THE ANGELS OF GOD MET HIM

Byadmin

The Secret Meaning of Mahanaim

Jacob, part of the triangle of Israel’s covenant patriarchs, was heading home with his family, possessions, and livestock after living with his father-in-law for many years. In obedience to return to the Land of Promise he now faces a crisis, fearing his incensed brother. How did the angels help Jacob? And what was the meaning of the place, Mahanaim?

Exodus 32:1 says, “Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him.”    Notice the word, “met.” This short verse could be easily glossed over. But look deeper. This was the second time Jacob encountered angels. The first time Jacob saw angels he was fleeing home and going to relatives. On the way he had a vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder from heaven with the Lord standing at the top speaking the covenant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord also said,  “I will be with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you” (Genesis 28:15).   Now Jacob is returning to his homeland and met by angels.

A Jewish history Rabbi, Rashi, known for his ability to shed light on obscure ideas, reveals insight from the Hebrew meaning of the place where Jacob was met by the angels.  In the first vision the angels ascending were with Jacob in the Land of Promise. The angels descending guarded Jacob outside the Land of Promise. But this time, the angels met Jacob.

What an incredible thought!  In our most challenging days, God sends his angels (or other ways) to encourage and strengthen us, no matter where we are.   God’s promises will always be true…”I will be with you and watch over you wherever you go.”  God even assigns angels to each location.

As with Jacob, so for us. At the hour most needed God shows up.  Not early but punctual. We don’t always understand God’s timing.  Delays test our trust in God, but that is not without purpose.   Delays grow faith. Delays becomes purposeful in our drawing closer to Him and learning to wait and trust. 

'Jacob's Dream' with Jacob's ladder (1660-1665) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

‘Jacob’s Dream’ with Jacob’s ladder (1660-1665) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

MAHANAIM


Genesis 32:1 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim.  

In Hebrew this word “mahane” (camp)  has a dual construction which is also significant. Jacob called this place, “Two camps.” According to Rashi, Jacob saw two camps of angels –those who came with him, and now those from his homeland  who came to meet Jacob and safely get him back home.  


A similar crisis brought David to Mahanaim when he was running from his rebellious son, Absalom, who was usurping David’s throne.  You can imagine the heartache over his son’s rebellion and the concern for his family members, and his own God-appointed throne.  David knew of Jacob’s similar encounter in a crisis.  Because God placed Jacob under the overarching protection of the angels at “Two Camps,” Mahanaim, David was reminded of that same kind of divine care for him.  

An angel came to Peter in prison. The church was earnestly praying for Peter to get out of prison but days had passed and they were losing hope. While in prison Peter had enough time to rehearse many fears of death or torture or all the Jews were planning to harm him and the gospel.

The night before trial, in God’s perfect timing, God sends the angel. (If you are like me, sooner would have been  better, humanly thinking).

Acts 12 gives the miraculous account.

“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

Now, after pinching himself to see if he was really awake, Peter realizes God sent his angel to rescue him.  Peter’s life still had purpose. A new confidence set in his mind that God wasn’t done with his plan through Peter. It wasn’t over.   He had God’s protection and eye and God made a way that seemed to be impossible. Divine care!

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” 

As we make the Lord our priority, “our dwelling place,” God commands “his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:9-15).  The Lord says because we love him, he will rescue, protect, deliver, and honor us. 

Next time you are in a crisis, remember that God knows right where you are.  God will provide and protect and answer as you wait on Him.  He may even send an angel.  We see a lot of angels in the Christmas story, and they all say, “Don’t be afraid.”  “Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him.” 

We serve the same God today who promises to care for us. We can fill our mind with the God secrets that promise God’s divine care in every crisis!  “I will be with you and watch over you wherever you go.”

Regarding God’s divine care, what secrets are you gleaning?  Keep on seeking and you will discover more of God’s divine care for every situation of life. You can rest assured God will divinely care for you.

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Part 2 Do You Excuse Disobedience?
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Part 2 Do You Excuse Disobedience?

Byadmin

In Part 1, Saul was anointed and appointed by God the King of Israel.  His humility soon turned to pride and excuses for not obeying God’s commands. The proof of a good King was his obedience to God’s command and rejection of idol worship.  The same proof applies to us today.  Obedience to God is the key to our relationship and approval from God.  Overcoming excuses and pride takes work on our part but becomes easier the more we dwell in the Word, obey it, and grieve over sin. 

Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

Proverbs 16:18

PRIDE REJECTS GOD’S WORD

Samuel rebuked Saul for foolishly disregarding God’s commands. Saul would lose the kingdom and his throne to another without obeying what God said. 

God gave Saul another opportunity to obey.

God assigned Saul the mission of carrying out God’s punishment on an unrepentant people, who for nearly 500 years had been repetitively brutal towards Israel.   Now, God’s timing was complete, including total destruction (Deut 25:17-19).  

GOD’S INSTRUCTION

Attack and Totally Destroy

Samuel gave Saul the instructions to attack and totally destroy the Amalekites and all that belongs to them (1 Sam 15:3).

But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. They were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak was totally destroyed (1 Samuel 15:8-9).

God was punishing the horrendous evil of the Amalekites.  The spoils of battle belonged to God, not for the nation or anyone’s personal gain.

God regards taking the things under the ban as stealing from God, revealing covetousness and pride (Joshua 6:18).

 

SAUL EXCUSED HIS DISOBEDIENCE AGAIN.

He rode into his hometown on his stallion, dragging his war trophy, King Agag, behind him, along with the best of the animals (spoils).

GOD WAS GRIEVED

God told Samuel: “I am grieved that I have made Saul king because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” 1 Samuel 15:11.

Here’s the text from 1 Samuel 15

“Early in the morning, Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal”

When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”

“Enough!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.”

“Tell me,” Saul replied.

 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.  And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’  Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?”

The soldiers knew God’s instruction, and they knew all the animals were under God’s ban and not to be taken, even to offer as a sacrifice.  Saul dishonored and blatantly dishonored God in front of the nation. 

More Excuses

“But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag, their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” 

Notice, now it’s Samuel’s God. Saul doesn’t claim Him.

But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, he has rejected you as King.”

Saul’s continual disobedience to God resulted in his downfall.  He became depressed and fearful. He was jealous of David and tried to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-12).  An evil spirit from God oppressed Saul, and he engaged in witchcraft (1 Samuel 28).

Saul’s excuses and pride ruined his life (1 Samuel 31:4-6)).   God removed His love from him (2 Samuel 7:15). 

 

Pride comes before a fall, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

GUARDING AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE

Samuel told Saul, Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, he has rejected you as King.

We aren’t perfect in our obedience, but we can be quick to repent and quit making excuses.  Filling our heart and mind with God’s Word will help establish the foundation of right choices.  Reading Scripture faithfully, including the passages which may not be agreeable, will teach us to honor and fear the Lord.  And, God guarantees His blessings in obedience.  Three things to help us obey are to dwell in the Word, do what it says, and grieve over sin.

  1. DWELL IN THE WORD

Saul rejected God’s commands, but David was quick to repent when he failed. When we take time in God’s word each day, we can know the heart of God and learn how to love Him and please Him.   As we dwell, occupy, settle, hunker down, reside, eat of it, get it into our spirit,  it will keep us from sin.  It’s alive and active. 

Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You Psalm 119:11.  

Obedience to God comes through His Word, dwelling in it, learning it, loving it, and doing what it says. 

  1. DO WHAT IT SAYS

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Don’t merely read it, but do what it says.  It takes time in the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. The Word of God is alive. It’s active and can cut through our hearts and lay bare our attitudes and thoughts.  It has the power to change and transform a sinner into a saint (Hebrews 4:12). But we have to do what it says!  It’s a choice.

When we know the Scriptures, we will know Jesus!  One of the titles of Jesus is the Word of God.  Jesus and the Word are eternally inseparable.  The Bible is Jesus and Jesus is the fulfilled Bible (See CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE}

If you have ears, hear!  And then obey!

Dwelling in the word and the Word (Jesus) and doing what it says will help us grieve over our sin.

  1. GRIEVE OVER SIN

Twice God tells Samuel he is grieved over making Saul king because he didn’t carry out God’s instructions.   

God is grieved over our sin when we excuse or defend it instead of repenting.  The way we regard sin is in direct relationship to our nearness to God.  God grieves over sin.  We should too!

