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Welcome to Day 2635 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2635 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:21-27 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2635 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2635 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, continue our journey through the dynamic and multifaceted Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation. We’ve already seen God revealed as the powerful Divine Warrior, the compassionate Defender of the vulnerable, and the faithful Leader who guided Israel through the wilderness to His dwelling place in Zion. Now, as we move into verses 21 through 27, the psalm focuses on God’s decisive judgment against His enemies and the glorious, triumphant procession of His people entering His sanctuary. This section contains vivid and powerful language, reflecting the ancient Israelite understanding of divine justice and the consequences of opposing the Almighty. It’s a stark reminder that while God is merciful and compassionate, He is also just and will deal with wickedness. Yet, amidst the pronouncements of judgment, there is also the promise of restoration and a beautiful picture of the unity of God’s people in worship. Let’s delve into Psalm 68, starting with verses 21 through 23: (Reads Psalm 68:21-23 NLT) Surely God will shatter the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their guilty deeds. The Lord said, “I will bring them back from Bashan. I will bring them back from the depths of the sea, that your foot may crush them in blood, and the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.”   Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist opens this section with a strong declaration of God’s impending judgment: “Surely God will shatter the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their guilty deeds.” This is powerful, even confronting, language. In ancient warfare, striking the head symbolized a decisive and often fatal blow. The phrase “hairy crowns” might refer to the long, perhaps unkempt, hair of warriors from some enemy nations, or it could be a metaphor for their proud and untamed rebellion. Regardless of the specific imagery, the message is clear: God will utterly defeat those who are His adversaries, particularly those who “go on in their guilty deeds” – those who persistently and unrepentantly choose a path of wickedness and rebellion against Him. In the ancient Israelite worldview, God was seen as the ultimate source of justice. While they were called to seek justice in their own society, they also understood that there would be a time when God Himself would deal definitively with evil and those who actively opposed His righteous rule and harmed His people. This language, while strong, reflects that conviction – God will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. Then, in verse 22, we hear a direct word from the Lord: “The Lord said, ‘I will bring them back from Bashan. I will bring them back from the depths of the sea.’” This verse is rich with symbolic meaning. Bashan, known for its formidable mountains and strong inhabitants, represented a place of strength and perhaps a...

Welcome to Day 2634 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2634 – New Testament Orientation – The Jesus of History Putnam Church Message – 05/18/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 4: The Jesus of History   Last week, we returned to the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments and explored The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period. Our core verses for last week were Galatians 3:26-29. Verse 28 summarizes the message. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Today, we will explore how Jesus appears in history outside the Bible. Our core verses for today are: Matthew 25:31-36  “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ (Opening Prayer) Heavenly Father, we gather once more, our hearts open to the enduring story of Jesus of Nazareth. We seek not just to remember him, but to truly understand him within the tapestry of his time. Expand our minds and hearts, Lord, as we delve deeper into the historical realities that shaped his earthly journey. May your Spirit illuminate the path of the Jesus of history, revealing the profound significance of his life for our faith today. It is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. The Jesus of History (From the Perspective of Ancient Israelites and Early Christians): For generations, the whispers of the prophets had echoed in the synagogues and homes, foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One who would restore the fortunes of Israel. They clung tightly to these promises during times of both fleeting autonomy and prolonged subjugation under foreign powers. The anticipation was a constant hum beneath the surface of the Israelites daily lives, a yearning for the promised deliverer. Yet, when Jesus of Nazareth finally appeared, his presence and his message often defied the very expectations they had nurtured for centuries. (Connecting to Current Context): Consider the anticipation surrounding a significant historical event or the arrival of a long-awaited leader. We often build up a mental image, a set of expectations based on news, past experiences, and our own desires. Think of the fervor surrounding a new era, a revolutionary movement, or the promise of a technological breakthrough. We imagine a specific outcome, a particular way in which the change will manifest. When the reality unfolds, it can sometimes be surprising, even challenging, to reconcile our...

