Preparations for Jerusalem Temple!Written by David Ben-Ariel
"And let them make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:8). This holy command in Scriptures seems clear enough, so what's problem? Why has Israel tolerated Jerusalem's "abomination of desolation" — a Temple Mount without a Temple? Why haven't religious leaders encouraged people to do what they can in fulfilling this mitzva? Why are political leaders afraid of such thoughts and shamefully bar my entry to Israel? Could such talk lead to war? Is Arab moon god greater than God of Israel? Have Muslim hordes yet defeated Lion of Judah? Isn't Jerusalem Israel's eternal capital? Must we wait until we're perfect before we can build Third Temple? Are we less worthy than our forefathers who provoked God ten times in Wilderness, yet were instructed to build Tabernacle? Doesn't God work through very human instruments? How many times does God have to emphasize in Torah that He's chosen us because of His Great Purpose and love of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Our role in God's Plan is because of His goodness and mercy, not our greatness! Where are true leaders like Moses and David who made public appeals to prepare a Sanctuary for our God? (Ex. 35:4-5). Everyone, men and women, were encouraged to give of themselves in whatever way possible: skills and talents, time and materials. There was such an overwhelming response to Moses' request that he had to ask for restraint! (Ex. 36:6-7).
| | Christian cannibals?Written by David Ben-Ariel
Cannibalism - very thought's disgusting and sends a shiver down our spines! But closet-cannibals are everywhere! You might be surprised to discover some of your best friends and acquaintances are guilty of this grotesque charge. You've probably practiced cannibalism too - more often than you'd care to admit. The apostle Paul warned about Christian cannibalism: "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15). Are you still stewing over some disagreement? Is an interpersonal problem "eating you alive?" Are you "fed up" with being misunderstood? Have you ever been "chewed out?" Or maybe you wanted to "chew him up and spit him out?" What about "cutting remarks?" Wouldn't you like to tear into certain people and give them a "piece of your mind?" Don't they deserve to be "cut down to size?" Who hasn't made sarcastic comments (Greek - sarkazein, to tear flesh)? We've all been "in hot water!" I think you get point. As members of Royal Family of God, there's no time to waste in squabbling among ourselves. We're not to engage in destructive family feuds or sibling rivalry. Don't torment Body of Christ! Mental cruelty has got to go! No matter how serious or justified our reasons are for being at odds with someone, they're petty compared to our crucifixion of Christ who commands us, through Paul, to be at one: "Therefore, as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you MUST also do" (Colossians 3:12-13).
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