Israel

Pause IV Day 12 Worthy

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Pause IV, Day 12

God had come to Israel before.
He had delivered them from slavery.
He had shaken the earth with His mighty glory as He descended on Mt. Sinai to deliver the Ten Commandments.
He had gone before Israel as she was welcomed into the Promised Land, Canaan, and given victory after victory. (verse 3)

In the dark land of Canaan, filled with heathen worshippers of false gods, the Lord’s righteous glory shone brilliantly as He moved His people in, clearing the way before them. (verse 4) Even though His display of power over all Canaan’s inhabitants and armies was lucidly evident, Habakkuk knows this demonstration was as nothing to the Lord. His power is infinite.

When Israel sinned against the Lord, He brought them to repentance with pestilence and plague, leaving no doubt He alone held all authority. (verse 5) Even the “eternal mountains” crumbled before the Lord God, the Everlasting One, El Olam. (verse 6)

This God who announced coming punishment and exile in Habakkuk’s day, was the same God who had walked beside Israel before in love, compassion, justice, and power.
This same God would continue to remain faithful to His character.

His power had not weakened, nor had His authority waned.
He was worthy then, and He is worthy now!

Today's Invitation

1) Pull out your Bible and read Habakkuk 3:1-15 fully through 2 times. Then focus in on reading verses 3-6 several times through. Go slow. Emphasis different words each time you read it. Savor the message, and pray as you read. Write out verses 3-6 in your journal.

2) Each time you re-read verses 3-6, write down everything that pops out at you, makes you curious, or wonder “why?”. When you’re finished, go back through and you’ll be amazed at the new things the Spirit is leading you into knowing about Him!

3) Pay special attention to how Habakkuk planted himself in the truths he already knew about God, even if he hadn’t experienced those specific instances for Himself. How can you do the same?

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Habakkuk 3:1-15

A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. According to Shigionoth.

2 Lord, I have heard the report about you;
Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Revive your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In your wrath remember mercy!

3 God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His splendor covers the heavens,
and the earth is full of his praise.
4 His brilliance is like light;
rays are flashing from his hand.
This is where his power is hidden.
5 Plague goes before him,
and pestilence follows in his steps.
6 He stands and shakes the earth;
he looks and startles the nations.
The age-old mountains break apart;
the ancient hills sink down.
His pathways are ancient.
7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause!

Pause IV Day 10 Exposing Imposters

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Pause IV, Day 10

As we studied yesterday, we can replace “him” and “you” with “Chaldeans” or “Babylonians Empire” in verses 15-20 as we continue reading of the wicked exploits and motivations of this nation.

With graphic language, verse 15 warns the Babylonians of their pride in their own strength to bring their wrath down upon Israel. While it was accurate they would expose Israel’s sin by taking them into captivity, they would not escape judgement themselves. The Lord assures Habakkuk in verse 16 of His coming wrath against Babylon to expose their sin as well. Persian/Lebanon rulers would overtake Babylon and conquer it swiftly, bringing the Lord’s judgement against them. (verse 17)

Verses 18-20 serve as a beautifully poetic interlude to bridge between God’s righteous ruling against sin and His perpetual, magnificent glory. The mere presence of the glory of the Lord, the One True God, reveals how laughably inept our own strength, our own idols, and our own self-righteousness are in comparison to His magnificence.  How ludicrous it is to address a log of wood, commanding it to speak. Yet, when we elevate anything, read a n y t h i n g, above the rightful position of authority held by the Lord God in our lives, we are bowing our hearts to idols as impotent as blocks of wood.

What fills your hands, your time, your passion, your thoughts? What do you protect, and are quick to defend? These things threaten to be our own idols! Even if they are good and important things, or people, they all make for a very bad Sovereign Lord. Things, and even people, will never love us back as the Lord loves us.

Allow the glory of the Lord to expose the imposter idols in your life. Be still before Him, acknowledging His mighty power, and realigning your life in worship to Him!

Today's Invitation

1) Read Habakkuk 2:15-20,  then re-read verses 18-20 out loud today twice. Slowly. Linger over those words that stick out to you, slowing and listening as God’s Spirit speaks to your heart! Write out verse 20 on a notecard and place it somewhere you won’t miss its message. Take time to memorize it over the weekend!

