This is a tough Psalm for David. When we have troubles in our life, sometimes they are a consequence of our own actions even if we have repented and turned back toward God from the evil of the consequence. Absolam is attempting to steal David's throne by disrespecting his father David. Psalms are born in trials and troubles.
Will we learn to worship during these times? Will we trust God or become angry and depend on ourselves? As you learn with us to worship in Psalms, go read the story of David and Absolam. It is a tragedy for Absolam and David. But David, unlike Absolam, is restored. Why? Because David turned to the Lord, AS HE WAS BEING CHASED OUT OF HIS KINGDOM! Read the Psalm while reading the story. But look on your own life and make it your own through praying it back to the Lord. Absolam was in rebellion to God. His name means "Father of Peace". Peace in Hebrew has a very deep context to it. But the best peace we can have is peace with God through salvation and repentance. Absolam was not acting toward his father with peace nor with God. He was rebelling against two fathers! Will we? Join us for this wonderful Psalm to learn to worship which is our highest calling.
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In whose shoes are we walking? God's shoes or our shoes? His will or our will? This is crucial for us to note. Why? Moses engaged the Egyptians in Exodus 2 in his strength or his shoes, not God's will. An Egyptian died as a result. And Moses fled Egypt. Why? The 40 years Moses was in the wilderness was a preparation time, as much for Moses, as for the Hebrews. God wants to prepare us for service in His Kingdom. This "wilderness experience" of depending on God is especially true in the times we are currently living. Will we submit to His word before circumstances get beyond our control? Shall we turn to God now for help knowing His word, so we become prepared for the times ahead? We can obey the Scripture by putting our hearts up against the Word of God, as Moses is now doing in Exodus 3 Part 3. Moses' choices changed him, and our choices to be in God's will change us as well. Can we see that obedience to God's revelation in His Word will give us power? Why? We are operating for His purposes and glory...not our own.
Here is a crucial bible study principle. We are not Moses. Thus we cannot live the way Moses lived. But is this a correct point of view? No. The Holy Spirit is using the story of Moses to show us that we each have choices as Moses did. Moses's hard-earned lessons are ours if we receive them into our lives by asking the constant questions: "Lord, open my eyes, I want to obey you. How can I respond to You correctly?" The Lord will answer this prayer. When we approach Scripture, we can have this attitude.
The revelation of the Lord will change our life like it did Moses. We can learn Moses' lessons. The goal of the Holy Spirit is for us to line up with God's plans and revelation. But be prepared, it means we will be changed! You will go on a journey with God.
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EPISODE SUMMARY
When does God use people? Is it random? Or does God use people who are concerned that His will is carried out? Let's find out with Podcast for Pewsitters Ric and Mary Joyner.
Podcast For Pewsitters: We are discussing the priestly garments and how they point to Christ. What happened between Exodus 19 where God told Moses He wanted a Kingdom of priests and Exodus 28 where only Aaron was the High Priest? Something drastic changed. If God loves us the way we are, as some say, then we need to love Him for the way He is. This is His world and we are His servants. But, do we act the way we were made? Did you know we were not created to serve ourselves and our happiness?
Did you know our purpose is to minister to God? Could what we desire be to our detriment unless it lines up with God's Will? Do we want to walk with Him and experience joy and peace and satisfaction in this rough, tumble and a hurtful world even if our life is crumbling? Yes! Why were the priestly garments even needed? What is God calling us to in Christ? Why did He suffer for us and die for us? Could it be we are criminals? Christ died a criminals death. Was this a picture to show us how evil sin is? Yes! No one likes this thought, but we do need to look in the mirror of our heart called the 10 commandments to see where we stack up. These are the 10 expectations of God. The "follow your feelings" society just doesn't cut it in the Kingdom of God. People are left hungry, empty and broken. But God is our Creator, and He can make way for us. What is it?
We ask questions like why did Aaron get priestly garments and not Moses? Perhaps Moses was a model priest already? Moses heard God's voice and carried it out correctly. That is what priests did in the Old Testament, and disciples do in the New. He was truly a servant of God. We have God's Word, and we can be the same. We can say Moses was trained by God. We have the same opportunity. Will we take it?
What is God trying to say to us with the tinkling bells and pomegranates? Where does all of this show up in the new testament? Why is there so much symbolism in the old testaments? Why can't people see the connection to symbolism? Could the gospels be a parallel picture of the Exodus? The Hebrews in the desert saw the pillar of fire and the cloud and how God miraculously provided for them and healed them, yet it says they did not believe! (Hebrews 3) WHAT! The people in the new testament saw the miracles and the Words of Christ as He spoke to them, yet many did not believe! Even some of the disciples doubted! (Matthew 28) What shall we do? Could obeying God produce faith? YES! One step toward Him, even if we are confused and unsure is an act of faith. It will even produce more faith! You will start to grow up in God. Let God help you with your pain, hurt and confusion. We asked a lot of questions, and this is exactly what we should do every time we approach scripture. "What is Your agenda, Lord and how may we carry it out?" Join Ric and Mary Joyner for Podcast for Pew Sitters!
See full post & commentsRic and Mary Joyner explore, Exodus 1 Part 2 which discusses the Hebrews entering a crisis of faith and fear called slavery that will last almost 80 years. This is a harsh reality. How did the Hebrews go from high stature in Egypt under Joseph to being brutalized? What happened? The story may surprise you, which the Bible so often does, that there are patterns and principles that affect us today! Join us for this exciting study of a God who keeps promises and discover how to live a praiseworthy life to God. This is His creation and we are His servants! He is in control! Glory to God!
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