Welcome to Day 2633 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2633 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:15-20 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2633 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2633 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of the majestic Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation. We’ve already witnessed God as the powerful Divine Warrior, scattering His enemies and bringing joy to the godly. We’ve journeyed with the Israelites through the wilderness, marveling at God’s leadership and provision. Now, as we reach verses 15 through 20, the psalm shifts its focus to God’s chosen dwelling place, His triumphant ascension, and His ultimate power over death itself. This section brings together the historical narrative of God’s dealings with Israel and a powerful preview of God’s ultimate victory and the blessings He bestows upon His people. It’s a passage that resonated deeply with the Israelites and holds profound meaning for us today. Let’s pick up our trek in Psalm 68, reading verses 15 through 17: (Reads Psalm 68:15-17 NLT) The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode? The Lord will dwell there forever! God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins by referencing the “mountains of Bashan.” Bashan was a region known for its imposing, majestic mountains. They were geographically significant and perhaps viewed with a sense of awe or even pride by other nations. The psalmist acknowledges their grandeur but immediately contrasts them with another mountain – the one “God desired for his abode.” This mountain is, of course, Mount Zion in Jerusalem. From an ancient Israelite perspective, Mount Zion wasn’t as physically imposing as some other mountains in the region, including those in Bashan. Yet, its significance far surpassed any other peak because God had chosen it as His dwelling place. The psalmist’s question, “Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode?” is a rhetorical one, highlighting the supreme honor and importance of Zion, not because of its natural features, but because of God’s presence there. In the ancient world, the dwelling place of a deity was central to the identity and security of a people. For the Israelites, the Temple on Mount Zion represented God’s tangible presence among them. It was the place where they could come to meet with Him, offer sacrifices, and seek His face. The declaration, “The Lord will dwell there forever!” underscored the permanence of God’s presence in Zion, offering a sense of stability and assurance in a world of shifting powers and temporary kingdoms. It was a powerful statement of God’s faithfulness to remain with His people. The psalmist then describes God’s arrival at His sanctuary in Zion in magnificent terms: “God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord...

Welcome to Day 2632 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2632 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:7-14 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2632 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2632 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of the powerful Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation, picking up our trek in verse 7. In the opening verses, we encountered God as the mighty Divine Warrior before whom enemies scatter and the godly rejoice. Now, the psalmist takes us on a historical journey, recounting God’s powerful leadership of Israel from their deliverance in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. This section is rich with imagery and speaks to God’s active presence and provision for His people throughout their history. Understanding this passage requires us to step back into the shoes of an ancient Israelite and appreciate the significance of the events being described. These were not just historical facts; they were foundational to their identity and their understanding of God’s character. Let’s begin our trek through Psalm 68, reading verses 7 through 10: (Reads Psalm 68:7-10 NLT) O God, when you led your people into battle, when you marched through the wastelands, Interlude the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before God, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant showers, O God, to refresh the weary land. Your own people finally settled there, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins by recounting God’s leadership: “O God, when you led your people into battle, when you marched through the wastelands.” This isn’t a passive guiding from a distance; it’s an active, front-lines leadership. The image of God “marching through the wastelands” evokes the Israelites’ journey through the barren and dangerous wilderness after leaving Egypt. God Himself was their leader, present with them in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). They weren’t wandering aimlessly; they were on a divine march under the direct command and presence of God. The phrase “led your people into battle” reminds us that their journey was not without conflict; they faced enemies along the way, and God fought for them. The “Interlude” again gives us a moment to pause and consider the weight of God’s direct leadership in such challenging circumstances. When God marched, the earth responded: “the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before God, the God of Sinai.” This powerful imagery likely refers back to the dramatic events at Mount Sinai, where God descended to give the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19). The earth quaked, there was thunder and lightning, and thick clouds. The “heavens poured down rain” might be part of this fearful meteorological display accompanying God’s presence, or it could also anticipate God’s provision in the wilderness. The title “God of Sinai” specifically...

