accepted

In one of the most poignant moments in the Bible, God himself- knowing that Cain was already embracing the darkness- tried to pull him back:

“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7)

I love Genesis 4. Known mostly for the Cain and Abel story, it reveals more about the early days of our sojourn here than any other chapter in the Bible. There is a lot of information there.

The story begins with the announcement of the arrival of the brothers Cain and Abel. “Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” (4:2)

A little about those professions. In the beginning, people were vegetarians (Gen. 1:29). Which meant that a keeper of sheep was providing a limited spectrum of products from a certain point of view. There was wool. There was milk. There were a couple of agricultural uses, such as manure for fertilizer, and a flock could be brought in to clear cut a pasture.

So other than an occasional chunk of cheese and a fall sweater, to Cain, this leading sheep around might have seemed like a slackers game. Particularly when we consider that Cain was a farmer, a task that was very labor intensive and often frustrating, because the ground had been cursed (3:17-19) as punishment after the fall.

I mentioned how much information is in Genesis 4. The biggest lesson we learn is that the same gospel has been preached from the beginning. Before the Sinless Sacrifice for guilt came to Earth, the law of sacrifice- in similitude of the sacrifice of the Firstborn- was instituted.

This practice was given to the children of Israel in the Mosaic Law- and they were already familiar with the ritual before then. Abraham practiced sacrifice, as did Job, just to name a few.

We see in verses 3 & 4 that sacrifice was already practiced. And because of its purpose being the symbolism of the innocent blood being shed for sin- we realize there is another important purpose for Abel’s sheep: For the sacrifice.

Cain- who was probably resentful from time to time when he was hot and sweaty from his tasks and could see Abel and his sheep sitting under a shade tree- was probably further aggravated when he realized he would have to go begging to Abel in order to obtain a sacrificial lamb.

As we all know, it is in these moments of discontent that the Serpent appears. Based on what the Good Book tells us- and a little artistic license from one who has a little experience with temptation- I imagine a conversation similar to this one occurred:

“Why so serious?” Satan hissed to Cain.

“It is time for the sacrifice,” muttered Cain. “I’ll have to see what sheep boy wants for a lamb. He’ll probably want all my strawberries.”

“That is not fair!” Satan declared. “Does God not see how you sweat to bring wonderful fruits, while your brother rests day by day with his sheep? No, he need not profit from your labors. You are a tiller of the ground. Bring the first fruits of your labors- God will respect your sacrifice for it is an offering from your hard works”

“But it must be a blood sacrifice in memorial of the sacrifice to come,” Cain replied.

“The Lord has cursed the ground because of your father Adam. Yet, through hard work you bring forth much fruit. That is something to be respected,” Satan said.

“Does God yet mock you and require you humble yourself to get a lamb from your younger brother who rests all the days? No. He will see that your offering is better.”

As we know, Cain was rejected. His rebellion and disobedience were not respected, while Abel’s was.

Cain was humiliated and very angry. So angry that “his countenance fell.” (4:5) I once wrote an article about countenance (with a cheesy Star Wars intro that probably chased people away). I explained it thusly:

Notice how God asked Cain two questions (1 why art thou wroth? That was due to the expression on his face- he was obviously angry. The second question is where the distinction is made- why is thy countenance fallen? Cain had more than an angry face- he was affected by this anger to the point it was obvious in attitude, appearance, and what we call vibes. A negative energy that is expressed and is impactful. The holistic person- body, soul, spirit- is observed through your countenance. And Cains was “fallen”

Knowing full well that Cain was getting bad advice, God simply, lovingly, and starkly laid it all out for him; the essence of the matter:

If you do well, you will be accepted.

And, conversely, if you don’t do well- sin lieth at the door. (4:7) You will not be accepted.

I like to think that if I was being called out by the Lord, I would have- if not the good sense- at least the proper fear to say something like “I’m very sorry Lord” and/or “I will do it better next time”. Cain did not respond in this way.

