Why does an evil world exist?

Listen to this poignant sermon from John Piper, delivered to the University Christian Fellowship in Birmingham, Alabama, shortly after Hurricane Katrina. In it, he unfolds Scriptural reasons for the existence of an evil world. His comments on the social gospel are spot-on and extremely accurate. Those pondering the question "What is the gospel?" will greatly benefit from his explanation.

HT: Marc @ Purgatorio

Numbers 19

Laws regarding purification are outlined. The process begins with a great sacrifice of a red heifer. The blood of this animal is sprinkled on the outside of the tabernacle and the carcass completely burned. The ashes of this sacrifice would then be used to purify those who had come in contact with uncleanness - through contact with a dead body whether in a home or on the field of battle. Failure to purify oneself with this procedure invited excommunication from the community.

Numbers 17 - 18

To quell the rebellion among the people, each leader brought their staff (walking stick, not assistants) to the tabernacle and laid them before God. In the morning, the staff that had sprouted buds would signify God's choice for leadership. Aaron's rod not only budded, but had leaves and ripe almonds growing from it. This staff was placed in the tabernacle as a perpetual testimony to God's sovereign choice.

Aaron and his sons are then given instructions for their own sustenance. Portions of the offerings brought to the tabernacle would provide them with the food they needed. They would still need to offer their own sacrifices, but God was making gracious provision for those who would be engaged full-time in representing Him to the community.

Numbers 15 - 16

Laws regarding the atonement and forgiveness of intentional and unintentional sins are outlined and described so that - no matter what the offense - forgiveness could be obtained and relationships restored. Later, a man is found breaking the Sabbath; he is stoned publicly as a reminder of the holiness of that special day.

The rebellion fomented earlier has not died down. Certain leaders drew a crowd of 250 officials that lead a revolt against the God-appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron. In a miraculous display, God certifies His choice of Moses and Aaron by allowing the earth to swallow these revolutionaries alive, and to destroy with fire those seeking to follow their tyrannous ways. Yet, this still does not discourage the revolt. A plague is sent out among the people as punishment for failure to follow God's leadership. Aaron hurriedly runs in to the midst of the people, making atonement for them so that the plague may be halted. At the end of day, almost 15,000 died.

The phrase that caught my attention this morning was a description of Aaron in the midst of the plague-infested people. The Bible describes this religious leader of Israel as "standing between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped." What a reminder to me as a pastor that the job description has not really changed over the centuries. The people I face and meet today are under as serious a death sentence as those in Numbers 16. My responsibility is to go out and stand between the dead and the living and seek to bring reconciliation between those under God's wrath and God Who is rich in mercy and willing to forgive. I can't bring this reconciliation of my own accord; but I point them to the Sacrifice, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the only mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. May God strengthen my hands as I go out among the dead and the living today. Come to think of it, you should be out there, too.

Numbers 12 - 14

Rebellion is in the air! Tragically, it manifests itself at the top of the leadership ladder. Aaron and Miriam, Moses' siblings, decide that they are better than their brother and set out to distract the attention from this God-appointed leader. God makes it quite clear that Moses is unlike any other - they speak together face to face. Miriam is punished with leprosy that relegates her to a place outside the camp for one week.

The leaders are not the only ones to rebel. Moses hand selects representatives from each tribe and sends them ahead on a reconnaissance mission. The report they bring back is one of gloom: the enemy is great and hopes for victory are almost nil. Only 2 of the 12 men speak in favor of the people advancing with God's help. They are quickly overruled. God is not pleased and desires to make a new nation from Moses' bloodlines. Moses demonstrates the meekness that God has already commended by asking God to honor His reputation by allowing the nation of Israel to continue to receive His favor. God grants this request; but those 10 men whose report swayed the nation to disobedience would die, as would all citizens over the age of twenty - except for the 2 faithful men Joshua and Caleb.

Numbers 9 - 11

Passover regulations are given and explained so that the people of God can celebrate their deliverance from the land of Egypt. Finally, the cloud of God's presence lifts from the tabernacle, signaling that it is time to move from Sinai. God's people obediently follow the plans that have been outlined for them and begin their trek across the desert. Soon, they begin to tire and complain about a perceived lack of food. God punishes those leading the group of malcontents and rewards those whom Moses appoints as leaders with the ability to speak on His behalf. As Moses requests for his people's nourishment, God provides quail for them to eat in addition to the manna that was daily provided for them.

