UCG Raleigh

The 2nd Commandment: How Do We Perceive God?Exodus 20:4-6lHow do we perceive God? Is it through our senses... eyes, ears, fingertips, etc.?lHow do we explain Him to ourselves and/or to others? We commonly think of the 2nd commandment as a prohibition of strange carvings of Dagon (the fish god), or Molech, or a human figurines with the head of a wolf. But the prohibition of false deities is already covered in the first commandment... "have no other gods besides me". If you obey that first command you wouldn't need this subsequent warning against idolatry. It would be redundant. The second command must therefore also refer to the use of pictures, statues, and other false representations of the true Creator God.

The Third Commandment: Show Some RespectExodus 20:7 The third commandment addresses how we communicate our feelings and thoughts about our Creator to others... and how we communicate those things to Him. It warns about our speech,  behavior, and attitudes regarding the Father of all life... The 3rd commandment says: show some respect! Respect Definition:  to feel admiration for (someone or something) : to regard (someone or something) as being worthy of admiration because of good qualities : to ACT in a way which shows that you are aware of (someone's rights, wishes, etc.) We easily grasp the need for respect when meeting someone important or powerful... like the Don Corleone, you fear his power to hurt you, so you show respect; or your boss... who has the power to give you a raise or get you fired, so you show respect. Yet disrespecting the Creator God. He is patient, slow to anger... but the commandment says "He's taking names". If you've been disrespectful to God, turn around, change your ways, move forward... He is happy to put the past in the past. But the day is coming when the allotted time of His patience comes to an end.Respect is essential for a good relationship. We see this in marriage, business, communities. Expressing respect in ways that others notice and see is necessary. If I say "I respect you" but then ignore you, talk badly about you to others... then you know I don't respect you. Respect is a way we demonstrate our love for God.What Does “In Vain” Mean?The 3rd commandment warns against using the Creator's name in a manner that is rude, frivolous, degrading, expressing an attitude of carelessness... disdain... or antagonism. All this is summed in the word vain: which means deceptive, empty, worthless, meaningless.What Is Covered By The Phrase “My Name”?A name is a set of syllables, pronounced a certain way, used to refer to a person. But a person's name also carries with it the idea of their whole person, their reputation, their character, what they stand for etc.. For example, "that person has slandered my name"... meaning they have attacked your reputation or standing in the community. Our Creator's name represents His character and what He stands for. Which is every good & perfect thing we could ever hope for… it’s the hope and promise of everlasting life  filled with joy, contentment and completeness.Profanity in SpeechExodus 3:13-15Our Creator tells us His name is YHWH, Yahweh, Yehovah. In English that would be, the I AM, the self existing one etc. This name is also a description, a description of a being that is life itself. English bibles tend to follow the Jewish practice of using a substitute word LORD in place of the name YHWH. In our writing we tend to refer to Him as God (capital G)... these are also descriptive but one step removed from YHWH.   The idea is that we avoid using the proper name YHWH so we don't run the risk of profaning it. However for practical purposes, if you say LORD, or God, everyone knows you are referring to YHWH. Using substitute words does not protect you from violating the spirit of the 3rd commandment.Using "God" in a phrase like "Oh My God, that was amazing","Good Lord, that was a great martini","thank God the bus was on time", are examples of using the Creator's name, reputation, and character in a way that is frivolous, careless, or overly casual. I have omitted examples that are abusive, or dirty. You shouldn't say “Oh My God” unless its part of a prayer, or a song of praise. This also applies to euphemisms like gosh, golly, geez. These may seem innocent but unwittingly announce to all who hear that God isn't really special or set apart in your way of thinking. The Importance Of Jesus Christ's NamePhilippians 2:9-11 the character of Jesus and all that He stands for is wrapped up in His named and should not be taken in vain either. It is through Jesus Christ that we know the Father Creator. It’s through Jesus

