Be encouraged as we
begin the first day of 2013 continuing to embrace eternal life. A writer
accuses GOD of murder; and the topics of judgment and sin are discussed. Also,
there is more on blessing for those in competitive sports. A “Yahoo! Answers”
writer using the ID “Bill” (Level 2 with 268 points, a member since October 22,
2010) posted the following:
Why does God tell Moses to have a bunch of
people murdered in Exodus 32: 27?
I'm more of a New Testament guy but am currently
reading the Old Testament. I'm shocked to have just read Exodus chapter 32 verse
27.
" And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of
Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate
throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his
companion, and every man his neighbour.
verse 28 "And the children of
Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day
about three thousand men"
So what is up with this---I don't get it?
Thanks!
Additional Details
ok I"m understanding this more---thanks. yes after
seeing a number of miracles from God a number of the Jews, while Moses was still
meeting with God, were participating in activities not at all pleasing unto God,
Moses asked the Jews who was with him after this and those who were with him
joined him, those that did not join him were killed. Yes God would have been
angry at those worshipping the golden calf, etc. as he had explicitly forbade
such behavior, God probably also felt very betrayed after delivering them out of
their Egyptian captivity. The God of the Old Testament admits he is quite
jealous.
THE BATTLE AXE: Will
GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012)—Do not be deceived. The games that are our
national pastimes (baseball, football, soccer, etc.) are genuine celebrations of
life that see camaraderie, fellowship, and solidarity. However, these should
not be confused with spiritual growth, the acknowledgments of eternal life,
unity, and sanctified worship. Amusements and sports are not condemned across
the board as an offense to GOD (1st Corinthians 6: 12 and 10: 23, KJV). Yet,
as often seen with modern politics, the advertising hype for athletic games
frequently use imagery and language associated with spiritual beliefs. This is
done (e.g., Hail Mary!) even to the point of blasphemy and disrespect; and the
hidden influence of the Adversary is revealed, for there is no encouragement of
humility, obedience, praise, sobriety, submission, and thanksgiving to GOD. The
Father does not send forth Jesus, the Son, to die upon the cross so that men may
realize vain hopes (i.e., desires and expectations
that lack spirit content, and sacred focus), or to answer foolish prayers for
selfish pleasure. While the holy writings encourage believers to strive for
excellence in all that they do, and to make choice with an eye to pleasing GOD
(e.g., 1st Corinthians 10: 31, Philippians 2: 13 and 4: 13, Colossians 3:
17, KJV); ones actions, offerings, prayers and worship still may come under
condemnation (Proverbs 15: 7-9 and 28: 9, KJV). Even nonbelievers understand
that, in Christ, religious ceremony, Sunday church attendance, and ritual are no
guarantee of salvation; all are cautioned (2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV). More than
this, in Scripture, the impartiality that establishes GOD as righteous in
judgment is proclaimed (Ecclesiastes 9: 2 and 11, KJV) as is the favor of GOD
to the wise (Ecclesiastes 9: 1, KJV). To the extent men compete risking life
and limb to demonstrate the endurance, skills and stamina of mortal flesh, there
is no lasting accomplishment having the weight of things for eternal glory. In
Jesus’ day and during the church’s time of growth through the apostles,
gatherings for displays and duels of gladiator’s were continually being held in
arenas and stadiums (also called “theatres”). Pious Jews and early Christian
believers who did not involve themselves in the social mix of the market place,
also avoided the games used to pacify the common people, criminals, gamblers,
and the unemployed (derisively known as “the mob”). The Apostle Paul makes
reference to the games held at Ephesus in clarifying the doctrines of
resurrection, the self-discipline he himself practices, and the process of new
life for a follower of Jesus (1st Corinthians 15: 12-32, KJV). It remains, the
power of GOD cannot be turned to every human purpose, and even divine purposes
may be frustrated through human unbelief (see Mark 6: 1-6,
KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Woe to the
rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that
cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
(Isaiah 30: 1, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Law
Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Vows and Covenants (12/17/2012); Why Did The Judges
Fight? (10/19/2012); The Cause Of Unrest (01/30/2012); The Need For GOD
(01/31/2012); (08/21/2011) Dispatch 13: Peace (The Lord); A Fig Tree Cursed?
(10/o2/2010)
Bill, you want to remember that GOD is
revealing himself as a supreme judge above all mankind. As with the flood of
Noah’s day, and the plagues against Egypt, graphic and fearful destruction comes
into view, because sin and its threat against humanity is “invisible” and barely
detectable except as a cumulative result of deeds (i.e., outcomes piled up over
time).
As humans we have to take in the lessons of
GOD in visceral ways (through the gut, so to speak). We repeatedly fail to see
the cosmic significance of our choices and deeds. It has no meaning to many of
us that we must exist in a social web that embraces more than mankind, and
extends over the universe.
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, sin opposes the existence of
divine law, of divinity, and of all Creation. Sin is more than simply a bad
attitude, misconduct, naughty behavior, and sexual depravity. Sin was first
realized among the holy angels; and has spread like an epidemic disease. Unlike
death and disease, sin does not respond to the will of GOD, because sin does not
exist as a carnal, material or social truth having dimension, form, or
substance. Nonetheless, sin has direction, effect and presence. Sin is not a
created thing, yet sin may dominate the will of created beings and living
creatures. The divine acts of Incarnation, birth, death and resurrection by the
person of Jesus Christ absolutely must occur to resolve the judgment against
sin—not against mankind.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it
unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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