The Best Day Ever

By Sarah Whitney 

This evening I stood outside and blew a long blast on my shofar. My father-in-law peaked out of his door and called to me with an amused look on his face, wondering what his silly daughter-in-law was up to now. 

"Happy Feast of Trumpets!" I hollered.

"What?!" he answered.

I just smiled and waved. He waved back and went back inside with a confused smile on his face. I guess he is used to my strange antics. Maybe I will explain it to him tomorrow- again!

Trumpets~  Every month, on the first day of the month, the ancient Israelites blew a trumpet to mark the beginning of a new moon or month. 

But, this month, the 7th month on the Hebrew calendar, the trumpet blast means more than just a new month. Everything from Passover on was leading up to this month. 

Agriculturally, the fall harvest is winding down. Most crops have been harvested. The last grapes and apples are being juiced. The nights are starting to feel chilly and the leaves on the trees in my yard are starting to turn colors. 

Historically, in Leviticus chapter 23, we are told to celebrate the beginning of this month with a trumpet sound as a memorial. But, it isn't super clear what exactly we are to be remembering. Some say it is the anniversary of Creation. Nehemiah 8 tells us we should be joyful and "eat the fat and drink the sweet" and send food to those who haven't prepared anything. 

All of that sounds great, but none of that is what I was picturing as I blew on my shofar today.

 Exodus 19:16-19 talks about a trumpet blowing from heaven. Moses, and the children of Israel, had left Egypt just a couple months prior to this. It was still springtime. The ten commandments are given in the next chapter, but something amazing happens first. -before the giving of the law! The mountain begins to quake and smoke is everywhere and there is a very loud trumpet sound and fire and... GOD! HE actually spoke and everyone heard it! And then, Moses, old 80-year-old Moses, ANSWERED! All the other people were shaking in their sandals and backing away and maybe even running to their tents in fear. But, Moses walked right up that shaking, smoking, on fire mountain. Right towards the voice and the trumpet sound and DEATH!!! Well, no. Actually, he didn't die! How, even? 

I would have been scared. I would have been scared of the earthquake and thunder and loud noise. And, if I was in Nehemiah's day, I would have been sad. The people were sad because they had just learned that God's judgment was about to fall on their nation because they had rejected Him for so many generations. But, Nehemiah told them to be joyful because this was a Holy Day and: "the joy of the Lord is our strength".  Joy? How could they be joyful and why should they be? But, they listened. They had their day of mourning later, but the beginning of the 7th month is the sweetest day of the year, so they rejoiced in God.

I was having a hard time today. Disappointments, bad news, crazy things going on in our nation and the world. -feeling like Judgement Day is right around the corner. But, I dipped my sour apples in sweet honey and blew on my shofar as hard as I could. I went outside and watched the darkness fall with a couple of friends on a group chat. As it got darker I caught the faintest glimpse of a tiny sliver of a moon beginning to slip behind the hill. I shrieked with joy. I felt kind of silly being so excited to catch a glimpse of it before it disappeared for the night. Grandpa would have been confused at what I was doing, again. But, someday he will understand.

You see, today is about so much more than Creation, or loud noises, or even milk and honey. I guess you probably know trumpets are talked about in the new testament also. In I Corinthians 15:51-58 and I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul explains to us that we don't need to be discouraged or depressed when faced with death. We can have hope knowing that there will be another trumpet sounding from heaven. This "last trump" will be so loud that the dead will rise! And, yes, it will mean judgment is coming on the world. But, we shouldn't be sad. God isn't mad at His children. He is moving heaven and earth to be near us! He is changing us so that we can walk, even fly, right up to Him. 

Shall we read more about this trumpet? Revelation tells us about 7 trumpets. When the 7th trumpet sounds there are voices and thunders and an earthquake and hail. But, we don't need to be afraid of any of it. Because that loud sound will be the sound of our Creator taking back the Earth He made. It will be our Savior defending His people! 

The beauty of this moment that is coming cannot be appreciated with our carnal minds. All we know is what we can experience with our 5 senses. This is why, during this practice round, we get to use all 5! 

We taste the creamy goodness of dairy products, juice, fruit, and sweet golden honey.

We see the beautiful fall colors starting. -the purple grapes and the rosy apples.

We feel the smooth shofar, the refreshing breeze.

We smell the smells of harvest and the musky smell of the shofar.

We hear the blast of the trumpet here on earth and we listen to the quiet of heaven. waiting... hoping to hear the sound, the voice, that will announce an end to our suffering. And, the beginning of something so beautiful and joyful, that we can't even imagine. Something that will blow our 5 senses away! Something so sweet, honey will seem bitter. So loud, the shofar will seem like a whisper. A harvest, not of grapes, or apples, but people who have chosen LIFE, JOY, and HOPE!!

