Exodus 21:22-23:13 + Matthew 24:1-28 + Psalm 29:1-11 + Proverbs 7:6-23
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 21 we read the very well-known verses 24 & 25: “If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” What you may not realize about this “law of retaliation” is that it actually was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime, which prevented cruel and barbaric punishments that were seen in many ancient cultures. Meaning – before this law it might have been seen as “acceptable” for someone to kill someone in return for knocking out an eye – whereas this law limited the retaliation to fit the crime. Jesus of course invokes the higher law of love in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 verses 38 through 42: “You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” Do you see how Jesus exemplified this higher law of love for us through his ministry, life, death and resurrection? Bible.org has a great article titled “Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)” at this link.
I find it very fascinating to read all of the laws in these chapters today. I think what is incredible is to remember is that these laws are coming directly from God to the Hebrews. I find it very encouraging that God is so interested in the minutiae details that are discussed in these laws! God is not an impersonal God who just sets up the universe like a clock and lets it tick. God is engaged and concerned with our behavior – back then and today! Do you believe that God is engaged and concerned with your behavior today?
New Testament – Matthew chapter 24 verse 2 was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans, under Titus, completely destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple building: “”Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, they will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another!”
Verse 15 stood out to me today’s readings: “The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place”–reader, pay attention!” Per Zondervan’s commentary, the primary reference in Daniel 9:27 & 11:31 & 12:11 was to 168 B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes erected a pagan altar to Zeus on the sacred altar in the temple of Jerusalem. Some believe this is a progressive prediction, which was also fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed – and will also be fulfilled in the future by the antichrist.
Verses 26 & 27 really stood out to me today as some very wise teaching’s of Jesus’ (well, yes, all of Jesus’ teachings are wise! :), which we would all do well to take note of: “”So if someone tells you, `Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, `Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.” For some reason that little line, “don’t bother to go and look” really stood out to me. Basically, Jesus is saying that if you have to GO somewhere to see the “messiah” in the end of days, it ain’t the messiah! 🙂 When the true Messiah Jesus comes again, you will know it without a doubt – Jesus will light up the entire sky! What a beautiful thing to imagine…
Psalms – Speaking of Jesus lighting up the sky when he returns… check out Psalm 29 today! What a beautiful hymn of praise to God the Creator! Verses 3 and 4 are awesome: “The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.” And verse 2 is something for each of us to joyfully obey – “Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Amen!
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 7 verses 22 & 23 have always stood out to me, reminding me of the mortal danger of sin in our lives: “He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.” Yes, these verses are speaking about adultery. But, I think you can apply these verses to many sins that we fall prey to. Once we let the temptation or seduction of the sin overtake our senses we run the risk of the “arrow” or the “snare.” Sin has consequences. Very real and often mortal consequences. We need to stay off the path of sin and pray to God to keep us on the paths of truth and righteousness. Please don’t walk into the traps of temptation!
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of Danny Gokey’s song “Haven’t Seen It Yet:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1eMZiOJ0a0
Has God shown you His Glory? Click here for Glory!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today: “Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:4-8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be deceived in the end times. Pray that you will keep your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus alone in all times and all places.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: I read an interesting commentary on Psalm 29 verse 2 today – “Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” This commentary suggested that possibly “worshiping God in the splendor of his holiness” may have been a call for the ancient worshipers to basically dress up before going to the Temple. To wear the proper white robes or garb for worship. And this made me think about how we dress for church today. I’m wondering if maybe we’re getting too casual in the way we dress for church these days? I know in my grandparents’ day, you were in a suit / nice dress. Today, it seems like we can go to church in just about whatever we want to wear – jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, etc. And maybe this is okay? Maybe this is a good thing? Or maybe not? Dennis Prager on his radio show talks about this very topic and says that if we were going to meet with the Queen of England, how would we dress? Obviously, we’d dress nicely. Well, if in church we’re going to meet with the King of all creation, how then should we dress? At least as nicely as we’d dress for meeting with the Queen of England? Or no…? Please let me know your thoughts on this topic. Do you dress up for church? Why or why not? (I’ll confess – I wear jeans to church… and sometimes even sandals in the summer…) Are we getting too casual with what we wear to church these days? Should we maybe learn something from this Psalm and “worship God in the splendor of his holiness”? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Should we dress up to go to church? Hmmm. I have dressed up and dressed down for church. I visited my son who lives in the Seattle Washington area and thought I was dressed down; but, when I got to church I found that I was dressed up. God wants our hearts not our clothes. However I do think we need to be aware of our personal hygiene in church so as not to distract others from the message; come to think of it, when we are in any place where there is a crowd, we should be sure we do not offend by our lack of hygiene. We must remember to emit the fragrance of Christ and not be an odor of the world, literarily and figuratively.
