Mission Blessings is a daily devotional to bring a blessed day for viewers.

MISSION BLESSINGS

Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread 
 
1 Chronicles 9:28-34 
 
28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. 30 But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. 31 A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread. 32 Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table. 33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night. 34 All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem. 
 
 Today’s title is “ Wherever and Whatever He Calls Us To” 
 
 What is the chief end of man? This fundamental question of life comes from the first question of Westminster Shorter Catechism. The answer to the question is “A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Like the answer to the question, all Christians believe that we are to glorify God as long as we live, not reluctantly but joyfully. How do we do it? The Shorter Catechism goes on to explain it in detail based on the biblical truth. I am not going to elaborate on the details of it here. But one great principle of how we glorify God can be found in today’s passage. Today’s passage shows how the Levites who served the temple of God worked. The passage shows the different type of works that the Levites did in the temple. Of course, what was recorded in the passage is not an exhaustive list of the Levites works in the temple. But what was mentioned here is sufficient to show how various were the works the Levites did. Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service. Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary. They were also in charge of the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. A Levite named Mattithiah, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread. Some of the Kohathites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table. There were musicians who were responsible for the music at the temple day and night. Of course we do know that there were some priests who did sacrifice animals and burn the incenses too. . But what seems remarkable to me is that the works of the Levites are highly various and practical in general. That was what they did to glorify God. They must have done it dutifully but joyfully. I believe the variety and practicality of the works perfo0rmed by the Levites set good examples for all of us. We can glorify God in a variety of ways. You can sing to glorify God. You can cook for Him. You can set the table for God. You can be a porter for God or a guard at the gate. There are so many different ways to glorify God. There is no room for narrow human stereotype in serving God. So in which ways are you called to serve God? How joyfully and thankfully do you do it?

Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices.  A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread

1 Chronicles  9:28-34

28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. 30 But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. 31 A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread. 32 Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing

Wherever and Whatever  He Calls Us To (1 Chronicles  9:28-34)  Mission Blessings

Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. 
 
1 Chronicles 9:21-27 
 
21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 
22 Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. 23 They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south. 25 Their fellow Levites in their villages had to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods. 26 But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. 27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning. 
 
 Today’s title is “Gatekeepers Matter Dearly” 
 
 The tabernacle and temple all have one main purpose. It was the place that God dwells with His people. To the Israelites, the tabernacle and temple physically showed the presence of God. Before Jesus came to us as God incarnate, tabernacle and temple were only places that people of God were allowed to meet God. Thus, they were symbol of Immanuel which means “God is with us” to the people of God before Christ came. Through the temple and tabernacle God allowed people to come to Him. Nevertheless, the temple and tabernacle were most strictly guarded place in Israel. People could come to God through them. But those who enter the tabernacle and temple should follow the strict rules set by God. One of the most important rules to enter the holy place was that they should enter it through the gate only. The gate was clearly marked so that no one would miss it. Those who attempt to enter the holy place by any other ways were to be stopped even to be killed. That was why the gatekeepers matter so much in the kingdom of Israel. We see that the great amount of efforts and cares were given to the task of gate keeping in today’s passage. David and Samuel trusted the responsibilities of gatekeeping to the chosen people of Levites. The chosen people followed the rules and arrangements of David and Samuel meticulously. With the coming of Christ, we now have much greater access to God. The bible says that through Christ, we are all now royal priesthood and holy nation. Washed in the blood of Christ, we can now freely go to the throne of grace. At the same time, the spiritual laws regarding the gatekeeping still hold true to us. We can go to God much more freely. But we still have to go through the gate only. Where is the gate? Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:7-10). The word of God and the Holy Spirt are the gatekeepers of the gospel of Christ. If we ignore the Gate and Gatekeepers, we put ourselves and those we love in jeopardy. But when we, in godly fear, heed the spiritual laws set by God, we will be safe and secure. How are you abiding by the spiritual law of gatekeeping? Are you entering into God ‘s presence through the gate? Are you firmly guarded by the gate keeper?

Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages.

Gatekeepers  Matter Dearly (1 Chronicles 9:21-27)  Mission Blessings

Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 
 
1st John 2:22-25 
 
22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 
 
24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 
 
Today’s title is “Who Is The Liar?” 
 
 We run into many lies in our life. In fact, our life is bombarded with lies. If you are not convinced, just take a look at TV commercials that you watch every day on many TV stations. They claim to give you the highest value of products at the lowest price. They claim that they will serve you as if you are a royal family at the beggar’s price. According to some commercials, they can make you an instant beauty. Some drug claims to be a panacea, the cure-all. You will be duped and hoodwinked with your eyes open if you don’t exercise proper discernment about such lies. All lies are bad. But the worst of all lies are spiritual lies because spiritual lies can cause permanent damages while physical and financial lies most can cause temporary damage. The worst of all spiritual lies are lies about Christ. Lies about Christ attempt to nullify the greatest love and sacrifice of God, which is Christ crucified for the world. Such lies can hamper the way of salvation for countless souls. Apostle John, like other apostles such as Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul, only testifies what is absolutely true to him. He said at the beginning of the letter that he only proclaims “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched”. Apostles carefully and strictly avoided any concocted stories regarding Christ. Such apostolic attitude about the authenticity of the gospel has been kept by their successors throughout the history of Christianity. On the contrary, there have been ceaseless attempts to dilute and pollute the truth of the gospel and the truth about Jesus Christ with lies after lies. When the Lord Jesus came as the Son of God, some lied that Jesus is not the son of God but Beelzebub, the king of demons. When Jesus rose from the grave, they lied that the disciples have stolen his body. But the Father God has consistently prophesied and testified for the Son throughout history. God the Father has personally affirmed that Jesus is His beloved Son multiple times. Some disciples personally heard such Father’s voice. So that is the basis of the disciple’s conviction about Christ. Peter’s confession that Jesus is Christ and the Son of the Living God had come from such firm convictions about Jesus. Jesus said He will build His church on the rock. Knowing Jesus as Christ, the Messiah is the rock of our salvation. The big ancient Liar knows that if he can shake the truth, he can shake us all. How firm is your foundation of faith? How firm is your knowledge of Christ? Don’t let the Liar shake your faith and your joy and happiness.

Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.