He acted out of anger, shame, guilt, jealousy, pride, and covetousness- instinctive dark emotions he had been harboring and nurturing- and killed Abel. He entered into a covenant with the ‘murderer from the beginning’. (John 8:44)

And then, unremorseful, he rejected God. He lied about Abel’s whereabouts and then defiantly asked “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Acceptance is a natural human craving. We seek acceptance from our family, friends, peers, and colleagues. It provides emotional security, social support, and mental assurance. We should also crave God’s acceptance. It provides spiritual assurance, support, and security. Being accepted is being saved.

Scriptures about accepted:

Acts 10:35- But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness is accepted with him.

Romans 14:17-18- For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Ephesians 1:6- To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

2 Corinthians 5:9- Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Remember always- God cannot accept you if you do not accept him and the Savior he sent, his son Jesus Christ.

accepted

He is risen

The Four Gospel accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (KJV)

Have a blessed day everyone.

Our Redeemer Lives!

Matthew 28-

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

¹¹ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

¹² And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

¹³ Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

¹⁴ And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

¹⁵ So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

¹⁷ And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16-

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

² And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

³ And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

⁴ And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

⁵ And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

⁶ And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

⁷ But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

⁸ And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

⁹ Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

¹⁰ And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

¹¹ And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

¹² After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

¹³ And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

¹⁴ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

¹⁹ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

²⁰ And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24-

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

² And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

³ And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

⁴ And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

⁵ And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

⁶ He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

⁷ Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

⁸ And they remembered his words,

⁹ And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

¹¹ And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

¹² Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

¹³ And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

¹⁴ And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

¹⁶ But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

¹⁷ And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

¹⁸ And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

¹⁹ And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

²⁰ And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

²¹ But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

²² Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

²³ And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

²⁴ And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

²⁵ Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

²⁶ Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

²⁷ And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

²⁸ And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

²⁹ But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

³⁰ And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

³² And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

³³ And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

³⁴ Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

³⁵ And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

³⁶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

³⁷ But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

³⁸ And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

³⁹ Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

⁴⁰ And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

⁴¹ And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

⁴² And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

⁴³ And he took it, and did eat before them.

⁴⁴ And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

⁴⁵ Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

⁴⁶ And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

⁴⁷ And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

⁴⁸ And ye are witnesses of these things.

⁴⁹ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

⁵² And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

⁵³ And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

John 20-

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

² Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

³ Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

⁴ So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

⁵ And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

⁶ Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

⁷ And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

⁸ Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

⁹ For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

¹¹ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

¹² And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

¹³ And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

¹⁴ And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

¹⁵ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

¹⁷ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

¹⁹ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

²⁰ And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

²³ Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

²⁴ But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

²⁵ The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

²⁶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

²⁷ Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

²⁸ And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

²⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

³⁰ And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

³¹ But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

“I will go”

There are many stories of faith in the Bible, but few match the trust in God displayed by a young lady who decided to leave her family and home with a complete stranger for a new life and new husband she knew absolutely nothing about.

One of the most well-known tales from the Bible is the test of Abraham’s faith with the command to sacrifice his son Isaac. It is a difficult test to consider, it seems cruel and unreasonable.

Abraham- like Job and Noah- is on another level. He is a friend to God. He talks with God, has been trusted with extraordinary knowledge, and has been called to an extraordinary role. The father of many nations, the patriarch of the Lord’s people. In proving his friend, the Lord required extraordinary faith from someone who trusted God completely.

Abraham- like Job- could be trusted by God to demonstrate to all men (and the devils) how to trust completely in the Lord. An example of what is meant by true faith in God.

A faith that was quietly and simply displayed by a young lady named Rebekah.

Sarah had already passed away, and Abraham knew he wouldn’t be around forever. He didn’t want Isaac to marry one of the local heathen women, so he sent his most trusted, competent head servant back to the old country to find Isaac a wife from his people.

The man traveled to the old country and sat down near a well:

Genesis 24: 12-14   ¹² And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.  ¹³ Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:  ¹⁴ And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Before he had even finished his prayer, a young lady named Rebekah had arrived at the well. After she filled her pitcher, Abraham’s servant asked for a drink. She told him no problem, and she would get water for his camels as well.

Rebekah reveals she is of Abraham’s kin folk, and they would be able to lodge the travelers for the night. When the man arrives at the home and sits down for supper, he tells them his story, being sent by Abraham, culminating in the incident at the well. After the story, Rebekah’s people agree- this thing is from the Lord.

