"And these are the commands the Lord gave Moses for the Israelites on Mount
Sinai" Lev 27: 34
Many years ago, when I read the Torah for the 1st time, I was shocked to
learn that God gave Moses more than 10 commandments! He gave 613, to be
exact. These are not the commands of men, but from God, Himself.
To be certain, the "10 Commandments" act as overriding principles, while the
remaining 603 commands act as practical situational guides, teaching Israel
how to honor God by living-out the 10 Commandments in day-to-day life.
In religious Judaism, several literary sources are drawn from. First, there
are the Torah and Haftarah. (The Law and the Prophets) aka: the Tanakh, or
"Old Testament". These are the Divinely-inspired scriptures.
In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Don't assume that I came to destroy
the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For I
assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter will
pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, everyone
who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do
so will be called 'least' in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices
and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of
heaven." Matt 5: 17-19
In addition to the Tanakh, there are other Jewish literary sources: Talmud,
Mishna, Kabbala. These are volumes of rabbinical teachings and
interpretations of the Tanakh. Imagine all the great Christian teachers,
Moody, Spurgeon, Piper, Laurie & Lasseigne… Imagine, all the greats, every
sermon, compiled throughout the ages. Well, that's basically what these
extra-biblical volumes are: commentaries.
The problem rabbinical Judaism faces is that so much of its religious
practice is based on the teachings of men. Most rabbis spend the majority
of their studies buried in the commentaries.
The reason I have challenged you (and myself) to aggressively read the
bible, is because the "Church" tends to have the same problem. It tends to
study teachers above the scriptures. Paul addressed this problem, even in
the early church. 1 Corinthians 1: 10-17
We should study the bible so we can weigh bible teachers, not the other way
around.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
"Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will
not reject or abhor them, so as to destroy them and break my covenant with
them, since I am the Lord their God. For their sake, I will remember the
covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the
sight of the nations to be their God; I am the Lord." Lev 26: 44-45
Last week I was posed this question from some friends in Hawaii, who receive
our daily Living Room devotions: Do the Jews believe in the same God as
Christians?
The question stems from a great theological debate which suggests that,
since "Non-believing" Jews reject Jesus, they are not accepting the
"wholeness of God"; thus, the God Jews believe in is not the same as the God
Christians believe in.
The New Testament, speaking of Jesus, informs us that there is "no other
name under Heaven by which men may be saved". Jesus said, "I am the way and
the truth and the Life, and no man comes to the Father, except through me."
Whether Jew of Gentile, accepting Messiah, Jesus, is the essential component
of Salvation. The first chapter of John speaks clearly of Jesus' deity. In
that sense, knowing Who Jesus is, brings an essential understanding of Who
God is.
But since Jesus is a member of the Trinity, wasn't He present when Adonai
spoke these (above) words to Moses?
Perhaps, the Christian's understanding of Israel's understanding of God
takes a back seat to God's understanding of His plan for the redemption of
Israel…and the world. This was the basis for Paul's message to the Roman
church.
"I ask, then, have they (Israel) stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not!
On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to
make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling brings riches for the world,
and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full
number bring!
Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. In view of the fact that I am an apostle
to the Gentiles, I magnify my own ministry, if I can somehow make my own
people jealous and save some of them. For is their being rejected is world
reconciliation, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?"
Rom 11: 11-15
God's covenant with Israel is with those who, by faith, believe. His
faithfulness is the foundation for the security of our salvation. Perhaps,
a more important question than, "Do Jews believe in the God of the
Christians?", is the question: Does the God of all creation keep His
covenants…and did He fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
through Jesus? I believe He did.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
"If your brother becomes destitute and cannot sustain himself among you, you
are to support him a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can
continue to live among you. Don't profit or take interest from him, but
fear your God and let your brother live among you. You are not to lend him
your silver with interest or sell him your food for profit. I am the Lord
your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of
Canaan and to be your God." Lev 25: 35-38
Interdependence: 1) Unable to exist or survive without each other 2)
Relying on mutual assistance, support, cooperation, or interaction among
constituent elements or members
Much of our modern culture has been built on the idea of "independence". In
American society, people who are "dependent", are generally frowned-upon.
