Numbers 26
LORD instructs Moses to number Israelverses 1-2
And it came to pass after the plague
that the LORD spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron
the priest
saying
Take the SUM of all the congregation of the children of Israel
from twenty years old and upward throughout
their father’s house
all that are able to go to war in Israel
Moses instructs the numbering of Israelverses 3-4
And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them
in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho
saying
Take the sum of the people – from twenty years old and upward
as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel
which went forth out of the land of Egypt
Reuben numberedverses 5-11
Reuben – the eldest son of Israel – the children of Reuben
Hanoch – of whom comes the family of the Hanochites
of Pallu – the family of the Palluites
of Hezron – the family of the Hezronites
of Carmi – the family of the Carmites
These are the families of the Reubenites
and they that were numbered of them were
forty and three thousand
and seven hundred and thirty (43,730)
And the sons of Pallu – Eliab – and the sons of Eliab
Nemuel – Dathan – Abiram
This is that Dathan and Abiram – which were famous in the congregation
who strove against Moses and against Aaron
in the company of Korah
when they strove against the LORD
and the earth opened her mouth
and swallowed them up together with Korah
when that company died
what time the fire devoured
two hundred and fifty men
and they became a sign
Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not
Simeon numberedverses 12-14
The sons of Simeon after their families
of Nemuel – the family of the Nemuelites
of Jamin – the family of the Jaminites
of Jachin – the family of the Jachinites
of Zerah – the family of the Zarhites
of Shaul – the family of the Shaulites
These are the families of the Simeonites
twenty and two thousand and two hundred (22, 200)
Gad numberedverses 15-18
The children of Gad after their families
of Zephon – the family of the Zephonites
of Haggi – the family of the Haggites
of Shuni – the family of the Shunites
of Ozni – the family of the Oznites
of Eri – the family of the Erites
of Arod – the family of the Arodites
of Areli – the family of the Arelites
These are the families of the children of Gad
according to those that were numbered of them
forty thousand and five hundred (40,500)
Judah numberedverses 19-22
The sons of Judah were Er and Onan
and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan
And the sons of Judah after their families were
of Shelah – the family of the Shelanites
of Pharez – the family of the Pharzites
of Zerah – the family of the Zarhites
And the sons of Pharez were
of Hezron – the family of the Hezronites
of Hamul – the family of the Hamulites
These are the families of Judah according to those
that were numbered of them
threescore and sixteen thousand
and five hundred (76, 500)
Issachar numberedverses 23-25
Of the sons of Issachar after their families
of Tola – the family of the Tolaites
of Pua – the family of the Punites
of Jashub – the family of the Jashubites
of Shimron – the family of the Shimronites
These are the families of Issachar according to those
that were numbered of them
threescore and four thousand and three hundred (64,300)
Zebulun numberedverses 26-27
Of the sons of Zebulun after their families
of Sered – the family of the Sardites
of Elon – the family of the Elonites
of Jahleel – the family of the Jahleelites
These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that
were numbered of them
threescore thousand and five hundred (60,500)
Manasseh numberedverses 28-34
The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim
of the sons of Manasseh – of Machir
the family of the Machirites
and Machir begate Gilead
of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites
These are the sons of Gilead
of Jeezer – the family of the Jeezerites
of Helek – the family of the Helekites
and of Asriel – the family of the Asrielites
of Shechem – the family of the Shechemites
of Shemida – the family of the Shemidaites
of Hepher – the family of the Hepherites
And Zelophehad – the son of Hepher had no sons
BUT daughters and the names of the
daughter of Zelophehad had were
Mahlah – Noah – Hoglah – Milcah – Tirzah
There are the families of Manasseh – and those that
were numbered of them
fifty and two thousand and seven hundred (52,700)
Ephraim numberedverses 35-37
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families
of Shuthelah – the family of the Shuthalhites
of Becher – the family of the Bachrites
of Tahan – the family of the Tahanites
And these are the sons of Shuthelah
of Eran – the family of the Eranites
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that
were numbered of them
thirty and two thousand and five hundred (32, 500)
These are the sons of Joseph after their families
Benjamin numberedverses 38-41
The sons of Benjamin after their families
of Bela – the family of the Belaites
of Ashbel – the family of the Ashbelites
