A LESSON OF LOVE

One of the most effective strategy of the devil is that of offence and perceived offence. If I were to point my finger at the most popular reason people stop going to church or stop praying or stop believing in God, it would be this, taking offence. It has been used against us since the time of the Garden of Eden.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ ” Genesis 3:1

"but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” Genesis 3:3

God was and is always right. We now understand that it was spiritual death that God spoke of, but at that time Eve did not know of this. She did not understand sin either and how it corrupts and erodes one's life. Neither Adam nor Eve had experience with sin and death. The serpent told her a half truth. He saw an opportunity to get into her thinking and her emotions and plant doubt. His approach is usually similar to this day.

Many people sound like they care and want to teach or mentor but they are really planning to pull us away from the church by causing doubt and hurt based on an offence that does not even exist. Think about it. How many people do you know stop going to church because the pastor preached a message on giving tithes? 

In fact, I have seen many instances where recruiters for terrorism or Islam would enter chats or comment on Christian YouTube channels and use this same strategy. They use hooks to bait the ones who do not the word of God, those who are weak minded and not focused on God.

Some people don't go to church because they cannot sit where they want to. There are many things that are used to create the negative feelings that affect our decision-making. Tithes belong to God. If the pastor cares he will teach on it. It is not a pastor's decision to say, 'Don't give the tithes' because the money belongs to God not him/her. Offering is different. The pastor is not greedy. God will not bless your money if you don't give tithes. It is an act of obedience to God not the pastor. 

What is offence? It is when we feel that we are treated less than what we are worth. Sometimes that would be, less than human. In order for the devil to tempt Eve he started with this approach. Firstly, the Bible says he was crafty.

His lead up was what we know as FOMO (the fear of missing out) a marketing principle of making people feel left out and excluded. The way the question was asked, was casual and deceptive enough to cast doubt. He made Eve think that maybe God did not mean for her to be excluded. He was suggesting that she was not included. This is where Eve had a perceived offence. 

She thought she had the right to feel disrespected or treated differently. The concept of "perceived" is that it is not real but understood to be true. God's intentions in warning her was not to exclude her, but to keep her pure and holy. He knew man could not handle it. 

When we are offended it is usually because we take our eyes away from the principles of living in a kingdom. The kingdom is God's kingdom. Jesus is Lord over the kingdoms of the earth. He is coming to rule with a rod of iron. He is not gentle and merciful alone. He is also judge and King of Kings. 

Before you take offence or think about yourself, think about the word of God. What does it say? Of all the fruits of The Spirit who lives in you, humility is key. It is as important as all other fruits. There can be no fault found with humility.

It is unfortunate that so many of us feel offended and not forgiving. We should repent of those feelings that pull us away and separates us from the love of God. Adam and Eve were separated from the perfect will or perfect life offered in the garden. They were living in the abundance and did not know it. When we feel offended or perceive offence, we separate or isolate ourselves. This allows the enemy, the devil, to put us out of the abundance of God.  

A lesson of love is also a lesson on offence or perceived offence. We are supposed to show love because God first loved us. We are to forgive because Jesus gave His life for us. By being offended or hurt without forgiving or without repentance we rob ourselves of God being able to judge the situation for us. We rob ourselves of the blessings of God. We rob ourselves of His forgiveness. "Lord, forgive us as we forgive those who have offended us".

I pray you are encouraged in the ways of Almighty God. That you have the strength, courage and boldness needed in this time to keep walking in His word. I pray you are able to put all offences and hurt at the feet of God who is our Father in heaven, in Jesus name.

 Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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WHEN THE STORMS COME YOUR WAY

 

   It seems that life is made up of storms. We cannot avoid them. Storms have a tendency to rage and become unpredictable. In fact the storms themselves tend to come when least expected. The disciples were in a boat with Jesus and a storm threatened their lives. Jesus was awakened and He commanded it to be still. Can we command the storms in our lives to be still?

Like the disciples I resent the appearance of a storm. I may panic or I may get into a zone. Was Jesus in a zone? However, as a Christian am I allowed to react this way? The answer is no. While it is the human thing to do it is not Christian. Jesus gives us the perfect peace that passes all understanding. Think about it, we only need peace in the midst of the storms. Aha! I had a revelation.

The revelation is that even in the storm there is the eye of the storm that provides a window of calm. A breathing space. That is funny don't you think? I am very grateful for the eye of the storm but would rather not have to deal with the storms at all.

