GONE - a message

I was preaching through the book of Exodus and came to the 10 commandments in chapter 20, about the time summer arrived. With vactions and other interruptions, I decided to wait until the end of the summer to continue Exodus with a series on the 10 commandments. It makes sense to start that series once people are back from vacation and I can preach all the way through it. In fact, it turns out with a one week introduction and than one week per message, that series will begin in September and take us right up until Thanksgiving.

So, in the meantime, I have asked God to help me know what He wants me to preach on. I began with a message from Psalm 90, which is the only Psalm attributed to Moses. If it is ineed true that Moses wrote it, then it gives some insight into Moses' perspective on what was taking place during the 40 years of wandering the Israelites did in the desert.


More importantly, this message challenged me, once again, with the idea that my life is very short; and I must make the most the time I have left - for the glory of God. May you be challenged and encouraged as well.


VIDEO: Pictures of Bob and Alice Wills – GONE

GONE
Psalm 90

Please open your Bible to Psalm 90. If you are using the Bible in front of you, it is page 496.

I appreciate Bob and Alice Wills allowing me to use part of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration video this morning. Normally, we are used to seeing a presentation like this one with beautiful, music about love in the background, as we consider how God put two people together; and think about all the wonderful years they have shared. But, that is not our point today; and it is not the topic under consideration in Psalm 90. Instead, this was meant to make you think of the brevity of life; and how soon, how quickly, our days, our years, our memories, are GONE.

In the early 1970s Jim Croce wrote a song that said, “If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do, is to save every day ‘till eternity passes away–just to spend them with you.” Those are great lyrics, and it would be nice if we could save time, but you can’t. In fact, a few months after he wrote that song, he was tragically killed in a plane crash in Louisiana at the age of 30. You can’t save time.

You might be wondering what this has to do with our study through Exodus. Well, if the scholars are right and Moses is the author of this Psalm, not only is it the only Psalm he wrote, and would make it the oldest Psalm; but it also means that what we are about to read was written in the context of what Moses and the people of Israel experienced, being released from bondage in Egypt and then wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, on their way to the promised land.

And the topic this song of Moses (the Psalms is really the Old Testament song book)…the topic is that of how quickly our lives are GONE. It is not the most pleasing thing to think about, is it? And some of you, who consider yourselves young, may not have any idea of what I am talking about. Nonetheless, it is a reality. Those of you who have already lived quite some time, have no problem understanding that time keeps tickin’ and the days, months and years just seem to pass too quickly. This is the context of Moses’ message here in Psalm 90.

The author of this song, Moses, already had an incredible life in his first 40 years, growing up in Egypt, and then went through a preparation time, another 40 years, wandering the deserts of Midian. And then, at age 80, was called by God to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt, and to the promised land. Although he resisted at first, Moses did what God asked, and through incredible miracles, and 10 plagues on Egypt, Moses led the 2,000,000 or so people out of bondage.

They were rescued at the Red Sea, with the Egyptian army pursuing them, when God provided dry land, in the middle of the Sea, for them to pass through on, and then brought the waters down on the Egyptian army, killing them all. And that was just the beginning of the adventures. For 40 years, until Moses died at the age of 120, he led God’s people through the wilderness, and to the brink of the promised land of Canaan. There were great victories along the way, and incredible defeats…time of blessing and times of cursing…times of following humbly after God, and times of complaining, bickering, and disobedience.

In the context of these 40 years of wandering, in the last stages of Moses’ life, he writes these words:

Psalm 90:1 – “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

And with that, Moses begins his song of praise. As we go through this Psalm this morning, let us be careful to apply it to our lives today. Let’s hear the message of this song, about the brevity of life, as it is words of a challenge to obey. To begin with, in our notes: Because life is short…

Look to God, who is eternal (vs.1,2)

His first word, a name for God, is “Lord.” But it is not the word translated Jehovah or Yahweh, as we have often seen in Exodus. It is the name, referring to the majesty and authority of God over His creation: Adonai. This is how Moses chooses to address God at the beginning of this song: Adonai, you have been our dwelling place, our protective shelter, in all generations. Keep in mind that if a generation is normally seen as 40 years, Moses lived through 3 different generations all by himself! His point is that this incredible God, Adonai, has been there, for His people, in every generation. He has sheltered them, comforted them, protected them, and loved them.

Moses and the people of Israel knew this all too well. They had been living in tents in the middle of nowhere. They had people attacking them all the time. They constantly lived in a state of insecurity and uncertainty. The only thing they could count on, was that the eternal God decided to love them, and fulfill His promises to them. And by the way, that is the only thing we can count on, for certain, as well!
When Moses was getting ready to die and the people were ready to finally enter the promised land, this is what Moses reminded them of, as a part of his final blessing:

Deuteronomy 33:27 – “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”

Moses reminds us of why God is our only place of security and certainty:
Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

The first thing Moses talks about, in His praise toward God, is the great difference between God and man. Moses point to God as the one where His people can seek shelter because is the only one who has always been and will always be…”from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

God has always existed. We can’t comprehend that, in our finite minds, but it is the truth from God’s Word: He has always been and will always be. That makes Him entirely different from us, doesn’t it? He has always been, as Moses said: God. This term for God refers to his might, His strength. It is seen in His creation.
He is our God. His eternity is the answer to our frailty and temporal status.

And no matter who you are, you are very temporary. He was Michael Joseph Jackson, born in Indiana on August 29, 1958. He was known as the "King of Pop". According to one of many websites dedicated to his life: “With his trademark black fedora and single, sequinned glove, his unique and innovative contributions to music and dance, along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a central part of popular culture around the world for four decades. A double-inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his other achievements feature multiple Guinness World Records—including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles, and the sale of over 750 million records. In 2007, his net worth was estimated at $236,000,000. But, in Los Angeles, California, at age 50, on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson’s life was GONE.

Regardless of what you thought of him…regardless of his records and money and fame…regardless of the accusations and suspicions held against him, there is one thing he experienced that all of us will experience. His earthly life is gone, just like that; and age 50. And the only thing that now matters for Michael Jackson, has nothing to do with his short, temporal life. It has everything to do with his eternal life; and where he is spending eternity; and whether or not what he did with his short 50 years here on earth, built up anything that will last for eternity, for God’s glory. No matter who you are or what you become in this life, it is crucial that you will admit that life is very, very short.

Because life is short... Look to God, who is eternal. The 2nd thing to take in and apply, from this song in Psalm 90, is that we must admit that life is indeed short. In your notes: Because life is short…

Admit it (vs. 3-6)

In Moses’ prayer, he was admitting what was already true:
Psalm 90:3 – “You return man to dust and say, Return, O children of man!”
Moses draws some analogies to give emphasis to his point. He first says:

· You are dust

God said it to the first man who ever lived:
Genesis 3:17 – “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Moses also says to us:
· You last for a few hours

Psalm 90:4 – “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

God is not limited by time, as man is. So, the everlasting God remains, while man is returned to dust, from where He came. Man dies, but God does not. Even though a thousand years pass, and generations come and go, to God, is just like a day has gone by: no big deal. The watch in the night is about 4 hours, referring to the time when people are asleep and that time is very brief. From God’s perspective, our lives are just a few hours long. We sleep, we dream, we’re gone.
Did you know that in a lifetime, the average American will spend: 5 months tying his shoes; 6 months sitting at red lights; 8 months opening junk mail; 1 year looking for misplaced objects; 4 years doing housework; 5 years waiting in line; 6 years eating; 15 years working and 20 years sleeping?By the time a person reaches 35 years of age they will only have 500 days left to really live (If you subtract all the time spent sleeping, working, tending to personal matters, etc.) Thinking about these things is not to discourage us; but to get us to take our moments, our days, seriously; even admitting that they are very brief.

Psalm 90:5 – “You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream…”

Verse 5 speaks of life as though God just sweeps it away, as with a flood: we are washed away quickly and then gone. He speaks of life as a dream, it is there and then gone once we awake. Moses personally witnessed a generation of people wiped out because of their disobedience. They were there, and then they were gone; with a new generation to take their place. He certainly saw God wipe out His enemies as well, in Egypt, during the plagues, and at the Red Sea; along with many other battles along the journey. He saw many people, living one minute, and then dying the next.

On December 5, 2008, this story appeared in the USA TODAY: [headline] Woman swept to sea during marriage proposal: “A romantic marriage proposal on the Oregon coast turned deadly for the bride-to-be when a wave swept her out to sea. Scott Napper planned to pop the question to his fiancée at a spot on a beach given the nickname: Proposal Rock. They began to walk out toward the rock and were 10 feet from it, when a 3 foot wave suddenly came toward them. Scott said: ‘I turned into it to keep from getting pulled under it.’ By the time he turned to his fiancée, she had been caught by the receding waters. He said: ‘She was about 30 feet away, getting swept away.’ He tore off his jacket to get rid of any extra weight, and when he looked up again she was gone. ‘That is the last I saw of her’, he cried. What else does Moses say about the brevity of our lives?

· You are grass that fades

Psalm 90:5 – “…like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.”