Lazarus & The Rich ManYou may have gone through all the verses proving humans do not possess an immortal soul. You may have gone through all the scriptures that clearly show that after death humans don't resume conscious life until they are resurrected... either in the resurrection of the just at the return of Christ... or in the resurrection for the rest of the dead who do not come to life until the 1,000 rule of Christ on earth are ended. At the end of all that sound biblical teaching someone says "what about Lazarus and the rich man"? Doesn't the parable of Lazarus and the rich man clearly depict the blessings of heaven or the torments of hell as what lays ahead? Either the scriptures are contradictory, or you are wrong! Today I would like to take an in-depth look at the parable of Lazarus and the rich man and walk through the parable to demonstrate that it is perfectly in-sync with the biblical teaching that death is like a long period of unconscious sleep after which we will be resurrected John 5:28-29.Let's Read The ParableLuke 16:19-31.Who Is Jesus Talking To?Luke 16:1 Jesus is talking to the disciples. Luke 16:9 He teaches them through the parable of the "unjust steward" that we should use our worldly wealth in a way that will build up good favor and reward for our eternal future [dwellings = tabernacle or tent referring to spirit bodies see 2 Peter 1:13-14 for use of tent as metaphor for body].Luke 16:14-15 Jesus is teaching His followers, but He does it in a public setting where what He says can be heard by a larger group of onlookers… including some Pharisees… who laughed at what Jesus taught. They might have said something like "wealth is God's blessing upon the righteous”, or, “My riches are a proof that I am leading a good life and have God's favor". Jesus tells God sees matters differently. To expand upon that point He tells them what we now know as the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.What is the purpose of a parable? A parable is a colorful story used to teach about a spiritual concept. Parables use symbols and metaphors to depict types of people, or situations in an indirect or enigmatic way. They illuminate truth for some and obscure truth for others. Jesus’ parables were most often not meant to be understood unless they were explained by Him. He did not explain them to just anyone. Jesus only explained His parables to those who were sincere, willing to listen, wiling to act on what they learned, and those who actually asked. Matthew 13:34-36. Note:  in verses 9-13 Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the unjust steward to disciples to whom it was directed. However, He did not offer an explanation of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man the the Pharisees to whom it was directed.Changing Your ParadigmWhat you see is greatly affected by what you expect to see. What you expect to see can be greatly influenced by what you are told to expect.· [slide 1] Here is a silhouette of a fancy wine goblet· [slide 2] Here is a silhouette of two people facing one anotherWhat you see first is affected by what I lead you to expect. So… let me tell you what to expect in the parable: · The rich man is like the Pharisees enjoying their wealth and the praise of others for their righteousness. Lazarus is like the followers of Christ who build character through what they  suffer and are despised. Both of them, rich and poor alike, die in the flesh.· The believer [Lazarus] is gathered together among those who are Christ's at His return and participate in the inheritance promised to the faithful, eternal life in the family of God· The rich man is resurrected to physical life after the 1,000 year rule of Christ. He is very distressed to learn he is now under the judgment of God and could end up in the lake of fire. · Scripture warns you of this in advance and shows you what to do in this life to affect your circumstances after death.That’s the biblical para

Over the past several months we have taken a look at segments of the book of Matthew and today I would like to take a look at another section.The focus of the past 4 sermons from Matthew has been the ministry of Jesus… Jesus ministry of teaching – Matthew 5-7 which we dealt with in 2 parts. Matthew provides us with an example of how Jesus taught about the law of God, standards personal behavior, thoughts & actions, as well as good works.Jesus ministry of healing – Matthew 8-9. Matthew grouped together a number of examples of Jesus healing illustrating His compassion, care for the outcast, His authority over body life forces of spirit realm… and over sin and death.Jesus ministry of proclamation – Matthew 10 Jesus send for the church to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus sermon grants authority, gives some limitations, tells what to say… along with some practical instruction on dealing with rejection and opposition. View this message on YouTube - Jesus Teaches in ParablesThe next section of extended teaching from Jesus is found in Matthew 13… which for those of you who know your bible is the first major section of parables from Jesus. Why did Jesus begin using parables?You’ve probably heard that Jesus was a great story teller… that He used stories to get the attention of His listeners and to drive home a particular spiritual or doctrinal point. Jesus was indeed a good story teller and His parables do drive home particular spiritual and doctrinal understanding… but not to everyone!Jesus frequently spoke quite plainly to the people about who He was and what He was up to. Some couldn’t take it in because they expected the messiah to act a certain way… and Jesus didn’t do and say what they expected the messiah to do and say.the gospel records indicate that what really drew the crowds was the miraculous displays of His power … healing, driving our demons, feeding vast crowds from a few loaves of bread and so forth.Let’s back up and look at the two chapters of Matthew leading up to chapter 13. Chapter 11 shows that even John The Baptist… the one who pointed to Jesus and said “behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”… after seeing how Jesus was operating… teaching… healing… and sending forth the disciples to proclaim the KOG… John was confused and he sent some messenger to ask “are you really the messiah? Or should we keep looking?”