PART TWO: A Lamp .... continued

One of Israel’s greatest prophets of old, Isaiah, implored God’s people to turn from their pagan ways and live in the illumination provided by the Word of God that was available to them at that time -- about 700-690 B.C. Although Messiah had not yet come, and the New Testament and most of the old had not yet been written, God’s chosen ones did have the benefit of Deuteronomy. God did speak directly to Isaiah, but His written Word gave clear direction for their time, and credence for Isaiah as he declared God’s displeasure with and judgment upon the sins in Judah, Israel and surrounding nations. Early on in Isaiah’s time of prophesying, he entreated, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Isaiah 2:5.

Had God’s people made the choice to heed this simple plea, the course of their history would be much different. They would have averted the disastrous consequences of their decision to walk in darkness rather than light. God had guided them every step of the way to this point and would continue to do so. They would not have been overtaken, and many brutally killed, by their enemies. Their children would not have been carried away into Babylon, repeopled, and made into eunuchs and slaves. Note that the terrible future, that awaited the Jews, was not to come on them by the hand of their Heavenly Father. By their own choice to walk away from His protective hand, they walked into the brutal hands of powerful enemies. They choose not to walk in the light of the Words of their Lord. For 400 years God’s nation of chosen people were scattered, living under the thumb and rule of others --- the enemies of their God. Nonetheless, the world, and all of mankind, can be grateful that throughout this terrible time of Israel’s history, there was a remnant, though scattered, that remained in God’s light, faithful to God and the Words He had spoken. Isaiah was one of those, as well as Jeremiah, Daniel, the three Hebrew sons who survived the fiery furnace and others.

We can learn a lesson from those who went before us. God had showed them they way. He had provided the light for their path of life. In our own age, He has illuminated our way with His instructions for living, the Bible, God’s Word of Truth.

Look at the opening words of the Apostle John’s gospel. John 1: 1-5 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John is telling us that Jesus is the expressed Word of God -- the eternal and ultimate expression of God and is the light that no darkness can overtake. This is reason enough to dance and shout with unspeakable joy!

I love the way Matthew Henry expounds on these verses: “Reasonable creatures have their light from him; that life which is the light of men comes from him. Life in man is something greater and nobler than it is in other creatures; it is rational, and not merely animal. When man became a living soul, his life was light, his capacities such as distinguished him from. and dignified him above, the beasts that perish. The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, and it was the eternal Word that lighted this candle. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This proves him fit to undertake our salvation; for life and light, spiritual and eternal life and light, are the two great things that fallen man, who lies so much under the power of death and darkness, has need of. From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason?

(1.) The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before he was manifested in the flesh: The light shineth in darkness. Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light, whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine. [1.] The eternal Word, as God, shines in the darkness of natural conscience. Though men by the fall are become darkness, yet that which may be known of God is manifested in them; see Rom_1:19, Rom_1:20. The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the power of the divine Word, both as creating and as commanding, all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for this, earth would be a hell, a place of utter darkness; blessed be God, it is not so yet. [2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the Old Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light shining in darkness; there was a veil upon this light, 2Co_3:13.
(2.) The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery: The darkness comprehended it not; the most of men received the grace of God in these discoveries in vain. [1.] The world of mankind comprehended not the natural light that was in their understandings, but became vain in their imaginations concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word, Rom_1:21, Rom_1:28. The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this light. God spoke once, yea twice, but man perceived it not, Job_33:14. [2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses's face, so there was upon the people's hearts. In the darkness of the types and shadows the light shone; but such as the darkness of their understandings that they could not see it. It was therefore requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.” E-Sword, Matthew Henry commentary.