Like grass that withers. They especially understood that in the Middle East, as the grass could come up and then quickly be scorched by the sun and be gone. Many other Scriptures speak of this truth of man, illustrated by the quickly fading grass:

Isaiah 40:6-8 – “…All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

God lasts forever. His Word, the Bible, its truth, lasts forever. The only thing about us that lasts forever is our soul. More about that later. Because life is short…look to God, who is eternal…admit that life is short. The world recognizes this to some extent, but only to the extent of using it for profit. Perhaps you have heard the phrase or have seen it on tee shirts: Life is short, play hard. And of course, some Christian company needed to respond, and so there are the tee shirts: Life is short, pray hard. Some try to handle this truth by joking about it. It was Woody Allen that said “It’s not that I’m afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in my car, listening to the radio, and I heard the surprising news: a well known, professional athlete, had been shot in the head, and at the relatively young age of 36, was now GONE. Steve LaTreal McNair was born on February 14, 1973. He received the nickname Air McNair. He spent the majority of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans. After the 2005 season, McNair was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he played for two seasons before retiring after 13 NFL seasons. McNair led the Titans to the playoffs four times, and the Ravens once, and played in Super Bowl 34 with the Titans. He is the Titans' all-time leading passer. McNair was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and was All-Pro and Co-MVP in 2003.
But on July 4, 2009, Steve McNair was GONE, shot to death. He was rich, fairly famous, and just 36 years old. He had a great NFL career, and was now able to plan for many years of enjoying life outside of football. But, in one moment, without any preparation or any clue, his life was GONE. No one would have expected it. We know about it, because it happened to a professional athlete. But, every day, people die, seemingly too young, many times without any warning- they’re GONE. And whether you are 6 or 36 or 76, life is fragile, and will soon be GONE. Are you willing to admit it?

Because life is short, instead of just using the time for the pursuit of personal pleasure, we can:
Go after God’s wisdom (vs. 7-12)

Psalm 90:7-9 – “For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.”

Moses had experienced these things first hand. He had seen God’s anger literally consume life because of disobedience. Even when someone thought their sin was secret, God knew about it, and sometimes dealt with it in a very public, fatal way. Other times, as in Moses’ case, there was disobedience that others may not have noticed, but God did.

We have already seen, in Exodus, where God instructed Moses to strike a rock and water came out. But, later in Moses’ life, God instructs Moses to speak to the rock and Moses decides to strike it again. Probably doesn’t sound like a big deal to us; but for God, He said that it was the reason Moses was not going to be able to enter the promised land himself. After Moses disobeyed, here is what God said:

Numbers 20:12 – “And the LORD said to Moses…Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

From God’s perspective, when we disobey, we are not taking his holiness seriously; and therefore, we deserve any consequences for our sin that God chooses to send. God is a jealous God, who wants all of His creation to respond to Him in love and obedience. And when we do not, God gets angry, and rightfully so. Looking at verse 8, it was evident that some in Israel thought that they got away with sinful actions and attitudes, and that perhaps God didn’t notice. But He did.

And here is the truth for us today: Even though God may not strike us dead for our disobedience, it is because we have a sin nature, that death will come as a consequence for sin, sooner or later. And this is the first thing we all have to come to understand in order to pursue the wisdom of God as it relates to our life and death:

· God judges our sins with death
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”
Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned…”
According to Psalm 90:9, No matter how strong or healthy or moral a person might be, there will come a day, when the effects of our sin nature will come to pass: we will breath our last breath on this earth and then begin our eternity, either with God or apart from Him. And no matter how strong a person may have been life, or how influential, according to the Bible, that person will end their life with a sigh, a moan, a whisper. Another truth, in your notes, is found in:

Psalm 90:10,11 – “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reasons of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?” In your notes:

· Our temporal life is full of trouble
Most of us have no problem agreeing to that do we? Even in the midst of all the joys and blessings of life, there are all kinds of trouble we come upon in the short time we are on this earth. And for most of the people who live on this Earth, they do not take the time to really consider how God fits into all of this. In many cases, they blame God for their trouble, but are unwilling to recognize that trouble is to lead us toward God, not away from Him.

Moses once again uses numbers to help us think through how short life is. He says that we might live to be 70 years old, and if we are given more strength, maybe even 80. He was generalizing here. But, regardless of how long we live, Moses said, they are full of trouble. There is financial trouble, relationship trouble, job trouble and certainly health trouble. And there is much more.

Not surprisingly, even the most recent statistics about the life expectancy today, in 2009, is very close to the numbers Moses gave all thousands of years ago. Life expectancy for a man is 75 and for a woman is 80. Of course, we all know of people who have died much younger and some who have lived much longer. Regardless of the number for each person, it will seem short, and it will soon be GONE. This is the reality that have led people to come up with phrases such as: Life is hard, and then you die.
So, in the context of the truth that God judges our sins with death, and that our temporal life is full of trouble, what in the world can we do? Moses gives us the answer, and makes it a part of his prayer to God:

· Understand the brevity of life

Do you remember what verse 4 said about God’s perspective of our lives? It said that if man lives 1,000 years, God sees that as just one 24 hour day. I asked my mathematical friend, Steve Glick, to help me figure this out. If God views my life, as though 1,000 years would be a day, what would that look like to God? I’m 42. That means, from God’s perspective, I have lived just about 1 hour! And if I live to the life expectancy of males, or even to age 70, God will see me as just 1 hour and 40 minutes old. And if I do live to age 70, with my current age, do you know how much time, from God’s perspective I have left? Just about 40 minutes.

A couple years ago, I realized that I was at the halfway point of my life, at best; and probably past it. But, that led me to start my blog, halftime, the address of which is on the front of your bulletin. That thought of being halfway through my life or more, allows me to seriously consider my life and the importance of using my remaining days in the wisdom of God.So, in Moses’ prayer, his song to God, this was his response, to understand the brevity of life in this way:

Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

This is how we pursue God’s wisdom, to understand that our days are numbered, and the end of those days is coming very soon. You may be listening to this and thinking about getting discouraged. This is not to discourage you; but to make sure you understand reality. And once you understand the reality of the brevity of life, you then have the opportunity to take full advantage of the wisdom of God that is provided for each of us. David said it this way:

Psalm 39:4 – “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!”

When I attend funerals, and I attend a ton of them, I think of the brevity of my life. No matter who has died, or whether or not I am officiating or preaching in that funeral, I always think of the fact that I will be there, in a coffin one day, and it might be very soon. It is a sobering thought; but what it leads to for me, is an evaluation of how I am living my life, and how I want to be remembered. We can allow thoughts of death to discourage us or inspire us. And I think Moses, in his prayer, is crying out to God, so that he would have the right perspective of this short life; and use what time He has, for the glory of God.
In verse 12, Moses prays: “Teach us to number our days.” In other words: Lord, teach us to be intentional about how we live our lives. Moses prayed: “Teach us to number our days.” We normally count our lives in terms of years. We celebrate birthdays but say we are a certain number of years old. Some even lie about how many years they have lived!

Moses counts it in days. The average life of a human being is only 25,550 days. Moses prayed: Help us to count each of these brief days, so that we use them according to God’s wisdom, for His glory!

This last week, in The Plain Dealer, there was an article about a man from Ohio who just died. The headline read: Harry E. Figgie Jr. dies at 85; built Fortune 500 company. The article goes on to talk about what a great businessman Harry was; and how he built a company, that at one time, was grossing up to 1.5 billion dollars per year. The article details the process he went through to become rich; and many people had great things to say about his abilities. But, even after 85 years of living and building a business, one day, Harry Figgie Jr. was GONE, and all of what he built went to someone else. The real question is: Did Harry spend the short time on earth gaining a heart of wisdom, by numbering his days and living for God; or did he only live for himself and the riches he accumulated? Only Harry and God knows the answer to that. So, what about you? The Bible says:
Hebrews 9:27 – “…it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

Psalm 139:16 – “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them come to pass.”

We sometimes hear it said of someone who died: They died unexpectedly; or they died too young, or they died before their time. But, in reality, none of those things are true. It may seem that way to us, but what we are learning from God’s Word is that we will die, and from God’s perspective, the timing is always just right. The fact that God knows the day you were born and the day when your life will be over can either cause us to worry or it can give us great confidence.When Confederate General Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson was asked how he could be so fearless in battle, he responded, “I feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time of my death.” That kind of confidence only comes through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The question most people concern themselves with on this earth is how to live longer.

But, according to the Bible, you are not in charge of that. Yes, you should eat healthy and exercise; and look both ways before you cross the street; but you know of people who did that and still died; some of them very young. God has appointed the day you will die. That means, that on your appointed date, you might have received a clean bill of health from the doctor that morning and then get in a car accident that afternoon. It means you might have the right diet and exercise regularly, but be diagnosed with cancer or have a heart attack because of genetics. Jesus made a point to those who were so worried about trying to live longer:

Matthew 6:27 – “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

But, with all of this uncertainty about how long you will live, there is a certain God, who gave us His certain Word, the Bible, and tells us we can be certain about something much more important than this brief time we call life. We can be certain about eternal life.

I John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Let me ask you: are you 100% sure that when you die, you will spend eternity with God in Heaven? That is the only thing you can make certain of; because you cannot determine when or how you will die. So, would you like to be sure?

I shared some bad news with you earlier:
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”
Now, let me share with you the good news that follows those words:
Romans 6:23 – “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

You cannot determine when or how you die. You cannot determine how long your life will last or exactly what it will be like. But, there is a decision you can make, that has an eternal implication, for millions and millions and millions of years after you leave this earth: you can accept the free gift of eternal life, by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.

The Bible tells us this:
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Romans 10:9 – “…If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus already did the work on the cross, to save you from your sins and to give you the opportunity to live with Him forever. Your part is to accept it, fully…to make Jesus the master of your life…to give your short life on this earth for him…

Ephesians 2:8– “For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

You have to accept the gift. It doesn’t come automatically. It is offered to you, and you must receive it. When you do, then the fact that this life is so short and full of trouble is put in a whole new perspective. It doesn’t mean you will always see things from God’s perspective, rightly; but you have the chance to. And you can live in confidence, whether sleeping, or in a vicious battle, that your life is in God’s hands. And when this life is over, you will be with God forever.

