Weird story with in a story

Shortly after the Joseph narrative is introduced (37), the story is interrupted to tell another story (38). The story of Judah and Tamar has caused a lot of heads to be scratched.

To fast forward the story, Judah had three sons (Er, Onan, and Shelah) by a Canaanite woman (ouch). Er married Tamar, but was so wicked that God put him to death. To continue the line, the levirate marriage was enacted but Onan refused to reproduce with Tamar so the Lord took him as well. Judah simply wanted to rid himself of Tamar so he sent her away childless. This would have left her without any means to supply her future. Judah does promise to give Shelah when he is old enough but this is doubtful because he is afraid of losing Shelah also (38:11).
Tamar is presented as a resourceful and driven individual. She disguised herself as a prostitute and slept with Judah sometime after his wife died. Obviously, she had to be paid, so Judah promises her a kid (not human). But she wanted something as a guarantee, she requested something to identify him (signet and staff). This would have been equal to giving someone your drivers license and SS number.

This is interesting. This makes the 3rd generation to practice deceit. Jacob deceived Isaac (27:16), Judah deceived Jacob (37:31), and now Tamar deceives Judah. Even more interesting is that each of these incidents involves taking someones identity and a goat (note the scriptures listed)!

To fast forward again. Tamar has twins! The second time in Genesis that the younger twin takes precedence over the older. Perez is a predecessor to David. She is not presented as a model, but only more righteous than Judah, whose tribe would most likely have died out.

It is interesting that there are 4 women in Jesus' genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba). Isn't it ironic that all 4 are Gentiles? That all 4 had scandalous marriage situations? But this also prepares the way for Mary who would be accused of having a scandalous breach of betrothal. But the controversy of Mary was not that she had engaged in intercourse with another man not hers, but that she hadn't engaged in intercourse at all! Isn't it a wonderful testimony that God used 4 women, not of noble descent or even moral example, to fulfill his plan?

Too Long

It has been too long since I posted on this blog. Things have been busy.

I want to ease back into this role by posting two great quotes about preaching. What do you think of them?

"More people have been bored out of the Christian faith than have been reasoned out of it. Dull, insipid sermons not only cause drooping eyes and nodding heads, they destroy life and hope." -H.W. Robinson and T.W. Robinson (It's all in how you tell it)

or as Ralph Waldo Emerson described his own lectures
"fine things, pretty things, wise things, but no arrows, no axes, no nectar, no growling, no transpiercing, no loving, no enchantment."

Making a Difference in Preaching

Sorry it has been so long between posts. The ice storm we suffered really set me back in my work. There has been cleanup, then more cleanup, and still more to go. I have been working at West Kentucky Youth Camp cleaning downed trees and limbs and helping my dad with cleanup on his farm.

I want to use this blog to share a valuable book. I have been interested in biblical scholarship for almost ten years now. This love of scholarship often has drawbacks when it comes to presenting biblical material in a sermon. I must admit that I have struggled in the area of application for years. Recently, I was introduced to the Haddon Robinson style of preaching and I feel as if the Lord sent his writings to me. I recommend his book, "Making a difference in preaching." It has been out for about a decade, but the information in this book is timeless. He gives practical advice for developing the sermon from exegesis to exposition. He warns against the dangers of being too general and too specific. His big idea approach has really influenced my preaching in the last 2 months. It has truly helped my communication skills. I have since set out to transform my preaching style. The comments have been quite positive. I know we must keep in mind, as Robinson notes, that our members responses "are often little more than code words to get past the minister as he guards the door." But these comments are coming from members who either don't usually comment or are members who always are suspicious of preachers in general. When this type of member talks, there is something to listen to.

The secret to this method and this book is the philosophy of preaching. Once you have an ideology of preaching, what you hope to accomplish, and who your audience is, the rest falls into place.
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Difference-Preaching-Robinson-Biblical/dp/0801091470/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238329207&sr=8-10

2009 Ice Storm

Where should I start? About 12 days ago the commonwealth of Kentucky was hit with a terrible ice storm. It was by far the worst thing I have ever seen. I could go on and on about the sounds of cracking timber, the tree that struck our house, the cold temperatures, long lines for food, people suffering. But there is one thing that I gained from this experience that I needed more than anything. This disaster has renewed my faith in people. I witnessed strangers giving their food to families without. I saw people cutting wood for the elderly to burn in stoves. I saw people driving great distances to buy generators, gas, and kerosene. I saw farmers using their equipment to clear roads. I saw people helping others clean up debris.