… Jesus reminds John of the prophecies that are being fulfilled and coaches him to hang in there.After a brief explanation to the crowd gathered around Him that John is the last of the OT prophets and the Elijah to come… Jesus begins to criticize their fickleness… John comes with a somber message of self denial, spiritual discipline and repentance before God and they say John is possessed by a demon. Jesus comes with a message of mercy, joy and restoration and he’s called a glutton, drunkard and friend of sinners… He also criticizes the cities He had been preaching and teaching in because they had not responded to the plain teaching and instruction they have gotten from both Himself and from John… The words went in one ear and out the other… they have not changed their lives at all!Matt 11:25-27 He talks to the crowd about humility as a prerequisite to receiving God’s truthMatt 11:28-30 He offers them relief from their burdens and oppressionTwo Examples of Burdens to Be RelievedTraditions of Men and false religious beliefs – read this section on the Lord of the Sabbath… and I think you’ll see that here we have an example of Jesus confronting the burdensome traditions of men. Specifically, the traditions regarding Sabbath observance: it’s ok to eat on the Sabbath… it’s ok to lift food to your mouth from a bowl or a plate… but it’s not ok to pluck a head of grain and lift it to your mouth? It’s ok to pull a stranded animal out of a hole on the Sabbath but it’s not ok to heal a suffering person on the Sabbath?Don’t lecture me on what’s allowed I’m the creator of the Sabbat

In a previous post we took a look at Jesus instructions to the disciples about the establishment of the church. The bedrock and foundation of faith…. that Jesus is the son of the living God His coming death and resurrection… which meant He would soon be leaving them They would receive the keys of administration to manage the functions of the church… with authority to make decision about applying the law etc. They too must take up their cross putting to death the old person and becoming a new person. Jesus ended that session of teaching with a promise… that some of them would see Him in the power and glory of the Kingdom before they tasted death. View this message on YouTube - Jesus Teaches About Greatness in the Kingdom of GodMatt 17: 1-13 A Glimpse of Jesus as He Will be In the KOGJesus took his three closest disciples (Peter, James, and John) up the mountain… while there they are allowed to see Him in His glorified state… very similar to what we read in the first chapter of Revelation… shining with bright light like the sun etc. This amazing vision would have provided much needed reassurance from the Father to strengthen Jesus’ resolve to go to Jerusalem and face crucifixion. The vision includes Moses and Elijah who talk to Him about His upcoming death Luke 9:31 (presumably they represent the law and the prophets urging Him on). Also, the voice of the Father speaks affirming Jesus is on the right path… poof then it’s over.No doubt the memory of this would also help the disciples get through the troubles and trials the church would face after Jesus’ death… likewise we too should think about the glory that awaits as a way to get through the daily grind of trial testing and suffering.Once again He tells them not to speak of what they have just seen until after He has risen from the tomb. They still do not understand the true nature of the messiah and are not ready to start teaching others about it (Mark 9:10 - They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant).They also had questions about Elijah showing they are still thinking in terms of national restoration and the conquering victorious messiah. The disciples still did not really understand what Jesus was telling them about the path to glory that comes through enduring trials, suffering and even persecution… they seem to be aware that He is telling them that He is establishing some sort of new community of chosen ones… but how will this community of chosen ones interact with the world? What will their status be? Are they about to become Kings and Priests? What will they have authority over? Who will be in charge?Matt 17: 14-23 Jesus Example of Patience and CompassionAs soon as Jesus and the three disciples arrive back from the mountain they meet a large noisy crowd. The disciples who had remained behind had tried to heal a demon possessed boy… but they had failed. Scribes and naysayers were disputing with them and then the father of the boy runs up to Jesus seeking His help.What a way to come off a great spiritual high… But, as always Jesus is patient and compassionate… a perfect