When experiencing one of life's storms, everything seems to be out of balance. I don't sleep when I am in this state. I find it easier to deal with things that happen than with people who happen. I have had the privilege of knowing a few people who are storms in their own right. When they pass through they leave a wake of destruction.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38

During the storm it is natural to feel abandoned or alone. The disciples were emboldened to ask Jesus the Saviour of the world, if he cared. They felt desperate. Often in such a state I would need to talk. But this is dangerous. The right person rarely comes by to speak with.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39

I have had many upsets in my life. As a Christian we have authority to calm the tempest. We can subdue the demonic activity around us. After all we have dominion. As a word, 'dominion' is found 44 times in the Bible. You can refer to:

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

Although Adam had dominion in Genesis, the word was used in the Bible more often after 1 Samuel. This was a time of transition for Israel as they moved from the judges to the reign of a king. When we rely on the leadership of men and women and not on The Holy Spirit we have to learn to face the storms. 

In a storm it is important to harness your own emotions and use it wisely. Get fed up and take control. Rise up and subdue. To subdue the environment around you and the demons working through people, requires prayer. 

To find peace in the storm we have to go to the Prince of Peace Himself. Like the disciples who went to Him. But unlike the disciples we act in faith. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40

Jesus had to ask them, Where is your faith? Jesus was asleep inside of faith, in the presence of God. Where is your faith? Understand that you have the authority through Christ. 

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

In this context the following verse it is a bit corny. Jesus was literally lying down, laying down His life in the boat. Could they not understand no harm could come to them with Him there? If they did not know who He is then can they have faith? 

Right after he subdues the storm they asked, As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:15

Remind The Father in heaven, what you did for me before do it again. As you did with (call the name of the person in the Bible or whom you know) do it for me.

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. John 14:10

On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. John 14:20

If you dwell in the presence of God, there is no storm that can shake you. If you are a tree planted by the river of life, you will not bend nor be shaken. When the storms come I try to find a quiet space and worship God for who He is. I find my peace in doing this and re-establish who God is in my life. 

 

I pray you find peace knowing who your God is. I pray you dwell in the presence of God in the secret places of the Almighty in Jesus name.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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COMMUNION INTERWOVEN PART 3

    

    There is so much bubbling inside of me to share with you. I recommend that you read Part 1 and Part 2 to catch up. I am taking my time to ensure that I say it right and within order so that you can follow and have revelation. Communion is NOT to be taken and forgotten until the next time we take part. Communion involves curses and therefore very serious. I confess that what I am about to share with you blew me away. It is my hope that when next you take communion it has more substance and sustenance for you as you remember what you read here.

I am part of a prophetic intercessory group and it has changed me. Some of what I am sharing today was taught by Apostle Tobi Arayomi founder of the group. You can leave a comment that you are interested in it, if you want to learn more. It is free. Or you can click on the link below to get more information.

More on communion. Sin brought curses in our lives. When the crown of thorns was placed on Jesus's head (explained further in part 1), He took the curse of mental afflictions that occupy this space in us. The mental space. This is how the curse over our mind is broken. Having a sound mind affects our peace and our stability. It affects what we let into our lives and how we live our lives. 

Depression is not from God. Oppression is not from God. It is possible to apply communion to your mind. When you take the communion thank God that the curse over your mind is broken through Christ. Jesus saved you from a reprobate mind.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

His beard was pulled out. Can you imagine that? It was yanked out with force by human hands. The enemy wanted to emasculate Jesus and embarrass Him. The curses of identity and sexuality, were broken for us. He endured this so we could be sure of who we are in Christ Jesus. No confusion in our sexuality either. God cannot make mistakes. If He did, the sun will fall out of place. Gravity will stop working. 

Jesus was pierced in His hands. The work we do cannot be cursed when we take the communion. 

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands— yes, establish the work of our hands! Proverbs 19:17

Additionally, you can look at Proverbs 16:3, Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

Jesus was whipped 39 times on his back. The curse of sickness, illness, disease are all broken. As Christians we carry healing in us. When you partake in communion we intake healing in our bodies. There are many examples of the healing power of Jesus which transcends from the physical to the emotional and spiritual. He will not withhold anything good from us (Psalm 84:11).

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Another curse that was broken was that of our dominion. When Jesus was pierced on His feet He broke the curse of not owning property, not being king of our destinies or establishing ourselves in our environment. He returned to us power to subdue or rule over any situation we are placed in or put ourselves in. We are conquerors. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses. Joshua 1:3

I pray the curses over your life are broken. I pray your relationship with God becomes more intimate. I pray when you take communion you apply these scriptures to your life. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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COMMUNION INTERWOVEN PART 2

    

Image by John Snyder

In part 1 of this mini series, I explained that God, The Father, weaves the theme of the communion through time. He takes the past event and uses it in the present to prophecy into the future. By our participation, we partake in communion, not just remember it as a thing of the past. However, our participation goes further than this. Communion is an act with significance. Many people testify that it helps them stay in the presence of God. You might think that it is what you already know but, do you really?

