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Embracing the Tattoo Generation

Posted: March 8, 2015 in Embracing the Tattoo Generation, Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts
Tags: inked, prophecy, tattoo generation, tattoos

March 2015

By Amy Hartmann

Over the past several years, I’ve been asked (multiple times), my thoughts regarding the perceived biblical perspective on getting a tattoo. Some have expressed strong ‘old school’ negative opinions regarding this sweeping phenomena. Others felt guilty about receiving parental or peer condemnation for their tattoos. Not having a tattoo myself, I decided to dig into the history and biblical perspective, after a specific passage in the Old Testament book of Isaiah caught my attention.

Tattoo History

According to a January 1, 2007, article by Cate Lineberry in The Smithsonian, entitled, “Tattoos – The Ancient and Mysterious History”, this form of body marking has been found on mummies dating back as far as the famous, frozen 5,200 year-old “Iceman”, a mummy found in the area of the Italian-Austrian border in 1991.(1) Ms. Lineberry’s interview with Joann Fletcher, research fellow in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York in Britain, revealed some interesting historical tattoo discussion points:

“Until the “Iceman” discovery, the earliest examples were thought to be Egyptian female mummies which dated to 2000 B.C.(2)
Marking implements were found, which dated back to c.3000 B.C.; some were wooden and some of bronze.(3)
Soot was one of the earliest forms of pigment; however, the Inuit culture were believed to have used a yellow color along with the darker pigments.(4)
Mummified remains of women of the indigenous C-group found in the Nubians (to the south of Egypt; discovered in cemeteries near Kubban c.2000-1500 B.C.) revealed blue tattoos.(5)
Ancient Egyptians represented the male leaders of the Libyan neighbors with clear, geometrical tattoo marks on their arms and legs (images portrayed in Egyptian tomb, temple and palace scenes).(6)
Greek writer Herodotus c.450 B.C. stated that among the Scythian and Thracian cultures, “tattoos were a mark of nobility, and to not have them was testimony of low birth”.(7)
Romans named a northern Ancient Briton tribe “Picti”, literally “the painted people”.(8)
Greek and Roman cultures used tattoos or “stigmata” to mark slaves, prostitutes, criminals or sometimes someone belonging to a religious sect.(9)
Much recent evidence shows that women primarily tattooed their bodies and limbs as far back as 4000-3500 B.C; especially in the Egyptian and Greco-Roman burials. Most of these markings were of “amulet” origin and were found on concubines and prostitutes. Some experts believe they served as a form of religious ceremonial protection against sexually transmitted disease and for childbirth.(10)
With the emergence of Christianity, tattoos were banned by the Emperor Constantine (A.D. 306-373) because they were felt to “disfigure that made in God’s image”.(11)
Extensive facial and body tattooing occurred among Native Americans (such as the Cree); Greenland Inuit women (c.A.D. 1475) reveal evidence of tattooing.(12)
China mummies depict tattooing; Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D.220) only tattooed criminals. Japanese men took up this custom in the late A.D. 3rd century. (13)
Polynesian cultures used the term “tatatau” or “tattau” and James Cook’s British expedition in 1769 brought this term into popular use.(14)
European sailors and coal miners sported these markings around the same time; presumably explaining the amulet-like use of anchors and miner’s lamp marking on the forearms.(15)
In the Maori culture of New Zealand, markings on the forehead conveyed specific information; a form of ID or passport; a kind of aesthetic bar code for the face.(16)

What Isaiah Saw

Isaiah was a Prophet and advisor to the kings of Judah during the reign of Uzziah, Jothan, Ahaz, Hezekiah and possibly Manasseh (740-701 B.C.).(17) “He enjoyed a significant position in the contemporary society …His education is evident in his superb writing that has gained him an eminence in Hebrew literature hardly surpassed by any other. He had a thorough grasp of political history and dared to voice unpopular minority views regarding the state and the economy.” “Isaiah was called to be a prophet of God (Yahweh) in striking visions which he experienced in the Temple (in Jerusalem) about 740 B.C., the year King Uzziah died”.(18) “His themes throughout his writings include:

God knows His people’s sins but calls them back to Himself (Chapters 1-12).
God’s sovereignty extends to all nations, whether acknowledged or not (Ch 13-23).
God’s triumph over evil means deliverance for His people (Ch 24-27).
God’s people must be different (Ch 28-39).
God’s words of comfort for His confused people (Ch 40-55).
Salvation and healing comes to many through the suffering of the promised One, The Christ (Ch 53).
God’s word to His imperfect people (Ch 56-66).”(19)

Isaiah’s vision showed him the Throne room of God and the tumultuous events of the future. Many of those events unfolded as Isaiah served the various kings of Judah during their reigns. His chapter on the vision of Jesus, and how Jesus would suffer the crucifixion and resurrection to bring atonement for the sins of the world is so powerful. However, much of Isaiah’s perspective points to our day and the apocalyptic days of the future, especially regarding events in the Middle East. “Apocalypticism is an expressive term which denotes the unveiling of the future. Portions of Ezekiel, Joel and Daniel are written in this style marked by cosmological orientation…symbolism so bewildering…that the writer penned his forecast in the symbolic language of faith, pointing to a resolution of world history…”(20) It was in this language of the future that Isaiah saw generations that would begin to use their bodies to express the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in unprecedented ways.

“But now listen, O Jacob My servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen. Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you. Do not fear, O Jacob My servant, and you Jeshurun (ancient name for Jerusalem) whom I have chosen. For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water. This one will say, “I am the Lord’s; and that one will call on the name of Jacob; and another will write [H#3789] on his hand, “Belonging to the Lord” and will name Israel’s name with honor.”(21)

Go with the Verbs

Numerous passages offer interesting perspectives, so I decided to focus on the verbs. The ‘he shall write’ reference shows:

[Hebrew #3789 kathab (kaw-thab’); a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe). KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write, writing, written.](22)

This verb first shows up in Exodus 17:14 and references “writing as a memorial in a book”. The same word is used to describe God’s handwriting on the tablets of stone He wrote when giving Moses the original Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:1) . The passage which has caused so many people to feel condemnation is found in the detailed laws of Moses which are documented in the book of Leviticus:

“You shall not make any cuts[H#8296] in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo [H#3793] marks [H#7085] on yourselves, I AM the Lord.”(23)

[Hebrew #8296 seret (seh’ret) and sareteth (saw-reh’-teth) from H8295; an incision; cutting](24)

[Hebrew #3793 kthobeth (keth-o-beth) a letter or other mark branded on the skin; (from H# 3789)].(25)

[Hebrew #7085 qa’aqa (kah-ak-ah) in incision or gash; from the same as H#6970].(26)

The word ‘tattoo’ is not found in the original language. The context of the passage is regarding the pagan custom of cutting and blood letting to mourn for dead family members and friends; and homage pagan priests made to idols.(27) The Levitical priests were commanded not to take up this detestable practice.(28)

God’s Tattoos

Isaiah captured another amazing vision aspect of God, and His comfort for all those who are hurting and processing great seasons of turmoil, strife, destruction by enemy forces, transition, conflict and even abandonment:

But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! [God replies] See, I have engraved [H#2710] you on the palms of My hands; your walls (of Jerusalem) are ever before Me.”(29)

[Hebrew #2710 chaqaq (khaw-kak’) a primitive root; properly, to hack; i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (generally) prescribe. Appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, portray, print, set.](30)

Written on Jesus’ Thigh

Another interesting passage is found in the New Testament book of Revelation, (John the Disciple and Revelator’s apocalyptic writings). John says this of his vision of Jesus:

“I saw Heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. (See the Gospel of John 1: 1-14). The armies of Heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”(31)

God’s Promises

One last set of interesting passages on this subject of body writing. The prophet Jeremiah records:

“This is the Covenant I will make with the House of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and write [H#3789 referenced above] them on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be My people.”(32)

The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews carries this same reference [G#1924] forward in the context of the work God does, through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross – which established a new covenant which encompasses all believers – not just those from the House of Israel and Judah.(33)

[Greek #1924 epigrapho (ep-ee-graf-o) to inscribe (physically or mentally); from G#1909 and G#1125].(34)

John the Revelator also captures a poignant promise Jesus made to the church of Philadelphia [not in Pennsylvania]:

“I AM coming soon. Hold on to what you have (your belief in ME) so that no one will take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write [G# 1125] on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new Name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”(35)

Jesus was talking about the church that showed real brotherly love towards each other, and towards the lost and broken.

[Greek #1125 grapho; to “grave”, especially to write; to describe].(36)

Tattoo Safety Concerns

My final vein of research focused on the question of safety and medical concerns surrounding the tattoo process. I wish I had better news. The Mayo Clinic website offered these cautions:

Tattoo dyes (especially red, green, yellow and blue) can cause allergic skin reactions; rashes can occur even years later.(37)
Skin infections, skin problems and bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink; keloids are another tattooing problem (raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue).(38)
Blood borne diseases – improperly cleaned and unsterilized equipment may be contaminated with infected blood; tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, as well as other blood borne infections, are a very real risk.(39)
Future medical tests, such as MRI complications exist. Tattoo pigments can interfere with imaging, and with the case of an epidural, ink materials may be carried into the spinal fluid.(40)
Dermatological removal releases the dye contaminants into the glands and the liver for processing and removal.(41)(42)

[My note: Hepatitis C has no known cure yet. Once infected with this disease, you become a carrier as well. One doctor stated, “whatever you put in or on your skin winds up in your liver]. U.S. News and World Report – Health carried this piece by Doctor Bernadine Healy, in her article entitled “The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo”, dated July 25, 2008:

“Black Henna Tattoo chemicals can cause severe skin reactions.”(43)
“Chemists from several laboratories, including the government’s National Center for Toxicological Research, have identified low levels of carcinogens in tattoo ink.”(44)
“The FDA warns about the risk of tattoo parlors transmitting viruses like HIV and the cancer causing hepatitis C…. The FDA also warns patients that an MRI scan can cause tattoos to swell or burn, presumably related to the metal in some inks…. In fact, no one really knows exactly what’s in the numerous commercial and homemade inks. But they do contain solvents and metals like lead and mercury and a range of impurities acceptable for computer printers or car paint – BUT not made for human injection.”(45)

The American Academy of Dermatology mirrors the same above concerns and offers this additional warning:

“Tattoo pigments may contain industrial organic pigments, including azo and polycyclic compounds, sandalwood and Brazil wood, as well as aluminum, cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, silica, sulphur, titanium dioxide and barium sulphate, each of which may be the cause of a skin reaction like a rash or be toxic.”(46)
Specific Guidelines for tattoo safety may be accessed at: https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/tattoos-and-body-piercings.”(47)

Patrick J. Skerret, Executive Editor of Harvard Health, in his article entitled “Tattoos and infection: Think before you ink”; references reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association which describe multi-state outbreaks of tattoo-related infections, all pointing back to Mycobacterium bacteria. Other related illnesses include mild rashes all the way up to severe abscesses that require surgery and several months of antibiotic therapy.(48) He also states, “The infection outbreaks described in JAMA aren’t the first such report. One in Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont involved methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (sometimes known as MRSA) a hard to treat bug that can cause substantial damage to the skin and the rest of the body. The possibility exits that tattooing can transmit even more harmful microbes, such as the viruses that cause hepatitis or AIDS…”(49) One last somber report: Julie Genser, in her article, “The Truth about Tattoos: Health Risks, Toxicity and More”, dated September 28, 2007, raised these sobering concerns:

“Today’s tattoo inks contain an unknown conglomeration of metallic salts (oxides, sulphides, selenides), organic dyes or plastics suspended in a carrier solution for consistency of application. …Many of the chemicals found were originally intened for use in writing and printer inks, as well as automobile paints.”(50)
“The carrier solution itself might contain harmful substances such as denatured alcohols, methanol, rubbing alcohol, antifreeze detergents, or formaldehyde and other toxic aldehydes.”(51)
“The oldest pigments came from using ground up minerals and carbon black. According to Wikipedia.org, a wide range of dyes and pigments are now used in tattoos, “ from inorganic materials like titanium dioxide and iron oxides to carbon black, azo dyes, and acridine quinoline, phthaleocyanine and naphthol derivaties, dyes made from ash and other mixtures.” Currently popular is Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) used in Intenze, Millenium and other ABS pigmented brands.”(52)
“Allergic reactions have occurred with some of the many metals put into tattoo inks, nickel being one of the most common metal allergies. Others have reacted to the mercury in red cinnabar, to cobalt blue, and to cadmium sulfite when used as a yellow pigment. Some inks were found to have high levels of lead, some contained lithium, and the blue inks were full of copper.”(53)

ENDNOTES:

(1) Lineberry, Cate, “Tattoos, The Ancient and Mysterious History”; http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/?no-ist ; accessed February 27, 2015.

(2) Ibid; page 1.

(3) Ibid; page 2.

(4) Ibid; page 3

(5) Ibid; page 3.

(6) Ibid; page 3.

(7) Ibid; page 3.

(8) Ibid; page 4.

(9) Ibid; page 4.

(10) Ibid; page 1-3.

(11) Ibid; page 4.

(12) Ibid. page 4.

(13) Ibid. page 5.

(14) Ibid; page 5.

(15) Ibid; page 5.

(17) Ibid.

(19) Ibid; page 718.

(20) Isaiah 44:1-5; Zodhiates, Spiros, Th.D.; “Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible;” copyright 1960, 1962, 1963,1968, 1971, 1972,1973,1975, 1977; The Lockman Foundation; 1984 and 1990; AMG International, Inc. Chattanooga, TN; page 953.

(26) I Kings 18:20-28; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: page 919. Jeremiah 48:37, “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: page 2029.

(36) “Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions”; by Mayo Clinic Staff; http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/tattoos-and-piercings/art-20045067 ; accessed February 28, 2015.

(37) Ibid. (38) Ibid. (39) Ibid. (40) Ibid. (41) “WebMD;“The Truth About Tattoos”; http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/video/truth-about-tattoos#video-transcript ; accessed February 28, 2015.

