Investigate First

The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. - Proverbs 18:17 HCSB

Many years ago, an old saint was in the habit of going around asking people for money. He wouldn’t say what it was for – like a little kid he would simply ask for the change in people’s pockets. After a while, the people in his village grew tired of him asking for their money.

“He doesn’t even need it!” they would whisper to each other behind his back. “I mean, it’s not like he’s rich, but he’s not poor either. His house is simple but adequate. Why does he keep asking for money?”

One of the rumors was that he had squirreled away quite a fortune and was really quite wealthy. This belief caused a wicked man to break into the old saint’s house to rob him. During the course of the robbery, however, the elderly man walked in and was killed by the thief.

After his death, it was discovered that in fact the saint was poor because he had been giving the money to poor people and a nearby orphanage for decades.

Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight. We have a nasty habit of assuming the worst of people. We have an even nastier habit of believing whatever little tidbit comes our way. Witness the popularity of the scandal-mongering gossip magazines! Rumors are like dainty morsels to our sinful nature.[1] Our old flesh loves finding dirt on someone else. It makes us feel we are better than they are.

But we need to remember that gossip’s smooth words are like a pretty glaze that covers a common clay pot.[2] The request “Let me share something with you so you can PRAY better” may sound spiritual but is covering a wicked heart. We need to also keep in mind that if someone will gossip to us about someone else, odds are they will gossip about us to someone else.[3]

The Word teaches that the one who gives an answer before he listens is a disgraceful fool.[4] We all like to think we’ve got it together, but we don’t.[5] We need to remember that and carefully investigate any bit of information that comes our way.

If we think we see our neighbor doing something wrong, that doesn’t mean we should hurry to act on it. We might go down in shameful embarrassment if we get the facts wrong. So we should discuss the matter with them privately. If possible, we mustn’t tell anyone else, lest others accuse us of gossip and we never regain our good reputation.[6]

Our Master taught us to deal with matters privately when at all possible.[7] Interpersonal discipline should begin between two individuals. The circle of those who “need to know” should only widen as needed to correct the problem.[8]

The Ransomed must be quick to listen, slow to speak and even slower to act.[9] The Ransomed are fact checkers.


[1] Proverbs 18:8; 26:22
[2] Proverbs 26:23
[3] Proverbs 11:13; 20:19
[4] Proverbs 18:13
[5] Proverbs 14:12; 16:2, 25; 21:2
[6] Proverbs 25:7-10
[7] Matthew 18:15-17
[8] Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19
[9] James 1:19

The Church as a School

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. - 2 Timothy 2:2 HCSB

“I don’t need to attend church.” Some claim. “I can stay home and read my Bible. The Holy Spirit Himself teaches me.” They’ll even quote, “The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him.”[1]

However, just as they misquote Christ’s reference to a beit din[2], these same folk also take John’s words out of context. John was warning against those who would try to deceive and was urging us to rely on the Holy Spirit’s ability to remind us of Christ’s teachings.[3] In this, he was leaning on the Master’s promise that when we will be handed over for the Great Persecution we will not need to worry about how we should speak or what we should say. The Holy Spirit will give us the right turn of phrase at that hour and we will not be speaking but the Spirit will be speaking through us.[4] He will be so effective that none of our adversaries will be able to resist or contradict our message.[5]

However, this passage cannot be misconstrued as authorization to escape the proper chain of command. Paul urged young pastor Timothy to give attention to public reading, exhortation and teaching. “Do not neglect the gift that is in you;” he said, “it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.”[6] Did you notice how Timothy received his authority?

Ongoing discipleship and teaching holds a central part of the Lord’s Great Commission.[7] That chain of custody was passed on by the authority of the Father to the Son, to the apostles, to the elders of the first century assemblies and on through, in an unbroken chain to today. What each pastor heard and was taught, was in turn taught to other faithful men who then continued teaching others also.

A crucial part of this process is the authority of the called out leaders of each local assembly to teach, reprove, rebuke, correct and train according to the Word of God.[8] It is their responsibility to rebuke false teachers and sinning sheep sharply so that they may be sound in the faith.[9] However, their actions must be “consistent with sound teaching”[10].

There’s the rub. Without regard to the warning about teachers being judged by higher standards,[11] some wolves still desire to cut a few sheep out of the herd so that they can devour them at their leisure.[12] They just want to voice their opinions and live however they like.

“Woe to those who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight.”[13]




[1] 1 John 2:27
[2] Matthew 18:20
[3] John 14:26-27
[4] Matthew 10:17-20
[5] Luke 21:15
[6] 1 Timothy 4:13-16
[7] Matthew 28:19-20
[8] 2 Timothy 3:16
[9] Titus 1:13; 2:15
[10] Titus 2:1
[11] James 3:1
[12] 1 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 2:1-3
[13] Isaiah 5:20-21

The Church as a Worshipping Congregation

Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman). They said, "Does the LORD speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?" And the LORD heard it. Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. Suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." So the three of them went out. - Numbers 12:1-4 HCSB

God is concerned about decency and order.[1] Since the very first act of worship, God has always wanted things done the right way.[2] Unfortunately, since the very first act of worship, Humanity has been rebelling to that authoritative chain of command. Cain rebelled and ended up killing his brother Abel over it.[3]

In Numbers, we read that Miriam and Aaron, out of jealousy, failed to submit to and criticized the properly gifted, called leader. Now, to get how seriously God took this, you need to understand that they were actually PART of the chain of command! Aaron was the high priest[4] and Miriam was a worship leader![5] God actually stated that He had sent all three to rescue the people of Israel from Egypt.[6]

Yet when Miriam and Aaron grumbled, “Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?”, the Lord heard it and called them on the matter. He reinforced Moses’ leadership and afflicted Miriam with leprosy. Once Aaron properly submitted to Moses’ God-ordained authority and addressed him as “my lord”, God healed Miriam, though she still had to remain outside the camp for seven days.[7]

The worshipping assembly was not everyone who lived among the Israelite people. Only those who met certain qualifications were allowed to enter the “qahal” and offer sacrifices.[8] They could be neither temporary dwellers nor permanent dwellers who refused to submit to the laws of the land.[9] In today’s congregational terms, that would imply “church hoppers” or “church attendees living in unrepentant sin.” How much less those who fail to attend at all?