What is the appropriate dress for church? Having clothes on, being appropriately clothed so as not to cause a distraction. And women should be sure they do not wear clothing that is sexually provocative. Men are visual beings (God made them that way), and can be easily distracted by our choice of clothing or lack there of.
Upon visiting churches, I have found that churches that have many members that are poor and unskilled will dress up; and churches that are middle to upper middle class with high skills tend to dress down, at least in New York City and the outskirts of Seattle.
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Today’s Old Testament passages give “flesh” to Commandments five through ten, with a dash of skin to numbers one through four. Responsibility and accountability are found in these chapter and verses, responsibility to God and man, and accountability for actions that violate men and the community’s relationship to each other and God. I don’t know why I never saw this previously I just saw a bunch of rules and regulations to follow but this is all about right living in the midst of community and right actions toward God, who created us and thus the One who wrote the How-To-Manual
And if men fight and hit a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no serious injury, he will surely be punished in accordance with what the woman’s husband will put on him, and he will pay what the court decides. But if there is serious injury, then you will give a life for a life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. (Exodus 21:22-25 NET.)
When things like the above happen, people fighting or even rough housing where there are people around going about their daily business, when someone is hurt or injured, the people involved usually try to “excuse” their way out of it. “He/She made me so mad I couldn’t help myself, You just don’t know what they did to me.” The word “Sorry” is bantered about as if just the sound of that word justifies everything. God says, “No, you are not excused by use of the word, “Sorry.”. You must restore to its original state.” In fact, the Hebrew word, shâlam, where shâlôm, the word peace is derived from, implies restoration. Come to think of it, isn’t that what God will do when He ushers in the “New Jerusalem,” bring everything back to the “In the Beginning” state?
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Richard:
I feel that your dress code in church should be secondary to your attendance. In this day and age of poor church participation, we should not be adding to the “reasons” why we can’t attend. Jesus in Mat 23:13 had a real problem with the hipocracy of the Pharisees. “You shut the kingdom of heaven in mens faces…” Too much pomp and circumstance existed among these men that made the walk with God very difficult. Earlier in that same chapter, verse 5 we see our Lord observing… “They make their phylacteries wide and tassels on their garments long.” All the while pointing out how shallow they were in their hearts. My dress code in church is as my mood dictates. sometimes I dress up and other time you will find me in shorts and sandles. I’m thinking Jesus would approve of the sandles. I will leave you with one quote from another popular Jew written a few thousand years later. “…I’d like to say, we’d do OK…forever in blue jeans” Neil Diamond. (I apologise to those brothers and sisters here who find quoting our contemporaries inappropriate for this forum)
Richard
======= Laura:
Regarding the issue of clothing and dress, I believe casual has become common throughout the world in the business sector as well as at church. It is kind of a sign of the times. Most of the younger people today do seem to be more casual than say the over 60 crowd. On that note I am in agreement with John and Anka, with the comments that God looks at the heart and whats on the inside not on outside. What is important is our relationship with Christ and being in fellowship and worship with others. As long as clothing is clean and neat, modest and respectible, it will probably be appropriate for church. If you are going on a job interview, speaking in public or want to stand out from the rest by making some sort of statement, than your dress will usually represent the image we are trying to project.
Interesting reading today about the “eye for an eye” “tooth for a tooth concept” which I believe is the beginning of government and law which God and Christ are the forfront of. The punishment fitting the crime sort of speak. God’s punishment has never been as harsh as man’s. We have seen that throughout the history of mankind. Very interesting to think about in this perspective.
I enjoyed todays readings and comments.
Laura
======= Luch:
I agree that we need to ‘dress up’ for church but dress up the ‘inner man’ as Paul said in Colossians 3:12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
The only other ‘definitive’ word in the Scriptures that I see that is not prescriptive for us but descriptive is in James 2:2 and following, where the writer doesn’t commend people for ‘dressing up externally’ but rather rebukes people for ‘dressing up’ for external reasons for insincere motives. In fact, listen to James, Jesus half brother “For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed up in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes, if you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, You go stand over there, or else sit on the floor–well, doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by the wrong motives?”
Now am I against ‘dressing up’for church? Of course note. But I don’t think there’s a clear cut answer. Each culture dresses up externally according to their culture. If you ask Elizabeth Elliott how the native people dressed up in Ecuador when they went to church it would look a lot different than how parishoners in the midwest dress up or some other part of the country.
