When I look at my grandson Micah, I see my son Christopher at the same age.  There are some slight differences, mostly in their hair style, but on the whole, Micah is a carbon copy of his dad.  He even feels like Christopher when I hold him!  When I watch my grandson Sam at play, I see his father through and through.  Although Sam does not look like Erick at his age, his personality is cut from the same cloth as his father.  Sam loves digging in the dirt, is highly creative and is also quite sensitive in the same way Erick was at his age.  Those similarities are only the tip of the “family iceberg” as I could go on about how Christopher is like his father and his father is like his grandfather and so on!  Suffice it to say, each one of us can see the genetic connections in our families and sometimes those connections are a source of identification for us.  How many times have you said, “He’s just like his father!” or “She reminds me of her mother”?  If I had a dime for each time I’ve said something like that, I’d be able to take my dream vacation tomorrow!
            It stands to reason that like earthly fathers and sons, the Heavenly Father and His Son shared similar traits.  However, in this case it is extremely important.  For those who doubt whether or not Jesus was actually the Son of God, comparing the divine attributes of Jesus and God proves without a doubt that Jesus was God Incarnate (Jn. 1:14).  The disciple John was extremely concerned with the infiltration of a religious belief called “Gnosticism” which had begun to influence the fledgling church in the first century A. D.  Gnosticism is a complex and varied philosophical/religious movement of the first century.  Its foundational teaching is that the material world is inherently evil and that the spiritual realm is good.  This premise leads to the conclusion that if God is good, He cannot be material, hence Jesus as the Son of God could not be material (that is found in human form).  This is the complete opposite of what Scripture teaches (Acts 2:22-24; Rom. 1:1-4; 8:3; Phil. 2:5-7; Gal. 4:4-5).
            2 John 1:3 states that as the Son of the Father, Jesus Christ bears the same attributes as Him.  John mentions two attributes in particular: truth and love.  Much has been written concerning the love Jesus demonstrated for us by dying on the cross.  But not as much on truth and in a post-Christian culture which loves to bend the “truth” to its own benefit, The Truth is even more important.  When Jesus stood before Pilate just before His crucifixion, the two exchanged a brief dialogue concerning the truth of Who Jesus was and why He came to earth.  The discussion ended with Pilate’s probing question, “What is truth?” (Jn. 18:28-38).  The answer to this question is written within the tenets of the Gospel (Mt. 4:17; Mk. 1:14-14; Jn. 3:16-17; Acts 2:14-41; 3:12-26; Rom. 1:1-6; Phil. 2:6-11)*.
            But it can also be demonstrated by looking at what the Bible considers to be a blatant contrast to Truth.  Divine truth is the opposite of fables (2 Pet. 1:16; 1 Tim. 4:7), that is any religious thought which springs up out of man’s invention and not God’s design.  There is a lot of this going on in Christianity today.  For example, it is important to realize that most books published in the Christian market are not published because they are Biblically sound; they are published because they will sell.  It’s not that I’m against Christian “self-help” books (which is what I classify most of the books being written today as), but I find it sad that so many people read them without holding them up to the measuring stick of Truth.  One of the top selling “Christian” books on the market today promotes New Age concepts as if they are Biblical Truth. The methods promoted in this book have no Biblical parallel and yet people are buying into its teaching as if “it’s all good”.  It’s not all good!  Some of “it” is down-right heretical.
            Just as John warned the believers to be aware of the false teachings of Gnosticism, we must be alert against false teachings which are being introduced into the Gospel (2 Pet. 2:1).  Calling Jesus into your consciousness, visualization, and the emphasis on your personal “experience” with Jesus during this time of “meditation” are methods directly taken from the New Age.  In the beginning of his second letter, John encourages the faithful to think carefully about what they are hearing concerning Christ.  If they hear teaching contrary to the principle elements of the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4), they are to both disregard it and to speak out against it (2 Jn. 2:8-11).  It is easy to think that any book which presents itself as Christian literature is trustworthy and accurate.  Unfortunately that is not the case.  It is my conviction that the Bible explains everything we need to know about faith issues.  It should be our first and foremost source in any matter.  If it isn’t then we are straying from the Truth.  And this is what the Father has to say about the Son: Mt. 17:5; Mk. 9:7; Lk. 9:35.  Are you listening to the Truth?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.                                                                                                     
Week of 8/28/2016
 
* The Book of Romans is a detailed and methodical presentation of the Gospel in its entirety demonstrating its firm roots in the Old Testament Scriptures.  You may enjoy Warren Wiersbe: Be Right as a companion to reading the Book of Romans.