Children are taught that they should be independent, not needing anything
from anyone. Growing up, I learned that the idea of taking a "hand-out" or
charitable assistance was shameful.
Interesting, I was also taught that if a person was needy, it was probably
because they were lazy. Basically, there was a stigma of sin attached to
poverty. We were led to believe that if we gave someone charity, we were
probably enabling them to continue in their laziness. People work hard for
their money, and it was their reward to keep to themselves. Sad.
That's the theory I was taught…then one day I needed charity.
I've searched the scriptures, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I
have yet to find an instance where God honors independence.
God's design for society is that men would be completely dependent on Him.
He designed for His "dependants" to live interdependently among each other,
in community. The purpose of community is to make our weaknesses
ineffective. When someone covers your weakness, you only have to operate in
the strengths God has endowed you with.
No man is an island, self-sustaining unto himself. Hard times will fall on
everyone. God doesn't just provide spiritual (internal) peace; He also
provides physical and emotional comfort through the community of believers.
Don't be too ashamed to receive charity, and don't be too self-absorbed to
give it.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 21
"The Lord spoke to Moses: 'Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout
your generations who has a physical defect is to come near: no man who is
blind, lame, facially disfigured or deformed…" Leviticus 21: 16-18
Jesus healed. That is a biblical fact, and is generally accepted by many
believers and unbelievers, alike.
Before John the Baptist was beheaded, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if
he was the "One", or should they look for another messiah. Jesus' answer
was that people were healed. That was his evidence: healing.
I must admit that I never really considered why Jesus healed. Perhaps, I
figured He had compassion on people who were hurting, so he made them well.
Personally, I have really bad eyes. I was nominated to the United States
Air Force Academy out of High school, but I couldn't go because my eyes were
too bad. I have always wanted to see clearly without the aide of glasses of
contact lenses. If Jesus were to heal me, I would really appreciate it!
Healing is cool for the recipient, but what does that have to do with Jesus
being Messiah?
The old covenant scriptures tell how Messiah will heal the iniquities of His
people, so I understand Jesus' healing fulfills prophecy. I wonder, though,
if His healing doesn't have more to do with Leviticus 21.
We know from our New Testament studies that all followers of Jesus are
considered "priests". That is, we are all called to serve others and share
the good news of His Son, Jesus. I wonder if Jesus was preparing those who
were "ceremonially" unfit for service as priests.
It was as if, "You can't serve because you're blind? You can't serve
because you're lame, or deformed?" Well, I can fix that!
For us, our sin has separated us from God. By paying our sin debt, Jesus
makes us clean. He atones for our sin, as if we have never sinned.
He has a plan for you, as His "priest". He has fulfilled all of the
requirements for you, and offers forgiveness free of charge.
So you WANT to be healed?
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 20
You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you,
for they did all these things, and I abhorred them. And I promised you: You
will inherit their land, since I will give it to you to possess, a land
flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God who set you apart from
the peoples." Lev 20: 23-24
Here's a joke for you.
Q: What did the fool say just before he died?
A: Hey y'all! Watch this!
Q: What did his best friend say, just before he died?
A: Aw, I could have done that!
It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing
over-and-over, expecting different results. Doesn't that sound like us?
The Lord saves us, and yet many turn back and start sinning in the same ways
that made us recognize our need of salvation!
God instructed Israel that He was going to deliver them into Canaan. He
told them how he would drive out the Canaanites; and He told them why the
Canaanites were being driven out: their sinful ways.
That information, alone, should have been enough to teach Israel to honor
the Lord, insuring their possession of the Promised Land. God went further
and instructed the Israelites to separate themselves from the ways and
beliefs of the Canaanites.
Why would Israel turn to the ways of Canaan's former inhabitants? Perhaps,
it is because of their concept of "blessing". Perhaps, they got into the
land and conditions were harder than they thought they might be.
