Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

You must distinguish between the Holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. Leviticus 10:10 (Chapters 8-10)

God has placed Himself at the very center, the heart of the Jewish nation. There is now a place of worship, forgiveness and atonement. Moses has acted as Israel’s priest, the mediator between God and man, but now God ordains a Hereditary order from the tribe of Levi. Priests will begin with Aaron and his sons. They will be supported by tithes and sacrifices.

At the center of life for this migrant nation is an unceasing fire of sacrifice. The perpetual glow is to remind people of their propensity to return to sinfulness but also, God’s gift of opportunity to seek reconciliation with Him. These blood sacrifices point to an age long picture and plan for the final, perfect, first born, The Christ. The New Testament book of Hebrews ties the priesthood and the sacrifice together clearly as, Jesus, Lamb of God.

In Chapter 10 there is an accounting of two of Aaron’s sons who were highhanded with God’s ordinances and decided to do things their way. They were swiftly put to death by the same fire that led the Hebrew children, the fire of God’s presence. God’s holiness demands respect from those who believe. His commands and gospels are meant to be obeyed, not tailored or distorted to fit man’s fancy or convenience. We are called to be uncommon, Holy. It is possible, because what God demands, He provides.

Love,

Gretchen

My world is full of billboards, memes and catchphrases. Even in the room where I sleep there are inspirational quotes, beautifully etched, framed and hung, by me!  I awake each morning and see the words, “It is well with my soul.” I have to admit, sometimes I wonder if it really is.

The things I surround myself with, people, music, work, travel, the aesthetics of my home, are purposeful.  I avoid conflict, (really mom, I promise I do!) so I detour around toxic relationships. My personal world reflects my search for rest and peace, but it is my mind that is the intermittent enemy. I cannot stow it away for the period of time it haunts me with negativity and tells me I am not good enough and that I fail in every aspect of my best efforts.  Where and when did my consciousness become a traitor? I do not know, but I do know some other stuff, so keep reading.

Depression, occasional or chronic, is ugly.  It doesn’t eat away healthy tissue or shut down organs, but it wears and tears away the soul, the most intimate part of life, until there is nothing left. Then…….… 

‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  “Peace Out.” “Get your big girl panties on!” “Chill!” “Too blessed to be stressed.” And so it goes, on and on and on……find your superhuman power, you can do it! I’m guilty of quoting, and wearing, these phrases. They are not septic to our society, except that we have never, EVER, been asked to strong. WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL. Strong and faithful are not the same, one is born of the other.

Following the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sent the disciples to Gennesarat, across the Sea of Galilee, while he gave Himself some prayer time. During the night a storm stirred up waves and Jesus saw the vessel struggling to make headway against the wind. He went out to them, but they mistook Him for a ghost. Jesus spoke, “Take courage, it is I.” In a moment of great terror, not strength, the disciple Peter asked for proof and stepped into the turbulent water. Upon realizing his predicament, he began to sink. Peter immediately cried out to Jesus and he was saved. He walked across water…..only because Jesus held his hand. (Matthew 14:22-33) Jesus’ supreme and divine power were demonstrated this night so the disciples would believe. God wants you to believe also, and He wants you to know that your need is His concern.

Strength is found in faithfulness, a steadfast determination to know that The Almighty God is at work in your life. The world teaches the opposite, so we refuse to cry out because we must be strong. God longs for you to call to Him so He can answer back. When you are not capable, remember, God alone spoke the world into order. When you cannot make peace, get some rest and allow God’s perfect justice and timing to be enough. Jesus thought you worth saving, so He died to prove it. God is faithful and will take care of your defeats with His strength.

You are more that a cute phrase on a t-shirt or fancy font in neon. Jesus came across the lake because He saw man’s need. Step out of the boat and let the victor over sin and death take your hand….every time…..all day, every day……do not quit calling, asking, crying out and stepping out to the divine strength awaiting.

Love,

Gretchen

He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. Leviticus 1:4 (Chapter 1-7)

The opposite of ‘Holy’ is ‘common’.  The characteristics of Holiness are revealed in Leviticus.  God promised to dwell in the midst of the Israelites, but there are conditions to existing in close proximity to God.  In Exodus, God set boundaries for His ‘set apart people.’ This close relationship means a life of obedience and faith and sin must be dealt with. God gives detailed instructions on these procedures.

The burnt offering symbolized the total dedication of the offerer.  By laying a hand on the sacrifice, the animals blood becomes ‘substitutionary’ for the worshipper. A grain offering is made for renewal and rededication to the Lord.  Peace offerings were made when reconciliation occurred with the Lord and communion resumed. In Love, God provided protections from our negligence with sin/purification offerings and finally, the guilt offering allowed compensation for damages to be made between men, neighbor to neighbor. 