1st John 2:22-25

22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

Today’s title is   “Who Is The Liar?”

    We run into many lies in our life.  In fact, our life is bombarded with lies.    If you are not convinced,  just take a look at TV commercials that you watch every day on many TV stations.  They claim to give you the highest value of products at the lowest price.  They claim that they will serve you as if you are a royal family at the beggar’s price.   According to some commercials, they 

Who Is The Liar? (1st John 2:22-25)  Mission Blessings

They said, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?” 
The Lord answered, “Go up against them.” 
 
Judges 20:23-28 
 
23 The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and they inquired of the Lord. They said, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?” 
The Lord answered, “Go up against them.” 
24 Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day. 25 This time, when the Benjamites came out from Gibeah to oppose them, they cut down another eighteen thousand Israelites, all of them armed with swords. 
26 Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. 27 And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, 28 with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?” 
The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.” 
 
 
 Today’s title is “ Fight Against Your Own Brothers” 
 
 The history of mankind is riddled with many wars. But the most insensible and painful wars among those many wars are civil wars. In the civil wars, brothers fight against each other. That’s totally absurd and inhumane war. Brothers share the same blood. They share the same heritage. They are destined to love and help each other. But civil wars go against all of these human natures. Such wars not only destroy individual lives but also families, neighbors, and nations. So civil wars are the most inhumane wars of all. We want to avoid all wars as much as possible. We want to avoid civil wars at all costs. But what will you do when God commands us to fight against brothers? That’s what we see in today’s passage. An incident of atrocities by some Benjamite scoundrels aroused anger among other Israelite tribes. All Israelites were descendants of Jacob who later called Israel by God. That was why they were all called Israelites. The twelve tribes were supposed to remain strongly united. But somehow the Benjamites refused to apologize for the atrocities that some scoundrels of their own tribe have done. Instead, they chose to fight against all Israelites. On the other hand, the Israelites wanted to resolve the issue without war. We see such a mindset of Israelites in today’s passage. The Israelites ask God before the fight, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?” repeatedly. They asked the same question again before the ark. It is highly probable that they had expected or even begged in mind that God would tell them not to fight against their own brothers. But God repeatedly answered to them, “Go up against them. “ Why did God do so? We can hardly know what was on God’s mind. What is clear from the bible is that our God loves and blesses brethren dwelling together united (Psalm 133). He does not take joy when sinners die in their own sin, not to speak of His own people. He even pitied the ungodly nation of Nineveh and sent Jonah to save them. I believe the message from today’s passage is this: What binds us together is not the bloodline but God. When God is lost in our life, brothers, families, and countries cannot stand united. First thing, first. Seek ye first His kingdom of God, And all these things shall be added unto you. Are your brothers dwelling well together? Make God bind you all together. That's how all brothers remain united forever. Amen!

They said, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?”
The Lord answered, “Go up against them.”

Judges 20:23-28

23 The Israelites went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and they inquired of the Lord. They said, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?”
The Lord answered, “Go up against them.”
24 Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day. 25 This time, when the Benjamites came out from Gibeah to oppose them, they cut down another eighteen thousand Israelites, all of them armed with swords.
26 Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. 27 And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, 28 with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we 

Fight Against Your Own Brothers (Judges 20:23-28)  Mission Blessings

The Danites answered, “Don’t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.” 
 
Judges 18:22-26 
 
22 When they had gone some distance from Micah’s house, the men who lived near Micah were called together and overtook the Danites. 23 As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, “What’s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?” 
24 He replied, “You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter with you?’” 
25 The Danites answered, “Don’t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.” 26 So the Danites went their way, and Micah, seeing that they were too strong for him, turned around and went back home. 
 
 Today’s title is “Get Out of Jungle! ” 
 
 There are a lot of mob activities in a disorderly society. In such a society, nobody cares for decency. Life is indeed a jungle. Have you ever lived in such a jungle of life? I think we all have one way or another. How did you get out of such a jungle? Or are you still trying to get out of it? We see one of such jungle episodes in today’s passage. Micah’s mother gave his son an idol made of silver as a gift. It seems very thoughtless of her to give an idol as a gift to her son. But that happens to many jungles of life. I see some parents unwittingly give idols that can ruin their children’s life as gifts even in our times. Micah not only worshipped the idol himself but he made all of his households worship it. Micah ran into a wandering priest. He forcefully makes the priest of his household religion. When our life turns into a jungle, we run into a lot of priests that are completely lacking in fear of God. That’s another characteristic of the jungle. The Danites who had more military power happen to see Micah’s silvery idol and priest. They decided to take those as their own after they have experienced some sort of power in the idol and priest. The Danites took the idol and priest without asking Micah. That is the background of today’s episode. Finding out that his treasured idol and priest were gone, Micah chased and took over the Danites with some people in his neighborhood. Micah rebuked and requested Danites to give them back. The Danites weren’t budged a bit. Look at the answers of the Danites. “Don’t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.” We can all easily imagine the beast-like facial expressions of the Danite mobs because we also have been in similar situations. Micah must have measured the situation carefully. He knew that he can’t measure up to them. Despite his reasonable anger and resentment, he couldn’t confront the Danites anymore. The Danites went away victoriously. But were the Danites really the victor in the jungle? Not at all! They will soon have their turn of doom. We will see. In the jungle, no one gets ahead forever. So why would anyone stay and struggle in the jungle? That’s absolute stupidity. But how can we get out of the jungle of life? Do we have any way out of the jungle? Yes, we do! We have a clear and present way to get you out of the jungle. That’s the good news of the bible. Jesus says, “I am the Way”. He is the beacon that guides us through the jungle to the haven of God. We can be restored to the decency of life where love and grace abound. The horror of Jungle that we have seen in today’s passage is shouting at us to find the way and find the light, isn't it?

The Danites answered, “Don’t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.”

Judges 18:22-26

22 When they had gone some distance from Micah’s house, the men who lived near Micah were called together and overtook the Danites. 23 As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, “What’s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?”
24 He replied, “You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter with you?’”
25 The Danites answered, “Don’t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.” 26 So the Danites went their way, and Micah, seeing that they were too strong for him, turned around and went back home.