I think this may have been the case, because God predicted the land would be
"flowing with milk and honey".
I have three children and we are expecting our fourth in December. I am
aware of the fact that milk does not flow until after the painful delivery.
I have also never seen honey harvested without having to contend with
nagging, stinging bees.
Could it be that God was telling Israel that Canaan would be fruitful, but
it would take nagging, stinging, painful work? Doesn't that remind you of
the joy we receive, after we employ the discipline of living holy and
separate lives, unto God, today? But isn't discipline what being a
"disciple" is all about?
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Hey everyone!
Just a note to let you know we're about to begin the Raleigh Crusade in 55
min. Pray for us!! You can also check out the crusade on www.harvest.org
Tonight: Andre Crouch and David Crowder.
Because I was traveling yesterday, I didn't have access to the internet.
That's why I sent yesterday's email with today's. Perhaps, today's email
would make more sense if you read yestarday's first.
I really love you guys! I also appreciate your willingness to search the
scriptures and live your lives according to them!
Blessings,
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 19
"Adonai said to Moses, 'Speak to the entire community of Israel; tell them
"You people are to be holy because I, Adonai your God, am holy. Everyone of
you is to revere his faith and mother, and you are to keep my Sabbaths; I am
Adonai your God. Don't turn to idols, and do not cast metal gods for
yourselves; I am Adonai your God."'" Leviticus 19: 1-4
I find it interesting how chapter 18 deals with the sinful behavior that
caused the Canaanites to be expelled from the land. Chapter 19 begins as
chapter 18 ends, with a challenge to be holy, that is, "separate" from other
nations and customs.
Also intriguing, is how immediately following the God's reason for expelling
the Canaanites from the land; and His command of holiness, God reminds
Israel of the 5th commandment. "Honor your father and mother, so that you
may live long in the land which the Lord is giving you." Exodus 20
The beautiful irony is that the 5th commandment is the only commandment with
a promise…directed towards longevity in the land.
So, allow me to clarify: Sexual sin becomes increasingly more perverted, an
eventually leads to expulsion from the land. Honoring your father and
mother ensures longevity in the land.
Perhaps, we should look closer at what it means to honor your father and
mother.
Honoring one's parents means more than simply "obeying" them. You bring
honor to your parents when you honor the Lord. For instance: Both your
parents are unbelievers and they violently oppose your belief in Jesus. The
best way to "honor" them is by disobeying their wishes and becoming a
Christian!
"Sexual sin" and "honoring your parents" are diametrically opposed, because
God is concerned with both familial and spiritual legacies. The fruit of
sexual relations is in our offspring. When we honor the Lord with our
lives, we ensure that we produce not only good works unto the Lord, but that
our offspring will do so as well.
From holy people come children, whom, when raised in a God-honoring
environment, grow into a strong community that honors God. Carnal people
bear offspring who, outside of God's intervention, will continue in a
downward moral spiral.
Be holy.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 17
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon
the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes
atonement for the soul. Therefore, I said to the children of Israel, 'none
of you shall eat blood, not shall any stranger who dwells among you eat
blood.'" Lev 17: 11-12
If you ever travel to Israel, one thing you'll find out quickly is how awful
the beef tastes! Why? It has been drained of all its blood and stripped of
all its fat. It has to be in order to be certified "kosher" by the rabbis
who inspect the meat plants and restaurants.
Unlike the laws of clean & unclean animals, the command to not eat blood has
never been repealed. At least, scripture does not indicate such. Perhaps
this poses a challenge to us: How rare can we get that steak before it's
considered "eating blood"?
As a young Christian, I used to wonder, "What's the deal with the Blood of
Jesus?" I understood suffering and I get how he paid the penalty we
deserve. I understood the resurrection, proving the power and will of God
to do miracles. But the blood…
In this passage is some clarity. The practice of shedding animal blood, for
sin atonement, was given to Israel, by God. Why? Perhaps the best
explanation is that is a vivid picture to the individual as to how their sin
looks to God.
Everyone thinks their children are saints, and everyone else's kids are
horrible. We justify our own sin to ourselves, but condemn others.