It will be the happiest day of all time!

So, tonight, as I blew my shofar I closed my eyes and imagined being in the clouds with my LORD and I felt joy bubbling in my soul. So much is going on that I don't understand. But, one thing I do know. I am my beloved's and He is mine. 

Are you looking forward to the best day ever too? 

If not, He is only a prayer away. You know what to do! ;) 

The Elephant

"Creative people don't have messes, just ideas lying around." someone once said. 

I'm not sure if that is true, or not, or if I would be considered "creative". I definitely know my house is messier than when I started cleaning earlier today. 

Piles of books and boxes of books and some stacked neatly on the shelf. Which ones should I give away? Which ones are ready for the trash? And, which ones should I read? 

But, I wasn't really thinking about the books. Something else was going on inside of me today... well, it has been for a while. 

growing... developing ...

    -which is why I stayed close to home today. Why I needed a little quiet. Why nothing really seemed to get finished. Why I forgot to eat breakfast. 

It's those crazy ideas floating around and I am waiting for them to settle into some semblance of order. 

It isn't the "elephant in the room" I want to write about tonight (though I might end up doing so before I finish). 

It is kind of a story, maybe... But, this is a story that I am not very familiar with. I haven't looked up the verses yet, but I know they are there. They have been popping to the surface of my thoughts for weeks, though never spoken. Something Luke said, something John said, an answer Jesus gave.

Do you want to know why I haven't looked them up? Why I haven't said them out loud?

FEAR!

I'm scared that this storyline will change me. Some of my fundamental beliefs. Maybe it will convict me about attitudes I have deep within myself and how I interact with people.

Do you want to join me?

Okay, here goes:

We are going to the New Testament. 

Luke 9:37-50. 

They are just little verses, but I can hear myself saying the words.

"Jesus, there were some people using your name to do great things, but, they weren't with us, so we told them to stop!"

That was the right thing to do, right? 

You're proud of me, right?

Some say John was closely connected with the "church" of his day. Maybe he was related to some of the scribes and Pharisees. 

There was a discussion going on about who was the "greatest disciple" of Jesus. Jesus set them all straight by calling for one of the little children in the group and telling them the famous teaching about the first being last and the last being first and being humble, like a child... ya, but AFTER that, SOMEONE was still just a bit confused: ✋ 

    Umm, Jesus. I know that we are all supposed to be humble and serve each other and encourage each other. That makes sense. We should be kind. I get that. I really do love my brothers and sisters. And, the kids! Of course, I love the little ones! So precious! I'm sorry I told them You didn't have time for them that one day, but, really, they are great kids. I just thought you might need a break. I mean, sometimes I need a break, and some of them are my relatives!

    And, I really was listening when you talked about the prodigal son and the good Samaritan. Very convicting and powerful stories that I will always remember.

    But, you also told us to be very cautious when it comes to the spiritual leaders of our day. Some of them just don't have their hearts in the right place. So much pride and selfishness! I sure don't want to hang around those guys too much.

 So, I know you don't really mean it when you say you love us all the same, because I know you really do love us best because... well, I mean, I don't want to sound prideful or anything, but... WE listen to YOU. I mean, YOU hand-picked US! We are your top 12! You have taught us so much! I know we don't get everything right, but we try really hard. We sleep under the stars with you. We've given up our livelihood and left so much for YOU! It is great! I want more.

BUT

I'm still kind of confused.

Remember, the other day, when you were busy and someone came with their little kid who was suffering so badly from a demon? We did exactly what you told us to do! And, ...I don't even want to talk about it. It was really bad. You said we needed more faith and maybe we should fast. It was super humiliating. I don't understand why it didn't work.

Well, I don't want to point fingers or anything, and I'm sure you are well aware of what is going on. But, SOME GUYS that we don't even know, are going around casting out demons in YOUR name! 

WE are your disciples! 

We are the ones called by YOUR name!

You have been training us all this time and it has been so intense! I'm definitely not complaining, but, these guys haven't done any of those things you asked us to do! 

So, I'm sure you will be glad to know we told them to STOP! That was the right thing to do, right? They shouldn't be using your name. You didn't call them. They weren't one of us.

I can picture Jesus giving them the same look I give my kids when they say something outlandish. 

Ummm, NO! That actually is NOT what I said to do! I was not proud of the children who excitedly told me they painted the dog with glowsticks and Jesus was NOT proud of his disciples for telling "strangers" to quit using Jesus's name to deliver people!

