered equal spiritually. The reason being is that is the way God planned it. I know that sounds like parents saying, “Because I said so”. But it truly is the way God planned to do things. In fact, during old testament times, men had to purify themselves when they came in contact with women. (Numbers 31:9-34)

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc... Part 36

Women, like men, are told how to purify themselves after being through situations that would render them unclean. (Leviticus 15: 19-33) God obviously wanted women to be a part of His worship as much as men. And in the New Testament many women are prominently mentioned by Paul as a huge part of the work force of the church. And as such then the chapter in Proverbs (Proverbs 31) speaking about the worthy woman should be an example of a godly woman to me and how they should be respected by members of the congregation.

At first it would seem that how men are to treat women various from Old Testament to New Testament. In Numbers 5:11-31, for instance, is described how men were to deal with a woman who may or may not be defiled but the husband was jealous and the various ordeals that the woman is put through by the priest. Numbers 30:3 describes a woman making a bond. In Leviticus 12:1-7, this is never more evident as there are regulations what to do when women bear children and how to purify her so that she can come into the company of men again. There were in the temple, Court of Women which was outside of the temple courts, similar to the Court of Gentiles and other Courts that were around the temple but not inside of the Temple. But does this mean that women were to be regarded any differently by men, or is that just man’s interpretation of God’s law? More than likely it is the latter, especially since these regulations and other laws were nailed to the cross as spoken of in Colossians 3:17. There is after all no Jew, no Greek, no Male and no Female as far as God and Jesus are concerned. In Him we are the same.

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc.. Part 35

Women also were a metaphor for the righteousness that could be seen in Israel. Women were shown as keeping things close to their heart (Luke 3:19) and delicate (Jeremiah 6:2). They were also seen as those that maintained the purity of the race. (Genesis 24:3-5), as well as those that maintained the honor. (Exodus 22:17)

Then there were those who maintained silent submission, as Ruth did to Boaz in chapters 2 and 3. What is silent submission? For women, it is so hard to follow because of women’s liberation who claim that submission means slavery to men. Then again there are men that mentally and physically abuse women so that they won’t express themselves. But this is not God’s idea of submission. God’s idea is that women have a role in life and worship. I believe it goes along with reading and understanding what is meant by “should” and “must”. “Should” expresses a desire that something be done, “must” is a command. So this would indicate that there is a reconciliation of scriptures. 1Timothy 2:10-15 is reconciled with 1 Corinthians 11:3-16. And this silent submission would also explain how there could be the lifting of hands in worship. Does the fact that I don’t lift my hands in a worship service mean I am not obeying the scripture? No not at all. All it means is that this is how I am keeping order in worship. Lifting holy hand can be done in my heart, much as I can sing in my heart. It has to do with what my attitude is. Do I want to obey God or man? God tells me to “be silent and know that I am your God.” So I will lift my hands to Him in my heart. So I will make melody to Him in my heart. I think it has to do with what is the better vs. the best way to worship Him.

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc.. Part 35

Women also were a metaphor for the righteousness that could be seen in Israel. Women were shown as keeping things close to their heart (Luke 3:19) and delicate (Jeremiah 6:2). They were also seen as those that maintained the purity of the race. (Genesis 24:3-5), as well as those that maintained the honor. (Exodus 22:17)

Then there were those who maintained silent submission, as Ruth did to Boaz in chapters 2 and 3. What is silent submission? For women, it is so hard to follow because of women’s liberation who claim that submission means slavery to men. Then again there are men that mentally and physically abuse women so that they won’t express themselves. But this is not God’s idea of submission. God’s idea is that women have a role in life and worship. I believe it goes along with reading and understanding what is meant by “should” and “must”. “Should” expresses a desire that something be done, “must” is a command. So this would indicate that there is a reconciliation of scriptures. 1Timothy 2:10-15 is reconciled with 1 Corinthians 11:3-16. And this silent submission would also explain how there could be the lifting of hands in worship. Does the fact that I don’t lift my hands in a worship service mean I am not obeying the scripture? No not at all. All it means is that this is how I am keeping order in worship. Lifting holy hand can be done in my heart, much as I can sing in my heart. It has to do with what my attitude is. Do I want to obey God or man? God tells me to “be silent and know that I am your God.” So I will lift my hands to Him in my heart. So I will make melody to Him in my heart. I think it has to do with what is the better vs. the best way to worship Him.