of Ahiram – the family of the Ahiramites
of Shupham – the family of the Shuphamites
of Hupham – the family of the Huphamites
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman of Ard
the family of the Ardites
and of Naaman – the family of the Naamites
These are the sons of Benjamin after their families
and they that were numbered of them were
forty and five thousand and six hundred (45,600)
Dan numberedverses 42-43
These are the sons of Dan after their families
of Shuham – the family of the Shuhamites
these are the families of Dan after their families
All the families of the Shuhamites
according to those that were numbered of them
were threescore and four thousand
and four hundred (64,400)
Asher numberedverses 44-47
Of the children of Asher after their families
of Jimna – the family of the Jimnites
of Jesui – the family of the Jesuites
of Beriah – the family of the Berities
Of the sons of Beriah – of Heber – the family of the Heberites
of Malchiel – the family of the Malchielites
And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah
these are the families of the sons of Asher according
to those that were numbered of them
who were fifty and three thousand
and four hundred (53, 400)
Naphtali numberedverses 48-50
Of the sons of Naphtali after their families
of Jahzeel – the family of the Jahzeelites
of Guni – the family of the Gunites
of Jezer – the family of the Jezerites
of Shillem – the family of the Shillemites
These are the families of Naphtali according to their families
and they that were numbered of them were
forty and five thousand and four hundred (45,400)
LORD gives instruction regarding landverses 51-56
These were the numbered of the children of Israel
six hundred thousand and a thousand
seven hundred and thirty
And the LORD spoke unto Moses
saying
To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according
to the number of names
To MANY you shall give the more inheritance
and to FEW you shall give the less inheritance
To every one shall his inheritance be given according to
those that were numbered of him
Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by LOT
according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they
shall inherit
according to the LOT shall the possession thereof be
divided between MANY and FEW
Tribe of Leviverses 57-62
And these are they that were numbered of the Levites
after their families of Gershon
the family of the Gershonites
of Kohath- the family of the Kohathites
of Merari – the family of the Merarites
These are the families of the Levites – the family of the
Libnites – Hebronites – Mahlites – Mushites – Korathites
And Kohath begat Amran
and the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed
the daughter of Levi – whom her mother bare
to Levi in Egypt and she bare unto Amram
Aaron – Moses – Miriam their sister
And to Aaron was born Nadab and Abihu – Eleazar and Ithamar
and Nadab and Abihu died
when they offered STRANGE FIRE before the LORD
And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand
all males from a month old and upward
For they were not numbered among the children of Israel
BECAUSE there was NO INHERITANCE
given them among the children of Israel
Two men had not died from first listverses 63-65
These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest
who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by
Jordan near Jericho
BUT among these was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron
the priest numbered when they numbered the children of Israel
in the wilderness of Sinai
FOR the LORD had said of them
They shall surely die in the wilderness
AND there was not left a man of them
SAVE Caleb – the son of Jephunneh
and Joshua – the son of Nun
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers’ house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. (6633 “able to go to war” [tsaba’] means campaign, military service, troops, the waging of armed conflict against an enemy, host, division, large group, campaign, heavenly bodies)
DEVOTION: Now we find that the LORD wanted to gather all those who were able to be warriors together from each tribe, so that, they would know if they were part of the army of Israel to go to war with any enemy the LORD sends them out to fight.
We have to remember that this number was not the only power that was available to the children of Israel. If they were obedient the LORD would fight with them. Sometimes HE would send HIS army of heaven to help and other times it would be this group of men who would do the fighting.
We learn from reading through the Bible that even when there were less men on the other side that sometimes the larger army of Israel would lose the battle because they were going only in their own power.
They had to learn to fight when the LORD sent them. Also they had to learn that they were only to fight the way the LORD tells them. It was not in their own power that they would get the victory. It was always to be recognized that it was the LORD that gave them the victory.