Clearly, the qahal is the qualified, authorized, submissive, worshipping and voting community.[10] Anyone may worship at any time, anywhere. We can worship God in prison! We can worship God in catacombs, open fields and cow sheds! But worship is not the sole criteria for the formation of a church, any more than shooting bullets is the sole criteria for the formation of an army!

Many try to circumvent the qualifications necessary to be a church leader[11] by starting a little home Bible study and then using THAT as their soap box for their personal views. This way, they can bypass the clear teachings of the apostles and the authority of the elders.[12] They’d rather be big fish in a small pond.

All we can say to such is, “Remember what the Lord Your God did to Miriam on the journey…”[13]


[1] 1 Corinthians 14:40
[2] Genesis 4:3-7
[3] Genesis 4:8
[4] Exodus 28:1
[5] Exodus 15:20-21
[6] Micah 6:4
[7] Numbers 12:1-16
[8] Deuteronomy 23:1
[9] Numbers 15:15
[10] Numbers 16:3, 33 cp 18:4
[11] 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1
[12] 1 Timothy 4:14
[13] Deuteronomy 24:9

The Church as an Army

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" And Jesus responded, "Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:16-19 HCSB

One of the first times “qahal”[1] is used in the Bible, it describes the assembly gathered to plan or execute war.[2] For example, the whole ‘qahal’ of Israel asked for tax relief and when their request was refused, they rejected their military obligations to King Rehoboam.[3]

We are here to fight a spiritual war and if properly based on the right concept of our Lord’s true identity, the ecclesiastical army is invincible! Christ said that the forces of Hades itself would be completely useless against her.

Although we are walking in the flesh, we do not wage war in a fleshly way, since the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.[4]

Paul called Epaphroditus, Apphia and Archippus “fellow soldiers”[5] and urged Timothy to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”[6] It interests me that Paul fleshed out that metaphor by immediately delving into submission to proper authority and following the rules,[7] two things that those who don’t feel they need to attend church pretty consistently struggle with.

As a Marine, I understand the power that a few well-trained, coordinated and committed people wield. Jesus understood that as well, focusing his attention on twelve good men (the size of a squad) but really working on Peter, James and John (the size of a fire team). However, He never intended them to stay that small, commanding his “force amplifiers” to go, make disciples, baptize and teach them everything.[8]

In order to ensure the faithful continuance of His teachings, He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers[9] to the church. Until some appropriately gifted and called leaders are appointed a gathering of people is not a real church.[10]

Is a handful of soldiers an army? They can do a lot of damage – but are they an army? Then neither is a handful of Christians meeting in someone’s kitchen a church. Until they are properly organized and authorized they are nothing more than insurgents.

Those who fail to bring their parachurch activities under the authority of their local ekklesia do create a lot of damage. Unfortunately, it’s usually to the cause of Christ.

[1] Strongs’ #6951; literally “assembly”
[2] Genesis 49:6 cp Ezekiel 17:17
[3] 1 Kings 12:3
[4] 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
[5] Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2
[6] 2 Timothy 2:3
[7] 2 Timothy 2:4-5
[8] Matthew 28:19-20
[9] Ephesians 4:11-14
[10] Titus 1:5

The Church as a Court

Does any of you who has a complaint against someone dare go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels--not to speak of things pertaining to this life? So if you have cases pertaining to this life, do you select those who have no standing in the church to judge? I say this to your shame! Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who will be able to arbitrate between his brothers? - 1 Corinthians 6:1-5 HCSB

The foundational truth that Christ is the divine Messiah forms the basis for the existence of the single largest and most powerful human organization on earth – the ekklesia. “The what?” you may ask. “Don’t you mean the ‘church’?”

Well…yes and no.

You see, like the term “Christian”, “Church” as a word as been so used, abused and confused that many people don’t even know what it means any more. Some think that a couple Christians hanging out at the local donut shop form a church. They’ll even quote Jesus as saying “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”[1]

The problem is that those verses are actually speaking of church discipline (check the context)! Our Lord gave us the whole disciplinary procedure from private rebuke to public censure. Then He authorized the ekklesia saying, “I assure you: Whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them."[2]

So the verse most used by those who argue they don’t have to attend church is actually supporting a formally structured and duly authorized assembly!

As with most things, to get a proper understanding of the ekklesia, you have to go back to the beginning, meaning to the Old Covenant. Every time you find the word ekklesia in the Septuagint, it is translated from the Hebrew word “qahal”.[3] Qahal is not actually a religious term. It is used in the Old Covenant as an assembly gathered to judge or deliberate on a matter. You see this in Ezekiel where the assembly gathered to judge and execute judgment.[4] It can be the whole assembly of all of God’s people[5], or a smaller group duly appointed to represent them.[6]

Either way, a ‘qahal’ or ‘ekklesia’ must be formally structured, organized and authorized to count as a true assembly. Two or three individuals gossiping around the water cooler can make judgments, but that doesn’t mean it counts.


