Christmas Considerations

Note:

A sister in Christ whom I have known for many years now, recently shared a link to a video file that features her singing some Christian worship songs. I wanted to share the link with you as well. The sisters name is Ariane Kwantreng.

https://youtu.be/YAjTbyivslg

Joseph Herrin

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Joseph Herrin (12-15-2014)

After posting the recent blog on the subject of the idolatrous origins of the Christmas holiday, I have had a number of responses. I thought it would be profitable to write something to post publicly to answer some of the common questions that arise whenever the subject of Christ’s disciples separating themselves from idolatrous practices is mentioned.

One of the issues that arises when I write on this subject relates to how a wife should act when her husband desires to observe Christmas and she is convicted that it is Yahweh’s will for her to no longer participate in the Christmas holiday. An associated issue, is whether a wife should insist that her children not participate in Christmas observances when her husband desires for them to do so.

This is a particularly troubling issue for women, as the Bible teaches that it is the will of Yahweh for women to obey and honor their husbands. Maintaining reverence for the headship of the husband is to be observed even when the man is walking in disobedience to the will of God. The apostle Peter addressed this subject in his first epistle to the churches.

I Peter 3:1-6

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. And let not your adornment be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

There are additional passages of Scripture that reveal it to be the will of Yahweh for women to submit to their husbands, and to refrain from any act of usurpation of  man’s God ordained authority.

I Timothy 2:11-15

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Knowing it to be the will of God for wives to submit, and show reverence, to their husbands, many women become conflicted as they seek to balance honor for their husbands with a commitment to walk in truth and obedience before Yahshua. Should a woman place obedience to Christ and conformity to truth above obedience to her husband? Should she obey her husband, and consider herself absolved of responsibility for participating in idolatrous observances when her husband requests her to do so? These are issues many women wrestle with.

In the book Sarah’s Children, I pointed out that the woman is not absolved of responsibility and guilt when she willingly accedes to her husband’s requests to join with him in some immoral or unrighteous behavior. This truth is revealed in the book of Acts when we read the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Because this is a critical matter, I believe it is worthwhile to review this passage of Scripture in its entirety.

Acts 4:34-5:11

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need. And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out as well." And she fell immediately at his feet, and breathed her last; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things. 

Sapphira Judged by God

We are told in this passage that Sapphira “agreed together” with her husband to join with him in an act of deception. If Yahweh absolves a woman of responsibility for acting in an immoral and unrighteous manner when her husband requests her to do so, then Sapphira would have been excused for her behavior. However, we find that God did not excuse her. The woman was declared guilty for joining with her husband in an unrighteous act. She suffered the same judgment that he did.

It is possible for a wife to maintain honor and reverence for her husband while refusing to join with him in actions her conscience convicts her to be wrong. There is a man I have known for many years who has an online website who teaches some very aberrant ideas on this subject. He has taken the position that a wife must always obey her husband, no matter what he asks her to do. He argues that God will hold the man guilty for the sin of his wife, and the wife will be declared innocent because she was under the authority of her husband.

In an effort to help this man perceive his error, I posed a couple of questions to him. These questions were not hypothetical. I have actually known of marriages where husbands asked their wives to do the things suggested. I wrote to this man and asked him whether he believed a woman should engage in group sex, or wife swapping, if her husband asked her to do so? I also asked him if a woman should have an abortion if her husband said he did not want anymore children and counseled her to have the child in her womb put to death. This man who presents himself as a teacher to the body of Christ shockingly told me that a wife must do WHATEVER her husband asks her to do, and God will not fault her for it since her husband commanded it.

Brothers and sisters, this is a gross distortion of the will of God. It is never Yahweh’s will for His sons or daughters to violate their conscience and willingly engage in unrighteous behavior when a person in a position of authority asks them to do so. We see this principle revealed in another passage as the disciples of Christ were commanded by the Jewish rulers to no longer preach in the name of Yahshua.

Acts 4:18-19

And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Yahshua. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge.”

It was actually quite common for Christ’s disciples to be brought to tests of whether they would obey man or God. In the next chapter of Acts we read the following.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

In each instance, the disciples of Christ ended up suffering for their decision to honor God. It is to be noted that in none of these instances did Yahshua’s apostles resort to reviling, or threats against those who were commanding them to act in an unfaithful and disobedient manner before God. They maintained honor for those in authority, and meekly submitted to the consequences of their obedience.

Acts 5:41

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

There will be occasions when a wife will be subjected to suffering when she chooses obedience to Yahweh over her husband’s command to violate her conscience. In such an instance, the wife should respond as Peter instructed her in the 3rd chapter of his first epistle. She should remain chaste and respectful, looking to God to correct her husband and to give her grace in the midst of suffering. Christ is set before the woman as the perfect example of one whose actions are pleasing to Yahweh. Peter’s instructions to wives follow immediately after the following words:

I Peter 2:18-3:1

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously... In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands...

Is not the example of Christ set forth as the pattern for wives as they relate to the authority of their husbands? They must choose obedience even as the Son of God always lived to do the will of His Father. With the meekness of a lamb they must accept the suffering that comes to them when their honor for Yahweh brings them into conflict with the authority of man.

I have had women write to me stating that they were entering into arguments with their husbands, and they were making demands of them. Some women have expressed that they told their husbands they did not want their children to participate in any of the Christmas activities, for they were persuaded that to do so was an act of idolatry. To my sisters in Christ, I say to you, such behavior is an act of usurpation. It neither shows honor for the authority of the husband, nor does it represent the quiet and gentle spirit that Peter stated finds favor in the eyes of Yahweh.

