Rev, Natasha Dantiste August 18, 2024

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - TWO SETS

TWO SETS*

There are few parts of the Bible, if any, that do not in some aspect have more than one meaning. This is why the Bible is considered to be allegorical in many ways and this is again evident in the story of the Ten Commandments and the two sets of tablets. Whenever there is a number used in the Bible, there is always the question as to why that particular number is involved; the Ten Commandments being no different. Why were there two sets of tablets and why two tablets each time instead of only one?

It has been said that one tablet gave the instruction for the relationship between God and man; the second the relationship between man and man. And it all had to do with the love that should exist between the two. The first four Commandments indicated how man should honour and respect God; the last six how man should honour and respect each other. 

Mark put it this way:

‘…[Y]ou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, 

and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 

This is the first commandment [tablet]. 

And the second [tablet], like it, is this:

 ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself…’ 

(Mark 12:30-31)

Now, when Moses was on the mountain with God, and God composed the tablets with the Law, the people themselves grew restless and turned away from God creating a golden calf to worship in His stead. Moses, coming down from the mountain, became angry and cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them:

…at the foot of the mountain… 

…So the Lord plagued the people 

because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.

(Exodus 32:19,35) 

Because of the actions of the people had resulted in the destruction of the two tablets, Moses again ascended the mountain and again God gave him two tablets with the Law written on them. Once more Moses descended to the people but this time there was no difficulty and the tablets remained intact and were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. According to Jewish lore, the broken tablets were also placed in the Ark along with the intact set. 

So what, if anything, does all this mean. It is said that the first set of tablets represent the first coming of the Messiah who was broken [crucified] due to the rejection of the people and the broken fragments represent the brokenness of the nation and of the people. The sound of the pieces moving about inside the Ark as it was carried gave a constant reminder of this fact. And ever since the nation, in fact the world, has been plagued with dissent and difficulty. The second set of tablets represent the second coming of the Messiah when He will not be broken but will return to bring healing and wholeness to the nations once more. All because the main theme of His return is love. As Paul put it:

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; 

but the greatest of these is love 

(1 Corinthians 13:13)

When Christ returns, there will be no more need for faith or hope because our faith will have been rewarded and what we have been hoping for will be before us; but love will only increase and be eternal. And all this provided we love God (tablet 1) and love each other (tablet 2)

Certainly something to think about.

*Adapted in part from Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel, pg. 132-133

Rev Vincent Henley August 11, 2024

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Books of Thessalonians Part 18

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think Aout - FIRSTBORN

FIRSTBORN

        The term “firstborn” is one that is used often in Scripture. It designates, of course, the one who is born first, whether it be man or animal, and often indicates the privileged position that particular one has in the culture of the land. In Egyptian society, such a person would be expected to be the main leader of the family, the primary protector and provider, and the one who would most likely raise to a position of prominence in the area. The firstborn of Pharaoh would, without doubt, inherit the throne of Egypt.

And it was really no different in Jewish society. The firstborn usually received the father’s blessing and received the birthright of the family. In the Old Testament, the patriarch of the family would often be putting his hand on the head of the firstborn to provide the patriarchal blessing. 

It, then, was in such a setting that God confronted Moses to go to Egypt. Moses, who initially objected, finally relented and agreed to go. And God told him to say to Pharaoh:

“…Israel is My son, My firstborn.

…[L]et My son go that he may serve Me. 

But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, 

your firstborn. 

(Exodus 4:22-23)

But before this came about, God sent 9 previous plagues in an effort to give Pharaoh ample time to adhere to God’s request and possibly avoid the judgement that He initially proclaimed. In the same vein, He has sent many warnings and difficulties in our time in an effort to make us understand the forthcoming ultimate judgement that lies in wait for us all.

God, not being a respecter of person or cultures, often did not follow the Jewish traditions of the rights of the firstborn. Throughout Scripture, for example, He chose Issac over Ishmael, Jacob over the firstborn Esau, David, the youngest son of Jesse, over all of his older brothers, and Judah, the forth of Jacob’s sons, to be leader of the twelve tribes. And through Christ, He made everyone potential joint heirs with Him so that all who may can be firstborn with the rights that go with that designation. So we are all firstborn and part of the…

 

…church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven,

to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect… 

(Hebrews 12:23)

Whereas in human society, the rights of the firstborn belonged to only one in a family, in the eyes of God, we are all firstborn, members of the "church of the firstborn in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23) and as a result heir…

…heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,

that we may also be glorified together. 

(Romans 8:17)

In considering this, however, we should not forget the ultimate judgement that is coming and the warnings that God sent to Pharaoh before His judgement came. Perhaps we should not ignore the events taking place around us at present and perhaps consider them similar to the warnings God gave to Pharaoh thousands of years ago. The grief we could potentially avoid should give us all something to think about.

GOOD NEWS

 

 Good News!!!

Yes indeed, this is good news!!

 Last night during Master’s Hand Ministry service we were honoured and pleased to have Matthew and Jasmine Trott presented with their Ministerial License. Along with their sons, Lennox and Levi we are excited to have them join us. 

They have been with our ministry now for over a year. Pastor Matthew and Pastor Jasmine are looking forward to continuing to serve our community and extend a great big welcome to all new comers. 

If you are searching for a home church where the love of God is paramount then please join us at 6 P. M., every Sunday at the Hillside community Hall.

Come and meet our new Pastors for they surely are excited to meet you.

Caroline Barclay August 4, 2024

 

Caroline Barclay August 4, 2024 - YouTube