There are no Jews, Greeks, etc

God listens to women, and in that way He also lets everyone know that He listens. Women that were abused, much as Israel was. And there was justice done. (Genesis 34:1-2) God vindicated his people as much as He did with Dinah and her rape. There were those who weren’t interested in their own welfare but that of loved ones. For instance, Zipporah who put herself between God and Moses and consecrating him before God followed through on killing him. (Exodus 4:25). Then there was Rahab, who protected the two spies and enabled them to report back to Joshua. (Joshua 2:1) In Numbers 25:6-8, women are used to prevent plagues from Israel. And the use women as a metaphor for Israel is clear, as demonstrated above. At points in time Israel was not always the God-fearing nation that God desired it to be. And women are not always portrayed as sugar and spice and everything nice. Women were shown as cannibals (II Kings 6:28,29), purveyors of evil ( II Kings 23:7, II Kings 22:10-13, Revelations 17:4, 18; Zechariah 5:7,8), people who strike fear into godly men (Nehemiah 6:14), connivers and manipulators for their own gain (Esther 5:14, Esther 6:13, and Matthew 14:8), greedy and self-seeking (Isaiah 4:1, Psalms 78:63, Judges 11:37). Women were shown as being ambitious, as in Ezekiel 13:17-23. Women were shown as lacking understanding (Job 19:17), as blaming God for all of their problems (Job 2:9), as being flippant about how they carried on their life (Isaiah 32:9,11), as being whores (Hosea 1:2, 3:1), and adulteresses (Matthew 14:34). There were specific women that reminded the reader of Israel. For example, Bathsheba involved in sin in 2 Samuel 11:4,4, and 27 and 2 Samuel 12:9-10. Then there were women who tempted Solomon spoken of in Nehemiah 13:26. And Jezebel in 1 Kings 18:4-13 and 1 Kings 19:2. There was also Herod’s wife in Mark 6:18-28 and Matthew 14:6-14 who put her daughter as a temptation for Herod to kill John the Baptist. This woman misled her husband so that he lost his soul. And what of Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 who went along with the sin of her husband, Ananias and cheated the LORD.

There are no Jews, Greeks, etc Part 34

Women are told by Paul to keep silence in church as in I Corinthians 14:34,35 and to be faithful in I Timothy 3:11. The old women are told to take care of and teach young women inTitus 2:3-5. This does mean that women couldn’t be spiritual stalwarts. In Esther 4:15-17, Queen Esther told Mordecai and her people to fast and pray while she spoke to the king on their behalf. Nor does it mean that women are not honored. In Luke 2:37 is a description of Anna, the prophetess who was considered wise. The widow in Luke 21:2-4 was championed for giving out of her poverty. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, was honored in Luke 10:42 by Jesus because of her choice to sit with Him rather than busy herself around the house. And then at Lazarus’ death, Jesus loved both of the sisters, as described in John 11:5 and wept with them about Lazarus. Women were also the first to see Christ when He arose. (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55- Luke 24:1- 10) Pilate’s wife was also shown as being wiser and more courageous than Pilate. (Matthew 27:19) Jerusalem itself was called the “mother of us all” by Paul in Galatians 4:26. Tabitha in Acts 9:36 was said to be of good words and deeds. In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila were said to have taught Apollos to have a better understanding of God. In Romans 16:1-2 Paul commends Phoebe and in Romans 16:15, he commends Julia for their works for the LORD. Then there is Timothy’s grandmother which Paul also honors in 2 Timothy 1:5. Paul also acknowledges the women of the church that work hard in Philippians 4:3. Women are also honored for their purity, in Revelations 14:4, and for chastity and loyalty in 2 Chronicles 11:2 and then for their ability to feel sorrow and compassion and weep, in Ezekiel 8:14.

There are no Jews,Greeks, etc...

Women in biblical times were used by God to display how people in general dealt with enslavement. For instance, Esther was made queen to King Ahseuerus in Persia, who was given to violence and who considered the Jews his slaves. And how did Esther deal with this, and how are we told to deal with the kind of domination that Esther had to deal with? Proverbs 11:16,22 indicate that by being gracious and shining in her personality is the way to regain favor. Proverbs 12:4 indicates that a women with virtue honors her husband. Finally, Proverbs 14:1-22 tells that wise women build their house with knowledge, love, truth, and mercy. Proverbs 19:13 and 14 indicates that the LORD pleases a man with a prudent wife and that foolish women do nothing but ruin a household. Proverbs 21:9-19 and Proverbs 27:15 and 16 indicate that contentious, angry women do nothing but make their household miserable and even bring it into ruin. And this sentiment is reiterated in Proverbs 30:21-23. There are also women that are portrayed as being worse than death because of how they trap and delude others for selfish gain. (Ecclesiastes 7:26-28) Women are also shown as being impudent. (Esther 1:11,12).