When we take communion we remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is in this way interwoven into the history of the world. We should remember that He fulfilled all prophecy by coming to us as a baby born of a virgin mother. Oh dear, I have to specify it is not a virgin man but a virgin woman (hahaha these are the times we live in).  

We should remember that Jesus Christ came as a man and faced temptations like us. He had to tolerate our follies and love us still. When they took Him and questioned Him, He held His peace. He answered but with control and specificity. He took the abuse that was beyond that which was required. 

It is important to understand that the enemy wanted to kill Jesus. The enemy beat Him with a vengeance and tortured Him. The enemy degraded Him in terrible ways. The enemy enjoyed this and had his fill with it. The enemy thought he had the victory over Christ. Jesus on the other hand, tolerated, accepted it, and went through it. He knew the idea was to keep Him from going on the cross. The enemy did not want Jesus to make it through. 

That devil knew that there was more to Jesus's death. Perhaps he did not fully understand. Jesus made it through to the cross. He survived to carry the cross part way and to walk through the streets in shame and incredible pain. It is all part of the communion. We have to get it into our heads that Jesus did not have to do any of it. 

Communion is a celebration of Jesus's death on the cross because He did not have to do it. It celebrates everything that Jesus endured culminating in the cross because the enemy tried to keep Him from the cross. He even gave Him vinegar to drink instead of water. His love for The Father and us led Jesus to the cross. 

Man separated from God because of sin committed by Adam and Eve. Sin continued in the world and further separated us from God. When sin was committed in the garden of Eden, a plan to reconcile man to God was set in motion. Maybe even before this, who knows? Jesus was obedient since that time, knowing it led to the cross. Can you see the interweaving of communion in our history now? The plan of salvation or the perfect work of the cross is what we celebrate in communion.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”

Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28

 

Jesus said we should eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was not yet on the cross. The mistake a lot of people make is to say that communion celebrates the death of Christ. It is a lot more than this. It celebrates God's tender heart for His people. As the master event planner, God took every opportunity to prepare us. He wanted us to understand how the cross worked. 

God taught the Jews about sacrifice and altars. In fact Most of the people groups in history had an understanding of this. However, God specially chose a people so that we can now say that He, God did this. Blood for forgiveness or sacrifice for an exchange.

According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

I pray you are made stronger in your faith in Christ by reading this blog in Jesus name.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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COMMUNION INTERWOVEN PART 1

    I have been a Christian for more than twenty years. It still amazes me that Jesus died on the cross so that I could have eternal life in heaven. He died for you too. I have been learning about the communion and about His life here on the earth. But I am well aware that there is so much more to learn. I get excited because through all that I learn I see the personality and skills of Father God. It is the reason for using the word 'interwoven' in the title of this blog. When it comes to event planning, there is no greater master than The Almighty.   

Communion is taken by Christians all over the world. It is for us to remember and be part of the perfect work of the sacrifice made by Christ. Communion is a celebration, an act of memory, and for us to partake in the victory of it. Through our participation, we can live in it. Let us look at John 6:58. In this verse it is understood that the tense is present continuous. The word 'eating' is 'trogo' or τρώγω which means 'partaking'. 

There are different ways to partake in something. Nowadays, you participate on social media by liking, reviewing, commenting, sharing etc. It works similarly when you partake in the communion. Your participation indicates two things; that you are agreeing that there is meaning and that you want to be part of it. You are sharing in the act of memory of it, therefore commenting on it. Each time you partake, you review what it is and what it represents.

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 'Communion' has two meanings:

1. 'an intimate fellowship or rapport'

2. '... bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realisation of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ'

Both meanings indicate a close relationship between parties. Communion began after the ascension of Christ but has roots in history spanning thousands of years. It is supposed to be a regular act. Most churches have a corporate communion at a main service once a month. Then there is personal communion at an individual or family level. I try to take communion daily. 

1 Corinthians 11:26, For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. It is present continuous tense because it is meant to continue until Jesus comes. It is still ongoing. The meaning of the communion will not come to fulfillment until Jesus returns. This makes our participation or our role in it even more profound.

Yes, I mean 'our role'. In participating or partaking in communion, we have a function. We keep it alive. But this is a down-played attitude towards an event that affects billions of people over thousands of years, even all eternity. The crucifixion of Christ would not have been necessary except for the sake of mankind. Communion is for the Christian people or Gentile people. By taking the communion we are testifying to the death of Jesus on the cross and that He will return. Hallelujah!