I believe we need to think real hard before we begin to define what is ‘appropriate dress’. I have worked with young adults for over 25 years and we have lost a lot of them to these external issues. Some have grown up with parents and grandparents who so emphasized the ‘externals’ that these kids got the Message all garbled up. I would be the last to ever suggest that people who wear nice clothes to church aren’t godly. God forbid, but at the same time, I think people should think twice before they make accusative comments of people not ‘dressing up’ for church and of ‘being disrepectful in the “house of God.’ These dear believers should reread the context of James. I think it’s true that some of the greatest barriers to people embracing the gospel of Jesus are not theological but cultural.
Luch
======= Anka:
It struck me that God said the same things about how to treat aliens twice in consecutive chapters.I think God watches each of our actions towards unbelievers and isn’t happy when we forget we were saved by grace not by works.The verse in Matt 24:15-20 stood out to me.I wonder if pastors who tell their flock they can turn the keys of heaven so their prayers are not heard don’t desecrate the pulpit(temple)as well.Please don’t get me wrong,I love my pastor and I have nothing against pastors but it hurts to see so many cases of people hurt by the very person that should help them find healing in Christ.I see so many of the false prophets at work and I also see some who become false without even realising they are on the wrong path.It is so important to study the word so that it leads us to where God wants cos our understanding is so limited(at least I know mine is).
As I start a new phase in my life I realise I’ll put more effort to find time to study the bible.It kinda reminds me how pharoh gave the people more work so they wouldn’t go to worship God..
About dressing up to go to church,yes I do agree(even though I don’t dress up).If you are going to meet the king then you need to honour him by looking your best.Well I’ve always been a jeans person trying to change to look more responsible even at work..so I’m still working on that:).I believe however that God will be more impressed by my attitude to his word and my prayer life than if I were to go all dressed up to church and not be right with God in my heart.
Where I come from,there are a lot of people who use church as a social function,people actually spend a lot of money on “sunday” clothes and put on a sunday face(with a sunday attitude as well).
How many times in church have christians hugged and blessed each other then at home or work get nasty(well I have).I know God sees me on the inside so I want to work on being a light(my folks are unbelievers and keep criticising people who go to church and do worse things than they{the aliens}do)to others cos I know personally I need it more than to dress up.Can anyone imagine a nicely dressed lady who didn’t have a bath…if my spiritual side doesn’t smell too good….gotta have a bath before I dress up..God bless you all
Anka
p.s. I didn’t understand the part in matt that said flee to judea and the mountains when you see the abomination that causes desolation standing in the holy place….run?I don’t get it…run to the word?…praise God?
======= John:
Anka,
These passages refer to the end of times. There are different interpretations of these passages depending on your theological bent.
My understanding: This is at the mid-point of Tribulation, and the AntiChrist is in Jerusalem and the “great” (Horrific) Tribulation is about to start.
Jesus is telling the Jewish people to run when this happens, and flee to the mountains. Some think this is Petra in Jordan. The reason: it will be horrible at that time, especially if you are Jewish nationality. (If Satan can destroy the Jew, then the Bible will be a lie.)
It is in this refuge, that the Jewish people will ultimately recognize Jesus as Lord, and then HE will come.
That is a quick and dirty thumbnail sketch.
Mike’s ?
I concur with others. Unless there are unforseen circumstances – the clothes should be neat and clean, but I do not believe a suit/tie or Sunday dress is required. God knows our hearts.
Which also goes to a previous thought onprayer. It matters how you connect with God, not your body positioning. Different people do it different ways. The important thing is the connection.
John
======= Jeff:
Our NT readings today and tomorrow are commonly referred to as The Olivet Discourse (since Jesus was speaking with His disciples while sitting on The Mount of Olives). His teachings are especially fascinating because we are reading what Jesus Himself had to say about His second ‘coming and the end of the age.’
But reading prophecy is sooooo difficult to understand sometimes. Perhaps the most difficult verse today is verse 15:
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation’, spoken of through the prophet Daniel–let the reader understand– “Understand”? Ha!
But I did find an interesting explanation of this verse: http://www.gotquestions.org/abomination-desolation.html Hope this is helpful.
Would appreciate anyone sharing your thoughts on what Jesus says to us about His second coming from our readings today and tomorrow.
God bless you all,
Jeff
======= Roslyn:
For as long as we dress decently for church or service not necessarily in in suits or Sunday’s “best”—-that is already pleasing to God. God is not going to judge us by the clothes that we wear but the condition of our hearts. It is more pleasing to him to spend time preparing our hearts so we are able to commune with him and listen to his Word. Our faith and love for God is not measured in terms of “material trappings.”