            The order had come to me from Nebuchadnezzar himself.  It read, “Bring some of the sons of Israel to me.  They should be youths with no defect and showing a high amount of intelligence so that they can be trained and educated in the language of the Chaldeans”.  I followed his order and selected four candidates.  We changed their names and after a brief dispute over food all of them seemed to be adjusting to life in Nebuchadnezzar’s court.  But the king’s golden image and his command to worship it brought their progress to a screeching halt- at least for three of them.  When the second order came it read, “Throw them into the furnace for they would not bow to my image!”  I could not believe my eyes when I looked into the furnace and saw four men walking around!  The men who had put them in there had died from the heat.  How was it that another had joined them and they seemed unharmed?  Yet the proof was there when they were commanded to come out and there was not a burn mark on them or their garments.  It was then that I knew no god in Babylon matched this God.  He was the Supreme God above all others and from that day on I wondered if I could understand Him as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did (Daniel 2 & 3- with some artistic license!).
            Gods in the ancient world held power over nature, jurisdictions and people.  Some, like Baal, were capricious and spiteful.  Others were benevolent (for a price).  But across the pages of the Old Testament whenever anyone who worshipped those deities encountered “El Elyon” (God Most High), their perception of those gods changed.  This title is used 31 times in the Old Testament with the most well-known appearing in Genesis 14:18-24.  In this passage we are introduced to Melchizedek, an enigmatic priest-king who bestows generous gifts on Abraham after he successfully frees Lot and his family from captivity.  Melchizedek brings an offering to God Most High with words of praise concerning His nature and character and Abraham equates El Elyon with Yahweh in Gen. 14:22 as the Creator of heaven and earth. 
            Spiros Zodhiates in his Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament notes that, “In Num. 24:16 this name stands in parallel to the name God (Elohim) and Shaddai (Almighty); it depicts the God who gave Balaam his knowledge and visions.  The term also stands in parallel with other names of God such as “The Lord” (Dt. 32:8; 2 Sam. 22:14; Ps. 18:13; and God (Ps. 46:4; 50:14).  In Ps. 47:2, El Elyon is also called a king.  As such He rules over the whole earth, subdues people and nations, has the power to determine an inheritance for Israel, ascends a holy throne and reigns from it in an exalted state (vv. 3-9).  It is not surprising then that the Lord uses this name to impact kings such as Nebuchadnezzar.  It denotes a position of power and authority they were very much familiar with- and also believed proved their own association with divinity.  Nebuchadnezzar is so convinced of his divine nature that El Elyon determines to take him down a peg or two (Dan. 4) and in the end, Nebuchadnezzar learns that El Elyon will discipline you for as long as it takes and in whatever way it takes until you understand that it is He who is in control and that you answer to Him. (Dan. 4:34-37).
            Madison Avenue is glutted with advertisements urging us to buy insurance for every aspect of our lives.   We can get health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, and pet insurance.  We can extend warranties on any appliance in our home, purchase protection plans for the wiring in our home and put our money to work in a number of savings plans.  None of these things are bad in and of themselves, but oftentimes we put so much confidence and trust in them they usurp the only True Insurance we have.  One may amass a healthy nest egg only to be faced with a catastrophic illness and it becomes a complete loss.  The Bible warns us that it is not wise to put one’s trust in chariots (Is. 31:1), idols (Ps. 18:6), or riches (Ps. 52:7).  A glance at history is a stark reminder that power comes and goes so it is not wise to trust in the “king” either.
            When we begin to worry about the future it is a good indicator that there may be something we’ve put in the place of El Elyon.  Maybe we have attributed too much “power” to our retirement plan and with the tumultuous political climate in the world we now worry if we’ll have enough.  Maybe we’ve given to much credence to one person.  We look for validation from them and worry we will lose their favor if we don’t do what they ask or say.    Jesus admonished us to store up our treasure in heaven (Mt. 6:19-21).  According to Him it is the only fail-safe savings plan.  The Lord Most High oversees the things that are stored there and nothing can be taken from His grasp (Jn. 10:27-29).  If we trust in Him, we have nothing to fear. 