2) This weekend, we have a new hand-crafted Spotify playlist! Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause! Know that we prayed for you as we prepared this study!

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Habakkuk 2:15-20

Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink,
pouring out your wrath
and even making them drunk,
in order to look at their nakedness!
16 You will be filled with disgrace instead of glory.
You also—drink,
and expose your uncircumcision!
The cup in the Lord’s right hand
will come around to you,
and utter disgrace will cover your glory.
17 For your violence against Lebanon
will overwhelm you;
the destruction of animals will terrify you
because of your human bloodshed and violence
against lands, cities, and all who live in them.

18 What use is a carved idol
after its craftsman carves it?
It is only a cast image, a teacher of lies.
For the one who crafts its shape trusts in it
and makes worthless idols that cannot speak.
19 Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up!
or to mute stone: Come alive!
Can it teach?
Look! It may be plated with gold and silver,
yet there is no breath in it at all.
20 But the Lord is in his holy temple;
let the whole earth
be silent in his presence.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause IV Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause IV!

Redeemed Day 14 Paid In Full: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Paid In Full!

The Questions

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)

Ruth 4

Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So, Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So, they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. 8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Original Intent

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)
Naomi and Ruth were in a bit of a predicament. They moved back to Naomi’s town, but with no money, and no place to live, as her deceased husband had sold their land before fleeing due to the famine, they were destitute. Naomi knew of a redeemer, some translations say, “kinsman redeemer”, which means a near relative who is in a position of stepping in to “redeem” her current situation. (Ruth 2:20) In the original language, the root word for redeemer is ‘ga al’, meaning “to redeem, or buy back”. The Lord had designed the role of kinsman redeemer as means of protecting a woman and her family, or sometimes giving provision for a slave. (Exodus 21:8) Outside of Ruth and Naomi’s story, there are several other instances of kinsman redeemers in the Old Testament. Job also knew he had a kinsmen redeemer, however, he wasn’t referring to a human redeemer to save him from his circumstances. Rather, by God’s all-knowing Spirit, Job pointed forward to a coming Messiah who would offer redemption for all peoples. (Job 19:25) The prophet Isaiah confirms Job’s words hundreds of years later in Isaiah 43:14, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel…”. Regardless of the reference in Scripture, the role of the redeemer always carries the idea of “buying back as a gift of grace”, meant to elevate the status of the one being redeemed.

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)
From reading Ruth’s story, it may seem like women had little worth and they truly were commodities for sale, which is largely true. The ancient eastern culture was patriarchal, meaning men held sole power and authority. Whether it was over a nation, a large city, the synagogue, or a home, the voice of a man was the only voice that mattered. Women were allotted the role of homemaking, and even more critically important, childbearing, especially bearing a son who would carry on the male lineage. The father selected a suitable husband for his daughter and, when it came to slaves, women were sold at a lower price. In Ruth’s case, the true prize in the near relative’s view, was foremost Elimelech’s land, and secondary, Ruth. When we read Ruth’s story, we must put on these cultural glasses so we can properly see how God’s perspective of women was vastly different. He elevated women to be equal with men in importance and value. He esteemed women so highly He ensured their inclusion, by name, in the lineage of Jesus, God’s Son. Even the concept of “kinsman redeemer” was put in place by God in order to elevate and safeguard women in a patriarchal society. These laws were given by the Lord in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6 and Leviticus 25:23-28) The relative who was first in line to carry out the duties of kinsman redeemer, didn’t want Ruth; he was only interested in the land. When he discovered that Ruth came along with it, he turned down his duty because it would jeopardize his inheritance. This could have meant he was married with other children or it could be another reason entirely. Thankfully, Boaz stepped in and was willing to pay the price for Ruth.  Throughout the book of Ruth, we see Boaz elevating Ruth; He didn’t view women as simply a commodity, but as people worthy of honor and respect.