Last Tuesday night the Church of Christ Disaster Response team sent 15 generators to us to loan to those in the community without power. Mark and Laura Cremeams really came through and helped a lot of people. They also contacted Bro. Harvey and Earl Kennedy from south of Huntsville to come and cut trees for folks. Mark Rogers gets some credit for connecting us with them. On Thursday, Walter Steely from the Glendale Rd. congregation in Murray helped contact us with the Church of Christ Disaster Relief from Nashville. They sent a semi load of food and supplies totaling about $80,000 (10,000 boxes). This was a surprise and in about 2 hours we set up our small building for distribution. The local Emergency organization from town sent some National Guard troops to help us unload the truck along with the Boy Scouts. From 3p.m. to 10p.m. we distributed the whole truck load of supplies and food. Not only was this the greatest outreach our congregation has ever done, but the disaster relief truck might also have been the largest vehicle to ever make its way down the small corridor of Elm Street (the whole town gathered to watch that).

One last thing of amazement was the massive number and efficiency of the utility crews that arrived from all over the country to help. If only the government worked so efficiently. That is another point. FEMA is worthless. Private citizens, churches, and individuals can do more than the government. They have tried to get their hands into our work effort several times. If they do the food will end up in a warehouse instead of someone who needs it. Anyways, here are a few pics. I may post more later.

What is in a Name?

It is always fascinating to study the messages to the seven churches of Asia from the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation. The Greek language reveals an interesting word play during the admonishment to the church at Sardis. Jesus says: "I know your deeds, you have a NAME for being alive, but you are dead." I highlighted "name" because that is what the original language says. The brethren there had become very lax in their faith. This was evidently a common problem among the residents there. In the 6th century BC, Cyrus had conquered the impregnable city when one of his soldiers climbed up the tall acropolis at an unguarded spot. 300 years later, Antiochus III was also able to capture the city because of negligent guards. It is interesting how Christ incorporated that information to make a spiritual point.

The remedy for their indolence is somewhat humorous considering the history of invasion. "Be alert!" Strengthen what remains before it dies and return to what you have received and heard and repent. But not everyone there is lifeless and impure. There are a few people ("names") in Sardis who are pure ("as indicated by the color "white"). Again the original language reveals the word "name" (3:4). The two uses of "name" form a wordplay. Christians in Sardis were a church in "name" only. If they did not correct this terrible unfaithfulness and laxity, they will lose even their "names" when they are blotted out of the Book of Life and their "names" are not recognized before the Father and his angels (3:5).

What is the lesson? There is an important reminder that the standards of the world and Christ are quite different. While people recognized the name of the Sardis church the Lord saw that all they had was a name and even it was in jeopardy. This begs the question, what is in a name?

Just Say NO to Canaanite Women!

I know its been a while since my last post. Things have been crazy during the holidays and getting ready for the arrival of our son. I found a little gem in Genesis 28 that may or may not be of interest. After Jacob's deception of Esau and Isaac, both Isaac and Rebekah agreed that Jacob must return to the family homeland to find a suitable wife. So Isaac blesses Jacob. This blessing is probably more like a final will. Then Isaac reaffirms the divine promise that Jacob should go to Paddan-Aram to find a wife and may his endeavor be fruitful for the nations.

In 28:6, we learn that Esau has witnessed this event and his reaction is quite interesting. He now understands that his marriage to Canaanite women does not please Isaac. His attempt at remedying the situation may just be fate or it may carry some symbolism. He decides that he will go on his own journey, just like Jacob, to marry again, this time within the family kinship. His choice is astounding. He goes to Ishmael and selects his daughter Mahalath. Esau was the first son, but was not the son of promise. How ironic is it that he goes to Ishmael, Abraham's first son, but not his son of promise. This is further evidence that God had special plans for Jacob even though all of the questions surrounding his selection may be hard for us to grasp.

As promised, this was nothing special, just an interesting little gem from the text.

What is the fear of the Lord?