If an individual was able to fight and he didn’t fight then he would receive the judgment of the LORD. There was no room for cowards in the army of the LORD.
Today we are fight a battle against the world, the flesh and the devil on a regular basis. It is only through the power of the LORD and our obedience that we can have the victory. Numbers mean nothing to the LORD. HE is always looking at the hearts of those who represent HIM in battle.
CHALLENGE: The children of Israel were numbered to show them that the LORD was willing to use them for HIS glory. We are numbered today to show that we can win only through HIS strength and not our own.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 10 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign. (5251 “sign” [nec] means something lifted up, standard, banner, sail, or ensign)
DEVOTION: This is the second numbering of the children of Israel. In this numbering there is no one left of the first group that was numbered before the spies gave their report except Joshua and Caleb. They were the only two who believed that the LORD could win the battle against the giants in the land.
God provided many events that stand out in the history of Israel. Some of the events were good and others were bad. This event in the life of the Israelites was used as a banner. This event was an event of rebellion against the LORD. The LORD provided a miracle in dealing with these rebels. It is a warning to all who rebel against the LORD.
People were going to remember this event for the rest of the history of mankind. We remember the Alamo. We remember the Maine. We remember many heroes of each nation. However, we also remember those who were not faithful to their calling. This ensign for Israel was a ensign or banner in a negative sense. No one was to follower their example and rebel against the LORD. The consequences were harsh but needed to get the attention of those who think they can get away with rebellion. We need to study the event to see what they did wrong and try not to do it ourselves.
Today we find that many in our churches do not like to be told what the LORD wants them to do with their lives. IF the leadership of the church tells them what needs to be done and they don’t do it, it causes confusion in the church. God is not the author of confusion. IF the leaders ask the people to act in a Biblical manner then the people who rebel will be judged by the LORD. Sometimes leaders are not acting in a Biblical manner and the LORD will judge them too.
When we go against the LORD, HE will judge us. God placed Moses and Aaron in leadership. The man Korah came to Moses and Aaron and told them that he could be the leader. This happens all too often among the people of the LORD. We need to follow our leaders. The leaders have a greater responsibility when they stand before the LORD. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our pastors. Pray for our missionaries. God will bless our prayers.
CHALLENGE: Remember an event in the life of your church or in your personal life that was negative and think about the lessons learned by the event. Share it with others.
: 33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Hahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. (1004 “daughters” [bayith] means female, women, maidens, born of a woman, or granddaughters)
DEVOTION: I have only one beautiful daughter and three live sons. We lost a son at five weeks. Now I have thirteen grandchildren. There are eight granddaughters and five grandsons. My wife and I love our children and grandchildren very much. We want all of them to love the LORD and serve the LORD. They are in our prayers every night.
This is the second listing of the men that were of age to be soldiers for Israel. Every tribe had many men who could serve as soldiers.
Here in this verse we have a man listed who had NO sons. Having male children was important in this culture. It had to be hard on Zelophehad to be listed with no sons. Yet we find that his daughters are listed. This is only one of three places in this chapter where women are mentioned.
Remember this was a list of soldiers. So it was unusual to see a woman’s name. However when we get to the book of Joshua when the inheritances are passed out these daughters ask for an inheritance as well.
What happens? The LORD gives them an inheritance. That is one of the reasons they are listed here to prepare us for what these women are going to do in history.
The second woman mentioned was Sarah.
The third woman mentions is Jochebed the wife of Amran of the tribe of Levi. She was the mother of Moses, Aaron and Miriam who is the fourth women mentioned in this chapter.
God mentions and uses women in HIS recording of the history of the children of Israel. Women were not second class citizens. God created both man and woman to serve HIM.
Moses listed these daughters as a reminder to us that we need to understand that we are not to exclude women from service to the LORD in their proper use of the gifts they are given by the Holy Spirit.
CHALLENGE: There are places that only men can serve but all women can serve in their callings as well.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 54 To many you shall give the more inheritance, and to few you shall give the less inheritance to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those what were numbered of him. (5159 “inheritance” [nachalah] means heritage, possession, property, portion, share, domain, or inalienable.)