Roslyn
======= Stef:
hi, as kids we had to dress in our Sunday best,long white socks for the girls and patent leather shoes all shiny..i think my grandparents would have a fit if they saw my teenagers..but they are clean and clothed and at Church which is what God desires..the fact that the clean clothes are jeans purposely worn to scuff the hems etc i dont think that is the most important thing.If we start instituting a dress code i think we would lose some of the non Christians who are coming for a look see.
Stef
======= Joe:
In Matthew 24:16-22 I wonder if Jesus is talking about the day the Romans destroy the temple. This would make the story make alot of sense, to runaway and not go back to get anything.
Joe
======== John:
Joe,
I think you are right if you look at verse 2, but then the conversation changes direction in verse 3.
The disciples specifically ask about when he would be coming (Gk. Parousia)? Well Christ is already there, what do they mean “coming”? They mean his “second coming”.
In verse 3 they also ask about the “end of the world”(KJV), or “end of the age”(NIV). This matches up with the idea of Christ returning to end an age and begin a “new age.”
As bad as the Roman times were(70A.D.)they did not match up to Jesus’ physical description of the earth and political climate. Further the allusion to the Book of Daniel would imply a desecration in the temple not a destruction of the Temple.
John
======= Gene:
In regards to dressing, a thought comes to mind regarding Christs second coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3. Now, brothers , about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a theif in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety, “destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnenat woman, and they well not escape. We need always to be ready and prepared. Appropriately dressed,mind and hearts should be right with God. How can we be ready in every situation? I feel it is important to dress as a servant and a follower of Jesus. We shouldn’t condemn or judge others by what we see. Just knowing that they believe in Jesus should be of primary importance. Leave the judgement pruning,and teaching up to God.
I find it interesting that even in the poorest of countries God’s presence still abounds. The importance of all the trappings and personal riches seen in the wealthier of countries seems to validate the reason Christ is coming back to settle the issues we face today. Outside appearance doesn’t constitute Godliness. Dont’let your expectations (how I expect others to dress, which pleases me) replace hope, love and faith. We shouldn’t take our focus off of what is really impotant and fail to see the big picture.
In a CCM song written by the News boys regarding the entertaining of angels 24/7, what makes you think that Jesus will be coming back on a Sunday when you are dressed in your best? Excuse me I need to leave that thought for today, there is a knock at the door.
Gene
======= Sally:
I am interested in the dressing question. It seems to suggest that the only time we meet with God is during a meeting on a Sunday? I’m meeting Him all over the place through my week, sometimes with others and sometimes alone. Some of my most precious encounters have been unpremeditated on my part! God has met me, and whatever I was wearing doesn’t seem to have put Him off!
In a ‘church’ setting, not offending others unnecessarily, nor judging them are important considerations -and the issue of dress is much like the eating of certain kinds of food -a matter of individual conscience. However I have a friend, who in times of revival in Malaysia, would rise early, and shower and dress solely for her prayer time with the Lord -the preparation was part of her intimate relationship with Him. If we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to dress a certain way as part of our worship to Jesus, how lovely!
Sally
======= Norman:
I am sure that God is more interested in the inside rather than the clothes that His people wear.
I can remember when I was sent to Sunday School in the afternoon it meant scrubbing up and putting on my best clothes.. Woe betide me if I dirtied them although it entailed a mile walk either way.
Last week I read an obituary of a Church of England Dean who was posted (is that the right word?) in `1953 to a parish in Bury near Manchester England. The Church wardens would all wear morning dress. The dress code is to impress others and not Jesus.
I myself would not be seen in Jeans. You have to have a certain shape to be able to wear them!
Until I retired from gainful employment I had to wear a suit. I have tried ever since to avoid wearing one. My reasoning is that a suit was my working clothes. You would not expect a painter and decorator to turn up to church in his working clothes. Really the type of clothes one wears is personal and if others object or turn up in their Sunday best it is no concern of mine. Provided their heart is right they could turn up in a swim suit. Mind you in Britain today it might be a little chilly.
Norman H. Edwards. Glossop. High Peak, England
======= Alice:
Dressing for church: Some years ago when we ran a business, we hired a young man who was trying to re-claim his life. He had been involved with drugs and alcohol, was living on the street. He had seen the error of his ways. He interview for the job with a clean pair of jeans and a nice pullover, the only decent clothes he had. When he began talking about God, knowing I was a Christian, I invited him to go to church with me. He must have been saving his earnings for some time because he was much too tall to have simply found someone from whom to borrow his “suit”. He arrived dressed in the finest of biker gear. His long hair was clean and neat as always, and he stuck out like a sore thumb. I was ashamed that my congregation could not see someone who wanted to turn his life around and desperately needed encouragement. I was grateful that he was not turned off by this experience, but rather decided while my church was not for him, God was still available.