  Today’s title is    “Get Out of Jungle! ”

         There are a lot of mob activities in a disorderly society.   In such a society, nobody cares for decency.   Life 

Get Out of Jungle !  (Judges 18:22-26)  Mission Blessings

Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi. 
 
Judges 15:16-20 
 
16 Then Samson said, 
“With a donkey’s jawbone 
 I have made donkeys of them 
With a donkey’s jawbone 
 I have killed a thousand men.” 
17 When he finished speaking, he threw away the jawbone; and the place was called Ramath Lehi. 
18 Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” 19 Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi. 20 Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. 
 
 
“Today’s title is “ A Jawbone and A Spring “ 
 
 The Bible shows a lot of heroes of faith. But there are not a few heroes of faith who are highly disputable about their status of heroes at least in view of ordinary people. Samson is surely one of those controversial heroes. He was born of an old couple who didn’t have a child by God’s supernatural intervention. He became a super-strong man as he grew up. But his life wasn’t totally holy as we expected from his unusual birth. He wasn’t able to restrain himself from fleshly desires and anger. He had matchless power. But he had fatal weaknesses too. His life indeed had great peaks. But it also had deep valleys. Today’s passage shows such dramatic ups and downs of Samson’s life. Samson killed a thousand Philistinians with a donkey’s jawbone when the Philistines assaulted him. The place where he threw the jawbone of a donkey was Ramath Lehi. It is a symbolic place that he celebrated his power and strength. But right after he celebrated such a great victory, he was on the verge of dying out of thirst. He became so thirsty as to even die or be captured by his enemies. He cried out to the Lord, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”. Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. The spring was called En Hakore. At the almost same place and almost at the same time, Samson took great pride in amazing victory, then fell into a fatal moment that he could have died of thirst. I believe that this contrast of Ramath Lehi and Enhak Core shows how our life is although it may not be as dramatic as this. At some point in our life, we can be standing at Ramath Lehi, celebrating our own success. We can be very prideful as if we got such success or victory by our own might. Samson proudly said, “ With a donkey’s jawbone, I have killed a thousand men”. Impressed by his own success or victory, it sounds like that he is proclaiming “I have done it myself and my way. That ‘s a typical self-glorification of so-called a self-made man. Do you remember the famous song titled “My way”? The song ends with similar self-glorification with the repeated lyrics “I did it my way”. But can Samson or any other man be really self-made hero? They can’t say that if they equally remember their Enhak Core. Who quenched their dying thirst when they were dying for the lack of such a simple thing as water? Who fed them when they were dying for lack of food? By God’s grace, Samson finally figured it out. Thus, the end of Samson’s life was described as “Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.”. How has been your life? Hopefully, we have as many Ramath Lehi as possible. But the true and final victory comes only after you figure out the real truth of Enhak Core. Did you figure it out?

Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he ...

A Jawbone and A Spring (Judges 15:16-20)  Mission Blessings

“We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!” But his wife answered, “If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and grain offering from our hands, nor shown us all these things or now told us this.” 
 
 
Judges 13:19-24 
 
 
19 Then Manoah took a young goat, together with the grain offering, and sacrificed it on a rock to the Lord. And the Lord did an amazing thing while Manoah and his wife watched: 20 As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame. Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground. 21 When the angel of the Lord did not show himself again to Manoah and his wife Manoah realized that it was the angel of the Lord. 
22 “We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!” 
23 But his wife answered, “If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and grain offering from our hands, nor shown us all these things or now told us this.” 
24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him 
 Today’s title is “We Are Doomed To Die!” 
 
 
 Have you ever seen God? I haven’t. I wish I could see him. I am not quite sure whether it is doctrinally right or wrong to have such a wish. But I believe all Christians have such wishes. Why not? If we have someone who loved us so much, it is natural that we want to see him. At the same time, we know that it is very rare if not impossible to see God with our naked eyes. If you haven’t seen God like me, it wouldn’t make you any lesser Christian than others. Jesus said to Thomas who wouldn’t believe resurrection without seeing it, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Our faith is not based on what we see individually. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. We should be satisfied with Lord Jesus who came to us as God incarnate historically. When Phillip told Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:8-9). It is interesting that many Israelites in the Old Testament had completely different ideas about seeing God. They thought they would die if they see God. They were even afraid of looking at the glory of God that was reflected in the face of Moses. Moses had to cover his face with a veil. We see similar reactions of Samson’s father to seeing God or an angel of God in person. Having heard that the angel of the Lord visited his wife, Manoah wanted to make sure that it is surely an angel of the Lord. When he realized that it was really an angel of the Lord, he said to his wife, we are doomed to die. We have seen God.” There‘s a bit of irony in Manoah’s story. He wanted to see God make sure of the truth. But he fears for his own life after he had seen. Manoa’s wife had a more balanced view. We all feel a similar dilemma. Rarely we have a supernatural encounter with God. That is not bad at all. It is not necessarily a good thing either. The true spiritual discernment that leads us to a better understanding of God and His work should mostly be based on a more balanced and comprehensive consideration of God’s words and His guide. In today’s story, Manoa’s wife showed better spiritual discernment than Manoa. We are facing situations that demand such spiritual discernment every day. How do you discern the true spiritual knowledge in your daily life? How much do you endeavor to meditate on God’s words and interact with God to keep such spiritual discernment? We better diligently meditate on God's words and maintain spiritual fellowship with the Lord daily, don't we?

We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!” But his wife answered, “If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would ...

We Are Doomed To Die (Judges 13:19-24)  Mission Blessings

Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?” 
 
Judges 11:7-10 
 
7 Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?” 
8 The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead.” 
9 Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head?” 
10 The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.” 
 
