JOTS FROM OLD JAKE
OUCH! DOUBLE OUCH +
Saturday, May. 19, 2007 - 2:58 p.m.
(Deuteronomy 23:1 KJV) He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
It is thought that the wounded in the stones means becoming a eunuch, possibly because they practice asceticism (the separating oneself from the carnal nature). This practice is of course is condemned by God. I can see possibilities of it meaning other things but most scholars seem to think it is the eunuch thing.
There is a difference of opinion of what is meant by �not entering into the congregation of the Lord. Mathew Henry states (paraphrased), Some think they are hereby excluded from communicating with the people of God in their religious services. Though eunuchs were owned as members of the church, but must not come so near the sanctuary as others might, nor have so free a communion with Israelites. Others think they are hereby excluded from bearing office in the congregation: none of these must be elders or judges, lest the honor of the magistracy should thereby be stained. Others think they are excluded only from marrying with Israelites. This to me doesn�t make sense� Marry? For what reason? (but that is just me!)
The exclusion from the congregation also included: bastards, Ammonites and Moabites. Nehemiah talks about the exclusion. That may or may not include the total aforementioned excludee�s.
Hmm� new word�
(Nehemiah 13:1-2 KJV) On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
I still wonder if that verse only applies to the nation Israel for the purpose of keeping the line of David pure for the first coming of the Messiah. Because Jesus said that anyone who will call upon Him and be born-again in the Spirit will be allowed to commune with Him. Wheeew! PTL!
Memory verse for today:
(1 John 3:2 KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.
Another thought:
The biggest trouble maker you will most likely ever deal with is the person who watches you shave or put on your make-up in the mirror each day.
May You Be Blessed by the Holy Spirit to Overflowing!
Bye for Now!
