In 1 Kings 3 we read the following:
3 Solomon showed his love for the Lordby walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
At first glance, it looks like the location at Gibeon was a pagan high place. But then when you get to 2 Chronicles you read the following:
2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel—to the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of families— 3and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s Tent of Meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the desert.
So G-d responded favorably because the worship occurred at the appropriate location in the appropriate manner. They went there because the Mishkan was there.
But G-d responded most unfavorably when the worship occurred at an inappropriate location in an inappropriate manner. 1 Kings 12 says:
28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”29 One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other.
You know, I've been wondering lately "How can G-d be so evidently working at the local church when so many things in Christianity are vestiges of pagan cults?" And yet He does. This is very puzzling to me. But He IS working there. It's very, very puzzling.
Sorry for the random thoughts. This was just something that was on my mind.
Simply because God works with all of us in our imperfect state. I think there is more mercy shown for ignorance. Judgement is much worse when you know what should or should not be done. But consider also the level of importance, Christians accept the one whom God has sent, can it get much better than that? :D The rest is details that need and will be worked out in time, that is also our place, to help them come to a deeper realization and understanding of their faith, which you can do at the place you attend.
ReplyDeleteI can look back at my life, ranging from growing up attending both Church and Synagogue, to then becoming agnostic (High School and College years), to even God working in my agnostic state and bringing back and closer to Him than I ever was. I have met atheist who said they can look back in their life and see where God was even moving in their life and they had no idea at the time...
Yes, that must be part of it. It went worse for those who should've known better. Another factor, I believe, is how much they love Israel. Yet another factor, is how receptive they are to change when the Spirit prompts them to respond to mitzvot.
DeleteYou know that just reminded me of something I heard this past Sunday. The One Law lady said that the pastor at Grove used to meet regularly with a local Messianic rabbi. Perhaps it was those simple encounters that planted the seed?
If any pastors are reading this right now I pray you'll consider meeting with the local Messianic leaders. I'm not saying those Messianic leaders are perfect! On the contrary, just as many in Christianity are way off balance, many in Messianic Judaism are way off balance. But coming together is mutually advantageous. And if any pastors doubt this, I urge them to talk to the Ra---whoops, almost said rabbi---I encourage them to talk to the pastor at Grove Ave. I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you the story of what's been happening between his community and the Messianic community and how it's been mutually advantageous. Contact Dr. Becton at groveave.com