The first seven verses of the book of Proverbs give us a lot of insight. The goal of the Proverbs is to produce wisdom, discipline, and understanding to those who are naive. The naive are those who are on the brink of adulthood. The Proverbs are designed to be a boot camp for wisdom. The word for 'Proverb' (mashal) is basically the same word as parable. The Proverbs require deep reflection as did the parables of Jesus. On a side note, there could be a connection to Jesus from these verses. Jesus and Solomon both descended from David and both enjoyed same style of instruction. But Jesus told his listeners that he was greater than Solomon (Matt. 12:42).

The purpose statement for proverbs is given in 1:7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. What does it mean to fear the Lord? Do we fear offending him and ultimately being punished? Do we simply respect and revere him? Might I suggest we look to David for the answer to this question.

Psa. 51 is David's response to his sin with Bathsheba. In verse 11 and 12, David begged that the Lord not leave him. This plea is really powerful when we consider that David witnessed God abandon Saul. This context offers a powerful definition for fearing the Lord. Fearing the Lord is not fear the Lord's coming but fear of his leaving!!! This is where the road to godly wisdom begins!

laziness

I am sure we have all felt a streak of laziness from one time to another. Proverbs six has an interesting and stern take on laziness.

If the lazy man will observe the work habit, self-discipline, and foresight of the ant, he will be productive. Proverbs 6 might be enlightened when we recall one of the boundaries that God set in creation in Genesis 1. If you remember the creation account, God told man that he was to rule over the animals (1:28). Yet, Adam and Eve made the mistake of letting an animal tell them what to do. Rather than ruling the animals, the lazy man must look to the animals for instruction. This is a reversal of created order. Could it be that laziness is a violation of created order? If so, it is bound to produce chaos. Proverbs 6 reveals that the lazy man will encounter chaos in the form of poverty. Usually the Lord has a special place in his heart for the needy, but not in this case.

It is becoming more and more common for Christians to seek evangelism by helping the poor. However, our American poverty is not like the poverty of ancient times. In our American culture, there is ample opportunity for a person to receive assistance, education, and to make something of themselves. We live on the assumption that the poor can't help being poor. But Proverbs tells us something different. I believe the lazy man of Proverbs is more of an indication of the type of poverty we have in America. Some people are poor by choice! If that is their attitude about life, how likely are they to reform their minds and obey the teachings of Christ? Perhaps we need to reconsider our premise when evangelizing through need based programs. The need may not be food, clothing, or shelter; there may be a need of effort!

Standing Up For the Little Man

Exodus 2 gives us a valuable character study into the life of the adult Moses. From three instances we learn that Moses has a special place in his heart for the oppressed. First, Moses stands up to an Egyptian oppressor. As Moses surveyed the scene, he did not notice Egyptian luxury, noble society, or a great empire; he saw forced labor. Even though Moses is of the high court, he still considers his Hebrew kinsmen. When he witnessed an Egyptian in the process of beating a Hebrew to death, he intervened and killed the Egyptian oppressor in the same way he was afflicting the Hebrew.

Second, Moses stands up to a Hebrew bully. The next day, he observes two Hebrews fighting so he addresses the guilty one and stops the fight. The guilty one is not happy and scolds Moses for assuming an authoritative role that he does not have. He also reveals that he knows that Moses has killed an Egyptian (perhaps he uses this knowledge as blackmail). When Pharaoh learns that Moses has killed an Egyptian he demands Moses' life, forcing Moses flees to Midian.

Finally, Moses stands up to belligerent shepherds. In Midian, Moses takes rest at a well. He witnesses local shepherds pushing aside the priest of Midians’ daughters. Again, Moses intervened and came to their rescue and watered their flocks.

From these three instances we learn that Moses is passionate for standing up for the oppressed. As chapter two comes to a close, we also learn that Israel is being oppressed and is in need of someone to stand up for them. Who might there be to stand up to the Egyptians?

The Irony of Moses' Rescue

When the Moses' mother could no longer hide him, she made a tevah (ark) and put him into it. This one of the only two occurrences of tevah in the OT (the other the Noah account). Moses' mother made an ark. Both Noah's ark and Moses' were means of salvation from water. The ark was placed in the reeds by the river bank so that it would not float away. Perhaps there is another element of symbolism in the reeds. Later Moses will lead Israel to the banks of the Sea of Reeds where he will part the waters.

