Sabbath Means Stop, Not Slow Down

TITLE: SABBATH MEANS STOP, NOT SLOW DOWN
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: April 25th, 2014

12“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day." (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)

Sometimes, I would hear people tell me that they keep Sabbath by slowing down. They would pace themselves a little less than normal. They would also learn to relax while they can and the incorporate leisurely activities as often as possible. Some go to Church on Sundays and call that Sabbath. Some watch the morning sports. Others go shopping.

Strictly speaking, these things are not exactly the biblical Sabbath. The word "shabbat" means to stop, to cease, to abstain, or to desist. There is no "slowing down." When one stops, movement stops. When one slows down, movement continues. "Shabbat" is about observing a day in which our normal activities cease. Period. Like Genesis 2, God essentially stopped his creative work and rested on the Sabbath Day. He didn't make another ant, or weave in another leaf. He didn't even create another snowflake just for the fun of it. It is a day in which God observes Sabbath by stopping. No multi-tasking or slowing down to the speed of leisure. In Deuteronomy 5:12, the purpose of observing the Sabbath is to "keep it holy."

A) Restlessness a Spiritual Norm

Do we then need to work out something in order to "keep it holy?" Not really. For holiness is not about action or activities. Neither is it about a ritual or a routine. It is about a state. It is about that tranquil moment in which we let things be what they are. We let people be who they are. We let ourselves catch a breath. Stopping facilitates the journey toward stillness and silence. The prophet Elijah knew it all along that recognizing the presence of God means being focused on the still small voice of the Divine. It is not dependent on the flurry of activities or the dramatic waves of the world. He found God not in a twister but in a whisper. Not for a elaborate sight but with an expectant delight. Elijah expected to see God not in the way that he wants to, but in the way that God does. This means knowing the Person of God. It reflects the relationship between Elijah and the Lord.

Sometimes, we too behave like the Israelites who welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday only to run away from him on Good Friday. We have become so activity driven and fanfare-led, that when nothing is happening, we feel like something is wrong.

Oops, my phone has been way too silent. Did it run out of battery? Is the signal weak? Have I silenced the phone and missed an important call? Have my friends forgotten me? Did I forget my phone? If we are used to email beeps or Facebook prompts, when nothing is received, we worry that we have been forgotten, ignored, or ostracized. Can we survive even a day without that tempting red notification balloons on Facebook?

So we check incessantly our social media status to make sure we are connected. We rummage through the different email accounts to make sure that we do not miss out on any emails. For the desperate, even a spam mail will keep our level of importance afloat. For those who are used to activities, anything is better than nothing. Any sound is better than silence. We have largely failed to appreciate the need to stop and the beauty of silence.

Even in Bible studies, many people are uncomfortable with long periods of silence. They need Quaker-style training. In fact, you will know that true friends are those who allow us to talk when we want to, and not to talk when we don't want to. A certain Jim Morrison once said:

"Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is."

We need friends like these, people who will give us the space when we need it. Close friends know when to spark conversation and also when to leave us alone. The American poet, Elizabeth B. Rooney nails it when she questions society's attitudes toward silence.

"Must we use words
For everything?
Can there not be
A silent, flaming
Leap of heart
Toward Thee?"

Restlessness is a spiritual norm. That is why we need exercises to address this. One way is via personal retreats.

B) Noise and Non-Stop Activities

My friend recently went for a silent retreat at a monastery. I am familiar with that place. At a silent retreat, people eat, walk past one another, or go about their work quietly. Even friends will refrain from speech at any time. Whispers are frowned upon. Silent prayer is an accepted currency of the entire retreat. The other is quiet meditation. Thomas Merton, the famous Roman Catholic monk says this of silence:

"It is generally safe to say that noise and turmoil in the interior life are signs of inspirations that proceed from our own emotion and from some spirit that is anything but holy. The inspirations of the Spirit of God are not grandiose. They are simple. They move us to see God in works that are difficult without being spectacular. They lead us in paths that are happy because they are obscure. That is why they always bring with them a sense of liberation." (Thomas Merton, Ascent to Truth, Burns and Oates, UK, 1976, p137)

Noise is that single greatest distraction from the spiritual life. A disquieted soul will lead to a noisy roll. A restless spirit ruffles up feathers everywhere.

