BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 4

This week at a conference, Pope Francis stated: “Religions are seen as paths trying to reach God. I will use an analogy: They are like different languages that express the divine…” (The Catholic World Report, September 13, 2024). The pope is a man of significant influence, and this has sent shockwaves around the world. After all, Jesus would plainly state that there is only one way to the Father (John 14.6). I understand the pope is just a man, but this false belief is being propagated at the highest levels of religion. Perhaps the notion is not completely off-base. After all, Paul would commend the Athenians for their altar to the ‘unknown god’ (Acts 17.23)—they were ignorantly trying to cover their bases!—but he would not coddle their ignorance. “The times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17.30).

Although we believe God has no rival, he has always cared about his people recognizing this preeminent position relative to other gods in this world. Hence the first commandment: you shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20.3; Deuteronomy 5.7). As Moses began his final address to Israel, he challenged them to consider this with a series of questions:

“For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of. Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him.” (Deuteronomy 4.32-36)

For these people, YHWH was not an abstract character of legend. They had witnessed his power and providence as he dwelt among them in the wilderness. What other god, in all of history, has behaved in this way, choosing and loving his people? The answer is obvious. YHWH did things no other god could do. But it wasn’t just an ego trip or random displays of power. These were acts of mercy were instructive in teaching his people how to enter the promised land and to be a witness to the world (Deuteronomy 4.6, 9-14).

There are thousands of versions of “God” floating around our world today. Quite frankly most of them have common attributes deemed as important in the minds of men: power, immortality, expectation, etc. But we must appreciate there is ONE God who must be represented totally and properly. He has no physical form and must not be manipulated to our liking (Deuteronomy 4.12-19; [28]). He is utterly righteous and just; a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4.24; Hebrews 12.24). But he is merciful, wishing that none should perish but that all should reach repentance (Deuteronomy 4.31; 2 Peter 3.9).

Our duty is to make God properly known in this world. Like Israel, we do this through obedience to his rules and to his mission (Deuteronomy 4.1-2, 6). We are ambassadors to the God of reconciliation through the saving blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. There is no other besides him.

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 1-3

38 years in the wilderness must have felt like eternity (Deuteronomy 2.14). An entire generation was dead as God had promised for their unbelief (Deuteronomy 2.14b-16) and a new generation was once again on the cusp of the Promised Land. They faced the same ‘giants’ as before (Numbers 13.28-29; 21.13, 21), and with the same command from God: “Go take the land I am giving you” (Deuteronomy 1.21; 2.24).

A large portion of this generation was born in the wilderness. Many had not experienced the plagues or the Red Sea. But they had been fed day by day with manna. They had seen water come from a rock. They had seen YHWH’s judgment on the previous generation until they were no more. Moses was still at the helm, but even he would not go with them (Numbers 20.13; Deuteronomy 3.23-27). As he guided them forward, he recounted this history in the wilderness. His admonitions echoed the powerful necessity of obedience and trust.

It is obvious the wilderness was an intentional part of YHWH’s salvation. It was a place away from Israel’s past. It was a place away from their enemies. It was a place away from the comforts that so easily enticed them. It was a place that minimized distractions and allowed them to see YHWH. It was a place to learn that freedom is from God and with God. The wilderness was a place to see themselves differently because of the presence of YHWH among them.

This generation was far from perfect, but they were impacted by the wilderness. As they begin their foray towards the Promised Land it is evident they learned how to go where YHWH led them. Of course, many of them had never known anything different. Perhaps that was the grace of God preparing them for the conquest. Whatever the case, as they left this wilderness they were committed to the direction of YHWH (Numbers 21.2).

We naturally tend to treat ‘wilderness years’ like the first generation. We wonder ‘weren’t things better before?’ and we long for the comfortable, or at least the controllable. But that is not from wisdom or faith (Ecclesiastes 7.10). The wilderness is an intentional part of the journey. God has always allowed people of faith to endure trials for their perfection (James 1.2-4; 1 Peter 4.12-19). He sometimes removes our treasured possessions and relationships to impact our future. He sometimes leads us through seasons of suffering to increase our trust. The wilderness prepares us to be God’s people as we travel towards God’s place. This is why complaining is such an affront to God. It assumes God is lacking in his vision for our lives. It devalues his power, provisions and promises. Complaining ignores the realities of a better future that can only be achieved through suffering.