With much regret, I have to say to many of my sisters in Christ that they brought this conflict on themselves, for by their own testimony many women were Christians when they married a man who was not a disciple of Christ, or whom they knew was not deeply committed to honoring God with their life. The disobedience of these women is bearing consequences, not only in their life, but in the lives of their children. They must own up to their responsibility in this matter, confessing and repenting of their disobedience, while entreating the Father to show them and their children mercy. There is hope that Yahweh will do so, for a broken and contrite heart are pleasing in His sight. Nevertheless, the woman who has willfully disobeyed, following the course of her own soul in marrying a man who was not a deeply committed disciple of Christ, must not demand of Yahweh that He intervene. Yahweh gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud.

There are many sisters in the Lord, however, who came to faith in Christ after they were married. These ones have been awakened to the reality of the kingdom of God, and fervently desire to walk in a manner worthy of their Creator. These ones have a real struggle when their husbands do not share their new found faith. All such ones should seek to maintain reverence for the authority of their husbands, while entreating Yahweh to demonstrate mercy by revealing Himself to the husband and children. Oftentimes, it is the very obvious transformation of the wife from a self-willed woman who lives for her own interests and pleasures, to a godly woman of gentleness, humility, restraint, and honor, that convicts the husband of the reality and power of God to transform lives. When a woman becomes contentious, loud, argumentative, and demands her own way, she falls short of revealing to her husband that Christ is real and present in her life.

To state the matter practically, a wife can share her convictions with her husband, confessing that her conscience will not permit her to continue to participate in idolatrous practices, while communicating in a manner that reveals honor and respect for her husband. The woman should do what she is convinced is honoring to God, for whatever is not of faith is sin. At the same time, the wife should avoid words or actions which would exhibit an attitude of rebellion and an absence of honor toward her husband. It is in experiences such as this that the character of Christ is formed within the hearts of His people, and the cross and sufferings of Yahshua perform their work of transformation in the individual’s life.

Birthdays

Another subject I have had a number of people write to me about is whether Christians who are convicted that it is wrong to observe Christmas should also abstain from celebrating birthdays.

Beginning with Genesis chapter 5, we observe that both men and God were marking the age of individuals. The only way to keep up with a person's age is to know the day of their birth, and to mark its occurrence each year. In the genealogies of Seth's line, we find that the ages of the men when they first had sons, and their age when they died, are recorded in the Scriptures. The inclusion of this information reveals that noting a person’s age in years was not considered an evil practice in the eyes of God.

Genesis 5:3-5

When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. Then the days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

It was the Holy Spirit that inspired Moses to record the ages of the patriarchs, and there is no indication that observing one's age was an evil thing to do. Quite the opposite. Yahweh does all things by great design. He has set forth patterns through significant numbers, and many of these are related to a person's age when something important occurred in their life. Consider the following three examples.

Genesis 41:46

Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

II Samuel 5:4

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

Luke 3:23

And when He began His ministry, Yahshua Himself was about thirty years of age...

There is clearly divine significance to the fact that each of these men entered into the ministry appointed to them at the age of 30. A great many examples of Yahweh's divine design being present in the years of men could be cited. I will mention just a couple more.

Genesis 5:21-23

And Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.

Enoch walked this earth one year for every day of the year, then Yahweh took him.

Genesis 5:27

So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.

Methuselah lived longer than any man. He died in the year that the flood came upon the earth. The number 969 signifies (Judgment - Flesh - Judgment).

What we can observe in these things is that Yahweh keeps track of the years of a man's life, and the patriarchs, beginning with Adam, marked their years as well.

We must ask, however, whether there is any evidence that godly men observed the date of their birth in a special commemorative way, and whether Yahweh approved of these commemorative events. 

There is some evidence that certain years of an individual’s life were marked with celebrations. Consider the following. Speaking of Isaac, the Holy Spirit informs us of the following.

Genesis 21:8

And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

Some Bible scholars teach that it was common for a child to be weaned anywhere between the ages of 2 - 5 years of age. Although I can only speculate that children were weaned on their birthdays when they reached a particular age, a good argument can be made for the practice. Yet, even if the child were weaned on a date that did not correspond with their day of birth, it must be acknowledged that this was a form of a “coming of age” celebration. It is therefore to be noted that on the day of Isaac’s weaning that Abraham made a great feast to celebrate the attainment of this landmark in the life of his son. There is no indication in the Scriptures that Yahweh disapproved of such celebrations.

Another celebration among ancient oriental people was observed when a son reached the age of adoption. The Jews have adoption celebrations to this date (they adopt their own children, rather than someone else’s). This coming of age observance is referred to as the Bar Mitzvah. It is typically observed when a young man reaches the age of 13. This was considered the time at which a male passed from his minority to his majority, from childhood to sonship. At this age the male heir would be examined to see whether he was considered mature and conformed to the image of his father so that he could be entrusted with responsibility and authority in the family business and the stewardship of the home. This event was marked with a celebration, as it is to this day.

From this evidence, I believe it is correct to say that Yahweh has no prohibition against marking rites of passage in a person’s life. He certainly keeps up with the years of His people, and it does not seem an evil thing if they do so as well. I see no prohibition in the Scriptures against observing the date of one’s birth with some form of commemorative event. Knowing how significant numbers are to Yahweh, I find myself unable to set forth any good argument against marking the passage of years in a person’s life.

As we move forward to the New Testament we see further examples of men and women keeping track of one another’s ages, even to using age as a criteria of qualification for certain privileges. Following is one example.

I Timothy 5:9

Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old...

How is anyone to know what the age of a widow is if they have not been marking the passage of years?

The issue of observing Christmas with all of its attendant pagan symbols, rites, and customs is a very different matter than individuals observing the day of their birth. On the one hand, the Bible never declares what day Yahshua was born on. Very good arguments have been made suggesting He was born on one of the Feast days established by Yahweh, either Tabernacles or Passover. Neither of these Feasts fall anywhere close to the date of the Winter Solstice when Christmas is observed.

