hebrew

Biblically speaking, we find several forms of government all primarily emerging or developing from what I would refer to historically as nomadic. While there is much evidence of early monarchies like Melchizedek, King of Salem (Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 7:1-2) and the Pharaohs of Egypt (which mostly followed the principals of heredity) (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy), most humans lived and survived in what I would classify as tribal units with some form of chieftains as their leaders to uphold laws and regulations.

Abram / Abraham is an excellent example, being literally an Arab, which originally referred to a semitic group of people (all descendants of Abraham) who lived in nomadic people groups.

For the Hebrew people, their governments varied significantly during different periods of time throughout their existence / history: (1) the nomadic period, from the Exodus to the entrance into Palestine; (2) the period of transition from nomadic to civil life military / spiritual leaders and judges; (3) the monarchy; (4) the period of subjection to other nations such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medio Persians; (5) the period from Ezra to the Greeks; (6) Greek rule; (7) Roman rule; and then most recently, since 1948, (8) a parliamentarian democracy.

God’s purpose for government is multifaceted: (1) regulate a sinful, rebellious society by establishing law and order for a people group; (2) to promote safety, peace, well-being, and justice for the good of individuals and nations (Romans 13:4); (3) for His purposes and glory.

However, just like churches, government is made up of human beings, some bad / evil / corrupt and some good, desiring to lead and govern in a proper and righteous manner. The intent of government, according to Romans 13:4 was never intended for the good or prosperity of those engaged in the governing, but instead for the progress and benefit of the governed . . . “for it is a minister of God to you for good.”

That was the philosophy of the majority of our founding fathers and why politician Daniel Webster, in a speech to the Senate in 1830 said, “It is, Sir, the people’s Constitution, the people’s Government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people!” And, as you most likely know, President Abraham Lincoln (republican) modified this statement along with one borrowed from Preacher Theodore Parker, in his famous Gettysburg address declaring “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

THAT’S EXACTLY WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD VOTE! In addition, we should only vote our godly, biblically-based values as believers, if we actually hope for God’s blessing and protection to be upon our nation! If you can’t vote the truth and things of your faith in Christ and the Truth of His Word, then don’t vote.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
Proverbs 11:11

He changes rivers into a wilderness and springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.
Psalm 107: 33-34

While I totally agree, there is no perfect candidate, for president or any other office, nor is there a perfect political party platform (which is why I’m a constitutional independent – not voting for a person, or culture, but instead for a position – actual held belief), we should vote to uphold the concept of, “a nation, under God . . . government of the people, by the people, for the people” in hope and prayer that it “shall not perish from the earth” (while highly unlikely) until CHRIST JESUS IS RULING and REIGNING AS KING!

Then, and only then, each of us and our world will experience a perfect leader who will organize and direct a perfect government!

Just in case you were wondering, what is a perfect government? There’s only one . . . A benevolent, righteous theocracy where the perfect will of the perfect leader is established and upheld 24/7. This removes the unrighteousness of humanity!

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Revelation 19: 11-16

Until then, pray and vote, vote and pray. Come Lord Jesus!

The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.
Proverbs 14:35

His & Yours, Because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),

-PF

Genesis 3:20 declares, “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.” Two very interesting concepts are uniquely intertwined in this verse. First, we see the name Eve given to the first female of the human race. Second, we learn that this name is given because she is “the mother of all the living.” Previously, she had been called woman (“Ishah” in the Hebrew), as a wife; but now, even before conception, she is called the Life-giver or Life-spring (“chavvah” in the Hebrew) as a mother!

As the human Life-giver, Eve, along with all mothers of all times, is uniquely called by God and blessed by Him in her inimitable position of honor. The degraded position which mothers and/or women occupy in many modern cultures, such as in the middle/far east, principally in countries under intense Mohammedan influence, is absolutely unbiblical and totally erroneous! The false views held by some in western cultures and in liberal socialism that our Bible, and/or Christianity somehow dishonors, debases, or attempts to enslave women is totally unfounded, unacceptable, and illogical when compared to the actual biblical text!