Pharaoh's daughter comes to the river to bathe and finds the baby in the ark. She recognizes that he is a Hebrew. Will she kill the baby and finish the job as her father ordered? No, she has pity on the boy. She commits to the protection and care for the child. How ironic is it that the baby is rescued by the daughter of the very king who ordered his death.

Later, Pharaoh's daughter names the child Moses. Even though his name is Egyptian, she gives a Hebrew etymology. Moshe sounds like the Hebrew word "masha" (to draw out). He is called Moses, because he was "drawn out" of the waters. God said that creation "was good" and Moses' mother said he "was good." Moses was saved by an ark. Moses has already been to the reeds. Does Moses' rescue from the waters anticipate a larger rescue in the future?

An Introduction to Moses

I wish to start a series of short insights into Moses. Let us start by examining why Israel went to Egpyt and the birth of Moses. When Israel’s existence came into jeopardy during the famine of the days of Jacob, Israel found protection and care in the land of their forsaken son Joseph. Israel became fertile in a fertile land (1:9-12). But there arose a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. He feared the multitude of the Israelite people and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all of the Hebrew boys. After the midwives failed their orders, Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew boys be thrown into the river. The river that brought life to the land of Egypt is used to bring death Israelite males. But God preserved one of these boys because he had great plans for him.

Two Levites married and bore a son in spite of Pharaoh's efforts to stop Israelite growth. The mother saw that the child "was good." Most English translation comment on the beauty of the boy but this phrase has other significance. The is the same phrase God used to describe each of the six days of creation: "behold it was good." Could there be a connection between the two? Perhaps Moses is another beginning (genesis) and his birth is a new act of creation.

Building a House

We learn from Proverbs that God has a special plan for families. Proverbs 24:3-4 gives three tools for housebuilding:
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.

When these three tools are applied, there is order in the house. Men are commanded to control their anger. Wise women build a house while foolish women tear it down with their own hands (14:1). Children are to be obedient to their parents instruction (4:1).

The three tools used for housebuilding just happen to be the same 3 tools that God used in creation (3:19-20):
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.

This suggests that the house is a microcosm of the creative order. So just how important is the family to God? Very important: it is a model of creation!

Moses and Paul

Note these remarks by Moses and Paul:
For I know how rebellious and stiffnecked you are! Here, even while I am still alive with you today, you have rebelled against ADONAI; so how much more will you do so after my death? (Deut. 31:27).

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)

Let's contrast and compare. Both Paul and Moses received divine commission from the Lord. Moses witnessed the Lord through the burning bush and Paul on the road to Damascus. Both are issuing these words shortly before their deaths. Yet, Moses says that Israel cannot escape the bonds of disobedience, while Paul says the new Israel cannot be contained by the bonds of disobedience. How can two of God's great leaders have such a diametrically opposed message?

What is it about the new Israel that is superior to the Old Israel? Are the nature of the two groups different? NO! Are people in Paul's day inherently better than people of old? NO! Is Paul a better leader than Moses? There is nothing to suggest so. Then what is the difference?
Might I suggest Rom. 1:16. Paul's era has something that gives them more strength. What is so "powerful" about the power of Rom. 1:16 can be seen when we compare the time of Paul with the time of Moses.

Moses experienced the burning bush. He and Israel experienced the 10 plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The exodus event was such a memorable occassion that it is mentioned repetively in the OT as a reminder that God is devoted to Israel. However, Paul and fellow workers have something even more powerful than the exodus events; they have the Gospel message. Why are Paul's readers so faithful in contrast to Israel of old? They have the Gospel message that is the power unto salvation. It is hard to imagine that a message has more power than 10 plagues and the parting of a sea. And that is the power behind the power. Bu afterall, God's word spoke creation into being, and God's word keeps creation going!

Well!