Part 2: A Lamp... continued

When God directed Moses to lead the Israilites out of Egypt, He literally illuminated their way with a pillar of fire by night. Exodus 13: 21-22 tells us, "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people." The pillar of cloud and pillar of fire were the manifest presence of God showing the multitude the way through the wilderness. They did not have the written Word back then, other than the tablets with God's commandments. In like manner, the Word of God, is the manifest presence of God for believers today, showing the way through the wilderness called life. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit guiding us as well, but without knowldege of the Word, it is hard to correctly discern the voices that may be spoken into our souls and spirits.
I once heard this description of a person witout God and knowledge of God's Word. It would be like a blind man in an unfamiliar pitch black dardened room, looking for a black cat that is not there. Now how undone is that?! Any life will bring its share of difficulties. To face them time and time again without the hope of Christ and the light of His Word would certainly be a frustrating and futile existence. For the discouraged man, the psalmist writes, "Oh, send Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the alter of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God." Psalm 43: 3-4. The psalmist is fervently acknowledging the need for and requesting the light and truth that comes from God. And when this is achieved, he knows that he will have encounerted God Himself -- calling God, "my exceeding joy," and he will gratefully praise Him.

Break for: The Carmel Alert

If you know me very well, then you know that I love God’s Word and that I am very interested in matters concerning Israel. I would like to share with you an excerpt from “The Carmel Alert”, Out of Zion Ministries Newsletter. It is about both--- God’s Word & Israel. It’s a bit lengthy but I believe you’ll be blessed by it. Thanks for reading!

Stefan's Comment: The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are in an ongoing battle every moment of our lives. In every decision that we make, we have a choice to obey God and bring Him glory, or to disobey Him and cause Him grief, regardless of anyone else knowing of this choice. Everything that we do echoes in the spiritual realm, every thought, every whim, every attitude and every word. As Shaul (Paul) wrote in the above verse, it is not against flesh and blood that we wrestle, but against principalities, powers and spiritual hosts. Out of all the armour of God stated in Eph 6, the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon that we have. All the others are defensive weapons that are designed to keep us from the fiery arrows that the enemy sends our way. The only weapon that we have to strike back at the enemy is the sword. There is a famous saying that I think we have all heard at one point or another in our lives: “The best defense is a strong offence”. Wars and battles are not won by being on the defensive, but by attacking, striking hard at the enemy and advancing forward until he either surrenders or withdraws.It is for good reason that it is called the ‘Sword of the Spirit’ because it is a spiritual weapon and we must be in the Spirit in order to use it. Our sword is the living word of God that is “…powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12, NKJ). But in order for it to be affective, we must know how to use it and be skilled in handling it. How can a soldier go to war with a weapon that he does not know how to use? Just imagine a soldier throwing his M-4 rifle at the enemy instead of shooting at him with it – not very effective. Also think of a soldier who knows how to use his M-4, meaning he knows how to fire it, but it takes him forever to change a clip, or he only know how to fire standing up, but not squatting, sitting, kneeling or lying down. This is not how a trained, skilled soldier is to perform in battle. So we must know how to use our sword and be skilled in it.
A perfect example can be found in Matt 3:16 going into Matt 4. Yeshua (Jesus) goes through ‘Tironut’ or ‘Basic Training - Boot Camp’ in English. It is the first time that we see that the enemy tempted Yeshua. The first thing we see is that after He was baptized Yeshua was filled with the Spirit and was then moved by the Spirit into the desert. Notice the importance of being in the Spirit. Before His baptism Yeshua did not perform any miracles nor minister in anyway. We are only told that He grew in wisdom and stature before God and men. In the desert the enemy came to Yeshua in order to attack Him. Notice the pattern in the temptations:
First, Satan attacks Yeshua (Jesus) in the weakness / vulnerability of His flesh. Yeshua was hungry after fasting for 40 days already and the enemy tries to get Him to turn stones into bread. Notice how Yeshua, being filled with the Spirit strikes the enemy with the Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) with much skill and precision. He knows exactly how to use His weapon to refute the attack of the enemy.
Secondly, the enemy tries to use the word to cause Yeshua to fall. The enemy is doing two things here - 1/ he is twisting and perverting the word of God from the truth that is in it and 2/ he is attacking the sovereignty of God the Father over Yeshua’s life. Again Yeshua knows how to strike skillfully with the truth of the word against the perversion of the word.
Thirdly, the enemy offers Yeshua a short cut and a cheap alternative of the real promise given by the Father (Psalm 110:1). Yeshua knows why He has come, He knows what is planned for Him and what He must do. Heb 12:2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NKJ). Again Yeshua strikes the devil with the word of God and the enemy finally flees from Him just as is written in James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (NKJ). Then the angels come and minister to Him both physically (food) and spiritually, I believe. What a perfect example of how we are to stand in the word and use it in the spirit to come against the enemy’s attacks, resisting (defending and counter-attacking) until he flees!
Another prime example is young King David when fighting against Goliath (read 1 Sam 17:45-50). David is skilled in his simple weapons – the slingshot andthe shepherds staff, but not with all of Saul’s armour and weaponry. He goes out against Goliath with what he is skilled in. I believe that David was filled with and moved by the Spirit at that moment as it was not normal for him to do what he did in that situation. Goliath curses David and his God, the God of Israel. Goliath wishes to enslave Israel. His words are lofty and come against the word of God. David speaking prophetically with boldness declares to Goliath exactly what is about to happen to him and this soon comes to pass. There was a spirit working in Goliath that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and His truth that was cut down and destroyed by a brave freckly red head who knew God’s word, was skilled in it, was brave and saw beyond Goliath’s size, armour and battle experience to God’s promises, purposes and desires.2 Cor 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (NKJ)
The apostles were commanded by the Lord not to leave Jerusalem until they were filled with power from on high, until they were filled with the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is the living out the New Covenant. Only in the Spirit can we walk according to God’s commandments. Only in the Spirit are we in tune with our Master, our Abba (Father) to do His will, just as Yeshua was. Of course we will always fail and wrestle with our flesh, but still that is our goal and our vision.
In these days there are many spirits that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God concerning those who are the Lord’s and also the nation of Israel. Let us become more skilled in the Word. Let us proclaim the word over out lives and over the nation of Israel. The enemy will keep attacking because he knows that his time is short, but we have a weapon that is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…” to strike back with. Let us walk in the Spirit and make full use of our spiritual sword – the Word of God.
The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel. Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for all of the soldiers in the IDF -they are defending and fighting for the Kingdom of God.

