Monthly Archives: March 2023

Reasons to Believe

Gideon-Part 1-Unbelief and Doubt

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Based on Judges 6 (NKJV)

“Now, these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

1 Corinthians 10: 7-9

A Personal note:

As I read Gideon’s story, I asked myself this question to make it more meaningful to my own Christian experience:

Are the actions of Gideon ones I should emulate? Can I follow his example in my relationship with God? Or was his story one written to caution me about testing God?

Gideon’s experience with God starts off badly but ends up with one of the most remarkable examples of God’s leadership and might. God is the center of the story. It is all about faith and trust in Him.

Gideon would eventually learn and trust in God and become a picture on the great wall of faith found in Hebrews 11. But before He got there, he was a man of doubt and mistrust.

Learning From Mistakes-God’s Grace

 The Lord has preserved the stories of the people of God in the Old testament primarily to help future generations learn from their mistakes. God’s people were, by no account, perfect, even those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11‘s people-of-faith chapter.  Many started off on the wrong footy but would eventually find the narrow path of faith in Jesus. Most often, they learned by trial and error with God. Faith, my friends, is the only path that leads to life. It is a trusting relationship with the One who made us and rescued us!   May we learn from the mistakes of ancient Israel and our own!

Gideon is a victorious warrior who struggles with trust in God’s word, much like many of us.  But eventually, He would learn to trust God.  Paul puts Gideon among the other great people of faith.

Gideon’s story is one of the longer and more detailed ones in the Bible. Paul seems to say that with these words.”

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon

Hebrews 11:32

Testing God

Before Gideon became an illustration of a man of faith, he had a crisis of faith when he “tested” the Lord.  This is something we should not do, as God points out in the passage above. 

We should not test Christ, as some of them did. The question remains for us.  Do we test God…even unconsciously?

In so many words, Jesus said the same thing first:

 Then said Jesus unto him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe John 4:48

Signs and Wonders in Ancient Israel

Throughout the history of God’s dealings with ancient Israel, signs and wonders were prevalent among the people of God. Perhaps the most famous came from the rescue of the Israelites from Egypt.

Their history with God was an unending circle of prosperity and blessing, rebellion, enslavement, repentance, and God’s rescue through both prophets and signs and wonders. Once they were comfortable, the cycle would start over again.

Had they consistently remained faithful to God alone, even in the tough times, they would have been blessed, protected, and prosperous. Despite their circumstances, trust was God’s ultimate goal for Israel and is the same for us today!

Thought Question:

Is my experience with God consistent, or do I go through a similar cycle as the children of Israel? How does this affect my witness for Him?

The Egyptian Experience: Miracles, Unbelief-Gripe, and Complain

Before the experience of oppression with the Midianites, Egypt had enslaved God’s people. Egypt became Israel’s oppressive, racist master for 40 years (Numbers 32:13). The children of Israel’s unbelief led them to adjust and accept their new way of life.  They became comfortable with slavery. They began to look, talk, and walk like Egyptians.  The promised people had gone so far from God that their unbelief would follow them through the desert of their escape despite the miracles God performed, starting with the ten plagues that fell on Egypt but not on them! (Exodus 8:22, Exodus 9:4, Exodus 9:11   

Despite the miracle of escaping through the Red Sea that God parted just for them, then closed up on their drowning enemies (Exodus 13:18, Exodus 15:4), they griped and complained throughout their entire escape.  They wanted to go back to the comforts and rich foods of Egypt.

In the desert, the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16: 1-3

They saw the miracle of manna falling from heaven to feed them (Deuteronomy 8:16, John 6:31); the pillar fire provided light and direction (Exodus 13:21). Even their clothes did not wear out, nor their feet swell (Nehemiah  9:21). Can you imagine having 40-year-old garments that looked like you had just purchased them yesterday or walking all day and your feet felt fine?

Despite all this, they did not trust and obey! Consequently, those who escaped their captors through the might of God’s hand never reached the promised land, except for a few. This is because they did not take God at His word, which led to a lack of trust in God. They had failed the test of faith and trust in God.

Thought question:

Has unbelief and not trusting God made me a person who complains, gripes, and is a weak follower of Christ? If so, how do I increase my faith?

Preconceived Scenarios-A Trait of God’s People

At the time of the Messiah’s arrival, rescue from the Romans was choreographed in the Jews’ minds as a military action complete with swords and multitudes of people led by a mighty king or general.  But because they believed more in their imagination than the word of God, they slew their Messiah, who would have made them a great nation of evangelists had they simply believed (trusted) Him in His word.

Perhaps their biggest mistake was not knowing God or His word for themselves. They depended on professional teachers of the law, the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Here was the source of misinformation!

All of this came honestly to the people of Christ’s time on earth, but it had its roots in their ancestry.

Enslaved Again! 

In chapter 6 of Judges, we see the children of Israel at the cycle point of enslavement again.  This time, enslavement came in the form of oppression by the Midianites.  The reason for the oppression is found in the first verse of this chapter (6):

Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years.

Englaved again! And again, they cried out for deliverance.  God heard and was prepared to deliver them. But here starts the story of their deliverer-Gideon. Rather than trust God in His word and promises, Gideon wanted assurance of God’s guidance through signs and wonders.  But even these signs did not increase his faith for long.

A Rebellious People and God’s Grace

Through an unnamed prophet, God sent a reminder of their miraculous delivery from Egypt.  God would soon deliver them similarly through Gideon by destroying the Midianites, as He did in Egypt.

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites, that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage, and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you and drove them out before you and gave you their land.

Judges 6:7-9

Because of God’s love, grace, and mercy, He would (yet again) deliver them. God would do more than stop the persecution.   He would give His people the land of the Midianites and bring peace to the people for 40 years! Wow! God always goes beyond our expectations! 

But, before God powerfully used Gideon, Gideon went through phases of doubt and unbelief. Because this story was recorded for posterity, we can learn lessons on faith from Gidon and the bad decisions of the children of Israel. 

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (instruction) upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  

1 Corinthians 10: 11

Thought Question: Will I react differently to difficult daily living and thought decisions that must be made?  How about the worldwide time of trouble?  Will I repeat the people’s sins of unbelief as recorded in the Bible?

Gideon’s Had Good Reason For Doubt

Gideon had reasons to fear and doubt that God would deliver the children of Israel. His brothers had fallen during the battles with the Midianites. He was the only remaining son of Joash.  Also, the Manasseh tribe was the weakest of the other twelve tribes.  But it was Joash”s remaining (only) son who would deliver the enslaved Israelites. Because of these circumstances, Gideon had doubts:

“O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

Judges 6:15

“Gideon was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh. The division to which this family belonged held no leading position, but the household of Joash was distinguished for courage and integrity. Of his brave sons, it is said, “Each one resembled the children of a king.” All but one had fallen in the struggles against the Midianites, and he had caused his name to be feared by the invaders. To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people.” Prophets and Kings, p. 546

God Sends Encouragement-Unbelief Example #1

To encourage Gideon to trust His promise of deliverance (as He did with Egypt), God sent both an unnamed prophet (Judges 6:8) and the Angel of the Lord (Judges 6:12).

 “….the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel

Judges 6:8

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

Judges 6: 12

The Angel of the Lord reminds Gideon who he is, a “mighty man of valor‘ brave and strong. But despite this powerful compliment, Gideon complains to God!  He instantly becomes a man of complaints against God and doubt.

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord IF the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” v.13

Was God responsible for their troubles?  Had He forsaken them? Remember verse 1 of Judges 6.  They had left God and went after other gods and did evil in plain sight of God!

Nothing has changed since the beginning of time.  People who doubt God, even His existence, always fall back on the IF and Why reasoning. Example: IF God cares or exists, then WHY (fill in the blank)…why is there suffering and war? Or Why did He let my child die? 

Thought Question:

Often, I bring trouble upon myself, or others bring pain and suffering to me. I often don’t want God around, so I separate myself from the protection offered to me because things don’t go as I thought or planned. How can I change this?

God makes a promise to Gideon.

Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” v. 14

These words of the Lord should have been enough.  But Gideon doubted again even after the compliment and encouragement from both a prophet and an angel of the Lord.  This led to unbelief example #2.

Unbelief (Doubt)-Example #2

So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” v. 15

Instead of trusting God and taking Him at His word, Gideon looks at His weak family, and he points out to God that he is the least of the weakest! What a pity party!

A famous saying of Christians is, “God said, I believe it, and that settles it.”  But that is usually stated in the comfortable pew with other believers in good times. So in difficult times, how often do we doubt instead of simply believing what God has said? 

But Gideon’s doubts don’t stop here.  He tests God by requiring a sign from Him. Example #3

Unbelief and Doubt Example #3

Then he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. Judges 6:17

Instead of trusting God, taking Him at His word, or (at the least) knowing God enough to acknowledge His character of love and mercy is sufficient, he looked for a sign.  Is our relationship with Him based on signs or simply knowing Him personally?  Which is more important? Signs or trusting God at His word?

An offering of meat and bread. 

The Angel of the Lord instructed Gideon to put the offering on a rock and pour the broth over it.  Then fire came out of the rock and consumed it. God did the same with Elijah in 1 Kings 18:38. This impressed Gideon.  It was a clear sign of God’s power.  But he still had doubts.

Tear Down the Alters

Later that night, God tested Gideon’s faith by commanding him to tear down the altar to Baal and the wooden image beside it.  Then Gideon was to build an altar to God and put an offering (bull) along with the wood from the image he destroyed!  But Gidon was still not strong in his faith.  He was so afraid that he took ten men to do the work, and they did it with the cover of night! Again, a similar experience for Elijah in 1 Kings 18:32

Before God could deliver the Children of Israel, they had to get some things straight in their own lives.  Worship God and Him only!  Tear down the idols in their lives. Gideon successfully had the altar and wooden image destroyed.

Thought Question:

Are there cherished alters in my life that need to be torn down? Idols that affect my witness for Christ… Things that take my eyes off of the only true God…things like money, position, tradition, or cherished unbiblical beliefs?

When the city’s men discovered what had happened to their offering and idol, they demanded to know who it was.  Joash, Gideon’s father, told them,

But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself because his altar has been torn down!” Therefore on that day, he called him Jerubbaal,[ saying, “Let Baal plead against him because he has torn down his altar.”

Judges 6: 31,32

These are some pretty snarky and bold statements form Gideon’s father! But notice that Gideon did not boldly tell them, “It was me!” Instead, his father (Joash) exhibited confidence in God in the face of the city’s men! Joash’s argument against idols has long been, “let them take care of themselves if they are as powerful as you think.”

But Gideon’s doubts don’t end.  He demanded another sign despite four already given:

1.) The encouraging words of an unnamed prophet.

2.) The appearance Angel of the Lord reminds Gideon that he is a “man of valor.” The Angel tells the encouraging story of God’s salvation of the people from Egypt;

3.) The sign of the offering being consumed.

4.)  The destruction of the idols and His father standing up for the true God instead of Baal.

Unbelief and Doubt-The Sign of the Fleece Example #5

“So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said….” (Judges 6:36)  There is that word again, “IF.”  This fleece was not the will of God.  It was a test by Gidon to seek assurance and instructions that God had already given Him!  God had already said the victory was his! Gideon did not trust God.  He wanted a sign! Let me repeat it again!

It was a test by Gidon to seek assurance and instructions that God had already given Him!  God had already said the victory was his! Gideon did not trust God.  He wanted a sign!

Author

God, in his mercy for this doubter, answered the request as Gideon requested. 

Look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said. V. 37

And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water.” V 38, 39

But the doubt kept coming.

  Unbelief and Doubt-The Sign of the Fleece-Part 2- Example #5

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.” V 39.

And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground. V. 39

Testing God

Gideon was not a believer that subscribed to trusting God in His word.  He did not express faith in a God that He should have known.  Instead, like the “wicked and adulterous generation” seeking signs and wonders, Gideon demanded signs like the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. 

Thought Question:

Is the story of Gidon our example or a lesson of His mistakes we are to learn from?  Is asking for a sign a practice of doubt when making tough or seemingly impossible decisions? 

How the Story Should Have Gone in Three Words:

Grace, Faith, and Obedience are three in one. It is understanding the grace and character of God that is the solid foundation for unshakable faith or trust in God’s promises that leads to obedience.

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” God desired Gideon would know Him and His word enough to trust Him through a simple request or prayer rather than testing Him with fleece.  We are not to tempt the Lord (Test the Lord) through signs and wonders. We must know God enough that He will do what He says,

for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11: 6

“You shall not tempt( test) the Lord your God as you tempted (tested) Him in Massah. You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers, to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken. Deuteronomy 17: 16-19

…whatever is not from faith is sin Romans 14:23

In a sense, we should have an advantage over the people of the Old Testament.  They had signs and wonders; we have examples of their mistakes despite the miracles.

It is a high spiritual experience not to be this type of Gideon, but rather have faith like the gentiles who trusted in God’s willingness to answer prayers. “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Luke 5:12. No signs, no wonders requested, only trusting in God’s will.  The miracle for the Leper came at the choice of God after he trusted in God’s will.

Of the approximately 35 miracles performed by Jesus, there was no fasting, no signs, and no wonders, no fleece test. Instead, it was faith that God desires of us.  He wants us to know Him…to trust Him!  In the final analysis, to require a sign is an act of doubt, not faith.

But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these, I delight,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:24

Gideon’s Eventual Victory

In Judges Chapter 7, we will see the crossover from a doubter to a mighty man of valor.  What made the difference? Was it all the signs and wonders?   This we will examine next time!

God's Will For Us, The Law of God

JESUS AND THE SABBATH CONNECTION

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The Pharisees and other religious leaders were constantly looking for reasons to condemn Jesus even though Jesus said His mission was the opposite:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:17

Self-righteous judgment and condemnation work this way not only for the Pharisees of Jesus’ day but also for modern church members and leaders who don’t know Jesus. Jesus cut across the traditions of men and religious rules that, ironically, paved the way for additional condemnations from religious people.

A good example is the story of the disciples in the grain field on the Sabbath day.

Jesus’ disciples got caught breaking a tradition (not supported by Scripture) regarding the Sabbath. The condemnation by the Pharisees was picky and petty.

A Misunderstanding About the Sabbath

Here was their crime: The disciples were walking through a grainfield and plucked some of the heads of grain because they were hungry. They were condemned by the church leaders for breaking a Sabbath law; then they made sure Jesus knew it! Of course, this was a man-made law regarding the fourth commandment. Jesus attempted to clarify the Sabbath to these religious leaders.

At that time, Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

Matthew 12: 1-2

Was this stealing, or was it something else that was unlawful to do on the Sabbath? The instruction given to Moses by God in Deuteronomy 23:25 allowed the disciples to take some of the heads of grain to satisfy their hunger.

“ When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.

Deuteronomy 23: 25

During this time period, It was lawful to satisfy your hunger but not harvest it (use of a sickle)—the issue the priests had with the disciples related to their laws about activities allowed on the Lord’s Sabbath. The Pharisees considered their activities with the grain as work (gathering and threshing), which was prohibited by the melakhah, which describes at least 39 CATEGORIES of prohibitions on Shabbat (Sabbath). Again, these were man-made laws and not laws/prohibitions that God made. In fact, God says very little about prohibitions on the Sabbath. The most obvious is ceasing from labor, but after that,, God says very little about how to keep it holy or things that can’t be done on the Sabbath. Of all the commandments, only the fourth and fifth commandments do not start with a “Thou Shalt Not,” but rather an invitation by God to remember, rest, and honor. This is something that is positive for the mind of mankind.

Son Of Man-And Lord

The Pharisees carefully watched the movements of the man of Galilee, who claimed to be “The Son of Man.” A title that Jesus liked to use. It had a nice ring of connecting Himself with mankind. He was one of us! But, He was also God…Immanual (God with us). Paul would later explain it this way:

 For both, He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren…Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.

Hebrews 2: 11,14

Jesus said something about the Sabbath that is very revealing about Himself and the Sabbath:

Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:28

Here is the Sabbath connection with Jesus. He is one of us, but He is also Lord, even of the Sabbath!

Apparently, the Pharisees didn’t appear to catch what He was saying. First of all, He is proclaiming Himself to be Lord, a title given to God the Messiah! He is God, even of the Sabbath!

Some have mistakenly tried to say that Jesus was indicating that the Sabbath didn’t matter or that Jesus “broke the Sabbath” to make a point. That is far from the truth.

Jesus said,

I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

John 15:10b

But Jesus did not keep the commandments according to additions and traditions to the law by the religious leaders.

Additions and Traditions

Using the context of this event, the point Jesus made was about additions and traditions by the priests that had made the Sabbath a burden and were not in the spirit of God’s intention of the Sabbath. The religious people had robbed its joy and turned it into a list of do’s and don’t’s.

But Jesus was also proclaiming His Lordship. Jesus was not breaking His own words given at Creation. He is our Lord, even of the Sabbath. If anyone should know what is good or bad on the Sabbath, it would be its Creator.

Jesus made it clear. The Sabbath was made (just like everything else at creation) for the benefit of mankind. Before He proclaimed His Lordship over the Sabbath, He reminded the religious leaders and anyone who had ears to hear:

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:28

By the multitude of non-Scriptural rules, the Sabbath became their master. It became a do-nothing day for fear of breaking a rule. The Sabbath was hallowed at creation, as recorded by Moses in the first and second chapters of Genesis. It was after God had spent six literal days (evenings and mornings) that God said these words:

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Even in the Ten Commandments law, written by the finger of God in stone (Exodus 31:18), is the acknowledgment that God is Lord of the Sabbath.

 “…the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God…”

Exodus 20:10

The Sabbath From The Beginning

It had been an unwritten gift from the time of Adam and Eve. A gift of rest because God rested after His work. This was long before there was a Jew. Therefore, it was an invitation to all mankind to work six days, then rest in Him.


Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Genesis 2:3

He finished His work of Creation and did not add anything else. It was all very good. But it was finished. The Sabbath stands as a memorial in time, repeated every week to teach us to Remember His creative work. What He has blessed cannot be reversed.

Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

Numbers 23:20

Jesus Created The Sabbath

Here is another connection between Jesus and the Sabbath. He made it and blessed it! Both John and Paul tell us that Jesus is God and worked with God the Father to create everything we see, including the Sabbath;

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1:1-3

In this passage, John uses another name for Jesus, “the Word” He leaves no doubt as to the identity of “the Word” in the proceeding verses, especially verse 14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. john 1:14

Who else but Jesus fits this description of “the Word“? It would be very fair to read John 1: 1-3 this way:

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God.

The same (Jesus) was at the beginning with God.

All things were made by Jesus, and without Jesus was not anything made that was made.

John 1:1-3

This one passage eliminates all those who would claim that Jesus was just another prophet or that He was not a member of the preexistent Godhead. Paul agrees with John:

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him ( Jesus) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him (Jesus) and for Him (Jesus). And He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him (Jesus) all things consist. And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Hebrews 1: 15-18

The writer of Hebrews adds this:

 …in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (Jesus), whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He (Jesus) made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:2

Jesus Himself proclaimed His Divinity by taking the name given to Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked what name he should use when he talked to the children of Israel about their pending release from Egyptian bondage:

God told Moses:

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:14

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

Jesus’ Connection with the Sabbath-Summary:

1.) He is the Creator or Co-Creator, at the least.

2.) He created everything we see or don’t see. and blessed the Sabbath after finishing the work of creation.

3.) He told us He made the Sabbath for us and not us for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not meant to be a burden but rather a delight and a joy (See Isaiah 58: 13-14)

4.) He is Lord of the Seventh-day Sabbath. There is no other Lord’s Day described so well in Scripture. The Lord’s day in these exact words only appears once in Revelation 1:10, but it does not specify which day of the week. But using the plethora of verses connecting the seventh day with the Lord’s Day. It is, therefore, very likely the Sabbath (the seventh day) that John was “in the Spirit.” The only other explanation is that John was “in the Spirit” to describe the events of the coming of Jesus.

Religious People and the Sabbath

The religious people of Jesus day and even some of those who remember the Sabbath today want to put burdens on the Sabbath to make it a day of useless time just sitting around. But this rest is also mental and spiritual rest. Jesus proclaimed the following when He invited us with all our burdens to Him.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28

So the Sabbath is more about coming to Jesus for relief from the mental, physical, and spiritual burdens accumulated during the six days of labor. It was never meant to be a day of does and don’ts or a way to please God.

It encourages time to visit the sick and other acts of mercy. God desires mercy and not sacrifice.

At the end of Jesus’ discourse with the Pharisees, He said,

 But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. Matthew 12:7

Worship and the Sabbath

Oddly, nowhere in the fourth commandment does it mention it as a day of worship. In fact, formal corporate worship is not limited to any day of the week, as shown throughout the Bible.

But only the Sabbath was proclaimed “holy” and “sanctified” by Jesus Himself. Jesus’ custom, along with Paul and the disciples, was to be present in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16, Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2). So worship on the Sabbath fits with God’s will by both Jesus’ example and reasons for worship (His Creatorship). Those who worship on Sunday should not be condemned, nor those who worship on Saturday. Either way, it does not take away the sanctity of God nor His word to “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy…”

While formal worship is not described in the fourth commandment, the main reason for worship is there. He is our Creator! He completed His workweek and ended it. He took time, not because He was tired, but because He desired to look at what was “very good.” He invites the same for us today. A day of worship to Jesus and looking to Jesus who is “very good.“

The call to worship Him as Creator becomes a call from a powerful angel (messenger) in Revelation 14 at the end of time. This messenger is one of three angels:

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Revelation 14:6-7

This message of Revelation 14 is pointing back to the fourth Commandment and is connected to the two other powerful messages to the earth, Babylon is fallen and warnings against the beast and its mark. (See Revelation 14: 8-9)

Jesus’ Connection With You

So what do you do with Jesus and the Sabbath? Do you accept both as a gift of love from Jesus the Creator? Do you make the Sabbath a way to please God and make yourself more religious by adding on more additions and traditions? Do you ignore it and claim it was stricken from the table of the Ten Commandments? Or do you embrace God’s command as something to enhance your relationship with Jesus?

Jesus said His law was valid forever.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5: 17-19

Jesus’ demonstration of mercy, forgiveness, and love extends from the Garden of Eden to the end of time and beyond. The Sabbath is not just another rule but an invitation to be with God in Spirit on His holy day. It is only legalistic if a person puts additional rules on it and thinks that it is a way to gain favor with God or another rule to keep for salvation. It becomes a joy when it is connected with Jesus, and we follow His commandments because of our love and respect for Him…not for just pretentious religious purposes.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

John 14:15


Worshipping Jesus on the Sabbath will not stop when He creates a new heaven and a new earth for the redeemed.

“For as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 6; 22, 23

Faith

WHEN GOD IS NOT ON THE THRONE

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“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (Return of Jesus Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 5: 3:4

From the beginning of time, it has been Satan’s purpose to keep God off the throne; he openly spoke of his plans to the angels of heaven.

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!

“I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.
On the farthest sides of the north;

Isaiah 14:13

He plans to “sit as God in the temple of God” and “sit on the mount of the congregation.” Sitting on a throne represents power and authority.

The Number One Problem of God’s People

Taking God off the throne has been the biggest problem with God’s people throughout history. It has led up to our opening verse, which is in the context of the soon return of Jesus: A “falling away” and “the son of perdition” taking God’s place on the throne in His temple! This “falling away” opens the door to the illegitimate throne room-a false one, which replaces Jesus’ work as our mediator in heaven. The apostate/deceived condition of God’s church before the return of Christ opens doors for the final work of God’s long-time enemy.  It is observable in our society today and rapidly gaining ground!

The work of Satan is often more effective if it is in absentia. Revelation 13 confirms this premise when John describes the origin of the “Beast” (a political/religious power). Satan (the dragon) gives his throne and authority to this institution to take God off the throne and replace Him with an unqualified human.

“…The dragon gave him his power, throne, and great authority.”

Revelation 13:2

When it is all said and done, the world’s problems have their basis in the unholy desire to erase the knowledge of the legitimate Creator and put humans in His place.  It is not only the worldly atheist and the humanists; it is also found in the church! 

The unbelievers and enemies of God have nowhere to run except to their rulers, nor do they desire to turn to God to resolve their problems (unless they come under great conviction by the work of the Holy Spirit.). Consequently, Satan’s attack is directed toward the faithful believers to get their God off the throne. He wants us to believe God doesn’t deserve to be on the throne.  The creation of doubt is an excellent weapon in his hand. Replacing God is a victory for him!  He succeeds for a time, but eventually, the end comes (Daniel 7: 22, Revelation 20:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:8)

In church history, we have examples that demonstrate God’s people don’t want God to occupy His rightful position. The edifications and warnings of the Bible are almost always directed toward His people. Why? A simple answer: God knows Satan and his plans, so He warns us. He allows us to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the journey of God’s people (the Bible) in the desire for us to learn from the past.

If Christians do not know they are in a battle with casualties along the way, Satan has them where he wants them! These Jesus passivists are comfortable and eventually become “lukewarm” in their experience.  They think “they need nothing.” Revelation 3: 16-17. But the wise understand their safety in Christ alone.  When Christians say, “I’ve got this,” they place themselves on the throne seat and deny the truth Jesus taught us,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Conversely, we have power in Christ;

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Satan’s Methods

Lucifer, now named Satan, wants to replace God, even if it is in absentia. He is fine with someone else catching the fever of replacing God as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. This is a particular problem when the church takes God off the throne and allows mere man to replace Him.

To make this more granular and personal, it can be a complete disaster in our Christian experience if we put ourselves on the throne instead of letting our leader Jesus direct our path.  How does this happen?  Trusting yourself more than you trust God and His word to direct your paths.

Some have said Satan will never be on the throne. Long term, this is true, but until he is destroyed in the lake of fire, he occupies the throne in many places, including the lukewarm followers and, yes, even the corporate church in some cases!   Satan accomplishes two purposes by taking God off the throne:

1.) The focus is no longer on the power of God but on someone else who is much weaker and human.

2.) The destruction of people for eternity, including those who profess to be a believer but trust more in their works than faith in Christ.

Peter tells us (followers of Christ) to be “sober” and “vigilant” (keeping a careful watch) as Satan begins to understand his time is growing shorter every day. He is looking for people (primarily followers of Christ) he can destroy. His efforts to dethrone God are directed at God’s people in the last days. The others are already in his snare.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

The fact that this passage is directed towards the church is because Peter addressed this letter to the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,” 1 Peter 1:2

God’s word and church history reveal examples of Israel, the early congregation or church, and the dark ages that took God off the throne.  These records are for “our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11. 

Let’s take a look at each period in history. Hopefully, we will begin to see the enemy’s hand due to our ancestor’s mistakes and become “sober,” “vigilant,” and aware of the intensified work of the enemy.

Israel’s Mistake of Wanting a King

Before Israel had kings, they were ruled by God’s appointed prophets and judges.  One of the most influential was Samuel.  As he became older, the people came to him and asked for a king.  They wanted to be like other countries that had kings. Also, scripture tells us that Samuel’s sons were corrupt. 

Why would God’s people of promise want someone to rule over them other than the Lord?  This is a question we should be asking ourselves.  Our problems in the world are too complicated for any politician or human to solve.  Our great Creator stands in the wings while we put someone weaker and far less wise on the throne.  This was the case with God’s people:

Here is that exchange between the Israelites and Samuel:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” 1 1 Samuel 8: 1-3

The people were worried that corrupt leadership would replace Samuel.  This is a legitimate concern, but the people always thought they could figure things out themselves instead of turning to God for solutions.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,  and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 

Verse 4-5

While their reasons were legitimate, their idea of a solution seemed more like peer pressure and the desire to be like the other nations that had a king.  Is that happening to our churches today?  We want to be like the world, so we compromise. We won’t allow God to find a better way. Our reasons may be legitimate, but those reasons overlook the will of God as already stated in His word!

But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So, Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.

 Verse 6-8

Samuel was upset that the people would request such a compromising thing, but he prayed anyway.  The people did not pray. What happens to the people of God when they leave the praying up to their pastors and/or leaders?  Do they become more dependent on them than God?  The answer is yes!