Numbers 7 - 8

The dedication of the tabernacle begins with a representative of each tribe bringing an offering on behalf of his tribe. The offerings given consecrated the tabernacle to the people. The Levites and priests were set apart ritually to serve the Lord in the tabernacle. These choice servants would represent God to His people and the nation to God.

I feel the need . . .

Numbers 5 - 6

The procedures for judging cases of jealousy spurred by actions not directly witnessed are given. Throughout these details is given the warning that God does see even when man does not. The regulations for those dedicating themselves to God by means of a vow (becoming a Nazerite) are also detailed. Towards the end of this passage the blessing for the nation is given. The priests were to pronounce this blessing upon the nation. Perhaps you've heard it before?

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 3 - 4

After numbering the people of Israel and giving them their literal marching orders, the attention turns to the priests and Levites who served the nation by serving God in the tabernacle and national worship. There are specific areas delineated for the families in this tribe and procedures outlined for the way in which they were to travel. Specific duties for these families of worship leaders is also outlined.

Numbers 1 - 2

The book of Numbers begins (wouldn't you know?) with a numbering of the warriors in Israel. Moses and Aaron move through the nation with the assistance of twelve men (one from each tribe) and take a census of the people fit for war. 603,550 were able to go into battle. The Levites were excluded from this number, as they were the priests and thus exempt from war duties.

The people begin to move toward the land God promised them. Even in this, there was a prescribed order. Would YOU want to be the one leading close to 2 million people through an area without a plan? Didn't think so! So the people moved in order of their tribes.

- Judah
- Issachar
- Zebulun
- Reuben
- Simeon
- Gad
- Levi (and all the tabernacle gear)
- Ephraim
- Manasseh
- Benjamin
- Dan
- Asher
- Naphtali

And away they went!

Leviticus 26 - 27

The book of Leviticus concludes with the promises of God to bless those who follow His laws and to lovingly punish those who disobey. His rules will be followed, either willingly by those who follow Him, or as the direct result of His exacting punishment upon them and allowing His rules to be followed while the punishment occurs. Repeatedly the phrase "discipline" is used. The goal is restoration, not retribution. The theme of the book has been God's laws and how they are to be kept in order to receive the most benefit of them. While not all the laws are applicable today; the principle remains that God's way is the best way - no matter how unorthodox it may seem.

Leviticus 25

Jubilee! The very word sounds celebratory . . . and it is. In this chapter, God prescribes a time of rest and celebration over His goodness every 7 years, with a 'super celebration' every 50. During these times the land and the people enjoy rest. God promises blessing enough to supply for all needs during this time of inactivity. Part of the celebration included the release of debt and the return of sold inherited property, so that the land would always remain in the hands of those to whom it was given. All this was to point to the reality of God's provision over every aspect of Israel's life.

Leviticus 23 - 24

After all the laws were given, the feasts and celebrations of the Jewish people were prescribed and described. The feasts of Passover, Firstfruits, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were ordained, as well as the Day of Atonement. These were solemn days in the life and practice of the nation.

The people of Israel were to keep a lamp lit in the presence of the tabernacle and the high priest - to serve as a reminder of God's abiding presence. This passage concludes with the account of a young man who was stoned to death for blasphemy of God's Name. The statements of lex talionis are also prescribed (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth) as the general judicial principles.

Leviticus 21 - 22

Rules and regulations for the priests who would lead the people in worshiping God are given. Some of them seem to be stringent or harsh, yet God demands much more of those who lead than of those who follow. The entire group of laws is summarized in this statement "So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the folks over at Normal Chaos. Chris' wife, Angie's grandmother passed into eternity late last night. While many of us celebrate the Presidents' Day weekend, Granny is enjoying the thrill of her fulfilled hope as she rests in the arms of her Savior.

Leviticus 19 - 20

The laws are summarized for the nation of Israel. Repeatedly, the reasoning behind each of the regulations is "I am the LORD" or "I am the LORD your God." Their position as God's people meant that they would act in ways that demonstrated His control over them.

How often do you and I demonstrate by our actions that God is our Lord or master? How often so we look for reasons for doing what we do (or don't do), when the only answer needed is "HE is the Lord my God"?

The results of disobedience are also spelled out for the nation. Death or excommunication from the society were serious repercussions for failure to keep the expected covenant. Today, we treat the results of sin too lightly, I am afraid.

Leviticus 17 - 18

God's rules for living included the place of sacrifice. All offerings were to be made in the open and in the sight of the priest. No secret offerings were to be made. Blood was not to be consumed by God's people. In fact the preciousness of life was found in the blood; and God's people were to respect that fact.