 Today’s title is “The Overcomer of Discrimination” 
 
 People have differences But they have much more in common than differences. We the people have all have the same fundamental needs, same emotions, and same desires. More than anything else, we the people all have one Father. We are all created after the Father’s own image. The Father God loves us all as His children despite the differences. The bible teaches us to respect and love one another. So discrimination is a horrible sin not only against people who are discriminated against but also to God. So it is no wonder that throughout history godly people spearheaded the abolition of all discrimination including slavery. We can see a beautiful example of such a Christian attitude in Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon. In the letter, Paul earnestly exhorts Philemon to take Onesimus who was his run-away slave to take his brother in the Lord. “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord (Philemon 15-16)”. But as a matter of fact, there has been discrimination in the history of mankind one way or the other. We can’t confidently say that there is no discrimination even in our time and in our places. There are still times that we feel discriminated against. What do we do about it? The story of Jephthah gives us a good example of overcoming discrimination. Jephthah was born to a mother who was a prostitute. He has driven away from his half-brothers. He grew up with a gang of scoundrels. He became their leader. He seems to be the fitting man to be discriminated against anywhere in the world. It seems that he must have a lot of bitterness and anger against his own brothers. Obviously, he was not. Somehow he became a great man of God. He does not flatly reject when the elders of his hometown wanted him in crisis. He humbly leaves the decision to God. With the help of God, Jephthah saves the hometown that discriminated against and drove him out. He returned love for hatred. He responded to discrimination with forgiveness and sacrifices. In short, Jephthah somehow had a Christlike mind even he was cruelly discriminated against. It was one of the sweetest revenge of love recorded in the bible. Have you ever been discriminated against? I believe we all are in one way or other. How are you responding to it? You can respond to it like Jephthah. You can become a surprisingly more godly man than those who discriminated against you. You can return the hatred and cruelty with love and kindness. Sure then God will lift your name higher in heaven than the discriminators. How are you overcoming your discriminators?

Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?”

Judges 11:7-10

7 Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me and drive me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now, when you’re in trouble?”
8 The elders of Gilead said to him, “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now; come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead.”
9 Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me—will I really be your head?”
10 The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.”

                      Today’s title is  “The Overcomer of Discrimination”          

        People have differences   But they have much more in common than differences.  We the people have all have the same fundamental needs, same emotions, and same desires.   More than anything else,  we the people all have one Father

The Overcomer of Discrimination (Judges 11:7-10)  Mission Blessings

But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. 
 
Judges 3:9-11 
 
9 But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. 11 So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. 
 
 Today’s title is “Cry Out To God” 
 
 Israelites at the time of Judges were highly ungrateful; and rebellious. We are very disappointed at the behaviors of Israelites at the time of Judges in general. At some points, we even feel shocked and disgusted at their blatant disobedience of God and horrible actions. What’s even worse, they don’t seem to learn from painful lessons. They repeat the same sin of idolatry and rebellion, again and again during this period. They are even getting worse over the period. At the end of the book of Judges, it is literally becoming “hell on earth”. But one thing that puzzles the reader of the book of Judges that God still answers to them when they cry out and sent judges to save them. We see the first example of the pattern in today’s passage. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel and he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim. It was just anger of God against rebellious people of God. But when they cried out to the Lord, He raised up for them a deliverer. This is a pattern that will be repeated throughout the book of Judges. I personally felt irritated and angry at the repeated pattern at first. Even with my sinful nature, the repeated rebellion and idolatry of Israelites deserve righteousness and finishing judgment of God. It didn’t seem to me that the outcry of Israelites was not out of faith or repentance but out of pain and agony. But God hears them all the time they cry out and save them. “Why does God do that?” I wondered. What do you think is God’s answer? I think I got the answer as I grew older and have more experience of people as a pastor. God wants to save His people so strongly as to take away His own righteous anger and judgment over and over. Without such endless forgiveness of God, no man can escape from God’s anger. Jesus said “Forgive seven times seven those who sin against you repeatedly. The book of Judges shows us a glimpse of God’s never-ending love and perseverance for His people. Just cry out to Him whether you are worthy of forgiveness and grace. He is quick to answer. So are you still unhappy about God’s repeated answer to the cries of the people? I am sure I am not.

But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them.

Judges 3:9-11

9 But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. 11 So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.

     Today’s title is   “Cry Out To God”

     Israelites at the time of Judges were highly ungrateful; and rebellious.  We are very disappointed at the behaviors of Israelites at the time of Judges in general.   At some points, we even feel shocked and disgusted at their blatant disobedience of God and horrible actions.   What’s even worse,  they don’t seem to learn from painful lessons.  They repeat the same sin of idolatry and rebellion, again and

Cry Out To God (Judges 3:9-11)  Mission Blessings

The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 
 
Judges 2:7-10 
 
7 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 
8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. 
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 
 
 Today’s title is “What to do with Lost Generation” 
 
 Prosperity and peace are good. We all aspire to have peace and prosperity. We pray for it. We fight for it. When we fight for peace and prosperity, we do it more for our next generation than ourselves. What’s ironic though is that the generation who received the peace and prosperity from the previous generation without themselves fighting for it tend to lose it so quickly. What should we do about it? How can we prevent our next generation from falling into such a trap? Today’s passage raises such questions. After Joshua and the elders of Israelites who conquered the promised land died, the same fatal pattern of human life started to creep in the Israelites. We see the drastic fall of God’s people throughout the book of Judges. What was their problem? The book of Judges shows the answer upfront in verse 10 of today’s passage. “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.” That’s very forgetful and ungrateful. What’s even more frustrating is that Joshua knew and was highly concerned with this issue in the later stage of his life. We see Joshua trying his best to make sure that the next generation does not forget what God has done. We can see it from his farewell address which amounts to his last will for the next generation. He repeatedly reminded Israelites what God has done in the exodus, during the wilderness, and in conquering the promised land. He gave clear precautions against forgetting God. He earnestly asked them to keep the words of God and obey them. But the next generation somehow all abandoned what he so earnestly pleaded so quickly. “How could they be so forgetful and ungrateful?” we might wonder. Should Joshua and elders have done something more to keep the next generation spiritually awake? Those are all valid questions. But I don’t think that God gave the book of Judges to raise such questions for us. What stands out clearly again from such pattern of behaviors including behaviors of God’s people is the forgetful, ungrateful, sinful and rebellious nature of sinners. We should do what we can to keep them in faith. Education and training are needed. But never rely on them. They need the Savior Jesus. They need Jesus living in them and with them. The book of Judges so points people to wait and pray for the godly leader such as king David who truly loves God and leads people to God, But it ultimately points us to Jesus the savior. Only He can clean this mess of sins in us. Nothing else works. So it’s Jesus. Jesus for us, Jesus for the next generation. Nothing else. I believe that’s what the book of Judges ultimately says. Do you hear the same message?