And this is the part I struggle with. It is very clear and I shouldn't be confused by it at all. But, Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

Ya' That part 👆

You probably don't think that is a big deal at all. I mean it is pretty obvious. Probably why it isn't one of the main Bible stories. Nothing to see here. John the disciple was a bit misguided, but Jesus set him straight.

But, it speaks to me. 

Because I have said the same thing. 

Maybe not out loud, but I have quietly asked Jesus the same thing. 

Why do You let them use Your name like that? Did you see them acting all crazy? Did you see those people who were praying? They aren't one of US. They don't understand things the way we do. I won't say anything, but, maybe You should send someone to set them straight, it is kind of embarrassing! 

I have had amazing experiences with Jesus! He has healed me miraculously! I have always loved collecting modern-day miracles. I believe in the power of God and that He is working and active in our lives today. 

But, my experiences don't look like theirs. 

Another thing, Jesus, didn't you say that there will be people at the end who expect to get to attend your wedding feast who you say you don't know? And, they will say that they did many miracles in your name? What about that? Sometimes people do miracles in Your name and they don't really know you.

But, somehow, I feel like I am missing a connection. 

So I turn to Mark 9, praying for God to send the Holy Spirit to help me understand what I am reading. But, it seems more confusing the more "context" I get. Near the end of the chapter we are removing body parts! Oh, dear! But, it ends with, "Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another." 

Okay, the peace part I can understand. I think.

Maybe my place is to serve Jesus and obey Him in what He has told ME to do. It might not look exactly like someone else. God is the judge and He is perfectly capable of defending Himself and His name, which He will do!

My job?

Love God and love people! 

Not be jealous or prideful or condemning. 

Jesus knows who are His people. 

The interesting thing is that Mark and Luke say John is the one who told Jesus he had asked this outsider to stop. So, why doesn't John share the story in his account of his time with Jesus?

Maybe for the same reason that I don't want to share my "elephant in the room". It is something close to my heart that I am still pondering and wondering if I understand yet what Jesus is trying to teach me.

My eldest child is leaving soon to go to Youth With A Mission for a six-month training and missions trip. God has really opened doors for this trip! We can see Him leading and guiding every step of the way and I know it will be a great experience for her.

But, part of me is scared. Part of me wants to do this right. Part of me wonders what people will say. I can hear them already... or maybe that is my voice: We have a missions program in our church too. Why not go help serve there? Our family has been invited to Kenya, but we haven't been able to go yet. Wouldn't it make more sense for her to go serve with people we already know, or have connections with? Our people? 

But, I hear the little whisper in my heart saying:

Forbid not!

Forbid not the little children

Forbid not the stranger

So, I won't forbid. I will try not to be afraid of something that doesn't look like what I am used to. I will trust God who is big enough to take care of even the smallest detail and knows exactly what He is doing. 

And, even if I never understand. That's okay too, because I am only human and God is GOD!

Good King Uzziah and How He Died

 We are almost done with II Chronicles. We have just read a couple of pretty intense stories and are now in chapter 26. Uzziah! The name didn't sound familiar to me. He became king at 16 years of age following his father's murder. 

The Bible told us right away that Uzziah reigned for 52 years. Of course, I had to pause right there for my little guy to add 16+52 and inform me that Uzziah was 68 when he died. Well, that is what we presumed anyway.

Uzziah got right to work building cities and conquering enemies. He built towers and dug wells. He planted vineyards and raised cattle. King Uzziah employed some very talented inventors. They built what the KJV Bible calls "engines". The engines shot arrows and huge stones from the towers of the city wall. This part really captured our imagination. What do you think this engine looked like?

Soon people from as far away as Egypt knew who King Uzziah was. The Ammonites sent him gifts. It seemed everyone wanted to be friends with this guy. He was good at everything he did. He was strong and God blessed him.

 One day his heart was filled with pride. He had succeeded at everything he had done, so far. But, there was one thing he had never done. So, he walked into the temple. He walked right up to the altar of incense. He began to offer incense, he reached for the holy censor. 

Suddenly he was surrounded by about 80 priests. "What are you doing here?" they asked him. "You have no business here. God has consecrated us, the Levites, to serve in the temple."

"You are trespassing!!" 

"You need to go, now!"

Uzziah got angry. He held up the burning censer. He glared at the priests. 

Immediately, on his forehead appeared a white sore. It was leprosy! The High Priest, Azariah, began to thrust him out of the temple, and this time King Uzziah went. In fact, he ran! He wanted out of there! He ran all the way home, but he wasn't allowed inside. They didn't want leprosy! 

He was no longer King.

He went to a house for lepers and lived there for the rest of his life. Evidently, we were wrong about him dying at 68. That is how old he was when he lost his kingdom. We don't know how long he lived suffering from his affliction.

