So let it be written . . . ∙

So let it be written . . . ∙

Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may obey them. – Deuteronomy 4:5

Nehemiah 8:6,8

 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

In 1956, Cecil B. DeMille directed his magnificent, sublime, epic film – The Ten Commandments. It had many prominent stars in leading roles: Charlton Heston – Moses, Yul Brynner – Rameses II, Anne Baxter – Nefertiti, and John Derek – Joshua.

The movie has many memorable phrases. Here are but a few:

“It would take more than a man to lead the slaves from bondage. It would take a god. And I am no god, I am but a man” (Moses).

“His god…is God!” (Rameses II).

“He has forgotten both of us. You lost him when he went to seek his God. I lost him when he found his God” (Sephora, speaking to Nefertiti regarding Moses).

“So let it be written; so let it be done” (Rameses II). What does this mean? The Egyptians were meticulous record keepers. When important decisions were made or actions performed, they were written down by a court scribe.

The Father has provided people with an accurate, written record regarding Himself, biblical history, His will, His standards, and His plans for the future. To paraphrase Ramses II, “What has been written, is what is to be done.”

The Father has revealed what He wants children of the King to know and believe and act. But sadly, people have poor memories. Do children of the King know what the Father asks of them or what He desires for them? Do they know where to begin to fulfill His dreams for them?

The remarkable story and the events portrayed in Cecil B. DeMille’s movie, The Ten Commandments, are often considered nothing but myth today. How can this possibly have happened? The Scriptures have been handed down through the centuries. The children of Israel were firmly warned about forgetting their history 3500 years ago.

Deuteronomy 4:9-13

 9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

 10 Never forget the day when you stood before the LORD your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’

 12 And the LORD spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.

 13 He proclaimed his covenant – the Ten Commandments – which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father does not have grandchildren. He only has children. Each of us must decide to believe and eagerly desire to learn and follow what He has provided.

Father may I eagerly seek You. May I be attentive, hear, listen, and receive Your word. May I respond accordingly.

INSIGHT

The story is told of two grad students having a conversation about the miraculous opening of the Red Sea recorded by Moses in the book of Exodus. The first student simply says, “I am dumbfounded, I just don’t get it! How could this possibly have happened?” The second student remarked, “It’s simple! The story of the Red Sea is the story of a miracle. When you believe in God, you believe in miracles.” The first grad student says, “Now I understand. I don’t believe in miracles because I don’t believe in God.”

Our culture has shifted away from theism, the belief in a prayer-hearing God Who is there, and Who acts in the space-time continuum. The collateral damage has been considerable. Belief in the Father God revealed in the Scriptures has become almost absent. Reverence and worship have almost become outmoded concepts. The Father and His word have regrettably become irrelevant to many.

This is nothing new. It has happened many times in history. Before we criticize others, perhaps we should examine ourselves. Do we read the Scriptures with eagerness and understanding? Do we make life decisions based upon what we read? Or do we simply take the Father for granted?

Around 600 BC, the children of Israel had become complacent. And they were simply going through the motions of their faith. They had head knowledge, but the Father was far from their hearts. They defied the proclamations of His prophets. They ignored the warnings of coming judgment. Ezekiel and Jeremiah were poorly received and horribly treated.

There was no change of heart nor repentance, judgment fell. Jerusalem was conquered, the temple was destroyed, and the people were taken to Babylon.

Captive in Babylon, the children of Israel were demoralized, saddened, and afraid. So much had been lost. They lamented and longed for “the good old days.”

But in fact, “the good old days,” is what brought them into their present circumstances.

Eventually, Babylon fell to the Persians, and the people of Israel were allowed to return home. The Father raised up Nehemiah and Ezra. The Word of God was once again available to be heard, understood, believed, and followed.

It was read aloud to the people and translated as needed, and explained. Truth and sound teaching were again within reach. The people were eager and attentive. Hard times have a way of turning things around even for the hardest of hearts.

Nehemiah 8:2-10

 2 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand.

 3 He read it from early morning until noon to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.

 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

 10 This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

The time for mourning and weeping was over. A new day had begun. The children of the King had rediscovered and embraced the Father God and His Word and soon discovered that indeed, “the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Israel’s “good old days” were not much different than our own. In our fast-paced, streaming culture, it is easy to take for granted what is commonly available. As children of the King, our most valuable possession is the Father’s precious gift, His Word.

Today can be a new day for each of us. The Father is made His Word accessible and continues to speak, are we listening?

Oh, that today you would listen as He speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (Hebrews 3:7-8).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-26-2

© Dr. H 2022