From the servants point of view, he was led straight to his master’s people, was given a sign at the well, and met the young lady he was sent for. It was a miracle.

From Rebekah’s and her families point of view- a strange man has shown up claiming God has sent him to take Rebekah back to his master’s son. Any adult reading this can certainly imagine what some concerns with this story might be.

They couldn’t call Abraham or send him a text to confirm this story. Rebekah couldn’t look up Isaac’s profile on Facebook to see what sort of person this was. It was time to lean on faith, to trust in God.

⁵⁸ And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

I will go. A simple statement with a powerful meaning. I trust the Lord.

Would you go? Would you have allowed your daughter to go? Sometimes letting go and trusting God isn’t easy. But if it is something you practice daily, learning to lean on the Lord, learning to trust in the Spirit- you will be ready to answer when he calls.

⁶⁴ And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. ⁶⁵ For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.  ⁶⁶ And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. ⁶⁷ And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

such a time as this

“…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” *

During the exile of Israel, the kingdom had passed from the Assyrians to the Persians. Ahasueras was King of Persia and Media. He was a powerful monarch- ruling 127 provinces stretching ‘from India to Ethiopia’. As such he dealt with bureacracy, celebrity, special interest groups, traditions, and rebellions.  Then, during a holiday party, he found himself with a problem with protocol involving his wife Vashti.

They were feasting and drinking at the palace, when the King decided to call his beautiful wife down to the palace- to show her off to the aristocrats- and to bring some more scotch from the liquor cabinet:

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded…the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. 

I know, the crown royal means the crown worn on the head, but I thought that was funny. Well, Queen Vashti was down the road at the royal house hosting a women’s get together. She didn’t feel like getting all dressed up in the royal garb and going and spending hours entertaining drunken aristocrats. She refused to go and caused a crisis:

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him…Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times,…What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

One of the princes advised that word would get out and there would be a feminist rebellion in the whole kingdom. He advised that Vashti needed to be publicly and openly replaced- to send a clear message to rebellious-minded women everywhere. The king agreed and set the replacement into motion.

Amongst the exiles in those days was a Jew named Mordecai and his niece Esther. Esther’s parents had died, leaving her orphaned, and Mordecai took her in and raised her. She grew into a beautiful young woman.

When the time came to find a new queen, Mordecai, who worked as a servant in the king’s gate, was able to get her a spot in the auditions. He walked by the house were the women were staying everyday to make sure she was doing okay and to see how things went. When her time came, “…the king loved Esther above all the women,…so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.“

Esther

Meanwhile, a man named Haman, was a rising star in the kingdom and was promoted to chief prince. If you are Jewish, you are undoubtedly familiar with the name. Haman is an infamous Jew-hater to this day.

As the new chief prince, the servants bowed to Haman as he passed. Mordecai did not. This angered Haman- who plotted revenge. And he didn’t want to just punish Mordecai- Haman wanted a Holocaust:

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them… If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: Then were the king’s scribes called… and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded… in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring: And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day,…

Kill all the Jews. Take all their property. A timeless endeavor. A recurring theme.

Naturally, this caused great distress in the Jewish community. Mordecai put on sackcloths and sat in the gate- which was forbidden. Esther saw him and asked what was the deal. She was given a copy of the extermination order and Mordecai asked her to intervene with the king. Esther advised it just wasn’t that simple:

All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Bureacracy. Traditions. There was no time for this.

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

So powerful and true were Mordecai’s words. Esther thought about how she had been a refugee orphan and was now married to the most powerful man in the world. She indeed had come to the kingdom for such a time as this:

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

We know that Esther didn’t perish, but saved her people. Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

You are who you are and where you are for a reason: You have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Whether or not you answer the call, God’s work will be done. You can do it, or let the chance pass.

You are needed for such a time as this.

*(all italicized quotations are from the Book of Esther, KJV)

“the money has failed”

History repeats itself. 

Over and over again. 