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.                                                                                                   
Week of  8/21/2016

            What qualities do you think make up a good teacher?  Is it their enthusiasm for the subject?  Is it the creative way they teach?  Is it the compassion they show toward their students?  Is it the learning environment they foster in their classroom?  What qualities do you think make a good boss?  Is it the connection they have with their employees?  Is it an encouraging and safe place to work or an overall understanding of each job and what it takes to get that job done?  Your answer to either of these questions may be a combination of several of these points.  Whatever qualities or characteristics you may feel determines whether a boss or a teacher is good, I’m sure you have an example of someone who fits that description.
            When the disciples began following Jesus they respected Him as a great teacher.  They also recognized (as did many others) that He was not like the other itinerant rabbis that were commonplace at that time.  Although Jesus’ teaching style was in the same tradition as His contemporaries, His delivery was quite different and the people took notice (Mt. 7:28-29).  And like a good boss Jesus seemed to understand the disciples on a deeper level (Jn. 1:35-51).  He saw into their hearts and when their motives weren’t living up to God’s standards, He called them on it (Lk. 22:24-34)!  As the disciples traveled about Galilee, their respect and love for Jesus grew, and they wanted to understand what He did and why He did it more and more (Mt. 13:10-17; 24:1-8; Lk. 11:1-4).  Jesus was an excellent teacher.  He patiently answered their questions (Lk. 8:4-15), challenged their perception of the world (Mt. 5:21-22), and demonstrated in every aspect of life the lessons He wanted them to learn (Mt. 6:1-6; Mk. 1:35-38).
            One of Jesus’ greatest lessons took place just prior to His crucifixion.  It is one of those instances that tempt us to judge the disciples harshly, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ve behaved the same way many times over.  Passover has arrived and Jesus has sent the disciples into Jerusalem to make preparations for the meal (Mt. 26:17-19; Mk. 14:12-16).  The general etiquette of the day would have required them to not only secure a place to eat and the food to enjoy, but also someone to serve it.  Along with the food preparations, provision would be made for cleaning off dusty feet and washing hands.  Apparently the disciples found the place Jesus had already reserved and took care of the food, but they failed to supply a servant for we read in John 13:1-17 that Jesus used this oversight to teach them a lesson on servanthood.
            Meals were shared around a table, but not the kind you and I would naturally think of.  These tables were low to the ground.  Rugs and pillows would be placed around them and the diners would rest on their side while they enjoyed their food.  However, before they came to the table a servant would wash their feet.  Those streets and byways of old were pretty dusty so you can imagine the condition they were in!  It appears that since Jesus rose AFTER supper that no one was hired to do this job and none of the disciples volunteered either (vv. 3-4).  To see the person they admired, respected and even considered higher in status than themselves performing a lowly task such as foot washing must have made the disciples extremely uncomfortable which is apparent in Peter’s protest (v. 6).   Jesus’ response to Peter is simply, “You don’t understand this now, but you will eventually”. 
            Some of the best lessons I’ve learned, especially in matters of faith, have come from watching others.  I have witnessed believers face catastrophic illnesses with grace and certainty that no matter what the outcome they know the Lord is with them.  I have watched fellow Christians respond with humility when attacked verbally and personally although they had every right to “fight back”.    I have seen sacrifice, perseverance, hospitality, generosity, grace and love at times when the worldly response would have been completely opposite and understandable under the circumstances.  This is exactly the kind of example that Jesus tells the disciples He has set before them by washing their feet (v. 15).  They called Him “Teacher” (a name of respect) and “Lord” (an honorary title) which should have removed Him from the obligation of caring for dirty, dusty feet.  Yet, it was not too menial a task for Him and now He was challenging them to “do as I did to you”.