A disciple of Christ would do well to give consideration to the manner in which they observe their birthday. If we adopt the traditions of society, we are quite likely to unwittingly embrace practices of pagan origin. I think we should be thoughtful as we examine all that we do. We might ask, “Why are candles a feature at most birthday celebrations? What is the origin of making a wish, and blowing out the candles?” There are sources that link these traditions to pagan practices of long standing. Some websites suggest that this tradition is traceable back to a time when an augur, or soothsayer, was invited to attend birthday celebrations. This pagan prophet would look at the pattern left by the smoke ascending from the candles and would prophesy regarding what would befall the individual in the coming year.

At the same time, we should not condemn all ancient traditions as evil. Undoubtedly, those people who did not honor the God who Created all things were in the habit of holding feasts on special days even as Abraham held a feast when Isaac was weaned. It has been a tradition in my family for the person observing their birthday to choose a restaurant of their choice, and for our entire family to treat them to a special dinner there.

A related tradition is to give gifts on a birthday. As a father, I desire to give good gifts to my children. This desire has come from Yahweh, for I was created in His image. We are told that Yahweh takes pleasure in giving good gifts to His children.

James 1:17

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...

Ephesians 4:8

Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."

I have often prayed as my daughter's birthday has approached, expressing to Yahweh a desire to give my daughter a good gift for her birthday. Since I have not been employed in the world, but have been dependent upon Yahweh for all provision for many years, I have found it needful to entreat Him to supply the means by which I might give a good gift to my daughter on her birthday. I have reminded Him how He takes delight in giving good gifts to us, and how He has declared it to be more blessed to give than to receive. With this as my basis for petition, I have asked Yahweh to supply me with the resources to give my daughter a good gift on her birthday.

Kristin with Guitar

(In this picture she is holding her first guitar which is a Yamaha)

I have seen the Father answer this prayer in extraordinary ways. My daughter Kristin participates in worship at her church, being one of the chief musicians. She plays the guitar, and also uses this talent to minister in prisons, at rescue missions, and battered women's shelters. When she was about 14 years old I helped her purchase a decent Yamaha guitar that cost a little more than $300. Kristin has been faithful to continue her playing, and to use this guitar in ministry for the Lord. I knew that she was wanting a better guitar, one that had a built in sound pick-up in it since she was playing before large groups and needing to plug in to sound systems. She had especially commented on how she liked the Taylor brand of guitars (no relationship to Taylor Swift). They are a higher quality guitar, and significantly more expensive than the Yamaha guitar she acquired a decade earlier.

Two years ago on her 25th birthday (she will be 27 this upcoming December 29th, 2014), I asked the Father if He might allow me to purchase for my daughter a nice quality instrument that would satisfy Kristin’s needs and meet the desire of her heart. It is unusual for me to have significant financial resources on hand as I tend to sow whatever money Yahweh gives me into ministry rather than holding it in a bank account. A decent Taylor guitar would cost more than $1,000, but I knew this was not a difficult amount for Yahweh to provide.

I made my petition known to the Father and soon afterwards I received significant financial resources through individual donations. With this money I was able to purchase a very nice Taylor guitar made of beautiful Hawaiian Koa wood. Just before my daughter's birthday a young man in Macon, which is relatively near at hand, advertised this guitar on Craigslist. He was asking $1400 for it, including a very nice hard case that retails for $300. The retail value of this instrument was in excess of $2,000. The young man had even done some upgrades to it such as adding gold tuning pegs to match the gold trim on the guitar. It is truly a beautiful instrument.

A couple days before my daughter’s birthday I took her to meet the young man, view the guitar, and try it out. Kristin loved it. An extra blessing occurred when we found out the young man was a music minister at his church, and the guitar had been used for worship of Yahweh. He was also willing to come down $200 on his asking price. I have rarely seen my daughter so excited about a gift before. She loves this guitar, and takes great delight in it. As a father it gave me great delight to give to her such a nice gift, one which she has continued to use in ministry in prisons, nursing homes, rescue missions, and various gatherings of God’s people.

As a son of God, I seek to be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit of Christ. As I have walked with Him I seek to examine all of my ways, and to know what He approves, and what He disapproves. I have found that He is very willing to guide us when we come to Him with a sincere heart, wanting to know His mind and thoughts that we might honor Him. I hope these words have been helpful to those who read them.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Champ’s Lessons

Joseph Herrin (07-28-2021)

Champ - Today

This is Champ today. He is ten years old. Not to the date. I don’t know when he was born. I found him by the side of the road. He was the only one who could get out of a basket. There were seven other puppies his size, and I was told that a lady came by and got them right after I left with Champ.

This is me and Champ ten years ago. A couple of years ago I heard that the last of Champ’s siblings had gotten run over by a car. I had actually met this one shortly before this time. He was a very nice dog. Never met a stranger. But, like his other brothers and sisters, besides Champ, he was to meet with a sudden death. He was perhaps 7 years old when he died. Now all that is left is Champ. It seems strange that Champ is perhaps the orneriest one of his siblings and is still alive. Champ has never met a stranger either. He thinks all people are his enemies. He will bark at everyone who comes within his earshot. I only know 6 people that he won’t bark at. Me, Randy Simmons, Nicholas Teal, George Young, Joe Boes, and my daughter Kristin. He will give everyone else a terrific barking at, and if they don’t show enough gumption (Yes, that is a word), he will continue barking and won’t let them anywhere near the end of his leash. 