Spending time in the divinely inspired Word of God will draw us closer to its Author as it exposes sin and cuts to the heart.  We will learn what God loves and what He hates.  We can be more attuned to sharing God’s grief for sin and develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

“It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors.”  A.W. Pink

SUMMARY

Saul was chosen, anointed, and changed by God’s power to become a leader in God’s Kingdom, but he rejected God’s instruction.  We can more easily obey God by dwelling in His Word daily, doing what it says, and grieving over sin.  And like David, a man after God’s own heart, we will become a sacrifice of a repentant heart, submissive to God’s will and good pleasure. 

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:16, 17

The depth of my love for God will be the measure of my obedience to Him!

PRAYER

Father, thank you for divinely giving your Word!   Help me understand and learn what pleases You. I will dwell in the Word.  I will grieve over my sin and be quick to repent.  Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear as You speak.  I choose to obey.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Photo by Samuel Martins

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

John 14:23
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God’s ASTONISHING Love and Care When We are Weary                      

Byadmin

One thing I love about the Scripture is how it speaks to me. Whatever I need, I find comfort, peace, or direction. God’s divine love and care shine out of the pages, especially when I feel discouraged or less than adequate. The Scripture restores and reaffirms God’s gentleness and concern even when frail, weary, or doubting my ability. Look at the life of Elijah in the book of 1 Kings 17-19. 

Israel’s history is full of rebellion against God. During Elijah’s time, King Ahab did more to provoke the Lord to anger than did all the kings of Israel before Him (1 Kings 16:33). And his Baal worshipping wife, Jezebel, was killing off the Lord’s prophets. Idolatry was rampant; they ignored God. So, God withheld rain. 

After three years of severe famine, the Lord spoke to Elijah. “Go and show yourself to King Ahab, and I will send rain on the land” (1 Kings 18:3 NIV).  

King Ahab, Jezebel and Elijah by Sir Francis Dicksee 1853-1928 Public Domain

THE CRISIS

King Ahab blamed Elijah for the famine, calling him a “troubler of Israel.” 

Elijah quickly replied, “I have not made trouble for Israel, but you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” (1 King 18:18-19). The King agreed and assembled the prophets on Mt. Carmel.  

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull and prepare it first since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your God, but do not light the fire.” They called on the name of Baal all day. They shouted, danced around the altar, slashed themselves with swords and spears until blood flowed. But nothing. They kept on with frantic prophesying until the evening sacrifice. There was no response. 

Then Elijah stepped up and repaired the Lord’s altar in ruins. He took twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, prepared the wood, the bull, and poured water over the sacrifice. Then he built a trench around it. They doused the sacrifice and altar with water three times until it filled the trench around.

Elijah prayed, “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, stones, soil, and licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

I wonder if Elijah’s heart skipped a beat in the excitement of seeing God’s display of glory and power, complete with fire that licked up everything! With a word, Elijah commanded the death of these idolatrous leaders who deceived the people into idolatry. “The God who answers by fire—he is God.”

Heavy rain came, and the Lord’s power came upon Elijah, and he ran to the city of Jezreel, arriving before the King in his chariot. Though God used Elijah in this miraculous event, now he would face the ire of Jezebel, who would challenge his very existence.

THE FEAR

Ahab retells the events of Mt. Carmel to his wife, Jezebel. She sends out a death warrant to Elijah. This man of power and might, now tired, depressed, feeling alone, and fearful, ran for his life (1 Kings 19:3). 

After a day’s journey to the wilderness, Elijah arrived weary of the battle against evil. Elijah tells the Lord, “Please take my life now.” And he adds, “I am no better than my ancestors.” 

Elijah in the Desert Washington Allston Public Domain

GOD’S ASTONISHING CARE TO ELIJAH

Exhausted, Elijah went to sleep. After a while, an Angel awakened him and said, “Arise and eat.” Elijah ate and went back to sleep, still exhausted.

The angel came the second time and touched him, “So he got up and ate and drank.” Strengthened by that miracle food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God (v 8). 

In our times of weariness, depression, and wondering about our usefulness in the Kingdom, the same God who cared for Elijah cares for us. Elijah had done a marvelous miracle in obedience at Mt. Carmel. Did Elijah think the Mt. Carmel showdown would turn the entire nation back to God immediately? Was he disappointed that God didn’t remove the evil rulers and button up the Kingdom right then? “God, I thought you were bringing reform NOW.”