(42) Healy, Bernadine, M.D.; “US News and World Report Health: The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo”; http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo ; accessed February 28, 2015.

(43) Ibid.

(44) Ibid.

(45) The American Academy of Dermatology; “Tattoos and body piercings”; https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/tattoos-and-body-piercings ; accessed March 02, 2015

(46) Ibid.

(47) Skerrett, Patrick J.; “Tattoos and infection: Think before you ink”; http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/tattoos-and-infection-think-before-you-ink-201210125405 ; accessed March 02, 2015.

(48) Ibid.

(49) Genser, Julie; “The Truth about Tattoos: Health Risks, Toxicity and More”; http://www.naturalnews.com/022073.html ; accessed February 28, 2015.

(50) Ibid.

(51) Ibid.

(52) Ibid.

(53) Ibid.

The Most Divisive Words In History

Posted: February 1, 2015 in The Most Divisive Words In History, The New Commandment
Tags: adversity, dominion, Greek word studies, Love

January 06, 2015 – February 01, 2015
By Amy Hartmann

In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, launched a world period of warfare and instability that lasted for almost 40 years. This shifting of world powers and tensions between the ruling families of Europe and their respective national governments, dominated world events well into the 1950s. Millions lost their lives as World War I and II shook the nations.

The ensuing regional wars continued, as military powers fought for more and more control. Actions mostly prompted world events, but words and ideologies elevated the actions, and triggered unbelievable blood shed. Political point of view has such an impact on how we receive and process information and revelation. Hindsight and history are great levelers of learning boundaries and disabilities. Reading through eye-witness accounts and documents, often gives us the ability to look into how the information being presented was initially captured, and how it affected those taking the time and opportunity to record the historical events unfolding in their day. Such is the impact of the first four books of the New Testament, documents entitled ‘The Gospels’ in liturgical speak. The word gospel means ‘good news’; and so the accounts of the times of Jesus were to those who chose to recount His life and earthly ministry.

The histories of the men, whose books bear their names [Matthew, Mark, Luke and John], tell much about how their writings came to be accepted as reliable accounts. Matthew was a tax collector Jesus personally called to come and follow Him. In Rabbinical schools of Jesus’ day, the teacher (Rabbi) would gather a small group of students together in a fixed group to stay together and learn for a fixed period of time. Being chosen by well respected teachers was a great privilege. This choosing process usually occurred while the students were still very young. Fishermen and tax collectors were not likely candidates for these select groupings.(1) Much effort and study of these four works individually, and in parallel, has been documented all the way back to the second century.(2)

Matthew was a duty or toll booth tax collector, who extracted taxes and government tolls from the local farmers, merchants and caravans that traveled the main highway from Damascus (in Syria today) down through the Jordan Valley to Capernaum. The same road also had a segment that went west to join the coastal road that led to Egypt; and southward to Jerusalem. Employed by Herod Antipas, Matthew knew the value of goods being bartered or traded and sold. He spoke the local Aramaic language as well as Greek, and he leased his tax collecting business annually; paying the upfront amount to the Roman government. The amount he collected in repayment was profitable and gave him much wealth; therefore because of his heavy handed practices, he was despised and reviled by his fellow Jews.(3)

Early church writings present the Gospel of Mark as the work of John Mark. He shows up on missionary journeys with Barnabas and the Apostle Paul and as a probable assistant to the disciple Peter. Some historians have suggested that Mark’s narrative of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane provides an interesting clue to the identity of the writer:

“And a young man was following Jesus [in the crowd of people] with nothing but a linen cloth (drape or sheet) thrown about his body. And they [the soldiers in the arrest cohort] laid hold of him. But leaving behind the linen cloth, he fled from them (and the scene of the arrest) naked.”(4)

Mark seeks to address a non-Jewish audience and he takes the time to explain Jewish customs and some of the harder to understand Jewish traditions. Mark’s detailed accounts document the recollections of Peter, the disciple Jesus called out of the boat to walk with Him on the raging sea. Mark goes after the action of Jesus’ purpose and life. Mark’s account is the Jesus action movie we need today. Mark captures the hellish intent of demonic forces to overtake people, even young children, and to bring great destruction to them and those they are around. Mark makes it clear that demons exist and target even the youngest and most vulnerable.(5)

Luke was a physician of his day and possibly Greek. He was a traveling companion and a close friend of the Apostle Paul, and early church historians date Luke’s first book as being written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment. Luke also wrote the book of Acts as a follow up to his Gospel narrative. Luke wanted to present a “orderly” account to events he sought to verify through much research. He had contact with the elders in the Jerusalem church which included James, the half-brother of Jesus. He most likely interviewed Mary and the other disciples who were eye witnesses of Jesus’ life and ministry.(6)

John and his brother James were originally followers of John the Baptist. Upon hearing the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus, they left and became disciples of Jesus. John’s family were fishermen, prosperous and willing to give their financial substance to support the daily needs of Jesus as He traveled and ministered. John’s youth and his eye witness account, provides a very interesting and challenging perspective. Jesus referred to John and James as “The sons of Thunder” because of their zeal. Jesus also referred to John as “the Beloved Disciple”.(7) As He was dying on the cross, Jesus charged John with the care of His mother.(8)

Because of personal experience, John grasped the divinity of Jesus as ‘The Christ’, the promised Messiah from God. John set down his account to prove his understanding, by documenting key miracles or signs that Jesus performed. John opens his narrative with this incredible declaration:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him [Jesus] all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it… The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”(9)

He also documented the drastic, radical, revolutionary declarations made by Jesus. It is here in John’s writings we begin to see the magnitude of this far-reaching perspective, and the impact of Jesus’ uncompromising words:

• I AM the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me shall never go hungry; he who believes in Me shall never be thirsty.(10)
• I AM the Light of the world; he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness.(11)
• I AM the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.(12)
• I AM the good Shepherd…I lay down My life for the sheep.(13)
• I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.(14)
• I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.(15)
• I AM the true Vine, and My Father is the Gardner. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit.(16)
• Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.(17)
• He who has seen Me has seen the Father. The words I say to you are not just My own. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me who is doing His work.(18)
• Anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater works than these [all of Jesus’ miracles] because I am going to the Father.(19)

The impact of His phraseology was not lost on His audience. Their memories were fixed on a former Hebrew deliverer named Moses, who encountered God in a burning bush on the far side of the desert of Midian at Horeb, the mountain of God:

“Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is His name?” Then what shall I tell them?”” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has sent me to you. This is My name forever, the name by which I AM to be remembered from generation to generation.””(20)

Jesus stepped further over the line during His last meal with the disciples, just before His arrest, suffering and crucifixion. John records another interesting observation before the meal began:

“It was just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed the full extent of His love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”(21)

As the disciples sat around the table, eating the Passover Supper, they pondered His pre-dinner action of washing their feet; an act of hospitality usually performed by the lowest house servant. They struggled and wrestled with His words and the possible meanings. He knew their thoughts, their anxieties, their desire for position and authority. He understood their humanity as no other man ever would. He felt their perplexity at His extreme statements.

As the meal was ending, Judas Iscariot [the troubled disciple], took the morsel of bread Jesus dipped in the dish. At that moment he made his decision to betray Jesus to the Jewish authorities seeking to arrest Him. John makes an interesting observation: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.”(22)

Once Judas was gone, Jesus declared the glory of this moment in time. Then Jesus fired the shot heard around the world:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, IF you love one another.”(23)

We read these words now days, as kind and encouraging, and possibly ‘common place’ by our standards. How sweet to think that Jesus wants us to love each other. However, He was not just being kind; He was putting Himself in the same place as God. Thousands of years earlier, God handed down the original commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, once Israel had been delivered from Egypt’s bondage and was encamped at the mountain side. Now Jesus was introducing a new law; He was asserting His own authority once again and introducing a new way to love – the agape way. He reiterated this new command four times during that last meal.(24)

[Greek #25 agapao (ag-ap-ah-o) to love, in a social or moral sense – be love](25)

Jesus threw down the gauntlet, like the medieval knights of olden times, challenging all the evil forces behind His spiritual and soon to be literal battle. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”(26)

John captures one more significant event just before Jesus is arrested. After the dinner and the profound passages which capture the comfort Jesus was giving to His group of unlikely disciples, Jesus leads them across the Kidron Valley to the olive grove He favored for private time.(27)

“Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers (a Roman Cohort with the capacity of 1000 men) and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.(28) They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am He,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew backward (lurched backward) and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, “Who is it you want?”
And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
“I told you that I AM He,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those You gave Me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”(29)

Matthew documents:

“Put your sword back in its place.” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you not think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”(30)

Why did the Cohort and the mob lurch backward and fall to the ground when Jesus declared, “I AM HE!”?

I believe the latent power that belonged to Jesus – power at His disposal in that crucial moment of time – was the same Power that spoke the worlds into existence. Remember? John told us in the beginning Jesus was the Word made flesh. He had the power to destroy them all and make the cross powerless, but He knew it was the Father’s plan, so He chose the Father’s way, the new command of love.

Some interesting love statistics:

12 = Number of times Matthew used the word love and its various forms
6 = Number of times Mark used the word love and its various forms
13 = Number of times Luke used the word love and its various forms
126 = Number of times John used the word love and its various forms (31)

*****************************END NOTES*************************************

(1) Excerpts from “Rabbi”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 1162.
(2) “Harmony of the Gospels”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; pages 606-608.
(3) Excerpts from “Matthew”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 932.
(4) Mark 14:50-52; “The Comparative Study Bible – The Amplified Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2574.
(5) Excerpts from “Mark, John; and Mark, The Gospel of”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; pages 918 -924.
(6) Excerpts from “Luke and Luke, Gospel of”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; pages 899-903.
(7) Excerpts from “John and John, Gospel of”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; pages 803-807.
(8) John 19:25-27; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2759.
(9) John 1:1-5, 14; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2689.
(10) John 6:35; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2711.
(11) John 8:12; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2719.
(12) John 10:9; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2727.
(13) John 10:14-15; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2727.
(14) John 11:25; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2731.
(15) John 14:6; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2741.
(16) John 15:1-2; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2745.
(17) John 14:1; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2741.
(18) John 14:9-10; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2471.
(19) John 14:12; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2743.
(20) Exodus 3:13-15; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 149-151.
(21) John 13:1-5; ; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2739.
(22) John 13:27; ; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2741.

(23) John 13:34; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2741.
(24) John 13:34 & 35; John 15:12 & 17; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 2741 & 2745.
(25) Agapao; Greek #25; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 1.
(26) John 13;34 and John 14:15; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 2741and 2743
(27) John 14, 15, 16, 17; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 2741-2753.
(28) Excerpt from “Cohort”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 274.
(29) John 18:2-11; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2753.
(30) Matthew 26:52-54; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999, Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2511.
(31) This includes the Gospel of John, I,II,III John and Revelations.

Work Zone Ahead: Proceed with Caution!

Posted: January 15, 2015 in Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, Work Zone Ahead: Proceed with Caution!
Tags: adversity, hope, pain, prodigals, suffering, trust

January 02-14, 2015

The voice comes as the problems mount. You are in that place of waiting. The Deceiver of circumstances wants you to agree…nothing will ever change…the job won’t come…the bills are unpaid…the sickness won’t go away…it is too late…no one will ever pay any attention…you are forgotten by God. It is a place where your emotions are so brittle it only takes a cross look to make you weep – or sometimes simply a kind word.

Everyone else seems to be doing well. They work, they prosper, they build, they plant, they travel, they share their energetic moments with such zeal; and they seem to think that the rest of the world is just as elated. “Why can’t you get it together,” their eyes silently ask, as their unspoken question stands just out of earshot. I know. I’ve been on both sides of the conversation.

Silencing the Mouth of Doom

David the shepherd, David the warrior, David the future king of Israel intimately knew such a place, as he ran and hid from the wrath of Saul the reigning king of Israel.(1) David ran for his life for almost 15 years. He learned how to talk to himself in those impossible moments. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”(2)

Statements like these are one of the reasons that David’s writings in the Psalms are so enduring – they document and help comfort. The Psalms lighten the burden of waiting – and the place of brokenness – which is part of the human experience.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends His love and His faithfulness.”(3)

Moses, Abraham and just about everyone of merit mentioned in the scriptures, walked through these same soul conflicts. Even Jesus knew such a place. His friend Lazarus knew that place. Lazarus felt the sting of death, the betrayal of his body to overwhelming sickness; and the finality of the burial cloths. He surrendered to decay in the grave and the silence of Sheol. The sisters cried, as they watched the men roll the stone over the mouth of the cave, locking their beloved brother away from the world. “Jesus, if you had only been here, our brother would not have died!”(4)

Jesus saw their tears, their frustration with His inaction…their disappointment in His response. The text makes it clear He knew that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death. He wept, I think, not only for his dead friend, but mostly for their broken heartedness towards Him and the Father’s delay plan. He only did what His Heavenly Father said to do…He only moved when His Father said “go”.(5) He felt their pain, their frustration – and even their anger.

“Take away the stone,” He said.
“But Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that IF you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When He had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes, and let him go.”(6)

Why did God wait? It was only in the totality and the stench of death that God’s resurrection power could be properly revealed. Resurrection is an interesting word found only in New Testament writings. All of the gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), as well as Paul and the writer of Hebrews, grasped the unusual concept often debated among the Jewish religious sects.

[G#386 anastasis (an-as-tas-is) a standing up again; literally from death; or figuratively, a moral recovery of spiritual truth; from G#450](7)
[G#1454 egersis (eg’-er-sis) a resurgence (from death); a rousing; used in Matthew 27:53 regarding Jesus’ resurrection](8)
[G#1815 exanastasis (ex-an-as’-tas-is) resurrection; a rising from death; from G#1817](9)

The Apostle Paul knew that place of trauma, waiting and frustration; and it is a dark night of the soul. His painful words to his spiritual son Timothy document this moment, as he languished in a Roman prison: “Even Demas has deserted me…and at my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me, the message might be fully proclaimed and all…might hear it.”(10)

Learning To Share The Cup

Between the Old and New Testaments, the condition of the heart (i.e. the contents and actions coming out of the heart of man) is discussed almost a 1000 times! Jesus discussed this crucial subject over 45 times. The Hebrew word for heart first shows up in Genesis at an ominous place – just before the flood of Noah’s day.

