Sh'mini (Eighth)
Leviticus 9:1-11:47
2Samuel 6:1-19
1 Corinthians 1-5

More Than They Every Imagined

A few weels ago I asked you to consider what was going through the minds of the Hebrews before they left Egypt. What hopes and dreams were being considered by these people? They must have wondered from time to time during the plagues and such if this was really happening to them and just where it all would lead.

I think we have much more in common with these folks than we will ever know. One thing we have in common is that we too are wondering what is ahead in our lives. I do not know about you, but I find myself more and more driving down the road or laying in bed in the early hours of the morning considering the future. Many times I think back to my common threads with my Hebrew ancestors.

Take a moment and allow yourself to be in their place. What was it like to stand and look upon a Tabernacle you had helped to build? What was it like to see the fire of this week's Torah come down upon the altar and consume the sacrifice? Imagine seeing every person in the camp lying on their face in worship before the Holy One. Can we even come close to the wonders of those events?

Now back to our day. Considering the fact that HaShem never does anything at the same level twice, but rather with every move upon this earth, He takes it to a new level. With this in mind, what does the future hold? I think it is best summed up in the words of Jeremiah, words that Paul echoes in 1 Corinthians 2:9 when he says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no one's heart has imagined all the things that Elohim has prepared for those that love him."

Truly the days ahead will hold many challenges, but in the midst of the challenges will be times which will make the events of Leviticus pale in comparison. In that day we may truly understand for ourselves these wonderful words of Jeremiah. It will be then that we will know Him and His wonders at a level we have never imagined.

These thoughts bring forth a question though. To what kind of people does HaShem desire to respond in this way? The answer for many would be to those who are obedient to His word. We would look to Leviticus and quote the kosher dietary laws and say that He will respond to a people who desire to not only read these words, but also to obey them. This answer is true, but it is not the complete answer. He responds to people who are hungry for His presence.

As I write today we are in the midst of our services leading up to Passover. I am looking through my office window to a 40' x 60' tent set up in our backyard. It is during the time of our morning worship service and I am listening to the music being played and sung. I am also looking at people in the tent who have one focus and one focus only. These people desire to be in His presence. In the midst of this we can sense that He is responding. I can see from my office His presence in the midst of the people. As great as it is though, I know and believe that this is only a small part of what He has in mind, not only for those of us gathered here this week, but for all of us who are today seeking His presence. There is a rising sense of excitement in all His people that the day of His power is drawing very close at hand. In that day eye will see, ear will hear and our hearts will explode because of the things He is doing in the midst of a people who are not only obedient, but have a heart that is focused of one thing, Him.

May that day be hastened!!!