I love how God cares for his children. Elijah had miraculous provision by an Angel — food, drink, rest, direction, and supernatural strength for the journey of 40 days. God’s love and tender care to the weary, worn prophet of God should encourage us in our times of doubt, weariness, and weakness. 

On Mt. Sinai, God wasn’t done with Elijah or his ministry. In displays of a windstorm, a terrible blast of rocks, earthquake, fire, and a gentle whisper, God revealed his power and love to Elijah. The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came,” and gave him three significant assignments: anoint the King of Syria, anoint the King of Israel, and appoint Elisha as the next prophet of God. 

Wicked King Ahab and Baal-worshipper Jezebel would be removed from leadership to come to a terrible death. There would be a new day in Israel, not according to Elijah’s timing, but God’s divine plan.

God wasn’t done with Elijah. Through these next leaders, God was bringing justice to Israel. God still had a victorious plan for fatigued Elijah. And, after the assignments of this faithful prophet, God took him to heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). God allows for human weakness, fear, and discouragement but provides ultimate love and care with a way back to the ministry He has called us to do. 

GOD’S LOVE AND PROVISION ARE NEW EVERY MORNING

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

In our deepest valleys of life, being persecuted by influential people, feeling weary and isolated, human emotions can cause us to despair. Yet, God finds us where we are and shelters, comforts, feeds, gives new direction, and sends us back to the work of the Kingdom. God’s care for Elijah in the highs and lows of his life, the miraculous and the desperate times, affirms His wondrous love and care when we are weary.

Better than anyone, God understands our frail nature. God knows our hearts and future. He knows how to get us to tomorrow, inspiring us, advancing us, and building the Kingdom of God within. 

IS GOD REALLY AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING?

IS GOD REALLY AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Byadmin

When facing a struggle, we may wonder if God is aware of all that is happening. We may question why He doesn’t answer when I cry out to Him.

Psalm 46 reminds us God is always aware and knows every detail – the fears, the worries, the concerns, and the outcomes. Nothing comes to us but through God’s hand, and it’s always for our good and for developing faith in His timing and greater plan. When we don’t understand how He is working, we can trust Him because He is God, and He is Good!

May this Psalm fill you with the awareness of God’s presence, power and authority, and the peace that passes all human understanding, in everything you face. Read  my article on Christianity.com, “What Secrets From Psalm 46 Can Help Me Embrace God’s nearness in Times of Trouble?”  here.

 

 

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Kicking Anger in the Teeth! (The Secret of Mastering Anger)

Byadmin

We’ve all experienced anger, whether it was a little frustration or an extreme rage.  Anger is a natural emotion that can be healthy, beneficial, or destructive.  It spills out with words that bite like venom.  Anger destroys relationships.  Anger galvanizes politicians, provokes neighborhood recreation boards, and divides families.  

In our nation, anger is an increasing, dominant emotion.  A war of hate is burgeoning at the national level, threading through the corridors of life in states, cities, and homes.  When anger comes to my house, how do I close the door on it? 

DO WHAT IS RIGHT

God gave a directive to Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, to do what is right and rule over anger, a message still true today.  Here’s the story.  Carefully read the text.

Genesis 4:3-7 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.  And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain was angry that his offering was not acceptable to God.  He was mad that God looked with favor on his brother’s offering.  Jealous, angry, and disobedient, Cain’s anger-fueled pride and arrogance led to further trouble and sin.   He didn’t want God telling him how to bring his offering and hated his favored brother, Abel.   God commended Abel as righteous (Hebrews 11:4). His offering showed his love for God.  Cain’s anger mirrored his cold and disobedient core towards God. His anger led to the murder of his brother Abel.   

God gave Cain the opportunity to do right, but he enjoyed the rush of anger more than the submission of self-control.  His anger surged.  He ignored his parents’ and God’s instructions regarding the right sacrifice offered. He didn’t love God enough to please Him (and he forgot to count to 100!). 

When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.  Thomas Jefferson

RULE OVER ANGER

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:7 

God provided a compelling word picture—a tiger crouching in the deep grass ready to pounce.  If you’re the one staring the tiger in the eyes, you best choose wisely. 

Anger, like a tiger crouching, is ready to have you.   Take charge before it attacks!  Rule over it!  Shut the door!

             Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

Crouching Tiger

Sin is always ready to “have” us.  It’s waiting for the opportune time to pounce.  When someone pushes our buttons, there’s a fight in us.  We want to get even, dish it out, take the first shot, give her a piece of my mind. That is the time we must rule over it, or it will rule us.  

