Imagine this:  you and your brothers are the next generation in a family business that has lasted for (countless) generations.  You among all your brothers (except perhaps the youngest one) have been favored and (although you hate to admit it) spoiled.  You have a knack for understanding spiritual things, especially dreams.  And even though you may have been a little (well, ok, more than a little) bratty when you related some of the content and meaning of your own dreams, no one, NO ONE deserves to be sold off like a piece of meat because of that.  NO ONE deserves to end up in a foreign land amongst people who live in an entirely different way than your upbringing and land in prison when you’re staying true to both your master and your LORD.   So why are you here?  Why has this God whom you’ve been taught is a Provider and Protector, the Overseer of your people, allowed you to land in this God-forsaken hole, considered worse than the ground one walks on, next to people who truly are?  Imagine as you adjust to these circumstances you come to grips with your own shortcomings.  Imagine you begin to see God’s Hand in this unusual life and see hope in the people you help in prison only to be forgotten when their lives are restored.  Imagine the inner strength it must take to turn away from despair and serve God anyway.  Imagine the surprise you must feel when after all those years of darkness, one dream, one piece of Divine understanding washes all that misery away like the Nile when it floods and you find yourself in the court of a king with the wealth of a nation at your fingertips.  If you can imagine these things (or even a small bit of them) you have imagined the life of Joseph.
            Many of us can probably relate to Joseph.  Although our circumstances may not be as severe they are just as emotionally charged.  However difficult his life may have been, the outcome of Joseph’s life is reflected in the blessing spoken to him by Jacob in Gen. 49: 22-26.  In poetic fashion Jacob depicts Joseph as a “fruitful bough” (literally a son) who is planted by a flowing and constant water source and whose “branches” (literally daughters) stretch over the garden wall.  Joseph’s vine has had its share of struggles.  It has been attacked and harassed by enemies (archers) who have tried to shoot the life out of it.  Reflecting on Joseph’s story shows the reality of this image.  He was “attacked” by his brothers and sold into slavery (Gen. 37:18-28).  He was “harassed” by Potipher’s wife and landed in prison (Gen. 39:6-20).  But the pivotal passage in Jacob’s blessing tells us why and how Joseph was able to endure these seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  Verse 24 tells us that Joseph stood firm and remained agile because of “The Mighty One of Jacob” who is a “Shepherd”.
            You may be familiar with the life of a shepherd in Biblical times.  Their primary responsibility was to feed, tend, care for, protect and graze the flock under their watch (Gen. 30:31; Ex. 3:1; 1 Sam. 17:15).  When the word shepherd is applied to the Lord it is in reference to His relationship with Jacob and his descendants (Gen. 48:15; Is. 40:11; Hos. 4:16).  God as the Shepherd of Israel “helps” His people (v.25).  This verb means to help or to aid, support, or to give material or non-material encouragement to a person and is usually used in contrast to pagan idols who could not respond to any kind of need (Dt. 32:38).  I’m sure when Joseph heard the Lord referred to in this way, he was reminded both of his former occupation while growing up in a shepherding family but also of the times when God had encouraged him in spite of his dire circumstances.
            This passage also indicates that the Lord is the kind of Shepherd who has the strength to come through in providing for every need.  That is because He is “Almighty” (v. 25).  This title continues with the agricultural theme of Joseph’s blessing.  When “Shaddai” is used of God it generally refers to the promises He has given concerning fertility, land and the abundant ways in which God is able to fulfill them (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11).  All three patriarchs knew God by this name (Gen. 28:1-2; 35:11) and it was Joseph’s experience as well (Gen. 48:3; Ex. 6:3).  When it looked like his life was to be spent as a nomad, the Midianites sold him to Potipher where there was stability (Gen. 37:36; 39:1-6).  When it looked like he would never be trusted again and would waste away in prison, he was elevated to a position of authority within the prison itself (Gen. 39:21-22).  When it looked like his life would always be lived behind prison walls (Gen. 40:1-20), his ability to interpret dreams was remembered (Gen. 41:1-45) and he was moved into Pharaoh’s court.  When it looked like he would never see his beloved family again, a famine brought them to his door (Gen. 42:1-8; 43:1-2).  There is no human strength that could do that.  Only a powerful Shepherd could provide in that way.
            Do you believe, like Joseph, that your circumstances (good or bad) are in God’s Hands (Gen. 45:4-8)?  Do you believe He has the power to use either negative or positive situations in your life for His good (Rom. 8:28, 37-39; Phil. 2:12-13; 4:11-13)?  Be encouraged!  God can and will do that because He is the Almighty Shepherd (Ps. 23)!