Just through the present continuous tense we can see how amazingly God interweaves His majesty into our; lives, history, purpose, salvation, and world. God takes the event and continues it through us. He determines the end to be at an appointed time. He fulfils prophecies and uses the celebration of the event to prophecy another grand event. 

The event has a beginning, various acts and scenes, a climax, and an end.  Can any event planner do better? Can any scriptwriter do better? In the following blogs I will explain more on how communion is interwoven in history and the religions of all who call themselves the sons and daughters of Abraham. 

I pray you never stop appreciating the communion and able to partake in it daily. I pray you live in the victory of Christ and everything hindering you from your victories be removed and cast away never to return to humans again, in Jesus name.  

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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WHAT'S ON YOUR ALTAR? PART 5

    

Today's blog is a revelation for me, and perhaps for you too! I thank God for the men and women of God who teach the word of God without holding back. My job here is to pass on the teaching and revelation I am getting. In this instance, it is from Apostle Tobi Arayomi. 

When I ask, What's on your altar? I am hoping that you know exactly what you are sacrificing to God and if it is acceptable. Is it possible that you don't know? If you often ask yourself the following questions, you may want to continue reading;

• Why don't I see the rewards of my work for The Lord?
• Where is my breakthrough?
• How is it happening for others but not for me?

Have you ever felt that someone else in walking in your blessing or your destiny? I do. Does this sound strange? Do you think someone has stolen the blessing from you? Does it feel as though someone else is living the life that was meant for you? 

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

I can identify the thief when I look at the following scriptures; 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

The character or traits of the thief is that of a liar and a killer. He fulfils the desires or 'lusts' of his father and lives in deception, 'abode not in the truth'. He will enter the church and pretend to be a Christian but does not have Jesus as His Saviour. 

The meaning of 'kill' in John 10:10 is not simple. It is in the original Greek θύω pronounced as thýō meaning 'sacrifice'. It is not just to take something or to murder, it is to offer in sacrifice in the spiritual realm. It affects both natural and spiritual realms. 

In a previous blog I wrote about the sacrifice as a transaction in exchange or trade off for something. Here I want to expand this to include 'substitute'. As Christians we try to make our lives a living sacrifice. But often we feel that we get nothing for it. Sometimes we are not in the right position or posture to receive the blessing.

We sabotage ourselves without realising it. Each time we do this the devil claims the reward or answer to our prayer for one of his own people. It is sacrificed and you are substituted. This is just one way in which many of us give authority to the enemy or transfer the blessing to him. We should think about the things we have made common or normal instead of extraordinary. 

We can go a step further with this. When satan tempted Jesus he offered Him the kingdom. Jesus understood that it was a trick. He wanted Him to transfer spiritual authority to him, satan. Like Jesus, we are to avoid bargaining with the devil. Do you remember there was a popular American slogan, 'We don't negotiate with terrorists'? 

Do you remember what happened with Daniel? He asked God a question. The answer was sent but it took 21 days to get to him. The Prince of Persia tried to take it from the angel. As soon as we pray, the answer is sent but it could get stolen by the thief before it gets to us. The devil wants us to pray. He will try to take the answers and give it to his own people.

Recently, I heard a Christian woman say that the Old Testament is no longer relevant and I cringed inside. From the first word in the Bible to the last, there is truth. The word of God is a present truth. It is still applicable today. There is more of the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Much of the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament. 

Many people died thousands of years to ensure we have access to God's word. Even non-believers use the Bible as an historical document. God's words are recorded in it. For me it is like killing the prophets all over again by making such a statement.  

You may be familiar with the account of Esau; 

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:30-34

Esau trivialised the things of God by putting flesh first. We should not get familiar with the spiritual. He did not even think of passing the birthright to his children. When you commit this sin, you transfer power or your birthright to another.  His birthright was his spiritual inheritance from his father. God said he hated Esau for this. These are very strong words. Are we trivialising the spiritual inheritance we have as heir to the throne with Jesus. Think about the spiritual things that God cares about.

I can understand God's anger with Esau. I am writing, and I have confess that I am upset. Let us not undervalue the things of God. Another example of a coveted spiritual practice is fasting. Fasting is an act of sacrifice. There are Christians today who have never fasted. The breakthrough will come with fasting.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8

I pray you are wise to the things of God in Jesus name. I pray you have boldness, stamina, and courage to give importance to the things of God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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WHAT'S ON YOUR ALTAR? PART 4

Threshing floor in Santori, Greece by Stan Zurek

    The more I write on this topic the more I find that I want to share new insights. I started out thinking that within three articles I would have exhausted the theme, but I am discovering so much I feel I have to share it with you. My faith is growing and I would like yours to be too. Today I look at the sacrifice on the altar and give a little more on the historical background that led to Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice to point you back to the question of how to apply this in your life. 