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)
In Old Testament times, family lineage was an important piece of Jewish and Hebrew culture. Who you came from, who your people married, and how far back you could trace Jewish bloodlines carried significant importance. Extreme value, and whole identities, stemmed from one’s heritage. The ideal lineage could be traced all the way back to the fathers of the faith, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In fact, this supreme importance of clear lineage is why the Samaritans were such outcasts in Jesus’ day as Jews had intermarried with Samaritans, creating a mixed race. Great care was taken to ensure people with distasteful lifestyle choices or poor reputations were avoided, even cut off from Israel, as to be certain of a “clean bloodline”.  For this same reason, women were rarely, if ever, included in a genealogical listing; they were viewed as non-entities and were typically ignored. God, however, radically upends these ideas by including both women and persons of ill-repute in His human family tree! The genealogy at the end of Ruth is a small snippet of the full one found in the New Testament, preserved in both Luke and Matthew. Luke takes the genealogy found in Ruth 4 and begins with Jesus Christ working backwards until arriving at the first man made in God’s image, Adam. It is important to note that some of this family tree was foretold by prophets thousands of years before Jesus was born.  Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would come from the family lineage of Jesse. (Isaiah 11:1-2)

Everyday Application

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)
Your life doesn’t need to be destroyed and your children tragically killed like Job, or be impoverished like Ruth and Naomi, to be in need of a kinsman redeemer. Just being you is qualifier enough! We are all broken, whether we like to admit it or not.  We need rescuing! Maybe you’ve had a friend jump start your car, or maybe you’ve received a warning instead of a speeding ticket, or perhaps your “rescue” was not being marked late for work or class.  These everyday rescues are common graces the Lord kindly gives, but our greatest need for rescue runs much deeper to the core of our nature as human beings. We are, each of us, tragically cut off from a relationship with the God of the Universe because of our sin. This sin earns us the penalty of eternal death, forever separating us from God, from love, from life, and from forgiveness. (Romans 6:23) Our need for this kind of rescue is found only the pure, holy God who willingly sacrificed Himself on our behalf that we might be restored. With His blood, Jesus redeems those who trust in Him; He “buys us back” from the kingdom of Sin and Death. (Ephesians 1:7) He “redeems our life from the grave” that we might enjoy His lavish “love and mercy”. (Psalm 103:4) This Jesus is the same Redeemer the prophets foretold would come in the Old Testament and He is the same Redeemer Paul wrote about to the churches in Corinth and Galatia. (1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 4:5) Jesus is our Eternal Redeemer, adopting us as God’s sons and daughters if we turn to Him in faith, repent of our sin, and surrender our lives to Him. (Ephesians 1:5)

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)
Just as the Lord God placed value on women in the Old Testament in many ways, including the law of the kinsman redeemer, so did Jesus exemplify this same valuing of women when during His earthly ministry. Rather than viewing women as a commodity to be bought, sold, or traded, He esteemed women. In John 4 Jesus went out of His way to travel to Samaria, intentionally stopping at a Samaritan well at midday where He met a woman who was an outcast.  His chat with her set in motion a revival in a city with mixed races who were considered pariah by traditional Jews! Following her encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene traveled with the disciples, serving where needed in Jesus’ earthly ministry. (Luke 8:1-3) Talk about a coveted position! Additionally, she was one of the last to leave the scene of Christ’s crucifixion (John 19:25, Luke 23:49) and the first to see Jesus resurrected in the garden (John 20:15-16)! Jesus was also friends with Lazarus and his two sisters Mary and Martha. He even protected Mary’s position of sitting at His feet to learn from Him as His student, a position traditionally only permitted for males. (Luke 10:39-43) Jesus shepherded these sisters, both reprimanding them and loving them deeply. (Luke 10:38-42, Luke 11:17-33)  Be assured that, to Christ, you are not simply a commodity! You are so valued that Christ your Redeemer purchased you with the greatest price. The Savior shed His blood so you might have eternal life with Him! In Christ, there is no sliding scale of value between male and female. (Galatians 3:28)