Some things change. The ‘new covenant’ through the blood of Jesus supersedes this Old Testament Law. Yet, God is Holy and requires Holiness from those who follow Him. This is constant throughout time. Jesus quoted from this book, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (19:18) Holiness is found in justice and love.  We have all sinned, but God doesn’t leave us there.  He didn’t then, He doesn’t now.

Love,

Gretchen

So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the could by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels. Exodus 40:38 (Chapters 35-40)

A nation has been born. Now it is time to build God’s home in their midst.  These final chapters of the Exodus narrative tell the detailed labor of building God’s tabernacle, or God’s dwelling place at the center of everyday life. 

This primitive, yet elaborate, home for Israel’s Lord, had purpose and still has relevant meaning to Christians today. The Tent faced the east. The Holy of Holies was the sacred place of the Ark.  The Ark held the Tablets of Testimony, a jar of manna and Aaron’s staff. The Israelites knew this Ark was the place where Law and Mercy came together. The Holy place contained a table of gratitude for God’s provision, a candlestick representing the community, and the Altar of incense signifying perpetual prayer. A veil separated the Holy of Holies, God’s Throne, and the Holy place, man’s waiting room.  At the crucifixion this veil was torn and the door to God’s presence was finally, freely open to man. There was a basin for washing, the foreshadowing of Baptism and an altar for burnt offerings. Man’s access to God is through the shed BLOOD of atonement.

God is not haphazard, wasteful of our time and energy, or trite and small of heart.  He intends for His people to worship Him alone and He will be their government, Provider, Protector, Judge, Justice, source of Hope and eternal existence.

The determination of God to dwell with us is His love manifested in action. We can not ask for more than this.  He is worthy of Praise.

Love,

Gretchen

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Exodus 34:1 (Chapter 34 with a few references to 33)

Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai with God.  During this time God laid out the architecture for His covenant nation. But then there was the issue of a stiff necked people, some fear and impatience and a party to celebrate a little, inanimate object.  In anger, the work of God’s hand was destroyed.

The offensive idol was melted down, crushed into powder and cast upon water. Moses told the people to drink the gold dust sprinkled aqua.  Once that precious metal entered their digestive systems there was only one exit.  Yes, indeed, that little cow became glittering poop (something to consider when you put worldly things above God). Now, God called Moses to chisel out two more tablets and return to the mountain. Once again, the Law was inscribed on stone, along with specifications for worship, but there is a new dynamic.  God’s radiance is seen in Moses.

God didn’t make Moses, or anyone else, piece His broken work together again. Much commentary and historical artwork depicts a distraught Moses, but that is not the point of this story. God makes all things NEW! Not broken then fixed like a holy Humpty Dumpty. Tomorrow is a NEW day because God specializes in NEW things. You are a NEW creature in Christ, (II Corinthians 5:17) not ‘new and improved with a little wear and tear’. Finally, the presence of God leaves one better for the experience.  There is a standing invitation, just turn and face the Son.

Love,

Gretchen

    

“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Exodus 33:13-14 (Chapter 33)

This chapter gets personal. Moses reaches out to God, not just on behalf of the people he leads, but for the wellbeing of his own strength and soul. Exhausted from the drama of discontent, fear and restless sinfulness, Moses wants more than the skills needed to guide these people in covenant keeping. He longs to be a man, in the likeness of God, who can lead a Holy nation. 

There is a profound difference in knowing who God is and acknowledging His mind boggling character, that loves with out reservation, defines justice and forgives and forgets because He wants to, and choosing to be molded in His images once again.  It was freewill that brought man down, and freewill that brings us back to the creation God made and said was good.

Seek God’s favor and you will find rest.

Love,

Gretchen

And he took the calf they had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it.  Exodus 32:20 (Chapter 32)

The Hebrew children were very quick to return to the past when they felt they had been abandoned.  It was only six weeks since they made a pledge to be God’s people when they begged to replicate an idol, the bull, a principal god of Egypt. They broke the very first commandment.

Moses, gravely aware of the catastrophe before him, threw down the tablets written by the hand of God.  Knowing the end was near if he did not intervene, he stood before God, brave and heroic, and volunteered to give his life if forgiveness wasn’t an option. He is becoming like the God He trusts and worships with His whole being.

There were swift and severe consequences for the sin of these people. Death and eternal separation from God came immediately to those who refused to repent. However, God is long suffering and He never turns down an opportunity to forgive. Some things, such as man’s stiff necked evil, never change. Thank God! He never changes either!