“When men began to increase in number on the earth…the Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth and HIS HEART was filled with pain.”(11)

Another telling fact makes its first appearance in scripture: God was grieving over the way His creation had turned out. God was feeling such pain He had to take drastic actions. I personally think the massive downpour that covered the face of the earth, once the fountains of the deep broke open, just may have been the very tears of God.

[H# 3820 leb (labe) the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.](12)
[H# 6087 ’atsab (aw-tsab’) properly, to carve; i.e. fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense) to worry, pain or anger; displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship, wrest](13)

Several thousand years later, new parents Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus up for dedication. The prophet Simeon took him from Mary’s arms and said: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”(14)

Pain is never wasted by God. The question becomes, just like Jesus asked the disciples (who were jockeying for position around His future throne in glory): “Will you indeed share My cup?”(15) His cup was a chalice of pain, suffering and death on a cruel Roman cross. Historical records show that most of the disciples suffered extensively and died for their faith in the deity of Jesus.

What is God doing through these times of great adversity? God is not wasting the circumstances. He uses these situations to search our heart and examine our mind – and He digs deep.(16) He already knows what’s there, He just wants us to see the depth of our need for Him, and His plans and His ways; and for us to come into agreement with Him. He promises that “in” all things, He is working for our good.(17) He also uses these opportunities to show us His glory. Just like in Lazarus’ story, it took death to showcase God’s resurrection power.

The Real Prodigals

What is God after? For one thing, I believe He’s after the conversations we have with ourselves deep in our own heart.

1. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord…I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed…I call to remembrance my song in the night; I commune with mine own heart…Is His mercy clean gone forever?(18)
2. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”(19)
3. If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to an [idol], would God not have discovered it, since He knows the secrets of the heart?(20)
4. Blessed are the pure in heart…(21)
5. Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.(22)
6. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.(23)
7. One of them, an expert in the Law, tested Him [Jesus] with this question: Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”(24)
8. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence, whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything.(25)

We all have to face those moments in life when we don’t understand God’s actions. It is at these strategic inflection points of life that we choose how we will respond to the concept of God as our Heavenly Father. Those who have known the truth of God’s love and His ways, yet they choose to walk away and abandon their previously held convictions – they remain the hardest to understand and reach.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does He not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until He finds it?”(26)

In some respects, I believe, the refining fire of trust; or the stress and weight of the waiting was too much. Or maybe just like Lazarus, their flesh betrayed them – and they died to their previous way of believing in God’s plans for their lives. Maybe like Martha and the mourners, they became impatient and angry… “Lord, if YOU had been here…none of this would have happened.” Like Mary, maybe they don’t even respond anymore, when they hear of the nearness of Jesus.

However, it is in these fiery moments when the beauty of pure trust is refined and polished by His loving hands. I believe this kind of trust is the purest form of worship offered up to God. Jesus promised to go after the real prodigals. I know. He went after me in 1987.

Elpizo – Hope and Trust

The Old Testament story of Job documents his incredible season of adversity. After 37 chapters of feeling sorry for himself, Job finally replied: “Yeah though You slay me, still I will trust You.”(27)

How should we respond? TRUST! Over and over again, this key issue is presented by and through life events to every man and woman. Our nation was founded on these same seasons of adversity and the belief that God was behind the creation of a nation that would allow mankind to have this conversation with God without the use of force. In 1864, the phrase “In God we trust” first appeared on US coinage.(28) Our nation chose to make this scriptural declaration official in 1956, and began printing or minting this phrase on the very foundation of our commerce – all American currency. I think it is interesting that this simple scriptural phrase has made it to almost every corner of the earth because of US currency.

[Greek # 1679 elpizo (el-pid-zo) from G#1680; to expect or confide; hope, trust](29)

Theos Elpis – The God of all Hope – At Work

The Apostle Paul gave us a powerful secret: trust like this steps over the line of the impossible and becomes a powerful, living force called HOPE – especially when our focus is on the God of Abraham, the God of the Bible, the Eternal One Jesus came to reveal in all of God’s fullness.

“May the God of all Hope [Theos ho Elpidos – the God of the expectation] fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in HIM – so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(30)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, WILL guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(31)

[Greek # 1680 elpis (el-pece) expectation or confidence – faith, hope!](32)

Additional Study Notes:

Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too, am working….by Myself, I can do nothing…for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me.”(33)

“For it is God who is at work in you; both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”(34)

Some things done in/to the heart :
• thoughts of the heart (Genesis 6:5)
• said (say) in His heart (Genesis 8:21)
• laugh in his heart (Genesis 17:17)
• set his heart (Ex. 7:23)
• judgment upon his heart (Ex. 28:29)
• seek God with all your heart (Deut. 4:29)
• consider it in your heart (Deut 4:39)
• love the Lord with all your heart (Deut. 6:5)
• serve Him with all your heart (Deut. 11:13)
• to turn away in your heart (Deut 17:17)
• to keep and do with all your heart (Deut 26:16)
• to fear in heart (Deut. 28:67)
• to walk in the imagination of your heart (Deut. 29:19)
• to allow God to circumcise your heart (Deut. 30:6)
• great thoughts of the heart (Judges 5:15)
• great searchings of the heart (Judges 5:16)
• to tell or show all of your heart (Judges 16:18)
• to whisper or speak only in your heart (I. Samuel 1:13)
• to rejoice in your heart (I Samuel 2:1)
• **God changes Saul’s heart (I Samuel 10:9)
• **God searches out a man after His own heart (I. Samuel 13:14)
• laid up these words in his heart (I. Samuel 21:12)
• she despised him in her heart (II Samuel 6:16)
• to take a thing to heart (II Samuel 13:33)
• to bow or subdue the hearts of others (II Samuel 19:14)

Interesting heart conditions:
• grieved in heart (Genesis 6:6)
• evil heart (Genesis 8:21)
• integrity of my heart (Genesis 20:5)
• hearts failed them (Genesis 42:28)
• glad in heart (Ex 4:14)
• hardened in his heart (Ex 4:21; Ex. 7:3)
• cause sorrow of the heart (Leviticus 26:16
• discouraged in heart (Numbers 32:9)
• obstinate in heart (Deuteronomy 2:30)
• uprightness of heart (Deut 9:5)
• deceived in heart (Deut 11:16)
• to be hot in heart; i.e. in the act of slaying someone (Deut 19:6)
• blindness and astonishment of heart (Deut. 28:28)
• joyfulness and gladness of heart (Deut. 28:47)
• trembling heart (Deut 28:65)
• a heart to perceive (Deut. 29:4)
• a heart that has melted (Joshua 5:1)
• comforted in heart (Judges 19:5)
• merry in heart (Ruth 3:7)
• in the naughtiness of thine heart (I Sam 17:28)
• an offended heart (I Samuel 25:31)
• to have the heart of a lion (II Samuel 17:10)
• the king’s heart was toward his son (II Samuel 13:33)
• heart in anguish (Ps 55:4 ) – H2342 chuwl (khool); to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner); i.e. (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition – childbirth) or fear; fig; to wait, to pervert, to bear, to make bring forth, to calve, dance, drive away; fall grievously (with pain), etc.

Endnotes:

(1) I Samuel 15-31; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 735-781.
(2) Psalm 41:5-6; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1427.
(3) Psalm 57:2-3; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1449.
(4) John 11:1-44; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 2729-2733.
(5) John 5:16-30; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2705.
(6) John 11:17-44; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 2731-2733.
(7) Greek #386 anastasis; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 7.
(8) Greek #1454 egersis; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 25.
(9) Greek # exanastasis; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 32.
(10) II Timothy 4:9-18; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 3073-3075.
(11) Genesis 6:1-8; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 15.
(12) Hebrew #3280 leb; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 68.
(13) Hebrew #6087; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 109.
(14) Luke 2:21-35; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2593.
(15) Matthew 20:20-28; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2487.
(16) Jeremiah 17:5-10; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1937.
(17) Romans 8:28; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2883.
(18) Psalm 77:1-8 paraphrased; The Comparative Study Bible – King James Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 1478-1480.
(19) Psalm 53:1; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1443.
(20) Psalm 44:21; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1431.
(21) Matthew 5:8; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2435.
(22) Matthew 6:21; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2439.
(23) Matthew 12:34-35; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2459.
(24) Matthew 22:36-40; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2495.
(25) I John 3:19-20; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3161.
(26) Luke 15:3-7; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2649.
(27) Job 13:15; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 1307.
(28) “In God We Trust”; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_we_trust ; accessed January 14, 2015.
(29) Greek #1679 elpizo; The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 29.
(30) Romans 15:13; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2901.
(31) Philippians 4:7; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3023.
(32) Greek #1680 elpis; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 29.
(33) John 5:16-30; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2705.
(34) Philippians 2:13; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3019.

What’s in Your Cloud?

Posted: December 7, 2014 in Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, What's In Your Cloud?
Tags: cloud computing, clouds, Greek word studies

November 11, 2014 thru December 6, 2014

Cloud technology is one of the latest marketing strategies developed by numerous computer hardware and software service providers. I was watching one of the vendor based commercials recently aired on TV, and the ads stired my curiosity about how the technology worked; and, what good was this functionality to the average computer user. After a little internet research I learned some interesting facts.

The ‘cloud’ hardware and software solutions being offered today, are really just a new way of describing a mid 1990s time-sharing hardware (and now software) applications option. Companies and small businesses can rent computer hardware and even software resources from networked service sites, without having to make these major Information Technology investments themselves. Many service providers are making these visible and ‘invisible’ services available on a ‘as-needed’ payment basis.(1)

(2)

Small companies no longer have to find a way to fund a major software or hardware purchase, and all the periphial services and staff needed to run the IT centers. Service providers network the strategically placed service centers, (buildings filled with countless rows of mainframe computer hardware/software and staff); dynamically linking them together. Ultimately, service providers are able to utilize peak and off peak demand levels of these very pricy resources. All this networking of capital assets saves time and surprisingly, the environment, so many of the providers claim.(3)

I can see the validity of some of their product assertions; how minimizing big computers sitting in massive, over-cooled data centers (at every major business in the world) makes sense; much of that awesome computing power lies dormant and unused. The savings on the air conditioning alone will certainly protect a few trees.

The use of a big, white, fluffy cloud in the sky to describe an interconnected spider’s web of wires, cables, wireless signals and satellites, computer monitors/PCs, power grids, racks of computers, reams of paper, giant air conditioned rooms filled with unfathomable amounts of computer storage space, buildings with large parking lots, developers, millions of hours of software programs – all churning out common, everyday business solutions – some how makes good sense. According to one source, this concept began to emerge as early as the 1950s, when the behemoth mainframe computers began to find their place in the business world.(4)

My introduction to the fascinating world of computers began in college in 1981, when I took a Basic Programming course. Back in the early 1980s, when computer dirt was young, there were not careers in project management and consulting, or cloud technology, etc. I started out administratively supporting a team of 70 highly wired, creative people from a motley background of college degrees or lack there of. Some were engineering degree masterminds, others less impressive IT school grads, others were business or education majors; many had military training backgrounds, others were math majors with way too much brain power at their disposal. Happy to be a part of this creative community, I soon moved up into customer support, once the client based exploded. The dynamic group was tackling the following business problems:

1. how to know what items exist in a given business inventory/warehouses, etc.
2. how to track them through the purchasing and material acquisition process
3. how to make them available to the manufacturing process
4. how to sell them or their finished products, through the customer order processing cycle
5. how to reconcile all this information back to the General Ledger system attempting to keep up with all the financial information being generated by these functions
6. finally, how to forecast the demands of the future business needs through all of these processes.

Through my years of software service, I watched the industry go from trays of paper punch cards – all the way up to the wonderful, personal computers and tablets we all know and can’t live without. In the past 20 years alone, PCs have gone from bulky boxes with erratic, schizophrenic, technical glitches – to the majestically simple cell phones we take for granted today. Most of us never give a thought to all the man/woman-power it took to make these devices so easy to use.

I watched the industry shift repeatedly, as new technologies brought about great wealth for the visionaries who saw the future; and industry giants crumble and fall, all because they fought the inevitable waves of change. I find it interesting now, that IT terminology comes back to the simple, metaphoric definition of a cloud.

We see clouds every day; some as they form in the heat of the afternoon, when evaporation and atmospheric conditions converge to enable the development of the big thunderhead clouds called cumulonimbus. The concept of seeing a cloud, but not seeing all the tiny frozen or unfrozen water particles and dust debris that make up the cloud, is the source of the use of this metaphor in the technology reference.

CLOUD REVELATIONS

Biblically, the first mention of clouds occurs in the story of Noah:

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the flood gates of the sky were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights…and on that same day, Noah (and his family) entered the ark, they and every beast after its kind, male and female. And the Lord closed the door to the ark behind them”.(5)

For almost a year, Noah and his family and all the animals and creeping things that followed him into the ark were cabin mates. Finally, “On the the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth…then Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed burnt offerings. Then God said to Noah, “…I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and and you and all the living creatures of every kind…”(6)

“The Old Testament uses eight different Hebrew words in 167 passages to refer to clouds of rain, dust, smoke, storm, and fog. Both meteorological and metaphorical meanings appear. The latter can be both positive (beneficial to life) and negative (hindrance to life)… Throughout the New Testament, clouds take on a greater metaphorical meaning…”(7)

THE VOICE OF GOD ALMIGHTY

In the New Testament, the most significant reference is a time in Jesus’ life known as “The Transfiguration”, as recounted by the gospel writers, Matthew, Mark; and Luke (the physician and historian, who documented the New Testament book which bears his name and the book of Acts). The setting was a high mountain. “Many important events in the Bible took place on or near mountains…much of Jesus’ life and ministry also took place on mountains.”(8)

“Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightening. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about His departure, which He was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to Him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying).