example of the principles of loving authority and true greatness He is about to begin teaching at length in chapter 18.Matt 17:24-27 - Is The Church Subject To Worldly Authority?Before jumping into the main body of what Jesus has to say about greatness in the KOG Matthew records an interesting interchange with the Jews who collected the temple tax… interesting because it makes a point about the present authority of the church… and its relation to human government.The temple tax was not a law recorded in OT scripture. It was a law of the Jews (base on an obscure interpretation of Exodus 30:13). Jesus’ point to Peter is… the children of God are not commanded to pay this tax (it’s not required by God’s law)… but so as not to offend we will pay it. Even though we are children of the most high… we submit ourselves to worldly authority (except where it requires us to disobey

Tithing is a physical discipline intended to teach spiritual  principles: one of these spiritual principles is understanding that our physical possessions are not our own. Every piece of land, every animal, every plant belongs to God who created them, Psalm 50:10-12. He has given human beings control over all the earth's resources [have dominion, rule over etc]... but God retains ownership [refer to handout] The handout referred to is a listing of scriptures. Here is a link to the sheet https://www.ucg.org/files/sermons/all_things_belong_to_god.docx Tithing In the Old CovenantWhen God acted to establish Israel as a nation on the world scene He gave them the land of Canaan. The territory belonged to God. He took it from its previous tenants and granted full use of its resources and bounty to Israel Deuteronomy 4:1. This gift of land was formalized in a covenant agreement between Himself and Israel [commonly called the old covenant or Mt. Sinai covenant] Within Go’s covenant with Israel He gave  instructions regarding tithes and first fruits Leviticus 27:30-32 or Deuteronomy 14:22. The physical act of tithing was meant to acknowledge basic spiritual and eternal truths.The people were to always offer a small percentage from the increase of their crops and herds back to God. This act would serve as a reminder that God was the true owner of these lands, plants, and animals. Even though Israel was given complete control over the resources of Canaan, God retained ownership Leviticus 25:23  tithes could be likened to rent paid by tenants. These offerings to God [the true owner] were to come first, after which, Israel could use the remaining portion as they chose Deuteronomy 26:1-15, Leviticus 19:23-25. Some read these instructions and say they only itemize agricultural produce. The self serving conclusion drawn is that agricultural products are the only items subject to the tithe. Does this mean people who made their living at a trade such as carpenter, or an accountant, didn't tithe?The Economy of IsraelGod's part in the covenant with Israel was a grant of land. Which He subsequently fulfilled. God also would provide blessings of good weather for crops and protection from invaders who wanted to take the land away from them.  The covenant picture of Israel was built on a foundation of all the good things this land would produce. The land would allow them to raise crops and herds. But is that meant to be the limit of items to offer a tithe from? Re-read Leviticus 27:30, it starts off saying “all the tithe of the land”, then lists grain, fruit and herds as examples.  Suppose a man of Israel was given a piece of land which had deposits of tin, copper, or gold which he then mines, shouldn't he first acknowledge God's prior claims to ownership with a tithe? Haggai 2:8. What about processed goods that are not direct products of the field or herd but rather products created by human ingenuity derived from those crops or animals? For example: wine, oil, leather goods, or dairy. Note: tithing on oil and wine are specifically addressed in Deuteronomy 14:23. The covenant language does not make specific reference to eggs, milk, or cheese, but shouldn't these be tithed upon as wealth gained from the land in the same way as wine and oil? What about textiles derived from sheep's wool or cotton plants? The language of the covenant was intended to provide a principle to be applied in all areas of life rather than a complete, exhaustive, 4,000 page listing of items subject to tithe. The principle was that Israel should offer up a tithe of all the wealth they were able to generate as a result of controlling the land. God also told Israel that He was the one who gave them the power to "get wealth" Deuteronomy 8:18. The carpenter receives the power he has to swing a hammer from God. The accountant has the wit and understanding to tally numbers from God. Shouldn't they too acknowledge that God has given him the