This was once expressed by King Solomon in another way many years ago:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Often lost in the story of Joseph’s reunification with his brethren who sold him into slavery is this chilling and sobering prelude portion of the narrative:

Genesis 47: ¹⁵ And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. ¹⁶ And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. ¹⁷ And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. ¹⁸ When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands: ¹⁹ Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. ²⁰ And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh’s. ²¹ And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.

Because the Egyptians were unprepared for hard times- runaway inflation and a money shortage caused them to first liquidate all their assets to buy food, and then they had to sell their homes and become indentured servants to  Pharaoh to survive.

They were then sent to live in government housing.

There is nothing new under the sun. History repeats itself over and over again.

During the Great Depression there was no money, no jobs, no food. It was a global event and lasted for nearly a decade. The thing that has been before, will be again.

“Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value – zero.” – Voltaire

There is no new thing under the sun.

The thing that has been before, will be again.

Are you ready?

donkey head. it’s what’s for dinner

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, “This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.” So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, “Give thy son, that we may eat him”: and she hath hid her son.

That is pretty gruesome.

History is replete with examples of what happens with starving people. They eat strange things. They behave in irrational ways. Without proper nutrition, the brain doesn’t work right.

People get desperate, people die, and society collapses. A graphic description of the conditions during the siege of Samaria is told in 2 Kings chapter 6:

²⁵ And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver. ²⁶ And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. ²⁷ And he said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? ²⁸ And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow. ²⁹ So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. ³⁰ And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.

I’ve never come across a recipe for donkeys’ head. It isn’t one of those enduring staples of classical cuisine. Besides being utterly disgusting, you would’ve needed about $200 in silver to get one.

Donkey head can be pricey during a famine.

How about $15 bucks for a small cup of bird crap? What do you make- Bird dropping soup? It’s hard to imagine either one tastes much like chicken.

And then, when people can’t afford a donkeys’ head and there’s just no more bird crap to be found, things go from bad to worse. Think such a thing could not happen here and now? If you don’t- you would be- WRONG! We just got a glimpse during the covid-19 panic a few months ago. And it may be happening already:

Global Food Prices Rise As Famine Threat Emerges

when she got there, the pecan rolls were bare

There are other possible scenarios experts are concerned about:

EMP Risk is ‘Not a Sideshow’: Why One Cyber Attack Could Wipe Out 90% of US Population

What If the Biggest Solar Storm on Record Happened Today? Repeat of 1859 Carrington Event would devastate modern world, experts say

Whether it be an EMP attack or a solar flare, which is probably a 50% chance either way- and a 100% eventuality- the result will be the same: the electrical grid is going down. For a long time. Along with it goes the transportation grid and the food distribution grid- the supply lines.

There are other threats that are capable of bringing disaster such as droughts, freezes, diseases, pandemics, wars, and other natural disasters. Regardless of the cause, the net effect is generally consistent: There is no food.

a Yemeni woman and her child sit outside a shelter

The Anatomy of a Breakdown

‘Little Ice Age’ 1,500 years ago led to famine and political upheaval across the ancient world

Total Societal Collapse: What the Media Isn’t Telling You About Venezuela

Yemen In ‘Clear And Present Danger’ Of Massive Famine After Years Of Violence

Unlike many catastrophic events, a famine can be foreseen, prepared for, and mitigated. It is a simple matter of watching events, putting back staples and necessities, and educating oneself in how to survive scarce times.

A famine is not just a dearth of tangible foods and staples. We are in a spiritual war, and physical plagues are often preceded by or accompanied with spiritual pestilences. Here in America, we are in a spiritual famine. Our beliefs and values are under siege. Those who claim to have truth and wisdom exploit hungry souls.

The spiritual food we are now receiving is rancid and unpalatable.

People believe strange things. They relate to strange concepts. They behave in irrational ways. We idolize and celebrate perversity.

Without proper spiritual nutrition, the soul grows dark.

Surviving a spiritual famine is the same formula as a physical famine.