While he was still speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.”(9)

“Perhaps it is significant that the scene of the transfiguration was on a mountain…Jesus was declared to be preeminent over both Moses and Elijah, the representatives of the Law and the Prophets. Many of their greatest victories came on mountains. Jesus is affirmed as Lord of all at this mountain experience.”(10)

MY FAVORITE CLOUD

It has been the voice of God, showing up so often through the voices of those God has put into my life, that has ministered real hope through the dark times of my life. Prophetic words, often times given even through my children when they were very young, have caused my heart to stop and listen for the still small voice of God, because I know He wants to speak to me. Only once have I heard the audible voice of God, and it came through more clearly in my heart than in my ears. “Maybe I’m not ready to share you yet, ” He whispered in 1991, during a noisy church worship service.

One last story: In 2010 my 12 yr old daughter came into my office to use my computer. She wanted to play one of her games. Sometime during that mystery game session, she picked up a 3X5 index card on my desk. She wrote this scripture out for me:

“I will be with you and I will protect you. Some day I will bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised.” Genesis 28:15

I know the scripture is for this season of life which we are passing through right now. I treasure this hand written message from God, and I have it before me, even as I write this post.

STUDY NOTES

[Greek #191 akouo (ak-oo-o); to hear (in various senses); give in the audience of; come to the ears; shall hear; harken; be noised; be reported; understand].(11)
[Hebrew #6051 ‘anan (aw-nawn); a cloud, (as covering the sky); ie. the nimbus or thunder-cloud; from H#6049 ‘anan (aw-nan) a prim root; to cover; to act covertly…](12)

OT Cloud meanings:(13)
1. As a symbol of His covenant to never judge the earth again by a world wide flood; seed time and harvest promise.
2. A means by which God led the fledgling nation of Israel when He brought them out of slavery in Egypt and led them through the wilderness/desert (Exodus 13:21-22). The multimillion people group needed a big banner to follow.
3. Means by which God spoke to Israel in a time of crisis (Numbers 11:25; Exodus 12:5).
4. Means by which God spoke to Moses face to face (Ex 33:11; Numbers 14:14
5. Represent the fleeting and transitory time of life (Job 30:15, Isaiah 44:22, Hos 6:4).
6. Accompany a revelation of God and His power to Solomon after the first Temple in Jerusalem was completed and dedicated; I Kings 8:10 describes God’s response when the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the inner chamber called the Holy of Holies; God’s cloud filled the temple and His glory was so heavy they all fell down prostrate and withdrew – I Kings 8:12.
7. Demonstrations in the heavens, of God’s power over the elements Job 36, 37, 38.
8. Battle chariots in which God, as a Warrior, travels – Psalm 68:33-35; Psalm 104: Isaiah 19:1 and a means by which He shoots down His lightening as arrows (Psalms 18:14; Psalms 77:17; Zechariah 9:14).
9. Dark clouds overshadow the judgment day of God, which the prophets announced (Ezekiel 30:3,18; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15).
10. Clouds announced the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus before His birth) when Daniel, the prophet and writer had a vision of Heaven and the courts of God.

NT Cloud meanings:(14)
1. The validation and the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The Voice out of the clouds no longer referred to the Torah of Moses but to the teaching of the Son. No longer must a tent be set up to experience the presence of God, for the clouds have set God’s presence free to appear in Jesus alone.
2. Jesus, as the Resurrected One, was exalted to the Father and His ascension back into heaven was witnessed by the crowd gathered on the mountain, and by the clouds.(15)
3. His final revelation will again be with the clouds: “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him; even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”(16)

Bad Clouds:

Clouds of doubt and unbelief,
Clouded judgment

Positive Clouds:

The Great Cloud of Witnesses – Hebrews 12:1

Footnotes*************************************************************************

(1) “What is cloud? Computing as a service over the Internet”; http://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/us/en/what-is-cloud-computing.html; accessed 11-13-2014.
(2) “infrastructure provider” diagram; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing; accessed 11-13-2014.
(3) “What is cloud?”; http://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/us/en/what-is-cloud-computing.html; accessed 11-13-2014.
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing; accessed 11-13-2014.
(5) Genesis 7,8,9; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: pages 17-23.
(6) Genesis 8, 9; ibid; pages 19-23.
(7) Excerpts from “Clouds”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 272 and 273.
(8) Excerpts from “Mountains”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 991 and 992.
(9) Luke 9:28-36; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: page 2625.
(10) Excerpts from “Mountains”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 991 and 992.
(11) Greek #191 ‘akouo’; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 4.
(12) Hebrew #6051 ‘anan’; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 108.
(13) Excerpts from “Clouds”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 272 and 273.
(14) Excerpts from “Clouds”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 272 and 273.
(15) Mark 16:19-20; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: page 2583.
(16) Revelation 1:7-8; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI: page 3177.

Facing the Facts

Posted: November 9, 2014 in Divorce Recovery, Facing the Facts, Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, The Super in my natural...
Tags: divorce recovery, grief, hope

July – November, 2014

One of the most interesting characters introduced in Old Testament writings is a man named Abraham. He can trace his lineage all the way back to Shem, the youngest son of Noah. Noah was the well known builder of the ark (which brought safety to their family and all the living creatures sent to ride out the historic flood of the entire earth). Abraham’s story starts up in the 12th chapter of Genesis, and understanding his life experience helps provide the backdrop needed to understand his big problem.(1)

His name, at this point in the story, is Abram (which means ‘father is exalted’). Biblical name meanings were very significant. Later on in Abram’s life, God changed his name to Abraham (which means ‘father of a multitude’).

“Abram was born into a well off family from the prominent city of Ur, found in ancient Mesopotamia (a site in modern day Iraq, about 220 miles southeast of Baghdad).(2) The culture of Abram’s day was highly advanced, with large, middle class stone/brick homes featuring multiple floors and 10-20 rooms. Some of the homes featured chapels, and guest chambers with lavatories.(3) Archeological excavations of this area have revealed a school where students studied by use of clay tablets, which communicated lessons in reading, writing, arithmetic (with tablets focusing specifically on multiplication and division tables, and square and cube root workings). A 2040 B.C. bill of lading showed that commerce of that time was far reaching.”(4)

Abram’s father, Terah, moved the family from Ur to a city named Haran, located in northern Mesopotamia along the river Balikh.(5) The family originally intended to move to the land of Canaan, but when they got to the city of Haran, they stopped. Terah had a first born son named Haran, who died before the family left Ur, so it is possible that the name of the city held certain emotional sway over Terah’s decision. At this point, Abram and his other brother, Nahor, were grown and had wives of their own. Abram’s wife was Sarai, a woman noted for her incredible beauty. Sarai, for all her beauty, also had a big problem for her day.

Abram’s many adventures included his personal encounter with “Jehovah” God (the Hebrew name used for God when He revealed Himself to individuals in the Old Testament). After Terah’s death, Abram (at God’s leading), took his family and set out for the land of Canaan once again, with God’s promise to “…make Abram into a great nation by blessing Abram, and blessing those who blessed him – and cursing those who cursed him…”(6) Abram was 75 years of age at this time. Sarai was 65.

The nomadic family made their first documented stop near the town of Bethel (which means ‘house of God’). There Abram built an altar, seeking the manifest presence of Jehovah God once again. A famine arose in the land, which caused Abram to move the family to Egypt; and out of fear, he ordered his wife to tell everyone she was his sister (which is not a full lie, she was his half-sister from Terah’s son, Haran). The woman must have been flat out fine, because even at the age of 65, Sarai’s beauty attracted the attention of the Egyptians, and she wound up in the harem of Pharaoh. God intervened on her behalf and inflicted some terrible diseases upon the the ruler and his household, until they figured out Abram’s deception, and let her go back to her husband.

This event happened again much later in their lives, and she wound up in the possession of Abimelech, king of Gerar. God caused barrenness to come upon all of the women of the king’s household as punishment. Finally God spoke to the king in a dream and told him of Abram’s duplicity; and the next morning, the king released her to her husband, along with a 1000 pieces of silver, sheep, cattle, etc. The king also gave them permission to live any where in his lands.

Abram’s nephew Lot had tagged along with his Uncle Abram up to this point, and he too had prospered under ‘the blessing of God’. His herds experienced much increase as well. The two families finally had to separate because the herds were too big for the grazing areas. Lot took his wife, children, livestock and herdsmen, and headed for the lush plains of the decadent city of Sodom. This decision proved to be quite disastrous for Lot and his family. They were ambushed and taken captive by a group of feudal kings battling it out for tribal supremacy in the verdant plains. Abram rushed into the fray and rescued his nephew and family; and then he presented the spoils of war as an offering through the mystery king of Salem called Melchizedek. Melchizedek was also a priest of God Most High. After this offering, Abram went back to his home, and one night the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
“But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless…You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
“This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir,” the Lord replied. Then He took Abram outside and said: “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”(7)

At this point in the story, an incredible piece of truth is revealed: “Abram believed the Lord and He credited it to Abram as righteousness.” [H#6666 tsadaqah (tsed-aw-kaw)]“(8) This is a legal term…use of this word is of extreme importance to us – according to Genesis 15:6 – God treated that sort of faith as being equivalent to righteousness…in right standing; justified. In accounting terms, God transferred Abram and his faith, onto the right hand side of His ledger book.”(9)

Abram’s story does not stop there. His wife, Sarai, came up with her own plan to fix their childlessness: she wanted to use her maid servant as a surrogate mother. The plan seemed good to 85 yr old Abram, and by his next birthday, Hagar bore him a son named Ishmael. 13 years passed. Suddenly God showed up again, this time calling Abram into a covenant relationship with Him. [H#1285 briyth (ber-eeth’); a compact, covenant, league, confederacy](10) . God initiated actions for this new level of relationship, and God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. “…for I have made you a father of many nations”.(11) God changed Sarai’s name too, to Sarah, which means “Princess”.

Shortly thereafter, God revisited Abraham and Sarah again; this time He sent three angelic visitors to announce His plans to fulfill His promise for a baby of their own, a son. The Angel of the Lord said He would return about the same time in the following year, and Sarah would have a son.

Sarah was out of sight in the tent, and she was eavesdropping. At the ripe old age of 89, even in all her fineness, she knew the condition of her own, barren body. The revelation by the Angel of the Lord seemed so incredible, she burst out with laughter and spoke to herself, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” The Angel of the Lord knew what Sarah had whispered to herself, and He challenged her unbelief. Afraid, Sarah lied and said she didn’t laugh. The Angel of the Lord rejected her lie and called her out: “Yes, you did laugh.”(12)

The word here for laugh [H#6711 tsachaq (tsaw-khak’) to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); to make sport of; mock](13) is quite interesting. Her laughter was eruptive and spontaneous, an action she could not hold back. Sarah was facing the facts of her geriatric state; she was old, and the idea of her being able to finally conceive a baby seemed utterly impossible.

The Angel’s response is sobering: “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”(14)

One year later, Sarah gave birth to her own son, and Abraham christened him with the name Isaac (which means, he laughs). Sarah finally owned up to her original unbelief and replied, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”(15)

Fast forward to the Apostle Paul’s time: Abraham’s story is legendary

Abraham’s story is well known in New Testament writings. The Apostle Paul makes some interesting observations about Abraham’s life and faith:

1. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness; therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are the sons of Abraham…that no one is justified by the law [given to Moses] before God is evident; for the righteous man shall live by faith.(16)

[G#4100 pisteuo (pist-yoo-’o) to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing); i.e. credit (by implication to entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ); believer, commit, put trust in](17)

[G#4102 pistis (pis’-tis) persuasion; i.e. credence; moral conviction, assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity](18)

[G#1342 dikaios (dik’-ah-yos) equitable; innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively); just, righteous](19)

2. Against all hope, Abraham IN Hope believed…he faced the facts, especially in dealing with his own body…but he did it without weakening in his faith. Abraham bowed down and believed the promise spoken by God. His posture of worship put him in the manifest presence of God…knowing that God was able to produce the desired heir (a son) for Abraham, even if Abraham’s body was as good as dead at the age of 99.

Abraham was physically changed after this encounter. He took his hope, mixed it with faith, and look at the results: He lived to be 175. His wife Sarah, at the age of 89, was barren until God visited her and gave her strength to conceive. At the age of 90 she gave birth to Isaac. Abraham was 100 at that point. After Sarah’s death (at the age of 127) Abraham took another wife (Keturrah) and through her, they had 6 other sons. This does NOT sound like the body of a man who is as good as dead – and this was long before all the male enhancement drug commercials on TV.(20)

The key to this understanding was Abraham’s posture of worship. Three words in this passage give this clue:

[G#5087 tithemi (tith’ay-mee) to place in a passive or horizontal posture, bow, commit, kneel down, ordain, purpose, settle, sink down, etc.](21)
[G#2713 katenanti (kat-en’-an-tee) directly opposite; down facing, etc](22)
[G#1680 elpis (el-pece’) expectation; confidence, faith, hope](23)

Fast forward to our time: Abraham’s response must be mine too!

My current season of life has been wrought with stress, upheaval and conflict too. Since 2010, everything I leaned upon, with the exception of my hope in God, has shifted. I’ve moved twice; the first time over 700 miles from our home in Florida, and then the second move, over 400 miles from our home in Virginia. The man I called husband for 19 years chose to walk away from our marriage and our family to pursue a path I never thought possible. Watching his choices and the horrible effects they’ve had on me, my children and our financial stability has been appalling. Legal conditions enabled the situation to linger long past even a reasonable length of time. Like Abraham, I’ve tried to figure a way to fix this problem on my own. Like Sarah, most of my attempts to relieve the pressure around me have caused greater conflict. I had such great respect for all I saw God do in this man’s life prior to 2010. Waves of shock and disappointment have been almost overwhelming.