DEVOTION: Each tribe was going to be given an inheritance when they entered the Promised Land. The LORD gave Joshua and Caleb instructions regarding how much land each tribe was supposed to receive.
The larger tribes were to receive more land because they had the soldiers and people to populate the land. The smaller tribes were to receive less land because of the same reason.
God knew what should be done before they went into the Promised Land. HE didn’t leave anything to chance. HE wanted them to know what to expect when they entered the land.
HE wants us to know what to expect in our area of service to HIM. HE knows those who can handle a big ministry and those who can handle a small ministry. HE doesn’t want those who are receiving a small ministry to wish they had a big ministry.
Our area of service in one where we are to be faithful with whatever the LORD gives us. There is no problem with a servant of the LORD wanted to reach more individuals but he needs to accept what the LORD gives him.
CHALLENGE: Remember greed is not a characteristic of someone who is pleasing the LORD. Satisfaction or contentment is a characteristic that the LORD wants every Christian to practice.
: 61 And Nadab and Ahihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD. (2214 “strange” [zara’] means loathsome, nausea, different, heterogeneous, illicit, unauthorized, being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected, foreign, completely different, or illegitmate)
DEVOTION: Why does God allow Moses to write about a past event here? Why do we have to be reminded at times of our past sins as a church? Why does the LORD allow each individual at times to have Satan bring up their past?
The LORD wants our past to instruct our present and future. We are to learn from our past. The nation of Israel had to learn from their past. The tribe of Levi had to learn from their past.
A new age was going to begin soon for the children of Israel. They were going to enter the Promised Land and start setting up their worship center there. The priests had to remember to serve the LORD properly or they would be judges as these two men were judged.
The people had to realize that the LORD was watching over their spiritual development to make sure they worshiped HIM properly. If they stopped worshiping properly, they would be judged and the past would come to mind.
Parents are to teach their children that they reap what they sow in life. If they sow righteous living, they will reap the benefits of righteous living. If they sow unrighteous living, they will reap the judgments of unrighteous living.
CHALLENGE: Are we each learning from our past to help us live for the LORD in the present better?
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD (Jehovah)verses 1, 4, 52, 61, 65
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Plains of Moab by Jordanverses 3-65
Jerichoverse 3
Land of Egyptverses 4, 59
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Strove against the LORDverse 9
Offering strange fire to LORDverse 61
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Mosesverses 1, 52, 63
Eleazar the son of Aaron – the priestverses 1, 63
Congregation of the children of Israelverse 2
Twenty years old
Able to go to war
Number the warriors of Israelverse 2
Children of Israelverse 4
List of names of tribes with numbersverses 5-51
Reubenverses 5-11
Company of Korah
Simeonverses 12-14
Gadverses 15-18
Judahverses 19-22
Issacharverses 23-25
Zebulunverses 26-27
Josephverses 28-37
Manasseh
Ephraim
Benjaminverses 38-41
Danverses 42-43
Asherverses 44-47
Naphtaliverses 48-50
Total = 601,730
Inheritance by size of tribeverses 52-56
Numbers of Levitesverses 57-63
Gershon
Kohath
Merari
No inheritance
Only Caleb and Joshua from first listverses 64-65
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
DONATIONS:
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QUOTES regarding passage
63–65 This chapter has a fine style to it, despite the seemingly mundane issues it presents. The second census was, of course, of enormous importance to Israel and a central aspect of the Lord’s dealings with her. The style is not ornate nor given to literary flourish; yet in the simplicity of its format, in the sense of order and control, its message is proclaimed.
Verses 63–65 serve as the fitting conclusion to the section begun in vv.1–4a. There are numerous ties: (1) the mention of Moses and Eleazar the priest, (2) the location on the plains of Moab, (3) the words “after the plague” in v.1 tie to the notice in v.64 that not one of the original group of rebels was still alive, save only Caleb and Joshua. The texts lays emphasis on the expression “not one of them” (vv.64–65). This, of course, speaks of the sure righteousness of the Lord. But the survival of Caleb and Joshua reminds us of the grace of the Lord, who keeps his promise to save, even as he remembers his oath to punish.