His son, Jotham, became King instead of him. Jotham continued the good that his father had done, and also learned from his mistakes. 

When Uzziah died he was buried as a leper. For, "when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction."

I have heard it said that it is hard to stay strong for God during times of trials and persecutions. But, someone else said that it is even harder to stay strong for God during times of prosperity. Why? Because we think we don't need to rely on God and we can do it all ourselves. 

I thought I would just tell the story this time and not end with a lesson. I didn't think there really was much of a lesson in this story, but I guess I was wrong!

So, if next year, or even 53 years from now, finds us healthy and strong. Let's not forget 2020 and the God who brought us through. Let us never presume that we can do everything in our own power. May we never get to the place where we don't need God or our brothers' and sisters'. Instead, may we be like Uzziah's son, Jotham, who became mighty because he asked God to guide him in all he did! 

Yes, instead of being good like Uzziah, may we be mighty like Jotham! 

Josiah's Fruit

 Near the end of Kings and Chronicles is a story about a little boy. You probably have heard of him. Josiah. The Kings of Israel and Judah had been moving farther and farther away from God. Some had made compromises and some had outright rebelled against God. They had been killing their own children and encouraging immoral behavior and idol worship. But, one day Judah anointed an eight-year-old boy King.

This little boy was eager to learn. A big portion of his studies was to study the kings before him. His favorite king was David. David was Josiah's ancestor. As a little boy, he probably got excited hearing all the battle stories. But, when he got to be about 16 he started digging deeper. He asked his scribe to find everything he could about David. He learned about David's sins and shortcomings, and that he was so very human. He learned about David's heart toward God and God's love for him. He, no doubt, noticed the consequences of sin in David's life. Maybe he went to David's grave and wondered what it would be like to meet him. But, in II Chronicles 34: 3 it says he went beyond learning about David. He began to seek David's God. 

Who was this God who delivered David out of the hand of the lion, bear, giant and so many other trials and tribulations?

He searched. He asked everyone he met.

When he was about 20 he started cleaning up the place. Idols were torn down. Groves were cut down. But, the question still remained: "Who is the God of David and what does He expect of us?" It was time to clean the temple! The idol his Grandpa set up in the temple had been removed, but the place was in need of some serious work. Hilkiah was the high priest at that time. He was busy coordinating the repairs. 

One day Hilkiah asked for a meeting with Josiah's scribe. A man named, Shaphan. 

"I found a book while we were cleaning," Hilkiah said.  "It is the law of Moses."

Shaphan took the book and went to King Josiah, who was in his mid-twenties by this time. He had been seeking after God for a decade already.

"Everything is going good in the repairs of the temple," Shaphan reported. "The workmen have been paid, and everything you said has been done. Also, they found a book..."

When he held out the book I imagine the king getting teary-eyed. He probably knew what it was immediately. He asked Shaphan to carefully unwrap it. Any other activities of the day were canceled. Josiah was about to get some answers!

Shaphan began to read and Josiah listen intently to every word. The "Law of Moses". He heard about Mt. Sinai and Moses's encounters with the Most High God! He heard about all the complaining and outright rebellion by so many of his people. He listened to the lists of dos and don'ts. As he did his head bowed lower and lower. They were not a righteous nation. They had done what God said not to do. They had not done what God said to do. They had mistreated the land and their fellow humans. They had ignored God, or put him in a little box.  

"If you do these things you will be blessed!" God had said. "If you don't, you will lose your land, bad things will happen."

As Shaphan finished reading he heard the sound of tearing cloth. King Josiah tore his clothes! "God is very angry with us!" he admitted. "We have sinned." He had a meeting with some men he knew he could trust: Hilkiah the Priest, Shaphan, and his son Ahikam and a couple other guys. 

"Go, ask God what He wants us to do!" 

Even Shaphan's kids were given scrolls to read. Everyone poured over the law. The more they learned, the more trouble they realized they were in. How could they find out what God wanted them to do now? Were there any prophets at this time? Did anyone know of any prophets of God? Anyone?

Well, there was a woman... [ya, really. Even in this story! I can't believe all the women I am finding] Her name was Huldah. She was married to a guy who worked in the King's wardrobe. (Had this couple been praying as they laundered and sewed and folded the King's clothes?) Huldah worked in the college in Jerusalem, and there they found her. All these really important guys who had important jobs came to ask a woman for a word from God. And, guess what? No one in the story seemed to hesitate at all. She was the one who had a special connection with God, so they ran to find her!

"Tell the MAN who sent you..." she began. Yep. Josiah was right they WERE in BIG trouble! All those curses he had just heard were definitely about to happen. She listed specific evil things the people had done. They knew they deserved it. 