To foresee a spiritual famine, watch and pray:

Matthew 26:41-  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Luke 21:36- Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

To prepare for a spiritual famine, store up treasures in heaven:

Matthew 6:20- But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Education in how to survive spiritual hard times is found in the scriptures:

Matthew 4:4- But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

And, as a benefit of spiritual preparedness, physical preparedness will follow. Joseph was spiritually prepared for the events that came upon him. He was able, through the Spirit, to interpret Pharaoh’s dream- which was a warning from God about a famine to come:

Genesis 41: ²⁸ This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. ²⁹ Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: ³⁰ And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land

“This winter is starting off colder than the last two years. My biggest concern is that all the nonsense about Global Warming is preventing us from preparing for the real trend – Global Cooling. Even in the Bible, there is the story about Joseph warning the Pharaoh that there would be 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine. During these periods of Global Cooling, this is when disease increases because people are suffering during a famine. What we should be doing is being to create a strategic grain reserve as they use to do with oil. But these people who keep up the nonsense about global Warming are putting society at risk from famine. Perhaps that is what they really want to happen by reducing the population.”- Martin Armstrong  “Will the Snowiest Decade Continue?”

A long time ago, King Solomon observed something that is still true today:

Ecclesiastes 1:9- The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

This is my all-time favorite video on personal preparedness:

Be prepared. The thing that has been before will be again. There is nothing new under the sun.

And I promise you- bird crap hasn’t improved in the last 3,000 years.

God be merciful to me a sinner

One of the things I struggle with is being able to see the faults in others and then smugly telling myself that I am better than that. “Thank goodness I am not as dumb as that stupid idiot” is something I will find myself thinking from time to time.

It seems to be a problem in the world today as well. The logic seems to be “I am right- you are wrong. Therefore, I am good, and you are bad. Thus, I am better.” This attitude can eventually lead to contempt, de-personalization, and inhumanity.

Jesus told a story about the Pharisee and the Publican in Luke 8:

¹⁰ Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. ¹² I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. ¹³ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

The Pharisee thanked God for making him judgmental, haughty, proud, condescending, and arrogant. He thanked God for making him “better” than others.

I see this happening in many ways. People are marginalized because of their beliefs, income, education, profession, appearance, national origin, politics and religion. Especially religion.

“Catholics are a false religion”. “Baptists are intolerant”. “Mormons aren’t real Christians”. “Jehovah’s witnesses are deceived”. “Evangelicals are materialistic”. “Fundamentalists are judgmental”. And on and on.

And what about those Muslims/Jews/Scientologists/Wiccans and even Satanists? Obviously we are better than those heathens.

It is easy to think so. That’s the point.

Matthew 7: Judge not, that ye be not judged. ² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? ⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

We are commanded to love one another. Not just Conservatives. Not just straight people. Not just Christians.

Everybody. Because we are all equal in God’s eyes. We are all a part of His Creation. He loves everybody.

It is a hard thing for a sinner like me to understand, easy to forget.

Luke 18:13- And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I pray this is my attitude and my hope everyday. That God is merciful to me. That I don’t get what I deserve, but deserve what I get.

from such, turn away

We live in perilous times.

Is it because of wars, climate change, civil unrest, natural disasters, crime, or diseases?

No. We live in perilous times because men (and women) are lovers of their own selves, without natural affection, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God:

2 Timothy 3: 1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Natural disasters and epidemics are signs of the times. Civil unrest and wars are consequences.

Crime, violence, destruction of families and divorce are the results of turning away from God.

The times are perilous because people deny the power of God. People no longer care about what God wants. They only want what they want- what makes them “happy.”

From such, turn away.

If you know someone is a cheat, a liar, a lustful immoral person- don’t run across the grocery store to make sure they see you just because they are the mayor. Or offer to spot for them at the gym because they are the county commissioner, or carry on at the restaurant to be seen with them because they are the president of the chemical plant- from such turn away.

If the artist is singing about threesomes and perversity, if the actor is a known pedophile, if the movie is full of violence, immorality, and blasphemy- don’t say “well I like the music” or “he’s just a great actor” or “it’s still a good story”- from such, turn away.

My dad used to always tell me that if I rolled around in the gutter long enough, I would learn to like it. There is an old expression about laying down with dogs and waking up with fleas. We are always told to “surround yourself with winners.” No matter how strong we think we are, we cannot help but to be influenced by those around us.