Several OT men found their wives at wells.
Rebekah was found for Isaac at a well (Gen. 24).
Jacob found Rachel at the well as the shepherds customarily came together at a certain time of day to water their flocks (Gen. 29). Not only that, but Jacob also flexed his muscles for his future bride to be by lifting the stone off of the well by himself.
When Pharaoh was pursuing Moses, Moses fled to Midian and sat by a well (Ex. 2). Moses came to the rescue of the priest's seven daughters and it was there that he was given Zipporah as a wife.
Jesus was tired and wearied from his labors when he sat by a well in Samaria. There an unmarried woman was drawing water when Jesus asked her for a drink. He promised her a well that would always be full of water. The woman had been married several times, but was "without a husband" at the present time. Obviously, she had not been successful with marriage relationships. It was at the well that Jesus offered her a different kind of relationship.
It is interesting how the marriage relationship is a great metaphor to illustrate the kind of relationship God desires with man. In the instances shown above, think how marriage and wells are blended together. After this study, I will have a deeper appreciation for the message of the song "There's a fountain free." Jesus offered the Samaritan woman a free, always flowing fountain in the form of a relationship. Think how the marriage metaphor and the well motif illustrate the relationship that man can have with God.
For the final lesson. If you are single and still searching for that special someone, try loitering around a well. It worked for several people in the Bible!

Eglon and Ehud

One of my favorite stories in the OT is that of Ehud and Eglon. A deeper examination into Judges 3.17-29 will reveal that this is a very humorous narrative. As the Israelites once again did evil in the sight of the Lord, God allowed them to be oppressed by the Moabite king Eglon. King Eglon (name means "calf") is described as a very 'fat man' (Judges 3.17). The word for 'fat' is used several times in the OT to refer to a fattened calf or sheep. Later when he is stabbed, the sword was said to be stuck in his 'fat' (heleb); a word that is frequently used in the OT to describe the fat of sacrificed animals (perhaps the author is foreshadowing). The word 'fat' (heleb) is used with 'heart' in Psa. 119.70 and Psa. 73.7 to describe a person who is dull ('fat of mind/eyes'). The Moabite army is also described as being 'fat' (3.29). The author seems to be subtly describing the Moabites as nothing more than big, dumb animals. But what does this say of Israel? For they are even less, since they are subject to the Moabites at this time.

But again Israel cried out and the Lord gave them a deliverer: the left-handed Benjamite Ehud (ironic since Ben-jamin means 'son of the right hand'). Much debate has taken place to the meaning of 'left-handed.' Southpaws were usually considered handicapped in the ancient world (the Hbw word means 'bound in the left hand') but there were examples of left-handed special force soldiers (20.16; 1 Chron. 12.2). It is safe to conclude from the context that Ehud was certainly not handicapped. Under the oppression of the big, dumb Moabites rises a clever leader. He makes a double-edged sword and conceals to his right thigh (no one would check that side since left-handedness was not common). He presented a tribute to the 'fat king' and arranged for a private meeting with Eglon.

Ehud says, 'I have a secret message for you.' (3.19). The Hbw word 'dabar' can mean "word" or "thing." We as readers know exactly what 'secret thing' Ehud has for Eglon; it has two edges. However, dull Eglon does not know so he tells his attendants to be quiet and they left, leaving him even more vulnerable. Ehud reveals that his message is not only secret, it is also divine. As the king rose, Ehud thrust the sword into his belly where it becomes stuck. Ehud quickly escaped and led Israel to victory over the Moabites.

Two lessons emerge from this narrative. First, the 'left-handed son of the right hand' was not weak as we might expect a typical left-hander to be. Rather with the aid of God he was quite strong as his name suggests (Ehud= "strong, united"). Second, there is quite a bit of humor and symbolism in Eglon. When Israel sinned, God handed them over to Eglon, the obese king of Moab. As the narrative progresses he is portrayed as the 'fatted calf' aptly prepared for slaughter. Just as God gave Israel over to him, God also had him taken away. Could it be that he was the fatted calf slaughtered for Israel?

When we have a situation we have a Savior

The power of God is often best seen in difficult times. Sometimes the power of God is also seen not in hard times but in his promises. Promises that humans have had hard time understanding, but promises that are fulfilled by the Almighty time and time again. Here is a pattern to look for in your textual studies. Problem -> Complication -> Resolution. Let's note some examples:

problem: Sarah is unable to have children (Gen. 11.30)
complication: God promises innumerable seed (13.16; 15.5)
resolution: Isaac is born (21)

Exodus 14
problem: Israel is trapped between the sea and the desert
complication: Pharaoh learns of it and has 2nd thoughts about releasing Israel so he sends his military after them
resolution: Lord divides the Sea

NT theology
problem: everyone has sinned (Rom 3.23)
complication: God so loves the world
resolution: sacrificial death of Jesus

This pattern allows the text to be presented at face value while also offering a convenient homiletic. Most importantly, it draws us to God, the problem solver and Almighty!