[1] Matthew 18:20
[2] Matthew 18:15-20; note that Jesus was alluding to the halakic practice of only judging crimes on the basis of two or three witnesses which is why a beit din must have no less than three members.
[3] Strongs’ #6951; literally “assembly”
[4] Ezekiel 23:45-47
[5] 2 Chronicles 1:2
[6] 1 Chronicles 13:1-2

The Donkey, the Rooster and the Candle

In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? - Romans 8:26-31 HCSB

There is an old tale (whether true or not, I don’t know) about a wise man who was traveling from city to city doing God’s work. All he had was the donkey he rode on, a rooster that woke him in the morning, and a candle to light his studies.

One evening, after a long day of traveling, the elderly man decided to sleep in the forest rather than push on to the next city. As he studied God’s word that evening, a wind arose that blew out his candle. Much to his chagrin, he realized that he didn’t have any way to light it again. So he shrugged his shoulders, thinking that he would simply get what he needed in the city the next day, and went to bed early.

However, within a couple hours a terrible noise woke him. A lion had killed his donkey and his rooster. Needless to say, he was an emotional wreck. Amidst the fear that the lion would return for him, his sorrow at the loss of his donkey and rooster, and his gratitude at having been spared, he wasn’t sure what to think!

One thing was for sure, he didn’t get much sleep that night. Shortly before dawn, he heard a tremendous amount of noise that sounded like a great battle. As he snuck to the edge of the forest, he discovered that a foreign army had attacked the nearby city and completely razed it. Had his donkey or rooster been alive, they might have made a sound that would have betrayed his position to the enemy. Had his candle been lit, the army’s sentinels might have come to investigate and killed him!

We are often frustrated by life’s circumstances. We hurry to an appointment only to be delayed by a flat tire. We apply for a job only to be rejected. There is a tendency to rage and complain, but Hashem, who knows all things, knows what is best and is working it out for our good. Let’s patiently endure – trusting Him to do what’s best.

When Forgiveness is Forbidden

The LORD then said to Moses, "Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven." And Moses built an altar and named it, "The LORD Is My Banner." He said, "Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the LORD's throne. The LORD will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation." - Exodus 17:14-16 HCSB

Obviously, forgiveness is central to Ransomed theology. There are hundreds of passages describing the Lord’s forgiving, merciful spirit and urging His people to forgive those who trespass against them. The Lord’s Prayer actually warns that our own forgiveness is contingent upon our ability to forgive others.[1]

However, any virtue pushed too far may become a vice. Certain rules govern forgiveness. Consider the example of Amalek. The nation of Amalek attacked Israeli stragglers from behind with no fear or regard for God.[2]

As a result the Spirit of God, speaking through the prophet Balaam,[3] prophesied destruction for them.[4] God commanded the people of Israel, "Remember what the Amalekites did to you…When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget.”[5]

He specifically gave the job to King Saul, ordering him to completely destroy them, sparing no one and nothing. When Saul failed to completely obey, sparing the Amalekite king’s life in order to keep him as a trophy, the Lord not only rejected Saul as king but removed the Holy Spirit from him,[6] leaving him vulnerable to an evil spirit.[7]

We may not forgive a crime that was committed against someone else. We may only forgive those who trespass against US. Such forgiveness is “cheap grace.”[8] This means that only the victim of murder could forgive a murderer. Since they obviously cannot, murder is unforgivable from the human perspective which is why the Scriptures make it a capital crime.

What justice is there in a parent forgiving a man who raped and killed their child? What virtue lies in extending the same forgiveness to one who stole a life as the one who stole a purse? To do so is to relegate human life to no more than an object that can be valued on the open market.

If forgiveness should be extended always and in every case, and if God is perfect love, why do the vast majority of souls end up in hell?[9] What about Satan and his fallen angels? Are they too to receive forgiveness? To say that forgiveness will be universally extended is to make the Son’s sacrifice pointless.

God is not only Love but is also Holy. Even God Himself does not forgive every sin. Those who reject God’s forgiveness will die “unshriven” and burn in hell.[10] Who are we to claim greater nobility than Yahweh?

[1] Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4
[2] Deuteronomy 25:17-18
[3] Numbers 24:2-4
[4] Numbers 24:20
[5] Deuteronomy 25:17-19
[6] 1 Samuel 15:2-28; 28:18-19
[7] 1 Samuel 16:14
[8] The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, page 47
[9] Matthew 7:13-14
[10] Matthew 12:31

The Violent Man’s Dilemma

See, he is pregnant with evil, conceives trouble, and gives birth to deceit. He dug a pit and hollowed it out, but fell into the hole he had made. His trouble comes back on his own head, and his violence falls on the top of his head. - Psalms 7:14-16 HCSB

As the Allies began encroaching on German territory, the Nazis were forced to close their death camps. They desperately worked to move the prisoners by train to other camps, trying to hide their cruelty.

One guard, known for his cruel treatment of Jewish prisoners, seized upon an opportunity to beat one of his hapless victims with a riding crop, severely injuring the poor fellow’s shoulder.

The prisoners were forced into a train car and the Nazis sat across from them as they hurried to escape the steadily approaching American bombers. As they were riding along, the exhausted prisoners tried to sleep. A man who was sitting next to the beaten victim slumped against him in his sleep. As his head lolled over onto the injured shoulder, the victim gave out a loud cry of pain and pushed against the other prisoner.