In a place of brokenness and almost despair, I found a 3×5 index card I’d made of this scripture found in the 4th chapter of Romans. It was dated August 7, 1992. I’ve been making these cards since the late 1980s. I picked up the habit from my father. I found some of the same type cards in his personal things given to me back when I was in college in 1978. I keep all my cards in a big picture storage box (looks like a nice shoe box). I take one out daily and meditate on it; make notes that may be relevant to my life issues, and it eventually gets back into the box in no particular order.

I began to read the scripture passage aloud – and suddenly I had an epiphany: I had to fully face the facts of my situation, just like Abraham had to do in his day. I cannot change my husband’s choices. The resolution to our situation is in the hands of lawyers and a judge. I am not in control of their response or the end results. However, in doing so, I do not have to waiver in my faith that good will come out of all of this conflict and disappointment.

I fell to my knees and began to weep – and suddenly I realized that holding back the tears was not necessary – they were part of my worship too. I began to agree with Abraham’s prayer: God has power to do that which He promised. In all things, He is working for my good.

Instead of meditating on my problems and the magnitude of the solution needed to bring real relief to me and my kids, I began to simply agree with Abraham: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls those things which do not exist as though they did, has the power to do that which He promised.(24) This became my food for thought – and my weapon of warfare every time the waves of fear and hurt came after me. The despair and hopelessness began to break as I confessed my fears before the One who said to fear not!

Other revelations:

1. God is the only source of hope that is sure – He is Theos Elpis – the God of hope. His hope has power to bring change.

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(25)

2. Hope has to be the anchor of our soul; it has to be mixed with full assurance of the goodness, the grace, the power and the justice of God. It is this mixture of hope, assurance and faith that creates the foundation for God’s super in our natural. Abraham and Sarah hoped for a child. Until Abraham leaned his entire personality upon God and God’s ability, and he did this in a posture of worship, nothing changed. Hope by itself won’t change anything.(26)

3. “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”(27)

[H# 6822 tsaphah (tsaw-faw) to lean forward, to peer into the distance; to observe, await; behold; espy, look up, wait for; keep the watch](28)
[H#3176 yachal (yaw-chal) to wait; to be patient; hope; cause to have or make to hope; be pained; stay, tarry, trust, wait](29)
[H#430 – elohiym (el-o-heem) your God of power and might; Creator God](30)
[H#3468 yesha’ (yeh’-shah); liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety, salvation, saving](31)

4. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in the Lord.(32)

[H# 982 batach (baw-takh) – to hie for refuge; to trust, be sure or confident – be bold; careless (without care), put confidence, hope, trust](32)
[H#4009 mibtach (mib-tawkh’) a refuge; security, assurance, confidence, hope, sure, trust](33)

5. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.(34)

Endnotes**************************************************************

(1) Harrison, R.K.; “Abraham”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991; Holman Bible Publisher; Nashville, TN; page 10.
(2) Fleming, David M.; “UR”; “Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991; Holman Bible Publisher; Nashville, TN; page 1385.
(3) Excerpts from footnotes from Genesis 11:26 introduction of Terah, father of Abram; “The Comparative Study Bibe – The Amplified Version”: copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 28.
(4) Ibid; page 28.
(5) Fleming; David M.; “Haran”; Holman Bible Dictionary”; copyright 1991; Holman Bible Publisher; Nashville, TN; page 605.
(6) Genesis 12:1-9; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 29-31.
(7) Genesis 15; ibid; page 37.
(8) Hebrew # 6666 tsdaqah; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 119.
(9) Zodhiates, Spiros; Th.D; Hebrew #6666 Tsdaqah; “Lexical Aids to the Old Testament”; “The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible”; copyright 1984, 1990 AMG International, Inc.; Chattanooga, TN; page 1768.
(10) Hebrew #1285 byriyth; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 23.
(11) Genesis 17:5; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 41.
(12) Genesis 17,18; ibid; pages 41-45.
(13) Hebrew #6711; tsachaq; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 120.
(14) Genesis 18:14; ibid; page 45.
(15) Genesis 21:1-7; ibid; page 51.
(16) Galatians 3:5-24; Zodhiates, Spiros; Th.D; “The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible”; copyright 1984, 1990 AMG International, Inc.; Chattanooga, TN; pages 1552-1555.
(17) Greek # 4100 pisteuo; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 120.
(18) Greek #4102 pistis; ibid; page 71.
(19) Greek #1343 dikaios; ibid; pages 23-24.
(20) Genesis 21-25; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 51-65.
(21) Greek #5087 tithemi; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 90.
(22) Greek # 2713 katenanti; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 48.
(23) Greek #1680 elpis; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 29.
(24) Romans 4:17-25; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2873.
(25) Romans 15:13; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 2901.
(26) Hebrews 6:17-20; ibid; page 3097.
(27) Micah 7:7, 18-20; ibid; page 2355.
(28) Hebrew # 6822 tsaphah; ; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 122.
(29) Hebrew # 3176 yachal; ; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 56.
(30) Hebrew # 430 elohiym; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 8.
(31) Hebrew # 3468 yesha; ; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 61.
(32) Jeremiah 17:7; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1937.
(33) Hebrew # 982 batach; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 18.
(34) H#4009 mibtach; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 71.
(35) Psalm 27:13-14; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 1403.

The Dominion Mandate

Posted: October 15, 2014 in Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, The Dominion Mandate
Tags: dominion, mandate, rule and authority

June-October, 2014

Recently I was sitting at the kitchen table with some dear friends. Our conversation turned to a key question so many people struggle with on a daily basis: Why is there such evil in the world?

See, we all know its there – we see the results of evil in ourselves when we choose to mistreat each other. We watch the news and hear of the murderous rages taking place in our schools, shopping malls, houses of worship, the city streets, and of course behind the closed doors of so many homes. We’ve seen evil take on the face of religion and march through history destroying people groups. We see it continue to do so now in tumultuous hotspots all around the world.

We see evil take on the face of the clergy and abuse unsuspecting children and young teens. We see evil take on the face of entertainment and we spend billions of dollars each year watching evil play out on the screens of our phones, computers, tablets and big screen TVs. With all this evil swirling about so freely, when it reaches out its unbiased hand and touches our individual lives, we angrily shake our fists towards heaven and demand to know why these hurtful, harmful things were allowed to happen in the first place. The book of Job documents this same conversation with God thousands of years ago.

So many people struggle with this complex question when they start their conversation with God, especially the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the God of the Bible – and the God who sent His son, Jesus the Christ, into the world to take on this key issue first hand. Many thought provoking books have been written on this subject, but the Bible (I believe) brings us face to face with this key issue better than any other; and it gives some very specific, historical answers to this question. My thoughts here are simply to offer my proof texts on such a complicated, yet surprisingly simple question.

To understand this question, we have to go back to the beginning [H# 7225 re’shiyth (ray-sheeth); beginning, chief, first, principal thing, order of rank.](1) Genesis gives us a very specific account of creation. On the first day, God began to speak, and as He did, things began ‘to be’. As the days of creation progressed, God continued to speak and magnificent things unfolded. The sub-atomic structure, at its most minute levels, consists of light particles and dark particles. God’s words and His sound created matter!

Day 1: Light – God separated light from the darkness. He called the light ‘day’ and the darkness He called ‘night’.
Day 2: An expanse in the midst or between the waters, which God called, “sky”. [H#7549 raqiya (raw-kee-ah); an expanse; atmosphere; firmament; from H#7554 raqa(raw-kah); to pound the earth as a sign of passion; to expand by hammering; to beat, spread abroad, stamp, stretch].(2)
Day 3: Dry land, the seas, vegetation/seed bearing plants; trees.
Day 4: Lights in the expanse of the heavens, to separate the day from the night; lights to be for signs and seasons, for the days and the years.
Day 5: Living creatures in the waters and birds to fly above the expanse of the earth; great sea monsters.
Day 6: Animals, beasts of the earth; everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; AND then, man [H#120 ‘adam (aw-dawm); a human being].(3)

It is interesting to note that on the fourth day God spoke the other planets (the stars, the sun and the moon) into existence. According to the Biblical account, the earth is older than the other planets in the universe. God was so pleased with all of His creation, He spoke and blessed them, commanding them to be fruitful and increase and fill the areas assigned to them all. Everything God spoke from His marvelous imagination came into being, and He saw that it was all good.

On the sixth day, God showed His greatest creativity. He created the beasts of the earth after their kind. Then He spoke and said:

“Let us make man in our image and our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female, He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”(4)

DOMINION BESTOWED

God was pleased with His creation works. In fact, He said it was very good. Several key points need to be recognized here:

Everything was good – everything!
Genesis 1:1-2 points to God speaking and the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters as God spoke His desires.
God created the earth and released His dominion mandate upon mankind. Look at the orders given: be fruitful, increase in number, fill the earth, subdue it, rule!
The Hebrew words here are quite interesting: “Let them rule…” [Hebrew #7287 radah (raw-daw); to tread down, subjugate, to have dominion, prevail against, reign, etc].(5)
The Hebrew name for God (used here in the text of Genesis) is “Elohim”- [H# 430 elohiym (el-o-heem) the Supreme God] and Ehohim is used 32 times in this chapter.(6)
This is the only plural Hebrew form of God’s name, indicating that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were all present at this time. This triune concept of God and His personality was not fully understood until Jesus came “as the Word made flesh”. The disciple, John the Beloved, made it clear that Jesus was with God in the beginning and “through Him (Jesus) all things were made.”(7)
Matthew explains this fully in his closing verses proclaiming Jesus’ great commission for His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.(8)
The Apostle Paul elaborates on this relationship much further when he says, “Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the [G# 4416 prototokos (pro-tot-ok-os; first born, with God as the prototype](9) first born over all creation. For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions [G#2963 kuriotes (koo-ree-ot’ace) mastery; rulers, dominion, government.](10) or rulers [G#746 arche (ar-khay) a commencement or chief of order, time, place or rank, beginning, order first, magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule](11) or authorities [G#1849 exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah) privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control, delegated influence; authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength](12) – all things have been created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.(13)
“The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to man.”(14)
“What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the sea.”(15)

THE FIRST ADAM: DOMINION LOST

The first two chapters of Genesis start out with such promise; God makes the earth and the cosmos. God makes man, in His image. God puts Adam and his helpmate, Eve, in the Garden of Eden. Chapter Three gives this rosy picture and then introduces a new character, the serpent; and a new focus, two trees in the center of the Garden: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

As the chapter unfolds, we realize this deceptive serpent creature introduces evil into the world, first in the form of doubt and unbelief. The serpent challenges Eve to consider that God has withheld something pleasurable and to be desired, from her and her mate. Eve takes the forbidden fruit (which most assuredly is not an apple since we have so many varieties and the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, was the only tree of its kind).

The force behind this creature emerges in Chapter Four when God begins to question Cain,(the firstborn son of Adam and Eve), regarding the voice of his brother Able’s blood. God says that this blood was crying out from the ground where it was spilt when Cain slew Able out of anger and jealously. Cain’s ire against his brother arose from an unacceptable offering Cain made before God. Able’s sacrifice was accepted. God advised Cain that if he did well he would be accepted in God’s sight.

God also warned Cain if he did not do ‘right’, that a portal of sin [H#2403 chatta’ah (khat-taw-aw) an offence, and its penalty; occasion,](16) was opening up before him. God explains to Cain that this force wants to come through the opening door and have mastery over him – and God commands Cain to master it instead. [H#4910 mashal (maw-shal) to rule, have dominion, reign, have power].(17)

This reference in Genesis Chapter 4 is the first time the word sin appears in the Old Testament. The first chapter of the book of Job describes Satan [H#7854 satan (saw-tan) opponent, the arch enemy of good, adversary, withstand, Satan] (18) as the person behind this force of evil; and it is the book of Job which elaborates on the character and personality of this fallen angel and his ‘devilish’ plans for mankind.

Isaiah’s writings give us another reference for Satan’s name: “Lucifer”. Isaiah describes this created angelic being’s original purpose: how he was the anointed cherub whose role was to bring worship as a covering over God’s throne. Isaiah also tells us Satan’s crime – a conversation Satan had in his heart – which God heard and adjudicated:

“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart:
• I will ascend to heaven
• I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
• I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.
• I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
• I will make myself like the Most High…(19)

Jesus said: “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightening.”(20)

In the New Testament, we observe Satan, described as ‘the devil’, in his first encounter with Jesus in the wilderness. The text says Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be [HG# 3985 peirazo (pi-rad’-zo) to test (objectively); i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline; assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt, try](21) tempted by the devil.

Matthew, the disciple, describes this encounter and provides very specific details of the event:(22)

1. IF begins every question the tempter [G#1228 diabolos (dee-ab’ol-os) a traducer; specifically, Satan (see Hebrew #7854); false accuser, devil, slanderer](23) poses to Jesus… “If You are the Son of God…”
2. “It is written…” is the response Jesus makes to every challenge.
3. “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms [G#932 basileia (bas-il-i’-ah); properly, royalty; kingdoms, rule, realm](24) of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things will I give to You if You fall down and worship me.”