But then she paused. Her voice softened. "But, tell the KING... the King who is searching for God with all his heart. The King who humbled himself before God and His word. The King who sent you to ask.  Tell him God is so pleased with him! God heard the cry of his heart. God saw his tenderness before Him. God saw him tear his clothes and repent. God will hold off punishment and Josiah will not have to see any of it!"

"I have heard you!" God said to Josiah. And Josiah was blessed.

A great revival came about during this period in History. The greatest Passover celebration since the time of Samuel. People were hungry for God and He blessed them.

There were others who were seeking God and trying to live right during this time. How do I know? Because I see their fruit. Another little boy! Maybe it was Ahikam, the son of the scribe who fathered him. Maybe it was Josiah himself. But, during this time of revival, or shortly after, a baby was born to parents whose eyes were wide open. 

What did they tell him? Did they teach him to read as early as they could? Did his mother pray over him and sing to him when he was at her breast hoping maybe he would remember some of these words? Did they pray three times a day? Did they have him memorize large portions of scripture? Did they hide scrolls in his bags when King Nebuchadnezzar came to take their son away? Were they killed never knowing what would become of their son?

Josiah died knowing hard times were coming. But, did he know, that because of his faithfulness in searching and seeking and teaching, another little boy would have the tools he would need to stay strong in a foreign land and face his own giants and even lions? 

I guess you know by now I am referring to Daniel. The man whom God called, "Greatly Beloved!" Daniel 10:19

May God give all of us Mama's and Daddy's wisdom as we teach our children and give them the tools they may need in the not so distant future. May these opinionated, strong-willed kids, not be afraid to speak the truth and stand for what is right, even if they are the only one standing!

And, on this election day may we remember that Rulers and Kingdoms may rise and fall, but our God and His word are everlasting.

Time With God Called Sabbath

What does the word Sabbath mean to you? Does it make you mad? Do you picture a list of restrictive rules? Do you reject it completely without question?

What would you say if I told you that you probably have actually kept the Sabbath at least once in your life without even realizing it?

So, what does Sabbath look like? I really can't tell you what Sabbath should look like for you. You see, Sabbath is not something to be served. Sabbath is a gift, from our Creator, for us! We were not created to serve the Sabbath. The Sabbath was created after humankind was. The Sabbath serves us. It is for our good!

I like to think of it as a date night with God. 

When I go on a date night with my husband we might choose to do, or not do, very different things than you and your spouse. Would it be fair for me to impose my ideas of what a date night 'should' look like on you? Sure there are a few things that everyone would agree would totally NOT work as a date night. And, there are a few things that MUST be included, or it can't be called a date night. For example Both spouses must be present. You can't go on a date night by yourself! It is the same with Sabbath. There ARE a few ways that the Sabbath must be kept, but how that looks can really vary. 

This season we are in is a sabbatical of sorts. It is a time to cease from the usual and slow down, reflect, and meditate. A mental health day! A reprieve. 

The Sabbath is not meant to be a burden. In fact, I think it is fair to say that if keeping the Sabbath feels like a burden to you, then you are probably doing it wrong! 

God wants to be number one in our lives. But, we have to make a living. Somedays we get so busy just surviving that we don't have much time to just sit and listen. It was two weeks into this quarantine when I woke up and realized that my mind had slowed enough that I could think! I didn't realize how busy I had become. We do this every week. We are slaves to our jobs, to the clock, to routines. All the things that demand out attention right now.

When you are getting ready to go on a date night with your spouse what do you do? Do you make sure you have things prepared ahead that the children might need, so they won't have to interrupt you? Do you make sure your work will not interrupt you? Maybe you turn off your cell phone or ask someone else to work for you that evening. 

What about vacation time? Do you plan ahead? Some people fix or buy foods that are easy to prepare so they won't have to spend time cooking from scratch at vacation time. I usually don't think much of cooking on Sabbath. We usually get easily prepared foods for that day, but if I have to heat it up I don't worry about it. Once we went camping and we were really roughing it. We had to build the fire pit, gather wood, get the fire cooking, and then cook a full meal. That was work!!! It was then I realized that the man running all-around gathering sticks on the Sabbath wasn't just picking up a couple twigs on the ground as he hummed a little praise song. 

God wants our full attention. Just for a few hours, he doesn't want us to serve, or be controlled by anything other than Him! What controls us? The clock?  Dishes? Laundry? Work? School? Not today! The Sabbath is a time to not have to constantly look at the clock! We try to put an -ish after times on Sabbath. We don't set the alarm clock on Sabbath. We gather to worship whether it is on Zoom, or in our backyard with family at noon-ish. We set an approximate time to start, but it isn't pushed. There is no ending time at all. Why should there be? There are not very many things that can't wait a few hours. We have all day to quiet down and rest. To turn off everything we possibly can and be still.