            The world is full of people who need their “feet washed”.  But we are no different than the disciples.  We are usually more concerned about who will wash our feet or we consider ourselves above such a low task.  Christ was able to put aside Who He really was (Phil. 2:5-8) because He knew where He came from and where He was going (v. 3).  The same is true for you and me.  We know who we are in Christ (Jn. 1:12) and we know where we are going (Jn. 14:2-3).  It is time to lay aside the garment of our pride when we are called to serve and serve as Our Teacher and Lord served.  The reward of following His example is a life that is truly blessed (v. 17).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.                                                                                                   
Week of 8/14/2016

      Over the years you have probably had your share of best friends.  My husband Jeff had an assortment of buddies with a wide variety of personalities.   Stu McCoobry was perhaps the most colorful of this collection.  He and Jeff met at a young age when both were in Boy Scouts.  Their love of nature and camping gave them a few entertaining stories through the years.  Stu was so close to Jeff’s family that at times he became like a fifth son.  Jeff had a peculiar name for Stu.  He called him “Seeds”.  It was an adaptation of the original nick-name “Weeds” because of all the hours Stu spent wandering around fields and woods looking for reptiles.  “Seeds” was a name unique to Stu and only applicable to him for none of Jeff’s other friends exhibited that exact nature and character.  This is the essence of God’s most personal name Yahweh (or Jehovah by some translators) because its meaning encapsulates the unique nature and character of God.
            Yahweh (Yah-way) is the name most frequently used for God in the Old Testament occurring 6,823 times.  It is first used in Gen. 2:4 attached to the name Elohim (El-oh-heem).  In this passage Yahweh creates man from the earth which He has also created.  Since the name Yahweh is derived from the Hebrew verb “havah”, meaning “to be or being”, it seems particularly appropriate to use this name to designate the One who brought man into being.  Chavah, another word with the same root consonants as havah, can also be associated with this name.  It means “to live” or “life” and it is easy to see the deep connection between the two words and how they apply to Yahweh.
            While the name Yahweh appears in Scripture throughout Genesis, it is first introduced as God’s personal name in Exodus 3 when Yahweh reveals His plan to save the people of Israel to a frightened and awestruck Moses.  Knowing he will need proof that Someone actually sent him to deliver them, Moses asks God for a calling card- His Name.  The Lord responds with the classic response, “Tell them ‘I AM Who I AM’ sent you” (Ex. 3:14).  In this way the name Yahweh has become synonymous with the God who enjoys revealing Himself to mankind.  He wants us to know Him and tells us His name.  But when looking over all the Scriptures which contain this name, we learn it carries more weight than simply getting to know God.  The name Yahweh is significant in that the passages associated with it also reveal God’s moral and spiritual attributes.  These more intimate parts of God’s nature demand a response from us.
            Two of God’s greatest attributes are also associated with this name.   First His righteousness and second His holiness.  Concerning His righteousness, it is Yahweh who places humankind under moral obligation with the warning of punishment if they disobey (Gen. 2:15-17).  And in terms of His holiness, it is Yahweh who commands the sacrificial system in order that He might eventually restore the fellowship He once had with us in the Garden (Lev. 1-7 etc.).  Pivotal to this concept is Yahweh’s demand that His people should demonstrate the same attributes.  Righteousness is achieved through faith (Gen, 15:1-6; Rom. 4:3-5); holiness through keeping the commandments (Lev. 18:4-5; 19:1-2).  It is no surprise then that this name is considered to be God’s most sacred name.  The penalty of death was issued for profaning it (Lev. 24:16) so to this day it is never read aloud (even in synagogues) nor spoken in conversation.  The name Adonai is often substituted for it or “The Name” spoken in its place and when it was written in manuscripts the vowels for Adonai are placed under the consonants for Yahweh, thus the original pronunciation of it has been lost.  All this points to the unique and exquisite value of this name yet is one we often toss off our lips without any regard.
            It is the righteousness of Yahweh against which we sin and whose holiness is violated when we do.  So it is Yahweh who both pronounces and metes out judgment.  He expels Adam and Eve from the Garden, sends the flood to eradicate the stench of sin from the earth while rescuing Noah and his family, judges Sodom and Gomorah for their disgusting way of life, dictates the moral code to Moses on Mount Sinai and while it is not spelled out directly, we know it is Yahweh who places the sin of humankind upon His Son on the cross ( ).  While it is culturally more acceptable to dwell on how “God is love”, and recognize His grief and sorrow over our fallen condition (Hos. 11:1, 8-9), how often do we remember the essence of this name and the great attributes it signifies?  Is it possible for us to fully understand it?  I’m not sure.  We are finite; Yahweh is infinite.  But knowing how this name is attached to His unique character should compel us to treat it as a great treasure.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 8/7/2016