People today know very little about Temple worship. In the days of the Temple’s existence the Hebrew people would come singing psalms as they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem and offering animal sacrifices in dedication to God, in thanksgiving, or for the absolution of sins.
In its simplest form, the Tabernacle had three areas: The courtyard where sacrifices were made; the Holy Place where Priests serviced the Menorah, Table of Shewbread and the Altar of Incense; and the Holy of Holies which the High Priest entered once a year to atone for the sins of the people of Israel. We can learn a great deal about approaching God and worshipping Him through a study of the Tabernacle.
During the time of Solomon the Temple and its ritual was expanded. The families of the Levites were organized serving at various times and for various services at the Temple. King David, Levites and others wrote Psalms to be sung. The High Priest and Teachers wrote prayers. And people came with offerings to worship God in the Temple. There is something in us that desires the richness and meaning of this worship.
Today’s worship is often centered around our likes and dislikes. We come and listen (if the time is convenient), and our worship costs us nothing. Sometimes worship means singing three songs and give an offering of our finances, then hear special music and a sermon. Sometimes there is an occasion for response at the end of the sermon. In some churches there is a contemporary form of worship with a praise team who guides the music. Messages of the Pastor along with drama and video challenge us on how to go out and life as a believer in today’s world.
In the days of the Temple people came with a gift for God and left with a sense of awe. All too often in today’s world our arrival is so rushed we do not have time to prepare our hearts for proper worship, and we go critiquing the musicians, the pastor and the quality of our experience.
Jesus said, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
Jesus criticized the people of his day saying, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: `These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” (Matthew 7:6-8)
Through our prayers we must remember the times when we were closest to God. We must seek the awe that for ages has brought people to worship God. We must have more love for God than for our preferences. We must help others to have an experience with God as they come to worship. And we must leave the house of prayer closer to God than when we came.
Paul wrote: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Amidah 16 – Prayer for the Hearing of Prayer
This request might be strange. We are praying for God to hear our prayer. Why would God not hear our prayer? The answer is in the scripture: “The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29) Prayer is a matter of the heart. God knows intimately what is in our heart.
God desires to work on our hearts through prayer, which is why prayer sometimes is a process. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Mt 7:7) Jesus also said, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
"Then the one inside answers, `Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. (Luke 11:5-8) – (See also Luke 18:1-7)
Through the process of Prayer God helps refine the difference between our desires and needs. God works on our hearts and helps us understand how He works as we pray. God desires to give us all that we need, and many of our wants. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt 7:10-12)
So prayer is a process in which God works on us. As we look at the Amidah, it is a process. First: Recognizing God’s Greatness. Second: Recognizing and correcting our sinfulness. Third: Praying for God’s people and His desires, always placing in our hearts the things God tells us in His word. We are to pray for others, and for our desires. But these things are better understood as we allow God to shape our hearts. Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt 6:8)
Paul said, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” (Eph 3:14-16) Let us pray that God hears our prayer and that we are strengthened, becoming more the person which God desires.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Amidah 15 – Prayer for the Messianic King
Speedily cause the offspring of your servant David to flourish, and let him be exalted by your saving power, for we wait all day long for your salvation. Blessed are you, O Lord, who causes salvation to flourish.
In Fiddler on the Roof Motel says to the Rabbi: “we've been waiting all our lives for the Messiah. Wouldn't now be a good time for Him to come?”
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)
Maimonides says: “Whoever does not believe in him (Messiah), or does not await his coming, denies not only the other prophets but also the Torah and Moses, our teacher, for the Torah attests to his coming.”
The Scripture is filled with verses which tell us who to look for as we long for the Messiah. They speak of His lineage (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:19; 28:13-14; 49:10; Isaiah 11:1; 2 Samuel 17:11-16) The Messiah will be from the house and lineage of King David.
He will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); at a specific time (Daniel 9:24-27). His birth will attract shepherds and kings (Nu 24:17; Ps 72:10-13; Isaiah 60:1-7). Herod would try to kill him (Jer 31:5) and his family would go to Egypt (Hos 11:1).
He will be preceded by Elijah the Prophet (Isa 40:3-5; Mal 4:5). He will be anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1-2). He will be a man of peace (Isa 42:1-6) and righteousness (Isa 11:4). He will come as a prophet (Deut 18:18). He will bring a New Covenant (Isa 42:6-7; Jer 31:31).
He will begin his ministry in Galilee (Isa 9:1-2). He will cure the sick (Is 35:1-6), still the storms (Ps 107:29-30); teach in parables (Ps 78:1-2). When he comes to Jerusalem, he will ride a donkey (Zech 9:9) and cleanse the Temple (Hag 2:6-9; Mal 3:1-4).
