Speed bumps!

 Our neighborhood Target is remodeling and has parked dozens of semi truck containers across the drive from the store. In what I’m sure is an effort to keep the construction workers safe, they also installed a larger than normal speed bump on the entryway into the parking lot. They put up a stop sign on either side to make sure you cross the speed bump at a very slow speed otherwise you risk damaging your car. Yes, it’s that big!

My first trip over the bump included displeasure and strained credulity (look it up!) over the necessity of the mountain in my path. It rattled all the loose items in my van! I now go out of my way to avoid that speed bump! I know there is a purpose for these instruments of torture, I mean, traffic calming measures (really?). Here is what the Automobile Association says: “Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps are designed to slow traffic down and are usually used in residential or busy pedestrian areas. Successful speed limits should be self-enforcing through both good road design and clear signs. Traffic calming measures like humps and bumps can help enforce lower speed limits.” Needless to say, I’m not the only driver avoiding the main, direct entry to the store’s parking lot. I guess the speed bump has achieved its purpose.

The Automobile Association gives some advice for navigating those annoying speed bumps. “How should I drive over speed bumps? Slowly. Driving over speed bumps too fast can potentially cause damage to your car.  If you drive over them slowly, you shouldn’t see any damage to your car at all, but over time, regularly driving over cushions (speed bumps, traffic calming measures) can increase the wear on the inner shoulder of your tires. Take the time to check your tires every now and then.” Sound advice, don’t you think?

If the purpose of a speed bump is to slow us down, proceeding with caution, then there are “speed bumps” in every part of life, aren’t there? Railroad crossings, stop signs, traffic lights, posted “Rules of the pool”, dietary restraints, classroom procedures, family household rules, and on and on and on. Each speed bump is designed to keep us from doing something that could cause harm to ourselves, our lives or others. They are boundaries for living safely and wisely.

God placed a “speed bump” in Eden. Genesis 2:15- 17 “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 EXCEPT the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’” Navigation of that speed bump - failure! All of mankind is still dealing with the damage caused by that one!

Then God gave Moses and the Israelites the ten commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6 - 21 saying “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” (Vs 6)

1. You shall have no other gods before me. (Vs 7)
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image. (Vs 8)
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (Vs 11)
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Vs 12)
5. Honor your father and your mother. (Vs 16)
6. You shall not murder. (Vs 17)
7. You shall not commit adultery. (Vs 18)
8. You shall not steal. (Vs 19)
9. You shall not bear false witness. (Vs 20)
10. You shall not covet. (Vs 21)

For centuries these commandments (laws) have caused people to stumble. We either don’t want to follow the command (which is rebellion) or we don’t fully appreciate the consequences enough to avoid breaking them. Speed bump navigation -  failure each time we break a commandment.

Hundreds of years after Moses, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a stone that causes people to stumble, a “speed bump” if you will, in Isaiah 8:14 “… a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall,” That stone is The Lord Almighty, “the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear (or reverence), he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place (a sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him).” And in the very next chapter Isaiah foretells the birth of Jesus, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

More than seven hundred years later, Jesus was born fulfilling every one of the prophecies about his coming, including the stumbling. The religious leaders of his time questioned his teachings, his methods, and his authority to do what he did (Mark 11:27- 12:12) They tried to discredit him but in the end, they could only kill him, fulfilling yet another prophecy (Isaiah 53).

The commandments given through Moses thousands of years ago still hold the power to bless and preserve our lives. When we keep and follow the commands, they carry the promise that when we “do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, it will go well with us” (Deuteronomy 6:18) and we will be able to do the good things God planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) These are the actions that promote peace, rest and health.  If we could just slow down and appreciate the reason for these speed bumps, we could all find peace and quit damaging our lives because we failed to navigate the “speed bump” properly. 

After Moses taught the commandments to the Israelites he told them, “In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’ 21 “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. 22 The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. 23 He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our ancestors. 24 And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. 25 For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’ Deuteronomy 6:20 - 25

Romans 9:33 from The Message says it this way; “Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can’t get around. But the stone is me (Jesus)! If you’re looking for me, you’ll find me on the way, not in the way.”

