I happened to be perusing through an elementary level world history book recently and discovered a section on ancient Hebrew culture. After some interesting observations the author made this comment; "much like other ancient cultures, the Hebrews were also chauvinistic in there view of women. For example Hebrew women were not allowed to own property."
This author hadn't read Numbers 27. Not only is it factually inaccurate, but it assumes a modern individualistic view of persons. In Hebrew culture, the family was the basic social unit, not the individual. While this may seem foreign to our sensibilities, we would have difficulty finding evidence from our culture that our view is a superior one. We look at Numbers 26 and make the observation: God didn't want women to have property. And yet it was precisely because of God's design that everyone inherited property; through the family line. Furthermore, that property would remain forever in the line of the family; eliminating the potential for massive accumulation of wealth through strategic relationships.
God was removing selfish ambition from the equation while at the same time ensuring that each family was given an appropriate land section based upon their number.
When a husband and wife decide 'we have the right to individual happiness and we are not finding it with each other,' what happens to the kids? However, is it not true that when we stay within the boundaries of God's social design, this protects the family? Individualism and social order are not good bedfellows.
The most important decision I must make in carrying out God's plan for social order is simply this, is my life about me, or about others? I ask this in regards to my marriage, my family, my church, and my community. If we all chose to live for those around us, imagine the beautiful community of grace that is possible!?!
Let's courageously accept God's boundaries and discover the beauty of God's design together.
Aaron
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Balaam's Legacy.
Every week I find there is so much more to say than time to say it.
As we began digging into the story of Balaam, his conversations with livestock, his desire for the wealth of Balak, and his disobedience to God, I was reminded how often we persist in asking and re-asking God for direction on those things he has already answered.
Sometimes the answer is clear and logical, sometimes it is found in the Scriptures or through Biblical counsel from a friend or mentor and other times we simply “hear” our Lord’s voice directing us from the inside in His gentle yet convicting way.
As I was exploring the topic of Balaam I was struck by the contrast between Balaam and another individual we find in the Scriptures, a woman named Rahab. (Joshua 2 & 6)
Rahab lives in a city named Jericho and she participates in protecting a couple of Israeli spies who come into the city to scope it out.
When Israel comes in later to conquer Jericho she and her famly are spared and honored for her faith and obedience. She is mentioned several times throughout the Scriptures , always in a positive light. Most notable is the fact that she is listed in the family tree of Jesus the Christ himself!
This harlot/prostitute is honored for her obedience and simple faith. She believes that the God of Israel will keep His promises as she submits to His will.
Now... for a moment, contrast this with the plot of Balaam. He hears God clearly but persist in seeking permission for what God forbids. When all is said and done Israel conquers the Moabites and Balaam, still living among them, is killed in the slaughter.
He also is mentioned several times through out the Scriptures and never in a positive light.
Most notably he is referenced in the final book of the Bible, Revelation. Here a local city (Pergamum) is referred to as “the place where Satan dwells”. The sin the Church here commits, in “the place where Satan dwells”, is the same sin Balaam committed is leading the people of God away from God. He taught the Moabites how to place opportunities for sin in the path of Israel, hoping to trip them up.
In essence Balaam is placed in the long line of Lucifer’s family tree. Those who participate in his plan for the world, those who join Satan in his ongoing effort to destroy the world and its inhabitants.
Ultimately the question we are left with at the end of the day is this: “Do I trust that God’s intentions are good towards me, and that if He closes a door it is because a more beautiful way is left open for me?" It may not be what I would choose at the moment but it is, none the less, better for my future in Him.”
As we began digging into the story of Balaam, his conversations with livestock, his desire for the wealth of Balak, and his disobedience to God, I was reminded how often we persist in asking and re-asking God for direction on those things he has already answered.
Sometimes the answer is clear and logical, sometimes it is found in the Scriptures or through Biblical counsel from a friend or mentor and other times we simply “hear” our Lord’s voice directing us from the inside in His gentle yet convicting way.
As I was exploring the topic of Balaam I was struck by the contrast between Balaam and another individual we find in the Scriptures, a woman named Rahab. (Joshua 2 & 6)
Rahab lives in a city named Jericho and she participates in protecting a couple of Israeli spies who come into the city to scope it out.
When Israel comes in later to conquer Jericho she and her famly are spared and honored for her faith and obedience. She is mentioned several times throughout the Scriptures , always in a positive light. Most notable is the fact that she is listed in the family tree of Jesus the Christ himself!
This harlot/prostitute is honored for her obedience and simple faith. She believes that the God of Israel will keep His promises as she submits to His will.
Now... for a moment, contrast this with the plot of Balaam. He hears God clearly but persist in seeking permission for what God forbids. When all is said and done Israel conquers the Moabites and Balaam, still living among them, is killed in the slaughter.
He also is mentioned several times through out the Scriptures and never in a positive light.
Most notably he is referenced in the final book of the Bible, Revelation. Here a local city (Pergamum) is referred to as “the place where Satan dwells”. The sin the Church here commits, in “the place where Satan dwells”, is the same sin Balaam committed is leading the people of God away from God. He taught the Moabites how to place opportunities for sin in the path of Israel, hoping to trip them up.
In essence Balaam is placed in the long line of Lucifer’s family tree. Those who participate in his plan for the world, those who join Satan in his ongoing effort to destroy the world and its inhabitants.
Ultimately the question we are left with at the end of the day is this: “Do I trust that God’s intentions are good towards me, and that if He closes a door it is because a more beautiful way is left open for me?" It may not be what I would choose at the moment but it is, none the less, better for my future in Him.”
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