Sabbath is a delight. God wants us to look forward to our date with Him. When my girls were little they were only allowed to eat candy on Sabbath. Sabbath is a feast day! But, it isn't like Thanksgiving feasting. Thanksgiving has way too much work to be considered restful! When you go on a date do you have to cook? Even if the celebration is at home, the cooking is usually done before the date and the dishes are done later- maybe even the next day. That is no different than Sabbath. We usually have plenty of healthy snacks and quick, easy foods to grab and eat. If someone is hungry, they eat. If someone is tired, they sleep. We read, snuggle, do puzzles, walk by ourselves or with others, sing, pray, play games, etc. Sometimes we watch movies, shows, sermons, etc. Sometimes we are tired of the noise and need quiet.  But, those are things we do. Your way of celebrating may be entirely different than ours. The goal is to not serve, or be controlled by anything except God. I know that is for all of life, but realistically we do have to go to work, and school and have time restraints. Money is a major stressor for me. I appreciated not having to do anything that deals with money on Sabbath unless it is giving money (as in tithing or giving).

I will never cease to be impressed by how church services can start and end at precise times. How does that work? How can they start exactly at 11 and end exactly at 12? Where is the waiting on God? Where is the lingering in His presence? What if God wants to change things up a bit? Is there room in our schedules for that? Can God call you up on Friday and say, "Hey, can you leave work a little early and get ready, I want to take you somewhere special tomorrow?" What would you say? What would you leave at home? What would you take? What would you turn off? What would you turn on?

So, as you sit at home with your family and you wish you could be busy doing and going, take a minute and ask Him to show you another way. May God use this time to teach us how to rest. I know I need practice. How about you? 

Little Known Bible Stories #5: Caleb's Kids

Hello, friends!
Here we are a whole month into this quarantine and I haven't even written one story for you. Well, today I am finally sitting down to write. The story on my heart today is another one I don't remember ever hearing in Sabbath School class. Did you know Caleb had a daughter?

So often in the stories of the judges or kings, we read that their children, or grandchildren, fell away from God. It is so sad to read about how quickly people lost all that a previous generation had fought so hard to conquer. This is a good news story though!

Caleb's dad had a cool name: Jephunneh (Jeff Funny). I don't know if he had a sense of humor, but he sure had a positive view on life! Remember the story in Numbers 13 about the twelve spies going into the promised land? Remember, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who believed God was big enough to help them slay the giants in their way? Remember all the other people were crying and shaking and beaten before they even started? Well, in case you don't remember, the children of Israel had experienced a miraculous delivery from oppressive slavery in Egypt. God opened the Red Sea for them when there was no other way to escape the Egyptian army. God fed them with bread from heaven when they feared starvation in the wilderness. But, when they got to the land God had promised them they began to cry to go back to Egypt. Why? There were scary giants in the land. There were huge walls preventing them from entering. It was at this time we meet a man from Joshua's generation. A man named, Caleb. I didn't see him mentioned before this. He wasn't an elder. He didn't get his name in the Book for helping organize the trip out of Egypt. But, here he is. Suddenly. He stands up and says something like: "Quit freaking out everyone! Are you kidding me!? Let's go! God's got this!" He was full of the optimism of youth, even though he was way past 20. Sadly he had to endure 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because his comrades wouldn't back him up.
Did Caleb dream of the beautiful land he had explored? Did he tell his children about the huge cluster of grapes the spies had found? Did his kids ask what grapes were? I don't know, but, I do know that he didn't lose his optimism. He married a beautiful lady who, no doubt, shared his dream. He kept healthy and strong by walking every day! ;) He never lost hope that, someday, would enter into his inheritance.

Finally, the day arrived. He was in his 80's. He had been fighting for several months with men a lot younger than him. Never did he complain. Joshua is mentioned several times, but not Caleb. Not a word of him all of Deuteronomy and half of Joshua. Much younger men had already built houses for their families. Finally, in Joshua 14, Caleb comes to visit his old buddy. Joshua and Caleb talked about the old days. They talked about Moses. They talked about those many years ago when they had first walked this land. Then, Caleb looked at the mountain in front of them. Mount Kirjatharba. He knew that mountain well. He had walked all over it for 40 days when he was a spy. He had revisited it, no doubt, many times in his dreams. Perhaps he still had a map he had drawn all those years ago. "Moses, the man of God... promised me this mountain!" he said. Moses had said he could settle that area. He was finally home. It was time for Caleb to take what was promised him.