The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

Judges 2:7-10

7 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.
8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

 Today’s title is    “What to do with Lost Generation”

         Prosperity and peace are good.  We all aspire to have peace and prosperity.  We pray for it.  We fight for it.    When we fight for peace and prosperity, we do it more for our next generation than ourselves. What’s ironic th

What To Do WIth Lost Generation (Judges 2:7-10) Mission Blessings

The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.” 
 
 Judges 1:1-2, 8-10 
 
1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” 
2 The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.” 
8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem also and took it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire. 
9 After that, Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev and the western foothills. 10 They advanced against the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai. 
 
 Today’s title is “Judah Shall Go Up” 
 
 A man has many questions about our life, the world, and the universe. The bible gives the clearest and consistent answers for the fundamental questions. But still, there are many unknown things in our life. Don’t we need to know what the Bible is silent about? What do you think? The bible has a very profound answer to the question. It says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29)”. In other words, God has given us sufficient revelation of life, the universe, and salvation. For whatever God has left unknown to us, there is a reason for it. Our focus should be to obey what is revealed to us. Just be faithful to what’s known to you. God will take care of the rest. Maybe that’s the reason why God left some things unknown to us. He left those unknown so that we might be more humbly waiting upon Him daily. I think we get a glimpse of such a combination of man’s obedience and God’s providence in today’s passage. The book of Judges starts with the death of Joshua who took the place of Moses. The subsequent question will be “Who then will take the place of Joshua?”. In other words, “Who is going to lead us now that Joshua is gone?”. Well, what do you think? The textbook answer might be “Judges”. That’s correct, but not 100% in my opinion. Obviously, we will talk about a lot of judges in the book of Judges. But I believe that the book of Judges introduces us to the forthcoming reign of the tribe of Judah. In a way, the book of Judges says to us, “Now the tribe of Judah such as King David will take the place of Joshua.” We get a hint of God’s providence in today’s passage. Right after Joshua’s death, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites? ” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.” I believe God has a plan for Judah from a long time ago. God tole through dying Jacob that the scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come (Genesis 49:10)”. Caleb had obeyed God faithfully and boldly requested it. Do you see here how the providence of God meets with the obedience of man? I believe the same principle of God’s providence and man’s obedience applies to all of us. God has a plan for us. We may not know it now. But if we are faithful day to day, we will see it coming true. What can be God’s plan for you? Are you making it come true by daily obedience? Then you will surely see God’s mystery unfold before you.

The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”

  Judges 1:1-2, 8-10

1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?”
2 The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”
8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem also and took it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire.
9 After that, Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev and the western foothills. 10 They advanced against the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai.

                    Today’s title is    “Judah Shall Go Up”

               A man has many questions about our life, the world, and the universe.   The bible gives the clearest and consistent answers for the fundamental questions.     But still,  there are many unknown things in our life.   Don’t we need to know what the Bible

Judah Shall  Go Up ( Judges 1:1-2, 8-10)  Mission Blessings

She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. 
 
Joshua 15:16-19 
 
16 And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” 17 Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage. 
18 One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?” 
19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. 
 
 Today’s title is “Like Father Like Daughter” 
 
 Caleb is one of the most courageous figures in the bible. With Joshua, he was one of the two scouts that gave positive reports of the land that they have explored. Caleb also asked for the hill country that Moses promised to him when Joshua distributed the land to each tribe. Caleb didn’t ask for the hill country because it was a fertile land or easy to settle. The hill country was a land that was difficult to conquer. To make it even worse, the Anak who was giant were living there. Nevertheless, Caleb asked for it because it was the land that was promised by God. Caleb embodied the characteristics that God wants all the believers to have such as faithfulness, courage, obedience, and boldness. Today’s passage shows an episode of Caleb’s conquest of the hill country. He offered to give his daughter Aksah to whoever attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher. Othniel son of his brother took it. Caleb’s daughter Aksah was given to him in marriage. Aksah must have obeyed her father’s request to marry whoever captures Kiriath Sepher. obediently. Bible reader’s first impression of Aksah was a quiet obedient girl. But we see surprisingly different actions of Aksah from our first impression. As she was married to Othniel whom we presume outstandingly courageous warrior, Aksah urges him to ask her father for a field revealing that her boldness outshines Othniel. Furthermore, she herself asks her father for springs of water. What do you think is the point of Aksah’s story? Does it mean to describe Aksah as greedy? I don’t think so. I believe the bible here pictures Aksah in a very positive tone. What Aksah did was similar to what Caleb did, As Caleb obeyed when Moses sent him as one of the twelve scouts, so Aksah obeyed her father to marry the man who captures Kiriath Sepher. As Caleb boldly requested for the hill country, so Aksah requested for a field and springs of water. Indeed it was like father like daughter. We see the faith, obedience, and bold request of God’s blessings passed down from Caleb to Aksah. Of course, God wants those characteristics of true believers to be passed down unto us too. Do you have faith and obedience like Calen and Aksah by which you can boldly request for God’s blessings? Do you have the joy of your seeing your bold faith passing down to your children and others? Then you will be as blessed as Caleb.

She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

Joshua 15:16-19

16 And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” 17 Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.
18 One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”
19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

                                              Today’s title is “Like Father Like Daughter”

            Caleb is one of the most courageous figures in the bible.   With Joshua,  he was one of the two scouts that gave positive reports of the land that they have explored.   Caleb also aske

Like Father Like Daughter (Joshua 15:16-19)  Mission Blessings

Joshua 10: 40-43 
 
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. 42 All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.43 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. 
 
 Today’s title is “Why Did God Destroy All Who Breathed?” 
 