In the previous portion of Jesus Sermon we discusses 6 illustrations of greater righteousness that showed Jesus teaching the spiritual application of laws, statutes, judgments etc. and showing how they were to be written upon our hearts and minds. I called this the sermon’s core…Sermon’s Core II: 3 Illustrations of Greater Righteousness in Good Works (done towards God)Jesus now teaches about good works… namely giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. This is not meant to be a complete list of good works. Rather, like the previous section they are a sampling used to illustrate how good works are to be offered up to God rather than used to enhance our status.In each of these three illustrations Jesus describes the all too common hypocritical approach and contrasts it with an approach that is from the heart. And in this He offers a very simple technique for testing your own motivations. The Greek word hypocrite literally means an actor, so we have the idea of one who plays a role that is not reflecting his own character. In Jesus’ examples this person plays his role to be seen doing it by other people. Perhaps it feeds his or her vanity or perhaps it improves their social status. They may be deceiving themselves that these righteous acts tip the scales of judgment in their favor… making up for unresolved sin in other parts of their lives…As an antidote to hypocrisy and mere role playing Jesus proposes the idea that we do these in private or secret… an act that takes place between you and God… a spiritual matter. God can tell a lot about you by what you do when there is no one there to see you. Neither I, nor anyone else here can ever know that part of you. I might fool you, I might fool everybody else here. I might deceive myself… which is a bit harder, but I cannot fool God. He knows what’s really going on.Notice that each of these examples ends with the phrase “and your Father who sees in secret will reward you”.Vs 6:1-4 Generosity & Giving—To the Jews charity to the poor was huge… in the fact the word for charity is the same word used for righteousness. They tended to view this and other good works as a means to gain merit with God… and often as a way to publically demonstrate their superior status economically and spiritually. Jesus instructs us to test the compassion in our hearts by continuing to do this good deed … but to do it in secret, before God alone.Vs 6:5-15 Prayer—Jesus describes the wrong way to pray and then offers guidance regarding the right way to pray. Prayer was top priority for the Jew… They had formal prayers to recite when they got up, they had prayer before and after each meal; there were prayers in connection with the light, the fire, the lightning, new moons, comets, rain, storms, at the sight of the sea, lakes, rivers, on receiving good news, on using new furniture, on entering or leaving a city… They also had set times for prayer 9am… 12 noon… 3pm. So, if you were at a busy street corner at noon you would simply begin to pray with your head bowed and your hands up in the air… hmm Mordecai certainly seems to just happen to be on the street corner at the stroke of 12 an awful lot… wow that guy can pray! I’m sure God hears him… I certainly can.There is a time for public and communal prayer but Jesus instructs us that our prayers are primarily to be unto God with a sincere heart… where there is no one to show off for (I would think if we were trying to show off to God in prayer we’d feel pretty ridicualous). Jesus then gives us an example of a heartfelt personal prayer (more of an outline) commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. There is a good balance of intimacy with our creator who loves us as children… with respect and reverence for Him as supreme head of all that exists… and acknowledgement of His sovereign will… and a special emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation.Vs 6:17-18 Fasting—is a good thing for drawing close to God but not if you are doing it to show off how spiritual you are. The Jews

God our Father has placed the principle of honoring our parents within His 10 commandments Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:15. So we know it’s a highly important matter to Him. Yet its sometimes hard to be certain of exactly what is expected in fulfilling God’s 5th commandment.We’re going to look at what is expected under ideal circumstances... and why. Also, we’ll look at what might be expected under less than ideal circumstances, even rotten circumstances… and why. If one’s parents are among those who live according to the principles of Godly living and we get along well with them, the idea of honor toward parents is more straight forward. When we are young we should obey our parents and pay attention to their instruction and discipline. Later, when we are older, we leave and set up our own household. We then make our own choices and are responsible for those choices. When we marry and have children we then assume the role of parents ourselves. But that does not mean we have no further responsibilities toward our own parents.If our parents become incapable of taking care of themselves through sickness, disability, or the natural decline of old age, we should help and assist them.Whether we are young or old we should never strike our parents in anger or frustration. We should not speak harshly to them. We should not speak about them to others in a manner that is hateful, dismissive, or demeaning. An affectionate, harmonious relationship with your parents certainly makes following God’s command to show honor to parents seem a lot more natural. However, it still