Glory to Glory

I wonder if there is a theological connection to Ezekiel and Jesus. During the time of Solomon, God's glory had entered the Temple where it dwelt among Israel (1 kgs. 8.10-11) but the height of Israelite history quickly came crashing down after the death of Solomon. Many centuries later, Ezekiel witnessed the glory of God leaving the Jerusalem Temple (10). God had departed because Israel's unrepentant sin and rejection of God's law escalated to such a level that God decided to depart allowing Babylonian destruction and exile.

When Simeon took the young Jesus into his arms to bless him, he declared that: I have seen your salvation, a light for the Gentiles, and GLORY to Israel (Luke 2.30-32). Could there be a connection to Ezekiel? God's glory dwelt among Israel in the Temple. When the people rejected God, his glory left the Temple, and it was destroyed. As Simeon noted, God's glory again dwelt with Israel, this time through Jesus (who calls himself the temple -Jn. 2.19-21). Unfortunately, Israel again rejected God, by rejecting Jesus, and his glory departed (Matt. 27.46), leaving his temple destroyed.

There is definitely a connection, but what does it mean? This time Israel was not faced with a coming exile. The process was reversed; the departure of the glory from Jesus' body actually ended the exile of sin. As Jesus predicted, his Temple was rebuilt in three days because God's new temple is not built with brick and mortar but with spirit. Not only was his body Temple rebuilt, but his death led to the building of God's new dwelling place; the Church!

Was Jesus created?

Recently I have been discussing the Bible with a group of people who believe that Jesus was created and is not divine as God the father is. Here are a few points that might help in a discussion:

First, the only evidence that they present to suggest that Jesus is created is that he is called the "Son of God" (son must be born or created from father) and the fact that he is called the firstborn of creation (Col. 1.15) and the beginning of creation (Rev. 3.14). In addition, some suggest that Proverbs 8.22 is refering to Jesus, but it is really refering to wisdom (8.12, note the feminine tense).
How literal are "son" and "firstborn" to be interpreted? Israel is called the firstborn son of God (Ex. 4.22). Yet, they were the only child of God. How can an only child be the firstborn? This logic also applies to God's only son Jesus. Paul goes on to say in Col. 1.16 that All things were created by and through Jesus. If all things have been created by Jesus (Jn. 1.3), how could he have been created and where do the scriptures say that he was created? Of course, the NWT adds the word 'all "other" things were created...' John did us a great service in Rev. 3.14 by using the word 'arche' (beginning) because it means the "originator" or "ruler." A little word study on 'arche' puts this argument to rest.

Let's play offense for a moment (other than the John 1.1 debate). God tells Moses that his name is I AM in Ex. 3.14-15. Jesus also calls himself I AM in John 8.58. The NWT translates John 8.58 "I have been" so they say that Jesus is not claiming to be God. If Jesus is not claiming to be YHWH, why then do the Jews seek to stone him in 8.59?

When Jesus is being tempted in Matthew 4.7, he quotes Deut. 6.16 to tell Satan, "You shall not put the LORD your God to the test" Who is being tempted? Jesus. Jesus says that temptation of him is temptation of YHWH. Thus, Jesus equates himself with YHWH. If Jesus is not suggesting that he is the same as YHWH, then what point was he trying to make by quoting Deut. 6.16?

Finally, the NWT translates kurios ("Lord") as Jehovah 237 times in the NT. When kurios applies to Jesus it is not translated 'Jehovah.' How is one to determine whether it is the genreal word 'Lord' or Jehovah since the word is kurios? This proves that the NWT is biased and has left the role of translator and entered the role of a commentator.

The Bible is very clear that Jesus was not created and is thus God; as is the Father and the Spirit. Claiming that Jesus is not God is not only heresy, it will have terrible consequences for your future.

"Turning" in Jonah

Have you ever wondered what Jonah said in his message that convinced the residents of Nineveh to repent? It is not until 3.4 that we see the actual message Jonah that preached: “In forty days, Nineveh will be overturned!”