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God (James 4:1, 2).

Cain’s anger cost him his place in the family, his brother’s life, and God’s presence (Genesis 4:14).   If Cain ruled over his anger, his destiny would have been sweet.

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.  Mark Twain

HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

God’s Word is complete in being the answer to all our needs.  It’s the directions we seek, the guidance for right relationships.  The God who made us knows how we “tick.”  When we choose to “rule over anger,” the Holy Spirit will help.   Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit,  kicks in and becomes stronger with resolve (Galatians 5:23-24).“Do the right thing” and “rule over it.”  It’s a choice of will—to please the flesh, or to please God.

           Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh                        desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set                       on what the Spirit desires  (Romans 8:5).

Ephesians 4:26-32 tells how to rule over anger:

  1. When angry, don’t sin.  Don’t let emotions lead; rule over them quickly.  (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
  2. Keep your words gentle. They turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
  3. Control your tongue (James 3:6, 9-11).
  4. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit by your response (Ephesians 4: 30-31).
  5. Forgive and be kind (Ephesians 4: 32).  Jesus exemplifies the ideal for us.  “Father, forgive them (scourged him, jeered, forsook, insulted, spit on him, nailed his hands and feet) for they don’t know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

I can control anger when I DO WHAT IS RIGHT, RULE OVER IT, and yield to the HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.  Proverbs 16:32

Cain grieved the Holy Spirit when he disregarded God’s directive to “do the right thing.”  If flesh leads, sin is crouching at the door; words can’t be unsaid, actions can’t be undone.   If we yield to the Holy Spirit, we can dominate anger.  

Doing what is right, ruling over emotions, and yielding to the Holy Spirit will help conquer anger and will generate words and behaviors that please God.    

PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME

When anger comes to your house, don’t invite it in.  Determine ahead of time to close the door. If need be, kick anger in the teeth!   The Holy Spirit will help do the right thing and strengthen the inner man/woman to rule over it. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the gift of emotions.  Help me honor you in the way I control anger.   When surprised by anger, help me, Holy Spirit—with self-control, compassion, and wisdom— to resolve the situation.  Help me understand.  Help me forgive.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:7-9

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What Does “A Suitable Helper” Mean?

Byadmin

Women and men have twelve pairs of ribs, even though God took one from Adam to form Eve.  God didn’t need a rib to create but chose to make her part of him.   

So God created mankind in his own image,
 in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.  Genesis 1:27

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’… Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  Genesis 2:18,22

Adam was a marvelous creation of bone, flesh, seeing, thinking, observing, working, creating.   The only part of creation where God took something he created in Adam to form another person was the making of a woman, the gift of a suitable helper.  The scripture says, “God brought her to Adam.”  After naming the animals and birds, seeing a woman standing in front of him must have caused an adrenalin rush.  God said, “everything is good!.  Adam chimed in!  Living together in the garden that God had made must have been more than fabulous and fulfilling. They were in paradise!

                                           Photo by Priscilla Du Preez,  Unsplash

SUITABLE

Suitable is from the Hebrew word, “neged” (neh’-ghed), which means, “ in front of, in sight of, opposite to” (Strong’s 5048).   It also indicates this “suitable” person is conspicuous, vigorous, a leader, effective, to stand boldly out, explain, praise, expound, expose, plainly profess, report, tell, utter.  This uneventful word, “suitable” doesn’t possess a lot of class in itself, but when you look at the meaning God gave the woman, that changes everything!  She was equal to him, opposite of him, able to help, a companion, one who would speak up and advise, and face the joys and sorrows of life together and complete each other.  Each one had a mind to think, a heart to feel, and a spirit that would live forever. 

It gets better.  Look at the word helper!

HELPER

Too often, the thought of a helper is someone less than the other, such as an unskilled worker who helps a skilled one. Or, one who is less in status or education than the one being helped.  Often a woman’s role has been related to a subservient role to the man.  Not so in God’s created order.  A woman is a helper, but so is God.