“I’m sorry. It’s simply too painful,” The poor man said. The other prisoner simply nodded and leaned away so that he could rest his head on the shoulder of the man to his right, while the victim rested his on the man to his left, leaving a space between them.

At that moment, a bomb exploded near the train and a piece of shrapnel flew through the wall of the train car, right between the two prisoners. As it buzzed through the air, it sliced the cruel Nazi’s hands right off.

God has a nasty way of making things work out that way. Wicked people dig pits for others to fall into and in their blindness stumble into their own traps. The stone they use to crush the righteous treacherously wobbles and rolls back on top of them.[1]

This is why God assures us, “Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly. I will execute great vengeance against them with furious rebukes and they will know that I am the Lord when I take My vengeance on them.”[2]

All of you who are suffering for the Name’s sake,[3] be strong! Do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming and He will save you.[4] He may seem to be slow to anger, but He is great in power and the Lord will never leave the guilty unpunished.[5]

Do not avenge yourselves. Instead, leave room for His wrath.[6] Cry out to Yahweh. In your pain cry out, “Lord of Hosts, who judges righteously, who tests heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have presented my case to You.”[7]

Submission or destruction – this is the violent man’s dilemma.

[1] Proverbs 26:27
[2] Deuteronomy 32:35; Ezekiel 25:17
[3] 1 Peter 4:14; 3 John 1:7
[4] Isaiah 35:4
[5] Nahum 1:2-3
[6] Romans 12:19
[7] Jeremiah 11:20

Questioning God

Who is this who obscures My counsel with ignorant words? Get ready to answer Me like a man; when I question you, you will inform Me. Where were you when I established the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? - Job 38:2-5 HCSB

A great surgeon once allowed a shoemaker to observe him at work. The shoemaker watched with no small measure of trepidation as the master surgeon skillfully sliced into his patient’s body. Oddly enough, it seemed to the shoemaker that the surgeon was cutting into healthy skin and muscle!

“What is he doing?” the shoemaker muttered. “I only cut off dried up and damaged leather. He seems to be cutting into healthy flesh! I think this doctor’s reputation is ill founded. He’s not very good at his job!”

What does a shoemaker know of a surgeons’ craft? What do we know of God’s? We often question His ways. “Surely that’s no way to run the universe!” we whisper to ourselves. The wicked are flourishing and the godly are getting crushed![1] What are you doing, God?”

Listen – though the wicked sprout like grass and flourish for a while, like grass they are soon mown down.[2] Don’t get agitated about life’s injustices. Don’t envy those who do wrong. Soon enough they will wither away.

We tend to focus on this world’s goods but they soon rust.[3] We lean on human relationships that often fail.[4] Trust Hashem. If we take delight in the Lord, He will give us our hearts’ desires. He will act and our righteousness will, at some point shine like the dawn and our just acts like the noonday.

I once asked a mechanic what was wrong with my car. After listening to five minutes of terms I couldn’t define and mechanical principles that were apparently derived from rocket science, I was just as clueless as when I’d first requested clarification. Don’t question what you couldn’t understand anyway.

Just keep trusting the Lord and doing what is good. Take possession of the life and circumstances God has assigned to you and do the best that you can with it. Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for “the rest of the story.” Don’t get angry and rage about seeming injustice. It will only do you harm.

Evil doers will get their comeuppances. What goes around comes around.[5] Wait a little while and they will be no more. If, for some strange reason, you decide to go looking for them you will not find them. Just imitate the Lord. When the wicked scheme and threaten the Lord just laughs at him because Yahweh sees that the wicked one’s day is coming.[6]


[1] Job 21:7
[2] Psalm 92:7
[3] Matthew 6:19-20
[4] 2 Timothy 4:10
[5] Proverbs 1:18-19; 21:7; 26:27; 28:10
[6] Psalm 37:13

Dreams and Visions, Part 2

And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. - Acts 2:17-21 HCSB

God has used prophetic dreams and visions in the past and will do so again in a particularly startling fashion toward the End of Days.[1]

Today, God principally speaks to us through His Son[2] Jesus Christ, the living Word of God.[3] The Bible is the Word of God in written form. God the Father gave it to Christ. Christ, in turn, inspired both the prophets and the apostles, and they preserved it for us. The Father's will, commandments, and specific promises are revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. So, God is actually speaking to us through His Word, the Bible.[4]

It is not always easy to determine the origin of a vision, dream, or premonition which one might experience. Therefore, we must be very careful about ascribing to God any such communication—even if it is supernatural![5] John tells us that any visionary must “confess” Christ. This is more than simple verbal assent, however. Adolph Hitler at one point claimed to be a Christian! The term “confess” in this sense means to live that truth. Anyone can SAY “Jesus is God in flesh”. Many who do, fail to live their lives accordingly. “By their fruit you shall know them” says our Master.[6]

Jude warns that sometimes false ministers use dreams and visions to deceive God's people and create a following for themselves.[7] We must be careful to separate such paranormal activity from the revealed truth of God. God, through the prophet Isaiah, instructs us how to test the spirits.[8]

Unless a dream or vision agrees completely with the Bible in its message and content, we can know it is not of God. Some visions and dreams may simply be caused by mental or physical stress, or the pressures of daily life. The Bible reveals that dreams may result from an upset or overly stimulated mind. If one has had a very troubled or busy day, he might be more likely to have vivid dreams that night. Ill health or memories of unpleasant experiences may also cause such dreams.[9]

In situations where an unpleasant dream or vision causes distress, fear, physical sickness, or any such thing, seek God's intervention and healing. If Satan bothers us with bad dreams, we should ask God to rebuke him.[10]

We should also stay close to God in prayer and Bible study so that Satan cannot bother us.[11]

God will grant us peace of mind if we walk with Him each day[12] but again, it is not the one who “claims” peace (as the “health and wealth” theologians will urge) but the one who has seen, heard, received, learned and DONE the will of God.