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.      
Week of 5/29/2016

            When you’re in Israel you see a lot of stones; you walk on a lot of stones; there are millions of stones!  Some are insignificant.  They are scattered across the ground and you barely notice them.  Some pave pathways which remind you of men and women who walked in the same place with the hope and heart of faith.  But others are massive and if you “listen” to them (even though they may never utter a word), they will tell you of grand stories and events that shaped the world of the Bible.  This is extremely evident in Jerusalem where you can look at walls built by Nehemiah, walk along the streets of the Old City where prophets once called out to the people and stand next to the foundation stones which Herod used to support the Temple Mount.  It is sometimes hard to look past the modern stuff that covers over or encircles these ancient stones.  But with the “ears” of faith, you will be able hear these amazing witnesses.
            In a poetic way the ancient stones of Israel bring history alive.  But they are not living.  They don’t have lungs which bring in and send out air.  They don’t have a heart which pumps blood through them.  So they will never be more than a mass of minerals shaped by the elements and weather or carved by the hand of man.  Scripture however claims that there is a Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4) and as such Jesus is so much more than the earthly word picture the Scriptures borrow to describe Him (1 Pet. 2:5-6).
            To fully understand this imagery, one must understand a little about construction.  Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah who brings this message from the Lord, “Behold I lay in Zion a cornerstone” (Is. 28:16).  The cornerstone (pinnah in the Hebrew) was the key stone in a structure.  It was the place where various surfaces or lines met.  Cornerstones were found in houses (Job 1:19), walls (Neh. 3:24), altars (Ex. 27:2), or at the intersection of two streets (Prov. 7:8).  In regards to buildings, it could be a stone in the corner of a building upon which the whole structure was balanced or it could be the capstone in an arch which held all the bricks of the arch in place.  In Scripture this image was always associated with the Messiah.  Psalm 118:22 is the most quoted passage in the New Testament concerning this (Mt. 2:42; Mk. 12:10; Lk. 20:17; Ac. 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7).
            A mason who is building something will choose the cornerstone very carefully.  It bears the responsibility of holding everything else in place.  It has to be extremely solid and strong enough to bear the weight of the rest of the building for a long time.  Therefore its selection is a deliberate and meticulous process.  Peter writes that like a mason, God the Father has carefully selected His Cornerstone (v.6).  He is a choice and precious stone.  The word “choice” (eklektos) involves “thoughtful and deliberate consideration”.  The word “precious” signifies something that is honored or highly regarded (Lk. 7:2; 14:8; Phil. 2:29), has stood the test of time in its value and is costly or precious.  Since I’ve married into a family of masons I’ve heard many a complaint over the years on the poor quality of building materials.  That is not the case with Jesus.  His value is way beyond the earthly kind.  Surprisingly not all recognize or accept this (v. 4).
            Jesus as the Living Stone is the foundation of a building and we as the stones placed around Him are being built into a “spiritual” house.  This adjective is always used to signify something that is the work of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 7:14; 15:27; 1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 1:3; 5:9; Col. 1:9; 3:16).  One would think that this spiritual building would be one of majestic beauty like a cathedral or awesome grandeur like the Temple, but it is a humble oikos (oy-koss); a house.  While most of the time this word is used for a dwelling where a family, lives, in this passage it is used to symbolize the household or family of God (1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 10:21; 1 Pet. 2:5, 17).  What makes us family?  It is simply that we believe in Jesus (Jn. 1:9-13; 1 Pet. 2:7).  If a person does not believe it is akin to not being a part of the family (1 Pet. 2:7-8).
            What is the result of coming to be a part of this spiritual building, in believing in Jesus as Peter states in 1 Pet. 2:4?  The person who comes in faith “will never be disappointed” (v.6).  This idea is stated numerous times in Scripture (Rom. 5:5; 9:33; 10:11; 1 Pet. 2:6).  Placing our faith in Jesus will never result in a loss, in shame, or in frustration because we were let down.  You can join a club and be disappointed in its services.  You can join an organization and be disappointed with its leadership.  You can even join a team and never quite feel that you are a part of the game.  But the center of God’s Family is Jesus and He does not disappoint.  He builds with living stones (Eph. 2:10; 1 Pet. 2:4-5) which are designed to bring Him the recognition He is due!  That's me and you!  So, how about it?  Are you a living stone who is doing your part?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
Week of 5/22/2016

            When Jeff can’t find a good soccer or football game on TV, and he’s not in the mood for political analogies, he generally lands on The Forensic Files.  Most of the time I do not watch with him (the story lines give me nightmares!) but the other night the story of a man wrongfully accused of a crime did capture my interest.  After maintaining his innocence for years, the man eventually cleared himself through DNA testing.  A Google search proved he was not an isolated case.  For example, James Bain was convicted in 1974 of a crime he did not commit.  Bain served 35 years in prison until DNA testing proved without a doubt that he was innocent just as he said.  Stories like this cause all of us to admit our justice system is not always just.