 Joshua blessed his buddy and sent him on his way. Caleb had waited his whole life for this moment. He led his tribe into conquering the mountain. He renamed it, Hebron. He was as strong and determined as ever. His faith and hope were unrivaled. The Bible says that Caleb followed God with his whole heart (Josh. 14:14). That can't be said of very many people, then, or now. He killed giants! He scaled the mountain! Then he got to Kirjathsepher. He now knew the great feeling of conquering and providing a place for his family. He looked at his daughter Achsah. He knew she was also ready to settle down. She had been traveling her whole life. It was time for her to marry and start a family of her own. It seems she was his favorite child. However, he says something that makes our modern ears cringe: "Whoever takes the city of Kirthjathsepher gets to marry my daughter Achsah!" Yikes! Poor girl! But, wait. Othniel steps up and does the job and gets the girl!

 Who was Othniel? Don't worry. He was the best! Caleb knew this man very well. He was his nephew. Caleb probably had a twinkle in his eye as he made the announcement. Othniel didn't give anyone else a chance to take his girl. Maybe Achsah was Caleb's youngest and the last one to marry. Othniel and Achsah's wedding was no doubt exhilarating!  I imagine Caleb spared no expense. The happy couple began their new life together.

I guess the love birds walked their land hand in hand, picturing their future children running and playing, imagining large flocks of sheep grazing on the hillside... "You know what we need?" Achsah asked Othniel. "Water!" "Yes!" Othniel agreed as he began scanning the area for a good place to dig a well. "Look over there," she said. "A little spring right next to our land! Let's ask Daddy for it!" Othniel had already received so much from the oldest man in Israel! How could he ask for more? "Please?!" she asked sweetly. "It is such a nice little spring. You should ask. I know he'll let us have it." Othniel didn't say much. In fact, it sounds like he never went to visit Caleb. When his ass arrived at Caleb's tent it was Achsah who jumped off.

"What do you want?" Caleb asked her, ready to give her the world.
She politely and gratefully asked for his blessing. She thanked him for the land and asked for the nearby spring.

Not only did Caleb give her the spring she requested, but another spring on the other side. I like to imagine he remembered drinking from that spring as a spy and knew that there was another one near there too. She thanked him and hurried home to her groom.
Othniel saw his beautiful bride riding up and heard her voice before she even got close enough for him to understand her words.

"Daddy said there are two springs we can have. One is over here, and the other is that way!" she pointed them out. The two love birds worked hard on their land. They loved each other very much. But, they also loved God with all their hearts. How do I know? It doesn't say this in Joshua. At first, I just imagined it would be so. Even though I have read many stories of the children of great men turning from the Living God, I really hoped this couple would be different. I was kind of relieved when their names didn't come up again. Maybe no news is good news. I left them on the hill nestled between 2 springs, just past Papa Caleb's tent. Happy and full and blessed.
Judges chapter 1 repeated the story and, thankfully, no sad news was added. Judges chapter 2 described this generation as staying true to God. But, as expected the next generation began fiddling around with idolatry. They fell in love with sin. Marrying wickedness. So sad. Caleb's grandchildren, or maybe great-grands? I sighed. I wondered if Othniel and Achsah had also forgotten their first love.

And, so, as I continued reading Judges, the vicious cycle began... The people strayed. God took away his protection and allowed their enemies to oppress them. Then a few years, or decades later, the people would remember God and think, "Hey. Maybe God can help us!" So, God would feel sorry for them and send them a judge, or prophet, or king. They would get deliverance and live in peace until they again forgot God!

I turned the page ready for some familiar names to appear and some I had forgotten. Do you know the name of the first judge mentioned? Othniel?
Our Othniel?! Yes! Othniel became the elder! The first Judge of Israel to be mentioned in the Scriptures.

When the children of Israel strayed and God gave them into the hand of their enemies, Othniel and Achsah stayed on their hill, between their two springs and waited. When the people had enough, I imagine someone visited the family on the hill. Achsah and Othniel opened their door and listened and talked. Othniel was older, a lot older, but he was still strong. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel. He rose up. He led them in gaining victory over their enemy. For forty years the people listened to Othniel. For forty years they stayed true to God. For forty years they had peace.
I must end there because I promised this would be good news. And, it IS good news! Caleb stayed strong for God his whole life. He lived for God when the rest of his generation was full of fear and disbelief. Caleb led the next generation into the promised land. He must have been so proud of the strong, obedient young men and women who sought after the Lord with their whole hearts. Not only that but, his kids lived through the time of victory and prosperity. They say good times are the hardest times to stay strong for God. The cares of this life and temptations around them didn't distract Caleb's kids. They stayed true when many of their peers lost their way. Then, when hard times came, their faith still did not waver. All the way to the end of the life of Othniel, the son-in-law of Caleb, the wife of Achsah, he was strong.