requires self control and sacrifice even when you both share the same faith towards God.Related Scriptures: Do obey them – Colossians 3:20, Ephesians 6:1-2 Do submit to their discipline – Hebrews 12:9, Proverbs 13:1 Do provide for them – 1 Timothy 5:4, Matthew 15:3-7 Do Not strike or verbally abuse them – Matthew 15:3-7, Exodus 21:15,17Note: some people point to this as an example of the impracticality and harshness of the scriptures: “if you try to follow this literally every child would end up dead”. How among us has not violated this command in some form as children?Exodus 22:18-21 this is not a punishment for a single infraction rather it is for one who is habitually disobedient. the parents do not take such action into their own hands… they submit the charge to the legal authorities of the community. In that way the act could not be one based on emotion or momentary rage, rather it would have to be a deliberate decision based on evidence. the parents fulfill the role of the 2 witnesses who bring the evidence forward. By law a person who was ever found to be a false witness would bring upon themselves the very punishment they sought to bring upon the accused. Both parents would have to agree that this was the only course of action By the laws of witnessing in a court case if the parents were ever found to be lying they would be the ones put to death instead of their child As the accusing witness(es) the parent would have to cast the first stone only then would the rest of the community also cast their stones. This would be highly emotionally painful and culturally shaming. It would not be an action lightly taken.However, God views habitual disobedience towards parents to be a form of cultural rot that should be cut out of the community like a cancer. Romans 1:29, 1 Timothy 3:2Clearly honoring your mother and father is a big deal to God. The instructions and consequences we have just gone through are based on a scenario involving parents who are themselves leading godly lives and who follow God’s instructions.What About Parents Who Make Bad Choices?Lots of parents out there do not live godly lives. Even parents who try to live according to God’s way can make terrible mistakes. Some people’s parents are abusive, some are neglectful, some are addicts, selfish, foolish, lazy or unfair. Under such circumstances following God’s command to honor parents can seem strange and d

Our world has some serious problems. Humanity seek to solve them through better technology, better distribution of material goods… and lots of wishful thinking. The real answers to humanity’s quest for meaningful and joyful living are spiritual not material. Those answers are available within the message of the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ.The creator makes that knowledge available in a written document [bible]. Understanding of what that document is actually there to teach us is darkened, confused, seemingly contradictory, seemingly discredited. God has allowed it to be so.God has provided a beacon of right teaching, true doctrine, and spiritual understanding to cut through the fog. That beacon of light in a darkened world is the church. Not a nation, not an organization… a spiritual organism drawing from all humanity. A body of people commissioned as servants of Jesus Christ to take the message of the kingdom an of Christ to the world. Matthew 28:18-20.It is God’s will and purpose to work through humans as partners. At one time He worked through a physical entity… a nation, Israel. At present He works through a spiritual entity… the church of God. A spiritual entity operating in a very material world. God provides for this very spiritual work in this very material world through tithing. When you tithe you not only honor God with your possessions, you partner with Him is accomplishing His spiritual goals for this world.A Tithe is a 10th of Your Increase or Net GainLeviticus 27:30-33 a tenth partDeuteronomy 14:22 on the increase, gain, or profitThe reality of life on earth is that everything belongs to the Creator. God just lets you use it for a while. When you are gone it passes to another. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 we are wrong when we think it belongs to usDeuteronomy 28:47 we are to serve Him willingly, which includes showing honor towards Him with our material goods by giving 10% back to Him [of what is really His anyway].Tithing is a Form of WorshipTithing is a form of worship that exists outside the bounds of the covenant God made with Israel. Abraham tithed hundreds of years before the covenant was put in place with Israel. Abraham gave 10% of what he gained. He gave it to the high priest of God… which at that time was Melchizadek. Abraham honored God with his material goods and gave thanks for the blessing from God [the blessing of victory]. Genesis 14:18-20Genesis 28: 20-22 when God reaffirms the covenant He made with Abraham through Jacob [Abraham’s grandson]… Jacob responds with a declaration of loyalty and a dedication to tithing… I will worship you through titihing. [to Melchizadek?]Tithing is part of the covenant of faith that began with Abraham and which remains today for the people of God.Tithing in the Sinai CovenantGod