Like myself, many people think they understand the meaning of sacrifice, but it is very misunderstood. What is a sacrifice? As Christians, we are taught Jesus paid a price for us, and we should give ourselves in sacrifice to The Lord. But we stop there and do not carry the concept forward. I want to start by explaining a second stage of development of what sacrificing meant to God.

The first stage of altars and sacrifices can be found in part 1. It was a practise used by many people groups. I compare the sacrifice to a transaction in part 2. You can find out more about the kind of sacrifice that God is looking for, in part 3, but here in part 4 I want to go into a little more detail on the second phase or turning point for Israel. I apologise that this blog is bit longer than usual as it is needed to look at the final stage of sacrifice which is in how we apply it (to be found in part 5). 

Let us take a look at the account of David. But this event shows how God is a master planner and has a forgiving heart to the point where He repents of the very punishment that is deserving for the people of Israel. In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, God using Gad, the prophet, told David to go to Araunah's threshing floor and build an altar for Him.  Instead of receiving the gift of the property from the man, David insisted on paying something. This principle is still practised. To secure the purchase of an asset today, lawyers usually advise that it is to be bought by money or fiat, even if it is for just one dollar. The purchase seals the deal.

Now the backstory to this is that God was angry with Israel. David was tempted to number the people as a test. King and people caused God to pass judgement. Matthew 6:31 says, Bring us not into temptation, so it is possible for God to allow a temptation as a test. He moved David against them 2 Samuel 24:1. David failed the test, which meant that there was a high probability that the sin that angered God would continue, or become institutionalised or go without correction. It was evident at all levels of society. 

When faced with punishment, David chose to be at the mercy of God. But when David saw many people were dying, he was repentant and understood as king he should take responsibility. God too was repentant vs 16, 'the LORD repented Him of the evil'.  This is why God says David had a heart after His own (Acts 13:22, 1 Samuel 13:14).

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. 2 Samuel 24:16.

At this point the angel was at Jerusalem. 

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel. 2 Samuel 24:24-25

I find it especially noteworthy that David conquered this land. He did not have to pay for it. At this point, David had not built a temple for the LORD nor did he know where it should be. It was to be located at Jerusalem or Yireh-salem or Jireh-salem. This was the same place where God put a stop to the angel. 

Charles Spurgeon said;

Meet God in a barn!” one says. Why not? Does that astonish you? God met Adam in a garden, Abraham under a tree, and Noah in an ark. There is less of man in the open field than in the cathedral, and where there is least of man there is at least an opportunity to find most of God.

The threshing floor of Ornan was to become the permanent meeting place of God and the site for all of Israel to be one with one sacrifice made on one altar. As a Jebusite, Araunah was from the cursed lineage of Canaan. It was a statement against the pride of the Jews. Since God punishes where the sin lies, I can safely say that the sin He responded to was one of pride although it is not stated.

The threshing floor is curious for several reasons. In Latin, threshing means tribulation. The threshing floor is where we ought to be in prayer. It is where David confessed sin, see verse 17;

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

On the threshing floor, sin is put down, and death is overcome. The wheat is separated from the chaff. It is where God's provision is evident. As with Cain and Abel, the sacrifice determines the state of the heart for God. God reserves the right as Sovereign God to sift and to judge. He is perfect and without sin or blame. Jesus intercedes for us continuously setting an example for us. Each of us has to have a threshing floor. At this point let me ask you, What's on your altar? The effort and pains that God goes through for us, lends importance to our altars and our sacrifices.

As a people, Adonai wants us to have one altar and one sacrifice. Having one location builds on His oneness. It taught the people to meet with God, to be in prayer and supplication, and to repent. God set the example of repentance. As a people He wants to be the one and only God. Where is our meeting place with God? He is in Christ and the in-dwelling of The Holy Spirit. God is a dwelling place for even Jesus says this; 

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever The Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

The final stage of sacrifice is in multiplication through us. Soon I will publish part 5 on why Christians do not see the evidence of God's prosperity in their lives or why we find that we give so much and have nothing to show for it. 

 

I pray you have revelation of the sacrifice of your heart for God. I pray your sacrifice is as a sweet smelling savour for Him who is Sovereign, in Jesus name. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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