Luke, the physician, provides this additional detail: “And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain [G#1849 exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah); privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom; mastery, superhuman, potentate, token of control; delegated influence; authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength](25) and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.”(26)

John, (the beloved disciple and writer of four New Testament books given his name and the book of Revelation) relates several key points. First of all, quoting Jesus at the Last Supper encounter:

“You heard Me say, “I am going away and I am coming back to you. If you loved Me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it (Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion) happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. [G#758 archon (ar’-khone) a first in rank or power; chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler.](27) He has no hold on Me, but the world must learn that I love the Father, and I do exactly what my Father has commanded Me.”(28)

Secondly John says, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”(29)

THE SECOND ADAM: A NEW WAY TO BE HUMAN

As Jesus walked the roads of His day, healing the sick, raising the dead and setting the demonized free, the religious leaders of Israel recognized a great supernatural power display, previously seen only in Moses and a few of the Old Testament prophets. From the High Priest on down, they all posed the same question, over and over again: “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”(30)

Jesus conferred this same exousia authority upon His 12 disciples and sent them out in pairs. Another passage shows Jesus appointing 70 others and sending them out with exousia authority. They return, rejoicing that the demons were subject to their newly received power. Jesus responded with an interesting perspective: “…do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”(31)

The Pharisees hated Jesus because He received authority on earth over demonic powers, sickness, disease, and the elements of creation through His many miracles. After His arrest, the High Priest charged Jesus under oath to answer the question: “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God?”(32)

Pilate knew that the Pharisees handed Jesus over to him to be put to death because of envy over His authority.(33) As Jesus hung on the Roman cross, dying, the same chief priests, teachers and elders mocked Him, demanding He prove His son-ship by using His power to supernaturally come down from the cross and save His own life.

The Apostle Paul explains what took place as Jesus stayed on the cross and tasted death:

“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code [the laws given to Moses] with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities (of Satan), He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”(34)

Paul also states: “None of the rulers [G#758 archon (again)](35) of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”(36)

Paul tells us Jesus is the 2nd Adam, who has come to restore the rightful place of authority with mankind.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (dead). For, since by a man (Adam) came death, by a man (Jesus) also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He (Christ) delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He (Jesus) has abolished all rule and authority [archon and exousia] and power. He (Jesus) must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He (God) has put all things in subjection under His (Jesus) feet …and when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all.”(37)

DOMINION RESTORED

The Old Testament prophet and writer, Daniel, tells us of a dream he had of the end of the age. In his dream, he watched as four great beasts came up out of the sea. These beasts, (we learn from the text and the angel assigned to explain these images to Daniel) represent world systems (i.e. Babylon, Greece, Rome, and a final loosely consolidated Middle East end time ruling group). The beasts appear and begin to display their powers. As Daniel looks, he sees the following:

“Thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days (God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) took His seat. His clothing was white as snow; and the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze…the court was seated and the books were opened…
And there before me was One like a son of man (Jesus), coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He (Jesus) was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

An angel explains to Daniel: “The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth.” The angel continues to explain that the beasts (kingdoms of the earth) wage war against the saints (representatives of Jesus – the Son of man – and against Israel), and will be defeating them – until the Ancient of Days pronounces judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time comes when they possess the kingdom. “But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever – yes forever and ever.”(38)

John (the disciple and Revelator), tells us Jesus will conquer Satan and this beast kingdom force of evil, and Jesus will take back the title deed to the earth in the battle of Armageddon.(39)

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever!”
The elders seated around the Throne of God fall on their faces and begin to worship God, saying:
“We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead and for rewarding Your servants, the prophets and Your saints and those who reverence Your name, both small and great – and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”(40)

THE GREAT COMMISSION: OCCUPY TILL HE COMES

Just as Jesus refused to use His power to come down from the cross and save Himself from crucifixion, so He continues to do exactly as His Father instructs, and it is His joy to implement the thoughts and plans of God in this new way to be human.

“Then Jesus came to them and said: “All authority [G#1849 exousia (again)] in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”(41)

What did He command? “One of the teachers of the law came and …noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, “of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”(42)”

The serpent’s original intent was to get Adam and Eve out from under their God ordained, designated order, and to entice them to doubt the love, the wisdom and goodness of God. Once the serpent got them to agree that God was holding out on them, then he convinced them that his way was better than God’s way. That battle is still ground zero today.

THE DOMINION MANDATE: MICRO PERSPECTIVE

So how do we walk this mandate out? We embrace the Word made flesh – Jesus – and we surrender to His Lordship of our lives. We realize that on our own, we can’t make it to the top – we are fighting an adversary who has his own well formed, demonic army coming against us…

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers [G# 746 arche (again)], against the powers [G#1849 exousia (again)] of this dark world and against the spiritual forces [G#4152 pneumatikos (pnyoo-mat-ik-os’) non-carnal or human, ethereal, demonically a spirit, supernatural, religious](43) of evil in the heavenly realm.”(44)

The Apostle Paul tells us a secret – a mystery – that is a key to this battle’s victory.

“That is the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), to whom God was pleased to make known, how great for the Gentiles (all non Jewish people) are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within you and among you, the Hope of glory…
My purpose is that they (all who embrace Jesus and His work on the cross) may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge …and just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him…for in Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power [#G746 arche (again)] and authority [G#1849 exousia (again)].”(45)

This passage and its understanding is my favorite Greek word study: [G#4137 pleroo (play-ro’-o) to make replete (i.e. literally to cram full, level up, to furnish or imbue and diffuse influence; satisfy, execute an office, finish a period or task, accomplish, be complete, make full of, perfectly supply].(46)

When life is crashing down around me and I don’t know what to do, I tell myself, “Christ in me, the HOPE of glory!” When I feel insecure over finances and the bills and responsibilities overwhelming me, I tell myself, “Christ in me, the HOPE of glory!” When I see new levels of terrorist activity and diseases running rampant through our society, I tell myself, “Christ in me, the HOPE of glory!”

Another special scripture passage has governed my thoughts and hopes as I’ve walked through the struggles of my own life, especially these past 20+ years. I think back to a Wednesday night service at Mt. Paran Church of God, in late January of 1993. As I debated the steps ahead of me, I heard a dear pastor friend advise:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and refreshing to your bones.”(47)

One last thought:

“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty; dominion [G#2904 kratos – vigor, dominion, might, power, strength](48) and authority [G#1849 exousia – force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, delegated influence – authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength] forever. Amen”(49)

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

ENDNOTES:

(1) Hebrew # 7549 raqiya;” The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; Strong; James, LL.D.,S.T.D; copyright 1995,1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 135.
(2) Hebrew # 7554 raqa; ibid; page 135.
(3) Hebrew #120 adam; ibid,; page 3.
(4) Genesis 1:26; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version;” copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing; Grand Rapids, MI; page 5.
(5) Hebrew #7287 radah; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 130.
(6) Hebrew #430 elohiym; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 8.
(7) John 1:1-5; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 2689
(8) Matthew 28:18-20; ibid; page 2519-2521.
(9) Greek #4416; prototokos; ;” The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; page 78.
(10) Greek #2963 kuriotes; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 52.
(11) Greek #746 arche; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 13.
(12) Greek #1849 exousia; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid page 32.
(13) Colossians 1:13-20; ibid; pages 3027-3029.
(14) Psalm 115:16; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; pages 1543.
(15) Psalm 8:4-8; ibid; page 1375.
(16) Hebrew #2403 chatta’ah; ibid; page 42.
(17) Hebrew #4910 mashal; ibid; page 88.
(18) Hebrew # 7854 satan; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid page 140 – text from Job 1:6-12; ; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 1281
(19) Isaiah 14:12-16; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 1747.
(20) Luke 10:18; ibid; page 2629.
(21) Greek #3985 peirazo; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 69.
(22) Matthew 4:1-11; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 2431.
(23) Greek #1228 diabolos; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 21.
(24) Greek #932 basileia; ibid; page 17.
(25) Greek #1849 exousia; ibid; page 32.
(26) Luke 4:1-13; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; pages 2599-2601.
(27) Greek #758 archon; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 14.
(28) John 14:28-31; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; pages 2743-2745.
(29) I John 5:19-20; ibid; pages 3165-3167.
(30) Matthew 21:23; Mark 11:28; Luke 20:2; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; pages 2489, 2543,2665.
(31) Luke 10:1-20; ibid; page 2629.
(32) Matthew 26:63; ibid; page 2511.
(33) Matthew 27:18; ibid; page 2515.
(34) Colossians 2:13-15; ibid; page 3031.
(35) Greek #758 archon; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid; page 14.
(36) I Corinthians 2:8; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 2911.
(37) I Corinthians 15:20-28; ibid; page 2945.
(38) Daniel 7:1-28; ibid; pages 2247-2249.
(39) Revelation 5:1-14; ibid; pages 3185-3187.
(40) Revelation 11:15-19; ibid; pages 3197-3199.
(41) Matthew 28:18; ibid; pages 2519-2521.
(42) Mark 12:28-31; ibid; page 2567.
(43) Greek #4152 pneumatikos; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid, page 72.
(44) Ephesians 6:12; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 3013.
(45) Colossians 1:26-27; 2:1-10; “The Comparative Study Bible – The Amplified Version and The New International Version”; ibid; pages 3029-3031.
(46) Greek # 4137 pleroo; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid, page 72.
(47) Proverbs 3:5-7; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version” ibid; page 1595.
(48) Greek #2904 kratos; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid, page 51.
(49) Greek #1849 exousia; ibid; page 32.
(50) Jude 25; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid; page 3175.

Tested by the Praise

Posted: September 16, 2014 in Charisma - Spiritual Gifts - A Divine Gratuity, Favor, Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, Shemittah, Spiritual gifts, Tested By the Praise
Tags: jubilee, Shemittah, Spiritual gifts

September 6, 2014
By Amy Hartmann

On August 22, 2004, early in the morning, at 3:14 a.m. to be exact, my pastor (of our former church in Florida) had a dream given by God about me. The following morning, he saw me at church in my usual choir place. but he did not have an opportunity to share the dream. That same Sunday evening, August 22, 2004, I had a strong urgency to have our family at the Sunday night church service. We usually attended every service on Sunday but occasionally we might have a family outing on Sunday afternoon which would keep us away. That particular Sunday evening, everyone was tired and no one wanted to go but me. Getting everyone out the door was an emotional charge. As we were getting in the car, my son shut the door on his hand, bruising his hand and fingers. At that point, he was quite upset and not wanting to go. I got him an ice pack for his hand and insisted we go as a family.

The service worship was wonderful and comforting. My younger kids were sitting on the floor at our feet, drawing on some papers. Occasionally I would bend over and whisper for them to be less noisy. My oldest son sat quietly in his seat, keeping the ice on his bruised hand. As the worship moved down to a more intimate level, Pastor Zink took the podium and turned on his microphone. At that point he began to speak:

“Amy,” he said, as he looked down from the stage to where we were sitting, “The Lord had a dream given to me last night about you; it was about 3:14 in the morning; and I saw you in your house; and you were in your night gown. By the way it was very decent, long night gown. Which means, the reason I bring that up, was you were crying out to God in the night hours; and I saw you crying out to the Lord. It’s happened, hasn’t it, many times, but the Lord wants you to know He heard that (ha ha ha). And He said, “Amy, I haven’t forgot what you asked.” And He said, “I haven’t been keeping something from you – but for you.” And He said, “The time of release is at hand.” And for you to step forward in boldness. Don’t wait. Move ahead. Do what you know you are called to do. Do what you know you are gifted to do. Get lost in the giftings that He’s put in your life.” “OK?”

“It was so clear,” Pastor Zink continued, “I woke up immediately after that; it was just like I was there and it stirred me so tremendously. I saw you this morning but I did not have opportunity to give that word. And when I saw you worshiping the Lord tonight, you were sort of in a sitting position, but you were leaning over and you were just really pouring your heart out to the Lord, and He wanted you to know He heard, and He’s answering, OK?” Amen…isn’t God good?”

That evening, so many people came up to congratulate me. Over and over again, “…wow, what a prophetic word…”. Everyone seemed quite impressed. My flesh was no exception. My husband and I debated the meaning of such a revelation. We even sought pastoral counsel. As a writer, I had already completed several novels and was expecting the right publishing door to open as a result of the prophetic declaration.

TESTED BY THE WORD

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold but man is tested by the praise he receives. Proverbs 27:21

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1(1)

These verses began to leap out of the pages of my daily readings. I habitually go to the Proverbs on a regular basis – they provide the wisdom encounter my life requires. I began the internal debate with my heart; what did it mean to be ‘released’. I hoped it meant that the books would be published and my longings to a recognized writer would be fulfilled. Such goes the plumbing of pride deep in our heart, when God is on the scene. I remember one conversation I had with God (back in 1997) when I finished writing the first book:

“Look Lord, I wrote a novel. Don’t You think it should be published and released into the market place?”
“I am glad you accomplished this work,” He replied. “Please write the sequel.”
“What, You want me to write another book? What about book publishing and writer’s teas and promotional tours?
“Please write another one,” He patiently replied.

Life events continued and plumbed the depth of pride, trust, patience, hope and praise in my heart. As the pressure increased and the breakdown of my marriage unfolded, I watched, shocked and in a state of trauma brain. How could my spouse choose to make the decisions he was making? Where was his faith in God and his foundation on the word of God?

As the life storm howled around me, I chose to hold on to the word of God, and I continued my practice of reading aloud specific passages of scripture over myself, my family and my circumstances. Morning after morning and night after night, on my knees I declared Isaiah 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 60, 61, 62. Philippians 1-4 anchored my heart as I cried out for financial breakthrough. “Favor is better than silver or gold,” set the cadence of my daily plans, as job applications – one after another – were rejected.(2) Going back into the working world after a 20 year absence is very difficult for anyone in any given profession. I was no different. I was learning obedience through the trials I was suffering.(3) I was also learning that favor, [H#2580 chen – (khane): graciousness, kindness, favor](4) or the lack thereof, was guiding my life, much like a small rudder guides a massive ship.