God's rules even spelled out the proper relationships to be had among family members. Sexual relations were not to be entered among close relatives or neighbors. The pattern of promiscuity found in the other nations was not to be a pattern for God's people's actions. Those engaged in these activities were to be cut off from the population. The reason given: "I am the LORD your God."

Leviticus 15 - 16

The social regulations continue with a discussion of 'discharge' regulations. The people of God were to adamantly protect themselves from impurity - from whatever source it may have originated.

The instructions then turn to the Day of Atonement, and the procedure by which the High Priest would enter into the presence of God on behalf of the sins of His people. Much preparation was made, of the Priest himself, his garments, his offerings and the instruments to be used in that worship. The sacrifices were to be carefully selected; the goat of sin offering, the goat of escape (literally, the scape goat) all were a picture of what God was doing with the sin of the people; and pointing out the futility of man's condition while promising that God would intervene on their behalf. This also points ahead to One who would satisfy all the demands of the Law and the sacrificial system.

Leviticus 14

The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of leprous outbreaks are continued. Those that have been cleansed from their disease are given procedures for becoming ritually clean - an outward sign that their illness has been successfully eradicated.

Instructions for the cleansing of an infected house are also given. The prescriptions range from re-plastering the walls to the total destruction of the house - depending on the seriousness of the infestation. It seems as though the priest of the day was also a building inspector and medical diagnostician. Definite examples of multi-tasking and cross-training.

Leviticus 13

The laws for determining and dealing with leprosy and other skin diseases is outlined in this chapter. Great detail is given for the diagnosis and quarantine of those affected. The ultimate goal is the restoration of the afflicted to society - not making them a social pariah. These diseases were treated with great seriousness and severity to prevent their spread throughout the community.

Leviticus 11 - 12

God outlines the dietary laws for His people. Animals must have a split hoof AND be a ruminate (chew its cud) in order to be acceptable for food. A list of unacceptable animals, birds, fish, and 'creeping things' is given so that God's people will know exactly what they may consume. Procedures are described in the occasion that a person comes into contact with an unclean animal or a dead animal. Other guidelines are given regarding childbirth and the uncleanness that is incurred in that process. The overriding principle is "be holy for I [the LORD] am holy" - His people are to reflect His unique purity in their own lives and practices.

Leviticus 8 - 10

Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests before the congregation of Israel. The ceremony prescribed by God is carried out to the last detail. The offerings and sacrifices are made according to God's commands; and the blood is applied to the altar, the priests and the tabernacle itself. The burnt offerings and sin offerings are made, the blood applied to the tabernacle furniture, and when Aaron and his sons enter the tabernacle - the glory of the Lord appears to His people and their response is to fall down in worshipful adoration and fear.

Almost immediately, someone tries to copy and counterfeit the appropriate worship of God into something that will draw attention to themselves. The judgment and punishment is swift and conclusive - the guilty are executed by the hand of God Himself. Those who desired to mourn the loss of life were commanded not to do so - for the proper mourning would have been for the loss of the display of God's glory.

Leviticus 6 - 7

God continues outlining the sacrificial system of worship for His chosen people. Laws governing social injustice are detailed, as well as the various sacrifices that would signify acknowledgment of the breach against God as well as against man. Even in these matters, forgiveness and restoration is seen as the goal and direction of the sacrifices.

Leviticus 4 - 5

The outlining of worship continues, this time with the sin offerings. God lays out in great detail the procedure for reacquiring a right relationship to Him in these sacrifices. There are certain obligations prescribed, depending on the nature of the offense and the position of the offender. Those of higher station were held to greater account; but none were given an exemption from dealing with their transgressions.

What a great lesson! No matter who we are, we are held responsible to a holy God. He takes sin very seriously; do we? Do I?

God speed, Atlantis; God speed Columbus

This morning, Lord willing, STS-122 will lift into the skies above Cape Canaveral, Florida, taking with it 7 souls committed to exploration and discovery. My family had the extreme privilege last month of touring the Kennedy Space Center and seeing the sights many are observing today on NASA TV. The payload in Atlantis' cargo bay is the Columbus module of the International Space Station; and it will be installed later this week in a series of three space walks.

Space flight is never routine. The memorial services for Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia last week remind us of the great danger inherent in any exploration. God has blessed us with the talent and knowledge to explore a small fraction of the neighborhood surrounding our planet. it is my prayer that those making that incredible journey today will experience the safety and protection that comes from Him alone.