We must not coddle each other when struggles come but rejoice and encourage one another to endure, like Jesus. We must embrace the wilderness as a necessary part of the journey that is preparing us to receive the promises of God. And with this thought we can live with confidence in the direction of God in the present.

BIBLE READING: Numbers 10-14

For more than two years Israel was exposed to the power, direction and holiness of YHWH. After their significant blunder with the calf, YHWH’s presence seemed to impact their behavior for a while. They set out “at the command of the LORD by Moses” according to the pattern he had laid out for them (Numbers 10.13-28). They followed the ark and the cloud wherever it led them (10.33-34). But rote obedience was lacking. The people continued to complain about God’s plan for them. They didn’t like the food (11.1-6). They didn’t like the leadership (12.1-2). They didn’t like the prospect of fighting a difficult enemy (13.28-29, 32-33; 14.1-4). Here they were, at the cusp of the Promised Land that YHWH had repeatedly promised to them, filled with an enemy that YHWH had already helped them defeat and promised he would again (Numbers 12.29; see Exodus 17.8-16)… but they decided it would be better to go back to Egypt (14.4).

It wasn’t that they didn’t have opportunity to learn about God. It wasn’t some unknown factor that caused their fear and rejection. He had gone out of his way to prepare them for this moment. Their existence as a nation was defined by HIS choices, not theirs. But they did not believe him (Numbers 14.11). “How long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?” (14.11). They had seen and yet turned away from the realities of God’s power. “You have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice” (14.22). They had understood and yet chose their own way.

This moment was the final, catastrophic straw: “your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness… all your number listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me…” (Numbers 14.29).

This episode plainly reveals that God’s grace had limits… and it still does today. These people an object lesson for us to avoid (1 Corinthians 10) with the same warning they were given: “Don’t harden your heart as in the day of rebellion” (Hebrews 3-4). Like these people, God’s grace is immense towards us, but God doesn’t force us to do anything. In fact, he will give us up to our desires if that’s what we choose (see Romans 1.18-ff). 

We must mature through obedience, but it must go beyond rote activity. Our heart’s desire must change for us to receive the promises of God. We must understand how foolish, deceptive and destructive our natural desires are and where they take us (Jeremiah 17.9; Proverbs 14.12). Just because we have been called, chosen and promised things from God doesn’t mean we’re a shoo-in to receive. God’s grace is only limited by our choice regarding it. In fact, like Israel we can choose our fate. If we set our mind on the here-and-now, this life will be our only reward. If we want to return to our old life, it will be like a dog returning to it's vomit (2 Peter 2.20-22). It would be better for us to have never known God's ways, than to reject it (Hebrews 10.26-31). There is nothing else to be offered beyond the atoning and all-sufficient grace given to us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. 

God has always made good on his promises and so we must listen and believe. Jesus has promised to prepare a place for us, where we can be at peace with him, if we believe in him (John 14.1-3). This means we trust him with more than just lip service. It means we listen and obey, confident that his ways are leading us home. And so, let us not presume upon his grace, but grow in it with less complaining and more trusting (Romans 2.3-4; 2 Peter 3.17-18).  

BIBLE READING: Exodus 35-36

“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel …, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.’” (Exodus 35.30-31)

YHWH had given Moses intricate designs His tabernacle. Even as a temporary structure, the tabernacle was to be created with ‘artistic designs,’ ‘for glory and for beauty’ (Exodus 28.2). Scripture suggests that the aesthetic dimension of life exists ‘for glory’—to glorify God and to give humans a faint glimpse of God’s splendor; and ‘for beauty’—so that mere creation of beauty is an appropriate end in itself.”