[1] Acts 2:17-21; Joel 2:28
[2] Hebrews 1:1-2
[3] John 1:1, 14
[4] 2 Peter 1:20-21; Luke 1:70
[5] 1 John 4:1-3;
[6] Matthew 7:16
[7] Jude 1:8; Deuteronomy 13:1-5
[8] Isaiah 8:19-20
[9] Ecclesiastes 5:3
[10] Jude 1:9
[11] James 4:7-10
[12] Philippians 4:4-9; Isaiah 26:3

Dreams and Visions, Part 1

And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. - Acts 2:17-21 HCSB

Sometimes, God speaks directly to us in dreams.[1] At one time, this was a highly sought-out form of divine communication and those who lost this gift were greatly troubled.[2] However, in a day when beautiful coffee table books on angels and dreams are a dime a dozen, we need to remember that these divine dreams were not always very pleasant. Often, they were positively nightmarish.[3]

The prophetic dreamers were not always able to interpret their dreams. Sometimes, they needed interpretive help. Gideon required the help of a friend to interpret his dream.[4] Nebuchadnezzar demanded the aid of magicians, astrologers, but ultimately he needed Daniel (a renowned and much honored interpreter of dreams and visions[5]) to interpret his dream and tell him what to do with it.[6]

Joseph interpreted the dreams of the chief baker, the chief cupbearer and the pharaoh.[7] Interestingly, however, Joseph did not interpret his own dreams in his youth. His brothers and father jumped to the right conclusion but he did not. Either his abilities to interpret were not yet fully developed, or he had an innate sense of modesty and did not want to publicly claim the obvious conclusion that he would rule.[8]

The servants of God were given visions and dreams for specific reasons and/or to convey special messages. For example, Jesus gave a vision of His future Kingdom on earth to Peter, James, and John, no doubt as a witness and encouragement both to them and to us.[9]

These dreams were never lightly given. Apparently, Hashem only uses this form of communication when the circumstances warrant. Even then, such revelations were ordinarily (but not always according to Acts 2:17-18 and Joel 2:28) directed to His ministers and specially chosen servants such as Jacob, Joseph, Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel.[10]

We must keep in mind that false prophets also claim to dream in the name of the Lord in order to lead us astray.[11] Religious leaders often are tempted to give their message divine authority by claiming to see visions, have prophetic dreams, or to speak to angels. Those who do so falsely can be sure that the Lord God will visit their iniquity upon them.[12]

This leaves us with the responsibility to “test the spirits” and make sure that the person who is sharing what they claim to be a prophetic dream is a valid prophet of God. Their lives must not be characterized by sin or rebellion. Their message must not contradict the Word of God. It must not lead people away from the God of the Bible to worship some other lesser god, or their own vain imaginings and feelings.[13]


[1] Genesis 28:10-13; 37:5-11; 41:15-16; Judges 7:13-15
[2] 1 Samuel 28:6, 15
[3] Job 4:12-21
[4] Judges 7:13-15
[5] Daniel 1:17; 5:12-17
[6] Daniel 2:24-28
[7] Genesis 40:5-8; 41:15-16
[8] Genesis 37:5-11
[9] Matthew 17:1-9
[10] Amos 3:7
[11] Jeremiah 23:25-32; 27:9-10; 28:9-10
[12] Zechariah 10:2-3
[13] Deuteronomy 13:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Stand and Deliver

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. - Ephesians 6:11-13 HCSB

On the 24th of March 1969, a young Marine named Ronald Coker was serving as a point man, patrolling in the Vietnamese province of Quang Tri when his company encountered the enemy. During the battle, a fellow Marine was wounded and lay exposed to enemy fire. Private Coker, disregarding his own safety, moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his buddy.

He was hit by enemy small-arms fire before he could even get to his friend, so he threw a grenade which gave him just enough time to get to the wounded man. As he began to drag his friend back toward safety, a grenade fell next them. Private Coker quickly tried to dispose of the grenade and managed to get it away from his friend but was severely wounded in the process. He continued to move toward friendly lines but two more grenades exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries.

Single-mindedly focused on saving his buddy’s life, with a supreme effort he still managed to continue to crawl, pulling his comrade along. The other Marines, inspired by his example, aggressively attacked the enemy position, sufficiently suppressing the small arms fire so that they could help Private Coker get to a relatively safe position. Shortly after his heroic actions, Private Coker died, having gallantly given his life for his country and his friend.[1]

Our Master also came looking for us. He too was severely wounded in the process and succumbed to His wounds after accomplishing our salvation. He is our example, our inspiration as well as our hope.

He calls us to prepare for the evil day and to resist the powers of darkness. We must put on our armor and having prepared everything, to take our stand. In Ezekiel’s day God decried, “I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one. So I have poured out My indignation on them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their actions down on their own heads."[2]

Will the same be true today? Are there no heroes who will stand and deliver? Are there none who will respond “Here I am! Send me!”?[3] Or will our nation also fall?