Jesus only lived on this earth about 12,000 days. That is not very long. But His life changed the course of history. He had one goal, one focus. He made each of his days count by doing only what His Father told him to do. His days were filled with joy, and pain, and suffering but he never got off track. In fact, it was his very last day that provides us with hope. For on that day, he made us more than dust, than grass, or a whisper.

But don’t wait. Because of the brevity of life, the Bible says:
II Corinthians 6:2- “Now is the day of salvation.”

Have you made that decision? Would you like to? Before the final point of today’s message, let me pray. Please join me with your heads bowed. If you have not made this decision to follow Jesus Christ, to accept the free gift of eternal life; but you would like to, I want to pray a prayer that you can repeat in your own heart and mind.

PRAYER

If you prayed that prayer with me this morning, we want to rejoice with you, and help you know how to grow from here. Please come and see me after this morning’s service, so we can talk about it. Moses’s song, his prayer, has everything to do with the brevity of life. In the final verses of this Psalm, Moses’ words challenge us, because life is so short, to:

Live under God’s grace (vs. 13-17)

Psalm 90:13 – “Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!”

Since man returns to dust very quickly, Moses asks for God to return to have mercy on us. He basically is telling us this:

· Pray for God’s love that leads to satisfaction and joy

Psalm 90:14,15 – “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.”

The anticipation of death is replaced with the great joy that God can bring because of His promises. The joy comes from the understanding of what life is all about; and having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Moses experienced some of the actuality of promises God made. But, he did not see them all. However, these promises caused him to respond in faith:

Hebrews 11:24-27 – “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.”

According to Psalm 90:14, this was their only hope: the compassion, the love of God. Out of God’s compassion, Moses was asking that he would turn their sadness into joy; and that God would give them as many happy days as He has that have caused them pain. Moses had seen God do amazing things, and had taken joy in God’s grace toward him and the people of Israel. So, next, in his prayer to God, we should:

· Notice what God is doing

Psalm 90:16 – “Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.”

Living in God’s grace today includes remembering all the great things He has done for us; and teaching them to our children and our children’s children. For Moses and God’s people of Israel, they had many great works of God to remember and to pass on. They had already seen incredible things, and Moses was asking that God would continue to reveal His power to them. That is God’s grace at work. There is a final word of this prayer, as we are challenged to live in God’s grace. The prayer is this:

· Ask God to bless our work for Him

Psalm 90:17 – “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

This closing prayer is that God, by His grace, would allow our short, sinful lives, to count for something eternal. And the prayer is that God would take our efforts, as feeble as they might be; and use them to make an eternal impact on the lives of others, for His glory!

That is my prayer for my own life, for my children, and for our church. May God see fit to use us for something that really matters: to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and to help people grow in their relationship with Him!

My recent trip to Iowa reminded me of my childhood. I saw the fact that the house I lived in until 8th grade was now torn down and used for parking. I saw where I practiced baseball, went to church and school, where I used ride my bike and I stayed where I lived from 8th grade through high school, and where my parents still live today. It was a reminder that life, for me, has passed very quickly. I am thankful to God for every moment; but I must realize that every moment that passes is GONE; and I need to use this moment, that I have today, to honor and glory the one who gave me this life in the first place; and the one with whom I will spend eternity.

Where's my notes?

About 2 minutes before I was to get up to speak yesterday, I lost my notes. I had written them on 3x5 cards, and placed them in a small, borrowed Bible. The problem was, is that I had just grabbed a box of those same Bibles to have handed out to everyone who attended our service out at the beach. As soon as we got all the Bibles on the table, I realized I put my Bible, with my notes inside it, somewhere in that pile. I suppose I could have learned something by going up there without my notes; but thankfully as I tore through the stack of Bibles, I found it just in time.

Yesterday, Grace Baptist in Westlake joined with New Community Baptist of Strongsville, to hold church at the Beach. It was an incredible experience. Many of our people brought friends, and there were many there that did yet know about the love of Jesus personally. It was a little difficult preaching in the open air, with 365 spread out, and other groups and parties behind us making noise. My wife told me she never heard me scream like that before.

But, in my opinion, the greatest thing about the day, was the baptisms. New Community baptized 7 and we baptized 7. It was great to read their testimonies and see them identify with Jesus Christ, expressing their commitment to Him. Also, some of the parents were able to baptize their kids, and I loved seeing that!

The only terrible thing about the day, is that I had to spend 3 hours that afternoon on the beach. I hate the beach. But, my wife loves it, my kids love it, so...I guess I should love it to. Go ahead, throw some sand in my eyes!

BAPTISMS AT THE BEACH?

2,000 years ago, people who committed their lives to Jesus Christ went down to the river or lake, and demonstrated their commitment through public baptism. Many churches, such as ours, here in Ohio, have baptismal tanks, indoor tubs, in which we baptize during church services. I am excited that, God willing, this Sunday, July 26th, I will participate in the baptism of several people at Huntington Beach in Bay Village, OH. This will be a little more like they did it in Jesus' day.

This past Easter we baptized several people, including my daughter Breanna (a huge joy for me); but most of them were adults. It is really cool to see adults baptized, because it is much more difficult, humanly speaking, for an adult to make a commitment to follow Jesus. Children seem to respond to the simple truths about Jesus, from the Bible, than adults do. Jesus even used children as an example for how adults need to demonstrate child-like faith in order to get to Heaven. It takes simple faith to believe that God came to Earth in the flesh, as Jesus Christ, and He died for our sins and rose from the dead. It takes simple faith to believe that the only way to God in Heaven, as Jesus claimed, is through placing all trust and faith in Jesus alone.

I am excited to baptize an adult with an incredible story; but also excited that several children are publicly professing their desire to live for Jesus Christ, the rest of their lives. Because of no sound system at the beach, we are printing out everyone's testimony. I am including a copy of those testimonies here; so that you might be encouraged and challenged, with the growing faith of each of these.

Baptisms by Grace Baptist Church in Westlake
Sunday, July 26, 2009

Each of the following people are being baptized today, in order to identify with Jesus Christ; and to demonstrate publicly, that they have committed their lives to Jesus Christ. Each one has affirmed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They have already trusted in Jesus for salvation, and now they are being baptized in obedience to Jesus’ command and example. They know that baptism does not save them; but that it is important, as a testimony to their desire to live the rest of their lives for Jesus. Even young children, as evidenced today, can make the decision to follow Jesus; and it is because of their simple faith that Jesus used children as an example for us.

When they are baptized, I am asking them 2 questions: “Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation;” and “Is it your desire to live the rest of your life for Him?” Then, I will tell them: “Based on your profession of faith in Jesus Christ and your desire to live for Him, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then, in order to identify with Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, they will be fully immersed in water, before rising up to live for Jesus. When we baptize, they will be baptized in this order:

Jackson Jacobs- age 13
At age 5, when my dad came into pray with me one late night, we talked about getting saved. We were talking about it and he asked if I wanted to get saved and have a relationship with God. So, with my dad, I got saved that night. For a long time, we have been talking about being baptized, and this seemed like just the right time to do it.

Jasmine Jacobs – age 11
I was saved one night when we were all in my room at the beginning of the school year. We were all reading the book with my dad. During prayer time, my dad asked me if I told God that I believed in him and stuff. He asked me if I wanted to be saved. I asked what it meant to be saved and my dad explained it. He explained that I needed to believe that I was a sinner, and deserving of Hell. But, Jesus died so that I could go to Heaven. So, we prayed together. I wanted to pray and my dad helped me. I was 10 years old.

Kayla Jacobs – age 9
One night, our dad was reading the book to us, called: To Kill a Mockingbird. When he was done, he talked to us about God, including how to be saved. After he explained it, he asked if we wanted to be saved. I knew that I wanted to be saved right then. So, when I told my dad I wanted to, he told me that I needed to ask God to save me, believing that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I asked God if He would save me. I didn’t hear the answer, but I think He did! At age 8, I asked Jesus to come into my heart.

Devon Pincombe – age 7
I go to school to Open Door Christian School. My teacher last year was Mrs. Crowder. One day, Mrs. Crowder asked the class if anyone wanted to pray to be saved. I said, “Yes,” so I prayed to the Lord to be saved. While I was praying I said I wanted to be saved. I said thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I asked Him into my heart so I could go up to Heaven. I believe John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jessica Foradora – age 10
I got saved when I was 7 years old. I prayed with my mom and asked Jesus to forgive my sins. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart. A verse from the Bible that helps me remember that Jesus loves me and died for me is John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Brianna Burwell – age 10
I got saved when I was 6 years old. I prayed with my cousin Darian and my grandmother. We talked about how Jesus died and why He died. Then I prayed to Jesus Christ and asked Him to forgive my sins.

Amanda Zevallos
I grew up attending Mass as a young girl, but never understood what they were talking about. It made no sense to me. I did everything I could to avoid anything that had to do with religion. I ran the other way. I didn’t want to pretend it was in my heart when it was not there. It was all about me. When people would talk about my need to live for God, I would say: This is my life. I’m not living it for God – why would I?


I experienced what many others my age did, wrongly thinking it was some type of rite of passage for all teenagers. I was out of control, many times no remembering what I had done the night before. I thought it was just what everyone my age was supposed to experience. Whether it was alcohol or men, I definitely abused them both. It was very temporary satisfaction. I had instant gratification, and then it was gone. Although one of my abuses could have ended my life, God used me trying to take my own life into my hands as a way to save me. One night, I ran my truck into a telephone pole, broke it in half, totaled the truck and yet came away unscratched. I shouldn’t have been alive let alone unscratched.