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)
Matthew’s record of Jesus’ lineage hides nothing, boldly listing women and people with tarnished character. Because we’ve first put on the necessary “cultural glasses”, we are encouraged and pleasantly surprised to realize how much value God places on women, despite the cultural norms. Ruth, a non-Jew, is listed as well as Tamar, who was manipulated and abused (Matthew 1:3), and Rahab, a Gentile prostitute (Matthew 1:5). Have you ever been shamed or taken advantage of?  Perhaps you’ve dabbled in promiscuity or adultery. By including these women, God was declaring that no one is too far gone to be esteemed and valued for His kingdom work! Guess who Rahab gave birth to? Boaz! The women listed in Jesus’ genealogy were broken, used, and carried deep shame, and most weren’t even Jews! But, they turned to Jehovah, the One True God, and HE redeemed them, using each of their stories in radical ways. Because God is gracious and loving, He saw fit to redeem them and give them a place of honor. God loves you with the same grace and love! He knows where you have been, the shame you carry, and He knows the good kingdom work He has for you in the future if you surrender to Him. He paid the highest price for you, and because of this, we can each call on His name and repent for our past, seeking forgiveness for our sin and freedom from our shame. Jesus doesn’t see us as beyond repair. Be encouraged by these seeming random names at the end of Ruth’s story, they shout of God’s inclusive love and value! God wants you to know you beloved and chosen!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Hallel Day 4 In His Presence: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out In His Presence!

The Questions

1) Why does the Hallel song set focus so much on Israel coming out of Egypt?

2) The psalmist sings twice of the sea, of Jordan, and of mountains. What significance do these three carry?

3) What role does the presence of the Lord play in the anthem of this psalm? (verse 7)

Psalm 114

When Israel came out of Egypt—
the house of Jacob from a people
who spoke a foreign language—
2 Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel, his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled;
the Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills, like lambs.
5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?
Jordan, that you turned back?
6 Mountains, that you skipped like rams?
Hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
the flint into a spring.

Original Intent

1) Why does the Hallel song set focus so much on Israel coming out of Egypt?
From the time they were set free, Israel was commanded to retell the story of their exodus from slavery for future generations, which they did through song, written record, and oral tradition. Being set free from their 400-year slavery became one of the biggest mile-markers of their journey into becoming a nation shaped by God. What made their escape from enslavement so memorable and remarkable, was that it had absolutely nothing to do with their ability as a people. They weren’t even a nation yet! They had no government structure, no military presence, no power, and no land; the thousands of people who left Israel had absolutely no proof that pointed to themselves as being the reason they had been set free. Only an act of the Lord God could rescue such an utterly helpless people.

2) The psalmist sings twice of the sea, of Jordan, and of mountains. What significance do these three carry?
Like the marker of the great exodus from Egypt, so do these three words call to mind for the original audience three additional highly significant events in the history of Israel as it was being formed. The sea refers to the Red Sea, which all of the former slaves of Egypt crossed. Not such a big deal, right? Well, add in the fact that the multitude of thousands trudged across the Red Sea on dry ground, that they were being hotly pursued by the Egyptian army and Pharaoh himself, but God was holding the enemy back with a cloud of glory, and that God released the waters of the sea to effectively drown every Egyptian, including Pharaoh, right before their eyes, and you have an incredibly formative historic event! (Exodus 15:4) “Jordan” refers to the river Jordan, where Joshua lead the newly minted nation of Israel across as they stepped foot onto the long-awaited Promised Land. (Joshua 3:13-17) Israel was to take possession of this land; it was the fulfillment of the promise God had made to Abraham and his coming descendants hundreds and hundreds of years prior. Another pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The mountains “skipping” references God giving Israel the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, an event sandwiched between crossing the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and an earthquake occurred at the time of this momentous event when God gave Israel the rules of the covenant. (Exodus 19:16-20) He had already chosen them as His people and rescued them from slavery before they even knew about His law, let alone fulfilled a single aspect of it, but this was the giving of the Law by which Israel was to follow the Lord God.