In fine, it is all of grace, as Moses elaborates in his homily in Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 1:31 he speaks of the Lord carrying the people in the desert as a father carries a son; in 2:7 he speaks of God’s presence with them throughout the forty years so that they lacked nothing; and in 4:32–40 he speaks of the actions of the Lord in these years as unparalleled in all of human history.
The name of Eleazar is significant in its linking with Moses in v.63. The next verse reminds us of the first census in which Aaron joined Moses in making the tabulation. Of the first generation not one—save only Caleb and Joshua—would enter the land (v.65). Even old Moses was excluded. (Allen, R. B. (1990). Numbers. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (Vol. 2, p. 941). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House)
26:63–65. Of those Israelites (excluding the Levites) who were counted in the earlier census in the Desert of Sinai (cf. 1:19) only two were now alive, Caleb … and Joshua. All others had died in the desert because of their rebellious spirit (cf. 14:26–31). (Merrill, E. H. (1985). Numbers. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 247). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Ver. 65. For the Lord had said of them, they shall surely die in the wilderness, &c.] This was threatened them, ch. 14:32 and now it was fulfilled: and there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun; the only two of the spies that brought a good report of the land of Canaan; all the rest of them, and those that murmured on the ill report of theirs, were now dead. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 1, p. 838). London: Mathews and Leigh)
63–65. The same observations meet us here in the close of the Chapter, as cannot but occupy our thoughts through the whole of it; God’s unalterable word, the sure consequences of sin, and the certain issue of hardness and impenitence of heart. Hath he said, and shall he not do it: hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numb. 23:19. (Hawker, R. (2013). Poor Man’s Old Testament Commentary: Genesis–Numbers (Vol. 1, p. 709). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software)
Not a person counted in the first census is counted this time with the exception of Joshua and Caleb (26:63–65). The Lord has carried out his word concerning the people who rebelled against him when the ten spies brought an evil report (14:26–35). The Lord keeps his promises of blessing; but he also carries out his word of judgment. (Van Groningen, G. (1995). Numbers. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 102). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The CHURCH in an Age of CRISIS by James Emery White
One of the more important understandings about our current cultural context, at least in the West, is that while we are living in a post-Christian era, the rising tide of secularism is most evident among the three shaping forces of culture: the epicenters of media, education, and the judicial system. (p. 62)
After the fall of Rome to the barbarian Alaric in AD 410, there was a loss of learning, a loss of cultural cohesion, and a loss of order. (p. 63)
The fundamental idea was that we could begin with ourselves and gain the means by which to judge all things. And not only that we could, but that we should. The issue was not about the Enlightenment’s relationship to religion but rather about the Enlightenment as a religion. So much so that many historians refer to the Enlightenment as the rise of modern paganism. (p.64)
When Patrick arrived, the Irish were still practicing human sacrifice, he made it clear that through Christ’s supreme sacrifice, such offerings were no longer needed. (p. 67)
1 Thessalonians 1
The Thessalonians follow Paul’s life example and grow to spiritual maturity.