God knows us and understands our questions of “why?”. He knows we are self-centered and lack compliance by nature. He knows we hate rules and have trouble believing His promises.

The Meaning of the Stone

Isaiah 28:16-17 MSG “But the Master, God, has something to say to this:

‘Watch closely. I’m laying a foundation in Zion, a solid granite foundation, squared and true.

And this is the meaning of the stone: a trusting life won’t topple.

I’ll make justice the measuring stick and righteousness the plumb line for the building.

A hailstorm will knock down the shantytown of lies, and a flash flood will wash out the rubble.’”

God’s speed bumps have true purpose, to bring us life and not harm. His ways give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Righteousness (doing things the right way, following the rules, slowing down for the speed bumps and precautions) only comes by faith and believing in the reason for the rules. We can be doers of the rules, living in legalism, but have grumbling hearts which robs us of the joy of fulfilling the law! God wants us to know His purpose for the commands, rules, laws, boundaries - to bless us and preserve our lives. He loves us so much, He sent Jesus to be the stone that is to be found, through faith and trust, and not just an annoyance. “And the one who believes in him (Jesus) will never be put to shame.” Romans 9:33 NIV

Isaiah 26:7 & 8 NLT “But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. 8 Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”

I hope the next time I encounter a speed bump I’ll remember it was placed there to protect me, my car, and the people around me from harm. I might even enjoy the journey!

Song: Faithful Then, Faithful Now

Vertical Worship - Faithful Now (Live)

In case you’d like more information about Speed Bumps - Automobile Association Article: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/speed-bumps#:~:text=Traffic%20calming%20measures%20such%20as%20speed%20bumps%20are,and%20bumps%20can%20help%20enforce%20lower%20speed%20limits.

I'm Supposed to do WHAT??????

The story of Moses is an amazing tale of God's protection and direction. Moses, born to an enslaved Israelite family, was spared miraculously from the infanticide of male children that was being used to "control" the slave population in Egypt. Discovered floating down the Nile river by the daughter of the king of Egypt, Moses was snatched from the waters and adopted into the king's family. His mother was employed to nurture him until he was weaned and then he was given to the king's daughter to raise. As a young man, Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating one of the Israelites only to discover that the Israelite didn't appreciate his help. The king found out about the killing and tried to kill Moses, so Moses ran for the hills - literally.  He married the daughter of a Midianite priest after defending her and her six sisters from shepherds that tried to chase them from the well as they watered their flocks. (Recognizing any pattern here? Moses the defender of justice.)

Moses seemed to be happy living in Midian working for his father-in-law.  But God saw what was happening to His people, the Israelites, in Egypt and remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. So, while Moses was tending his father-in-law's flock, God sent the angel of the Lord who appeared to Moses as a bush on fire to get his attention.  When God called to Moses from the bush, Moses answered, "Here I am." (Exodus 3:4) God declared it a holy place and told Moses "Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground." (vs. 5) In this holy place, God shared His plan to use Moses to rescue His people from the torturous hands of the Egyptians. 

"God said, 'I've taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I've heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the Egyptians. It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.'" (Ex. 3:7-10 MSG)

It's at this point that Moses starts down the road of doubt.  "Why me?" (vs.11)  Moses makes excuses and arguments about his abilities and qualifications to be a leader. God reassures him "I will be with you." (vs. 12) He even gives Moses the promise of proof. "This will be the proof that I am sending you: After you lead the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship me on this mountain." (vs. 12) The very mountain on which Moses was having this conversation was going to be the place of worship to seal the deal! 

