(April 2004 Edition)
At the Lord's
Table
God's Glory Revealed in His Goodness
In Exodus we read the account of Israel’s redemption from Egypt, and their subsequent wandering in the wilderness. God provided for Israel’s needs despite their complaining and murmuring. Their needs were met; they had water, food and protection for 40 years. What more could they ask for when even the promised land was before them as well? Moses was a strong and courageous leader but he needed direction.
We read the petition of Moses, who asked, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, shew me thy glory (Ex. 33:12-13,18).
Moses’ request was to know the way and the glory of God. God’s response was that Moses would be permitted to see God’s goodness. This allows us to conclude that both the way and the glory of God, may be seen in the qualities of God’s goodness. But we also observe that this revelation of God’s glorious goodness was to be limited. He would only see the “back parts,” and would not be permitted to see the “face” of God. By this means, the great prophet Moses was permitted to behold a degree of divine goodness.
And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord…And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth., keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation (Ex. 34:5-7).
Moses requested to see the glory of Israel’s God, but what was revealed to him was not what could be seen, but what was heard. It was the proclamation of the various aspects of His divine character which comprised the “goodness” of Yahweh; and it is in those several attributes that the “way” of Yahweh is seen.
Mankind’s highest goal should be to follow the pattern of His character in seeking to become like Him, and so mirror His “image and likeness” (Gen 1:26).
This is what the Lord revealed to Moses: a declaration of the way and glory of the Creator by His spoken word proclaiming the qualities of divine goodness.
The radiant face of Moses
While Moses was there experiencing and beholding that wonderful revelation, standing in the presence of the angel had a most dramatic effect upon Moses’ own face: Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him (Ex. 34:29).
In the days following, when Moses emerged from the divine presence, he placed a veil over his face, so that the people could not see the brilliance of the glory being reflected there, and he was able to speak with them (v. 33).
There is another reason why the veil was placed upon Moses’ face. With the covering of the veil they would not be aware that the glory was fading. The glory which shone in Moses’ face was a fading glory, which diminished the longer he was absent from the divine presence -- Israel could neither behold that glory, nor perceive when it had faded away.
New Testament commentary
But what are we to make of all this? What are the spiritual lessons which these things are intended to convey? The answer comes from the apostle Paul many centuries after this event.
Now if the dispensation of death, carved in letters of stone, came with such splendor that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of it’s brightness, fading as it was, why should not the dispensation of the spirit be attended with greater splendor? For if there was splendor in the dispensation of condemnation, the dispensation of righteousness must far exceed it in splendor (II Cor. 3:7 – 15 RSV).
The point of comparison is that the glory which came through Christ has a “greater splendor,” a greater glory, which so greatly surpassed the glory of the old covenant, that it makes that glory appear as nothing!
These very principles are illustrated in Moses’ face; for just as the glory of the law was to fade away, being replaced by the New Covenant, even so Moses’ face, which shone with glory when he went into the presence of God, faded as time went on. But Israel could not see the fading glory of the divine law. They did not recognize that within that law were to be found glorious principles which could enlighten them concerning the greater glory to come in Christ.
What do we learn?
Moses wanted to see the “way” and the “glory.” This was proclaimed to him in qualities of divine attributes. They were to be found in the characteristics of God revealed to Moses, and seen in fullness in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is said to be “The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person” (Heb. 1:3), being also described as “God manifest in the flesh” (I Tim 3:16). In him were to be found all the attributes of his Father’s goodness, as he declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9).
It is in the Lord Jesus Christ then, that we behold the fullness of divine glory. But notice the form by which we receive it -- like Moses, not by seeing with our eyes, but through the eye of faith through the words expressed to us. “The glorious gospel of Christ” shines brightly into an otherwise darkened world, and is clearly visible to those who look unto it, and allow it to enter their hearts. And just as Israel could not behold the glory shining in the face of Moses, even so many today cannot receive the glorious gospel which believers behold in the face, the ultimate expression of character and intent, of our Lord Jesus. Let us look to the day when God’s Son will come again, when all nations shall look unto him, and see the wonderful attributes of Yahweh’s goodness in full manifestation in his countenance.
Desmond Amos, Toronto
Canada
(formerly from Guyana)
"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death” Proverbs 12:28.
In loving memory of Sister Neshaw Edoo, who fell asleep in our Lord on December 2, 2003.
No words could ever express my love for my mother. Her falling asleep has left emptiness within me, a hole that can never be filled. To me she had been larger than life, better than other moms. Mom was brave, honest and compassionate, her love was pure and real. She was my best friend and confidante.
How does a daughter begin to thank her mother for life and the endless sacrifices she made along the way, some were small, others were too great ever to repay. They were all made without hesitation: the love, the patience and hard work that went into raising children, the understanding of a moody teenager, the tolerating of a student who knows everything. How does a grown woman thank a mother for continuing to be a caring and loving mother? Being ready with advice when asked and for not saying, “ I told you so,” when she could have said it a dozen times.
Mom was a simple, loving, thoughtful, patient and forgiving person. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like just getting up in the morning to the sound of birds singing, the sight of flowers, being around those she loved.