I think there are spiritual lessons to learn even when one watches golf on TV. Before that all important putt or that amazing tennis ace, professional golfers and top tennis stars demand total silence so that they can get their stroke absolutely right. A single cough or a guttering throat will spoil everything. In Sabbath moments, we need to learn to still ourselves and to be watchful for that single divine moment where God is present. We need to stop, not just slow down. Maybe, this is one incentive for our spiritual life and devotions. We learn to have better devotional moments whenever we learn to stop everything else.

Open the Bible only after we turn off our phones, our computers, our TVs, and our radios. Pray without interruption by closing our doors. Meditate at length without the nagging pull to multitask everything. For if we do so, we end up so centered on activities that we fail to let our hearts sense the presence of God.

C) The Unbearable State of Stopping

Unfortunately, popular culture is unfriendly to stopping. From traffic congestion to people stuck in a stagnant queue, the lack of movement is unacceptable. It breeds impatience and anger. Fights have even occurred over a lane changing incident. The worst times are when lanes are closed due to construction work or police incidents. During accidents on the expressways, busy people become busybodies. No wonder traffic was held up all the way behind. 

During regular times, stopping is also not a popular habit. At traffic junctions with a stop sign, I often see drivers making "rolling stop" prior to negotiating a turn. According to the law, the vehicle must come to a complete stop when they reach the STOP sign. Alas! People are so used to motion that instead of stopping, they slow down to a crawl before picking up speed. If caught by the traffic police, they will be penalised.If not, they roll their cars away, regardless of the traffic signs.

Some even beat the red light.

D) When Forced to Stop

Sabbath means stop, not slow down. Unfortunately, for some of us, we only stop when it becomes all too late. This is most powerfully demonstrated when a loved one passes away or suddenly falls seriously ill. Busy executives take emergency leave. Family members fly in from all over the world. The daily activities that concern us often suddenly become less important. Recently, I saw that happening to the family of a dying father. For death is the surest way of forcing people to stop what they are doing.

I know of no more profound thing than death or dying that would stop people at their tracks and to start appreciating family, friends, relationships, and life in general. Death is a rude way to awaken anyone's sloth. For the Christian, it should not be the only way. For if we learn to practise stopping on a weekly basis, we will not see death as something to be afraid of. The Sabbatical moment is about stopping regularly from our regular work. It does not mean doing the "Shabbat" is more important than the other six days. It simply reminds us that we are mortal beings, created in the image of God. We make use of the seventh day to pause, and to look back at the week. We experience what it means to be free to say "no" to regular work, and to say "yes" to rest.

Each week, take the time to stop. Then we will realize that life is bigger than our hustle and bustle. It is larger than our petty worries. For as we make space to still ourselves, we become more appreciative of God who always cares and loves us. No need to worry that we do not have enough to eat or to drink. God takes care of them. Didn't He teach us to watch birds and to see the lilies of the field?

Once I watched a still garden. With flowers blooming and the gentle winds blowing, I stopped. I observed. I admired. I cherished the beauty of flowers and the flurry of colours. For moments I waited. Second turned to minutes, and minutes into times oblivious to technology and radio waves. Waiting, watching, and wondering what is behind that twig of leaves. Then it moved. It was a hummingbird.

THOUGHT: Step back from the inner and outer noise of the day. Dismiss every interruption of sound or thought about what’s next on your calendar and bring your whole being into the presence of God, who is already present to you. Sit in silence as you quiet your soul before God, inviting the Spirit’s guidance to form your prayers and shape your life. (Reuben P. Job, Listen: Praying in a Noisy World, Nashville, TN: 2013, p104)

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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.

"Can We Change our Spots?"

TITLE: CAN WE CHANGE OUR SPOTS?
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 13
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: May 4th, 2013

"Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil." (Jer 13:23)

Elections are currently underway in Malaysia. Next week, provincial elections will also be held in British Columbia, Canada. Across the world, one word is quite often used to garner support: Change.

The question today is this. Can someone accustomed to all the wrong things be able to do all the right things? This week, I will be reflecting on the challenges of change, especially when one is bounded to the wrong things.

Let us turn to the book of Jeremiah. Compared to the New Testament, the prophetical books of the Old Testament are not preached as often. Some may wonder why. Perhaps, it is because the texts are way too ancient for modern understanding. Maybe, our modern fast-paced world and technological society cannot appreciate the contexts and cultures of the the old.  For the two reasons above, we can easily respond that there are lots of Bible resources, trained scholars and professors, and theological astute people in our midst who can bridge the gap. There are also pastors and gifted teachers who bring about powerful expositions of the ancient prophecy, to bring about change in contemporary times.

The passage today points to this truth: When change is no longer possible, there remains one thing: Destruction. Where change is possible, it is less about change on the outside and more about change from the inside.

A) Unbounded People

How on earth can a great nation of Israel end up in embarrassing defeat?

No one envies Jeremiah. Speaking out against a people wayward in their ways, perverted in their thoughts, idolatrous in the soul. It is a undesirable job, worse than debt collectors. Like a helpless non-swimmer looking at someone drowning in the waters, Jeremiah can only warn Israel about the impending judgment of God if they continue their wayward days. Instead of Israel turning toward God in repentance, they are continue to walk in their sins in delight.  Change is necessary, but the sinful Israel cannot change their sinful spots. A spiritual turnaround is possible, but they refuse the possible and choosing instead to reveal in incredulous things.

Chapter 13 of the book of Jeremiah shows us some horrible things which make us think about how God is loving in the first place. At the onset, readers are told about the arrogance of Israel (Jer 13:9). God uses a "girdle" or a "linen belt" to describe inner condition of Israel. The linen belt is symbolically about servanthood. It is meant to be bound around the waist, meaning that the purpose and meaning of a servant is bounded up in the relationship with God. God owns his people. His people are servants. The linen belt is like the covenant that represents God saving his people, and the people serving God.

Unfortunately, instead of serving God, the people loose their girdles and serve other gods. Instead of being bounded to God, they leave themselves to the crevices of sin (Jer 13:10). In  doing so, they become "ruined and completely useless" (Jer 13:7). They fail to listen to God. They commit horrible sins against themselves. One of the most horrible things that humans can do are the things they inflict upon themselves.

When I read about the part in Jer 13:14, where the LORD "smash them against the other, parents and children alike," it does make us wonder why God is so harsh and cruel. How does that jive with our understanding of a loving God? Is that not a horrible thing to "smash" families, even children?

In Scripture, the ultimate punishment is not what others do to us, but what we do to ourselves. Israel has been doing all the smashing in the first place. The judgment of Jeremiah 13:14 is exactly what Israel has been doing to each other in the first place. Like a fence that separates two rival predators, the ferocious predators on both sides of the fence continue to gnaw at the fence, curse at the other, ready to attack at the first opportunity. God has been stopping that from happening all along. It has then come to the point where the LORD deems enough is enough. The most merciful thing to do is to let them destroy themselves, as they no longer desire to be saved from themselves. Such a pattern is also familiar in the New Testament. In his letter to the Romans, Paul pronounces the Lord's judgment on the sinful race.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (Romans 1:24)

This is not exactly a prooftext against sexual perversions. It is less about attacking homosexual behaviour and more about attacking sin. The worst thing people can do to one another is to sin and continue to sin against one another.

B) Bounded to the Wrong Things

Just like a leopard cannot change its spots, the sinful man cannot change the colour of his skin.  Even with the most advanced plastic surgery, we know that the skin being the biggest organ of the human body, is impossible to completely changed, humanly speaking. It can be grafted in but with high risk of infection. It can undergo plastic surgery but at a great cost. The point is this. External changes are one thing, but inner changes is totally a different challenge altogether.

For Israel has bounded herself to the wrong thing. They have strapped themselves to the gods of the land. In the process fails to live out as servants of God, as according to the covenant. God has been keeping his promises all along. Israel has not. God has been sending leaders, judges, prophets, kings, and priests, to warn Israel. The people ignore God. Instead of being bounded to God, they are bounded to the wrong things. Worse, they have chosen to bind themselves to the sinful and shameful acts. The LORD has not planned in the first place to destroy Israel. In fact, the LORD constantly tries to rescue his people.

Our stubbornness can do us more harm than good. I remember the story where a man was left stranded on the rooftop after a major flood. He is a pious man who believes earnestly that God will appear from the sky in person and rescue him to the clouds. A rescue boat came by to offer assistance. He refused the offer, saying: "My God is coming to rescue me." A few hours later, another rescue boat arrived, only to be refused with the same reason. Finally, as the waters continued to rise, a helicopter came, with very much the same response by this man. He drowned.