Sometimes, it is good to separate ourselves from ourselves, and get an
elevated objective view of our lives.
In what seems like cruel performance art, God is showing Israel…and now
us…that sin sheds blood. And it is our blood. We are literally killing
ourselves, and paying through the nose to do so. Apart from Christ, we work
for sin, and its wages are death.
God, in his gracious mercy, allows us to sin as He sees it. He has given
life in blood. Because Jesus is eternal, through Jesus' blood we are
offered eternal life.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 15
"When a woman has a discharge of her blood for many days…" Leviticus 15 25
From a chapter that has made 8th grade boys snicker throughout the ages, we
find the setup for one of the most profound miracles of Jesus' ministry on
earth.
"A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years had endured much under many
doctors. She had spent everything she has and was not helped at all. On
the contrary, she became worse. Having heard about Jesus, she came behind
Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, 'If I could just touch
the hem of His garment, I'll be made well!' Instantly, her flow of blood
ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction."
Mark 5: 25-29
Doctors are not healers. They are keen observers. Modern medicine is the
by-product of centuries of medical & scientific observation. Persistent
observation leads to improved treatments, resulting in heightened
probabilities of recovery. But God allows the healing.
None of us would willingly select civil war era dentistry! Can you imagine
the methods of treatment this woman had undergone from the doctors of Jesus'
day?
While there is much to say about this woman's healing and Jesus' response to
it, I want to focus on one item: Having reached the end of the world's
options, she had nothing to lose by reaching out to Jesus in faith. In a
word, she was "desperate".
People come to Jesus, not out of convenience. They come out of
desperation. Ask yourself; what circumstances led you to reach out in
faith…given you have reached out?
People only accept a savior when they recognize they need salvation. I go
surfing quite often. Every time I walk into the surf with my board, I walk
past the lifeguard. I may wave as I walk by, but I've never phoned him on
my way to the beach and asked if he would swing by the gas station and save
me. I don't need him to save me then.
But, if I were drowning in the surf, I'd call out to him, for sure!!!
And I wouldn't be ashamed, if, while I was drowning among a sea of surfers,
He asked, "Who called out to me?"
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
Leviticus 13
"The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his
clothes and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and
cry out, 'Unclean, unclean!' He will remain unclean as long as he has
the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside
the camp." Lev 13: 45-46
This generation, especially the 18-25yr group, has been described by
sociologists as, the "most narcissistic" in history. That is to say,
everything in our culture is focused on the individual. Our
"I-centered" culture is quickly losing all sense of biblical
community.
Perhaps, that is why "community" ranks high on the aspirations of so
many people. "Me-centric" worlds, promote profound loneliness. When
everyone lives only for himself, who can you trust has your best
interest in mind? More importantly, does God most value the
individual, or the community? Both.
Jesus prayed for all believers, "I wish that they were one, as You
and I are One." John 17: 21
Given our breakdown of community, is it any wonder chapters, like
this one in Leviticus, seem so foreign? We tend to feel sorry for the
individual, and picture ourselves running through the streets
screaming, "Unclean!"
For a moment, try taking an elevated view of what God is doing. He
is protecting Israel; preserving the people of the Promise. He is
also showing the importance of separating sin from the community. He
is teaching the importance of accountability; and perhaps more
importantly, He is making provisions for restoration.
Jesus told His disciples, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." Matt 16: 6
Leaven is a symbol of sin, which spreads. Leaven is perhaps more
synonymous with a philosophy, than with an action, because it grows in
secret. An excellent picture of "leaven" is a skin disease, mold, or
virus.
In that sense, there are times when people with persistent sinful
philosophies, ideas, and willful actions MUST be put out of Christian
community for a season. It protects both, the community and the
goodwill of the individual. Individuals are then to be observed by
the leaders. Unrepentant or unbelieving hearts will never return to
Godly community. True believers cannot survive long term, away from
Godly community. Eventually, they will repent. Godly community
leaders should recognize true repentance, and receive the returning
prodigal with great joy!
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