Mom taught us to be strong and believe in ourselves; she would encourage us never to give up but to work harder at whatever we set out to do. I recall some months ago when I was sick, Mom was with me every step of the way, giving me words of comfort and encouragement. She was a source of strength to me, a person with strong faith and words of wisdom, a shoulder to lean on when needed.
Mom was a God-fearing person. She did her readings religiously each day and every spare moment she got she would give you a lecture on the kingdom and the coming of Christ. She would end all with, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt.” She would tell us to work hard; “you can obtain jewels on your crown.” Mom was a preacher and teacher in her own special way.
Looking back at the years gone by, the times spent with Mom were really precious moments. Hearing her laughter, seeing her smile or just watching her take a nap was a joy to us. Mom would correct you when you went astray, being stern when she needed to be. She guided us on to the road to salvation; she ensured that all her kids chose God over the world and were baptized, making sure every now and then that we stayed on that road in hope and faith. My Mom was also quite happy to see both of her sons-in-law and her daughter-in-law baptized. She was elated when her eldest grandchild started her preparation for baptism.
Now that mom has gone from us, resting in hope, I look back on the years and I understand now how greatly blessed I am to be her daughter. Mummy was one of a few remarkable people who can really touch someone’s heart. She is and would always remain a very special part of our lives.
Mummy would always say that she was blessed, not materially, but spiritually. She and Dad were able to put up a light stand here, deep in the south of Trinidad. Entertaining her brethren here in Erin was one of her biggest joys. She was always excited to receive any spiritual enlightenment they would offer, although I think their presence would most times just be enough for her.
A virtuous woman was my mother, never failing to achieve what she set out to do, not complaining or giving in. She was respectful of others with the best of intentions for them. She had all the finest qualities one can find in a mother, grandmother and wife.
“You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith.” You were a brave soldier of Christ, Mom, till we meet at Jesus’ feet, may your sleep be brief.
Arleen Camielia Edoo-Seopaul, daughter, Erin, Trinidad
In the book of Hosea, there is a wonderful love story. It is a love story with a good beginning, then a sad time of heartache, and a touching reconciliation, a story not unfamiliar to many of us, one that speaks to our hearts. It is also a story that tells us that God has amazing patience and love. It is one that shows us that God is prepared to redeem us and pull us out of the deepest pit of worthlessness and despair. And in an epilogue to this love story, we get this plain message: Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them.
Hosea was an active prophet proclaiming God’s word faithfully to the people of Israel for 55 years. His Hebrew name is similar to that given by God to His own beloved son: Deliverer. He must have lived until he was at least 75 years of age. And during all those years, he had a very difficult time: the prophet [Amos], along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God. Certainly, Hosea would have fared no better than his fellow prophet, and his experiences would have been much the same.
A big shock
Hosea began his prophetic ministry as a young, unmarried man. One
of his earliest inspired messages must have been a big shock: Go, take to
yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness.
There are two possible ways of understanding this divine instruction. It could mean that Hosea was deliberately to seek out and marry a widow who had previously left her husband, turned to cult prostitution, and had borne children out of wedlock. This would mean that Hosea would have to accept this family along with his new wife. However, in view of what we know of Hosea’s later love life, it seems much more likely that he had already arranged with Diblaim to marry his daughter, a shrine prostitute, and was told to go ahead; but he would have to accept the distressing fact that Gomer would prove to be unfaithful to him and bear children that would not be his. Whichever alternative is the correct one, he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
Such a union was only considered shameful by those who obeyed the Law of Moses faithfully. The attractive girls who were employed at the various “high places” throughout the land of Israel were not street-corner sluts. They were the stars and glamour girls of those days, and probably had very high status in the society and often became wealthy. If Gomer’s father, Diblaim, was typical of his age, he may well have encouraged his daughter to enter the ‘religious’ profession and felt proud of her.
Hosea was likely in his very early twenties when he and Gomer were married. Jezreel was the child of their first love. It is made clear that the boy was Hosea’s. Then the great earthquake mentioned in the book of Amos, and which was so terrifying that it was recalled with horror 350 years later in the days of the prophet Zechariah, devastated the land. Next came a political earthquake. Jezreel was a baby when, after the death of Jeroboam II in 763 BC, his son Zechariah was publicly assassinated during the bloody revolt of Shallum, after ruling for only six months. This was God’s punishment of the house of Israel for the massacre at Jezreel.
Down on the farm
Like Amos, who was about his own age, Hosea was not a professional prophet,
but a farmer. Pictures of farm life colour the whole of Hosea’s prophecy.
It interests me that when Hosea redeemed or bought back Gomer from slavery,
he could not pay all the twenty shekels in cash. He had to top up the cash
with ten bushels of barley. This reminds me of when my husband sold a jeep
that he had for one thousand dollars and two hundred unborn pigs.