INSIGHT
Because the Christian life is more easily caught than taught, personal godliness is a powerful ministry tool, and imitation is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Paul gave the Thessalonians not just the words of the Gospel, but also his very life – “you know what kind of men we were among you” (v. 5). The Thessalonian believers witnessed Paul’s life and imitated him, which resulted in spiritual growth for them – “you became followers of us” (v. 6). As a result, they became an example to the Macedonians and Achaians. This pattern of “life-on-life” ministry was first demonstrated by our Lord. Jesus selected 12 men “that they might be with Him” (Mark 3:14). Take a moment to think about how you can learn from or teach someone else in a mentoring relationship. (Quiet Walk)
Ashton and Austin Samuelson graduated from a Christian college with a strong desire to serve Jesus. However, neither felt called to a traditional ministry in the church. But what about ministry in the world? Absolutely. They blended their burden to end childhood hunger with their God-given entrepreneurial skills, and in 2014 launched a restaurant that serves tacos. But this isn’t just any restaurant. The Samuelsons operate from a buy-one-give-one philosophy. For every meal bought, they donate money to provide a meal specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of malnourished children. So far, they’ve made contributions in more than sixty countries. Their goal is to be a part of ending childhood hunger—one taco at a time.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10 are not cryptic. They are astoundingly clear: devotion is evidenced by actions, not words (vv. 37-42). One of those actions is giving to the “little ones.” For the Samuelsons, that focus is giving to children. But take note, the “little ones” isn’t a phrase limited to chronological age. Christ is calling us to give to any who are of “little account” in the eyes of this world: the poor, the sick, the prisoner, the refugee, those disadvantaged in any way. And give what? Well, Jesus says “even a cup of cold water” (v. 42). If something as small and simple as a cup of cold water classifies, then a taco surely fits right in line too. By John Blasé (Daily Bread)
TEST THE SPIRITS
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
The position of the Scripture is one that faces two extremes: The Spirit is essential, and experience is vital; however, truth and definition and doctrine and dogma are equally vital and essential. And our whole position is one that proclaims that experience that is not based solidly upon truth and doctrine is dangerous.
There is the necessity for testing and trying the spirits. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” Now some people object root and branch to this process of testing. There are many reasons for that, of course. In the case of some people it is nothing but slackness, indolence, and laziness—a desire for ease.
But there are those who feel that this whole process of testing and trying the spirits is unscriptural. According to such people, the moment you begin to discuss and consider and define, you cease to be a spiritual person. But my reply to this is that we must test and try the spirits because Scripture commands and exhorts us to do so, and for me that is enough. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits.”
Not only that, but Scripture tells us why we ought to do so: “because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Alas, there are false prophets; there are evil spirits; there is a devil who is so clever and subtle that he can transform himself into an angel of light. If we were confronted with the Holy Spirit only, there would be no need to test the spirits, but the very name “Holy Spirit” suggests other spirits, devilish spirits—and there are such powers.
A Thought to Ponder: We must test and try the spirits because Scripture commands and exhorts us to do so. (From The Love of God, pp. 18-20, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Preaching the Word
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
Every believer has been called to preach God’s Word, not just pastors of churches. When Christ gave the Great Commission to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), it was clear that this could be accomplished only if every Christian would actually preach the gospel!
This was practiced first by the members of the church at Jerusalem. Then, when the believers were “all scattered abroad…except the apostles” (Acts 8:1), these “laymen” went everywhere preaching the Word. One of the “deacons” selected to relieve the apostles of the “business” affairs of the church was Philip, and he “went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:5), speaking to great crowds and winning many to Christ. Then shortly afterward, the Lord called him down to Gaza where he met an Ethiopian eunuch, and he “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). This teaches plainly that one can preach to a large congregation, but he or she can also preach to one person. It is not the size of the congregation but the theme of the message that makes one a preacher of the Word!
Furthermore, it is not only by word of mouth that Christ is preached; Paul says that “the gospel…was preached to every creature [literally, ‘in every creation’] which is under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). “And how shall they hear without a preacher? But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (Romans 10:14, 18). One can preach verbally to a congregation or to an unseen audience through radio or in writing to a reader, and even a godly lifestyle can “preach” effectively (although not specifically) of the saving work of Christ. Even the heavens declare His glory, and every believer must preach the Word!
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Do you know how and why the little black boy, Franklin, came to join the Peanuts comic strip? I didn’t know until a few minutes ago. Shultz had to buck the system to do it.
On July 31, 1968, a young, black man was reading the newspaper when he saw something that he had never seen before. With tears in his eyes, he started running and screaming throughout the house, calling for his mom. He would show his mom, and, she would gasp, seeing something she thought she would never see in her lifetime. Throughout the nation, there were similar reactions.
What they saw was Franklin Armstrong’s first appearance on the iconic comic strip “Peanuts.” Franklin would be 50 years old this year. (2018)
Franklin was “born” after a school teacher, Harriet Glickman, had written a letter to creator Charles M. Schulz after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot to death outside his Memphis hotel room.