He will be betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9; 55:11-14) for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12-13). He will be taken to the rulers who will falsely accuse him and die for the sins of the people (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Zech 12:10; Ps 34:19-20). He is the offering that will save our lives (Ex 12:6; Ge 22; Lev 16). He will be buried with the rich (Isa 53:9), but will not stay in the grave (Ps 16:9-10; 49:14; 71:19-20). He will ascend to heaven (Ps 68:18), and come again.
At Christmas we sing, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Paul wrote: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Eph 3:7-12)
In Fiddler on the Roof Motel says to the Rabbi: “we've been waiting all our lives for the Messiah. Wouldn't now be a good time for Him to come?”
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)
Maimonides says: “Whoever does not believe in him (Messiah), or does not await his coming, denies not only the other prophets but also the Torah and Moses, our teacher, for the Torah attests to his coming.”
The Scripture is filled with verses which tell us who to look for as we long for the Messiah. They speak of His lineage (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:19; 28:13-14; 49:10; Isaiah 11:1; 2 Samuel 17:11-16) The Messiah will be from the house and lineage of King David.
He will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); at a specific time (Daniel 9:24-27). His birth will attract shepherds and kings (Nu 24:17; Ps 72:10-13; Isaiah 60:1-7). Herod would try to kill him (Jer 31:5) and his family would go to Egypt (Hos 11:1).
He will be preceded by Elijah the Prophet (Isa 40:3-5; Mal 4:5). He will be anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1-2). He will be a man of peace (Isa 42:1-6) and righteousness (Isa 11:4). He will come as a prophet (Deut 18:18). He will bring a New Covenant (Isa 42:6-7; Jer 31:31).
He will begin his ministry in Galilee (Isa 9:1-2). He will cure the sick (Is 35:1-6), still the storms (Ps 107:29-30); teach in parables (Ps 78:1-2). When he comes to Jerusalem, he will ride a donkey (Zech 9:9) and cleanse the Temple (Hag 2:6-9; Mal 3:1-4).
He will be betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9; 55:11-14) for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12-13). He will be taken to the rulers who will falsely accuse him and die for the sins of the people (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Zech 12:10; Ps 34:19-20). He is the offering that will save our lives (Ex 12:6; Ge 22; Lev 16). He will be buried with the rich (Isa 53:9), but will not stay in the grave (Ps 16:9-10; 49:14; 71:19-20). He will ascend to heaven (Ps 68:18), and come again.
At Christmas we sing, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Paul wrote: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Eph 3:7-12)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Amidah 14 – Prayer for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem
"Return in mercy to Jerusalem your city, and dwell in it as you have promised. Rebuild it soon in our day as an eternal structure, and quickly set up in it the throne of David. Blessed are you, O Lord, who rebuilds Jerusalem."
If there is one city that means more to the world than any other, it is Jerusalem. Many nations have their key cities whether it be political (like Washington DC) or cosmopolitan (like New York City). They city of Jerusalem is both for much of the world.
Jerusalem is both the capital and cosmopolitan center of the Hebrew people. The world sees this city as a place of God. Indeed it is the most holy city of the Jews, Christians and Islamic people. The Temple of the Jews was located on Temple Mount in this city … before the Romans destroyed it in 70 A.D. Now the Dome of the Rock is on Temple Mount, the third holiest place in the world for the Moslem. This is the place of Mohammad’s night journey to heaven.
Jesus came to the Temple in Jerusalem on many occasions. In His last days Jesus was tried in this city, He was crucified and buried outside the city. And Jesus’ resurrection took place near this city.
It is believed that Jerusalem is the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac. It was here that King David purchased the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Solomon built the Temple at this location. The Jewish people pray for the restoration of Jerusalem as it was in the time of Solomon, a place of worship of our God.
This city has been fought over many times, and worship has been restored when it has been lost. The Maccabees captured this city in 165 BC, and restored worship in the Temple on the holiday called Chanukah.
The Bible says,
“Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:3-9)
The very name of Jerusalem means Foundation of Peace. Although the city has often been fought over, there is more to this peace than the warring of men. They city represents Peace with God.
In the days of the kings, the Levites and the Cohen were responsible for sacrificing sheep and bulls to atone for sin. The scripture says, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
Annually the High Priest would select a lamb, take its blood and place it on the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies to atone for sins of the people of Israel and to bring the peace which comes with the forgiveness of sin.
This was but a foreshadowing of what was to come as God sent His own Son into the world to die on the cross so our sin could be atoned for and all men could find peace with God. The apostle Paul wrote: “Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:1-6)
Jerusalem is to be the foundation of peace. In Jesus Christ we find atonement for sin. John the Apostle wrote: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:7-10)
This is the city of God. Jerusalem is to be a place of peace. We are to pray for the rebuilding of this city which is from God. “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4)
Pray for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem and for this city of peace.