  • God – The word “helper” (the Hebrew is “ezer,” a help, helper), it is the same word used of God 66 times in Scripture. This “ezer” (pronounced “ay-zer”) speaks of God’s strength, power,  and protection, help, and being a rescuer.
  • Eliezer – The name of the son of Moses was called Eliezer (my God is helper – “Eli – my God; Ezer – helper). “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharoah.” Exodus 18:4   Here the word “helper” references God.
  • Ebenezer – The prophet Samuel raised a stone monument, the Stone of Help because the Lord had helped them win a victory over their enemies (1 Samuel 7:12).
  • The Holy Spirit, described by Jesus as a “helper.” And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:16, 17
  • The people proclaimed God, their help in ages past. God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1 

The Holy Spirit, co-equal with God, is our advocate, advisor, counselor,  paraklētos (called to one’s aid) as an intercessor, consoler, comforter, helper, who pleads another’s cause before a judge, counsel for the defense, legal assistant, giving evidence that stands up in court.  This is the Helper, the Holy Spirit.   

Ephesians gives the command to follow God’s example (Ephesians 5:1). and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us  This same chapter gives instructions for Christian households.  The husband and the wife are to, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Ephesians 5:2,

Jesus, in the very nature God,  is our chief example of submitting.  Although Jesus is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, he came to earth and made himself nothing and took on the very nature of a servant.  He humbled himself and was obedient to death on the cross to pay for our sins, even when we didn’t deserve that kind of love (Philippians 2:5-8).  

COMPLETION

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

Wives are to be as the picture of the church submitting to Christ, and husbands are to be like Jesus in giving himself up for her (wife) like Jesus did. That is the ideal picture of why God used Adam’s rib to make Eve, each significantly completing the other.  Not that each one was not complete in himself or herself with unique and varied gifts and talents, but that each was made to be the crown of the other, equal and a fitting companion.  

Ephesians gives the picture of pure love – Jesus giving his life for the church.  We are to follow God’s example and walk in love.  Jesus loved us and gave himself up for us.  As a household of faith, we are called to follow God’s standard of love, submitting to the other because we love and respect the Lord (Ephesians 5:21-23).

  • Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
  • Wife –  submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.
  • Husband –  love your wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. 

God’s gracious and compassionate love is revealed by creating a man and a woman as one flesh – “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,”  the closest companion possible, equal, partner, lover, and friend.    

 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’   This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.  However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  Ephesians 5:31-33

God created both man and woman in the image of God.  Jesus is equal to the Father but chose to submit to the Father and become our Savior.  The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and to Jesus, yet the Holy Spirit points us to Jesus and is our Helper — with us and in us (John 14:16).   The Three-in-One exhibit no rivalry, competition, or inferiority but are co-equal and fully God, working together to accomplish God’s will and plan.  Marriage between a man and a woman is to model that kind of love.

God’s creation from Adam’s rib brought forth a suitable helper who was equal, opposite to, and together they became one flesh. 

 

Have you read God’s Word today?   Find more God-secrets just for you!

 

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OUR GREAT DELIVERER, Psalm 18:2

Byadmin

Often in reading scripture, it’s easy to quickly gloss over words and fail to see the deeper meaning.  In Psalm 18:2, our thoughts can anchor into the protection and deliverance God provides as a rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn, and stronghold.  Consider the deeper meanings of these symbolic words describing our Deliverer.

David’s Psalm powerfully reminds us that a perfect God watches over us.  This Psalm, repeated in 2 Samuel 22, may have been written near the end of David’s reign, and again proclaims God’s faithfulness to protect and save from enemies and troubles.  Before David ascended the throne as King of Israel, he spent years running from the murderous threats of God-dethroned and jealous King Saul.   This 3000-year-old Psalm of David continues to shout praise to our Living God, who is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn, and stronghold.  

Psalm 18:2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

ROCK “The Lord is my rock,”

We live in Arizona, and a few miles from boulder rocks, some more massive than our house!   Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by magnificent, majestic mountains that inspire and point to the heavens, where our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1).  David, fleeing from King Saul found a sure footing on the unwavering, stable, secure rock, often towering above his enemies.

A gifted and prophetic muscian, David,  through the Holy Spirit, wrote the Pslams.  David said, The Lord is my rock.  In the New Testament, the foundational rock of faith is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16-18).  We are wise to build our lives upon that firm foundation, Jesus!

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24, 25

When we anchor on the Rock, Christ Jesus, we will be anchored through the storms of life.  When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:25

 

FORTRESS  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress,“

A fortress, as in a military stronghold, is a safe place.  We are secure inside not susceptible to outside influence or disturbances. God surrounds his people. 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Psalm 125:2).