I think we need to dress appropriately for church. I can’t see skimpy or provocative clothing, but I feel clean and neat are much more important than dressing up. Some of us just don’t have, or can afford, the wardrobe that others have. I would much rather see someone in church with jeans, than to skip church because they don’t have a “Sunday” dress or suit. And we all at church need to be empathic when someone arrives that if a bit different. As the New Testament states, we might be entertaining angles unaware.
Alice
======= Laverne:
What an interesting thought from Mr. Prager: “If we were going to meet with the Queen of England, how would we dress”? Obviously, we’d dress nicely. Well, if in church we’re going to meet with the King of all creation, how then should we dress? At least as nicely as we’d dress for meeting with the Queen of England? Or no…? Please let me know your thoughts on this topic. Do you dress up for church? Why or why not?
—————————-
If I feel like dressing up I do. For the month of Feb its Black History month at my church many people in the congregation wear Mud cloth, or some African garb. I don’t I might once or twice during the month but not the whole month. I do like the thought of Mr. Prager. However I also need to piggy back on Roslyn’ words God won’t judge me for how I come, for I believe as long as I am not offensive to anyone I can “come as I am”
Laverne
======= Rebe:
I am sitting here reading commenmts about proper dress for church and have many somewhat coflicting views …. I for 1 need to think about dressing better for church … * I wore boots and jeans to church yesterday because it was very cold . My son refuses to wear jeans to church no matter if cold or not . I think if I dress in a certain way … it should be in honor of our Savior ,,,, not to show off nice clothes . So this is a personal expierence between my Savior and me and only he will know my motivation behind the way I dress . If I have a heart in the wrong place … no matter of dress will help this … only getting clean with the grace of God can help . If our churches was to turn people away or make them not feel welcome because the way they dress …. SHAME ON US . We are to make people feel welcome to worship God .
Rebe
======== Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Exodus 21:24-25 “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise”.
Exodus 22:21 “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt”.
Matthew 24:12-13 “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved”.
Matthew 24:27 ” For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes”.
Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace”.
Spreuken 7:22-23 “He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life”.
Again, wonderful readings today!
As for how we dress for church these days … I dress up for the service on Sundaymorning. I do my hair, my make up and make sure to put on a nice dress. On the services from Sundayevening and the midweekservice I go casual (indeed jeans & flipflops sometimes). That’s just something I decided, I see many people in my church wearing casual on Sundaymorning. For me personal it’s important to wear something respectable, not something I will provoc men with. Well, it’s not something I’d wear anyway … but I’m careful with what I wear, especially in the Summer. I won’t be wearing something I wear in my backyard, where no one can see me, to church … that’s what I mean with respectable. I like to wear something nice to church on Sundaymorning. But I think most important is that I KNOW why I’m going to church and thinking about what I’m bringing and what I hope to receive.
Mae
======= Pat:
The one Sunday of the year that I will NEVER wear anything new or fancy is Easter. I asked a friend if she was going to church with me one Easter when we were in college and she said she couldn’t because she didn’t have anything proper to wear on Easter. I took off my Easter outfit and threw it in a chair, then put on one of my oldest outfits that she and everyone else had seen hundreds of times. I grinned and said “Now find something like mine to wear and we’ll go together.” That was in 1962 and from that time to now I put on my oldest outfit to wear on Easter and always invite someone to attend church with me.
God Bless!
Pat
======== Gary:
This is my first comment and really not directed towards the reading today. I just wanted to let you know how much participating in the daily reading is affecting the way I think. While I have taught Sunday School in the past, I have begun looking at the readings in a very different light, more directed as a guide for my daily life. I still struggle with meanings and issues of faith at times but in just one month I have quieted some internal demons. I especially like coming to the website and repeating the readings, enjoying the beautiful pictures posted within the scripture. God has surely guided me to this site. Thank you.
Gary
======== Jenny:
Great readings! Dont have to time to write much. but as for my attire at church, i wear jeans and watever’s comfortable. its not my outward God looks at. course i avoid dressing ‘sexy’, that wouldnt be good, i do have respect for the Lord of course n for myself, n it may be a stumbling block for men there so i take that in account, but i dont dress provocatively anyway. the stlyes now are just different nowdays also and i live in southern cali so ppl here wear a lil less. its just what i’m used to. people at my church dress casually. I certainly wouldnt show up in an enticing outfit showing too much which i see some girls do.