This is what seems strange to me. According to what I have heard of Champ’s brothers and sisters over the years, they all seemed fine. They wouldn’t harm a fly. A person could walk right up to them and start petting them. This didn’t make them any brighter around cars, however. They still all died, run over by the Greyhound. This is just a manner of speaking, of course. I have never seen any Greyhound buses around here. I don’t suppose Champ would have done any better. He has just never had a chance to get loose. He stays on his leash next to my bus/motorhome. He has a hundred foot runner, with about a fifteen foot lead on either side. This gives him about 130' x 30', or about 3,900 feet of running room. He seems quite content with this. On the rare occasion where his leash has broken, I would find him in his regular place in the morning. He would be waiting for breakfast. Smart dog.

I would like to comment on this blog by citing a posting from where Champ was 2 years old.

Joseph Herrin (01-16-2013)

Champ

If you are new to this blog, you can find a post on the remarkable way in which Yahweh provided a dog for me in the post at the following link:

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/rescue-perishing.html

The photo above was taken today (8 years ago). Champ is growing up. He is a strong, healthy dog. He is a real musher. When I attach him to the dog jogger on my bicycle, he is so eager to go that for about the first quarter mile I don’t have to peddle at all. I have one of those digital monitors on my bike that tells you speed, distance, and time. From a dead stop, Champ will have me cruising along at about 16 MPH as he eagerly runs down the dirt lanes out here in the country.

Dog Jogger

The image above shows the type of Dog Jogger that I use (It is Nicholas with Champ in the photo). Champ and I regularly make a 5 mile circuit down the country roads near where I am parked. All the roads are dirt, and we rarely pass a vehicle.

When I traveled to Mississippi recently for my father’s funeral, Randy Simmons drove down from Macon to check on Champ. Randy only came one day, but that was enough for him to teach Champ the commands to “sit” and “stay.” I was quite impressed when I got back. The photo at the top of the page shows Champ right after I told him to sit.

Champ on Runner

Champ is an outdoor dog. He doesn’t do well inside the bus. He has far too much energy and curiosity, not to mention that he smells like...well, like a dog. He loves it out of doors, and he has had a number of “buddies” drop by to see him since we have been at our present location. You cannot see any of the neighbors’ houses from our location, but there are a few other people scattered around. One young man lives about a quarter mile away and has a purebred Border Collie.

Border Collies are very intelligent animals, and extremely high energy. This particular Bordie Collie was solid black, and female. Champ liked to have her come around. They would play with one another. The Border Collie was a few years older than Champ, and she helped “learn him some manners,” as the saying goes here in the South. She would come and go. Her owner never kept her locked up, or on a leash. Most of the people around here let their dogs roam free.

A few weeks ago two Pit Bull puppies showed up. They were extremely friendly, and appeared well fed. They were making the rounds between various neighbors’ houses as somebody evidently dumped them out beside the road to get rid of them. They were beautiful dogs and they too began hanging out with Champ.

One of the dogs was male, and the other female. Sometimes they would stay for days. I ended up feeding them, and a few nights when it was cold I let them sleep in the kennel with Champ. They all climbed into Champ’s crate together and helped keep each other warm. They too would come and go. About a week ago they stopped coming around, and I thought perhaps they had taken up with one of the neighbors. Three days ago the Bordie Collie also stopped coming around. This was unusual, for although she came and went, she spent a significant part of every day with Champ.

The young man who owns the Border Collie has family nearby. His little sister is around 12 years old (I am guessing). She also has a couple dogs. Randy and Veronica came for a visit last week-end, and we went on a walk, taking Champ with us on the leash. The young girl’s dogs came out to greet and meet Champ, and walked a ways with us before I shooed them back home.

I saw the young girl ride her bike over here yesterday morning. She didn’t see me, but she went over to where Champ was, looked around, and rode back off. This morning her older brother who owns the Border Collie drove over here as well. He looked around and drove off. I realized that he was probably looking for his dog, as he knew she liked to hang out with Champ.

I relayed a message to him to let him know I had not seen his dog in several days, and that I had not seen the Pit Bull puppies in over a week. He said his sister’s two dogs were also missing. He stated one of the neighbors nearby told him some time back that if the dogs ever came on his property he would shoot them. I have heard a lot of shooting recently, so I have little doubt about what happened. Many folks out in the country don’t think twice about shooting a dog. It is a tragic fact, but a fact nonetheless.

I went out to pet Champ and speak to him when I heard this news. A godly man will have compassion on animals. In a previous blog I shared the following Scripture.

Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal...

It filled me with sadness to think of these beautiful animals being so carelessly slaughtered. They were so full of life and curiosity. None of them were vicious. They were all eager to run up to people, an innocence which likely contributed to their being shot.

I have been thinking about this today. Life is full of lessons, some happy, and some tragic. Randy Simmons and I often talk about Bill Britton’s excellent writing titled The Harness of the Lord. In this writing Bill relates a vision of two horses. Both are running free until they are caught and brought into captivity. One of the young colts rebels against the confinement and breaks free, while the other submits meekly to the training of the master.

As the training progresses, the colt in confinement finds his freedom restricted more and more. First he is left to run about the corral. Then a halter is placed over his head and he has to learn to be led about on a lead. He is brought into the master’s barn, and he learns the discipline of being harnessed and not moving until the master gives a command to move.

The colt that is free cannot understand why his brother does not break free of his confinement. He says it is much better to be free to roam wherever he desires. Yet, his brother remains under the training of the master.

One day a famine strikes the land. The grass withers and the pools of water dry up. The colt that is free is famished, while his brother remains well fed in the care of the master. Then is seen the wisdom of surrendering one’s freedom to the master’s will.