God used Don and Dena Pincombe (my mom and dad away from home), who before the accident had shown me unconditional love and shared with me the love of Christ. I believe God used this accident to wake me up; and I told the Pincombes: I am ready. I knew this was no “accident” and that God was in control of this. I was ready to give my life to Him and to trust in Him completely.


Through their prayers, the Word of God and books I have read, I realized that it was not about me anymore. I believed what the Pincombes had told me and what God had said: I was a sinner, who deserved death; and I almost experienced it. But, God loved me, even more than I loved myself; and he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for me; and then He rose from the dead. I placed my faith and trust in Jesus for my salvation; because I know it is not my deeds that get me to heaven.

I am 100% sure that if I died today, I would go to Heaven because of Jesus dying for me, and rising from the dead. Based on what Jesus did for me, today, I am getting baptized, to tell all of you that I am a follower of Jesus and want to live my life, now, for Him. I am stepping into the light, turning over a new leaf, and committing the rest of my life to Him.

BE PREPARED - a message

This message was preached on June 28, 2009. It is available to listen to at: www.gbcwestlake.org It has been challenging to preach through the book of Exodus, because there are many passages that are very unfamiliar, some that seem to make no sense, and some that are just hard to accept. This chapter of Exodus is hard for many, because of how God is represented here, as a God of anger and wrath. And yet, for me, it was a good reminder of the righteous character of God. It is something we don't hear very much about, because it is very uncomfortable. May you heart be encouraged and challenged by this message from God's Word.


BE PREPARED
Exodus 19

Please turn in your Bible to Exodus 19…the 2nd book of the Bible, Exodus, and chapter 19. If you are using the Bible in front of you, it is on page 60.

It is the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. It is to be a general exhortation, to be ready for any circumstance, and certainly, to be ready to help others. I don’t know if he was a boy scout, but soldier Daniel Pharr, as reported in February of this year, probably never thought of preparing for the experience he had. As reported by Fox News:

“Strapped to his dying instructor a few thousand feet from the ground on his first skydive, Daniel Pharr found himself floating toward a house and some trees. The military taught the 25 year old soldier not to panic. And Television taught him to pull the toggles on the already-deployed parachute to steer. So Pharr grabbed the right handle and pulled to avoid the house and tugged again to miss the trees, landing safely in a field about a third of a mile from their intended landing spot. Pharr said he wrestled out of the harness binding him to his instructor, George “Chip” Steele, and started CPR trying to save him from an apparent heart attack.

Steele was later pronounced dead, but the tragedy could have been worse: Other instructors at the skydiving school told Pharr if he had pulled the toggle too hard, the chute would have spun out of control, and he could be dead, too. Pharr said: ‘This is my survival instinct at that point. I just kind of did what I had to do’…”

I’m sure Daniel Pharr didn’t expect to have to land himself and his instructor on that day; but the real question of course, the biblically important question is: Was he ready, was he prepared to meet God that day? This morning, in our study of Exodus 19, we are not really challenged with meeting God when we die; but with this challenging question: Are you prepared to meet with the sovereign, holy, one and only God, with an attitude and worship of life that is acceptable to Him?

When we think of being prepared, we many times think of being prepared for anything that might happen, like the incident with the skydiver; or we think of being prepared to die. But, what we need the most, right now, according to the Word of God this morning, is to be prepared to approach God, understanding better who He is and how we are to relate to Him. What we are going to read this morning is unfamiliar to most of us; but is very important for us to wrestle with and understand.
Exodus 19:1,2 – “On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain”

On the third moon, which was probably 3 months, they arrived at the mountain of God. We are told, that it was exactly 3 moons from the time that they were delivered from Egypt. This is Mount Sinai, where the rest of the book of Exodus will take place. The wilderness of Sinai is also called Horeb, where Moses had first met with God at the burning bush. This is a fulfillment of one of the promises God made to Moses back then:

Exodus 3:12 – “He said, But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

There is a major controversy as to where, exactly, Mount Sinai is located. Nevertheless, In the book: God’s Wilderness, there are several pictures of where many believe Sinai to be. One photo of the southernmost area of the Sinai range carries the following caption: “the awe-inspiriting granite peaks at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula seem to form a gigantic fist of God proclaiming Here! Here! The ever-changing, ever-deepening colors of the mountains in this part of Sinai invest this indescribably beautiful region with an aura of sanctity, and one can well believe that here God appeared to Moses.”

And then the book adds, “Israeli scholars, who explored the Peninsula in the brief period of Israeli occupation, came to experience a holiness pervading Sinai’s mountains, and they believe that it was in this region that the Israelites encamped when the Law was given.”

This is the setting, as far as timing and placement, where God is going to prepare Moses and His people to meet Him and to make a covenant promise to one another. The end of verse 2 says: “There Israel encamped before the mountain…”

This is all about preparation: being prepared, as the people of God, to receive the covenant promises and responsibilities that come with it. So, this morning, I want us to consider what the people of God needed to do, in order to be prepared to receive what God had for them; and for us to consider how this applies to us today.
I want to communicate this as Exodus 19 does: as words of encouragement and exhortation, from God, to His people. It begins with this:
Recognize God’s love (vs.1-4)

Just in the fact that Israel was still alive and no longer in Egypt, should have been enough to make them realize how much God loved them. To be at the mountain of God, where He first appeared to Moses, and to be a part of a kept promise, let alone the fact that it was exactly 3 months to the day that they were delivered from Egypt, should have been a loud and clear message of God’s love. But, God also tells Moses to tell Israel something, so that they would hopefully recognize how loving God has been to them:

Exodus 19:3– “While Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel”

We sometimes get the idea that Moses went up the mountain, received the 10 commandments and came down the mountain. But, he actually took several trips up and down the mountain as He spoke with God and delivered messages to God’s people. When you read about “the house of Jacob” or “the people of Israel”, it is using different terms to identify the same people. Jacob was, of course, the one who had 12 sons, after whom the tribes of Israel are named.

Before He gives the benefits of keeping their part of the covenant through obedience, God reminds them of how much he loves and wants a relationship with them:

Exodus 19:4 – “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”

Moses used this same imagery as he taught Israel a song near the end of his life:

Deuteronomy 32:10-12 – “He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him…Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them… the LORD alone guided him...”

Warren Wiersbe explains the significance of the use of Eagles’ wings as the picture of how God took care of His people: “At a certain stage in the development of their young, the parent eagles break up the comfortable nest and force the eaglets to fly. The young birds may not be anxious to leave the security of the nest, but they must learn to fly if they’re going to fulfill their purposes in life. The adult birds stay near the fledglings and, if they fall, carry them on their strong wings until the young birds learn how to use their wings, ride the air currents, and enjoy the abilities God gave them.”

This is certainly what God was doing for Israel. He was carrying them, as He delivered them from Egypt, and then at the Red Sea, from the pursuing Egyptian army. He has been, even in these short 3 months, teaching the people about Himself, and how they need to trust in Him; even that He knows what is best for them. They needed to recognize that God did indeed love them and was caring for them, even during the most difficult experiences they faced.

SO WHAT? This is no different for us, really. We also must recognize God’s great love for us. But, instead of focusing on redemption from bondage in Egypt, we must recognize how he demonstrated His love for us:

Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

· He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our bondage to sin

This is what is different for us, than for the people of Israel. This is how we are to recognize God’s love for us. That, whoever would place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, would come into this special relationship with Him…forever!

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I Peter 1:18,19 – “Knowing that you were redeemed…not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

This is a decision you must make, because it doesn’t happen automatically. You must receive this free gift that God offers through Jesus Christ. If you any questions about that or would like help in receiving that gift, just come and ask.

And based on His love, he said this:

Exodus 19:5,6 – “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

After reminded them of what He had done for them already, and of His love, He now says this:

Obey and Enjoy the Blessings (vs. 5-8)

In the next chapter, with the 10 commandments, there will be more details for what the covenant entails and how obedience to God will look, specifically, in our relationship with Him and with others. But, for now, the command is very simple, so to speak: Obey. That, in this chapter, summed up their basic responsibility: to obey. In a little while, He will get more specific in how they were to respond to God, in the giving of this covenant. The emphasis in these verses, however, is not on the obedience details, but on the blessings that will come from this covenant:

If you obey, here are the blessings. The first one is in verse 5:
· You will be treasured more than any other

Now, let’s be clear about this. Although the people of God had the responsibility to obey, to receive the blessings of this covenant, the reason they are the recipients of this covenant has nothing to do with how great of a people they are, but has everything to do with God’s sovereign choice. Here, in verse 5, God stated: I will make you my treasured possession, “for all the earth is mine.” In other words: “I own everything and I have chosen to make you my treasured possession!” How great is that! The Bible tells us:

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’S and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”

All the earth and everyone in it is God’s, since He is the Creator. However, He especially chose the people of Israel to be His people. But, it was not based on their merit, or their ability to earn God’s favor.

Deuteronomy 7:6, 7 – “…The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the people who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all people, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers…”
SO WHAT?
· Our blessings are all by the grace of God

Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

Grace is something that is undeserved. Israel didn’t deserve God’s blessings; and it is important to always remember, that neither do we. And as we look at some more of these blessings, as well as being a special treasure to God, they must be seen as those that come by God’s choice, not because we have earned them. In verse 6, we have the next blessing:

· You will be a kingdom of priests

Yes, Israel would have particular priests that would handle the sacrificial system and lead spiritually before the people. But, all of Israel were to have the privilege of knowing God personally and worshipping Him. God intended that this would be a very personal relationship with each of His people.

SO WHAT? does this have to do with us today?
· You have full access to God.