 Christianity has a very high morality. It teaches believers to be good citizens and good neighbors. It also has a higher standard of personal morality. The bible tells us not to steal, not to lie, not to be adulterous. Bible tells us to love our enemies as well as neighbors. As far as I know, no other religion has higher morality than Christianity. Although morality is emphasized highly in Christian life, Christianity has far greater values than morality. We see one of the greater values than morality in today’s passage. Today’s passage shows a snapshot of what Joshua has done in the campaign of Canaan. He subdued the whole region. He defeated all the kings in the region. Then one sentence in the snapshot might surprise highly moralistic readers. It says, “He left no survivors.”. It goes on to say “He totally destroyed all who breathed.” What would surprise moralist people, even more, is that Joshua did this “just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded.”. So it was indeed God who commanded such cruel annihilation of the conquered land. “Is this indeed the same God who told us to love even our enemies?” one might ask. Yes, it is indeed the same God. Yes, our God even loves the rebellious sinners. At the same time, He is God who sent the fire and brimstone to the unrepentant Sodom and Gomora. He is a sovereign God and the ultimate judge. Then, someone might say, “But the places that Joshua conquered must have many innocent lives in it. How could God command them to kill those innocent lives such as babies and animals?” This is a hard question to explain. So some in the early churches deny the authenticity of such stories and rejected the old testament as unreliable They said, “God cannot be so cruel as to kill innocent lives.” What do you think? We all understand where they came from. But who are they to judge God? It seems that they are more loving than God. Can they be? I don’t think so. Yes, we also feel that it is horrible that all who breathed die with no survivors left. But when the horrible act is done by the most trustworthy one, do you deny him instantly for it or ask why? We shouldn’t rashly reject what God does base on our feelings. I believe God wants us to ask why. I think I hear some answers to our question from other parts of the bible. “Would I be happy doing this? I don’t take joy when a sinner dies in sin. If it is a hear-breaking for man, my heart breaks even more.” Then why? I believe the answer is “for you to be free from sin”. “I will do even worse cruelty if it is to set you free from the sin. I will crucify my only son, the only sinless one in the whole universe.” And He did it at the Calvary. What will you say? I think I will just sit my mouth shut before God.

Joshua 10: 40-43

40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. 42 All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.43 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.   

                       Today’s title is   “Why Did God Destroy All Who Breathed?”

         Christianity has a very high morality.  It teaches believers to be good citizens and good neighbors.  It also has a higher standard of personal morality.   The bible tells us not to steal, not to lie, not to be adulterous.  Bible tells us to love our enemies as well as neighbors.   As far as I know, no other religion has higher mor

Why DId God Destroy All Who Breathe? (Joshua 10: 40-43)  Mission Blessings

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. 
 
 
Joshua 5:13-15 
 
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 
14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. 
 
 Today’s title is “The Place You Are Standing Is Holy” 
 
 People are lonely. Even with many friends and families, we sometimes feel that we are all alone in this world. It is more so when you have a heavy burden of responsibility for others. The burden feels too heavy for us alone to carry. But there is no help in sight. What do you do at a time like that? This is exactly where Joshua was in. The leader and man of God Moses died before the Israelites entered the promised land. God told Joshua to take Moses’ position as a leader. Although Joshua was courageous and faithful the huge responsibility to lead Israelites to conquer the promised land made him fearful and lonely. Of course, God assured Him that He will be with Joshua. Joshua believed it. They crossed the Jordan. God miraculously dried the Jordan as He told Joshua. That was one great miracle of God. But Joshua still had to overcome a lot more hurdles. Almost immediately after they crossed the Jordan, they were facing Jericho. The city wall of Jericho looked so high and so strong. Joshua must have felt intimidated. Conquering Jericho must have seemed an impossible task. At that very moment, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. He was none other than the commander of the army of the Lord. The commander said to Joshua who fell facedown to the ground, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”. It’s an amazing scene. When Joshua thought there was no help, God was already there. The place that Joshua thought completely foreign was the holy ground that God was residing. How awe-struck Joshua must have been! How greatly comforted and encouraged he must have been! We often feel lonely and intimidated in our life like Joshua. We feel as if we are standing by ourselves before a huge enemy that seems invincible. We may have faith. But God is not in sight at all. What would you do? God tells us not to lose our heats. God is already there. The sword in His hand is already drawn ready to fight for us. And if God is for us, who and what will be against us? Jericho will fall down and every other wall will too. Are you facing a huge wall in your life? Do you see no help coming? Are you feeling lonely and fearful standing before it? Take hearts. Be strong and courageous. God is already there with a drawn sword. You just take off your sandals and kneel before God. You will see the holy God and His glory surrounding you. Amen!

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.


Joshua 5:13-15

13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

                       Today’s title is  “The Place You Are Standing Is Holy” 

            People are lonely.   Even with many friends and families, we sometimes feel that we are all alone in this world.   It is more so when you have a heavy burden of responsibility for others.   The burden feels too heavy for us al

The Place You are Standing Is Holy (Joshua 5:13-15) Mission Blessings

Joshua 4:20-24 
 
20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. 24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” 
 Today’s title is These Stones for Your Children 
 
 Man is very forgetful. People forget what happened to them so easily and so quickly. Some say that it is good to be forgetful. They say that If we remember all that happened in the past we will always be confined by the past. That is true in a sense. We need to forget things that stop us from going forward for a brighter future. But there are things that we need to remember not only for us but also for future generations. One of the main purposes that God has given us the Bible is just that. Bible helps us to remember what God has done in the past. It also is the best way to pass down what God has done to the generations after generations. People come and go. But God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What God has done to us, God will do to the next generations. God has dried up the Red sea for the generation of Moses. He dried up the Jordan River for the generation of Joshua. What God has done to the generation of Joshua, He will do to the next generation. God is the same throughout all the generations. But people of different generations view God differently. The memory of God’s great love and power which was once so vivid becomes faint in the next generations. The future generation that came after Joshua soon completely forgot about the war that Joshua and their forefathers had fought against the Canaanites. With the memory about the war dissipated, they forgot the Lord their God and served the Canaanite idols. So it is the onus of the generation who saw what God has done to leave a memory or memento of God’s great works for the next generations. The twelve stones that Joshua set up at Gilgal were exactly for it. The stones were meant to show to the next generation the love and power of God. What is your experience of crossing Jordan on a dried land? What miracles has God done for you in your life? How will you pass down what God has done to your next generations? Are you setting up your stones for your next generations?

Joshua 4:20-24 20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, ...

These Stones For Your Children (Joshua  4:20-24 ) Mission Blessings

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, 
 
Leviticus 18:1-5. 
 