When we are bounded to the wrong things, we do silly things. Conviction is a good thing, but when it is bounded to the wrong idea or purpose, it is bad. The trouble with Israel is that they have chosen to bind themselves to idolatry so much, that they have become accustomed to worshiping and following the idols of their lives. When that happened, they no longer are able to do good.

Positive change is not possible when we are bounded to the wrong things.

C) Bounded to Our Modern Idols

Source: Internet

Campaigns and elections are currently underway in Malaysia and soon in British Columbia, Canada. In Malaysia, people are clamouring for change. The common people have become sick and tired of the rampant reports of corruption within the existing ruling party. The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer. The logic is this: People want change for the better and hope that with a change of government, perhaps, they will get a better life.

This is a universal desire. Like Martin Luther King Junior's great dream, it is a dream that the day will come where all people will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character. It is a human right to be treated justly and humanely. It is a plain and simple desire to want a better life for all. Equality is one thing. Talking about it is another.

As I talk with loved ones, votes will probably be in favour of the "lesser evil." Will one vote for the ruling party to continue four more years of the same old thing, fearing change to our 'normal' lifestyle and continuity in existing states of unhappiness? Will positive change happen if the ruling party returns to power? The people hope, but there is no guarantee.

Or will one vote for change, by making sure the opposition wins? That way, there will be new opportunities and hopes, even though it comes at a greater risk of uncertainty, disruptions, and of course, possible chaos. This too, the people hope, but again, there is also no guarantee.

Whichever party wins, there is no guarantee of positive change. Elections themselves are risks. Check out Indonesia during the handover of power from Suharto. Or look at the Arab Spring countries where governments have been overturned.

I think the issue is much bigger than a mere political vote. As long as the human condition is unchanged, any external change will only be temporal.

D) Change is Possible But

This is because the common foe is not the opposition vs the ruling government. Neither is it about the rich vs the poor, or one race over the other. The common foe is idolatry eating ourselves to death. Kyle Idleman brings up three "temples of idolatry" which remind us how bounded we are to them.

Firstly, the temple of pleasure. Have we become accustomed to doing anything or everything so that we can attain more pleasure through junk food, perverted sex, and entertainment that spins us into greater bondage to pleasure? Secondly, there is the temple of power. Have we become accustomed to constant desire for achievement at the expense of principles, success instead of significance, money instead of meaning? Tony Campolo sums up pretty much our modern predicament. In an interview with 50  people over the age of 95, he asked them the question: "What will you do differently if you can live life all over again?" The answers are revealing of the idols they have gotten trapped in.

1. If I had life to live all over again, I would reflect more.
2. If I had life to live all over again, I would risk more.
3. If I had life to live all over again, I would do more things that would live on after I am dead. 

My friends, are you trapped in some pursuit of an idol? Have you ever taken the time to pause from the madness of busyness, and to reflect about what it means to live? Have you sought out help with regards to how your life has reflected your deepest held beliefs? Have you discipled others so that they can go on to disciple others? Have you loved God enough to give up your idols?

I pray that the answers to all the above, will not only be yes, but a great desire to do something about it. One more thing. We cannot change the colour of our skin. Neither can leopards change their spots. What is be done is to have a new body. It is possible to be transformed in the heart and to be renewed in the mind. That is the work of God. May we all respond positively to the work of God in us, lest we are left to our own devices. Positive change is possible, but we need God first to change us.

"What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." (Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods)

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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.

Is God Cruel and Unjust?

TITLE: IS GOD CRUEL AND UNJUST?
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 12:2-3
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 10 August 2012

“You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place." (Deuteronomy 12:2-3)

MAIN GIST: The impression of a cruel and unjust God in the Old Testament continues to linger in the minds of modern people, including Christians. One common predicament is how can we reconcile a God of love with a God who asks Israel to massacre huge populations? On the one hand, we are sympathetic to lives being taken. On the other hand, what if the target concerned is beyond hope, but utterly and relentlessly evil to the core?