Leviticus 1 - 3

The book of Leviticus opens with prescriptions for the various offerings to be made in the tabernacle worship system. Burnt offerings, grain offerings and peace offerings are outlined in these chapters. Among the detailed instructions for this worship, one finds the overwhelming sense that this is all for a purpose; and it is! Through these sacrifices and their many allowable variations God is demonstrating that breach of the relationship with Him comes at a great price; He is highlighting the fact that all are guilty and none are free from the deserved penalties associated with that breach; and He is offering the means by which that relationship can be (temporarily) restored. Perhaps the question on the mind of those worshiping was "Will it ever be enough?" - knowing full well that it wouldn't, but what else could one do?

Exodus 39 - 40

When all had been prepared, God instructed Moses to erect the tabernacle, place in it all the furniture and ornaments that had been assembled, consecrate it as holy to the Lord, and install Aaron and his sons as priests. Moses does this, all according to the plans laid out for him by God; and God's glory descends into the tabernacle, so much so that Moses cannot even enter in because of the overwhelming glory.

The book of Exodus closes with God's people serving Him, not in Egypt, but delivered from that place of slavery. His people are being lead by Him day and night. Would they continue to follow and obey?

Up Next: Leviticus

Exodus 36 - 38

Construction begins for the tabernacle. All follows the plans and directions outlined by God. The men specifically chosen for the task of building the tabernacle ably display their God-given talents as they bring the spoken plans into reality. No expense was spared in the construction materials, either. People gave willingly to supply what was needed. In fact, more than enough was given; Moses had to instruct the people to stop giving - their was more gathered materials than the projects warranted.

Do I do that? Am I so involved in giving what I have in my possession (time, talent, energy, treasure, desires) that God is able to have all needed for the task and then some? What a challenge!

Exodus 34 - 35

Moses meets with God on the mountain, spending 40 days and nights in the very presence of the Almighty. He receives again the commandments of the LORD and has them written on two new stone tablets (to replace the ones broken in anger at the sinning of the people). Upon returning to the camp, the people are vitally aware that Moses has spent time with God - his appearance is obviously altered. So much so, that the people beg him to hide his presence when he is among them.

Moses then invites the people to contribute the supplies to the construction of the tabernacle. The people give willingly and abundantly. These are the same people who a few chapters ago gave willingly to build a false idol. How much money and wealth did they possess? I guess it should not be surprising - today we spend much on what is not really important, and still have funds left over to contribute to God's work. Shouldn't we reverse that trend - give to what is truly important and then see what is left for trivial matters?

The other facet that stands out to me is Moses' appearance. It was visible to all - without Moses drawing attention to it - that he had spent time in the presence of the Almighty. Do those around me find it unavoidably obvious that I have spent time in God's presence? Why?

Exodus 31 - 33

God finishes giving instruction for the building of the tabernacle; and He appoints several men by name. How wonderful! God not only gives us talents, but knows us and our talents so well, He can match up specific tasks with specific people!

While Moses is on the mountain receiving all this instruction, his brother, Aaron, is leading the people. The problem is that Aaron is leading via the model "give 'em what they want" and when they want to replace Moses with a leader they can see . . . trouble ensues. Aaron casts an idol out of donated gold and declares that THIS is what has lead them out of Egypt. The celebration that takes place is a heated frenzy of debauchery that is suddenly halted by Moses' return from the presence of God and the swift judgment of their rebellious idolatry.

Moses pleads with God to spare His people for the sake of His reputation. This passage closes with Moses' appeal for God to show Himself to Moses, a request that God states He will grant.

Exodus 29 - 30

God lays out the procedure for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. The garments they will wear, the ordination ceremony and offerings are all specifically given. The altar, laver and other accoutrement are prescribed in great detail. The over-arching principle is this: God desires worship to be conducted in a specific manner - one that glorifies and brings honor and attention to Himself. These rituals and ceremonies all point ahead to the One great Sacrifice that would be offered by the promised Messiah.

Exodus 27 - 28

God lays out the plans for the tabernacle's altar and outer court. He then give a tremendously detailed description of the garments that would be worn by the priest. One of the outstanding features was the inscription placed on the priest's head covering: HOLY TO THE LORD. Wherever this man went, he was followed (actually, he followed since it was on his forehead) by the reminder of his sacred duty.

Today, God qualifies each individual believer as priests before Him. Are we as conscious of our call to holiness before the Lord? I would trust so.