The Harness of the Lord is an excellent writing, filled with insight. It came to mind today as I thought of Champ day after day being restricted in his movements. I have a 100 foot runner that his leash is attached to by a pulley. He can move about a good bit, but he cannot leave the vicinity of the bus where I am parked. I can always look outside and see where he is, being assured that he is close by. Champ would often whine when the other dogs would come around. They had the run of the whole yard, and he often wanted to go play with them. He would especially whine when they would leave. He would see them walking off down the lane and chafe at his confinement. Yet now they have perished and he is alive.

Our Father has been bringing a remnant of His sons and daughters into confinement in recent years. Like Joseph in Egypt, their liberty is taken away while their brothers and sisters live freely, following their own course in this world. Yahweh has directed a remnant to come under harness. He is keeping them on a short leash. Others may go where they want, and live as they please, but they cannot. Yahweh gives them explicit instructions about what they may, and may not, do.

At times this remnant chafes at the restrictions God has placed upon them. They wonder why they cannot share the same liberty and freedoms as their brothers and sisters. I have watched some experience great impatience and agitation as Yahweh continually restricts their way more and more. What they once could do, then can do no longer.

One brother recently spoke of God directing him to give up coffee. He used to start every day by turning on the coffee pot. He would drink coffee throughout the day. He has complained when he sees other Christians drinking coffee, seemingly without any condemnation or conviction in the matter, yet Yahweh will not permit him to do so.

There are a myriad of such examples I could give, for our Father is dealing with each son and daughter similarly, yet with differences. One person can no longer spend money on anything without knowing that it is something God has ordained. Another may have been led to give up television, movies, secular music, or tobacco products. Some are being led to give up all of the above, and more. Yahweh is asking them to surrender their will to His.

Champ may not have understood why he has been on the leash while his buddies were all running free, but it is because I care deeply for him. He is MY dog. God gave him to me. Even so, God has given you to Christ. He cares for you. He does not want to lose you.

John 6:39

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

We have an adversary in this world. The predations of Satan are increasing. He comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I can say with confidence that those who refuse to yield their freedoms to Christ and fail to come under subjection to the Spirit will find themselves exposed to attacks of the enemy that they could have been spared. Even as Champ is kept safe by abiding close to me, there is safety to be found in abiding close to the Father.

Champ

Champ has grown so that I cannot hold him in one hand anymore, but I will always hold him close to my heart.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Syncretism - Conclusion

SYNC or SWIM

Joseph Herrin (10-23-2010)

Perhaps you have considered that the practice of Syncretism that has been revealed in this series is the opposite of the separation that God has always required of a people who will be holy unto Him. Syncretism is the mixing of the holy and profane. It is to travel in a path contrary to that of being separated unto a holy God.

James 4:4
You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Observing the trend of the churches today as they strive to be “seeker friendly,” we see that the chief means by which the church seeks to accomplish this end is to embrace the world. Does the world love rock music? The church will give them rock music. Does the world love sports? The church will create Christian sports leagues and build ball fields and a sports complex. Does the world love entertainment? The church will install big screens, professional lighting and sound systems, and put on a show. Does the world love its celebrities? The church will build a personality of cult around its gifted speakers, singers and entertainers.

Of course, those Christians who embrace all the things of the world, declare they are doing so in a quest to be “relevant.” After all, they reason, how will they reach a lost world if they do not appeal to the desires of the world?

The problem with this way of thinking is that, having drawn worldly people into the church, the seekers find no significant difference inside the church. The church merely presents them with a “cleaned up” version of what they had outside. The church has all the same values of comfort, ease, pleasure, and entertainment; they are presenting a religion that satisfies the soul of man, instead of leading people to the radical change of focus that they need.

Mankind apart from Christ is by nature a consumer. He lives to satisfy his natural appetites. This became the state of all men when Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden. Adam failed to subdue and rule over the beasts (and by extension the beast nature). Adam submitted to the rule of the serpent. Consequently, the curse on the serpent became mankind’s curse.

Genesis 3:14
And Yahweh God said to the serpent... "Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field; On your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life...”

This curse contains a great parable. To go on one’s belly, is a parable of living to satisfy the appetites of the flesh. Man’s flesh was formed of the dust of the earth, and this became the food of all those ruled by the nature of the serpent. The apostle Paul alludes to this fallen state of mankind, and those in the church who continued in it, in the following words:

Philippians 3:18-19
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things.

If one sets their mind on earthly things, then they are an enemy of the cross that all disciples must bear. If a man or woman is ruled by their belly, by the desires of their flesh and soul, then they are not following the pattern of Christ who testified that He did not come to do His own will.

John 5:30-31
"I can do nothing on My own initiative... because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

The world knows nothing of living for the will of the Father. A worldly church is following the pattern of the world. Christians are running over with personal initiative. They live their lives according to the desires of their own soul. They have merely adopted sanitized versions of the things the world pursues. The course of their life has not been altered. They are still living for self.

To be a disciple of Christ, one must make a complete about face. One must dare to be different.

To be a disciple, one must make an about face. They must no longer live to please themselves. They become the bond-servants of God, having been bought with a price.

I Corinthians 6:20
For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

As I shared in the previous post, the disciple must hate his own soul.

Luke 14:26-27
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate... even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

Both Christ and His apostles contrasted The Way of the cross with loving the world. If one loved the world, and the things in it, if they were ruled by their belly, they were said to be enemies of the cross.

The church today has lost this distinctiveness. They have become as salt that has lost its savor.

Luke 14:33-35
"So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

It is the cross that gives the church its intense flavor. I am speaking here of the cross each disciple is called to bear. The church today speaks only of the cross that Christ bore. In their own lives there is no cross. Most Christians are not denying themselves, but rather living for self.

Some have written to me after the last post asking if there must always be suffering in our lives. Must we continually be subjected to hardship, loss, difficulty and distresses? Both Christ and His apostles have answered this question for us.

