To Know Jehovah-Mekeddeshem

The love of God is the easiest thing to talk about.  How amazed we are that God loved us so much that He gave Himself for us.  Despite all the talk about the love of God, there is a tendency for many to disregard one of God’s most important attribute: holiness.  Mike Taylor said “God's holiness and our sinfulness are the backdrop against which God's love is seen.”  In the Old and New Testament, God has implicitly stated that He is holy and unquestionably revealed in various circumstances that He is holy.  During the fall of man, God paints a beautiful picture of His holiness and love.  It was His holiness that served as the reason for the punishment, but His love clothed their nakedness with animal skins.  Oh what a beautiful picture of Calvary.  It was the holiness of God that demanded a punishment for our sins, but it was His love that provided the sacrifice.  Holiness hung Christ on the cross, but love provided the blood to cover our sins.  God is holy but in turn He expects us to be as well.  For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:45).  How can we, sinful creations expect to obtain holiness?  Due to man’s original disobedience to God sin has been inherited and passed down through the generations.  The Bible teaches us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23).  If the Pharisees who prayed longer prayers, performed extra washings, and followed the law above and beyond what was required, then how can we expect to be holy?  Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. (Exodus 31:13)  Jehovah-Mekeddeshem, the Lord our Sanctifier, shows that holiness is not something we can do for ourselves, but God does within us. The word “sanctifies” means “to be clean or to set apart”.  Only through His sacrifice and only through His work can we be made clean.  The blood which he shed on the cross of Calvary is a cleaning agent that washes away the filth of our sins.  It is important to maintain a close relationship with God, because once redemption occurs, the world will throw everything it has at us.  That is the way Satan works.  He wants us to disregard and ignore our personal practice of sanctification.  Only God has the strength and the ability to help us overcome that.  Sanctification is not a mere one-time event but an everyday achievement.  Only God is able to help us with that.  The practice of sanctification comes from reading and obeying His word.  And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you. (Leviticus 20:8)  The word of God is more than just joyful promises, it is also just precepts which helps to improve our everyday relationship with God and fellow man.  It is often said, “We are in the world, but we are not of the world”.  It is only through the practice of sanctification in which that statement can ring true in our lives.  Only God can help us.  He has provided the way.  He has provided the work.  But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth (II Thessalonians 2:13).  His Spirit works within us.  It helps to mold us and shape in more and more into His image each day.  It prepares us to be the final product for the great reveal.  God is holy.  He requests that we spend each day working towards holiness and sanctification.  Only He is able to that, as long as we are willing.  If only we are motivated to be more like Him instead of more like the world, then and only then can we make a positive impact by not just what we say, but by having a life to back it up.

To Know Jehovah-Sabboath

It was a discomforting Sunday.  On my way to church that morning I was enduring a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen.  I could not find the necessary position, whether sitting or lying, that would alleviate this pain.  After Sunday School I was taken to the doctor only to be diagnosed with appendicitis.  That evening after surgery, as I was coping with the effects of the anesthesia, I saw a group of people. In my blurry vision, my mother was holding my hand, my father was beside her smiling, and there were a few from my church surrounding them, and then there was one in the back.  I did not know this one.  She had a smile that was so calming.  There was an aura about her that seemed unreal.  She was wearing a nurse’s uniform.  I only saw her one other time afterwards that night.  It was during an intense phase of excruciating pain due to the surgical scars.  She came into the room after hearing my groans.  She pulled the blanket up to my neck and touched my forehead.  The pain subsided.  No one remembers this person.  The nurses in the following days did not know who I was talking about and my description did not match anyone they knew or worked with.  Was it possible?  In my time of pain and need that God, the Lord of hosts, sent me an angel?  O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Psalm 84:12)   Jehovah-Sabboath, the Lord of Hosts, is said to be God’s “military” name.  The more we discover the name Jehovah-Sabboath, the more God reveals that in life’s battles and circumstances, we are not alone.  There are others.  Angels.  For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.  (Psalm 91:11).  They are ministers who do His will.  Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word, bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.  (Psalm 103:20-21)  The Jehovah God, omnipotent Creator, is the Lord of them.  Angels have been found in the course of Christian history performing the works of wonders at His bidding.  It was an angel who shut up the mouths of lions for Daniel after he was cast into their pit.  It was an angel who helped free Peter from prison after the intercessory prayers of God’s people on his behalf was offered up.  It was an angel who ministered to Paul in the midst of a storm.  In a society that sensationalizes angels and the stories of their visits, we must carefully discern that which is genuine from that which is embellished and know that God, the Lord of hosts still is at work today on our behalf in using His angels to carry out His purpose in our lives.  We must be careful to not worship those ministers of Heaven, for they are just a creation, but to aim our worship higher and that is towards the Creator.  We must not look for angels in each day, but to look to God.  Angels were present with Mary when they revealed to her that she was to be with child.  Angels were present when they shouted gloriously the news which announced the Savior’s birth.  Angels were present and announced to grieving followers that the Jesus they were looking for was not there, but in fact alive and risen indeed.  Angels were present and announced to the disciples in awe after witnessing the ascension of their Savior that in the way He left, He would also return.  There are angels among us.  It is this truth which should motivate us to treat others with love and mercy, ready to open our hearts and homes to them, even the strangest of strangers, for in fact they could be angels in disguise.  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)  We are not alone.  The God we serve, who pours out His blessings, has given His angels to us to minister to us in our time of need.  Whatever the battles we fight, the trials we endure, the storms we face, we are not fighting alone.  Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”  And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” hen the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?” And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.” And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.” Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  (II Kings 6:8-17)   In fact, we do not have to fight those battles.  It is verse 17 that gives me comfort.  And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  (II Kings 6:17)  Give those battles to God, He has a way of fighting them for you.