The prominence of the name Jezreel – planting of God or God’s farm – in his book suggests that this old agricultural centre was initially the happy home of Hosea and Gomer. Around Jezreel today in modern Israel are some of the most productive farms in the world. Corn, grapes, wine, olive oil, wool, flax, figs, barley, lambs, heifers, shade trees, flour, bread, and cakes are all products of Jezreel that Hosea mentions. The daily round of activities on a prosperous farm is vividly portrayed. Treading the grapes, baking, and removing poisonous weeds, threshing, winemaking, watering cattle and shearing sheep. There’s also laying traps for wild game and, sadly, removing grain stalks that have no heads. Many spiritual lessons are drawn from the farmer’s life.
The birth of ‘no-love’
All too soon, a dark cloud was to come over this home. Gomer’s second baby,
a girl this time, was born. But instead of joy there was an aching doubt
“Was Hosea the girl’s father?” The inevitable barrier went up between
husband and wife. God told Hosea: Name her ‘No-Love.’ It makes me
wonder how the girl lived down a name like that when she grew up! The next
few months must have been horrible. To add to the tension in the loveless
home, about two years later Gomer was obviously pregnant again. This time
there was no doubt. After she had weaned ‘No-Love,’ Gomer had another
son. Then the LORD said, “Call him ‘Not-mine.’
With Gomer’s love gone, and Hosea distraught, the family fell apart. She went off to her lovers, and her cult shrines, and a promiscuous life. Like so many abandoned husbands, Hosea had to raise his own young son without his mother (Yes, you can find that if you look carefully). Naturally, he felt bitter, angry and betrayed. But then his love began to develop a divine quality that lights up the scripture record. He resisted the temptation to find consolation in another young woman’s arms. He simply refused to give up on Gomer. God can work wonders for a man like that!
Obviously some years went by, because at some point he begged his son to make a desperate appeal to Gomer: Plead with your mother, plead. for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts. I will not show my love to her children, because they are the children of adultery (2:2-4 NIV).
Generous to a fault
In the early years of their marriage, Hosea had been generous to a fault.
He gave her jewellery and expensive gifts (2:8). Perhaps he felt that after
‘No-Love’ was born, he could retain Gomer’s affection and loyalty by
material care. But when mutual love has vanished, this can never work.
Jewellers may tell us that a diamond is for ever, but no diamond can buy
true love.
She decked herself with rings and jewellery, but me she forgot, cried Hosea in despair. She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold. I have heard that cry so many times. Was Hosea foolish? Probably he was. Why did Gomer misbehave and stray? Was she just a ‘gold-digger,’ like the horseleech in the Proverbs that cries, “Give, give!”? Perhaps she was just weak and gullible.
Calamity
But soon enough, as it always does, Gomer’s social whirl of irresponsible
romance turned sour, and ended in calamity. Like the prodigal son in Jesus’
parable, Gomer started to chase after her lovers but not catch them. Like
the materialistic dream, if you pursue happiness, it will inevitably elude
you and mock you as it recedes ever farther away. Her fun days over, Gomer
landed hard at the bottom of the pit. Hungry, thirsty, penniless, and naked,
finally she was sold into slavery, as bare as on the day she was born.
If the story of Hosea and Gomer had come to an end there, it would not be in our Bibles. But the real love story was only beginning to unfold. In bitter shame, no doubt, Hosea was told that his ex-wife had been reduced to selling herself. She was loved by another, but only as a slave.
He could have shrugged off the shame with the usual scorn: Gomer made her bed, now she has to lie on it. Instead, fighting his pain and quenching his resentment, he took a mighty leap of faith, the faith a farmer always has to show with every returning season. I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my beloved’. Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her (2:23,14).
Anxious in his deepest conscience to be faithful to the vows of his youth, he took his cue from the God of love. He decided to bridge the chasm with the love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. That kind of love never fails. He had always treasured the memory of his young wife Gomer’s singing. Now he had a wild hope, and a prayer, that, if God would bless his efforts, perhaps once again she will sing as in the days of her youth. A message from God gave him courage and resolution: Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves, as He loves His wayward people. Hosea’s mind was made up. I will respond, he said.
No
longer a slave
So Hosea and Gomer came face to face again. She
came trembling,
we are told. When Hosea appeared with a fat wallet and his bags of barley,
there were a few pre-conditions, but no recriminations. Like their God,
Hosea showed mercy, and did not demand sacrifice.
Was everything sweet and lovely in the bedroom ever afterwards? It would be nice to think so. Personally, I doubt it. Life is not like that. Redeeming Gomer cost Hosea very dear. It would seem from parts of his book that life in Jezreel was a rocky road for quite a long time. But there was redemption, there was reconciliation. Above all there was a blossoming of a love far deeper than ever their first love had been, a different kind of love.
Have you learned the lesson?
Have you learned the lesson for yourself? Like so many Bible stories, the
book of Hosea is the story of God’s love and mankind’s redemption. It is an
allegory of the Gospel, all its details illuminating God’s grace. Hosea
represents God. Gomer is us, yes, you and me. You may not think that you are
in her class at all, but God does. God says: Hosea, with his hard earned
shekels and his barley, is a picture of Me loving you. My love is like his,
but much greater than his, conquering even death itself. I will ransom them
from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death,
are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?
Mary Eyre