            Yes, human justice is skewed and imbalanced.  But there is a Judge who is Holy and True.  And His courtroom is not tainted by human faults and mistakes.  His courtroom is in Heaven and it has all the drama of TV episode but on a far grander scale (Rev. 6:9-11).  This heavenly courtroom is filled with martyrs who have given their lives for the “the Word of God and the testimony they kept”.  They have come to the Judge to ask how long it will be before justice is served on their behalf.  “How long?” they inquire of Him, “How long before You judge and avenge our blood?”  Their words are jam-packed with emotion.  In ancient law a plaintiff normally pleaded his own case.  “How long?” is a question that has been asked of God before (Ps. 79:5; Is. 6:11; Jer. 47:6; Hab. 1:12; Zech. 1:12).  In this verse the word “blood” in Greek is specifically used to represent life which has been taken by force (Mt. 23:30; Lk. 11:50-51; Rom. 3:15; Heb. 12:4; Rev. 6:10; 16:6).  The word “judge” comes right out of a courtroom setting and involves reviewing the particulars in a case where punishment is a certain consequence after the case has been heard.  The word “avenge” means “to take vengeance on, to punish at the hand of someone”.  The martyrs had been put on trial by the enemies of God and were condemned to die.  Now they wanted to know when God would act to condemn those who’d killed them.
            Earthly judges can make mistakes.  They can make the wrong call.  They can be bought-off or choose to ignore the facts.  But the Judge in the Heavenly courtroom is Holy and True (Rev. 6:10).  He is holy, that is set apart from the common and mundane.  The root of this word means “chaste and pure”.  In Rev. 6:10 it particularly reflects the One who is worthy of reverence and veneration.  He is true, a word which is more than an adjective or descriptive, it defines the concept of “true” to the corresponding thing.  Passages where this word is used are describing those with sincere and upright hearts (Heb. 10:22) or specifically an upright or just judge as in Rev. 6:10; 15:13; 16:7 and 19:2.  With these qualities there is no possibility that the Heavenly Judge will make an incorrect decision.  The question is, when will He act?
            I don’t know about you, but there have been many times in my life when I’ve wanted God to act immediately.  I’ve been so outraged by injustice I want fire to swoop down from heaven and wipe the perpetrators of that injustice off the face of the earth!  So, I certainly relate to this question, but God’s sense of timing is different from mine and He has delayed judgment before (Gen. 15:12-16; Mt. 23:29-36; Mk. 12:1-12).  The Heavenly Judge tells them they must wait “a little while longer” before judgment is fulfilled.  In the meantime they are given 2 assurances that judgment will come to pass in Rev. 6:11.  First they are given a white robe in language that indicates it is given by God Himself, and secondly, they are told to rest “a little while longer”.  This phrase though it does not name a specific amount of time (like 2 days, 3 weeks etc.), does indicate that the time of waiting is finite and that God will act in a manner that makes it not too long for them to bear.
            Is there something in your life where you feel an injustice has been done to you because you have stood up for God’s way?  Do you long for something or someone to vindicate you, prove your innocence or release you from blame which you did not deserve because you lived in a Christ honoring way?  Life will not always go in our favor.  In fact, like the martyrs we bring Truth to a hostile world (Mt. 5:10-12; 24:9-14).  Suffering for the sake of Christ is being like Christ who suffered to the point of death (Phil. 2:5-8).  You stand in good company as many believers before you, and even now, suffer for Christ’s sake (Rom. 8:16-18; Phil. 1:12-14. 27-30; 2 Tim. 1:8-12; 2:1-10; Js. 1:2-3, 12; 1 Pet. 1:3-9; 4:12-19).  The Lord will be with you in your suffering and as many of these passages indicate, suffering will both refine and improve the merit of your faith.  Waiting for God to act will require both patience and fortitude.  But like the martyrs, we can be sure that God will act in His own time (Rev. 20:11-15) because our Judge is Holy and True.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
Week of 5/15/2016

            When my parents moved into the house on Orton Road my mother began redecorating almost instantly.  A brief tour of the downstairs BEFORE the make-over will tell you why.  The kitchen was decorated in red, white, and blue with a linoleum floor that looked like bricks.  It was joined to the dining room which was done in brown, green and aqua.  The hallway next to the dining room had wall paper with fire-engine red and sunflower yellow Poppies accented with splashy gold leaves.  At the end of the hallway there was a bathroom tiled in maroon and gray with silver and white wall paper, a den done in plaid and a nursery in pale yellow.  The living room which was off the hallway and across from the dining room was carpeted  in the classic 70’s avocado green shag carpet and the walls were painted harvest gold.  To say this house was a colorful mess would be saying it nicely.  It was really an assault on the eyes but once my mother got her hands on it, the house was transformed into a totally new home and one that was far more pleasing to the eyes!