Still, the mystery of the August 2004 prophecy called to me. Ten years have passed. Recently, I noticed a replay of a program focusing on the Hebrew concept of “the shemittah – the release” . I was familiar with the passages in Leviticus and Deuteronomy outlining the seven year cycle of allowing the land to rest from farming, the people as a nation to rest from heavy labor, and the cancellation of all debts, etc. At the end of seven year cycles of seven (the completion of the 49th year), a year of jubilee would be declared and all leased properties would return to the original owners, etc. The year of jubilee was to be a national year of celebration and resting – and receiving from the blessings of God on the land and the people.(5)(6)

I was NOT aware that according to the Hebrew calendar year 5775, this 7th cycle was to begin on September 24th-26th, 2014. I was also NOT aware that at the end of this Hebrew year 5775, the year of Jubilee will begin (September 13, 2015). Some of the nuances of this “shemittah” concept(5 &6), based upon the root, the figurative and the literal meanings include:
• to release, to fling down, fall or collapse
• to jostle or shake or stumble
• to begin to appear (i.e. incipently)
• figuratively, to let alone, desist or remit
• to discontinue, to overthrow or throw down
• remission of debt, or suspension of labor, to rest.

Looking back at my own life, I realized my family crisis began to fully manifest on Rosh Hashanah, (September 22, 2012). Oddly enough, key issues are reaching their culmination on September 23rd, 2014, just a day before the Hebrew “time of Release” begins. What an amazing prophecy and fulfillment, almost to the day, of the word from Pastor Zink’s dream back on August 22, 2004.

What I’ve also learned: when you are singled out and given such an honor in a corporate worship setting – watch out – God is warning and preparing you, getting you ready to face a crucial time in life – a time that would overwhelm you and crush you, unless you have the word of God and the promise of His presence.
No one is impervious to cataclysmic life events. The storms of life come to those who choose to build, regardless of a solid foundation or a shifting sand foundation. The common denominator is “the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house”.(7)

What I take from this season of life: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him, as you have helped His people and continue to help them…We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”(8)

***************************************************************************************************************************

End Notes:

1. Proverbs 27:21, 2, 1; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version,” copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI; page 1655.
2. Proverbs 22:1; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version,” copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI; page 1641.
3. Hebrews 5:7-8; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version,” copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI; page 3095.
4. Chen; Strong’s Hebrew Number 2580; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995, 1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nashville, TN; page 45.
5. Shemittah; Strong’s Hebrew Number 8059; ibid; page 144.
6. Leviticus 25:1-7 and Deuteronomy 15; ibid; pages 329 and 499 and 501.
7. Matthew 7:24-29; ibid; page 2443.
8. Hebrews 6:16 and 19-20; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New American Standard Version,” copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI ibid, page 3097.

REPLETE (Adjective)

Posted: May 26, 2014 in Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts, Replete (Adjective) - The Fullness

May 12, 2014

By Amy Hartmann

The Mystery

The Fullness is a concept I first became aware of while listening to an IHOP (1) song in early 2011. “You move and we want more…You speak and we want more…You move and we want more, we want the fullness…”(2)

For some reason, this line of the song perplexed me. My mind began to puzzle over these words, trying to figure out exactly what the fullness meant. It was only during a critical time in my life where I was completely broken, exhausted and emptied by life’s trials, that I began to see the real necessity of such a cry.

Around the same time, I was reading aloud Colossians Chapter 2. I came across this passage: “In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…and you’ve been given fullness…” (3) The Interlinear Bible, [a word for word Greek-into-English text translation], gives this rendering: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and having been filled, you are in Him, who is the Head of all rule and authority.” (4) The Greek word referenced here is Strong’s number G#4138 pleroma (play-ro-mah) – repletion or completion; what fills, as in the contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude…(5) Pleroma is from the root word, G#4137 pleroo (play-ro-o); to make replete, literally to cram; level up; figuratively to furnish, satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task); accomplish, fulfill; fully preach, perfect, supply.(6)

In other words, this Heavenly Substance is doing the filling, of the vessel needing to be filled (me).

Paul calls this a mystery.(7) It was my state of brokenness that opened up this mystery to me. The hard and difficult times in life temper us, just as fire forges raw ore into useable metal. The trials of life forge us and shape us into real people. We seem to think that the seasons of public acclaim and acceptance are the ones that make us great, but the writer of Proverbs says man is tested by the praise he receives.(8) We can’t always choose the trials, but we can choose how we will respond – whether we will be a vessel for honor or dishonor.(9)

Jesus experienced heavenly validation when He was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptizer. The heavens opened, God verbally spoke and said, “You are My Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.”(10) Matthew, Mark and Luke all write that after this experience, Jesus, being full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Bible historians generally agree the book of Mark was written first. Mark says “…at once the Spirit impelled Him to go into the wilderness [G#1544 ekballo – to eject, expel, drive, cast forth].(11) So much for heavenly validation… selah!

For 40 days Jesus stayed in that place, fasting, responding with God’s words to every taunting and humiliating challenge the devil offered up. Hungry and thirsty, He lay aside His deity and learned humility and obedience as He waited on Holy Spirit to lead Him out of the empty wasteland. The Apostle Paul explains the depth of humility and emptiness Jesus experienced when he says: “Let this mind or attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. And being made in human likeness…humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even the death of the cross.”(12)

The Supremacy

The Apostle Paul says some other amazing things about the Supremacy of Christ, in the letter to the church at Colossae(13):

1. Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
2. He is the firstborn of all creation.
3. By Him all things were created – things in the heaven and on earth – visible and invisible – whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities.
4. All things were created by Him and for Him.
5. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together (i.e. the God Particle; the dark matter or invisible substance which holds all seen sub-atomic matter together, a substance diligently being studied out by the scientists at the Hadron Collider in Cern, Switzerland, and the Fermi-lab Reactor here in Illinois). (14)
6. He is the head of the Body (the Church).
7. He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead.
8. MOST IMPORTANTLY: God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus; and through Jesus to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His (Jesus) blood, shed on the cross.

The fullness, here, represents all of God’s power and ability. Once my radar was tuned into this concept, I began to study out my original perplexity. I saw this subject show up again in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (15)

Here was another clue: the New Testament form of love [Greek #26; agape] (16), poured out into our hearts by a form of love straight from God (17), produced the needed power in us to even grasp the magnitude of this concept. The Greek concordance used an unfamiliar word to describe the results of this power: REPLETE: Abundantly supplied, abounding; filled to satiation; gorged. From the Latin word, repletus.(18)

The Model

Going back to the passage in Philippians 2:7, to be completely full, we must be completely empty; empty of our own pride, self sufficiency and personal agendas. Jesus emptied Himself. He became nothing. Jesus was completely in tune with the full time direction of the Holy Spirit. He remained empty of His own agenda, motivation, will, sufficiency and purpose. HE laid down His equality with God.

Being empty does not mean not caring about our work or our responsibilities. It does not mean we are to be lifeless and shiftless. It means we lay down the selfishness in our motivations and we begin to see others – and love others – as we love ourselves. I realize my own inablilty to be empty. My simple prayer is that I am willing to be willing. I daily proclaim the scriptures aloud to myself and my circumstances. These letters – Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians – happen to be some of my most encouraging personal self motivations. The more I read them, the more I marvel at the original mystery: Christ in me, the hope of glory.(19)

End-notes:

IHOP – The International House of Prayer – in Kansas City, Missouri. IHOP is a 24/7 worship and prayer center fulfilling the promise of the restored Tent of David in Isaiah 16:5. IHOP prayer centers are now all over the world , offering 24 hour a day, 7 day week prayer and worship to God as referenced in Acts 15:16.
Colossians 2:9-10; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3031.
Colossians 2:9-10; Green, Jay P. Sr.; “The Interlinear Bible; Hebrew, Greek, English, Volume IV, The New Testament”; copyright 1976 Jay P Green, Sr.; Sovereign Grace Publishers; Lafayette, IN; pages 617-618.
Pleroma; Greek Number 4138; Strong, James, “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995, 1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; page 72.
Pleroo; Greek Number 4137; ibid; page 72.
Colossians 1:27; ibid, page 3029.
Proverbs 27:21; ibid, page 1655.
II Timothy 2:21; ibid; page 3071.
Luke 3:21-22; ibid; page 2597.
Mark 1:12; ibid; page 2523; and ekballo – Greek number 1544; Strong, James, “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995, 1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; page 27.
Philippians 2:5-11; ibid, pages 3017-3019.
Colossians 1:15-20; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers; Grand Rapids, MI; pages 3027-3029.
Rincon, Paul; “US Sees Stronger Hints of Higgs”; http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-18677808; first accessed July 2, 2012.
Ephesians 3:17-19; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3005.
Agape; Greek Number 26; Strong, James, “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; copyright 1995, 1996; Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; page 1.
Romans 5:5; The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers; Grand
Replete: The American Heritage Dictionary – Third Edition; copyright 1994; Houghton Mifflin Company; Boston, MA; Page 699.
Colossians 1:27; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; copyright 1999; Zondervan Publishers; Grand Rapids, MI; page 3029.

Do you dream of Me?

Posted: January 23, 2014 in Charisma - Spiritual Gifts - A Divine Gratuity, Do you dream of Me?, Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts
Tags: dreaming, dreams, grace, hope, prophetic, Spiritual gifts, visions

By Amy Hartmann

“How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God. How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”[1]

Dreams have prepared me for my future…

Dreams have reminded me of my past…

Dreams have been conversations – instigated by God – in the night watch.

As best I can remember, the first time God communicated with me in this particular way was the first week of December, 1978. God spoke to me in the night, preparing me for my father’s sudden, accidental death on December 14, 1978. It was my freshman year – and my first semester. I was enjoying my new found liberty and responsibilities at a small private junior college in Lebanon, Tennessee. God spoke and I listened. I awoke, terrified and hysterical. Back then, there were no cell phones or internet connections. Dawn was breaking as I tumbled out of bed and began searching for enough change to make a pay phone call to my parents. My roommate saw my panic and she hurried out of bed to see what was wrong. I quickly told her the dream as my tears fell. I had to talk with my Dad.

A month after his funeral, in January of 1979, I had another dream about my brother in a car wreck. I shared the dream with some school friends, as our college show choir traveled to my home town, to do a series of recruiting shows at numerous Chattanooga, TN high schools. We were all riding in a van being driven by our college choir director. Everyone knew of my earlier dream and they were all concerned with my grief load. When we arrived in Chattanooga, we were met by my mother. She was quite upset. My choir director was out of the van first and he began to talk with my mother. When I got out of the van, I was advised by our director, that my brother had indeed wrecked my mother’s car the night before. Thankfully my brother escaped with no serious injury to himself, but the car was almost totaled. Everyone in the van was amazed, because they all knew I had no way of knowing this information.

Now days everyone is texting and snap chatting every single minute of their lives, but in December of 1978, there were only occasional pay phone calls when we had enough change to spare. At this point, my choir friends were in agreement with me that something strange was going on in my sleep.

As the years progressed, I began to keep track of my dreams, as I encountered the future in my sleep. Dreams caused me to pick up the dusty Bible on the floor in my closet and carry it with me on my work trip to Leiden, Holland in 1987. Dreams stirred me out of my complacent, self-centered life style when I was working in Acton, England in 1988. Dreams caused me to examine, again, what the word of God had to say on this subject.

It is still interesting to me that the Book of Daniel was my random selection when I restarted my long neglected habit of reading the Bible. It was February of 1987 when I made this choice, while I was sitting in my quiet hotel room in City Hotel, Leiden – Holland. The entire book tracks the rise of a young, aristocratic, Hebrew teenage slave named Daniel, who found himself deported to the magnificent halls of the King of Babylon sometime in the Sixth Century, B.C. He eventually spent much of the next 60 years as an advisor to the various rulers of the Babylonian empire and its ensuing conquerors. Daniel’s narrative also documents some amazing and deeply disturbing prophetic, futuristic dreams.

The Bible is full of dreamers and the message they share is very clear: “…being warned of God in a dream…” people took action.[2]

Taking this key advice to heart, I began to seriously document my dreams in early 1990. I made footnote references and logged dream dates and content in the blank pages in the back of my Bible. Soon those pages were full and I took up dream journaling on tablets and spiral binders. My book shelf is full of these diary-like notebooks. Sometime in 2008 I took up daily prayer journaling. It was at this time I began in earnest to correlate life events with my dreams.

In early 2009 my sleep took on another form of revelation: I began to feel the earth shake. At first, I awoke to a shuddering feeling, as I heard the ground groan underneath our Jacksonville home. Fearful of this event, I woke my sleeping husband, warning him of the earthquake underway. He looked at me for a few moments, he said he felt nothing and then he went back to sleep.

October 14, 2009 the ground shook violently in my sleep, and I awoke convinced that Jacksonville had experienced a serious shaking. I made note of the time. The next morning, as I talked this over with my kids, no one else felt the tremors. I went online to the US Geological website, in search of earthquake documentation. Sure enough, at the time of my awakening there was a 2.6 tremor 14 miles from the US Virgin Islands.

During the months of November and December, 2009, the earth shook repeatedly and I awoke again and again, night after night; and with each incident, I tracked the time. Daily I went to the USGS website, verifying my logged tremors.

From my 2009 journal, I found this interesting note: Sunday March 8, 2009; I dream I am with a lot of young people in a big multi-story building. A terrible disaster occurs and the building is partially destroyed. Suddenly the manifest presence of God comes…His Glory in a great cloud of engulfing, blinding light. We all fall down, prostrate before His presence. I hear the hurting, wounded people all around me. I get up and begin to help them, praying for them as I dig them out of the rubble. I realize my oldest son is also in this building and I find him. We help more buried, hurting people. The blinding Glory of the Lord comes again and we all fall down in His presence, unable to move. I awaken at 8:14 a.m.

I have another interesting dream journal log entry from May 25, 2011; however the dream came to my daughter and not me (she was 12 at that time and we were still in Jacksonville, FL). She came into my office in the late morning and she was very upset. I realized she had been sleeping and I told her to come sit on my lap. I asked her what was wrong. She began to tell me about a great earthquake that shook the central part of our nation such that the monuments on Mount Rushmore split in half. She was terrified by this event.