Luke 9:23
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me.”

I Corinthians 15:31
“I protest, brethren, by the boasting in you, which I have in Christ Yahshua our Lord, I die DAILY.”

This does not mean that we must be miserable every moment. It does not mean that suffering is our daily portion. What it does mean is that every day we must live for the will and pleasure of God rather than for our own will and pleasure. The cross always is applied to the soul of man. Our desires, our will, our ways, must be set aside in order that we might do the will of Yahweh. Though all the world and a worldly church are pursuing their own will, those who would be disciples must go against the flow. As they do, all who observe them realize that they have a very distinct flavor. There is a pungency about them that is absent in the lives of others. Their lives are potent by virtue of their sacrificial obedience to the Father.

II Corinthians 2:15-16
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.

Let me clarify that which I shared yesterday. Some have wondered whether we must be always suffering. Must we embrace poverty, and never know any ease or comfort. In God’s sight one condition is not superior to another. Whether we are well dressed, or ill-clothed; whether we are abundantly fed, or experiencing hunger; whether we are financially well-off, or experiencing great leanness, there is no moral benefit in one condition versus another.

Some do err by thinking they must always be abased, and suffering some austerity. These will not accept blessings of abundance when they come from Yahweh’s hand. To have such a mind is equally as much in error as those who will only accept blessing and abundance, despising and rejecting any thought that they should ever be lacking in every good thing. The apostle Paul addresses this error in the following words:

Colossians 2:20-23
If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using) - in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Paul is addressing those who are asserting that “self-abasement and severe treatment of the body” are required for one to be walking in a pure religion. In other places the apostles and Christ address those who go to the other extreme, desiring always to be rich in the goods of this world.

I Timothy 6:9-10
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.

Despite the marked difference in the outward appearance of those who are pursuing a life of austerity, and those who are pursuing a life of material abundance, the error of their hearts is the same. They are both “self-directed.” Both groups are choosing for themselves what they will accept in this life. Paul has declared this when he speaks of “self-made religion” and “self-abasement.” It is obvious from these words that “self” is the origin of this lifestyle. In contrast, Christ never did anything that arose from self. He lived to do the will of the Father.

John 4:34
Yahshua said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.”

John 6:38
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

Romans 15:3
For even Christ did not please Himself...

Christ came into a world that was living for self. He swam against the current. His life was very distinctive. He was exceedingly salty.

I have often shared in this blog that a Christian need not choose for himself a cross to bear. No man needs to go and look for some way to suffer for Christ. All we must do is surrender to be led of the Spirit of Christ in all things. This is what Yahshua did. He always did the will of the Father. Such a life, moving as it does against the tide of humanity and the forces of this world, will include conflict and suffering. At times this suffering is the result of the world standing in opposition to the course of our life, but oftentimes the suffering is internal as we wrestle with laying down some cherished thing that our soul loves.

There are no vacations in a disciple’s commitment to follow God, but our Father does give His sons and daughters seasons of refreshing. We are not always in distresses. We are not every day submitted to dangers, and fears, and reproaches. We do not meet with loss and heartache every day. There are periods of great fellowship, of relative abundance, and of calm. Our Father knows how to refine His children. He knows how long they can remain in the fire, and when to bring them out and allow them rest.

The message I would convey to you is that a great majority of those who profess to be Christians are not walking as His disciples. They are not walking in The Way that leads to life. Many are enemies of the cross. They will not accept the cost of discipleship. They have never surrendered to be led of the Spirit in all things. They are going in the same direction they were traveling before they began confessing Christ. They are self directed, and living for selfish pleasure.

I Timothy 5:6
Whereas she who lives in pleasure and self-gratification [giving herself up to luxury and self-indulgence] is dead even while she [still] lives.
[Amplified Bible]

What will you do? SYNC or SWIM!

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Christmas Considerations

Joseph Herrin (12-15-2014)

After posting the recent blog on the subject of the idolatrous origins of the Christmas holiday, I have had a number of responses. I thought it would be profitable to write something to post publicly to answer some of the common questions that arise whenever the subject of Christ’s disciples separating themselves from idolatrous practices is mentioned.

One of the issues that arises when I write on this subject relates to how a wife should act when her husband desires to observe Christmas and she is convicted that it is Yahweh’s will for her to no longer participate in the Christmas holiday. An associated issue, is whether a wife should insist that her children not participate in Christmas observances when her husband desires for them to do so.

This is a particularly troubling issue for women, as the Bible teaches that it is the will of Yahweh for women to obey and honor their husbands. Maintaining reverence for the headship of the husband is to be observed even when the man is walking in disobedience to the will of God. The apostle Peter addressed this subject in his first epistle to the churches.

I Peter 3:1-6

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. And let not your adornment be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

There are additional passages of Scripture that reveal it to be the will of Yahweh for women to submit to their husbands, and to refrain from any act of usurpation of  man’s God ordained authority.

I Timothy 2:11-15

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Knowing it to be the will of God for wives to submit, and show reverence, to their husbands, many women become conflicted as they seek to balance honor for their husbands with a commitment to walk in truth and obedience before Yahshua. Should a woman place obedience to Christ and conformity to truth above obedience to her husband? Should she obey her husband, and consider herself absolved of responsibility for participating in idolatrous observances when her husband requests her to do so? These are issues many women wrestle with.

In the book Sarah’s Children, I pointed out that the woman is not absolved of responsibility and guilt when she willingly accedes to her husband’s requests to join with him in some immoral or unrighteous behavior. This truth is revealed in the book of Acts when we read the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Because this is a critical matter, I believe it is worthwhile to review this passage of Scripture in its entirety.

Acts 4:34-5:11

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need. And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out as well." And she fell immediately at his feet, and breathed her last; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things. 