[1] Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company M, 3d Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 March 1969. Entered service at: Denver, Colo. Born: 9 August 1947, Alliance, Nebr.
[2] Ezekiel 22:30-31
[3] Isaiah 6:8

Filled or Fulfilled?, Part 3 of 3

"Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:17-19 HCSB

The issue of what parts of Jewish culture imbedded in the Tanakh (the Old Covenant) should still apply to B’rit Hadashah (New Covenant) believers was a hot topic in the first century too. I believe it is very pertinent that when Paul sought clarification on this very issue, the elders of the church of Jerusalem limited their requirements to four things:[1]

1. Abstinence from things polluted by idols
2. Abstinence from sexual immorality
3. Abstinence from eating anything strangled
4. Abstinence from eating blood

Interestingly, these are the same four requirements that have always been required of the goyim (Gentiles) according to Noahide Laws! The Noahide Laws were seven ancient laws originally given to Noah that Jews considered relevant to all people. The first six prohibit idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, robbery and the eating of flesh cut from a living animal. The seventh was an injunction to establish courts of justice. Jews were expected to keep all the Torah laws, but the Nations were expected to keep only these seven. A Gentile who kept these laws was called hasidei ummot ha-olam (the righteous of the nations of the world).

The national laws of the first century already proscribed murder and robbery.

The group addressing the issue was a beit din. A beit din is a group of elders gathered together in order to render a ruling or judgment on a matter. A beit din should be composed of at least three adult believers, at least one of whom needs to be widely knowledgeable in halakha, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable to instruct the other two members in any matters of halakha relevant to the case being heard. The Christians were at that time submitting to the elders of Jerusalem as a court of justice.

Since these early Christians were troubled by what was entailed in living a holy life, it is not likely they were particularly troubled by the sin of blasphemy!

So only the four remaining Noahide Laws were enunciated. Isn’t it interesting that in this matter the elders of the church of Jerusalem allowed Halakah to interpret and apply the Scriptures to a novel situation?

We must be very cautious to not disregard any part of the Scriptures. All Scripture is inspired and useful.[2] Let us neither disregard the Old Covenant entirely nor apply every principle without discernment. Let us follow the dictates of ALL the Scripture.


[1] Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25
[2] 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Filled or Fulfilled?, Part 2 of 3

"Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:17-19 HCSB

There are many parts of the Sinaitic Law that do not apply to us. For instance, it would be impossible for a goy to be a cohen (a Levitical priest). That privilege is exclusive to those of the tribe of Levi.[1]

Not all the Sinaitic Law applied to all Jews either! Until a man killed another, the Law’s teachings on capital punishment or shelter cities didn’t apply to him. Unless he came across a donkey stuck in a ditch, a man never even had to think of the Halakah on the matter.

Broadly, the Old Covenant Laws that would not apply to us would include:

1. Salvation: Since Christ died for our sins, once for all,[2] and took His blood into the heavenly Temple,[3] there is no need for any further atoning sacrifices.

2. Sacrifice: Temple sacrifices are impossible to obey seeing as there IS no Temple and no currently functioning cohanim.

3. Racial Separation: The segregation laws no longer apply because those racial barriers have now been done with. [4] Besides it was ALWAYS impossible for Gentiles to follow Jewish separation laws.

4. National Laws: Those parts that would cause us to contradict the laws of the land in which we live fall under the rule of dina d’malchuta dina. “Dina d’malchuta dina” is a Hebrew phrase that literally means “the law of the land is law.” This phrase is a guide to the elders of our church as they try to apply Scripture to day to day ethical, spiritual and legal conundrums. For instance, OT law states that witches should be killed. However, we are told to “render to Caesar what is due Caesar”[5] and to “submit to governing authorities”[6] and to be submissive to rulers and authorities.[7] In this society in which we temporarily reside, it is against the law to stone witches. Therefore, dina d’malchuta dina applies. Among the Redeemed, the practice of witchcraft, though opposed, will therefore not include a capital punishment. The law of the land in which we live rules us as long as it does not ask us to deny God.

5. Ritual Worship: We feel free to practice, as an educational experience, certain festivals or Passover meals, but we are not obligated to practice them. We choose to not follow the Jewish sacred calendar of festivals, but do not condemn those Christians who elect to do so.[8]

[1] Isaiah 61:5-6
[2] Romans 6:10; 1 Peter 3:18
[3] Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10
[4] Colossians 3:11; Galatians 3:28
[5] Matthew 22:21
[6] Romans 13:1
[7] Titus 3:1
[8] Colossians 2:16-17

Filled or Fulfilled?, Part 1 of 3

"Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:17-19 HCSB

There is a growing and very vital movement to restore an appropriate “Jewishness” to the Scriptures and our faith. The amount of discussion and debate concerning the proper application of the Old Covenant is amazing to me. In this debate, I once again want to follow the “Middle Way”.

First, I believe that most of the Old Covenant applies to us. Jesus came to fill (finalize, complete, cap) the Sinaitic Law, not abrogate it.[1] So, Jesus expects obedience to all of the Law that was not “filled.”

May I pause and explain the use of the word “filled” instead of the more common “fulfilled”? The Greek word plerosai means “to fill”.[2] The English word “fulfill” would seem to imply that the Old Covenant could therefore be safely set aside. It was finished – done with. But this directly contradicts the rest of the Master’s statement. He came to give the Old Covenant’s prophecies and laws meaning, so that everyone would understand what the point was. He came to give the talmidim (disciples) the power of the Holy Spirit so that they could actually successfully obey the requirements of holy living. Is this not the point of the entire Sermon on the Mount?[3]

Interestingly, this view directly meshes with Jewish tradition which stated that the Mashiach would both explain the obscure passages of the Torah and change some of it.[4]

So what was filled? Primarily (but not exclusively) all laws dealing with atonement, ritual worship in the Temple and the separation of the Jews from the Gentiles.[5]

There are whole sections of the Law that still apply. We still should not murder. We should still not generally lie. We still should be respectful of our parents.