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. 4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. 5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord. 
 Today’s title is “I am the Lord your God” 
 
 Who is your boss? What kind of a person is he or she? This is a very popular question among the workers. A boss has a great impact on a worker’s quality of life. A good boss will make our life much better. A bad boss can make our life miserable. Who was the best boss you ever had? I run into a concise definition of a great boss on the internet. It says “ A great boss is someone who inspires their employees to be their best selves. They should be able to identify their employees' best qualities and bring them out. Additionally, they should pinpoint growth opportunities, share them in a constructive manner and help develop a plan for improvement.” That sounds very good. So who fits best to the description of the great boss for you? With the question, I reflected on my own life briefly. I had several candidates for “the great boss” throughout my life. But one candidate simply towers above all. Of course, the great boss is Lord Jesus. The great boss Jesus took the interest of me like none other. He invested greatly in me. He really knows who I am. I can confidently say that I am who I am because of Him. One thing that I love hearing most is when He says, “I am the Lord your God. You are mine” I believe that’s what today’s passage says to us. The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God”. He goes on to say that Israelites must not do as they do in Egypt nor as they do in the land of Canaan. This sounds to me that the Lord is saying, “Don’t make Egypt your boss nor Canaan. I am your boss. Follow Me. I will lead you on.” What do you think? Egypt can symbolize a past habit or an old culture that does not go away easily from our life. Canaan might be a new trend that attracts us. They might look appealing to human taste. But they will eventually lead you into destruction and death. The Lord our God might look corny at first. But He is really great boss. He takes great care of us. He invests everything He has for our welfare. His advice is genuine. He is really “all in” for us. You know that I am not exaggerating. This is what the Lord your God does in reality. But there are some who do not quite understand the true heart of the great boss. They still wander from Egypt to Canaan. Are you perhaps one of them? With His heartbreaking for you, He is shouting at you. “ . I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them, will live by them. I am the Lord.” Listen to Him. He is your boss. Amen!

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt,

Leviticus 18:1-5.    

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. 4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. 5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.
    Today’s title is   “I am the Lord your God” 

        Who is your boss?  What kind of a person is he or she?    This is a very popular question among the workers.   A boss has a great impact on a worker’s quality of life.  A good boss will make our life much better.  A bad boss can make our life miserable.   Who was the best boss you ever had?   I run into a concise definition of a great boss

I Am The Lord Your God (Leviticus 18:1-5) Mission Blessings

“This is how Aaron is to enter the Most Holy Place: He must first bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 
 
Leviticus 16:3-5. 
 
 
3 “This is how Aaron is to enter the Most Holy Place: He must first bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. 5 From the Israelite community he is to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 
Today’s title is “Sacred Garment” 
 
 How well do you dress? I am not a good dresser. I don’t think we should necessarily be fashionable as Christian. The bible clearly cautions us not to judge or discriminate against people by appearance. But Bible does not deny the common sense that we should at least dress properly according to the occasions and surroundings. It is perfectly understandable that Sunday cloth is the best cloth for some worshippers. Does it really matter to God how we dress? I believe it does. Today’s passage shows how Aaron the high priest dress in the tabernacle including the Holy of Holies. The holy garment was beautifully designed with rich spiritual symbolism in every detail. It was designed to display the glory and power of God that the high priest serves and represents. But what’s most remarkable is the privilege that the holy garment carries with it. All other people except Aaron dressed in the holy garment would instantly die if they enter the holiest place. Sinners couldn’t stand before the holy presence of God in the Most Holy Place. Without the holy garment, even Aaron the high priest cannot freely enter the Most Holy Place. So the holy garment of Aaron is more of a sin-covering dress than a garment of glory and honor. The dress carried such a great honor and privilege before God. Do you ever want to try on the holy garment? Is it too much for a sinner like us to ask God? Not at all. Like Aaron, we can all enter the Most Holt Place in heaven. Like Aaron, we all need to wear a dress that God approved to enter in the presence of God. Jesus told the parable of the king’s wedding banquet. The bad, as well as good, were invited to the banquet. But the man who was not wearing wedding clothes was thrown outside (Matthew 24:12). Obviously, the wedding banquet symbolizes heaven. So without the proper dress that God approved, no one can enter heaven. So how do we have to dress? The answer is “Dress in Christ”. That’s what Romans 13:14 says. “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” The holy garment of Aaron was ultimately pointing to Christ. Christ has the glory and power of God like the holy garment. Christ washes away our sins when we stand before God. Washed by His blood, we freely enter the Most Holy Place in heaven. How gracious and how glorious! Are we still envious of Aaron and his holy garment? No! I am just holding onto the cross of Christ clothed in HIm. Amen!

“This is how Aaron is to enter the Most Holy Place: He must first bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.

Leviticus 16:3-5.            


3 “This is how Aaron is to enter the Most Holy Place: He must first bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. 5 From the Israelite community he is to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 
Today’s title is   “Sacred Garment”

         How well do you dress?  I am not a good dresser.  I don’t think we should necessarily be fashionable as Christian.   The bible clearly cautions us not to judge or discriminate against people by appearance. But  Bible does not deny the common sense that we should at least dress properly accordin

Sacred Garment (Leviticus 16:3-5)  Mission Blessings

I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. 
 
Leviticus 11:44-45 
 
44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. 
 
 
 Today’s title is “ Be Holy As I Am Holy” 
 
 “Be holy, because I am holy” is one of the great themes of the Bible. God wants us to be more like Him. It is the earnest desire of all godly people to be like God. We want to be loving as God is loving. We want to be righteous as God is righteous. After we have seen Christ the Son of God incarnate, Christlikeness has become the earnest desire of all the Christians. Believers began to be called “Christians” in the church of Antioch where apostles Paul and Barnabas served among others. What do you think did make people call believers in Antioch with such a title? It is obvious. All the believers in Antioch were like Christ to the eyes of the people. In fact, they all must have been little Jesus. That’s indeed what all Christians must strive to be called. If we ever are considered as little Jesus, It will be an honor like none other. Then what is makes us be like Christ or God? The book of Leviticus shows us that it is holiness. Today’s passage shows it clearly. In this passage, God keeps identifying Himself as the Lord who brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Then He goes on to say, “Therefore, be holy because I am holy.” It shows clearly here that the grand purpose of God’s deliverance of Israelites is to make them holy like Him. The grand plan of God to make His people as holy as He is still holding true for us. But how can we be holy? The holiness of God seems so transcendent and beyond us. God knows us. He would never want to make us another holy God if that’s what you are worried about. He just wants us to make people of God who carry distinctive characteristics of God unlike worldly people such as Egyptians. The book of Leviticus lists a series of little things that can make the people of God distinctive and separated from ungodly people. Such holiness principle still holds true although we were now over with many ritualistic activities. God wants us to be holy as He is holy. But our holiness never meant religious pretense. It is rather a humble admission of our iniquities and frailties. It is a sincere confession that without the blood of the Lord Jesus, we will never be clean before God. From then on, we can make small changes in our daily life. What do you think? Are you holy as God is holy? It is not so the scary task for you, is it?