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc part34

When God uses women, there is an element of accountability that also rings true for men. God uses women as an example to demonstrate the accountability that we all have. Never is this more true than in Genesis 3:16, in which God tells us that because of Eve’s actions, there will be suffering in childbirth and rulership of the husband. And this would hold true for future generations of women, not just her. Please understand this is not original sin but for sure because women and men were no longer in the Garden of Eden, the consequences of Eve’s actions could be felt. Rulership was also evident in Esther 1:20, especially in the relationship between men and women outside of Christ or in Esther’s case outside of the Hebrew religion. King Ahasuerus definitely ruled over everyone including his wife and all were to treat him as Lord and master. This is difficult for women today to understand because they feel liberated; nevertheless in the grand scheme of things men are still protectors over women and still rule. This doesn’t mean control, but in making governing decisions within the body, in making those decision which involve maintaining existence men rule over women. Women take care of the house and training the children in their roles

There are no Jews, No Greeks, etc... part 33

God also uses women as an example of how He will deliver His people. In Ezekiel 13:17-23, women are shown as humble beings coming to God. In Numbers 31:15-16, while some have the plague the women who come to God are spared. And as bad leaders as they were shown in Isaiah, women could also be good leaders too. For instance, Deborah in Judges 4:4,5 showed that she was truly a woman of God and wanted to follow Him and obey Him. In this scripture and those that follow, Deborah defers her leadership in battle to that of her nephew, Barak, because she knew that in battle and in conquering modes, men are to lead. This is also the scripture in I Corinthians 11:7-10 that men are the head of women. Even though in Christ there is no male, no female, no Jew, no Greek. (Galatians 3:28). Why can both of these be true? Christ has come to make all one in Him, and we all work together, and none are least important than the other. But because the earth is still ruled by principles and laws of nature, there must be a hierarchy while we are on this earth. And that hierarchy puts men as leaders. That doesn’t say they are better than women. What it does say is the order of things. Another example is in Nehemiah 6:14. Women were quite helpful in rebuilding the temple. Also in Luke 2:36-38, the prophetess Anna was considered honorable and great. Also Candace, who was used by God to send the eunuch on a road trip and who met Philip and was taught what he needed to do to accept Christ. Finally, Micah 6:4 implies that women were as important as men in forming the nation of Israel. And therefore their importance cannot be understated. Women were after all the vocal part of the celebrations, for example, in Exodus 15:20,21. Miriam had a timbrel in her hand as the women danced and sang Moses’ victory. And in David’s victory over the Philistines in I Samuel 18:6, women came out and danced. Even those that were not Israelites rejoiced. (2 Samuel 1:20) Women were also a great comfort to Jesus. (Matthew 27:55-66, Mark 15:40-47) And it was to women that Jesus first appeared upon His rising from the dead. Women were also of great faith. Women were also shown to have great faith. For instance, Lydia in Acts 16:14,15, and women in Acts 17:4-34 were extremely devoted and had great faith in Christ. In Ruth 1:2, 2:3-4, and 3:1, women were shown to be devoted to their husband and his people, much as Christ’s church is to be devoted to Him and His family and to count God as Father.