Welcome to Day 2631 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “666: What Theories Add Up?” –  I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2631 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2631 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today is the 56th lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “666: What Theories Add Up?.” If there’s one part of the Bible virtually everyone has heard of, it’s 666—the "number of Beast." And if there’s one thing no one can agree upon, it’s what that number stands for. We see 666 in Revelation 13:18: "let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." The wording here is important: John tells readers that the number must be “calculated," which means there must be a hidden meaning behind it. But how do we calculate it? Calculating Symbolism One option for solving this biblical riddle is gematria, the idea that numbers have symbolic meaning. While some have called gematria a tool for speculation, it actually derives from an ancient convention in languages like Greek and Hebrew where letters of the alphabet are used to represent numbers. But gematria is not limited to just Revelation; the New Testament contains several other symbolic figures. The 153 fish of John 21:11 could be interpreted as ancient symbolism for the Church, the body of Christ, and the Old Testament sons of God as analogous to believers in the Church. The Greek word for "dove," like the dove that descends on Jesus at His baptism, has a numerical value equivalent to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, thus symbolizing the Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8). Calculating 666 When it comes to 666, one gematria explanation is that the number represents Nero Caesar. The Greek Neron Kaisar adds up to 1,005, but when the name is transliterated into the Hebrew letters nrwn qsr, the sum is 666. Nero Caesar also would explain the variant number of the Beast (616) found in some New Testament manuscripts. Transliterating the Latin Nero Caesar into Hebrew, nrw qsr, yields 616, suggesting John may have been thinking of the well-known Nero Redivivus myth when writing about the Beast (i.e., that Nero would rise from the dead to destroy Christians). The gematria solution presents three major problems: It could be viewed as cheating with the spellings (the usual Hebrew spelling for Caesar is q’st, not qsr, although the qsr form does exist). It assumes that readers knew Hebrew well enough to do the transliteration from Greek back into...

Welcome to Day 2630 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2630 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2630 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2630 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re embarking on a powerful and vivid trek through the opening verses of Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation. Psalm 68 is a magnificent hymn, often associated with processions involving the Ark of the Covenant. It’s a celebration of God’s triumphant power, His leadership of His people, and His unique character as both a formidable warrior and a compassionate protector of the vulnerable. The imagery is strong, reflecting an ancient Israelite worldview where God was seen as actively involved in the battles and circumstances of His people. As we delve into verses 1 through 6, prepare to encounter a dynamic picture of God – one that might challenge our modern sensibilities but offers deep truths about His nature and His unwavering commitment to those who are His. Let’s begin by reading Psalm 68, verses 1 through 3: (Reads Psalm 68:1-3 NLT) Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is blown away by the wind, let them disappear. As wax melts in the fire, let the wicked perish at the sight of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence and celebrate with joy. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm explodes with a dramatic call to action: “Let God arise!” This isn’t a suggestion that God is dormant or unaware. Instead, it’s an ancient liturgical or military cry, invoking God’s powerful presence and intervention. It echoes the words Moses would speak whenever the Ark of the Covenant set out during the Israelites’ wilderness journey: “Rise up, O Lord! Let your enemies be scattered!” (Numbers 10:35). The Ark symbolized God’s presence among His people, and this cry was a prayer for Him to go before them, clearing the way and defeating their foes. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a “divine warrior” was common. Many cultures had myths of their gods fighting battles, often against forces of chaos or other deities. However, the Israelite understanding of God as a divine warrior was distinct. Their God, Yahweh, was not one among many; He was the supreme and only God. His battles were fought not out of divine conflict among equals, but out of His sovereign power to defend His people and execute justice against wickedness and those who opposed His righteous rule. So, when the psalmist cries, “Let God arise,” he is calling upon the all-powerful God to manifest His presence and unleash His might against His adversaries. The immediate consequence is clear: “let his enemies be scattered. Let those who hate him flee before him.” This is a picture of utter rout and dispersal. When God acts, opposition crumbles. His enemies cannot stand against His power; they are compelled to scatter and flee in disarray. The psalmist uses two vivid similes to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked in God’s...