If there is one city that means more to the world than any other, it is Jerusalem. Many nations have their key cities whether it be political (like Washington DC) or cosmopolitan (like New York City). They city of Jerusalem is both for much of the world.
Jerusalem is both the capital and cosmopolitan center of the Hebrew people. The world sees this city as a place of God. Indeed it is the most holy city of the Jews, Christians and Islamic people. The Temple of the Jews was located on Temple Mount in this city … before the Romans destroyed it in 70 A.D. Now the Dome of the Rock is on Temple Mount, the third holiest place in the world for the Moslem. This is the place of Mohammad’s night journey to heaven.
Jesus came to the Temple in Jerusalem on many occasions. In His last days Jesus was tried in this city, He was crucified and buried outside the city. And Jesus’ resurrection took place near this city.
It is believed that Jerusalem is the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac. It was here that King David purchased the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Solomon built the Temple at this location. The Jewish people pray for the restoration of Jerusalem as it was in the time of Solomon, a place of worship of our God.
This city has been fought over many times, and worship has been restored when it has been lost. The Maccabees captured this city in 165 BC, and restored worship in the Temple on the holiday called Chanukah.
The Bible says,
“Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:3-9)
The very name of Jerusalem means Foundation of Peace. Although the city has often been fought over, there is more to this peace than the warring of men. They city represents Peace with God.
In the days of the kings, the Levites and the Cohen were responsible for sacrificing sheep and bulls to atone for sin. The scripture says, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
Annually the High Priest would select a lamb, take its blood and place it on the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies to atone for sins of the people of Israel and to bring the peace which comes with the forgiveness of sin.
This was but a foreshadowing of what was to come as God sent His own Son into the world to die on the cross so our sin could be atoned for and all men could find peace with God. The apostle Paul wrote: “Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:1-6)
Jerusalem is to be the foundation of peace. In Jesus Christ we find atonement for sin. John the Apostle wrote: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:7-10)
This is the city of God. Jerusalem is to be a place of peace. We are to pray for the rebuilding of this city which is from God. “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4)
Pray for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem and for this city of peace.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Amidah 13 – Prayer for the righteous and Proselytes
We are called to pray for the Righteous. Not just those who are currently righteous, but that God would call more people to follow the path of righteousness. “The LORD loves righteousness and justice.” (Psalm 33:5) Righteousness is a difficult path to follow. Living life brings temptations which seeks to topple the righteous.
The question comes, “What is righteousness?” Definitions of Righteousness are: upright, just, straight, innocent, true, sincere. The Lord is Righteous. Righteousness is becoming like God.
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) Isaac and Jacob are also called Righteous. “Phinehas stood up and intervened, this was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.” (Ps 106:30-31)
The Righteous seek to be like God. But they do not seek to meet a theological criteria, they are active in their pursuit of righteousness. Righteousness is an action. The Bible says, “If we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut 6:25)
The Jews contrast "Tzadik" (Righteous) with “Hasid” or Pious. The live lives of study and spiritual devotion. The Tzadik are men of action. They actively show their righteousness. “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13)
Psalm 15 says, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”
Righteousness is a choice. It does not happen by accident. It is like being a Proselyte. One must choose to live a life above and beyond the normal, a life that overtly seeks to please God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt 5:6)
Paul notes, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Jesus Christ came, giving His life as atonement breaking down the barrier which keeps us from God. In Him we find righteousness. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)
“Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Pr 10:2)
We must pray for the righteousness, that they can be strong, and that they will not fail. We must pray that more people will seek righteousness. “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.” (Ps 40:10)
The question comes, “What is righteousness?” Definitions of Righteousness are: upright, just, straight, innocent, true, sincere. The Lord is Righteous. Righteousness is becoming like God.
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) Isaac and Jacob are also called Righteous. “Phinehas stood up and intervened, this was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.” (Ps 106:30-31)
The Righteous seek to be like God. But they do not seek to meet a theological criteria, they are active in their pursuit of righteousness. Righteousness is an action. The Bible says, “If we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut 6:25)
The Jews contrast "Tzadik" (Righteous) with “Hasid” or Pious. The live lives of study and spiritual devotion. The Tzadik are men of action. They actively show their righteousness. “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13)
Psalm 15 says, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”
Righteousness is a choice. It does not happen by accident. It is like being a Proselyte. One must choose to live a life above and beyond the normal, a life that overtly seeks to please God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt 5:6)
Paul notes, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Jesus Christ came, giving His life as atonement breaking down the barrier which keeps us from God. In Him we find righteousness. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)
“Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Pr 10:2)
We must pray for the righteousness, that they can be strong, and that they will not fail. We must pray that more people will seek righteousness. “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.” (Ps 40:10)
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