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc.. Part 33

There are many allusions to Israel by using women. The likeness to the horrendous treatment of women to sorrows that overtake Israel is shown again in Lamentations 5:11. This is a good example of what the Old Testament does for us and how we are to note the example and either follow that example or be warned of what will happen if we do follow that example. The likeness really demonstrates just how pitiful things had gotten in Israel and Judah. The scriptures also say that Israel needs protection, much as women in Ruth 3:11. This shows God’s desire to protect His people and to preserve the line to Jesus. (Matthew 1,Luke 1) Then again the image of women was not always as those that are pure and need protection. In Isaiah 32:9-11, women are shown to have been carefree and not obedient to God for so long that God is no longer so protective of them. In Jeremiah, Israel is being likened to a forgetful maid in forgetting God and thus their duties to the Father. In Ecclesiastes 7:26, Solomon describes seductive, entrapping women and finds them worse than death because they lead to death and make one forget about God. How does one escape such? By pleasing God. And this is by focusing on God away from seductresses. Women are also used to describe how bad influences corrupt, much as Israel was corrupted by outside, ungodly influences. All the way back to Genesis 3:6, women could be bad influences, and Israel is warned to stay firm and keep focused on what it knows is the truth. Another example is Jezebel in 1 Kings 21:25. Jezebel stirred up trouble much as those women that gossip against one another and people in general. Women are shown to be idol worshippers, and leading their children to be so. (Jeremiah 7:18). And in Nehemiah 13:26, men are warned against women that would cause them to sin, even a man such as Solomon. Women in Isaiah 3:12 are shown to be among the poor leaders and those leaders that take God’s people astray and in utter confusion, due to pride and selfishness. Indeed women are shown in Romans 1:26 to be given to unnatural desires and sinful natures, and God lets them, because this is what they wanted. Because God wants all to come to Him of free will, not because they are supposed to, not because that is what is expected of them, but that is what they wish to do. He wants His people to want to please Him. And women are compared to Israel in Ezekiel 16:32 to being adulterous because of how easily they fall in with those who do not do as God wants. Hosea 4:13,14, also use women to describe the unfaithfulness of Israel. Paul speaks of silly women in 2 Timothy 3:6. Further women are shown as being disobedient, as in Genesis 19:26 and Luke 17:32 and jealous as in Genesis 30:1. And the ultimate disobedience, Eve, in Genesis 3:1 and revisited in 1 Timothy 2:14.

There are no Jews, No greeeks, etc...part 33

Women are the ones who feel and convey those feelings more than men. For instance, women have a stronger sense of sorrow than men. As in Judges 11:37, women will mourn together for a given circumstance. The metaphor of a woman’s grief is so strong that the writer of Lamentations uses it to describe the mourning in Israel. (Lamentations 4:10) And who else but a daughter could dance with innocence and joy of seeing their protectors and their fathers and bolster their confidence. (Judges 11:34, Judges 21:21, Jeremiah 31:13). Honorable fathers and brothers were protectors of their sisters, as shown in Genesis 34:5. This is why Paul speaks about husbands in Ephesians 5 and how they are to act toward their wives and vice versa. So women do indeed play a significant role in God’s kingdom. Women are also shown as being able to eke out a living for themselves and labor for themselves in the absence of a man. (Isaiah 4:1). At the same time, women were considered to be a commodity. (Matthew 15:25) This is particular written about in Psalms where women have to get on without a husband. (Ps 78:63) And it is sad that when God, because of the stubbornness of the people or sometimes He allows others to overcome others, makes men, women and children captive and there really is nothing we can do to get ourselves out of bondage. (Lamentations 1:18, Ezekiel 30:17-18, Deuteronomy 32:35) For some reason, God chooses to care for women either through providing them with a husbands, with specific guidelines given in Ephesians 5:22-30, or when there are those women who are not married, there are men in the church who will help them through various difficulties. (I Corinthians 11:1-12).

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc. part32

At the same time, we have to realize that women physically cannot keep the enemies out, as written in Nahum 3:13. Women were not considered among those that could protect the city of Ninevah. This reference was a warning to Ninevah that describe the wrath that resulted from proceeding against God. Women were considered the weakest of humans and this meant that the men fighting were poor fighting stock and that they could never defeat God. But women were shown as strong in other areas, nurturing, caring for family, distributing love, for example. David spoke of this, in that the love he felt for Jonathan in friendship went beyond that of a woman (2 Samuel 1:26), meaning the love felt was even stronger and higher than that of a woman. This was and is a woman’s asset, that they have a great deal of love, compassion, and their abilities to raise God and to ensure they are trained in God. (Isaiah 49:15) That doesn’t mean women cannot lead. There have been many capable leaders. It simply means that women are not the one’s who can ultimately physically protect against a warring enemy. Men on the other hand need women to help them. Does this mean women need to be with men? Or that men need to be with women? Not always going to happen! So often women are by themselves, especially widows, and it often falls upon them to build up and repair the house, tend the fields, in general keeping the home going. Men on the other hand are the protectors and keep the enemy out and also bring in the tools and the items with which women can build and maintain the household and cause it to grow.