Old Testament style killings
(Credit: Patheos.com)

Last weekend, my Church were given an exceptional biblical buffet meal. The main dish was the Book of Deuteronomy. For me, it was a Bible exposition at its best. Given by Dr Bruce Waltke, a highly esteemed and immensely respected giant of biblical studies and Old Testament, we were given new eyes to read Deuteronomy. Held at Squamish, on top of the beautiful mountains of British Columbia, the whole Church spent an entire weekend traveling there for a time of fellowship and learning, and of course eating! For me personally, the food on the buffet table is nothing compared to the spiritual food that was served. I have attended many Bible camps and Church retreats, but none of them come close with regards to the level of scholarship and biblical teaching that Waltke has given us. Before the weekend retreat (called the Summer Conference in my Church), many of us were concerned that the highly esteemed Dr Waltke will be speaking 'above our heads.' In fact, we were worried that there will not be enough time to cover the entire 34 chapters of the Old Testament book.  Even the prepared notes we were given was more than 50 pages! Too difficult? We were wrong. Instead of complex theological terms, Waltke speaks and explains in layman terms. Instead of leaving us guessing what each word means, Waltke gently defines and clarifies the terms he uses. Instead of rushing to complete all 34 chapters page by page, Waltke goes on a pace to ensure that we learn the fundamentals of reading Deuteronomy. If there is one thing I remember most, it will be the essence of the laws of Deuteronomy: God values human life.

Why is God calling for "Zero tolerance?"
(For more, go to Quickview Bible here)

Rather than trying to cram everything into one article, this week, I want to concentrate on just one area: Is God unjust when He commands Israel to annihilate the Canaanites? Why is God exercising zero tolerance when it comes to dealing with the idolaters? Perhaps, the question is to ask: "What do we do with people that is utterly evil to the core?"

A) The Context

One reason why people find it hard to read (or accept!) the Old Testament is because of the gore and blood shed. Making it worse, it seems like Israel when they destroyed their enemies, are given the mandate to do exactly that. Such commands make many Christians shudder and wonder if the God of the New Testament, the God of love, is the same as the God of the Old Testament?

• If God is love, why does God command Israel to annihilate whole populations in the foreign territories?
• If God is love, why does He sanction killings?
• As killing is prohibited in the Ten Commandments, why did God ask Israel to kill their enemies?

B) Who are the Canaanites?

Dr Waltke affirms that the main purpose of the laws in the Book of Deuteronomy is about preserving the sanctity and dignity of life. As first look, it seems like destroying Canaan completely is a complete reversal on that. Not so fast. What if the long-term purpose requires short-term actions? What if a failure to address evil head on is worse than ignoring the evil happening before us? Who are the Canaanites and why are they so evil? Dr William F. Albright explains the deteriorated state of Canaanite society at that time.

"With might she hewed down the people of the cities, she smote the folk of the seacoast, she slew the men of the sunrise (east). After filling her [Anat, Baal's mother] temple with men, she barred the gates so that none might escape, after which 'she hurled chairs at the youths, tables at the warriors, footstools at the men of might.' The blood was so deep that she waded in it up to her knees - nay, up to her neck. Under her feet were human heads, above her human hands flew like locusts. In her sensuous delight she decorated herself with suspended heads, while she attached hands to her girdle. Her joy at the butchery is described in even more sadistic language: 'Her liver swelled with laughter, her heart was full of joy, the liver of Anath (was full of) exultation.' Afterwards Anath 'was satisfied' and washed her hands in human gore before proceeding to other occupations."  (William F. Albright, Archaeology and the Religion of Israel, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2006, 76-77)

In my reflection, I wrote, "Of course, we can all preach love and goodwill to the Canaanites at that time. The question is, will they have listened? Or before we even finish saying 'L.O.V,' heads will already have been lobbed off. Try preaching love and goodwill to the piranhas when you are in waters full of them." In other words, if Israel do not destroy them, the Canaanites will ultimately destroy Israel, the world, and finally, themselves.

Other clues of how the Canaanites lived can be found in Leviticus 18. Leviticus 18:6-19 is an extensive series of warnings against "uncovering nakedness." The LORD gives clear warnings to Israel not to commit incest among own family members. The text meticulously lists the different women that are to be untouched. There are to be no sexual involvement with one's mother or father, one's sisters, or in laws, one's cousins, one's blood relations, etc. There are to be sexual proprietary throughout. It warns against adultery. It warns against sacrificing children to idols (Lev 18:21). It warns against same-sex activities (Lev 18:22). It prohibits sex with animals (Lev 18:23). All of these things are common activities among the Canaanites!