Did you know, that all of those who are Christians are now priests? Back in the day, only the priests could go into the presence of God; but according to the Bible, we are all able to enter His presence with confidence, based in what Jesus has done for us:

Hebrews 10:19-21 – “Therefore brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”

Back then the priests did the worshipping, representing the people as they gave sacrifices. And the High Priest went into the very presence of God. Now, all of us can enter God’s presence with confidence, because our High Priest, Jesus Christ, has paved the way with His blood. Not only this, but he said, in Exodus 19:6:

· You will be a holy nation
6 times in Leviticus, God says to His people: “Be holy, for I am holy.”
God wanted His people to pursue holiness, just as He was holy. God would see them that way, as a blessing for His people. They would be dedicated to Him. And that is really, how we take this blessing and apply it to ourselves today:

SO WHAT?
· You will be completely dedicated to me

The fact is, that even though we fail in holiness often, because of Christ, God sees us in the position of holiness; and we will be delivered to Him as holy one day. But, for now, we can see our pursuit of holiness as being completely dedicated to God. In other words, this is not about a one day a week worship in church kind of thing. This is a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, worship of a life dedicated to God.
In case it is hard for you to accept that these are promises for us, and not just for Israel, let me share these verses with you. The Apostle Peter was writing to Christians, not just the nation of Israel, when He said this:

I Peter 2:9,10 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Did you notice those same phrases used in Exodus are used here, for all believers? We are chosen by God, just like the treasured possession that Israel was to Him. We are a royal priesthood, all of us priests, and we are to be a holy nation of believers, wholeheartedly dedicated to Him.

This reminds us of our theme through Exodus: Redeemed for Relationship
God had brought them from Egypt to have a special relationship with them.
This is what God wanted Moses to communicate to the people of Israel.

Exodus 19:7,8 – “So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, All that the LORD has spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.”

The first thing that needed to happen was Moses communicating God’s Word to His people. So he spoke to the elders, the leaders, all that God had said and it was communicated to all the people. And this was the key step, on the people’s part: Would they commit to obeying whatever God asked of them? It was a resounding yes: “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” And then Moses gave this report back to God.

Will you stand with me for a moment? I know we are not 2,000,000 people, but if we were united to say this, every week, to God, in response to His Word. Let’s practice, shall we? Let’s say, together: All that the LORD has spoken we will do. All that the LORD has spoken we will do.
All that the LORD has spoken we will do. Thanks – you may be seated.

That was a great start: God said this is how I have already loved you and I want this incredible, unique relationship with you. All you need to do is obey. And the people said: We will do it.

Finally, this morning, we come to some of the details God was giving them, so that they would know how to approach Him, and respond, correctly to who God is and what He has done. Here is the third aspect of being prepared:

Respond to Who God is (vs. 9-25)

Exodus 19:9-11 – “And the LORD said to Moses, Behold, I am coming to you in a thick could, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever. When Moses told the words of the people to the LORD, the LORD said to Moses, Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”

To “consecrate” means to: set people aside as holy. He had already said that they would be to Him a “holy nation”. Now, in the midst of giving His covenant to them on Mount Sinai, He would reveal His holiness in specific ways and require the people to respond to His holiness rightly. The first thing the people were to do, to respond to who God was, in this case, was to:

· Wash your clothes (vs. 10,11,14,15)

Back in those days, they did not get daily showers or baths or be able to wash their clothes often; and certainly did not have several sets of them, as many of us do. So, when they did wash their bodies or garments, it was a special deal; as it was here, to signify being set apart as holy. It marked a new beginning. Skip to:

Exodus 19:14,15 – “So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. And he said to the people, Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

This was a 3 day purification process, which included washing their clothes.
Not only that, but there were to:

· Abstain from sex (v.15)

Verse 15 states it this way: “do not go near a woman.” It means that they were not to have sexual relations as they prepared to meet with God. This is how the Life Change Bible study series, that some of you purchased for our own study through Exodus explains this phrase: “It means to abstain from sexual relations: not because sex was sinful. Sex epitomized the physical, earthy side of man. To prepare for encounters with the holy, ancient people abstained for a time from all sorts of normal activities. This symbolized turning temporarily away from the commonplace and toward the holy. Abstaining from food, sex, and so on also helped a person concentrate fully on preparing himself inwardly.”

This may sound very strange to us, but keep in mind that in principle, this also appears in the New Testament, and has some application to us today. The Bible is full of teaching about fasting, and how abstaining from food for a time, especially accompanied by prayer, is an appropriate way to approach God at certain times.
And, we are also told that husbands and wives should have regular sex, and not frustrate one another; except for a time of putting it aside for intense prayer:

I Corinthians 7:5 – “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

This is probably a good time to ask and answer the question: SO WHAT?
According to all the Bible teaches, I would say the best way to apply this portion of Scripture is to: pursue purity of life, in how we live. The Bible tells us that this is one of the purposes to which He redeemed us; but we have a great responsibility in it as well. Listen to:

Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

God is all about purity, in every area of life; and these physical restrictions in the days of Israel give us principles to go by today. How else were they to respond to who God is?

· Experience God in awe (vs. 16-19)

This is a way to respond to God that we rarely hear of today; but the people of Israel knew it very well:

Exodus 19:16,17 – “On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.”

The presence of God was pictured with incredible sound and a cloud. When the trumpet (a Ram’s horn) sounded, they were to approach God by going to the foot of the mountain. Understandably, when they heard this sound, they trembled. They were to notice the holiness and awesomeness of God.

A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of the term, still with the cast under his shirt, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in school.
Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler and stapled the tie to his chest.He had no trouble with discipline that term. There’s something about a teacher that’s able and willing to staple his tie to his chest that can get the attention of a class. And this teacher got that attention because… in that simple act… he proved that no matter how tough they thought they were - he was tougher!Now, at the foot of Mount Sinai, God has essentially stapled His tie to His chest. He’s come down on the mountain with fire and He has made it to smoke like a furnace. His presence has caused the earth to tremble so violently that it shakes the ground where the Israelites stand. And then there’s the sound of the trumpet grew louder and Louder and LOUDER in their ears

I’m not sure we can even imagine what this was like. Perhaps people who have experienced an earthquake or found themselves in the middle of a tornado, maybe. But the feel, the sounds, the things they saw and felt just continued to grow in intensity. They were in the presence of God. The picture gets greater:

Exodus 19:18,19 – “Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.”

Even Moses trembled also:
Hebrews 12:18-21 – “For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned. Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, I tremble with fear.”

In preparing to enter the promised land 40 years later, Moses reminded the people of what a unique experience they had here, as they heard from God:

Deuteronomy 4:33 – “Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live?”

It is hard for us to imagine this, since God doesn’t choose to appear in a cloud and speak in thunder today. But, this doesn’t take away the fact that we have an awesome God, who is serious about His Word and our responding to it correctly. When we come into His presence, one of the things we must accept is that He is an awesome God and is to be experienced as such. For us today, that might have to be our acceptance of what God’s Word says, as well as recognizing how awesome God is in His creation, weather, and just in the amazing things that take place in our world every day. Perhaps when you sang How Great is Our God with us earlier, you sensed and thought about the awesome God that we worship. The SO WHAT is the same as it was for Israel:

· Experience God in awe

There is one more way, in which Israel was to respond to who God was:
· Do not test the LORD (vs. 12,13,20-25)

Exodus 19:12,13 – “And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live. When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

“One man told of the time that his company’s factory had received an ominous package. It arrived at the loading dock with this warning printed on it: Danger! Do Not Touch! Management was called and we were told to stay clear of the box until it could be analyzed. When the foreman arrived, he donned gloves and safety glasses, and then carefully opened the box. Inside were 25 signs – each of which read: Danger! Do Not Touch!”

So, maybe, that package wasn’t as dangerous as it seemed. But, God was not joking. And although God was loving and kind, He is also dangerous. He doesn’t play around. If he says that He expects something, then he expects it. And in this case, we see the seriousness of it because of the consequences: death.

This is preparing them, also, for the time when a specific place of worship, the Tabernacle, would be built and have specific limitations in terms of where the people could go and still honor God. Notice, here, that:

1. No human or animal was to even touch the mountain

If any human or animal did touch the mountain, guess what? A fine, a written reprimand, a good tongue lashing? Nope: DEATH! In fact, no one was to touch the person or animal that touched the mountain. They were to stone or shoot (with an arrow) the person or animal to death as a judgment from God for disobedience.

Why so many details – why so serious the consequences? God was making it clear that something very, very important was about to happen. He was about to deliver to them 10 Words of commandment, that would last forever for the people of Israel and are still applicable to all the people of God today. But, first, they needed to be prepared to hear from God.

I probably need to take a moment, here, to talk about the holiness and harsh judgment of God. This characteristic of God and the kind of circumstances we see here in Exodus 19, give people all kinds of problems in relating to God. It is hard for people to accept God in the way that is displayed here; even having humans or animals killed just for touching something that God said not to touch. But, we have to see all the revelation of God throughout the Bible to realize that God is God; and is able to reveal Himself how He chooses; and that He is always…always…right.

We can be thankful that, although we have some instances later in the bible where God strikes someone dead for disobedience, he has chosen to reveal Himself differently today, in most cases. Now, some of us might wish God would strike certain people down dead if they disobeyed. Of course, we don’t want God doing it to us; but we kind of wish he would do it to some others, right? Certainly, God’s command for governments to take the life of those who take others is a subject of debate also, even among Christians. It is difficult, for we imperfect human beings to correctly judge like God does. In most cases, God tells us to leave the judging to Him. If we are in positions of authority, such as a parent, we are to try and discipline in love, as God does with us; but we still fall short.