Glickman, who had kids of her own and having worked with kids, was especially aware of the power of comics among the young. “And my feeling at the time was that I realized that black kids and white kids never saw themselves [depicted] together in the classroom,” she would say.
She would write, “Since the death of Martin Luther King, ‘I’ve been asking myself what I can do to help change those conditions in our society which led to the assassination and which contribute to the vast sea of misunderstanding, hate, fear and violence.’”
Glickman asked Schulz if he could consider adding a black character to his popular comic strip, which she hoped would bring the country together and show people of color that they are not excluded from American society.
She had written to others as well, but the others feared it was too soon, that it may be costly to their careers, that the syndicate would drop them if they dared do something like that.
Charles Schulz did not have to respond to her letter, he could have just completely ignored it, and everyone would have forgotten about it. But Schulz did take the time to respond, saying he was intrigued with the idea, but wasn’t sure whether it would be right, coming from him, he didn’t want to make matters worse, he felt that it may sound condescending to people of color.
Glickman did not give up, and continued communicating with Schulz, with Schulz surprisingly responding each time. She would even have black friends write to Schulz and explain to him what it would mean to them and gave him some suggestions on how to introduce such a character without offending anyone. This conversation would continue until one day, Schulz would tell Glickman to check her newspaper on July 31, 1968.
On that date, the cartoon, as created by Schulz, shows Charlie Brown meeting a new character, named Franklin. Other than his color, Franklin was just an ordinary kid who befriends and helps Charlie Brown. Franklin also mentions that his father was “over at Vietnam.” At the end of the series, which lasted three strips, Charlie invites Franklin to spend the night one day so they can continue their friendship. I just thought this was a good re-introduction of Franklin to the rest of the world – “I’m very glad to know you.”
There was no big announcement, there was no big deal, it was just a natural conversation between two kids, whose obvious differences did not matter to them. And, the fact that Franklin’s father was fighting for this country was also a very strong statement by Schulz.
Although Schulz never made a big deal over the inclusion of Franklin, there were many fans, especially in the South, who were very upset by it and that made national news. One Southern editor even said, “I don’t mind you having a black character, but please don’t show them in school together.”
It would eventually lead to a conversation between Schulz and the president of the comic’s distribution company, who was concerned about the introduction of Franklin and how it might affect Schulz’ popularity. Many newspapers during that time had threatened to cut the strip.
Schulz’ response: “I remember telling Larry at the time about Franklin — he wanted me to change it, and we talked about it for a long while on the phone, and I finally sighed and said, “Well, Larry, let’s put it this way: Either you print it just the way I draw it or I quit. How’s that?”
Eventually, Franklin became a regular character in the comic strips, and, despite complaints, Franklin would be shown sitting in front of Peppermint Patty at school and playing center field on her baseball team.
More recently, Franklin is brought up on social media around Thanksgiving time, when the animated 1973 special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” appears. Some people have blamed Schulz for showing Franklin sitting alone on the Thanksgiving table, while the other characters sit across him. But, Schulz did not have the same control over the animated cartoon on a television network that he did on his own comic strip in the newspapers.
But, he did have control over his own comic strip, and, he courageously decided to make a statement because of one brave school teacher who decided to ask a simple question.
Glickman would explain later that her parents were “concerned about others, and the values that they instilled in us about caring for and appreciating everyone of all colors and backgrounds — this is what we knew when we were growing up, that you cared about other people . . . And so, during the years, we were very aware of the issues of racism and civil rights in this country [when] black people had to sit at the back of the bus, black people couldn’t sit in the same seats in the restaurants that you could sit . . . Every day I would see, or read, about black children trying to get into school and seeing crowds of white people standing around spitting at them or yelling at them . . . and the beatings and the dogs and the hosings and the courage of so many people in that time.”
Because of Glickman, because of Schulz, people around the world were introduced to a little boy named Franklin.
From The Jon S. Randal Peace Page
Post by Linda Laurelin
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