Part 2: A Lamp ...continued

The writer of II Samuel saw God as the light for our way. As we read, keep in mind that God and His Word are one. II Samuel 22: 29 – 34: “For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God: God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer. He sets me on my high places.”

This Old Testament writer recognizes that God lights our way. He lights up the darkness along our way and it is perfect. God’s Word is proven. In other words it is tested and sure. It is dependable. The writer goes on to say that God is a shield to all who trust Him and He puts our feet securely on the high path. When we struggle along our own path, in the dark, we will surely not be so sure footed.

Certainly God inspired the psalmist of Psalm 119 to write in verse 105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Proverbs 6:23 states, “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”

Let’s look at the definition of “word.” It means “speech; word or words; commandment; dictum; answer; saying.” It comes from the root word “Amar” and occurs approximately 5,000 times in the Old Testament. (from Spirit Filled Life Bible, “Word Wealth” at II Samuel 22:31.) My favorite definition for "word” is “answer.” My Bible, His Word to me--- His child, contains all the answers. We have the questions and the problems. He has the answers and solutions. Every morning, when I open this inspired Word of God, He speaks into my very life, “Let there be light.”

Part 2. A Lamp

Look way back at my first sentence, quoting Psalm 119: 105: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” That statement, or “Truth,” alone should be enough to cause a believer to want to immerse him or her self into the Words of their Creator. Do we really believe that the Word of God will light our way along this path of life? Our actions may say, “Well, sometimes I believe that and sometimes I don’t.” We need to know, for a fact, in the very depths of our being, (that is in our spirit), that this passage of scripture (Ps. 119:105) is “Truth,” and it should then change our lives. I am talking again about revelation understanding --- the knowing that this passage is true for me and you every minute of every day of our lives.

The very first recorded words literally spoken by God are found in Genesis 1:3. Let’s look at the very beginning. Genesis 1:1-4: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.”