Moses said, "Okay, I'll tell them ‘The God of your fathers sent me to you.' But what if they ask me ‘What is his name?’ Who do I say you are?" The Israelites understood who the God of their fathers is. That alone would have been enough but Moses wanted stronger proof.  God told him "'I AM WHO I AM' When you go to the people of Israel, tell them, 'I AM sent me to you'" (vs. 14)  From that time on, God was to be known as I AM (vs. 15) 

God even gave Moses the strategy by which to convince the people. He told Moses, "The older leaders will listen to you. And then you and the older leaders of Israel will go to the king of Egypt (Pharaoh) and tell him." (vs.18) God also told Moses that the king would resist and not let them leave. "Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will strike Egypt with all the miracles that will happen in that land. After I do that, he will let you go. I will cause the Egyptians to think well of  the Israelites. So when you leave,  they will give gifts to your people. Each woman should ask her Egyptian neighbor and any Egyptian woman living in her house for gifts - silver, gold, and clothing. You should put those gifts on your children when you leave Egypt. In this way you will take with you the riches of the Egyptians." (vvs 19 - 22) What an amazing promise! 

Now, mind you, Moses is having this conversation with a TALKING, burning bush that will not be consumed and still he doubts. God gave Moses even more signs of proof that it was God Almighty talking to him.  “Throw down the staff in your hand.”  It turned into a snake and when Moses picked it back up again it turned back into a staff.  “Put your hand inside your cloak.” When Moses pulled his hand out it was leprous like snow. “Put it back into your cloak,” and when he took it out again, it was restored.  (Exodus 4:1 - 7) God gave Moses a plan and an instrument, his staff to perform miraculous signs with, for proving his call to the people. God had provided everything Moses needed to carry the message of deliverance to the Israelites. But Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” God replied “Who gave man a mouth to speak, ears to hear and eyes to see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  

I guess we shouldn't be too hard on Moses. It has not been my experience to converse with a burning bush, but there have been times that I knew God was speaking to me and I had some of the same arguments with Him that Moses did.  "God, are you sure? I'm really not qualified."  "What if they don't believe me or accept what I'm saying?” “Can't you use someone else?" Etc...... In reality, God told Moses I AM has come down to help His people, pry them loose, get them out and bring them to a good land.  All God was asking Moses to do was give them and Pharaoh the message. (Ex. 3:8-10) God never expected Moses to do the rescuing, just the telling. God would do the rest! He would even help Moses and teach him what to say but Moses asked for a “pass”.

The saddest part of the story to me happens in the next verse, Exodus 4:13 “But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Can you imagine God’s heartbreak at this response? After all God had done for Moses and all the ways He had proven that He saw, valued and prepared him, Moses says “Please send someone else.” 

“Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?” Exodus 4:14. God didn’t change His rescue plan for the Israelites, just the messenger. Moses didn’t give up his job of carrying God’s message, just his audience.  “You (Moses) shall speak to him (Aaron) and put words in his mouth.  I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.” (Vvs 15 & 16)

Even though they had a rocky start, God’s story of deliverance for the Israelites from Egypt went just as He said. God used Moses and Aaron to demonstrate the power of God to Pharaoh through ten plague events that only God could have orchestrated, Exodus 7 - 12.  The Israelites followed the Lord’s commands given to Moses and Aaron, Exodus 12:28.  Pharaoh gladly released them “take your flocks and herds as you have said and go.” Exodus 12:31. The Egyptians gave silver, gold and clothing to the Israelites as they left, Exodus 12:35 & 36. Because they did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, “on that very day (the day of their obedience) the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 12:51.

God NEVER asks us to do something that He has not already prepared the way for.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Proverbs 16:1  “ Go ahead and make all the plans you want, but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.”

He NEVER expects anything of us that He has not already prepared us for. 1 Corinthians 1:7 "Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Proverbs 16:3 & 4 "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. 4 The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose."

God can be trusted to do what He says He will do - especially whe He asks us to help!

1 Corinthians 1:9 "God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

The Devil has been chasing me all week!