This is a God thing. Don’t try to figure it out; and certainly don’t argue against God’s actions. His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Back then, He revealed Himself often with loud noises and an imposing presence. Later, he would reveal Himself through Jesus Christ, who was every part human (except for the sin nature part) and still every part God. Now, He reveals Himself through His Word: The Bible; and as the Holy Spirit, lives within all those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

This is incredible. God is known to abide in Heaven (I Kings 8:30,49); but unlike all other gods that people believed in, this God, the one and only true God, came down to meet with His people (on the mountain). And of course, one day, God was going to do even better: He would become flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, and offer salvation by laying down His own life.

Exodus 19:20-22 – “The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the LORD said to Moses, Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to look and many of them perish. Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.”
2. Anyone who tested the LORD was put to death

Only Moses and Aaron would be permitted on the mountain. Once again, there was a warning that the people and even the priests were not to just come near without going through the purifying process. Though the priesthood was not officially established, as of yet, there were those who functioned as such.
Exodus 19:23-25 – “And Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it. And the LORD said to him, Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break out against them. So Moses went down to the people and told them.”

God was teaching His people that there was a separation between He and them, and that rushing into His presence was not acceptable. Later, God would kill Nadab and Abihu, priests, because they went against His commandments as they offered sacrifices. When the tabernacle gets built, later, there is a place where God was seen to dwell, and the people were not to go in there.

But in the New testament, we have the emphasis on the nearness of God.
John 1:14 – “God became flesh and dwelt among us.
Matthew 1:23 – “Immanuel – God with us”
By His death and resurrection, Jesus opened a new and living way into the presence of God (Hebrews 10)

But, this does not mean that God is not serious about obedience; and will, at times, discipline, severely, those who decide to test Him.

Bill Cosby, some 20 years ago, would joke about a mom, who was at the height of her frustration with her son, would say to him: I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!

God is the giver of all of life; and it is fully within His rights, to take away life if He so chooses. I know that is difficult to understand; but as Creator, God can do whatever is right and will bring glory to Himself. He is serious about obedience. We do have some specific examples, even from the New Testament, of people who tested God, and He took their lives.

In Acts 5, husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira promised to God and the Apostles that they were giving a certain amount to God; but they kept some of it back. God took their lives, right then and there, because they said they were worshipping God in one way, but lied and did something else. The Apostle Peter said to them, before they were struck down:

Acts 5:4 – “…Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
In I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul said that some who had died, were dead because they dishonored God in the taking of communion:

I Corinthians 11:30 – “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.”

We have to be careful, here, to try to figure out how God is doing this, and when. We will not be able to do it, so don’t even try. Not every disease or “bad” thing that happens is a judgment from God; and to call things a judgment that God doesn’t call a specific judgment is very dangerous. We don’t have to live in fear that any sin might push God over the edge that He would kill us. In fact, if you are that concerned about God and that sensitive to wanting to please Him, then you are not in an attitude of rebellion. Well, how is it that we can apply this part to life?

SO WHAT?
· Establish a healthy Fear of the LORD

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge”

I know that it is popular, today, to think of the fear of the Lord, simply, as a respect for God. Respect is one aspect of it. But, we cannot take away, completely, that part of that respect is the type of respect you must have for fire. Fire is awesome and has many great uses. I’m afraid of it, so I don’t even like to light a candle. My family loves to make fun of me because of it.

However, you must respect the fire. Because, if you don’t, that same fire that is beautiful and warming in a fire place, that same fire that can cook your food and roast your marshmallows, is the same fire that can take your life, if you are not careful. God is the same way. He is beautiful and awesome and does so many great things in our lives. But, He is not to be tested, or played around with. He is to be respected, revered, feared in the right way.

So, are you willing to take the challenge, to apply Exodus 19 to your life, this week? It won’t be easy. You are going to need to think about it, probably, read it over, meditate on it, and pray. Then, unless you already know what He wants you to do, you will need to focus on specifically, how God wants you to apply His word, here in Exodus 19, to your life, and then follow through and do it.

In a couple of moments, we will be singing together in worship to this awe-inspiring, incomparable God. And let that singing, from your hearts, regardless of your voice, let that singing be your first response to God’s Word this morning. But, first, let me give you a moment to tell God, just between you and Him, of your commitment.

Let’s pray.

Do Hard Things

I don't know where I first heard of the book. It may have been seeing it at my brother's house last summer. Our youth pastor has been handing it out as well. But, this summer, I took the time to read it and discuss it with my teenage son and daughter. The book is entitled: Do Hard Things, and was co-authored by twin brothers, Alex and Brett Harris. I had read a book about dating from their older brother Joshua some years back. The sub-title of the book is: "A teenage rebellion against low expectations."

In their opening chapter, they ask some questions that gives you an idea of where they are headed:

• "Is it possible that even though teens today have more freedom than any other generation in history, we're actually missing out on some of the best years of our lives?
• Is it possible that what our culture says about the purpose and potential of the teen years is a lie and that we are its victims?
• Is it possible that or teen years give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for huge accomplishments - as individuals and as a generation?
• And finally, what would our lives look like if we set out on a different path entirely- a path that required more effort but promised a lot more reward?

We describe that alternative path with three simple words: 'do hard things'."

I enjoyed reading the book. Although it is directed mostly to teens, it motivated me to consider any limitations I might be living down do as well, at this stage of my life. I can remember my youth pastor giving me advice, as I graduated from high school: "Don't be limited by what others around you do or say. Look to make a difference for Christ, even if it may be a different path than most take or would encourage you to take." I was reminded of his words as I read this book.

As a former youth pastor, and now as a dad, I cannot rememer reading a better book, that was directed to teens, that also held up for them the standard of God and His Word, rather than the world around them. I was impressed with the heart of what I was reading. So, I had my son and daughter read the book as well and talk about it together. The other blessing came in hearing that there was a conference, based on the book, that was coming to Ohio. But, as I searched for it, I found there was a Do Hard things Conference in Chicago, IL, on the same weekend we were travelling back from Iowa to Ohio. I got on line and reserved 3 tickets.

The conference was excellent. I especially appreciated what their dad, Gregg Harris, had to say, as he shared the gospel, in a way that was pointed toward professing Christians who really weren't. It was a blessing to be present to hear that message, and then to see dozens of people stand up publicly and profess Jesus Christ as Lord. I never get tired of seeing and hearing that!

The information in the book and shared at the conference is what I think every Christian parent and pastor would want for their children and people of faith to hear. I highly recommend both. YOu already have the title of the book; but if you are interested in their website, go to:

www.therebelution.com

May God help you to do the hard things for His glory!

Greg

FATHER KNOWS BEST- a message

This message was preached at Grace Baptist Church in Westlake, OH on Father's Day, June 21, 2009. Most of the time, I do not preach a message just based on a holiday; and since I was in a series on Exodus, I noticed that it worked out quite nicely. The passage that fell on Father's Day had to do with Moses' Father-in-law giving him wise cousel on leadership. My dad has always been a source of wisdom for me as well; even as it relates to his example of life and leadership. I am thankful for a dad that loves God with all of his heart, and who can be trusted to give wise, biblical counsel. Thanks Dad! Now for the message:

FATHER KNOWS BEST
Exodus 18

Please open your Bible to Exodus 18. It is the 2nd book of the Bible, and if you are using the Bible in front of you, it is page 59.

In their book: Simple Church, Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger tell a fictional, but true to life story of Pastor Rush: Pastor Rush is on his way home from a conference on church ministry. He loved the time away, the challenging messages, and the extended times of prayer and worship. But he hates how he feels right now. The conference notebook sits on his lap filled with all that he learned and all that he wants to do. He wants to open it, but he can’t. He wants to think about the future, but his mind is filled with the details surrounding the rest of this week.

As the plane takes off, he only feels the weight of the responsibilities that await him. Somewhere between ten thousand and thirty thousand feet, he puts the notebook (and his dreams) in his bag. It is Wednesday afternoon. He feels a little guilty not being at the weekly visitation program last night. He feels more guilt for enjoying the night off. The Tuesday night visitation program was his baby, his paramount program, when he came to the church several years ago. It soon became the passion of many people in the church. He is grateful those people caught his passion and feels like a traitor for resenting the additional night away from home.

Tonight, he has to (wishes he wanted to) lead the prayer meeting at church. He tells himself he will share something God taught him in a personal devotion. By doing so, he will have time to return some phone calls before the prayer meeting. Experience tells him the messages on his desk and the e-mails on his computer will be many. He knows they are already there. The financial team is meeting after the prayer meeting, so he will not be home until after 9:00. He does not lead the meeting, but he needs to be there. Hopefully his kids will still be awake when he gets home.

Tomorrow morning he is having breakfast with one of the men on the church board. He does not know what it is about, but he thinks it will only add more to his mounting list of responsibilities. Then there is a staff meeting and maybe some hospital visits. Tomorrow night he and his wife are in a small group. He has recently encouraged everyone in the church to be in a small group, and he wants to lead by example. He genuinely loves the group when he gets there, and he wishes it did not feel burdensome. He asked each staff person to be in a small group and prays they don’t feel the same way he does right now.

He has little work done on his message for the upcoming Sunday morning worship services. He is in the middle of a series on relationships. He taught on relating to your spouse last week, and he longs to live out some of the practical principles he shared: date nights, picnics, and so forth. He wants to make that happen in some way this week. Friday night could work. He commits to pass on the invitation to attend one of the local high school sporting events. He knows that will disappoint one of the board members who has encouraged him to be more visible in the community.