To Know Jehovah-Shalom

Hurricane Floyd roared ashore on September 16, 1999.  It was the last hurricane I endured while in North Carolina.  The storm in the days ahead was ferocious and many people had feared the worse as it caused the largest evacuation at the time.  I took up shelter at the church’s gymnasium and listened to the frightful winds blow vehemently against the sides.  The power had long gone out and the only source of sight was the brief flashes of lightning that silhouetted the horizon.  I could make out the trees bending beneath the power of the gale force winds and the wind-driven rain had turned the parking lot into a raging river.  Through it all, I was dry and calm.  Though the storm raged beyond the walls of the gymnasium, inside was a tranquil scene.  Families gathered for card games beside their battery operated lanterns.  Children shared stories and jokes as their laughter permeated above the sounds of the raging storm outside.  Men and women of various ages gathered to tell tales and share memories, while their faces glowed by the soft candlelight highlighting their radiant smiles.  Peace.  Often when a significant event happens in the life of a Israelite, they would build an altar for worship and remembrance.      Gideon built an altar for the Lord had promised him peace and endurance for the task that he had been befitted for.  He called it Jehovahshalom – the Lord is peace.  Gideon’s peace is a result of his faith.  Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face.”  Then the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:22-24).  The peace God offers is not necessarily without, but within.  Paul in the midst of a raging storm was the epitome of peace and comfort.  And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.   For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,  saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’  Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. (Acts 27:22-25).  Paul’s comfort and peace like Gideon’s was a result of his faith.  How can we have peace?  Only through God.  We can have peace in our journeys knowing that God will protect us.  Much like Daniel in the lion’s den, we are surrounded by an engaging enemy and his forces who threaten to shake our very faith.  Their agenda is to dissuade you and to discourage you.  Like David we can walk with peace knowing that God is watching us.  I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8).  The world is filled with violent rage.  The world cannot give us peace.  It does not have peace to offer.  But Jesus, our redeeming Savior, through His life, death, and resurrection gives us a peace the world could never understand.  It is a peace so personal and divine that stills our very soul amid the troubled waters.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)  It is through Him that we have peace with God.  His sacrifice for our sins provides a covering that turns back sin’s clouding of our union with Him.  Peace.  His peace.  It is given to us when we humbly bow on bended knees with a contrite and worshipful heart.  It fills us.  It comforts us.  It reassures us.  It enables us.  Instead of fretting over your burdens that you carry, give it over to God, He will replace it with peace, comfort, and assurance.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).  The peace He offers is lighter than any burden we bear.  Come those who are weary and heavy hearted.  Come to Jesus, let Him take your burdens.  He is peace and He offers peace, won’t you take it?

To Know Jehovah-Nissi

Francis Scott Key wrote a timeless song still sung with eager interest in the greatest of venues and the smallest of gatherings.  It was written after the attack on Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy.  The barrage of bombs rained upon the occupants of that embattled fort, but yet they fought with every ounce of strength they could muster.  During the overnight hours, the troops flew a smaller “storm flag” but it was not until morning before Key who watched from another ship would be able to know the result of this invasion at night.  As dawn broke the darkness, Key saw a large flag flying where the smaller flag once flew.  The colors were the same.  The stars and stripes still remained.  Victory was won and the “star-spangled banner” announced that “Old Glory” still lives to fight another day.  In the documented battle against the Amalekites, the momentum of the battle was determined by Moses’ lifting of his hands.  When Moses’s hands were raised, the momentum was on the side of the Israelites.  Momentum was shifted in the other direction when his hands were not raised.  And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (Exodus 17:11).  After the battle was over, the Israelites were victorious, and Moses built an altar at the site of the battle.  And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner (Exodus 17:15).  When an occupying army wins a victory, they raise their flag to signify that victory was theirs.  The Israelites built altars.  It served as a reminder of what had been accomplished in that land.  As Moses named the altar, he gave credit where credit is due.  His hands had nothing to do with the outcome of the battle.  The warriors chosen for battle had nothing to do with the victory.  Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord is our banner.  Under the blanketed protection of God, fueled by His power, resting on His promises, the children of Israel marched in to battle with assurance that victory was theirs.  Oh why, do we often act like victims, when with God on our side, we are victors.  Too often, I find myself guilty of looking in the back of an intense novel in which I am so engrossed in just to make sure the character endures to the end and finds the happy ending.  I have done that often for the Bible and each time, the results stay the same.  These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14)  By the grace of God, we shall have the victory.  God did not call us to follow Him to lose, God called us to follow Him so that we can win.  In Jesus, our faith in Him, gives us the victory.  If you are losing, the problem is you are fighting the battle.  That’s not what God intended.  God intended for you to give Him the battle to fight for you.  Much like Christ died on the cross for you, God desires you to entrust your battles to Him.  Let Him help you.  Yes, the world will throw a barrage of its weaponry at us, but in Jesus we have an overcomer.  The world threw a cross at Him, but he rolled a stone back.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  With this promise of victory, there should be expressions of joy and happiness in our actions and attitude.  When people view us, they need to see us as victors.  This assurance of victory should motivate us to worship and adoration of a victorious risen Savior and a merciful God who empowers and enables you to achieve and to maintain victory in your life.  Are you a follower?  Then you are a Conqueror!  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)  Do you have faith in Him?  Then you are an overcomer!  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.  (I John 5:4).  Our challenge is to let the world know it and let the world see it but also to inform them that they also can have it.