One reason i’m casual is, i dont have nice clothes, haha. but also i prefer casual, i want to be the same person on sundays as i am everday. i think its personal choice/conviction, my dad for instance wears suits n ties to his church. thats what he knows n thats how hes comfortable.
Jenny
======= Michael:
The way we dress surely says something about the way we regard our activities planned for the day? So it is not important how we dress for worship that matters as how we think about the significance of our worship. For many that will mean dressing as well as we can, and for others expressing the closeness of our intimacy with Jesus; each should judge for himself and not make rules for others; for myself I am a “dresser” but others say its just becasue i’m old and fussy!
Michael
======= Kary:
My father dresses up because he sees it as a form of worship, an outward expression. For me, I noticed when I was young and began to dress as nice as I could that there was almost a sort of pride I had about being so nicely dressed especially when others weren’t and I thought surely this pride is more ugly to God then any type of dress. So I stopped really dressing up and since then only dress more or less appropriate to the congregation (say visiting a conservative church in the South versus a youthful church in San Diego).
I often think about how Jesus told us not to worry about our clothing as the pagans do when he said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things…” (Mat 6:31-32) I realize that back then most people worried about the physical need for clothing more than styles, etc, but not everybody, even back then, and surely these words were/are intended to the rich people as well as the poor and I think God’s word is broad enough to have several meanings to people in different situations. Each of us should think what that verse is saying to us in our own situation. For me it actually helps me be relieved that I don’t need to put much emphasis on what kind of clothing I should wear or worry about being fashionable, wearing brand names or wearing only what is “in”.
We do see clothing is important in some way to God as we see in Ezekiel in the Temple and the new white robes in Revelations, but I think Jesus is more concerned with our hearts. In fact, we should remember God’s original will for man, as seen in the Garden of Eden, was for no clothing at all.
So I think each should wear what he or she determines before God is appropriate. Although I would request of the women to please consider what you wear from the men’s point of view. Even what has become common style now a days can actually be sort of provocative (especially tight jeans/pants or more “open” blouses, etc) and many guys in church are really trying to be very careful about any wrongful thoughts, and there are other guys in church who are really trying to overcome big challenges in this area and this doesn’t help (especially in church!). I’m sure many women wear these things because they are stylish without intending any trouble, they just haven’t thought about it, but please do, even if your husband is OK with you wearing it, think about other guys out there who might be struggling.
Kary
======= Elizabeth:
Everyone–thanks for taking time to share your stories and thoughts about clothing and dress this morning. Clothing is such a weird thing–when I am studying history with the children and we learn about some of the uncomfortable or seemingly ridiculous looking garb folks used to wear, it makes me wonder about us all! It’s hard for me to fathom that showing an ankle used to be scandalous and that men wore powdered wigs. Isn’t it weird how we can look back at pictures of styles a few decades ago think them ridiculous, yet we cannot help but remain somewhat sensitive to the style of the times.
I believe the posture and purity of a person’s heart is the bottom line with God. Having said that, I do think there IS an inside/outside connection and it’s tricky to tease out all the implications of what that might look like for different people. God did not choose to make us completely spiritual beings. He chose to give us physical bodies to care for and express ourselves with. God chose to place us within the confines of a specific time and culture. We can’t just divorce ourselves from all that is physical and say it’s completely irrelevant. Our outside and inside should be interwoven in a way that glorifies him.
I love that song “From the Inside Out” by Hillsong because I feel like it touches on that beautiful connection:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/wwJEdo1FlMo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
The way we care for (or neglect) our physical bodies speaks volumes about our inner lives. It kind of goes back to what we were discussing yesterday too with regard to physical posture when praying. Ideally, I think we most glorify God when the WHOLE picture (body, spirit, soul, whatnot) is all harmonious and in sync.
Having said that, I think we need to be careful to allow that these “expressions” will vary greatly from person-to-person and from generation-to-generation. We all look different, have different personalities, dress different, decorate our homes different, raise our children different, prefer different music, have different giftings….. I believe the Lord delights in our diversity AND in our interdependence–His creation DECLARES this reality better than anything I can try to articulate. He is not a “one-size fits all” God when it comes to individual expression.
I think it becomes a problem when we get judgmental or self-righteous about our own preferences or perceptions of what is right, proper, or beautiful. When we start stacking our expressions up against others in a competitive way (and we are so prone to this), then we cause division and disunity in His body and within ourselves.