Welcome to Day 2629 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2629 – New Testament Orientation – The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period Putnam Church Message – 05/11/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 3: The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period   Last week, we had a dramatic reading covering ‘The Story of the New Testament,’ with Romans 5:8-11 as our core verses. The story of the New Testament can be summed up in verse 11. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends with God. Before we start today, I wanted to let you know that using the Hebrew name Yahweh for God and Yeshua for Jesus may have been somewhat confusing to some, as an attempt to put us into the mindset of an ancient Israelite. So today I will return to referring to the more familiar use of God and Jesus in the messages. Today, we will step back into the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments and explore The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period. Our core verses for today are Galatians 3:26-29. Let’s read that passage now: 26 For you are all children[a] of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.[b] 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[c] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children[d] of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. As we continue our journey through understanding the New Testament, we’ve established what these writings are – inspired, authoritative, and written in the common tongue for all to hear. We’ve seen that the New Testament isn’t a new, separate story, but the glorious continuation and fulfillment of the ancient narrative of God’s dealings with His creation and His people, Israel, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, and His enthronement as Lord over all. We must pause before we move forward to the scrolls to Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth in two weeks. We need to understand the world into which Jesus came, the air people breathed, the ground they walked on, and the thoughts that filled their...

Welcome to Day 2628 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2628 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 67:1-7 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2628 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2628 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re embarking on a radiant trek through Psalm 67 in the New Living Translation. This psalm is a beautiful and concise prayer and song of praise, brimming with hope for God’s blessing to extend far beyond the borders of one nation and encompass the entire world. It’s a vision that was truly revolutionary in the ancient world, where most people believed in tribal or national gods. The Israelites, however, had a God whose plan from the beginning involved the blessing of all peoples on earth. Psalm 67 is closely linked to the ancient Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, a blessing that was a cornerstone of Israelite worship and a powerful declaration of God’s favor and protection. As we explore these verses, we’ll see how the psalmist expands on this priestly blessing, envisioning its impact reaching the farthest corners of the globe. Let’s begin our trek by reading the first two verses of Psalm 67: (Reads Psalm 67:1-2 NLT) May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.   Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm opens with a prayer that would have been instantly recognizable to any Israelite: “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.” This echoes the ancient priestly blessing. “May God be merciful” acknowledges their dependence on God’s grace and compassion. It’s a recognition that any blessing they receive is not earned, but flows from God’s character. The phrase, “May his face smile with favor on us,” is a rich and powerful image in the ancient Near East. In many cultures, the king’s face symbolized his disposition towards his subjects. A frowning or hidden face could indicate displeasure or rejection, while a smiling or shining face conveyed favor, acceptance, and warmth. For God’s face to “smile with favor” on His people meant they were experiencing His approval, His presence, and His active goodness in their lives. It was a desire for tangible evidence of God’s blessing – prosperity, protection, peace, and fruitfulness. Think about the feeling of someone you admire deeply looking at you with warmth and approval. It’s uplifting, affirming, and empowering. How much more so is it when the Creator of the universe, the King of all kings, looks upon you with favor? For an Israelite, this was the ultimate source of security and well-being. The “Interlude” here, like the “Selah” in Psalm 66, likely indicates a pause for reflection or a musical transition. It’s a moment to absorb the weight of this prayer for divine blessing and favor. But the psalmist doesn’t stop with a prayer solely for the blessing of Israel. The very next verses reveal the profound purpose behind this request: “May your ways be known...