Did you think this story would be about a woman? Well, it is. So many of Othniel's peers married women from the people around them, who did not worship God. They married for many reasons, but Othniel married the daughter of the man whose heart was stayed on God. He married a girl who loved her Daddy and loved her God and loved her man and wanted all they could possibly give her. She inspired Othniel to do more, be more and love more. I say this with confidence because I can see her fruit. An old man who stayed strong more than likely had an old woman next to him reminding him of who he is: the blessed of the Lord.

Holy Waters, Healing...Leaves?

Guys! I just have to share something new I discovered when reading Ezekiel 47.  I was listening to a song about us being like trees that are growing next to living waters. -not a new concept. Then, I opened my Bible and began to read Ezekiel 47. I love this vision as well as the parallel prophecy in Revelation 22!

   Ezekiel has been seeing a very detailed vision of the temple of God. An angel is giving him a very thorough tour. They are measuring the walls and the doors. Chapters go by. I'm not exactly sure why all of this detail is important, but I do believe that every word is there for a reason. Chapter 47 is so amazing and picturesque! The angel takes Ezekiel back to the door of the temple. Water is flowing out from underneath the temple. It seems to be coming from the altar. Ezekiel wets his feet in the water. They walk downstream exactly 1,000 cubits (everything is exact in this vision). Again Ezekiel walked across the stream. The water covered his ankles. They measured exactly 1,000 cubits farther and the water came to his knees. They continued until the water was a wide river that was DEEP and WIDE! He swam a bit, but couldn't cross.

Then, the angel brought him back to the bank. He had something else to show Ezekiel, TREES!!! Many trees were green and growing and bearing all kinds of fruit! They grew on both sides of the river.

He looked downstream and noticed that the river had reached the Dead Sea. But, it wasn't called the Dead Sea anymore. The waters had healed the Sea. Now fish were swimming in the area that was once dead! Wherever the waters came they brought life! To the dead, barren places new life was springing. All kinds of fish swam in the waters. Fishermen lined the banks.

  Then, Ezekiel looked back at those trees, so green and fruitful. I smiled as I remembered Revelation 22's description of the tree of life. The leaves are for the healing of the nations, for medicine. We use leaves for healing and helping us feel better when we are sick. I am so looking forward to rubbing those Tree of Life leaves on all those bumps and bruises I have from living in this broken world.

  Now, I really don't want to confuse anyone by what I am going to say next. You see the Bible is so awesome! I remember my Grandma telling me that Bible prophecies are often fulfilled more than once. First, it was for the people at that time. But, many of them also pointed to when Christ would come to earth; our lives now; and, of course, eternity!

 Personally, I love poetic language and mysterious visions in scripture. It doesn't bother me if I don't understand it all. Someday I will see Jesus and will have all of eternity for Him to explain it to me. So, for now, I sit and read and ponder and let the word wash over me.
  But, this time, it didn't just wash over me. I took a big gulp! Another strange verse with beautiful words popped into my head. John 7:30 says that "living waters" will flow out of our bellies! The Bible also teaches that we are supposed to "bear fruit". What does Psalm 1:3 talk about? Suddenly my mind was getting filled with verse after verse. WE should bear fruit! OUR bodies are the temple! WE should bring forth living waters. OUR prayers are like incense. WE bring the SACRIFICE of praise.
 Maybe this passage meant something very literal in Ezekiel's day. Most likely, this passage is speaking of eternity, when all will be healed. But, today this passage opened my eyes to a new concept.
 You see, I have always known we are to bear fruit, but I never thought about the leaves. I always looked forward to that living water flowing, but I forgot that we are HIS vessels and that deep and wide river flows out of US to the world around us.
  Out of us (the temple of the Holy Ghost- I Corinthians 6:19) flows this living water (the Holy Spirit- John 7:30). Wherever the water flows, it brings life. It brings life to the desert, the wilderness, the barren lands.
  We are like trees! Our roots go down deep into that living water and we bear many kinds of fruit (Galatians 5:22) and many leaves. We should bring life to the area where God has planted us. We are to bring healing to the broken, hurting people near us.
   Suddenly this passage isn't just about something for me to one day receive. It is a lifestyle for me to live, right now. I'm not sure what this looks like practically, but my desire is to be like Jesus and grow fruitful in Him wherever He plants me.
As springtime comes, may God bless you with a fruitful year, spiritually as well as physically!