Saturday afternoon, after his son’s ball game, he will spend much of the day on his message. It looks like another “Saturday night special” is in store for the Sunday morning crowd. This weekend he is going to speak on relating to lost neighbors. He wishes he had some personal stories to share, but life has just been so busy lately. He thinks of all the times he has pulled in the garage after late nights at church or church-related activities. He hasn’t met the new couple two doors down. He tells himself they just moved in a few weeks ago but then remembers it was six months ago, at least.

He knows that if he is not relating to his neighbors and inviting them to Christ and to church, he cannot ask his congregation to do so. He wrestles with changing his message, but he has already announced what he is going to preach. He shakes his head and slumps a little lower in the seat. He is tempted to witness to the person sitting next to him on the plane just to get a personal story for his message – nothing like a good airplane story to get a crowd going. He rebukes himself for the improper motivation. The passenger is asleep anyway. Must be nice.

Pastor Rush reaches back into his bag. He pushes the conference notebook aside and grabs a legal pad. He has the weekly staff meeting after his breakfast appointment. This will be the only time he has to prepare for it. He decides to keep it brief, jotting down only a few items to discuss. He knows there are some staff issues that need to be dealt with, but he does not have the time or emotional energy to raise them.

He begins to think about his message for Sunday night (which is different from Sunday morning). He has taken some criticism lately for the quality of his Sunday night messages. He understands why. They have been underdeveloped. He is trying to work on them earlier in the week, taking some of the time away from the Sunday morning message preparation.
This Sunday night there is a neighborhood block party. His wife will go while he is at church. He thinks, At least one of us knows our neighbors. Of course, people will wonder why she was not a church. The tension is mounting. He slumps deeper into the seat. He knows there has to be a better way. He knows it and continually admits it to himself and the Lord. But there is no time to discover it (whatever it may be), much less time to put it into action. Like other conferences, Pastor Rush was impressed but is coming home almost depressed.

During these times, Pastor Rush has disciplined himself to remember his calling into ministry. When he was in his early twenties, he committed his life to vocational ministry. He mentally goes back to those days when he wrestles with his career path. God had given him an unquenchable passion for the church, for the Word, and for people. He knew God had set him apart to serve the church. He still does. He still has a deep burden. The nagging in his heart to make disciples through the ministry of the local church is still there. That conviction has not wavered, only grown. But he knows so many things have been placed beside it, even on top of it.
Yet, he is in this for people. At thirty thousand feet, Pastor Rush is thinking of people in his church. He is praying and thinking. Some tough questions are emerging. Are the people in his church being transformed? Is his church making real disciples, the kind of disciple Jesus made? Or is everyone just busy?

I have included the information about this book on the back of your outline in case you are interested in it. We have gained many ideas for our discipleship plan from the principles in this book. The story that I just read probably makes the most sense to those of you in vocational ministry; but perhaps you know what it is like, in your own areas of life, to be very busy, but not sure that you are accomplishing the most important things in those areas and relationships.
In our passage from Exodus this morning, I want to be careful to follow the Word of God’s direction, as it relates to these stories in Exodus:

Romans 15:4 – “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

So, with that understood, I am not just going to focus on pastors this morning, although it certainly applies to us. I want to talk about leadership, and the example of leadership wisdom that Exodus 18 affords us. Whether you are a leader of a business, a team, a group, a church or a family…whether you are in a position to give counsel and wisdom to someone who leads…or whether you are in a position to be a great servant, a worker, a helper, a support to leaders, this is for all of us. Your challenge this morning is to find out, with God’s help, how He wants you to apply what you are about to hear. Let’s jump into our text this morning:

Exodus 18:1-4 - “Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home, 3along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, ‘I have been a sojourner in a foreign land’), 4and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, ‘The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh’).”

Somehow, Moses’ father-in-law received a report of all the great things God had been doing for Moses and God’s people, as they were delivered from Egypt. Moses’ wife and children had been sent to be with Jethro for a time. And here, we are given their names and reasons for their names: Gershom, to be a reminder that Moses had been led by God to Egypt; and then Eliezer, to be a constant reminder that God had helped Moses and delivered Him from Pharaoh. We should not just ignore that fact that God wanted us to consider these names and their significance. This leads us into a recounting of what God had just previously done for Moses and His people. In your notes:

Dad’s visit reunited the family and God’s glory was recounted

Exodus 18:5-7 – “Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6And when he sent word to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her," 7Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.”

So, the time was right to reunite the family and Jethro brought with him Moses’ wife and children. They were reunited at this place that would be prominent now and in the future: recognized as the mountain of God. Jethro sent word that he was coming, and once he arrived, there was respect paid, an embrace and they began to re-acquaint themselves.

Exodus 18:8,9 – “Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. 9And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.”

Perhaps you know what it is like when family is re-united, especially after some incredible events had taken place in life. Think of the things that Moses and the people of Israel had just been through. Moses was able to recount the glory of God, through the stories we have been reading.

Moses told Jethro, in detail about:
· Each of the 10 plagues, and how God’s glory was revealed, even by having control over Egypt’s leader, Pharaoh. He told him about:
· How they walked right out of Egypt, with the Egyptians telling them to go, with favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, and with the Egyptians livestock and valuables. It was incredible. Not only that:
· After they left Egypt, God led them to the Red Sea, and allowed the Egyptian army to pursue them. He told him how the people grumbled, complained, and thought they were going to die. But, once again, God performed miracles and divided the Red Sea – allowing His people to walk across on dry ground, and then bringing the sea back on top of the pursuing Egyptian army, killing them all. This led to a praise song, on behalf of Moses and all of Israel. He explained how God had been leading them:

· In a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. I’m sure he told his father-in-law:
· How soon after that, they went into the wilderness and had no water; and how tough it was for Moses, as the people grumbled and complained against him. But, God showed him a log, he tossed it in, and they had drinking water again! Then:
· They got hungry, and once again complained against Moses, which means they were really complaining against God. But, God in His mercy provided quail at night and this very strange “bread from Heaven”, Manna, each morning. He told Jethro about how God provided it and how the LORD set up the 7th day, as the Sabbath, a day of rest. And I’m sure he brought his father-in-law up to date, by telling him about:

· How recently, they were without water, once again, the people complained, once again, and God provided a miracle, once again. He brought water from a rock this time! And no doubt, Moses recounted how God’s glory was revealed:
· By defeating the army of Amalek, and using Moses’ raised arms, assisted by Aaron and Hur, to defeat them. What a story that must have been!
So, after Moses told his father-in-law about all that God had done:
Dad responded to God’s glory by leading in worship

Exodus 18:10-12 – “Jethro said, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people." 12And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”

What we have here, is a priest from Midian, who has seen and heard of what God has done; and that causes him to worship the one and only true God. Many years later, God would use his prophet Nehemiah, to restore proper worship of Him. Listen to Nehemiah’s prayer, as he recounts these very stories that Moses told Jethro about; and how it led to worship of God:

Nehemiah 9:9-15 – “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted arrogantly against our fathers. And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day. And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on dry land, and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into mighty waters. By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go. You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statues and commandments, and you made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them commandments and statues and a law by Moses your servant. You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.”

· He gave praise to God for delivering Israel from Egypt. This priest from Midian gave praise to the LORD, because He was the One who had delivered Israel from Egypt and its King, Pharaoh
· He came to see that Jehovah God (LORD) was greater than all other gods, as the LORD overcame the arrogance of Egypt and the harshness in which they treated His people
· He offered a burnt offering to show respect for the LORD
· He shared a fellowship offering with the leaders of Israel, in worship of the true God

There are many examples in Scripture, of men who were leadership positions, originally opposed to God, but then after experiencing God and His works, they began to worship him. It was true of Jethro, this priest of Midian; and later, it would be true of the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzzar himself. As an incredible example of how God’s work can change a heart, listen to:

Daniel 4:37- “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
It was in this context of hearing all that God had done, and then worshipping the one and only true God, that God now uses Jethro to strengthen Moses’ leadership and pave the way for a more effective ministry in the future. In your notes:

Dad gave wise counsel in order to glorify God
This is where we are going to spend the rest of our time, looking at the different parts of this counsel, and considering what it has to do with us.

Exodus 18:13,14 – “The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” First:

· He recognized a problem
Wisdom allows you to see things that others might not be able to see. That is the first step, really. It is being able to recognize that something seems off, not quite right. Now, I should tell you, to be fair, that this wisdom is not just a personality style or comes naturally. Wisdom is given by God and comes with the right response to Him. Listen to what He says about it:
Proverbs 1:7 – “How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the LORD.”

Jethro had come to trust in the LORD; and it was the LORD who gave him this wisdom. And through his father-in-law, the LORD was going to pass this wisdom onto Moses. But, after recognizing there was some sort of problem, he asked Moses this question about why he was doing what he was doing. In other words, he did the next important step, rather than just talking and condemning.
· He gathered the information
Exodus 18:15,16 – “And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.”

Jethro asked, and Moses explained that this is how it happens. There wasn’t any real why explanation here; except to say that this is what they always did. In Deuteronomy 34:10, Moses was called a prophet. The people saw Moses as a special representative of God, who could solve their disputes and tell them what God has to say.
Even before the law of God was given, there were regulations God had given, that laid out how they were to live in community and how to honor Him. Even way back with Abraham, there were such statues and laws:

Genesis 26:5 – “Because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
So, in the context of the difficulties and disputes that the people of Israel faced, Moses taught them what God had to say. This was certainly a good thing. But, as Jethro recognized, this was a problem. From morning until night, the people were just standing around, waiting for their time with Moses, and Moses could do nothing else, but settle disputes all day.