3) What role does the presence of the Lord play in the anthem of this psalm? (verse 7)
Verse 2 can be easily overlooked, but it’s actually acting as the first bookend, which is completed by the declaration of the Lord’s Presence in verse 7. Both verses hinge on the powerful presence of the Lord. Verse 2 says Judah (Israel) became His (God’s) sanctuary where He ruled with all dominion, power, and sovereignty. God’s desire was always to dwell with His people, even from the Garden of Eden at the beginning of Creation, we see God walking with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening to enjoy the depths of relationship with them. (Genesis 3:8) After God had given the 10 Commandments and many other laws at Mt. Sinai, he gave instructions to Moses and the people to build a tabernacle, a sanctuary, so God might dwell in their midst. (Exodus 25:8-9) He didn’t want to simply possess a people group for His own clout or sense of power, He wanted to be with them, to express His vast love to them, to invite them to truly know Him deeply and intimately. His heart was to shepherd them and show Himself faithful to them that, as they followed Him, they would reflect His magnificent love and faithfulness to the world around them so that all would know Him! (Ezekiel 24:15-16, Isaiah 42:6-7) By dwelling with His people, the same Presence of the Lord that made the Red Sea part, the Jordan River divide, the mountains shake, and solid rocks pour forth water (Psalm 114:8, Numbers 20:11), would be constantly abiding with His People! As Israel submitted to living God’s design for their lives, His Spirit would move among them and declare Himself to all nations!

Everyday Application

1) Why does the Hallel song set focus so much on Israel coming out of Egypt?
Thousands of years and hundreds of generations removed from the Hebrews’ liberation from enslavement at the hand of the Egyptians and their story is still being told, read, sung, and studied. What’s more incredible, their Old Testament story beautifully depicts the New Testament gospel. There are only 2 kinds of people, those who have trusted Christ for salvation and are now “slaves” to freedom because they have been made righteous in Jesus, or those who are slaves to sin because they are still dead in their sin nature. (Romans 6:16) Every person is a slave to sin without having trusted Christ for redemption; we have absolutely zero ability to free ourselves from the enslavement of sin, earning the punishment of eternal death and separation from God. Israel was not a nation, so are unbelievers not God’s people. They are owned by Satan, the ruler of Sin and Death. But God offers freedom from this slavery! He calls those who aren’t “a people” to be His people. (1 Peter 2:10, Romans 9:25-26) Only by His gift of grace towards us, and our willing reception of that gift through faith, can we be free and declared righteous in His sight, having victory over death and sin through Jesus Christ! (Romans 6:14, Romans 6:20-23) Do you have a freedom from sin story? Keep telling it! Declare it to yourself and others as a reminder of what God has done in setting you free from sin and death and alive to walk in the new life of righteousness!

2) The psalmist sings twice of the sea, of Jordan, and of mountains. What significance do these three carry?
These three events, while deeply significant in Israel’s formation as a nation, are mentioned in this Jewish song for a singular purpose revealed in verse 7, “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” Why did the Red Sea part? Why would the Jordan River split in two? Why would the mountains skip and shudder like animals? Only because of the presence of the Lord God. The God who called Israel to be His, a people for His own possession, precious in His sight honored, and loved. (Deuteronomy 4:20, Isaiah 43:1-4) Jesus said in Matthew 9:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” He said this in response to the disciples’ question of who could possibly be saved for eternity because the requirements for salvation are so, well, impossible (because it requires absolute holy perfection). What is utterly inconceivable for flawed human beings (living a perfect life without even one fault), is entirely possible for God (as exemplified in God the Son, Jesus Christ, as He lived the human life without a single sin). The same magnitude sung about in this sacred Hallel hymn is amplified in the life of the believer who has trusted Christ to do what he or she could never do, be declared righteous in the sight of God. Take some time to consider your own incredibly pivotal moments in your faith journey. Where has God left His indelible mark on your life because of His presence? Where are the events of your story radically different than they would be without the presence of the God who does impossible things?!