Never Give Up,

Gretchen

They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. Exodus 29:46 (Chapters 25-31)

The Hebrew children had a grand inheritance. They were God’s chosen people, purposed to bless the entirety of mankind!  Except, they were a pretty ragtag group that left Egypt in the dark of night. Barely even a culture, God began to form a set apart people that would change the face of the earth.

Immediately following emancipation, God began Israel’s lessons in faith.  He protected and provided, teaching them what absolute trust and obedience looked like and the rewards it would precipitate.  Soon, God defined His Holy standards and set His covenant people on a course to their new cultural identity. Now, it is time to worship the One True God and seal the hope and promise that is in Him alone.

God gives Moses very specific instructions, the blue print of the Tabernacle that would become the center of Jewish national life and was the foreshadowing of the Christian faith. God is to have a home in the center of our lives. He will never leave or forsake those who trust in Him. The materials for this Tabernacle were those things given to Israel, by the Egyptians, on their flight to freedom. A long labor in slavery reaped a great reward.

The character of God is our standard bearer when faith is shaken and our bodies grow weary. In this establishing of worship patterns and habits, all that is required is already there, God doesn’t take, He gives. It is not a process of man cowering before an Almighty Deity, but an inauguration of our daily relationship with the One from Whom all blessings flow. God want’s intimate connections with those He breathed life into and He does most of the work Himself.

Happy Monday,

Gretchen

Today I am going to champion children, the churched and unchurched, the noisy, nosey, never listen sort, that fit very nicely in a seat belt on the way to your church! I hope you will trust my heart, because I am passionate about those local missionaries in your backyard, who shine a light into the darkness so that others, especially the littles, may find their way to everlasting life.

Children the world over are the same.  They have dirty hands and faces and they do not care! Washing takes away from time better spent investigating and experiencing surroundings. A child’s imagination and fascination is limitless and fearless. EVERYTHING, including windows, glass doors (no need for push bars, they don’t use them,) drawer pulls, walls, light switches, floors and carpets will be smudged. Get a rag and bring a smile, because the first sign of church decay is the absence of muddy footprints. Someday, these little rapscallions will wash the stains of others, because we served them well.

Children break things. They do not purposely destroy, it is part of the investigative process.  How much strain can an object take? And……they believe it can be fixed with any combination of glue, tape, bubble gum, band aids and scissors. Children are not malicious, simply curious. If a broken crayon ruins your day, a new box is less than two dollars at your local retail store. Give me a call and I’ll hook you up. BUT, take heart. They will learn to be patient and gentle as they grow and discover the wonder of serving others, because we taught them well.

Food is a science project. Children long to thoroughly see, smell, touch and then taste everything on the buffet.  BUT, one bite is all they want.  Please don’t get angry when they are wasteful. The expectation of their discerning palate and appetite might be too high. Love them anyway. They will learn to conserve as they grow and become servants in the Kingdom, because we fed them well.

Children do not tithe, yet, they are the most needy and expensive demographic your congregation will ever support. It’s a mission field! If this frustrates you, take a moment and imagine every church in your town void of youth programs and the support systems they manpower. Then, imagine every child in your neighborhood with a church home, receiving the love that will nurture and empower them to become the Masterpiece their Creator gave His Own Son, for them to be. Someday, they too will tithe, because we invested in them well.

Children learn what they are taught, directly and indirectly. If you want them to be different, then teach them, lead them, love them. They are blank slates with love as their first language. So you should speak it fluently…….… loud and proud.  Their future depends on it.

My greatest frustration is negative opinions expressed by people who have no plan to change anything. They just stir the air around them, content to let everyone know they are unhappy. Don’t be a mumbler about today’s youth if your only gift to them is judgement and distain. 

I know everyone isn’t called to teach Bible class for Jr. High boys, (the highest calling the in Kingdom!) but support the one who is!  Don’t begrudge the sacrifice it takes to show a child, beyond all doubt, that JESUS LOVES THEM, RED AND YELLOW, BLACK AND WHITE, AND YOU DO TOO!

And whoever welcomes one such child in My Name welcomes Me.

Matthew 18:5

I hope you still love me, because I love you. 

Gretchen

“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.”  Exodus 23:4-5 (Chapters 21-24)

As for how we are to treat each others and honor God, ten straightforward foundations were given, but then God continued with judgements, statutes and civil law. These rest on God’s authority, not an earthly king. Human life and dignity is prioritized, because God cares! And He expects us to also!

The division of church and state is a basic principle of life today, but for this covenant nation, God was the Only State and He orchestrated life to balance in harmony regarding all things morally, religiously and legally. One Law, One God, for the protection and provision for everyone. Sadly, this is a distant, fictional utopia, except………………Those who are alive in Christ honor what God honors and love who God loves. Then, peace permeates life.

Love,

Gretchen