What if I taught you several Ju-jutsu joint manipulations and at the end of the class said, “These techniques work by causing the joint to go in the wrong direction or in the right direction but too far.” What if you walked out saying to other students, “Ah! Now I don’t need to ever practice those moves because I understand the point!” Foolishness!

To throw out all the Law because it has been summarized for us as love would be like teaching your children etiquette and then having them throw those rules out the window when they leave the home because “now they understand the point!”


[1] Matthew 5:17-22
[2] See David H. Stern, Messianic Jewish Manifesto and Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel
[3] Matthew 5-7
[4] This tradition is largely based on Moshe’s prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Compare this tradition to Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28 where the Mashiach changed the application and Matthew 22:23-33 where He explained obscure concepts.
[5] Hebrews 10:12; Colossians 3:11

Samuel’s Failure

…the boy Samuel grew in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men…Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let nothing he said prove false. All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word. - 1 Samuel 2:26; 3:19-21 HCSB

As a young man, Samuel was a rare find. His mother dedicated him to the Lord and left him at the Temple immediately after he was weaned. His character was near perfection. “Holekh va’gadel” the Bible says, “he constantly grows”. He was good, “Gam im Hashem ve’gam im anashim,” good according to both God and men.

Very few men have received such praise, at least not from the lips of Yahweh. It was only when he grew older that he fell into the same sin that his mentor Eli fell. You see Samuel was a great judge, an awesome priest and famous for his blunt veracity; but Samuel was a poor father.

The Bible says, “Samuel judged Israel throughout his life. Every year he would go on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah and would judge Israel at all these locations. Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he had built an altar to the LORD there.”[1]

Who was rearing his boys while Samuel was busy practicing his ministry all over the country? I know – they had a mother. Strangely enough his wife is never mentioned. This is not due to a patristic society, because many wonderful mothers are mentioned in the Scriptures, including Samuel’s: the woman known for powerful, emotional prayer named Hannah.

A single mother can do a wonderful job raising her son, but we must admit that she is handicapped. She is coming from behind. Unfortunately, there are a lot of married single mothers in our society. There are many children for whom “father” is a word used to indicate a man who occasionally sleeps in the same house they do.

Samuel was either privileged or cursed with the calling to announce to Eli that his failure with his sons would result in his family’s loss of the priesthood.[2] It is too bad that Samuel himself did not pay heed to this solemn warning. As he aged, he became so focused on the business of ministry that he lost his family.[3]

That loss led to the loss of respect for his calling by the people of Israel. They no longer trusted his judgment and thus no longer trusted God. This loss of trust led them to demand a king so they could be like all the other nations.[4]

Elder of God’s House, Pastor – do not neglect your household. For if anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?[5]


[1] 1 Samuel 7:15-17 HCSB
[2] 1 Samuel 3:11-18
[3] 1 Samuel 8:1-3
[4] 1 Samuel 8:5
[5] 1 Timothy 3:4-5

The Mitzvah of Hospitality

"Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there." So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow woman gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink." As she went to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I don't have anything baked--only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die." Then Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said. Only make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterwards, you may make some for yourself and your son, - 1 Kings 17:9-13 HCSB

God commands us to share with saints in their needs, pursuing hospitality.[1] He warns us to not neglect the mitzvah of hospitality because sometimes, without realizing it, we might be entertaining an angel.[2] Hospitality is such an important command to follow that when the Ransomed choose their spiritual elders[3], or decide which widow to aid,[4] hospitality plays a factor each time.

God commanded this poor widow to share what little she had with His prophet. She had a decision to make: feed herself and her son or acquiesce to God’s demands. She yielded, sharing her last bit of flour with another.

Of course, we know that God performed a miracle that not only provided for their needs but actually enriched her! She would have been considered well off with the amount of oil God provided!

However, God does not always provide such open miracles. Hospitality is not about getting rich, networking or building mutual social debts. It is about simple obedience and trust. In each case mentioned, notice that hospitality is demanded – not suggested.

A rabbi was once entertaining during Sukot. At the mealtime, which tradition requires be taken in the Sukah (booth), he declined due to the pain the cold weather would inflict on his arthritis. When he saw that his guests were all going to eat out there, however, he changed his mind and ate outside in spite of the pain. When one person who knew of the rabbi’s suffering asked why he remained outside, the rabbi responded, “Suffering does not free one from the Mitzvah of entertaining guests."

A person should practice hospitality – even in difficult circumstances. We may not have much but rest assured it is more than enough when the Master blesses it.[5]

[1] Romans 12:13
[2] Hebrews 13:2
[3] Titus 1:8
[4] 1 Timothy 5:10
[5] Matthew 15:36

Grace Pushed Too Far

For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. - Galatians 5:13-14 HCSB

There are many today who try to foist a “Gospel of love” on believers. They emphasize God’s grace and mercy so much that they actually wink at sin! Galatians 5:13-14 is one of the favorite passages they like to quote. However, its historical context includes the fact that the Judaizers were trying to get the Galatians to circumcise FOR SALVATION.

Obviously, since Christ filled the parts of the Law dealing with atonement, anything in the Sinaitic Law that deals with salvation of the soul is not required. However, the Sinaitic Law involves an awful lot more than atonement sacrifices.