3) What role does the presence of the Lord play in the anthem of this psalm? (verse 7)
No body of water has ever split in two leaving a dry pathway to cross since the day God’s presence specifically called for that event for the purpose of declaring His glory to His people. In similar fashion, hearts trusting Jesus for salvation can live and move and act and speak and love others in radical ways because of God’s presence living within them through the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, God gave explicit instructions on how to build the Tabernacle so He could dwell with His people. This was incredible to have the Spirit of God with Israel! His presence was to be signified with the “Ark of the Covenant”, which was a large, ornate box covered in gold. Only the high priest could enter the holy of holies space within the Tabernacle where the Ark was placed, and even then, only once a year. Here, Israel could meet with God through the high priest. BUT NOW! Now, because of Jesus coming to earth, living righteousness out in everyday life for us, He became the high priest for each of us. He not only gives us access to God through His sacrificial death on our behalf, God Himself lives inside every believing heart! Not simply with, but inside! Fueled with this powerful presence of the Lord, every Christ-follower carries around a sanctuary (verse 2) for the Most High God. When we submit to the rule and reign of God’s Spirit, giving Him total dominion over our lives, His presence is made evident for all to see and know Him!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with In His Presence!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Hallel Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Worship VI Day 7 Isn’t He?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Isn’t He?!

The Questions

1) Why was Israel the favored nation of God?

2) Was Israel a nation without blemish or sin?

3) What is God teaching Israel in this passage?

Isaiah 43:1-7

Now this is what the Lord says—
the one who created you, Jacob,
and the one who formed you, Israel—
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
2 I will be with you
when you pass through the waters,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire,
and the flame will not burn you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.
I have given Egypt as a ransom for you,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 Because you are precious in my sight
and honored, and I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you
and nations instead of your life.
5 Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’
Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who bears my name
and is created for my glory.
I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”

Original Intent

1) Why was Israel the favored nation of God?
God chose the nation of Israel to be the people through whom Jesus Christ’s human ancestry lineage would descend from. Since the beginning of time, God set apart Israel as His chosen race through whom He would bless the whole world through Jesus, the Savior from sin and death, the heart condition of the entire human race. (Deuteronomy 10:15, John 3:16) After Adam and Eve’s fall into sinfulness, effectively separating them for eternity from their once-delighted-in relationship with God, God promised a Messiah would one day come, crushing Satan’s head of power, and would bring restoration back again. (Genesis 3:15) Through the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God continued to confirm again and again throughout the generations, the Messiah would come through His people, Israel. (Genesis 12:1-3) Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason why God chose Israel to be His special people. It wasn’t because they were stronger, or more qualified, or possessed more wealth, He simply decided to set His love upon them in order to highlight His glory. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) God called Israel to be a distinct people for God’s glory and purposes. Israel was set apart to be a beacon of light in a darkened sinful world.

2) Was Israel a nation without blemish or sin?
The Old Testament is a chronicle of Israel’s repeated failure to obey God. Israel refused to keep His commandments and statues. While God had set them apart for holiness and to live out the righteousness of God in a pagan culture, they failed continuously. (Psalm 78:10-11, 40-42, 56-57. (“Ephraim” in these passages is understood as greater Israel) Remember the only suffering Israel experienced are direct results of her own sinful choices. However, Isaiah 43 paints a stark picture of restoration by divine grace set against the dark backdrop of Israel’s rejection, arrogance, and pride. Isaiah’s words were a reminder to the people of Israel that their identity as a nation existed because of God and His magnificent love for them. Who they were as a people was rooted in their relationship to God and who He was as the Creator and Sustainer. He was in control at all times and their destiny depended on Him and His faithfulness. In Isaiah 43:1-7, we see Jehovah God assure His people with tender love that they need not fear for HE created, formed, redeemed, and called them. He would faithfully be with them in flood or fire. God would be their final deliverance.

3) What is God teaching Israel in this passage?
Chapter 42 details out Israel’s sickening rebellion and leaves no question as to God’s rightfully justified anger towards them. Yet, with one sweeping voice of love, God speaks truth over His people. A truth they must hold tightly to, even in the middle of the reality of their sin and God’s wrath. Through Isaiah’s prophecy of the yet-to-come punishment for their sin, God also declares His unchanging love for them, as if in the same breath. We must remember this original context when we read this precious passage, as it makes its truths all the sweeter. These great and precious promises are originally directed to Israel as solid reminders of what was true. Truths God wanted Israel to hold in the forefront of their minds despite the consequences forthcoming for their sin were: 1) Israel Belongs To The Lord. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (verse 1)
This is the basis by which Israel can stand with no fear! 2) Israel Will Be Preserved By God. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. (verse 2) God’s promise to keep Israel never waivers. 3) Israel Is Precious And Loved. You are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you. (verse 4) Despite Israel’s waywardness, God chooses to love with intensity. (Daniel 7:6) 4) Israel Will Be Whole. I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. (verses 5-6) One day, God will make Israel whole again. One day, all will be healed where it was once wounded and broken.