In August of 2011, after we moved to Virginia, the entire North East Coast shook with the 5.9 Mineral, VA quake. This time I was wide awake. I was walking through my living room when I heard the dreaded sound of the groaning earth. It started out as a rumbling, and as the walls and the house began to move, I heard the glass rattle and my kids calling out in fear. We live less than an hour away from the epicenter. The rest of that week, strong tremors and aftershocks continued. The shaking underneath Mineral and Louisa, Virginia has continued, even as recently as December, 2013. My nighttime earth shaking experiences continue as well.

February 15, 2012, I dreamed I was sitting in my living room and suddenly a huge 8-9 ft man walks through the wall coming off the kitchen. He was dressed in a full Scottish kilt, with the tam, the sash and a thick, white sweater underneath. He gleamed, as if lit with his own light source. He was crossing diagonally through the house, as if it wasn’t even there. I yelped and cried out in great fear. He stopped and looked at me, and then he called my name and began telling me the most shameful, secret things I had ever done. His eyes burned with a fire I had never seen before. I was crushed and terrified. His thick Scottish accent made his words even sharper.

Suddenly I knew what to say to him. “Yes, that was me,” I agreed, “before I let Jesus wash those sins away with His shed blood at the cross of Calvary.”

“You have answered correctly,” he replied, and he started to walk on through the wall. I stopped him again and asked who he was and why he was walking through my house. This time he stopped and he smiled. “I am Towcheleth,” he replied, and then he disappeared through the hallway wall.

Greatly puzzled by this dream, I began trying to find the meaning of this name, which I only knew phonetically. I searched name websites, name books and even general internet name searches. One night several days after the dream, I was working on one of my website posts and I had a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance opened to the Hebrew dictionary. Suddenly it occurred to me that the name this man gave me might be Hebrew. I had to search the entire reference section and it wasn’t until I got to the very end, 150 pages later, I discovered Hebrew # 8431: towcheleth (to-kheh-leth); expectation – HOPE; from Hebrew #3176: yachal (yaw-chal); a primitive root; to wait; by implication, to be patient; to cause to have hope, to have hope, to make to hope; to be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait.[3] Finally I understood, Towcheleth was the Angel of Hope and he walked through my house on February 15, 2012.

Early morning, before 7:00 a.m, January 5, 2014; I dreamed of a massive earthquake that struck the nation and other parts of the world simultaneously. I heard the earthquake minutes before the terrifying shaking began. Others around me were crying out, trying to figure out what was making the pitiful, painful, ear-splitting groaning. I knew it was the earth and I began to warn them to hold on and get ready. Cities were leveled. The devastation was unlike anything I had ever seen on the news or even in some movies. My house was damaged slightly but deemed safe to occupy, and many homeless neighbors began to show up asking for shelter. Friends and business associates came seeking me out, trying to make sense of all that was taking place on the earth.

I awoke from that dream, troubled and stirred up by the magnitude of what I had seen and experienced. One specific scripture comes to mind as I remember this dream: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”[4]

I decided to look up the word here for ‘groaning’ – Greek #4959: sustenazo (soos-ten-ad-zo); to moan jointly; i.e. experience a common calamity – groan together; from G#4862: sun (soon); primary preposition denoting union, with or together; by association, companionship, process… and from G#4727: stenazo (sten-ad-zo); to make or be in dire straits; to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly; – with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.[5]

I have one last dream I want to share; arguably it is the most important dream I’ve ever received. September 17, 2011: I am walking along a busy, broad sidewalk in New York City. There are great crowds all around, and out of the corner of my left eye, I see a vividly bright, white robed figure walk past me. Suddenly I realize it is Jesus. I have never seen Him in person, and I am struck with awe and amazement that He is there beside me. He catches my eye and He acknowledges me with a glance of His eyes. He starts to walk away, but I call out His name and He stops.

I am weeping with the realization that I can see Jesus. I ask Him not to pass me by without at least letting me hug Him. He is happy with this request and opens His right arm to me in a loving embrace. His face is not beautiful, like the paintings. His face is marked with terrible scars. His hands are scarred. His feet are scarred. I am broken by those marks on His face, His hands and His feet. He holds me for several minutes and I feel the most amazing love I’ve ever experienced. It pours out from Him. He doesn’t speak, but His eyes tell me He has to go, there are others He must see and touch. I reluctantly let Him go and He takes one step and just disappears into the person walking directly in front of me. I wake up. Immediately I think of this scripture: “…to them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles (non-Jewish believers) the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”[6]

Additional Notes:[7]

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7-8

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Psalm 134:1

This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I AM the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout in triumph O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you. He is just and endowed with salvation…He will speak peace to the nations…and His dominion will be from sea to sea… As for you also, because of the Blood of My Covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free…return to your fortress, O prisoners of HOPE; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. Zechariah 9:9-12

[2] Matthew 2:13, 19-23; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid, pages 2427-2429.

[4] Romans 8:22; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid, page 2883.

[5] Greek 4959; sustenazo; 4862; sun; 4727; stenazo; “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”; ibid, pages 88, 86, 83.

[6] Colossians 1:27; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid, page 3029.

[7] All notes; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New International Version”; ibid, pages 1381, 1569, 1837, 2375, 2403.

Be Home By Christmas

Posted: December 17, 2013 in Be Home By Christmas, Charisma - Spiritual Gifts - A Divine Gratuity, Christmas Stories, Going Deeper - Hebrew and Greek Word Study Posts
Tags: Christmas, Spiritual gifts, supernatural, word of knowledge

By Amy L. Hartmann

Hopelessness can attack anyone…even the strongest and bravest of hearts. Death of a loved one, sickness, loss of employment, relationship conflict, loneliness, certain medications, extended periods of stress and even boredom can trigger feelings of malaise. When life events compound any of these conditions simultaneously, deep depression is often the result. Holidays often exacerbate this condition with a vengeance. The realization that there is a need for professional help must often come from outsiders.

How we talk to ourselves during these times of emotional and possibly physical crisis also determines how quickly we rise above these feelings and regain our footing. How we talk to ourselves also impacts how God responds to our needs during these times too. We find countless examples of this concept throughout the Psalms written by David, the shepherd boy turned warrior – especially during his long season of running for his life. Some biblical scholars say Saul, the reigning King, pursued David for almost 15 years seeking his extermination.

In 2009 my Jacksonville Mayapple Chapel home group hosts encountered such a challenging season. Candy and Ed were lifelong sweethearts. Married for over 60 years, their lives together had been rich and full of family adventure. Sometime in early 2008-2009 Candy began to experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Candy was a vivacious woman who loved to laugh and dance. Candy was woman who dearly loved God. At first, she was simply forgetful and distracted, but as spring commenced, she lost interest in food and she seemed to slip off into her own private world. Ed was devastated. As a man of faith, his on-going prayers were never ceasing but his circumstances began to overwhelm his stout heart.

Outside event scheduling over much of 2008 had caused the usual monthly gathering of friends at the Bateman home to fall off, such that for the first time in 26 years, the Mayapple Chapel home group did not meet on the first Friday of every month. During that same spring Ed got sick and he was bed-ridden for weeks. It was during this time that depression attacked. At some point, his medication levels were totally out of balance and he took too much. He wound up in Gainesville at the Veterans Administration hospital on the Psychiatric floor.

Life for me was very chaotic in the spring and summer of 2009. We were into our first full year of homeschooling – suddenly I was teaching or facilitating high school, middle school and elementary school classes simultaneously. The economy was reeling, the stock market was crazy; employers were laying off high level staff in record numbers. May 4^th saw my husband experience such a day from his senior partner position at one of the top 10 engineering firms in the nation. Everything was shaking.

“My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me…Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me…have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.”[1]

To be overwhelmed by life’s circumstances – to lose heart or be faint hearted – is a biblical concept very applicable in today’s ever shifting world. The Hebrew word for anguish of heart is interesting: H#2342 – chuwl (khool) – means to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner); i.e. Specifically – to dance, to writhe in pain (such as childbirth) or fear; to wait, to fall grievously from pain or fear; to be wounded etc.[2]

David’s advice to himself as a fugitive in the wilderness (long before he became king):

Surely God is my help[3]
Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you[4]
As for me, I trust in You (God) – what can man do to me? [5]
I cry out to God Most High, who fulfills His purpose for me.[6]

Father’s Day, June 21^st, 2009, a young man named Todd White showed up at our church’s Sunday night service. Todd shared how God delivered him from years of crack cocaine addiction and drug use. Todd said he wanted to pray for everyone with one leg shorter than the other. My kids urged me to go forward. I was in a built up right shoe to counteract the 1 inch difference with my left leg. After Todd’s prayer, my right leg grew out the full inch it needed to be the same length as my left leg. My eyes saw this miracle, and my heart and mind could not get over what I had felt, seen and experienced at that indescribable moment. Wrecked by this paradigm shift, I began to view God in a whole new way.

In my time in choir, our worship leader (Kelanie Gloeckler) was unpacking the concept of ascending in worship to hear the thoughts and songs heaven was saying – and singing over us, and then bringing them back down and releasing them into our atmosphere. She learned this amazing concept during her time at Morningstar under the influence of Rick Joyner, Leonard Jones, Ray Hughes, Don Potter, Suzy Wills Yarai and other amazing leaders and musicians. As a choir, over the summer of 2009, we were learning to ‘catch the song’ Jesus was singing over us. We were working hard on the new music for Kelanie’s upcoming album recording in November, 2009.[7]

It was during this time I heard of Ed Bateman’s condition and his placement at the VA hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

“The Lord your God is in the midst of you, A Mighty One, A Savior (Who saves)! He will rejoice over you with joy! He will rest (in silent satisfaction) and in His love He will be silent and make no mention (of past sins, or even recall them)]; He will exult over you with singing.”[8]

The Hebrew word for exult H#1523 giyl (gheel) – means to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion); i.e. Usually gladness or joy; rejoicing.[9] The picture here is of Jesus, rejoicing over us in His wild, crazy dance of love and approval. Jesus advised the crowds (who followed him in his day) to pray in every situation and not lose heart.[10]

I began to pray earnestly for Ed and Candy. I had not been to their house in a while because of my busyness. I contacted the friend who shared Ed’s status and tried to work out how we could all go see him. I knew he needed to see our renewed love and concern for him and for Candy. Every attempt to schedule any trip to Gainesville was met with great conflict. In mid October, Don Potter came to our church in Jacksonville. He sang over our city and over our congregation, declaring many things. It was then I began to hear a song for Ed.

One more unsuccessful attempt to see Ed caused us to decide to just make a trip over to see Candy. She was still at their home and needing company and comfort too. I called some of the other Mayapple Chapel friends and we decided to meet at Candy’s house on October 23^rd (2009). I was pleased to see the smiling faces of Janet Meyers and Roxie McLeod and several other friends. We sat and visited with Candy for a short time but it was clear Candy didn’t fully remember us all or grasp why we were there. We talked with her nurse, glad to hear that Candy was in good care in Ed’s absence.

It was at that moment, as our visit was coming to a close, I knew it was time to sing. “I would like to sing for Candy before we leave,” I suddenly offered. My friends were used to me singing with them and no one seemed uncomfortable with my request.

“That would be nice,” Janet and Roxie agreed. “What would you like to sing?”

At that moment, the idea seemed so crazy but Ed was so far away, locked up on a psych ward with his own mental and emotional issues, so I just opened my mouth and lifted up my song:

“I’ll be home for Christmas….you can plan on me.

Please have snow and mistletoe…and presents on the tree.

I’ll be home for Christmas…just you wait and see…

I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.

Christmas Eve will find me…where the love light gleams.

I’ll be home for Christmas…BUT it won’t be a dream!”[11]

My friends looked at me, somewhat perplexed by my song choice; after all, it was October. Not risking their censure, I repeated the chorus several times before they finally joined in, and soon Candy was singing along too. The expression on each of their faces is still a picture I see in my mind. We sang a few more hymns, which we knew Candy would love, and she seemed to cheer up with each chorus. After we were done and getting ready to leave, Candy’s nurse thanked us for coming and we told her we would be back soon to visit with Candy again. Our plans were to join her sometime around Thanksgiving.

On our way out to our cars, I tried to explain my strange choice of music and my change of words. I told them about what I learned from Kelanie…how I could hear that song being sung over Candy and Ed by Jesus. They appreciated my boldness, but I could see the unspoken questions in their eyes. We all left, making plans to get back together in a couple of weeks.

It was sometime just before Thanksgiving I received an update from Janet and Roxie: Ed Bateman was home and the family was planning a big gathering at Thanksgiving. They felt it was too soon to have the whole Mayapple Chapel gang back over at the house for the monthly meeting, but everyone, including Ed seemed eager for us to gather again at Christmas. Astonished, I hung up the phone. I could tell from Roxie and Janet’s comments that they were just as impressed as me.

Christmas Day we gathered with Candy and Ed again to restart the Mayapple Chapel monthly gatherings. Now everyone was finally back in place and the routine was reestablished. It wasn’t a dream…Ed was back home, back from the brink of hopelessness and overwhelming depression. Candy was smiling, even in her fog of Alzheimer’s. The fellowship was restored and it was all because of the song of the Lord.

Ed and Candy Bateman with Paul Walker, 2003

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”[12]

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.[13]

************************************************************************

Notes:

G#1573 ekkakeo (ek-kak-eh’o) to fail (in heart); to be (bad or) weak hearted, faint, weary; to be despondent[14]

II Cor 1:2-7 (The God of all comfort – comforts us so that we can comfort others)

[4] Psalm 55:22; ibid; page 1447.

[5] Psalm 56:3; ibid, page 1447.

[6] Psalm 57:2; ibid, page 1449.

[9] Hebrew no. 1523; giyl; Strong, James; ibid; page 27.

[10] Luke 18:1; “The Comparative Study Bible – The New American Standard Version”; ibid; page 2657.

[13] II Corinthians 4:16-18; ibid, page 2961.

[14]Greek no. 1573; ekkakeo; Strong, James; ibid, page 28.

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