Charles Schulz, the cartoonist of the Peanuts, in his book “I Take My Religion Seriously” drew a strip of a boy wearing a long coat that has pins and brooches cluttering the right side of the coat. He explained his awards to an admirer who was staring in disbelief at his pins: "These are perfect attendance pins - Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Youth leader training, men’s brotherhood, youth work night, men’s work night, youth missions, youth recreation, vacation Bible school, Bible camp, youth Bible camp, city youth camp, country youth camp, state youth camp, international youth camp, and choir practice.” And he added, “I haven’t been home in three months!"

The temptation is to listen to someone recount how they are burning themselves out through working on good things, and honor them. Moses was certainly doing what he thought was best. But, instead of honoring him or telling him to continue on that path, his wife father-in-law pointed out the problem and then gave some solutions.

Exodus 18:17,18 – “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. 18You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.”

He spelled out problems (dangers):
· You are headed for burnout
· You will tire out the people [who must wait for your availability]
· You cannot do this alone
Jethro knew that it was important that Moses, Israel’s human leader, remain refreshed and able to lead. If he got worn out or was wasting his energy on things that could be done by others, he would not only hurt himself but the entire nation. He probably also had a personal concern, that if Moses burned out, it might cause extra heartache for his daughter Zipporah and his two grandsons.

Even once the new system was set up, life and leadership was very difficult for Moses. There were many things he faced, with the people of Israel, and eventually, their complaining got to him. Look to what Moses eventually said to God, in order to get an idea as to what extent the pressures built up in Moses:

Numbers 11:14,15 – “I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will…kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”
Jethro knew what could happen; and so he called on Moses to give him his attention and to follow his instructions. This is a biblical principle: to listen to our parents, or those whom God has given responsibility to guide us, in order to gain wisdom. Granted, Moses was old enough to go his own way if he chose; but if he wanted God’s wisdom, he would listen to what Jethro had to say.

By the way, for all of you who are children out there, and what God’s wisdom. Here is what God’s Word says:

Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and mother…”
Proverbs 1:8 – “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”

Proverbs 1:7 – “…fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Do you want wisdom from God? Then, listen to the wisdom God has given your parents, even if you are not so sure about it. Here is what Jethro told Moses:

Exodus 18:19,20 – “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.”

He gave some solutions:
· Keep serving by bringing cases to God and reminding the people of God’s ways

This was not to change. He should go to God with the difficult decisions he has to make; and he should keep teaching the people what God has to say. The judicial process was necessary.

Warren Wiersbe writes: “Judicial codes are necessary for order and security in society, but they always have to be interpreted, even if they come from the Lord. Later, the priests would assist in this task; but the priesthood hadn’t yet been established. From the time of Ezra, the scribes become the students and interpreters of the law.”

This is what Moses did, and he honored God by teaching the people what was right. As they were getting ready, 40 years later, to enter the promised land, Moses was able to say this:

Deuteronomy 4:5 – “See, I have taught you statues and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”

Moses was the people’s representative before God. He would constantly be bringing issues to God that concerned the people of Israel. At the same time, he was to be continually teaching the people God’s ways and how to follow and honor Him. That was to remain constant. But, this would be new:

Exodus 18:21,22 – “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.”

Making decisions is something that was a heavy burden on Moses; but it is something we all have to deal with, in our own areas of responsibility. Today is Father’s Day, and certainly fathers, husbands, have to make many key decisions. I read about how a husband and his wife decided how decisions would be made in the household; and the husband took the leadership.
He said: “My wife and I have an agreement that works. She is responsible for the small decisions, I’m responsible for the big ones. This means that she decides things like what we eat, where we live, how we decorate, where to take our next vacation, the make and model of our next car, and the construction budget for adding on the new family room. I decide whether or not the President should extend most favored nation trading status to China, how high the Federal Reserve should raise short term interest rates, and the timetable for eliminating CFC’s from automobile air conditioners.

It is interesting how different families, businesses and churches come to make decisions. In ministries like the one Moses had, he had the incredible burden of listening, day and night, to all the people’s problems and making decisions. Jethro, in his wisdom, had a better way. He said:

· Appoint men, full of integrity, to judge for the people
These couldn’t just be volunteers. These had to be men that Moses could trust. They were not to get involved in the politics of matters and misuse any power. They were to justly judge and relieve some of the burden off of their leader, Moses. There is military language, of that day, used here, in talking about having officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They would hear civil type cases for groups of people.

In later years, once Israel was divided as a nation, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah brought the people back to the LORD; and talked about how he used this wisdom from Jethro:

II Chronicles 19:5-7 – “He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”

Those were the kind of judges that Jethro told Moses he needed: those who would listen to God; and not make decisions selfishly. In verse 22, Jethro said that this would make it easier on Moses.The word translated easier means “to take cargo from a ship.” In other words, it lightens the load.

The system Jethro was suggesting was this: For every ten people, there would be a judge to handle their civil issues. If that judge could not solve it, there was also the judge over 50, the judge over 100 or the judge over 1,000. And if none of them could handle a particular issue, then, and only then, it was brought to Moses for a final decision.
The problem that Jethro recognized is a problem that has continued for Centuries, and effects many leaders today.

This story was found in U.S. News and World Report in December of 1994 and in Newsweek in March of 1995. The fatigue that Neil Rudenstine suffered when he was 59 and the president of Harvard University in the mid-90s was a firm reminder of man’s limitations and frailties. For three years, since he became the school’s president, he methodically raised $1 million a day for a school that was already flushed with a $4 billion endowment, the largest of any private university in America.

Rudenstine was passionate about big and small things. Besides spending twelve hours a day on a demanding job, he fretted banquet menus, argued about his $10-15 medical co-payment, and wrote notes to the football coach, the school newpaper’s editors, staff and dorm house masters. One morning in November, he overslept, couldn’t go to work, and was diagnosed with “severe fatigue and exhaustion.” The directors insisted he took an indefinite leave of absence to recover from severe weariness from exertion. The university president did not return not only the next seven days or the next seven weeks, but the next seven months, until June the next year. He revealed that he recuperated by listening to music, reading books and sunning in the Caribbean.

D.L. Moody said: “I would rather put 10 men to work than do the work of 10 men.”

One great biblical example of this from the New Testament is found in Acts 6. The Apostles, who were the pastors and spiritual leaders at the beginning of the church, were responsible to teach and preach God’s Word and spend time in prayer. But, there were so many other needs in the church, especially as it concerned the needy and the widow. So, God directed them, the spiritual leaders, to continue doing what was most important for the people’s spiritual growth; but to have the church find men of integrity, who could help care for the widows and other needs that might arise. Many believe that this is how the servant position of deacon became established in the church. But, the principle of spreading the care of people among those who are seeking God’s wisdom, is something that every ministry should put into action. And Jethro continues with the benefits for following His suggestions:
Exodus 18:23 – “If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace."
· Follow through for God’s direction, endurance and peace
Exodus 18:24-27 – “So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. 27Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.”
Moses and Israel followed Jethro’s advice. And I believe, that is one major reason we read later, that Moses was able to continue in strength and energy, in serving God, all the way until his death:

Deuteronomy 34:7 – “Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated.”
You may need some time this week to really think this through, but let me go ahead and give you some suggestions for how to apply this to your life and our ministry into the coming days:

SO WHAT?
[In the midst of a busy life],
1. Take time to worship God for who He is and what He has done
Just like with Moses, we are certainly very busy. But, Jethro gave us a great example to follow, that might be how God wants you to apply this passage to life. He heard and saw what God did, and even though he had been trained to believe in and worship dead gods, this led Him to praising the one and only true God. Perhaps you have been overlooking all the great things God has done in your life; and you need to focus your praise and thanks to Him.
2. Seek out wisdom in the authorities God has placed in your life

3. Do your part to relieve ministry burdens off of others

When you get involved in ministry and offer to give or your time, energy and experience or talents, you are honoring God by serving others, including your leaders.

4. Train others and spread the burden of ministry to other servants

This is why we have deacons, Life Group leaders, Ministry Team leaders and Adult Bible Fellowship Leaders, as well as many others who serve in ministry. The idea, that comes from the Bible, is that the pastors are not to do all the work of the ministry, but to focus on the key elements God has called them to do. Instead, they are to equip others to do the work that they can do, to serve God. We have many here at Grace, that serve faithfully in these roles. It is a great blessing to Steve and I as pastors, and it allows us to care for and serve those who attend this church and others in our community.

If you serve in a ministry, find someone to come alongside of you, that you can train to serve in or lead that ministry in the future. Be a part of multiplying leaders and servants for God. That is the way of wisdom. So, consider these 4 suggestions for application; or come up with your own. But, let me ask you, in just a moment, to take some time to pray and consider applying one thing to your life, from God’s Word today. ..even if it is just taking a small step in that direction. What is God asking you to do?

During World War II, a church building in Strasbourg was destroyed. After the bombing, the members surveyed the area to see what damage was done. They were pleased that a statue of Christ with outstretched hands was still standing… because it had been sculpted centuries before by a great artist.Taking a closer look however, the people discovered both hands of Christ had been sheared off by a falling beam. It seemed like a great tragedy at the time.Some time later, a sculptor in the town offered to replace the broken hands as a gift to the church; but the church leaders refused. They had had long enough seeing the statue that way that they realized the damage done to Christ actually symbolized a powerful teaching from Scripture. They were called to serve God with all their hearts; but if they didn’t do their part, Christ had no hands. They said that the statue had taught them that the work of Christ had been given to them.
We are going to close by singing a song of prayer to God, asking Him to lead us. But, first, let’s take a moment of silent prayer, so that you can tell God what your response is to His Word this morning. Let’s pray.