There are no Jews, Greeks, etc....Part 31

I cannot speak of women without speaking of the disturbing trend. Men wanting to dress as women and vice versa, men desiring to be women and desiring to have relationships with other men as women would have relationships with men. I am not talking about disguising or playing the part of the opposite gender. No I am talking about actually living as one of the opposite gender because that person feels strongly they were born the wrong gender. How sad a statement! How far from God that person has fallen, how much God is displeased with that very idea! Romans 1 speaks over and over how men will have forsaken God and He will let them do as they want but they will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. (I Cor 6:9) How sad that is! Some of the those who would be so useful to God just destroy themselves by their actions. But it boils down to being satisfied with the life God has given us. I know what it is like not to be particularly happy with what I have had to deal with, but I also know that I have had and am learning that God puts us in various positions for a purpose and that it all works out for His greater purpose. Men and women must be happy as men and women because they must know that why God created them and that God sent His Son and that God truly loves them. I know that as children boys are made fun of for being artistic and girls made fun of for being athletic. I also know that there are plenty of artistic masculine men and of athletic feminine women, and people learn to deal with the criticism. We must grow up and be God’s children, not children of satan. Women are as important to God as men are, but because humans are cruel and possessive and abusive without God then women are held down and not considered as people. So all problems result from when we don’t put God first, spousal abuse, homosexuality, perversion, stealing, murder, and any other sin. None of us, not men or women, must give in to sin. We must learn to be strong because God is strong.

There are no Jews, Greeks, etc..

And for the most part, the distinctions between men and women are still that way today. Because it comes natural to do that. It’s a cliché, but it is true: men are truly hunters, simply because they go out, busy themselves with bringing home the bacon, or the money to buy the bacon. And the women are the gatherers, simply because they are the ones to pick the fruit and vegetables and get water and go down to the river to wash clothes and nurse and educate children how they are to take their roles in society. This sounds chauvinistic, and indeed most women would frown on this description. But if we are honest, then we will know this is the only true way in which we can function in a healthy manner and maintain our relationships in marriage. And it is the only way women can survive this life modestly, as Paul speaks to Timothy about in 1 Timothy 2:9,10. Women must be modest, they must realize the importance of their roles of the ones that teach the children manners and propriety, or of what their role is. Women must put the emphasis not on fashion shows but on being godly and to doing good works. This sentiment is reiterated in 11 Peter 3:3,4. Remember that women are to have hearts made of incorruptible material, like men—led by the law of the Spirit, the commandment of Jesus as spoken by Peter in 1 Peter 3:7. Men are to acknowledge and honor their wives, because they are partakers of the inheritance in God. Many times, women see themselves as being described as being the weakest of the species. Is that accurate? Probably not, but we all have our strengths and weakness and women need men just as much as men need women. We cannot make it through this life without some interaction with each other, even if there are those that do not marry. This is shown in Isaiah 19:16, Jeremiah 50:39 and Jeremiah 51:30. The women in these passages may be seen as being weak and in need of protection by men from those that would do harm. I don’t know that I would think of women who need protecting as being weak in any other way except that there are some women who cannot fend of people that would do harm, and while there are those who are police officers and soldiers, men are the ones that train various women to fend off attacks. Why? Because men know how evil other men are. In Nehemiah 3:13, women, in being women, couldn’t keep the enemy out of the walls of Jerusalem, weren’t equipped to defeat those that would tear down the walls.

There are no Jews, no Greeks, etc...

God obviously looks upon women with favor, because the body of Christ is likened to the Bride of Christ, as seen in Revelations 21:2, 9. But does this favor of women happen all the time? No, but it is the desire of God to favor women. Only when men place their desires and their intentions on women do things go awry. In Ezekiel, women are considered to be precious, such that the daughters that are lost during a description of a loss would be considered the worst loss and devastation of all. (Ezekiel 26:6-8).

Women are also looked upon with favor because they are the first to notice when things need tending to, probably since they themselves are involved in every aspect of everyday life. Matthew 26:29 and John 18:16, 17, demonstrates this. The women recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples. Why is this so important? Because it recognizes the existence of Jesus with witnesses other than His followers. The women were the first to recognize Jesus after He arose, much as they were the first to note He was gone. Although women were low on the totem pole, God used them and He took and takes them seriously. Women could and can pick up on the unusual, for instance in Acts 12:13,14 when Peter was released from prison. Rhoda met him at the door and delayed the message he was bringing to the household. Only those of faith would have and could have believed her.