We need to be sensitive to others and give each other a lot of latitude and grace. We can have an attitude of pride in our “right” to dress down as easily as we can be judgmental about others not “dressing up.” Either way, it can become a distraction and cause division when God is after “bigger fish” like justice and mercy and faithfulness (Matt 23:23) After all, isn’t that what Jesus was beating up the Pharisees about in yesterday’s reading–gnat straining and such?? Gnat straining is EASY while justice, mercy, and faithfulness are tough bedfellows to wake up with daily. ; )
One small aside–I do think there is biblical precedence for not making oneself a “show-piece” at church, which I believe is an area of vulnerability for women in particular:
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness–with good works. 1 Timothy 2:8-10
I have been distracted by women AND men at church because of their clothing, jewelry, perfume, or manner of carrying themselves. I am also distracted by people who arrive late in what I consider to be a kind of showy way. No man is an island…
Just being honest and trying to think through things here,
Elizabeth
======== Arielle:
Hello everyone,
About dressing: I agree with what you all have shared.
When we are a child of GOD, how we carry ourselves outside should greatly resonate with who we are inside as well. Nothing about us should give reasons for someone to stumble in their faith (either because they are new to faith or they are still exploring or learning about the Great GOD we serve). Also never let our outward appearance cause someone to sin either in thoughts or deeds.
When in the house of worship, we should be dressed such that we get lost in the crowd or no one notices us. This helps us too, to focus on our prayer with our GOD and not be bothered about how great we look or how others think we look either.
Arielle
======= Jennifer:
I like to dress nice for church, but not necessarily fancy. However, I agree with Romona our dress should not be distraction. If someone is coming to our church for the first time they should feel comfortable whether they are dressed in a suit and tie, or in jeans.
First re-reading the laws lets you know that everyone must decide to make decisions that are right. There are moral rights and wrongs that cannot be explained away because of how you are brought up or how you are treated. If you choose to hurt someone you must be held accountable for that hurt. I think too often we try to excuse immoral behavior, to give ourselves breaks, or compare ourselves to others and feel righteous because you are not as big a sinner as so and so. We are all sinner and fall short of the glory of God, only Jesus in our heart will allow us to meet our God.
The verse that stood out to me was the one Mike chose. Like Lightening that comes in the west and is seen in the east you will know it is Jesus. When Jesus speaks we know it is him without question. When Jesus comes we will know he has arrived.
Jesus says in Mathew that he will speak to us in darkness and whisper to us in the night. The question is for me, am I listening?
Jennifer
======= Steve:
Exodus 21:23-25 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
Today’s reading in Exodus brings us face to face with the often quoted “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” phrase. Most of the time when we hear this quoted it’s in the context of retaliation for some injustice that’s occurred. This is not the case; an eye for an eye was actually merciful for that time in history. We tend to compare the old administration of the Law with the new administration of grace which by comparison makes the Law harsh. What we don’t always see is that the laws in Exodus were meant to bring restitution not revenge. The Israelites under the Law of Moses didn’t have jails for law breakers, the goal of the law was to teach the offender a new path and bring restitution to the victim. Under the Laws of Exodus there would be no provisions for expert testimony (hired expert witness) that would have been considered unethical. The Laws of Exodus were full of wisdom from God and a precursor of the coming of the one who fulfilled all the Law.
Steve
======= Duane:
This coming Thursday, I will be preparing for a job interview. I want to make a good impression. Attending church should be the same way. You are absoluctly right about God, he is not looking at our appearance but he is really looking at our heart. But shouldn’t we do our best to make a good appearance before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.I go to church to worship and give honor to his name, so if I have the means to be able to dress nice, I believe we should.I’m not dressing up to impress people around me, but dressing for my Lord to let him know I’m so grateful for all his blessings.
Duane
====== Calypso:
As a child it was a BIG DEAL to get dressed up for church. As a 12 year old I was annoyed and disheartened as I didn’t have those NICE clothes and I’m not sure if I was embarrassed or just annoyed at the whole fanfare my mother would try to put on. I was going through the whole, Holden Caulfield phase (everyone trying to be fake/phony irritated me..)
As my early 20s came, I met a man, we started to go to a church ( a mega church) that accepted jeans and casual attire. That was awesome. The whole come as you are philosophy. I wasn’t worried about what everyone was wearing. I was here to listen to the Word of God.
As the years went on, we had a family and longed for a smaller church that felt like a community… a home. We were blessed to find one where the pastor knows us by name, will call us when he knows we’re struggling and will pray for us right then and there.
We attend a casual service but lately, as I shop for clothes, I try and keep my BEST for entering the house of the Lord. It’s a reverence, a respect, that I came to on my own.
There are times when you are broken and desperate and just need the word. There are times when you should go as you are even if in rags. The church should always accept you regardless.