My difficulty is that many who claim to follow Christ fail to understand His teaching when He said, “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets…not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.”

Not only did He explicitly teach that the Law was not abolished, but He went on to raise the standard even higher! Before, the illicit sexual act was adultery; now the thought counts. Before, rage acted upon was murder; now arrogantly despising someone counts.

Because the majority of Christians have effectively excised two-thirds of their Bibles under the guise of “grace”, we are in dire moral straits. The divorce rate among Christians is no different from the unregenerate. The adultery rate is exactly the same. How is the world supposed to believe us when we say that Christ’s Spirit empowers us to overcome sin?

The early church apparently already struggled with this issue for Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) found it necessary to teach: "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything.[1] “Everything is permissible," but not everything builds up.[2]

He had to emphasize again and again, “Consider yourselves dead to sin; do not let sin reign in your mortal body; do not offer any parts of it to sin; sin will not rule over you; should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not!”[3]

By the way, a good working definition of the Greek phrase upo nomon (literally “under law”) would be “in subjection to any system which results from perverting the Torah into legalism.”

Being saved by the gracious death of the Christ does not give us a free pass to ignore morals, ethics or the elements of the Sinaitic Law that spell what “Love God; Love your neighbor” looks like in real life.

[1] 1 Corinthians 6:12;
[2] 1 Corinthians 10:23
[3] Romans 6:9-15

Environmentalism, Part 3

Alternate title: Ecotheology

The nations were angry, but Your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear Your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth. – Revelation 11:18 HCSB

Those who abuse their stewardship are not likely to make it to heaven.[1] We are Jesus’ slaves and He has put us in charge of the care of his possessions. One of the perks is that we get to eat the Master’s food. However, the Lord made it clear that those who abuse these privileges will not fare well when He returns. The Bible seems to imply that those who abuse the environment and their fellow humans reveal that they are not truly saved and will end up in hell.

We are not allowed to say “It’s too big a problem.” God does not hold us accountable for what we cannot control but for what we can do.[2] In the parable of the talents, each servant was given resources - “to each according to his own ability.” When the Master returned, He did not require five talents from the one to whom He had given only one.

"To whom much is given much is required," the Bible says. The opposite is thus equally true. We are not all presidents. We cannot take personal responsibility for signing the Kyoto treaty or for forcing China to quit killing all its rivers but we can recycle more. We can quit letting the water run while we brush our teeth. We can bicycle rather than drive a car down the block.

It is not enough to simply not grossly damage God’s creation – we must do positive good to it.[3] God is a tough task master and he will require an accounting of us. The Master in the parable of the talents never denied the wicked slave’s assessment of his toughness. The judgment did not come because the wicked slave called God difficult, but because he did not adequately believe and act on that fact.

Note that once again, it is a mark of a true disciple to care for God’s resources. Only those who did well were accepted into God’s heaven. The one who buried his resource and did not improve it was cast into the outer darkness.

I would like to leave you with this challenge. A great day of reckoning is coming; a day when even the Ransomed will have to face the Master and give an answer as to what we have done with the resources He gave us.

On that day, God will judge two groups of people. One is described as “fearing God” and the other as “those who destroy the earth.” John prophesied that the second group would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In which group would you rather be included?

[1] Matthew 24:45-51
[2] Matthew 25:14-25; Luke 12:48
[3] Matthew 25:26-20

Environmentalism, Part 2

Alternate title: Ecotheology

The nations were angry, but Your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear Your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth. – Revelation 11:18 HCSB

Sin cursed the ground but did not change the command to care for the planet.[1] The ground was cursed for our sakes, and our job became much more difficult. However, God did not abrogate our call to care for the soil and the plants therein. It is to be by the sweat of our brow, but it still needs to be done.

We are to work with and learn about God from nature.[2] Job tells us that we are to ask the animals for instructions. He says that the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea and the earth itself will speak to us of the great web of life and that that knowledge will lead us to know that God has done this. It will cause us to bow our knees to His mastery and acknowledge that every living thing is in His hand.

When we abuse creation, use it and discard it simply for our pleasure, and with no concern for the long-term consequences, we are in effect rebelling against God’s sovereign ownership. We are plugging our ears to the cry of the earth that it belongs to Him.

Not only are we to not actively damage the soil, we are to allow it to periodically rest and recover.[3] It takes an average of 100 to 500 years to make 1 inch of topsoil. It takes such a phenomenally long time to produce new arable soil that as far as humans are concerned, soil is a non-renewable resource.

God our creator knew this and He instituted laws that would protect soil. Unfortunately, we have flaunted His commands and as a result Iowa alone has lost about half of its 14 inches of top soil to erosion.

We are not only to use nature, but assure its continued use for future generations.[4] God instituted specific laws dictating our behavior in harvesting the land. We were allowed to do what needed to be done to provide for our families, but not at the cost of continued harvests. We are allowed to enter our neighbor’s vineyard and eat to our fill, but not strip it bare. We are allowed to enter our neighbor’s field and pluck the grain to eat, but we are not allowed to use tools that would keep our neighbor from having a harvest. Even in war, though we are allowed to inflict collateral damage on the environment, we must ensure that the fruit bearing trees remain untouched.

If this much care and concern is to be demonstrated for our neighbors and our enemies, surely our children and grandchildren deserve as much care?

[1] Genesis 3:17-19
[2] Job 12:7-10; Psalm 19:2-4; Romans 1:18-20
[3] Leviticus 25:2-7
[4] Deuteronomy 23:24-25; 20:19-20