When I was a kid we frequently had “pop-up” testimony services at church. The leader of the service would open the floor to anyone that wanted to share and you would just “pop-up” and testify. Usually, the testimonies were encouraging and uplifting stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. There were stories of healing, provision and rescue from sure disaster but every now and then one of the sweet, elderly sisters of the church would stand and tell about the struggles she had faced all week. She would go on for several minutes explaining the many stumbles and hiccups she had encountered in her journey of faith and almost always end it with “the devil has been chasing me all week” which in and of itself wasn’t so bad but then she would add “Praise his holy name!”  Of course, we all knew who the “his” was intended to be but grammatically it refers to the devil. I have to admit that, as a child, I found it pretty funny … and sad. My mom would encourage me to try to understand the unsaid things this sister intended. No matter what the devil had thrown into this lady’s path, God had taken care of her “Praise His Holy name!” I still thought she was funny! What??? I was a kid!!

As I was reading Psalm 89, I could almost hear that dear sister’s voice. According to the notes in my NIV Study Bible, this Psalm is “written by Ethan the Ezrahite as a prayer that mourns the downfall of the Davidic dynasty and pleads for its restoration.” The first thirty-seven verses recount the unfailing love of God for King David and his descendants. Verse 6 says “For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord?” Verses 7 through 18 list the many wonders of God’s “glorious strength”(vs 17). Verses 19 through 37 rehearse the covenant and promises God made with David, “I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David and in my holiness I cannot lie: His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” (Vs 33-37 NLT).

Psalm 89:38 MSG “But God, you did walk off and leave us, you lost your temper with the one you anointed.” “The bitter shock of that event (reflected partially in the sudden transition of v. 38) is almost unbearable - that God, the faithful and almighty One, has abandoned his anointed and made him the mockery of the nations, in seeming violation of his firm covenant with David - and it evokes from the psalmist a lament that borders on reproach.” NIV Study Bible notes. 

The rest of the Psalm pours out the broken heartedness of its writer in every verse (verses 38 - 51). Each verse lists another act of broken covenant, another way God has abandoned His fstborn son (vs 27).  Is it any wonder the psalmist closes the psalm with “Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge.” Psalm 89:49 NLT

It sounds a bit like people who blame God for all the bad things in the world, the injustices of life and accuse Him of lying.  “If God is unfailing love, then why…”. There is a long list of things that can be inserted after the why. They are legitimate questions EXCEPT God’s covenant with David (Psalm 89:28 TPT “I will love him forever and always show him kindness. My covenant with him will never be broken.”) has requirements or exceptions; expected behaviors.  God was clear of His expectations of David and his descendants. Psalm 89:30-32 “BUT if his children turn from me and forsake my words, refusing to walk in my truth, renouncing and violating my laws, then I will surely punish them for their sins with my stern discipline until they regret it.” 

Actions have consequences, yes, and we often walk through consequences of our own making. Many of David's descendants chose "to not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord his God, as their ancestor David had done" (1 Kings 16:2) and lost the favor of God. When we choose to turn from God and forsake His word and refuse to walk in His truth, we are choosing to walk in agreement with the devil giving him permission to “chase us” with schemes and designs contrary to God’s promises over us. That is why Peter warned us in I Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” And Paul says in Ephesians 4:27 “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” The devil hates God and hates us because of God (Luke 21:17).

There is another “but” in Psalm 89:33. I quoted this verse earlier omitting the “but”. This exception or “but” is an assurance that even if we turn and forsake the ways of God, (see vs 32 above) He will never stop loving us. “33 BUT I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives. My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them.”

The Psalmist ended the psalm rather abruptly “89:52 Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!” It almost feels like he’s saying “Ok, I’ll quit whining now.” Sometimes we just need to say what we’re feeling and hope we’ll be given grace to say it.

Maybe that dear saint from my childhood just needed to let us know the things she had endured and made the assumption that we would understand that what she really meant to say was “The devil has been chasing me all week but I’m still here and God is still faithful! Praise His Holy Name!” After all, God made a covenant promise with all of us and said “How could I revoke my covenant of love that I promised _______? For I have given them my word, my holy, irrevocable word. How could I lie to my loving servant _________?”  Psalm 89:34 TPT (I think it’s safe to fill in the blanks with your name!)