            The same case could be made concerning the Old (a. k. a. Mosaic) and New Covenants although in the Biblical understanding, the Mosaic Covenant has not been “redecorated” or replaced.  It is an everlasting covenant and therefore still in effect (Ex. 31:16; Lev. 3:17; 23:21, 41; Num. 10:8; 18:19).  But in regards to enabling humankind to have a relationship with God, it has become obsolete (Heb. 8:13) and will eventually disappear as some of its practices already have.  A comparison is made of the two in Hebrews 12:18-24 and a short recap of the events at Mt. Sinai are in order here (Ex. 19:1-25).  The miraculous deliverance from Egypt was recent history.  The people were now heading toward the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses.  They have come to this mountain and God instructs them to prepare for His coming (vv. 9-15).  When God arrives it is a terrifying experience (vv. 16-25).  The sound of God’s words are so powerful the people cannot stand up under the weight of them and they beg to be relieved of the sound and for Moses to stand between them and God (Ex. 19:16; Dt. 5:4-5; Heb. 12:19-20).
            While the Covenant at Sinai takes place in the wilderness at a mountain which cannot be touched, where God reveals Himself through some of Nature’s most powerful special effects that reduces both the people and Moses to fear and trembling (Heb. 12:18-21), the New Covenant is forged at Mt. Zion in the New Jerusalem with myriads of angels and believers of past ages standing before God the Judge of all and Jesus acting as the Mediator of the New Covenant with His blood as the guarantee of acceptance (Heb. 12:22-24).  What exactly is a covenant?  The Greek word here is diatheke and in this particular passage it is not used in the sense of a conditional contract, which is basically what the Mosaic Covenant was (Ex. 19:5-8; 20-23), rather it means an unconditional promise and in the New Testament it is always used in regards to Christ and His shed blood (Heb. 9:11-14).  Jesus is designated as the Mediator of the “new” Covenant.  It is not “new” in the sense of it being different (the word ailon would be used for that kind of new).  It is neos, a word conveying the same idea as when a product announces it is “new and improved”.  It is the same thing, only better.
            We are all familiar with the concept of a mediator.  In our day and age a mediator is someone who negotiates a deal or settlement when one or both parties have been wronged.  The Biblical concept can be broader and does not assume a negative reason for bringing two parties together.  This role is ascribed to Moses (Ex. 20:18-21; Dt. 5:1-5; Gal. 3:19-20) and to Jesus (1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24).  However Jesus is the superior of the two.  This is because Jesus’ blood “speaks better than the blood of Abel”.  Abel’s blood was shed over jealousy and envy (Gen. 4:1-16).  One commentator wrote, “The expiatory nature of Christ’s shed blood is better than Abel’s blood which only cried out for vengeance.”  Simply put, Christ’s blood is all about redemption not retribution.
            Jesus has made it possible for us to have a “new and improved” relationship with God.  While Moses mediated a covenant that brought temporary relief and forgiveness, Jesus mediates a far superior covenant (Heb. 9:15-22; 10:1, 10-14).  Thanks to our Mediator we can now be at peace in our relationship with the Lord (Rom. 5:1-2).  His blood has permanently paid the debt we incurred from Sin (Heb. 9:11-12, 24-28).  While earthly mediators must inevitably encourage one or both parties they represent to compromise in order to bring the deal to a conclusion, there was no compromise on the part of Jesus.  You no longer have to earn God’s favor or forgiveness.  Christ has negotiated both through His sacrificial death (Heb. 10:19-22) and now we can approach God with gratitude on our lips (Heb. 12:28).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div. 
Week of 5/8/2016