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
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD 