As we take time to observe God’s Sabbath, I thought it might prove helpful to continue the study of walls in the Sabbath Thought for this week.
Let’s begin with a question. What is the state of your wall? Do we realize that God has assigned us to build a wall and to keep it up?
Notice the words of God in Ezekiel 22:25-30: The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, "Thus says the Lord GOD," when the LORD had not spoken. The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it. . . .
Do we have a wall to keep the enemies of God's way out of our lives and homes? Have we set boundaries against the world, or have we torn down the wall? If we have a wall, are we leaving the gates open and unguarded? Are we willing to fight to defend our families and our church? Or do we just let the enemy stream in unchallenged? Are we willing to stand up to the world?
This particular wall is not one of brick and stone, but a spiritual wall anchored by God, designed to keep spiritual problems out.
1 Timothy 5:8 says that if we fail to provide for the needs of our loved ones—both physically and spiritually—we are worse than an unbeliever! Have we done anything to protect our families—or has worldliness hurdled our puny walls, totally pervading every aspect of our lives?
Satan hates walls. "Let's all be one happy family," he whispers in our ears. "Walls are for the immature. You're spiritually mature now, so you can handle immorality without a problem." Don't fall for this line.
God Himself teaches us through His example to erect impregnable bulwarks against Satan. He placed cherubim with flaming swords at the entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), and even New Jerusalem will have towering walls and gates (Revelation 21:12, 14). In type, the church is to be a wall (Song of Songs 8:10), within which peace dwells and righteousness flourishes. God supplies this spiritual wall to those who seek His Way, His providence and His will. The work of rebuilding our personal wall is the effort we put into seeking a strong relationship with Him, and He then provides the defenses for us. God becomes our wall.
David understands this perfectly. He often praises God as his rock, his high tower, his fortress, his wall. "I will love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; . . . my stronghold" (Psalm 18:1-2). For a child of God, no other wall can effectively protect us from spiritual assaults: "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved".
God puts a wall around His people to keep Satan at bay, as in the example of Job. Satan complains, "Have You not made a hedge [wall] around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?" (Job 1:10). Only after God removed the wall could Satan attack Job—and he wasted no time doing so! Surely, we see the lesson in this.
If we reject God, break down the wall or neglect our relationship with Him, what happens? "Whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent" (Ecclesiastes 10:8). The Bible depicts Satan as a serpent. Many brethren have allowed their walls to crumble, and Satan has struck.
Sometimes God Himself tears down our walls because of our sins (Isaiah 5:4-5). As Paul puts it, He delivers us to Satan for the destruction of our flesh in the hope we will repent (1 Corinthians 5:5).
What is the condition of our wall? Is it broken down or in need of repair?
The surest way to restore the wall is through sincere and complete repentance. Playing at the repair job, daubing bits of untempered mortar here and there, will only increase God's wrath (Ezekiel 13:8-16). Such a wall, lacking God, gives the impression of security but crumbles at the smallest enemy strike. We must be totally committed to restoring our neglected relationship with God, thus restoring God's presence as the wall.
As you keep the Sabbath day, consider what is the condition of my wall? Upon assessment, if your wall is need of repair, seek God’s help to restore it fully.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Friday, September 20, 2019
Friday, December 28, 2018
Be Sober, Be Vigilant
“Sobriety checkpoints” are locations where law enforcement officers are stationed to check drivers for signs of intoxication and impairment. Governing authorities, in certain locales, have come to see the need to check drivers for being above the approved limit in regard to alcohol or drug usage. Sobriety enforcement is needed because people have been unable to police themselves. Issues with sobriety are especially common during the end of the year holiday season.
Interestingly, God wants us to be sober. As Christians we are to be sober or showing “self-mastery”. Christian sobriety is self-government or self-control, the foundation of a strong godly life, growth, and producing fruit. If a person cannot govern himself, if he cannot master his passions, he will certainly not have a good relationship with his fellowman or God. His life will likely be marked by major excesses.
The biblical writers use this word in various ways: to behave in an orderly manner, to be sober, serious, sane, sound-minded, discreet, self-disciplined, prudent, and moderate. In context of a person controlling himself, Paul writes, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3; see Titus 2:6; I Peter 4:7).
A person who has self-mastery is even-handed, and his passions are under control. He makes proper use of his drives and desires, and his manner of life is not one of extremes. A person reflecting this quality will be making steady progress in growing into the perfectly balanced character of Jesus Christ.
Notice that the scriptures point out another way in which we are to be sober. It is in regard to our adversary, Satan. For those that have been called by God in this lifetime, we have eternity at stake here. If Satan can succeed in deceiving us to advocate for him more and more, he greatly increases our chances of being subject to the second death, the eternal death in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
Peter warns us of the dangers that Satan poses to God's people: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). According to the Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, "sober" (Greek nepho) is a verb found in the New Testament only in the figurative sense, implying "sober watchfulness." In addition, "vigilant" (Greek gregoreuo) means "to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)."
Combining "sober" and "vigilant" paints an interesting word-picture for us. When a person is heavily intoxicated, he wants nothing more than to sleep it off, so it is impossible for the sleeping drunkard to be vigilant about anything. The message for us is that we must be attentive to our physical and spiritual condition so that we do not become spiritually intoxicated. This type of person is exactly the kind whom Satan seeks. If we enter this state, then we make ourselves a prime target to be devoured by the "roaring lion."
One final thing to consider in regard to sobriety is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
The advice given to us is to watch. While asleep, one cannot watch. The Greek word for "watch" can be better translated "alert," and the word for "sober" is more correctly "self-controlled." So Paul advises, "Let us be alert and self-controlled." In other words, while all of the distractions of this world spin dizzyingly around us, we have to be alert to their appeal and controlled enough to discipline ourselves to prioritize in the right way.
Though such a task is not easy, we must forcibly set our wills to pay attention to those eternal things that are more important. If we fail in this task, we may begin conducting our lives in darkness, and living in darkness leads eventually to spiritual blindness. It is vital to our spiritual health to remain alert and self-controlled!
As the New Year is about to commence, we might do “a spiritual sobriety check” to make sure that we “alert and self-controlled”.
Have a most profitable Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Interestingly, God wants us to be sober. As Christians we are to be sober or showing “self-mastery”. Christian sobriety is self-government or self-control, the foundation of a strong godly life, growth, and producing fruit. If a person cannot govern himself, if he cannot master his passions, he will certainly not have a good relationship with his fellowman or God. His life will likely be marked by major excesses.
The biblical writers use this word in various ways: to behave in an orderly manner, to be sober, serious, sane, sound-minded, discreet, self-disciplined, prudent, and moderate. In context of a person controlling himself, Paul writes, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3; see Titus 2:6; I Peter 4:7).
A person who has self-mastery is even-handed, and his passions are under control. He makes proper use of his drives and desires, and his manner of life is not one of extremes. A person reflecting this quality will be making steady progress in growing into the perfectly balanced character of Jesus Christ.
Notice that the scriptures point out another way in which we are to be sober. It is in regard to our adversary, Satan. For those that have been called by God in this lifetime, we have eternity at stake here. If Satan can succeed in deceiving us to advocate for him more and more, he greatly increases our chances of being subject to the second death, the eternal death in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
Peter warns us of the dangers that Satan poses to God's people: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). According to the Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, "sober" (Greek nepho) is a verb found in the New Testament only in the figurative sense, implying "sober watchfulness." In addition, "vigilant" (Greek gregoreuo) means "to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)."
Combining "sober" and "vigilant" paints an interesting word-picture for us. When a person is heavily intoxicated, he wants nothing more than to sleep it off, so it is impossible for the sleeping drunkard to be vigilant about anything. The message for us is that we must be attentive to our physical and spiritual condition so that we do not become spiritually intoxicated. This type of person is exactly the kind whom Satan seeks. If we enter this state, then we make ourselves a prime target to be devoured by the "roaring lion."
One final thing to consider in regard to sobriety is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
The advice given to us is to watch. While asleep, one cannot watch. The Greek word for "watch" can be better translated "alert," and the word for "sober" is more correctly "self-controlled." So Paul advises, "Let us be alert and self-controlled." In other words, while all of the distractions of this world spin dizzyingly around us, we have to be alert to their appeal and controlled enough to discipline ourselves to prioritize in the right way.
Though such a task is not easy, we must forcibly set our wills to pay attention to those eternal things that are more important. If we fail in this task, we may begin conducting our lives in darkness, and living in darkness leads eventually to spiritual blindness. It is vital to our spiritual health to remain alert and self-controlled!
As the New Year is about to commence, we might do “a spiritual sobriety check” to make sure that we “alert and self-controlled”.
Have a most profitable Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, March 31, 2017
Every Kingdom Divided Against Itself Is Brought To Desolation
Last week, the attempt by the Republican Party to overturn the
Affordable Care Act (aka: Obamacare) failed. Because of the
division in the majority party not enough votes could be
mustered in order to prevail. This failure to deliver on the
campaign promise made both by presidential candidate
Donald Trump and many congressional candidates as well is a
major setback.
The obvious conclusion is that our national government is
divided. The question that yet remains to be answered is, “Can
our government reach a level of unity where legislation can be
passed that will serve to move our country in a more positive
direction?”
Jesus Christ addressed the issue of a house divided in Matthew
12:22-26, “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed,
blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the
blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the
multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of
David?" Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This
fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the
ruler of the demons." But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said
to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will
not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against
himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”
Barnes’ Notes comments, “Their subtle and cunning device
was completely foiled, and Jesus made their argument recoil
on their own heads. A kingdom or a family can prosper only
by living in harmony. The different parts and members must
unite in promoting the same objects. If divided-if one part
UNDOES what the other DOES-it must fall. So with the
kingdom of Satan. It is your doctrine that Satan has
"possessed" these whom I have cured. It is also your doctrine
that he has helped me to cure them. If so, then he has helped
me to undo what he had done. He has aided me to cast himself
out-that is, to oppose and discomfit himself.
At this rate, how can there be any stability in his kingdom? It
must fall, and Satan must have less than human prudence.”
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997,
2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
The national leadership of the United States seems to be
hopelessly divided. Can we come together to achieve a
common purpose? I’m sure we all hope for that outcome.
However, we must realize that if we continue on the current
divided against itself it will not stand.
Living in a divided world is one of those things that is vexing
to a Christian. How do we change this situation? Sadly, we
cannot change this situation.
But we can know that when we come together on Passover
evening, to participate in the footwashing, the bread, and the
wine it symbolically points to unity.
Unity begins with humility and service of others as
symbolized by the footwashing.
Unity is further accomplished as we continue to yield to Jesus
Christ continuing His work in us as symbolized by the eating
the bread and drinking of the wine.
We may live in a divided world, but we by our humility,
service, repentance, and growth in righteousness can be
unified as the body of Christ. In the Passover service, we are
renewing our commitment to be one with God and one
another.
I think Paul summarizes the concept of unity conveyed in the
Passover well in 1 Corinthians 10:16-18, “The cup of blessing
which we bless, is it not a very sharing in the blood of Christ?
When we break the bread do we not actually share in the body
of Christ? The very fact that we all share one bread makes us
all one body. Look at the Jews of our own day. Isn't there a
fellowship between all those who eat the altar sacrifices? (The
New Testament in Modern English, J. B. PHILLIPS)
Enjoy the Sabbath rest,
Gary Smith
Affordable Care Act (aka: Obamacare) failed. Because of the
division in the majority party not enough votes could be
mustered in order to prevail. This failure to deliver on the
campaign promise made both by presidential candidate
Donald Trump and many congressional candidates as well is a
major setback.
The obvious conclusion is that our national government is
divided. The question that yet remains to be answered is, “Can
our government reach a level of unity where legislation can be
passed that will serve to move our country in a more positive
direction?”
Jesus Christ addressed the issue of a house divided in Matthew
12:22-26, “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed,
blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the
blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the
multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of
David?" Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This
fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the
ruler of the demons." But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said
to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will
not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against
himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”
Barnes’ Notes comments, “Their subtle and cunning device
was completely foiled, and Jesus made their argument recoil
on their own heads. A kingdom or a family can prosper only
by living in harmony. The different parts and members must
unite in promoting the same objects. If divided-if one part
UNDOES what the other DOES-it must fall. So with the
kingdom of Satan. It is your doctrine that Satan has
"possessed" these whom I have cured. It is also your doctrine
that he has helped me to cure them. If so, then he has helped
me to undo what he had done. He has aided me to cast himself
out-that is, to oppose and discomfit himself.
At this rate, how can there be any stability in his kingdom? It
must fall, and Satan must have less than human prudence.”
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997,
2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
The national leadership of the United States seems to be
hopelessly divided. Can we come together to achieve a
common purpose? I’m sure we all hope for that outcome.
However, we must realize that if we continue on the current
divided against itself it will not stand.
Living in a divided world is one of those things that is vexing
to a Christian. How do we change this situation? Sadly, we
cannot change this situation.
But we can know that when we come together on Passover
evening, to participate in the footwashing, the bread, and the
wine it symbolically points to unity.
Unity begins with humility and service of others as
symbolized by the footwashing.
Unity is further accomplished as we continue to yield to Jesus
Christ continuing His work in us as symbolized by the eating
the bread and drinking of the wine.
We may live in a divided world, but we by our humility,
service, repentance, and growth in righteousness can be
unified as the body of Christ. In the Passover service, we are
renewing our commitment to be one with God and one
another.
I think Paul summarizes the concept of unity conveyed in the
Passover well in 1 Corinthians 10:16-18, “The cup of blessing
which we bless, is it not a very sharing in the blood of Christ?
When we break the bread do we not actually share in the body
of Christ? The very fact that we all share one bread makes us
all one body. Look at the Jews of our own day. Isn't there a
fellowship between all those who eat the altar sacrifices? (The
New Testament in Modern English, J. B. PHILLIPS)
Enjoy the Sabbath rest,
Gary Smith
Friday, September 2, 2016
Reason and Individual Freedom of Thought Sounds So Reasonable
This week an article about the rise of Satan worship caught my eye. The article pointed out:
If you were to do an internet search on the topic of Satan worship, you will get a surprising number of hits. As the author of the noted article stated: “They are now ordinary people.” In other words, the worship of the “Prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) is becoming more widely accepted.
For me it is interesting to note the perspective this movement promotes. The worshipers of Satan promote “reason and individual freedom of thought.” Should this approach be a surprise? It sounds so reasonable. However, we only have to go back to the Garden of Eden where Satan offered the first couple the very same options. Satan is always willing to promote human reason and freedom of thought.
As members of the body of Christ, God has opened our minds to recognize the futility of worshiping Satan.
Why is such worship futile? Let’s note some truths about Satan revealed in the Bible:
The Bible reveals Satan for the evil creature that he is and as one considers what is revealed about him in the scriptures there is little upside in his worship.
Yes, there are many stories of people who have sold their souls to the devil in order to achieve some worldly purpose. It appears that some do yield themselves to the powers of darkness and they do get what they want, but at what price?
It seems that Satan and the demonic world are gaining influence at this time and we will see the devastating results as we come to the end of the age.
We as God’s people can avoid this whole negative trend as we seek God. Note what the Apostle James tells us, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” This is reassurance that as a result of our relationship with God and Jesus Christ, Satan has no power over us.
Enjoy the blessing of a Sabbath rest.
Gary Smith
- Satanists are not merely mystical eccentrics wearing black Gothic garb, sacrificing animals and operating in shady and secret societies.
- They are now ordinary people who call themselves ‘secular’ and praise reason and the individual freedom of thought.
- Just this month, a member of the so-called Satanic Temple was allowed to make an opening prayer to Lucifer at a local council meeting in Alaska.
- The Satanic Temple (TST) is a fairly new organization. Founded in 2013, it fights for political change by pointing out the ostensibly preferential treatment Christianity enjoys in politics. TST has seven chapters in the USA and Europe, and claims a membership of 100,000.
- The article can be accessed at: https://www.rt.com/op-edge/357523-what-hell-satan-worship-america/
If you were to do an internet search on the topic of Satan worship, you will get a surprising number of hits. As the author of the noted article stated: “They are now ordinary people.” In other words, the worship of the “Prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) is becoming more widely accepted.
For me it is interesting to note the perspective this movement promotes. The worshipers of Satan promote “reason and individual freedom of thought.” Should this approach be a surprise? It sounds so reasonable. However, we only have to go back to the Garden of Eden where Satan offered the first couple the very same options. Satan is always willing to promote human reason and freedom of thought.
As members of the body of Christ, God has opened our minds to recognize the futility of worshiping Satan.
Why is such worship futile? Let’s note some truths about Satan revealed in the Bible:
- He was a murderer from the beginning seeking to overthrow God and seeking to influence man to sin which would lead to his death (John 8:44)
- There is no truth in him (John 8:44)
- He is a liar (John 8:44)
- He is a predator seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)
- His name is Satan which means adversary. He opposes God and His plan of salvation.
- He foists himself off as an angel of light when in fact he is a bringer of darkness (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- He promotes sin, rebellion, and evil of every sort.
- He is a created being with limited power—greater power than human beings—but limited in comparison to his Creator.
- He has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9)
- His ultimate goals are to topple God from his throne and to eradicate every vestige of God from existence.
The Bible reveals Satan for the evil creature that he is and as one considers what is revealed about him in the scriptures there is little upside in his worship.
Yes, there are many stories of people who have sold their souls to the devil in order to achieve some worldly purpose. It appears that some do yield themselves to the powers of darkness and they do get what they want, but at what price?
It seems that Satan and the demonic world are gaining influence at this time and we will see the devastating results as we come to the end of the age.
We as God’s people can avoid this whole negative trend as we seek God. Note what the Apostle James tells us, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” This is reassurance that as a result of our relationship with God and Jesus Christ, Satan has no power over us.
Enjoy the blessing of a Sabbath rest.
Gary Smith
Friday, February 20, 2015
Mardi Gras - An Excuse for "Christians" to Sink Into Drunken Debauchery?
Being out and about this week, I was oblivious to two significant events going on in the Christian world. As a result of going to Galveston to take care of some Feast of Tabernacles business, I became aware that Tuesday, February 17, 2015 was a big day for both Christians and non-Christians. Galveston was in the midst Mardi Gras festivities.
I was reminded of the second significant Christian observance when I came into contact with individuals who had a cross marked on their foreheads with black ashes. This cross on the forehead marked Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
For many, the words Mardi Gras conjure up all sorts of images in our minds. We think of parades, floats, masquerades, balls, beads, doubloons, parties, king cake and revelry. New Orleans promotes it as “the greatest free show on earth”, and it is considered by most to be a good wholesome time of frolicking and fun.
Most people think that Mardi Gras came to us from the French, and that its history dates back only a century or so (The first “REX” parade in New Orleans was held in 1872). There are also accounts of some sort of Mardi Gras celebrations dating back to the early 1700’s (though those celebrations were little more than drunken brawls).
In actuality, the Mardi Gras celebration originated in the pagan pre-Christian celebrations of spring. Ancient Greeks would sacrifice a goat, cut its hide into strips and run naked through the fields while their pagan priests lashed them with the goat-hide strips. This was a part of their spring fertility rite to insure a productive harvest for their fields and increase the fertility of their flocks and women. The custom was degenerate, even by pagan standards, being a time of lewdness, immorality, drunkenness and revelry and was associated with the worship of the Greek god “Pan”.
“Pan”, besides being the Greek god of fields and pastures, was even more closely associated with cattle, flocks and herds than with agriculture. He was a fertility god and therefore always represented as crude, wanton, and lustful. He took the form of half goat and half man, having the legs, ears, and horns of a goat (the goat is the ancient symbol of Satan), but the torso, arms and face of a man.
The Romans, also thoroughly enjoyed this Greek festival. It was held each year in Rome during mid-February.
One writer says of this predecessor to our modern Mardi Gras: “It became known as “Lupercalia”, after the grotto on the Palatine hill where the festivals of the god PAN were held. The Roman aristocracy of the time preferred debauchery and licentiousness to legality and morality. Men donned women’s clothing, the better to abandon themselves to orgy; thus the masquerade tradition began.” (Errol Laborde, MARDI GRAS! Picayune Press, N.O.LA. p.33).
Another writes: “Most scholars see a relationship between present day Mardi Gras and the ancient tribal rituals of fertility that welcomed the arrival of spring. A possible ancestor of the celebration is the Lupercalis, a circus-like orgy held in mid-February in Rome.” (Arthur Hardy, NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS GUIDE, 1982 ed. p.9).
Obviously, the celebration was totally licentious. Though it is mistakenly believed that our present Mardi Gras celebration is of more recent descent, sociologists and historians trace the present celebration directly to these obscene pagan spring fertility rites. Of course, most of the elements attending the ancient pagan celebration: (i.e., the drunkenness, lewdness, men-masquerading-as-women, obscenity, nudity, etc.,) have survived and are still very much a part of the present Mardi Gras celebration.
Mardi Gras is the last chance for Christians to eat, drink, and revel before Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and the marking of the forehead. With the beginning of the Lenten season Christians are to fast (abstain from chosen item) for forty days.
It is hard to believe that a festive occasion characterized by eating, drinking, and debauchery can be considered Christian, but in a world under Satan’s sway it is not a problem.
What were your thoughts on Tuesday and Wednesday? Were they upon Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday?
Or were your thoughts upon those things that are biblical? More specifically, have we begun to think of the Passover? Have we begin to focus upon examining ourselves in order to be prepared to renew our covenant in the Passover ceremony described in 1 Corinthians 11 and John 13?
We are blessed to be able to know the truths of the Bible concerning the Passover and the Days of Unleavened. God’s festival plan will begin to unfold in just a few weeks. The coming festivals give us significant things to consider in the weeks ahead.
Perhaps we can use the Sabbath as time to study and consider the magnitude of the sacrifice of our Savior and be renewed in our commitment to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Gary Smith
I was reminded of the second significant Christian observance when I came into contact with individuals who had a cross marked on their foreheads with black ashes. This cross on the forehead marked Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
For many, the words Mardi Gras conjure up all sorts of images in our minds. We think of parades, floats, masquerades, balls, beads, doubloons, parties, king cake and revelry. New Orleans promotes it as “the greatest free show on earth”, and it is considered by most to be a good wholesome time of frolicking and fun.
Most people think that Mardi Gras came to us from the French, and that its history dates back only a century or so (The first “REX” parade in New Orleans was held in 1872). There are also accounts of some sort of Mardi Gras celebrations dating back to the early 1700’s (though those celebrations were little more than drunken brawls).
In actuality, the Mardi Gras celebration originated in the pagan pre-Christian celebrations of spring. Ancient Greeks would sacrifice a goat, cut its hide into strips and run naked through the fields while their pagan priests lashed them with the goat-hide strips. This was a part of their spring fertility rite to insure a productive harvest for their fields and increase the fertility of their flocks and women. The custom was degenerate, even by pagan standards, being a time of lewdness, immorality, drunkenness and revelry and was associated with the worship of the Greek god “Pan”.
“Pan”, besides being the Greek god of fields and pastures, was even more closely associated with cattle, flocks and herds than with agriculture. He was a fertility god and therefore always represented as crude, wanton, and lustful. He took the form of half goat and half man, having the legs, ears, and horns of a goat (the goat is the ancient symbol of Satan), but the torso, arms and face of a man.
The Romans, also thoroughly enjoyed this Greek festival. It was held each year in Rome during mid-February.
One writer says of this predecessor to our modern Mardi Gras: “It became known as “Lupercalia”, after the grotto on the Palatine hill where the festivals of the god PAN were held. The Roman aristocracy of the time preferred debauchery and licentiousness to legality and morality. Men donned women’s clothing, the better to abandon themselves to orgy; thus the masquerade tradition began.” (Errol Laborde, MARDI GRAS! Picayune Press, N.O.LA. p.33).
Another writes: “Most scholars see a relationship between present day Mardi Gras and the ancient tribal rituals of fertility that welcomed the arrival of spring. A possible ancestor of the celebration is the Lupercalis, a circus-like orgy held in mid-February in Rome.” (Arthur Hardy, NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS GUIDE, 1982 ed. p.9).
Obviously, the celebration was totally licentious. Though it is mistakenly believed that our present Mardi Gras celebration is of more recent descent, sociologists and historians trace the present celebration directly to these obscene pagan spring fertility rites. Of course, most of the elements attending the ancient pagan celebration: (i.e., the drunkenness, lewdness, men-masquerading-as-women, obscenity, nudity, etc.,) have survived and are still very much a part of the present Mardi Gras celebration.
Mardi Gras is the last chance for Christians to eat, drink, and revel before Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and the marking of the forehead. With the beginning of the Lenten season Christians are to fast (abstain from chosen item) for forty days.
It is hard to believe that a festive occasion characterized by eating, drinking, and debauchery can be considered Christian, but in a world under Satan’s sway it is not a problem.
What were your thoughts on Tuesday and Wednesday? Were they upon Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday?
Or were your thoughts upon those things that are biblical? More specifically, have we begun to think of the Passover? Have we begin to focus upon examining ourselves in order to be prepared to renew our covenant in the Passover ceremony described in 1 Corinthians 11 and John 13?
We are blessed to be able to know the truths of the Bible concerning the Passover and the Days of Unleavened. God’s festival plan will begin to unfold in just a few weeks. The coming festivals give us significant things to consider in the weeks ahead.
Perhaps we can use the Sabbath as time to study and consider the magnitude of the sacrifice of our Savior and be renewed in our commitment to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Gary Smith
Friday, October 3, 2014
A Sabbath Day of Atonement
As the Sabbath begins, it also begins another of the great observances in God’s plan of salvation, the Day of Atonement.
Each Sabbath is to be time in which we stop to consider that God gives us time to rest from our labors and to reflect upon our God and His plan. Each Sabbath we are reminded that we have entered into covenant with God and there is more to life than simply living “under the sun” as Solomon brought out in Ecclesiastes 1.
This particular Sabbath is unique in that the Day of Atonement gives the time of refreshing added meaning.
Is there a being that undermines our lives more than the adversary, Satan? He intrudes in our lives with his attitudes and influences which tempt us to sin, and we see sin around us most every day.
But in being called out of this present evil world we have a unique perspective. I think that perspective is reflected in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
We know we are of God even in the midst of a wicked world. How is that? The Sabbath is a key reminder of our Creator who has given us rest and a great purpose for living. God has led us to repentance and our sins have been blotted out. Christ has entered our lives through the Holy Spirit and is preparing us for “the times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21).
We know something wonderful is going on in our lives, but we also know that Satan is still hard at work in this world.
The good news for us and the world is this. Through our ongoing relationship with God, we can overcome Satan, enjoy the refreshment of having God in our lives, and we can know that a time of refreshing is coming for all mankind as Satan and the demons no longer hold sway over this world.
Enjoy this Sabbath, this Day of Atonement and the rich meaning for us.
Gary Smith
Each Sabbath is to be time in which we stop to consider that God gives us time to rest from our labors and to reflect upon our God and His plan. Each Sabbath we are reminded that we have entered into covenant with God and there is more to life than simply living “under the sun” as Solomon brought out in Ecclesiastes 1.
This particular Sabbath is unique in that the Day of Atonement gives the time of refreshing added meaning.
Is there a being that undermines our lives more than the adversary, Satan? He intrudes in our lives with his attitudes and influences which tempt us to sin, and we see sin around us most every day.
But in being called out of this present evil world we have a unique perspective. I think that perspective is reflected in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
We know we are of God even in the midst of a wicked world. How is that? The Sabbath is a key reminder of our Creator who has given us rest and a great purpose for living. God has led us to repentance and our sins have been blotted out. Christ has entered our lives through the Holy Spirit and is preparing us for “the times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21).
We know something wonderful is going on in our lives, but we also know that Satan is still hard at work in this world.
The good news for us and the world is this. Through our ongoing relationship with God, we can overcome Satan, enjoy the refreshment of having God in our lives, and we can know that a time of refreshing is coming for all mankind as Satan and the demons no longer hold sway over this world.
Enjoy this Sabbath, this Day of Atonement and the rich meaning for us.
Gary Smith
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