established Israel in the land of Canaan to perform His great work in the world. To act as a living demonstration of His way of living among the nations which they could admire and imitate. With this new method of revealing Himself to humanity there was also a change in the administration of the priesthood. Instead of the order of Melchizadek the tribe of Levi were set apart to do the priestly work of God on earth [the role of high priest was delegated specifically to the family of Aaron].Numbers 18:21-24 the priests would not work the land to make a living, they would do the work of God… temple service… sacrifices… teaching the word of God to the people. Numbers 18:26-28 they in turn tithed to the High PriesthoodTithing Badly Neglected in IsraelWhen Judah was expelled from the land for violating the terms of the national covenant they were condemned by God to 70 years of exile in Babylon and Persia. Once the 70 years were up a small group headed by Ezra and Nehemiah were sent back to re-establish the nation.Neglecting God’s commands had become a way of living and thinking for these people and it would take some hard work to get the people set back on the right path. A lot the responsibility for

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 does this mean we should not allow ourselves to be sad when faced with the loss of a friend, comrade and brother? We know they have a future. We know they will be resurrected. We know we will see them again. Why are we still sad? Is our sadness a weakness of faith… a pull of doubt against our confidence? What is Grief?Grief can be hard to explain. It’s a powerful emotion – often it’s a set of emotions which can be simultaneous and conflicting. We may experience feelings of relief and great sadness at the same time.For example: In the case of someone who has passed away only after a long stretch of sickness or pain… we may feel relief that they will no longer have to suffer. At the same time we are sad because the inevitability of death has confronted us in an undeniable way. Familiar patterns, behaviors, interactions we have grown accustomed to will no longer be possible. We are left to adapt with a new reality. The world we have known will now never be the same. We feel loss knowing that we will never again be able to reach out for that person who has always been there before.Grief can be our reaction to other events, a friend moves away, or we find ourselves an empty nester. More negative situations include divorce, loss of a job… and then there is death.Grief is Part of the Human ExperienceGod’s people grieve just like all people. We have records in scripture of the grief experienced by people like: Job, Naomi, Hannah, David who experienced great loss and sadness. We also have record of Jesus weeping in grief for Lazarus His friend.John 11:32-38 Jesus was moved by their grief but also by the fact of Lazarus’ death. He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He had perfect faith that the Father would answer His prayer for Lazarus to be restored to life. He could have simply said “have no fear” but instead He shared in the grief of the situation.Hebrews 4:15 This is an example of how Jesus is a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses.Grief, weeping and sorrow is natural and normal. Its not a demonstration of any lack of faith. We do not want to be overcome by our grief as if we had no hope. Grief Serves a PurposeEcclesiastes 7:2 grief can refresh and inform our understanding and perspective on our life. While we do not want to be obsessed with a fear of death we should use it as an occasion to remember that our own days are numbered and finite. Grieving over death is a time for us to ask “what am I doing with the days of life that I have left”?Psalm 30:5 grief and sadness serve a purpose. But grief also has its limits and it will come to and end. We do not forget those who have died but in time we adjust to our new reality.God is Beside Us in Our GriefGod is our master, our creator, our father and friend. God is faithful and we can count on Him to walk with us in our sadness. Jesus used His days in the flesh to show us what God is really like in human terms that would add depth to our understanding. His grief for Lazarus was a demonstration of God’s emotional solidaity with us… even in grief and sadness. Psalm 23:1-4 we will walk through valleys of darkness and death. Through it all He is with us as our guide and protector.Psalm 56:8 God sees our grief. When we grieve He does not think of us as weak, lacking in faith. Like we saw with the example of Jesus mourning for Lazarus… God enters into our grief, He feels it. Yet He also wants to reassure us that all is not lost Psalm 46:10, Psalm 91:1-2, Romans 8:28.Consider: If God engages with our grief and seeks to appreciate what it means. Perhaps the flow of understanding should also flow in the other direction as well. We are grieved by loss, separation, death. What causes God grief… can we enter into and share His emotional reactions.We are hardwired for grief. It’s a natural and normal reaction. It may be there as a learning tool so we can understand how God feels about being rejected by those He has created and loved… His reaction