Everyday Application

1) Why was Israel the favored nation of God?
The promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would save us from Death, which is the natural consequences for our choice to reject God and His righteousness, instead choosing our own sin. This Messiah was destined to come through the line of a small nation, who had done absolutely nothing to deserve such rich kindness or heritage towards them. Deuteronomy 14:2 says of Israel, “For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and God has chosen you to be His treasured people from all nations that are on the face of the earth.” God did not choose them because they were holy, He made them holy because He chose them. This is a beautiful picture of God’s love towards every human heart! We have done nothing to deserve God’s rich love and mercy towards us, but He still chooses us, calls us into His heritage by making us His children, and purposing our lives to be shining examples of His glory to all people. Just as God used Israel to teach the world about His character and glorious nature, so is the calling of every heart turned towards Christ. Israel exemplified brokenness, while God’s amazing grace and redemptive love declared His glory!

Today, in 2019, in all of our brokenness, every born-again believer is called and set apart to share the gospel, which is the glory of God! God uses our brokenness today just as He did with Israel to highlight His kind grace, tender love, and redemptive power.

2) Was Israel a nation without blemish or sin?
Israel, time and time again, failed to be obedient to God, they were exiled and scattered around the globe, separated spiritually from God. Israel owed God everything, not the least of which was their origin as a nation. He created them. Yet, regardless of how Israel failed, their shortcomings neither deterred God from pursuing them every single time they rejected Him, nor did it disqualify them from still being used by God for God’s purposes. His purposes didn’t prevail because they were good. Not at all! His purposes prevailed because God was good for them. This IS the hope of the gospel! For every heart surrendered to Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah, this very reality is lived out in our everyday lives as often as we breathe. Christ IS our good, for us, on our behalf, despite how many times we might turn away and fail to follow Him. This is how He rescues us! Many Jews had no hope as they faced being exiled for their perpetual disobedience towards God, but Isaiah’s prophetic words encourage them to have NO FEAR. Why? The God of All had created, formed, and redemptively loved them. This very same God offers His unchanging love and “fear not” message to each of us today. Whatever the darkness you’re facing, the brokenness you’re hiding, or the fear you’re masking, God is pursuantly inviting you to return to His heart and know Him as Savior. Know Him as your everyday Savior. For every human being, our impending default assurance is eternal separation from God. This is a reality of which depths, I cannot imagine or grasp, but neither can I fully comprehend the lavish love of a God who pursues those trapped in darkness so He can rescue!

3) What is God teaching Israel in this passage? 
Just as God was with Israel and declared His love for them, so is He with us today, also declaring His love. The imagery we first see with Israel, we see repeated again in our own, messy, sin-wrecked lives. Israel rebelled, and so do we. Israel’s consequence was severe, but so is ours. Israel needed a One Day Savior. A Messiah who would One Day make all things right, bring restoration, heal, and bind up what had been torn and broken. Don’t you feel the same ache? To have that One Day when all your fears are forever cast out, when every single tear will be redeemed, when every wound will be restored perfectly, and every loss will be rebirthed in newness of life? This is the hope of the Promised Messiah, this is the hope we have in Jesus! For every single person who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus to save them from their own sinfulness, our eternities are altered! Now WE belong to the Lord. …for you were bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:20) Now WE are preserved by God alone, not our works. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the last time. (1 Peter 1:5) Now WE are precious and loved by the Creator. Just as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love. (John 15:9) Now WE are promised full redemption on the very same One Day by exactly the same Savior! Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His peoples, and God Himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. (Revelation 21:3-4) Fear Not, WE are His redeemed!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Isn’t He?!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship VI Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.