Sapphira Judged by God

We are told in this passage that Sapphira “agreed together” with her husband to join with him in an act of deception. If Yahweh absolves a woman of responsibility for acting in an immoral and unrighteous manner when her husband requests her to do so, then Sapphira would have been excused for her behavior. However, we find that God did not excuse her. The woman was declared guilty for joining with her husband in an unrighteous act. She suffered the same judgment that he did.

It is possible for a wife to maintain honor and reverence for her husband while refusing to join with him in actions her conscience convicts her to be wrong. There is a man I have known for many years who has an online website who teaches some very aberrant ideas on this subject. He has taken the position that a wife must always obey her husband, no matter what he asks her to do. He argues that God will hold the man guilty for the sin of his wife, and the wife will be declared innocent because she was under the authority of her husband.

In an effort to help this man perceive his error, I posed a couple of questions to him. These questions were not hypothetical. I have actually known of marriages where husbands asked their wives to do the things suggested. I wrote to this man and asked him whether he believed a woman should engage in group sex, or wife swapping, if her husband asked her to do so? I also asked him if a woman should have an abortion if her husband said he did not want anymore children and counseled her to have the child in her womb put to death. This man who presents himself as a teacher to the body of Christ shockingly told me that a wife must do WHATEVER her husband asks her to do, and God will not fault her for it since her husband commanded it.

Brothers and sisters, this is a gross distortion of the will of God. It is never Yahweh’s will for His sons or daughters to violate their conscience and willingly engage in unrighteous behavior when a person in a position of authority asks them to do so. We see this principle revealed in another passage as the disciples of Christ were commanded by the Jewish rulers to no longer preach in the name of Yahshua.

Acts 4:18-19

And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Yahshua. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge.”

It was actually quite common for Christ’s disciples to be brought to tests of whether they would obey man or God. In the next chapter of Acts we read the following.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

In each instance, the disciples of Christ ended up suffering for their decision to honor God. It is to be noted that in none of these instances did Yahshua’s apostles resort to reviling, or threats against those who were commanding them to act in an unfaithful and disobedient manner before God. They maintained honor for those in authority, and meekly submitted to the consequences of their obedience.

Acts 5:41

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

There will be occasions when a wife will be subjected to suffering when she chooses obedience to Yahweh over her husband’s command to violate her conscience. In such an instance, the wife should respond as Peter instructed her in the 3rd chapter of his first epistle. She should remain chaste and respectful, looking to God to correct her husband and to give her grace in the midst of suffering. Christ is set before the woman as the perfect example of one whose actions are pleasing to Yahweh. Peter’s instructions to wives follow immediately after the following words:

I Peter 2:18-3:1

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously... In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands...

Is not the example of Christ set forth as the pattern for wives as they relate to the authority of their husbands? They must choose obedience even as the Son of God always lived to do the will of His Father. With the meekness of a lamb they must accept the suffering that comes to them when their honor for Yahweh brings them into conflict with the authority of man.

I have had women write to me stating that they were entering into arguments with their husbands, and they were making demands of them. Some women have expressed that they told their husbands they did not want their children to participate in any of the Christmas activities, for they were persuaded that to do so was an act of idolatry. To my sisters in Christ, I say to you, such behavior is an act of usurpation. It neither shows honor for the authority of the husband, nor does it represent the quiet and gentle spirit that Peter stated finds favor in the eyes of Yahweh.

With much regret, I have to say to many of my sisters in Christ that they brought this conflict on themselves, for by their own testimony many women were Christians when they married a man who was not a disciple of Christ, or whom they knew was not deeply committed to honoring God with their life. The disobedience of these women is bearing consequences, not only in their life, but in the lives of their children. They must own up to their responsibility in this matter, confessing and repenting of their disobedience, while entreating the Father to show them and their children mercy. There is hope that Yahweh will do so, for a broken and contrite heart are pleasing in His sight. Nevertheless, the woman who has willfully disobeyed, following the course of her own soul in marrying a man who was not a deeply committed disciple of Christ, must not demand of Yahweh that He intervene. Yahweh gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud.

There are many sisters in the Lord, however, who came to faith in Christ after they were married. These ones have been awakened to the reality of the kingdom of God, and fervently desire to walk in a manner worthy of their Creator. These ones have a real struggle when their husbands do not share their new found faith. All such ones should seek to maintain reverence for the authority of their husbands, while entreating Yahweh to demonstrate mercy by revealing Himself to the husband and children. Oftentimes, it is the very obvious transformation of the wife from a self-willed woman who lives for her own interests and pleasures, to a godly woman of gentleness, humility, restraint, and honor, that convicts the husband of the reality and power of God to transform lives. When a woman becomes contentious, loud, argumentative, and demands her own way, she falls short of revealing to her husband that Christ is real and present in her life.

To state the matter practically, a wife can share her convictions with her husband, confessing that her conscience will not permit her to continue to participate in idolatrous practices, while communicating in a manner that reveals honor and respect for her husband. The woman should do what she is convinced is honoring to God, for whatever is not of faith is sin. At the same time, the wife should avoid words or actions which would exhibit an attitude of rebellion and an absence of honor toward her husband. It is in experiences such as this that the character of Christ is formed within the hearts of His people, and the cross and sufferings of Yahshua perform their work of transformation in the individual’s life.

Birthdays

Another subject I have had a number of people write to me about is whether Christians who are convicted that it is wrong to observe Christmas should also abstain from celebrating birthdays.

Beginning with Genesis chapter 5, we observe that both men and God were marking the age of individuals. The only way to keep up with a person's age is to know the day of their birth, and to mark its occurrence each year. In the genealogies of Seth's line, we find that the ages of the men when they first had sons, and their age when they died, are recorded in the Scriptures. The inclusion of this information reveals that noting a person’s age in years was not considered an evil practice in the eyes of God.