There will come a time when the Lord will provide you with better things and you’ll come to a place of thanksgiving in which you’ll give the best to the church.
It’s LONG LONG process and everyone’s spiritual walk is different.
I say, as long as you are seeking God’s face, you are doing the right thing.
Calypso
========== Patty:
Interesting questions. On reflection, I’m thinking that worshiping God “in the splendor of His holiness” has more to do with coming to Him in humility and purity of heart than in our ‘best’ or whitest clothing. It’s in our deepest humility that we most clearly see and exalt His amazing, completely ‘other’ holiness. The verse is all about God—His name & His holiness, which technically cannot be diminished with dirty or casual clothing (His walk here on earth illustrating that). And while it’s traditional to dress in white attire or our ‘best’ for holy occasions (Sundays, weddings, baptisms) I doubt God is honored with any choice of apparel when the heart is far from Him. We see this when we read of Christ denouncing the pretentiousness of the Pharisees who paraded in their splendid robes and phylacteries but whose hearts were hardened with pride and sin. And we read also of street beggars who worshiped and gave glory to His name when they were healed by Jesus. (“He went dancing and leaping and praising God…”) Their clothing is not mentioned, but it’s hardly likely it was even clean let alone fancy. This is not to say we cannot honor or dishonor God in how we dress. But that worshipful honor or dishonor springs from the heart, which God alone can see. Matthew 15 speaks to the priority God gives to internal vs. external things. Speaking of the Pharisees He says:
8 “These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’”
19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
I believe what Jesus is saying here is that external practices and traditions alone are not what honors or defiles—the human heart/mind/motives prompting those actions determines what honors or defiles. I think this would probably be applicable to the tradition of dressing up for church or solemn occasions. Possibly honoring—but also not necessarily honorable, depending on whether it springs from the sinful, prideful heart of a Pharisee. And while the Pharisee might judge others based on these externals, Jesus judges the heart (as well as those who would judge others based on their own inadequate, sin-prone perception).
Patty
======= Lee:
I play the piano in a young children’s division at church. Among the parents that come, the mothers are usually attired in dresses or skirts or dressy slacks and tops. The fathers are dressed semi-casually- rarely in sport jackets or suits. They don slacks, occasionally jeans, and shirts, or tops.The grandparents that come are mostly dressed more “churchy” in dresses and suits and ties or sport jackets.
I suppose it could be generational. I am uncomfortable dressing casually for a worship service. It is not that I want to show off how tailored I can look, rather it was my upbringing. We always “dressed up” for church and that habit instilled in me as a child continues. I am not suggesting everyone should do as I do, however, I think of Daniel when he was released from prison, how he had a total “makeover” before he went to be presented to Pharaoh, as did Esther prior to her presentation to the King. How much more for us who come into the presence of THE King.
Lee
======== Dee:
The appeal or lack of with our dress. I just think of several in the bible who were mentioned in faith that didn’t dress up. John the Baptist was one. and he was mentioned as one of the greatest of faith and none greater afterwards. The one with issue of blood..she had literally been bleeding for 12 years. She had exhausted all funds, doctors, etc.. so I am like the others. God looks at our heart. I do personally like to dress up alot of times for church.. when I am not with toddlers in back.. because I feel confident, and love heels..so there is that. But come as you are is what the Lord says..and I stand by that motto too.
In Exodus 21, we just came out of 10 commandments reading in ch 20 btw, so now we have requirements and rules of punishment based on the crime. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, etc.. however, instead of killing human life-compensation is advised more than anything-trying to keep murder off the table unless its an animal and for sacrifice or if its accidental death and they split or choose who (if any) gets the meat.
That goes the same with ch 22, went over rules for stealing and compensation. For example, if animals stray away, then owner pays with best grain or grapes, this goes with burning and if gets out of hand-you pay -they had to breakdown laws for everything.
I love @ the end of exodus about the rest! We all need the rest -the slaves, the animals and us, Yes!!
Matt 24: 1-28
Talks of the temple-destroyed-what disciples don’t understand is Jesus is speaking of himself too.
I just wonder when it speaks of end times and the sacriligious object that causes desolation-got me thinking of our new electors in white house-and how our embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalum-hope it stays because the moment some “mockery” is put in its place- be ready for birth pains-signs and wonders to follow..
Ps 29:1-11
we need to Honor the One who rules over all-He blesses His people. He is Mighty and Victorious.
Proverbs 7:6-23
The seduction of sin-it looks enticing-it seems innocent-but in the end it is wrong, and can cause so many to suffer. Avoid it, run! Seek the Father and His ways -be like Joseph-You’ll be blessed by running from it in the end.
Dee