And there is big danger in that:

Isaiah 5:20- Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Think about society today. There was a time when cohabitation- living together, “shacking up”- was low-class, immoral. Now it’s normal. Constant exposure to something eventually becomes internalized, becomes normal.

1 John 2:15-17  ¹⁵ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

It can be tricky. There are alot of people that speak well, they give to charity, they help people. Maybe they are kind, witty, attractive. They have a form of ‘godliness’. We say “look how good they are trying to be” while ignoring they beat their wives, abuse their children, live completely immoral lives, promote atheism, celebrate perversity.

Successful people will always tell you to surround yourself with successful people- hang out with the winners. Why? Because you are influenced by the people around you. You internalize the behaviors and traits of the people around you- you emulate them.

Psychological studies and sociological research have proven that constant exposure to violence, pornography, and the glamorization of illegal and immoral activities desensitizes people to these behaviors and completely distorts our perceptions of what is normal.

The entertainment industry is particularly adept at selling soul-damaging behaviors and promoting immoral behaviors. A few years ago, everybody was wrapped-up in “Game of Thrones”. Because it was all the rage I made a couple of attempts to watch it- I couldn’t do it. It was absolute filth. Rape, nudity, incest- garbage. Do you think Jesus would watch it?

Fifty Shades of Grey, Pulp Fiction, WAP- very popular. Very sad. Very telling commentary on the moral state of our society.

Our society’s idea of role models has changed drastically. What was once Martin Luther King has become Snoop Dogg- it has an effect. The Black community was once very conservative with strong families. Now, after years of assault by gangsta rap 70% of Black families have no father in the home and over half of Black males have been to prison.

The divorce rate was once less than 10% in our country- after the “sexual revolution” and free-love movements it is now over 50%. The traditional family is demeaned in popular culture and divorce is now common-place.

You are not here to join in the madness. You are not here to congratulate and admire the pervert. You are not here to praise the corrupt. From such- TURN AWAY.

Why you are here:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;- Philippians 2:15

the empty house

Matthew 12: 43-45 ⁴³ When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. ⁴⁴ Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. ⁴⁵ Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. 

(see also Luke 11: 24-26)

I once had a conversation with a preacher. He was the pastor of a non-denominational Evangelical church. (They actually call it a worship center) He explained to me that he was cleansed by the blood of Jesus, saved from his sins, and was “already walking in Heaven. No matter what I do. The victory has been won.”

Bold statement. Could he really believe that?

“What if you began to grow tempted, and started taking advantage of vulnerable women, sleeping with everyone you could and abusing young girls?” I asked.

“It would not be good to do those things, and I hope I wouldn’t, but I’m still walking in Heaven. The price has been paid.” he replied.

I asked “What if you grew angry and plotted and fumed and eventually killed someone?” “Still walking in Heaven” he said.

“How about if you converted to Islam? Christians will do that sometimes” I said. There was a pause and then he said “A truly saved Christian would not do that. If a Christian  were to do that, then I would have to say they weren’t really saved.”

(So there’s the catch.)

If you believe “once saved always saved” then it doesn’t matter what you do. You’re already walking in heaven- and that can’t be taken away.

Or can it?

2 Peter 2: 20-22 ²⁰ For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. ²¹ For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ²² But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6: 4-6 ⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, ⁵ And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, ⁶ If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

In the highly symbolic “Parable of the Empty House” that I quoted at the beginning, Jesus described how a person has been saved- the unclean spirit is expelled, and the house is swept clean. They have “escaped the pollutions of the world” and have been “made partakers of the Holy Spirit.” But demons return, and they reclaim the house because it is “garnished and empty.”

And the last state of the man is worse than at the first. Why?

“For it is impossible… if they shall fall away again, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

Put another way: A person who is saved, who has escaped from the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and then turns from it, is in serious jeopardy:

Matthew 12: 31-32 ³¹ Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. ³² And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Jesus reveals that the demon will return (with company). What will he find?

Luke 11: 21-22 ²¹ When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: ²² But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

Once the house (you) has been swept clean, it isn’t over. It is just beginning. You have to put up a wall of Faith. A tower of Truth. Furnished with Love. And then, put on the full armor of God- the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct. Then when the Destroyer returns to his former house, he finds a fortified dwelling of God.