What does this message mean? Is it a prophecy or a warning? Let us examine the word “overturned” to better understand Jonah’s message. First, God has overturned cities in the past and it was not a positive experience. The most notable is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah when God “overturned” all the cities of the plain (Gen. 19.25). This seems to be how Jonah understood the message. When God relented from punishing Nineveh, Jonah became very angry because he wanted Nineveh to be destroyed (4.1-2). His reaction would make a lot of sense if he understood the message to be warning Nineveh of coming destruction. It could also be argued that the residents of Nineveh understood Jonah’s message as a warning. They understood that they were in danger of perishing (3.9).

Is this the only way to interpret “overturned?” Consulting a good lexicon will reveal that the word can also indicate a change, even a spiritual turning. When Saul was informed that he would be the new king of Israel, he was told that the Spirit of God would come upon him and he would be “turned” into another man (1 Sam. 10.6). With this is mind, let us ask: what if Jonah’s message was a prophecy? What if Jonah was proclaiming that the people of Nineveh would be “changed or turned from within” in forty days? Perhaps the residents of Nineveh understood Jonah’s message this way. This would explain why they went to great effort to repent and put on sackcloth (3.5-8). They saw the opportunity to be turned from within. Also, Jonah does not tell the Ninevites why they will be overthrown. If Jonah is pronouncing a prophecy, the absence of a reason for their destruction makes sense.

Perhaps both interpretations are acceptable. It is worth mentioning that Jonah understood the message as an “overturning” even though it resulted in a “turning from within.” Ironically, Jonah did not allow his attitude to be turned. We might even say everyone in the narrative turned (Ninevites and God 3.10) except Jonah. I gleaned a couple of valuable insights from this study. First, is it possible that I am like Jonah and don’t understand the message the same way as those listening? Second, this is a perfect example of why preachers need to be clear communicators. If Jonah was preaching a destructive message, he was vague in his presentation. The Ninevites chose to hear this message as an opportunity. Perhaps we could say that they took Jonah’s message and “overturned” its meaning.

How Do I Know My God is Real?

Perhaps this is a question we have all pondered at some time or another. Isaiah has a very interesting section that helps assure Israel the answer to this question. Isaiah 41-48 is a court setting where God has called the entire pantheon of earthly gods together to present their respective case for deity. This section contains 3 fundamental principles that are necessary for deity. God's first challenge implies that a true God can reveal (41.21-24). He demands that the "other gods" reveal the course of human history. Tell the court about the future, tell us about the past, how about you tell us anything. Obviously, they are silent. Not only are they nothing, but it is an abomination to serve such a farce existence (41.24).

The second principle: a true God can create. 44.12-40 contains a detailed account of idol making and worship. I recommend reading it in the Complete Jewish Bible if you have access to that translation. This section describes the labor of a carpenter and a blacksmith as they work with great detail and care to create an idol. Half of the wood used to carve the idol must also be used for heat and cooking. The other half is fashioned and worshipped. The sad disillusionment of this practice is brought out in the CJB: "Not one thinks to himself or has the knowledge or the discernment to say, "I burned half of it in the fire, baked bread on its coals, roasted meat and ate it. Should I now make the rest an abomination? Should I prostrate myself to a tree trunk?" He is relying on ashes! A deceived heart has led him astray; so that now he won't save himself, just won't say, "This thing in my hand is a fraud!" How can that which is made by the hand of man, be the creator of man? A true God is not created, he creates!

The final principle comes from 45.1-4. As the children of Judah were being forewarned about the impending Babylonian exile, Isaiah goes a step further and tells them that God has already planned to deliver them; he even names the person who will deliver them (Cyrus). Not only is this pure predictive prophecy, here lies the last truth that proves YHWH is God. A true God can save. When Isaiah reveals the future exile that Babylonians will go into, he tells how the Babylonians loaded their gods onto beasts in order to save them. These gods do not save, they need saving (46.1-2)! How could a human possibly save deity?

We may not have the same temptation for idol worship as the Ancient Near Eastern world struggled with, but we do face the temptation of placing things above God. How do I know if my God is real? There are 3 fundamental truths that define the nature and ability of an infinite being: What does he reveal? What has he created? Can he save?