Welcome to Day 2627 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2627 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 66:16-20 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2627 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2627 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re on the final leg of our trek through the powerful Psalm 66 in the New Living Translation. We’ve joined the psalmist in calling all the earth to shout joyful praises to God for His awesome deeds and universal power. We’ve reflected on how God preserves and refines His people through trials, bringing them to a place of abundance. Now, in the concluding verses, the psalmist transitions to a deeply personal testimony, inviting others to hear what God has done for him. This shift from communal praise and historical reflection to individual experience is significant. It reminds us that while God works on a grand scale throughout history and for His entire people, He also intimately engages with each one of us. His power and faithfulness are not just abstract concepts; they are realities played out in the lives of ordinary individuals. Let’s delve into the final verses of Psalm 66, starting with verse 16: (Reads Psalm 66:16-18 NLT) Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I prayed. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.   Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist extends a personal invitation: “Come and listen, all you who fear God.” He’s not calling out to just anyone, but to those who already have a reverence and respect for God. This suggests that sharing our personal testimonies is often most impactful among fellow believers, those who can understand and appreciate the hand of God at work. He wants to “tell you what he did for me” – to share his story, his personal encounter with God’s power and grace. In ancient Israelite culture, sharing personal testimony was a vital part of communal worship and discipleship. It wasn’t about self-promotion, but about magnifying God and encouraging others in their faith. When someone experienced a significant deliverance or saw God answer a specific prayer, they would often publicly declare it, perhaps at the Temple, as a way of giving thanks and bearing witness to God’s faithfulness. Imagine gathering with others who also “fear God,” eager to hear how He has intervened in a fellow traveler’s life. These shared stories would strengthen their collective faith and remind them of God’s ever-present help. The psalmist recounts his prayer: “For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I prayed.” This paints a picture of a prayer offered in a time of need – a cry for help – but importantly, it was a prayer intertwined with praise. Even in the midst of difficulty, the psalmist maintained a heart of worship, acknowledging God’s character and past faithfulness even as he pleaded for intervention. This is a powerful model for our own prayer lives. Even when we are desperate for help, we can still find reasons to praise God for who He is, trusting in His good nature regardless of our circumstances. Then comes a profound...

Welcome to Day 2626 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “Jesus, God, a.k.a., The Name” –  I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2626 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2626 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   Today is the 55th lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “Jesus, God, a.k.a., The Name.” It only takes a few words to produce dramatic theology. In the short letter we know as 3 John, the apostle is writing to a beloved friend, Gaius (v. 1). He commends Gaius for ministering to fellow believers who were strangers because "they have gone out for the sake of the name" (v. 7). John doesn’t use the phrase "in Jesus’ name" or "the name of Jesus"; it’s simply, "for the sake of the name." Why this phrase? Is John trying to keep a secret? John isn’t trying to be cryptic. He’s actually drawing on an Old Testament expression. When understood in that original context—and the context of his other writings—‘ odd wording amounts to a powerful statement on the deity of Jesus. The Name in the Old Testament In Deuteronomy 12:5, God instructed the people of Israel that—when they got into the promised land—He would show them the place where they were to worship Him. God described that location as "the place that the LORD your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name." God wasn’t talking about writing His name on a town or a building. He was referring to where the tabernacle—and ultimately the temple—was to be stationed. But He wasn’t talking about writing "Yahweh" on that either. Nothing of the sort is ever recorded in Scripture. Rather, God was talking about the place where He would choose to meet Israel personally—His very presence. The description "the name" actually refers to the presence of God. This presence was at times visibly evident through the so-called "glory cloud" (e.g., 1 Kgs 8:10-11). At other times the name came in human form. For instance, in Exodus 23:20-23, God tells Moses that He is sending an angel to bring Israel to the promised land. God warned Moses that this angel would pardon no transgression since "My name is in him." We learn from Judges 2:1-5 that the angel did indeed lead them to the land. But how could God’s name be in an angel? The answer is that "the name" referred to the very presence of God—His essence. This is confirmed in Deuteronomy 4:3 7. Here, we read that—instead of the angel being credited as the one who would bring Israel to Canaan—it is God who brought them there "with his own presence." Jesus Has and Is the Name Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prays: "I am no longer in the world, but they...