If these spiritual wanderers, fugitives, vagabonds find the former house strong, then they will seek another empty house.

But, if the house is swept clean, and nothing more has been done, then the Destroyer, with his comrades Disbelief, Rebellion, Lust, Hate, Blasphemy, Worldliness, and Fear walk right in.

Then, it is over. Salvation lost.

Hebrews 6: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 

1 Kings 11: 4-9 ⁴ For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. ⁵ For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. ⁶ And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. ⁷ Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. ⁸ And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. ⁹ And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice

I may be wrong, but I don’t think Solomon- the wisest, richest, most powerful and most-favored man who ever lived- is going to Heaven.

I would further argue that David, who after receiving the grace and power of God- he slew Goliath, overcame the treachery of Saul, and became the King of Israel- and then committed adultery and murder, knew his salvation was lost (but not forever he hoped):

Psalm 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;…

Those who have had their names written into the Book of Life, can also have it blotted out:

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Even though I don’t believe someone should say “I am already walking in Heaven”, there is a way to know we are on the right track- to know we are perfecting a house of God and not waxing vulnerable:

1 John 3: 21-24 ²¹ Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. ²² And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. ²³ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. ²⁴ And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Don’t be an empty, vacant house- appealing to demons. Be a Temple of God!

will you stand in the gap?

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.- Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)

When explaining the coming destruction of Israel to Ezekiel, God told him that there was no one to stand for the people, no one to plead for the mercy of the Lord on behalf of the inhabitants of the land.

We see great courage at times- people who are willing to stand for our freedoms, our rights, against the abuses of government. Many defend our right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the freedom of assembly or due process- how many do we see that will stand for the Lord?

People who will stand for the weak and oppressed, who will stand against lies, immorality, and evil?

In ancient times, a wall was the best defense against enemies. If there was a breach, a gap, the enemies would rush in through that opening and take the city. Brave men (and women) would have to stand in the gap, to hold the enemy back until the breach could be repaired.

We are in a spiritual battle. There are many breaches in the wall. Immorality, jealousies, lies, corruption, greed, selfishness- wordliness of all sorts have breached the spiritual wall in our lives. The enemy is rushing in to take the city.

Will you stand in the gap?

It does not take everyone to fill the gap. It does not take a multitude. It only takes one.

Moses stood in the gap for his people.  After all God had done for the children of Israel, they made a golden calf to worship. God decided that it was time to turn the page on this bunch, and start again:

Exodus 32- ⁹ And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: ¹⁰ Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

But Moses pleaded for his people and saved them:

¹¹ And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? ¹² Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. ¹³ Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. ¹⁴ And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Psalm 106:23– Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

There are other stories of people who stood up for their people- Esther, against the evil designs of Haman, Abraham stood for Sodom-though it was in vain. Stephen prayed for those who were stoning him, and Jesus himself pled for those who hung Him on the cross.

When you are willing to stand in the gap, you may inspire others to do so as well. When they see your courage, your willingness to plead for them- they may decide to join you in the breach, to hold back the destruction that will otherwise surely come.

Or maybe they won’t. But if you will not, who will?

Luke 18:8- I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The entire chapter of Ezekiel 22 is a good, easy to understand chapter of the Bible. It eerily parallels the times we are in now:

Ezekiel 22: 1 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,² Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.³ Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord God, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.⁴ Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.⁵ Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed.⁶ Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.⁷ In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.⁸ Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.⁹ In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.¹⁰ In thee have they discovered their fathers’ nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.¹¹ And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour’s wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father’s daughter.¹² In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord God.¹³ Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.¹⁴ Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it.¹⁵ And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.¹⁶ And thou shalt take thine inheritance in thyself in the sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord.¹⁷ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,¹⁸ Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.¹⁹ Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye are all become dross, behold, therefore I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem.²⁰ As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.²¹ Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst therof.²² As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall ye be melted in the midst thereof; and ye shall know that I the Lord have poured out my fury upon you.²³ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,²⁴ Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.²⁵ There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.²⁶ Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.²⁷ Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.²⁸ And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.²⁹ The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.³⁰ And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.³¹ Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God. -King James Version

God is looking for people to stand in the gap, to save the land. Will you?