God gives them what they want and reminds Samuel that the people reject God’s rulership and seek to take Him off the throne.  God plainly states my people do not want me to “reign over them.”

According to all the works they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. Now, therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them and show them the king’s behavior who will reign over them. 

Verses 8-9

From the time they were delivered from Egypt, the people wanted to serve other gods!  What?!  What a hurt this must have been to the Lord.! The people saw miracles like you, and I have never seen!  God not only delivered them from the most powerful nation in the world, but He fed them from heaven.  Even their clothes did not wear out.  God camped with them in the desert sanctuary.  What more could he have done?  Despite all this, they were drawn to “other gods.”  They wanted a king to rule over them and take God off the throne!

But God gave them one last chance to think about what they were asking.  He knew their king’s behavior and how he would treat them.  Perhaps, a dim picture of their future with a king would make them change their mind.

That behavior is described in verses 1 Samuel 8: 10-18.  Their sons would be taken and used for warfare and his own personal gain.  Their daughters would also be taken and put to work in his palace.  He would take the best of their products from the fields and give them to his servants. Their servants and livestock he would also take and make his own. 

God knows they will be disappointed, so He tells Samuel the ugly truth,

“And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

Verse 18

You would think they would have second thoughts.  But they didn’t understand because of their hard hearts and stiff necks.  They were on a mission to be like the other countries. So, they responded with a firm “No!”

“No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

Verse 19-20

Saul would become the first king of God’s people, followed by David, then Solomon.  Then God’s people would divide into two camps, Israel and Judah.  Between them, they would have forty-two kings. Thirty-one of Judah’s kings were evil (74%).  All of Israel’s nineteen kings were evil!

THE NEW COVENANT- GOD BACK ON THE THRONE

Before the Lord returns, God makes a new covenant.  God’s new covenant includes these words: “…and they shall be my people.”  In the hearts of each true believer, God is on the throne!


For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Hebrew 8:10

Keep in mind that this covenant is not just for the Jewish people but for all who are “in Christ.” People after Christ is have many of the same problems as ancient Israel.

 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3: 28-29

We have often heard that the Bible is a story of paradise lost and paradise restored.  But it is also the story of God being removed from the throne and God returning to the throne.  From distrust to trust, from no faith to faith alone. From the worship of useless idols to the worship of the true Creator God. In fact, this is the last call to the people of planet earth….to worship Him, who is Creator:

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Revelation 14:7

The most important question a Christian can ask to be assured of salvation is this:

“Is God on the throne in my life? 

Do I trust Him even if my prayers appear don’t go the way I want them to?

Do I turn to him when I have problems and am downcast?

Do I have peace and rest knowing that I have made my petitions to Him and decided to trust Him no matter the outcome?

Do I fully believe His promises as found in Scripture?

Removing God from the throne always involves a distrust of God and trust in weak mortal humans such as ourselves. 

Next time, we will discover how God was taken off the throne at the time of the early church. Paul predicted the scattering of the flock.   

“For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”  Acts 20:29

Then during the dark ages, the throne of God was replaced by earthly intermediaries making the sin-pardoning confessional room of Jesus vacant (desolate).  Because of the power of the church in Europe, the United States became a hideaway for those who wanted a “coucntry without a king and a church without a pope.”  They wanted God back on the throne!   They had to leave Europe, where kings and dictators led countries and removed personal freedom.  T

But sadly, the United States has begun to take God off the throne again and replace it with politics and force. It started as a lamb-like (Christian) nation with the idea of personal freedom with the ideal of individual religious liberty, but it will eventually take God off the throne and replace him with an image of a beast (Revelation 13).

Knowing this, we must avoid those who would force God back into schools, government, etc., through the unholy combination of politics and big religion.  God does not work by force and civil laws.  He is the one who offers all humans freedom to choose. Government and religion should never come together. This is called spiritual adultery, i.e., intercorse between church (God’s people) and state (political power). But it has happened in the U.S. anyway! Because Satan wants God off the throne!

Remember and believe the promise of Jesus’ coming kingdom. Then He will be on the throne forever.:

“…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people….” 

Daniel 2:44