Throughout the O.T., there is plenty of evidence that moms move on a social plane equal to men and enjoy a unique significance. While the roles of male/female may be distinct, neither party is presented as of less importance. Among the Hebrews, mothers occupied a higher position than that enjoyed by women in other nations. While a mother’s duties may have been primarily domestic, she was held in high regard by her family, as well as the entire Hebrew society, with many moms/women occupying leadership positions.

In Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam the prophetess (Aaron’s sister) leads in worship with expressions of praise offered through timbrels and dancing. Judges 4:4-6 reveals that Deborah, a prophetess, (wife of Lappidoth) judged Israel and the “sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.” Later in that chapter, she commands the military leader, Barak, and provides leadership in a battle against Sisera. Biblically/spiritually speaking, her rule was extremely successful because “the land was undisturbed for forty years.” (See Judges 5:31) Undoubtedly the love for family/children was deeply imbedded in the heart of every Hebrew mother/woman — consider the actions of Moses’ mom!

Among the patriarchs, women, especially mothers, occupy a prominent place as well. In Rebekah’s marriage, her mother seems to have had equal voice with her father and Laban, her brother. (See Genesis 24:28, 50-55) In Genesis 28:7, Jacob “obeyed both his father and mother.” Evidently, mom was his chief counselor. I Kings 2:19 states that Solomon rose up to meet his mom, Bathsheba, bowing, and preparing a throne for her at his right hand.

All human life (matchlessly designed and incomparably created in the plans of our omnipotent Creator) would be conceived and developed within, as well as birthed through, God’s Eves (mothers) in fulfillment of His commission to mankind, “be fruitful and multiply!” Not only would all human life spring forth from woman, but she would be chosen to bear God’s Son and birth the one and only Messiah/Redeemer to/for/in our world! In her (mother Eve), and through her descendants, via Abraham, “all the families of the world would be blessed” (see Genesis 18:18, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:8), and Satan’s head would be ultimately, permanently, and victoriously crushed. (See Genesis 3:15)

Initially, Adam named his “woman” (see Genesis 2:23) in reference to her relationship with him and her gender; however, now she is distinguished by a new name (just as Abram became Abraham in Genesis 17:5 and Sarai became Sarah in Genesis 17:15-16), according to her circumstances, position in life, and God’s enduring, immutable covenant with humanity through her seed and offspring. She now stands as a memorial, a prophetic intimation (hint, inkling, indication), of her importance and the destiny of all her promised descendants.

While Adam’s wife appears to be the mother of death, having participated in condemnation upon all mankind, now, she is called “Eve” … the mother of all the living, preeminently of Christ, and all who live and have life through Him. According to II Timothy 1:9-11:

[He] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

John 1:4 reminds us, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.“

Thus, an entire history was comprised within the folds of a single word. Eve would be mother, and in the early ages of our world continuing generation after generation, preserving among God’s people the promise (covenant) and blessed hope of our Saviour/Redeemer!

When I think of my mom (God’s Eve for me), I’m assuredly grateful for life, nurturing, practical and spiritual training, godly counsel, and the wisdom I received under her wings. Indeed, I certainly regret that by the age of 18, when my parents were taken home to be with the Lord, that I wasn’t fully cognizant of her blessing in my life and wasn’t personally afforded the opportunity to offer her appropriate praise and thanksgiving before she departed.

Nonetheless, few days pass that I don’t thank my God upon every remembrance of her (my dad as well), gratefully rejoicing in the time and experiences I enjoyed with them throughout my childhood and adolescence. Indisputably, I fully recognize that not everyone has a mother whose “children rise up and bless her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

Nevertheless, mom’s position was designed and appointed by God and you’re here right now according to God’s purpose through Eve. So, whether she was lacking in much or extremely awesome, you can still praise God for His impregnable and indestructible blueprint established in/through “Eve … the mother of all the living.“ HE IS INDISPUTABLY WORTHY!

Think about it. — Pastor Frank

Tag: hebrew

GOVERNMENT (PLUS- VOTING OPPORTUNITY IN THE USA)

MOTHER