I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

Leviticus 11:44-45

44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.


        Today’s title is “ Be Holy As I Am Holy”

    “Be holy, because I am holy”  is one of the great themes of the Bible.   God wants us to be more like Him.   It is the earnest desire of all godly people to be like God.  We want to be loving as God is loving.   We want to be righteous as God is righteous.  After we have seen Christ the Son of God incarnate,   Christlikeness has become the earnest desire of all the Christians.   Believers began to be called “Christians” in the church of Antioch where apostles Paul and Barnabas served among others.   What do you think did make people call believers in Anti

Be Holy As I AM Holy (Leviticus 11:44-45) Mission Blessings

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 
 
Leviticus 10:1-3 
 
10 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: 
“‘Among those who approach me 
 I will be proved holy; 
in the sight of all the people 
 I will be honored.’” 
Aaron remained silent. 
 
 Today’s title is “Unauthorized Fire” 
 
 Our faith in Christ needs to be passionate. Christ warned against the lukewarmness of the believer as an intolerable thing. He said to the Laodicean Church which was lukewarm, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). Jesus was full of passion. He loved the people passionately. He served God passionately. So it is fitting that we have passions like Christ in whatever we do. But our passion for God and man should always be under God’s control and authority. Being passionate for God doesn’t mean that we can do whatever if it is done out of a passion for God. God is God of order as well as God of passion. God’s passion does not conflict with His order. God’s order never stifle freedom and passion. It rather buttresses and even enhances man’s freedom and passion for God. We don’t need to go over the boundary of God to be “hot” for God. Today’s passage shows a good example and warning against such godless and excessive “hotness”. God has chosen Aaron and his sons to serve in the tabernacle. The tabernacle, more than anything else, was a place of God’s presence. Everybody who works in the presence of God must show honor and respect to God’s holiness. God has meticulously told Aaron and His sons in what manner they should serve in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons were to pay due respect and honor to God by following the rules that God has given. Unfortunately, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord contrary to His command. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. What a shocking aftermath of a seemingly inadvertent action! But God never excessively punish His servants. Surely the implication of the offering unauthorized fire to the Lord is far more serious than we would imagine. Like unauthorized fire, overflowing passions that lack in due fear of God is a violation of God’s holiness. We should avoid such displeasure of God at all costs. How passionate are you to God? Don’t be lukewarm. How humble and fearful are you before God? Be careful not to violate God’s holiness. Amen!

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command.

Leviticus 10:1-3

10 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:
“‘Among those who approach me
    I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
    I will be honored.’”
Aaron remained silent.
                                             
          Today’s title is  “Unauthorized Fire”

        Our faith in Christ needs to be passionate.   Christ warned against the lukewarmness of the believer as an intolerable thing.   He said to the Laodicean Church which was lukewarm,  “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish

Unauthorized Fire (Leviticus 10:1-3) Mission Blessings

He then presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 
 
Leviticus 8:18-21 
 
18 He then presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 19 Then Moses slaughtered the ram and splashed the blood against the sides of the altar. 20 He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head, the pieces and the fat. 21 He washed the internal organs and the legs with water and burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 Today’s title is “Laying Hands on Thee” 
 
 One of the most unforgettable days for all pastors is the ordination day. A person is allowed to be ordained as a pastor after long and arduous preparations. The ordination is the final and climactic procedure for a layman to become a pastor officially. It’s an honor to become ordained as a pastor. At the same time, it’s a frightening moment for those who are ordained. Every pastoral candidate knows how sinful they are. But as they become ordained, they represent the Lord in many ways. They speak for God through preaching. Their actions should reflect God’s holiness. They should lead the flock not only by words but also by examples. How will they carry out such a holy mission? A pastoral candidate underwent long and arduous preparations to become a pastor such as seminary training, test, interview, and internship. Although such preparations are greatly needed, no preparations are indeed sufficient to prepare a sinner to become a servant of a holy God. They need the anointing of God more than anything else. An action that symbolizes such anointing in the ordination of a pastor is laying hands of already ordained people such as pastors and elders. In fact, that is the climax of any ordination worship. As the seasoned pastors and elders lay their hands on the new pastor, they ask God to forgive their past sins, renew their minds and body, and strengthen them with God’s wisdom and power. We see the spiritual root of such ordination of the servants of God in today’s passage. God commanded Moses to ordain Aaron and his sons to make them priests to serve in the tabernacle. Though this original ordination differs in many ways from today’s ordination, we still see the same spiritual laws such as washing, renewing, and sacrifice underlying the ordination procedures. In today’s scene, such purification and sacrifice were all performed by the ram. Aaron and his sons just laid their hands on the ram and identify themselves with the ram. They are indeed purified and separated for God through the ram. The ram of course is a symbol of Christ who purifies and sanctifies to become acceptable in God’s presence. Yes, pastors, as well as priests, are all sinners. Without the blood of the lamb sprinkled upon, no one is fit to be in the presence of God. But with the blood of the Lamb poured upon, even the most heinous sinner can be used for the glory of God. We can all be God’s servants whether you are a pastor or a layman.

He then presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

Leviticus 8:18-21

18 He then presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 19 Then Moses slaughtered the ram and splashed the blood against the sides of the altar. 20 He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head, the pieces and the fat. 21 He washed the internal organs and the legs with water and burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

              Today’s title is “Laying Hands on Thee”

        One of the most unforgettable days for all pastors is the ordination day.    A person is allowed to be ordained as a pastor after long and arduous preparations.   The ordination is the final and climactic procedure for a layman to become a pastor officially.   It’s an honor to become ordained as a pastor.   At the same time, it’s a fr

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