Into this context we are introduced to Bezalel. He was not a priest or a prophet, but a craftsman, selected by YHWH for the task of building the tabernacle (Exodus 31.1-5). Interestingly, Bezalel is the first person in Scripture to be described as filled with the Spirit of God. He was specifically empowered to use his artistic and construction skills to build the tabernacle—a structure that would be used for the next 400+ years as God’s dwelling among the people. Bezalel was talented because YHWH had prepared him for this task. God equipped Bezalel to make intricate, amazing designs of the highest quality and visual beauty. Nothing of “ho-hum” or inferior quality. Bezalel’s artistry would set the tone for an even greater glory to fill this tent for generations to come.

However, in the shadow of Moses’ enormous role in Exodus, Bezalel’s ability can seem a bit less spiritual. He’s not making atonement or instructing people in the laws of YHWH. And yet, twice he is called by name for this task (Exodus 31.1-5; 35.30-ff). Why the emphasis on his role here? Two things stand out to me.

1. The excellence of his efforts (Exodus 35.31-33). God never does things half-way and neither should we. In our jobs, families, in the community, and especially in the church, we should pursue excellence with the gifts we are given. “Having gifts that differ, let us use them… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12.6, 8, NIV). Every activity may not have an overt spiritual purpose (consider Acts 9.36-41), but our excellence honors God. We should work hard in whatever we do, as for the Lord (Colossians 3.23) knowing that this reflects the nature and glory of God.
2. His God-given ability to teach others how to do things well (Exodus 35.34). This wasn’t a one-man show, so it wasn’t enough for Bezalel to be good at his work. The whole structure needed to be built with excellence. YHWH gave Bezalel to teach others to build this place for God. God has done the same for the church today. “…he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for… the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4.11-12). The church is being built up in love as a house for God to dwell among his people today (Ephesians 4.16; 1 Peter 2.5).

There have always been various roles among God’s people. He doesn’t expect more out of us than we are able. But he does expect excellence in what we can do. And so, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9.10)and as for the Lord, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3.23)”

BIBLE READING: Exodus 34

I was blessed with a large group of Christian friends in high school. When many our age were doing dumb things together, I didn’t feel to pressure to conform because I had friends like me. But over time some of my friends started spending more time with others who didn’t have the same spiritual values. They would go to the parties and engage in the things that, at one time, we would have agreed were wrong. I remember confronting one of my friends about this, to which he replied, “If I’m going to influence them, I’ve got to be with them.” At the time the sentiment made sense, but the results told a different story. Over time, my friend became more like them, and his spiritual convictions dwindled.

It is natural for people to assimilate with those around them. It’s Dinah going to see the people of the land (Genesis 34.1-4) or Judah ‘shearing his sheep’ with the Adullamite (Genesis 38.1-ff; 12-ff). The naïve are curious and intrigued by the acceptable practices of the world, which later become a snare in their lives. Biblical and secular history proves it is more common for an individual to be altered by the crowd than vise versa. And while relatability is important to believers, it must not be at the expense of loyalty.

As YHWH restates his promise and judgment against the Canaanites (Exodus 3.8; 13.5; 23.23; 33.2; cf. Genesis 15.18-21), he warns Israel plainly: Don’t become like the people (Exodus 34.12, 15). But YHWH doesn’t stop there. He commands Israel to destroy their gods: “Tear down the altars, break their pillars, cut down their Asherim (for you shall worship no other god…)” (Exodus 34.13). Whatever affinity Israel might find from the locals will corrupt them for future generations. But more importantly, they do not belong to these lifeless things. YHWH, the Living God, is a jealous God, and rightfully so. He secured their freedom as a demonstration of his love and commitment. Israel must not allow any occasion for divided loyalties. They must destroy the idols.

As we journey through this life, we will be distracted and drawn by many things. People, pleasures and pursuits offer much value in establishing our identities; but they are worthless if they draw us from God. He is our life. God doesn’t expect us to destroy others but to bring down their gods by “destroying arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10.5). This is no small task that will involve ridicule and rejection (1 Peter 4.1-6; 2 Peter 3.3-6). But we have been bought with a price and empowered to serve the Living God with totality. We must destroy the idols that captivate our attention. Hence why Jesus would call people to such extreme measures (Matthew 5.29-32; 19.21). This is the calling of holiness. Tear down the idols and serve God alone.