So God’s very first recorded words were, “Let there be light.” Of course, He was referring to light in the natural and His separation of light from darkness. But how interesting this is, in relation to our topic today --- that our Creator’s first recorded words were: “Let there be light.” Every believer can walk daily in God’s light. That is, God’s spiritual illumination.

In the natural, when we are in darkness, it is very difficult to find our way. Every morning we wake up to a new day, not knowing what it will hold. Without His illumination it would be like waking up in a dark and unfamiliar place every day, not knowing where there are obstacles that will cause us to stumble and fall or pits into which we might plunge. God knew, from the beginning, that mankind would need physical light in order to make it in the world, as well as spiritual light in order to live in relationship with God, walking out abundant life on earth and then on into eternity. Speaking of eternity--- then we will have the most splendid light of all. In John’s description of the New Jerusalem, he says, “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” Revelation 21: 22 – 24 NKJV Wow --- does this not make you just plain homesick!?

Part 1 Continued: My plan for you--- Your heart's desire

God’s plan for each of us is that His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path on a daily basis. How can we, otherwise, maintain spiritual strength, wisdom and knowledge day to day? How can we, otherwise, know where to walk, at what pace, when to stop and where to turn? When we are walking in the way of God, we will have ears to hear Him direct our path. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”

The only way for us to have the ability to hear Him speak on a regular basis, is to get to know Him personally through His Word -- His Holy Scriptures -- that He gave mankind for this purpose.

Someone might say, “Well, one time God spoke to me out of the blue when I was not even ‘saved.’ ” Yes, that can happen. An example might be when a person is about to make a decision such as going through the door on the right vs. the door on the left. This type of example might be a soldier in an urban combat situation. God can certainly do a sovereign work and speak clearly to him and say, “It’s the left door. Go on in.” As I said, this may be a sovereign act of God as He sees fit at that moment. Perhaps He is answering the prayers of the young man’s mama or grandpa, down on their knees interceding for that precious loved one.

What we are talking about today is the importance of learning to let God show us the way to live our lives in uttermost abundance through the light of His Word.

Part 1 Continued: My plan for you ---Your heart's desire

If you do not have revelation of these things, I implore you to ask God to help you receive this truth into your spirit -- that it will be Ramah Word to you. And ask Him to put into your belly a hunger for God’s Word that cannot be satisfied. He wants to do that and you will benefit in ways you could never have imagined.

In the natural, when we eat food, our hunger gets satisfied. Our digestive system kicks in and that food provides nourishment to our bodies so that our life is sustained, our cells are nourished and we have energy to do the physical and mental things that we do day to day. Each time this occurs, we are then hungry again in a few hours and must have more food.

The same thing should be happening when we ingest the Word of God. We take in a portion. With the help of the Holy Spirit residing in us, our mind, soul and spirit will digest or process it. It then becomes nourishment to our mind, our soul and our spirit. It sustains life and health in the core of our very being. That is in the who we are in our innermost parts. It is our spirit being, which is that part of us that communes with God and determines the real you or me. This is that part of us which wars with our flesh over what we will give ourselves to, at any given moment. Do you ever detect that battle going on between your flesh and your spirit?

It might be a battle over: to see or not to see a movie, to participate or not in a certain conversation, to eat a large piece of cake vs. a small one, to buy that pair of shoes or not, to make that remark to my spouse or not, to study God’s Word this morning or sleep another hour, to ask that hurting person if I can pray for him or not. The list could go on into eternity.

The point is, in this battle between flesh and spirit, which part will be stronger? Which part has been strengthened most by the things we have chosen to do, up to that point of making the decision? Have we been feeding our flesh more or our spirit more? Which one is stronger? Which one has been winning these skirmishes in the past and is likely to win them in our future. Just as our physical bodies need nourishment daily, our spirit needs nourishment every day in order to be strong enough to win these daily altercations. I am not talking about that devotional scripture in the little book we keep in the bathroom or on the bedside table or the one that comes across the computer screen each day. I am talking about devotion not devotional! I am talking about setting aside significant time in the daily routine to spend alone with God and His Word.