In spiritual warfare, not unlike a military battle, we fight the enemy of our soul.  Knowing God is our Fortress, together with daily time in the Word (the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17), and prayer, we can stand against the forces of evil.

This symbolism reflects the strength and power of God to keep and protect from the attack of our enemies, especially the Devil.  God’s presence is our safe place of refuge and peace. 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear (Isaiah 41:10).

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).

DELIVERER  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;”

A deliverer is someone who rescues from harm or danger.  Our Savior has saved us from sin and death.  You may recount times God has kept you from an accident while driving or protected you from a harmful situation.  Our Deliverer is always aware of every detail of our lives.  Our Deliverer has given us the Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter, and daily guide. 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Not only does God deliver us in this world, but from the eternal wrath to come: and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

REFUGE  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,“

In a time of trouble, we have a shelter from the storms of life, a place where we are safe and sheltered from pursuit, danger, or stress.   God speaks that if the mountains fall into the sea – which would be more than alarming and frightening – God says, don’t be anxious, but be still.  Over 300 times in the Bible God says we should not be afraid.  God says it so many times because he knows we are repeatedly afraid and fearful. Thankfully, God is our rock, fortress, refuge, and deliverer as we put our trust in Him.  

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. 

 Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:1, 2 ,10).

God also provides a refuge from lies, mean and hurtful words or actions of others.  When we fix our mind on the Lord’s promises, we find that secret place of peace and refuge.

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20)

 God is imminently ready to be our refuge!

 

SHIELD   “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield,” 

A shield is protective armor against an attack of the enemy.  David, on the run from Saul, knew God as a shield, ultimately the Protector who would fulfill his destiny.

The shield, in essence,  is a reference to the Sovereign God who does the impossible.  A  Sovereign  is one who possesses supreme, ultimate power, able to defend.   In Genesis 15, God calls himself a shield (Sovereign) of Abram. 

After this, 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, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Genesis 15:1, 2).

The Sovereign Lord did the impossible by giving a son to a 90-year-old barren woman and 100-year-old man.

 …” a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:4, 5

The supreme, ultimate power of God knows how to fight our battles.  He is our shield! 

 

HORN OF SALVATION  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

Horns symbolize strength and victory. 

  • Horn in the Old Testament was a shofar, ram’s horn, like a bugle.  At Jericho, the first Canaanite city conquered upon entrance into the Promised Land, the horns blew, the people shouted, and the walls fell (Jericho 6:20). 
  • Horns in Revelation symbolized the power of nations and their leaders (Revelation 13:1)
  • Horns on the altar in Temple were placed on each corner, symbolizing atonement, or purity by the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice of animals, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament  (Exodus 27:2; Ezekiel 43:20).

The horn of salvation symbolizes not only strength to help, but victory over sin.   Forgiveness of sin, the strength of God through all Jesus accomplished on the cross and resurrection, gives overcoming power and triumph to the child of God.  Not only over sin but strength to achieve daily tasks and energy to do more than we think we can.   David said, With God’s help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall (Psalm 18:29).  

God, the horn (strength) of our salvation is stronger than any other power.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us to defeat sin and give life.

 

STRONGHOLD  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

One of the most beautiful places in Israel, in the Judean desert and next to the Dead Sea, is a place called En Gedi.  David found this fortified and protected stronghold from an attack, an oasis of canyons and caves, fertile vineyards, freshwater springs, and animals that provide food.  Strongholds, like David’s, was a place of protection, an oasis in the desert. 

Metaphorically, negative strongholds in the mind – uncontrolled anger, addictions, sexual temptations,  alcohol, or hoarding –  can be overcome by the power of God.   Armed in the transforming Word and God’s presence guarantees a protected stronghold against fears, stresses, and insecurity.  We are safe as we remain in God’s stronghold.  The Word will keep our thoughts right, actions pure, and lives under God’s protection.

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.   2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

I LOVE YOU, LORD, MY STRENGTH

As you consider these terms as symbolic of God’s divine help as rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of my salvation, and stronghold, we can say as David did,  I love you, Lord, my strength!  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1,2).

The Lord lives! 

Praise be to my Rock! 

Exalted by God my Savior!

Psalm 18:40

 

 

 

 

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