C) What About Killing?

This is a tricky area. Dr Waltke shows us that one reason why many modern readers are stumped is because the English language for the word "kill" is grossly restricted. In the Hebrew, there are at least 12 different words that can be used for "kill." In Deuteronomy, the commandment not to kill is the word "ratsach." It is to be understood as an intentional act of "murder." This contrasts with unintentional killing (nakah) which is also referred to as "manslaughter." Again, Hebrew language is nuanced but not as clear cut as what modern scientific minds desire. Context is key to understanding the use of the terms. That is why BOTH language and the context need to be considered whenever we study biblical texts.

“Now this is the case of the manslayer (ratsach) who may flee there and live: when he kills (nakah) his friend unintentionally, not hating him previously— as when a man goes into the forest with his friend to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down the tree, and the iron head slips off the handle and strikes his friend so that he dies—he may flee to one of these cities and live; " (Deuteronomy 19:4-5)

The point is this. Every act of killing is not the same. The intentions are different. The instruments and the manner are different. The life that is taken is equally important as the life taking it. In other words, prohibiting killing is not simply to preserve the life of the victims or the persons wielding the axe. It is to maintain a just society that treats life with dignity. It is to cultivate in Israel the sacred human being made in the image of God. Anything that tarnishes this image and causes harm, needs to be dealt with. Not surprisingly, the multiple cities of refuge and the different words used to describe killing shows a loving and compassionate God who understands the many facets of life and death. The gods of idolatry lead people to death. Only the God of Israel leads people to life.

D) Protecting Lives

In Proverbs 2, we read about a kind of person whose path leads not to life but death.

 "For her house sinks down to death And her tracks lead to the dead;" (Proverbs 2:18) 

Do we want to deal with people like this? Remember what Jesus says about the one who stumbles the little ones?

 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Luke 17:2)

The punishment is severe if one is foolish for self. The punishment is even more severe if one's foolishness leads others to sin and death. This is where Israel is called to obey God, and to see from God's perspectives. The whole book of Deuteronomy is designed to preserve lives not just for the present but for the future. One more thing. Due to the naivete among many Israelites at that time, they need the laws to be written clearly, with instructions not to be defiled with the idolaters of the land. One way to understand the Old Testament is to always compare and interpret it with the New Testament, especially Jesus' interpretation of the Torah. One example is this.

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Jesus has not only affirmed the Old Testament, He has upped the standard that murder is not just the act. It is the premeditation before the act. So, is God cruel and unjust to order the execution of the Canaanites? No. God has a reason. In fact, for those of us who thinks that God is cruel through Israel, modern equivalent of massacre is worse.

• Between 1975-1979, more than 2 million people were killed in Cambodia (Killing fields);
• In 1994 in Rwanda, 800,000 Hutus were murdered in cold blood;
• In 1995 in Bosnia, more than 8000 Muslims were killed;
• In China, the cultural revolution, more than 78 million people were murdered.

What about Canaan? The data is hard to find, but even the largest estimated Canaanite population during the ancient times, is no where close to the numbers in China's cultural revolution!

Interestingly, the new atheists like Richard Dawkins are quick to point a finger at the God of the Old Testament, and fails to attack the same degree the same kinds of massacres that are based on atheistic grounds, like China and Cambodia! Why the double standard? 

E) Summary

Yes, God is a God of love. He is also a God of justice. There is no love if justice is not done. Likewise, justice without love is cold and hard. Only Jesus personifies love and justice. He loves us to come down to earth. He maintains justice by becoming the lamb to be punished for our own sins. He of all people will be most hurt when human beings hurt one another. I prefer to see the Canaanite killings in the Old Testament more as capital punishment and preserving Israel's future of the sake of the rest of the world, instead of genocide. I am doubtful that the Old Testament style killings will be repeated in the future. What I am more fearful about is what idolatry will lead human beings to do cruel things to one another. If that happens, perhaps, many of us will then be praying that God will quickly impose Canaanite style capital punishment. God does not take sin lightly. Neither does He take the punishment of people that He loves lightly. I believe each time a life is taken, the One who is most grieved is God Himself.

THOUGHT: "It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks of ennui." (Helen Keller)

sabbathwalk

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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.