Genesis 5:3-5

When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. Then the days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

It was the Holy Spirit that inspired Moses to record the ages of the patriarchs, and there is no indication that observing one's age was an evil thing to do. Quite the opposite. Yahweh does all things by great design. He has set forth patterns through significant numbers, and many of these are related to a person's age when something important occurred in their life. Consider the following three examples.

Genesis 41:46

Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

II Samuel 5:4

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

Luke 3:23

And when He began His ministry, Yahshua Himself was about thirty years of age...

There is clearly divine significance to the fact that each of these men entered into the ministry appointed to them at the age of 30. A great many examples of Yahweh's divine design being present in the years of men could be cited. I will mention just a couple more.

Genesis 5:21-23

And Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.

Enoch walked this earth one year for every day of the year, then Yahweh took him.

Genesis 5:27

So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.

Methuselah lived longer than any man. He died in the year that the flood came upon the earth. The number 969 signifies (Judgment - Flesh - Judgment).

What we can observe in these things is that Yahweh keeps track of the years of a man's life, and the patriarchs, beginning with Adam, marked their years as well.

We must ask, however, whether there is any evidence that godly men observed the date of their birth in a special commemorative way, and whether Yahweh approved of these commemorative events. 

There is some evidence that certain years of an individual’s life were marked with celebrations. Consider the following. Speaking of Isaac, the Holy Spirit informs us of the following.

Genesis 21:8

And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

Some Bible scholars teach that it was common for a child to be weaned anywhere between the ages of 2 - 5 years of age. Although I can only speculate that children were weaned on their birthdays when they reached a particular age, a good argument can be made for the practice. Yet, even if the child were weaned on a date that did not correspond with their day of birth, it must be acknowledged that this was a form of a “coming of age” celebration. It is therefore to be noted that on the day of Isaac’s weaning that Abraham made a great feast to celebrate the attainment of this landmark in the life of his son. There is no indication in the Scriptures that Yahweh disapproved of such celebrations.

Another celebration among ancient oriental people was observed when a son reached the age of adoption. The Jews have adoption celebrations to this date (they adopt their own children, rather than someone else’s). This coming of age observance is referred to as the Bar Mitzvah. It is typically observed when a young man reaches the age of 13. This was considered the time at which a male passed from his minority to his majority, from childhood to sonship. At this age the male heir would be examined to see whether he was considered mature and conformed to the image of his father so that he could be entrusted with responsibility and authority in the family business and the stewardship of the home. This event was marked with a celebration, as it is to this day.

From this evidence, I believe it is correct to say that Yahweh has no prohibition against marking rites of passage in a person’s life. He certainly keeps up with the years of His people, and it does not seem an evil thing if they do so as well. I see no prohibition in the Scriptures against observing the date of one’s birth with some form of commemorative event. Knowing how significant numbers are to Yahweh, I find myself unable to set forth any good argument against marking the passage of years in a person’s life.

As we move forward to the New Testament we see further examples of men and women keeping track of one another’s ages, even to using age as a criteria of qualification for certain privileges. Following is one example.

I Timothy 5:9

Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old...

How is anyone to know what the age of a widow is if they have not been marking the passage of years?

The issue of observing Christmas with all of its attendant pagan symbols, rites, and customs is a very different matter than individuals observing the day of their birth. On the one hand, the Bible never declares what day Yahshua was born on. Very good arguments have been made suggesting He was born on one of the Feast days established by Yahweh, either Tabernacles or Passover. Neither of these Feasts fall anywhere close to the date of the Winter Solstice when Christmas is observed.

A disciple of Christ would do well to give consideration to the manner in which they observe their birthday. If we adopt the traditions of society, we are quite likely to unwittingly embrace practices of pagan origin. I think we should be thoughtful as we examine all that we do. We might ask, “Why are candles a feature at most birthday celebrations? What is the origin of making a wish, and blowing out the candles?” There are sources that link these traditions to pagan practices of long standing. Some websites suggest that this tradition is traceable back to a time when an augur, or soothsayer, was invited to attend birthday celebrations. This pagan prophet would look at the pattern left by the smoke ascending from the candles and would prophesy regarding what would befall the individual in the coming year.

At the same time, we should not condemn all ancient traditions as evil. Undoubtedly, those people who did not honor the God who Created all things were in the habit of holding feasts on special days even as Abraham held a feast when Isaac was weaned. It has been a tradition in my family for the person observing their birthday to choose a restaurant of their choice, and for our entire family to treat them to a special dinner there.

A related tradition is to give gifts on a birthday. As a father, I desire to give good gifts to my children. This desire has come from Yahweh, for I was created in His image. We are told that Yahweh takes pleasure in giving good gifts to His children.

James 1:17

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...

Ephesians 4:8

Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."

I have often prayed as my daughter's birthday has approached, expressing to Yahweh a desire to give my daughter a good gift for her birthday. Since I have not been employed in the world, but have been dependent upon Yahweh for all provision for many years, I have found it needful to entreat Him to supply the means by which I might give a good gift to my daughter on her birthday. I have reminded Him how He takes delight in giving good gifts to us, and how He has declared it to be more blessed to give than to receive. With this as my basis for petition, I have asked Yahweh to supply me with the resources to give my daughter a good gift on her birthday.

Kristin with Guitar

(In this picture she is holding her first guitar which is a Yamaha)

I have seen the Father answer this prayer in extraordinary ways. My daughter Kristin participates in worship at her church, being one of the chief musicians. She plays the guitar, and also uses this talent to minister in prisons, at rescue missions, and battered women's shelters. When she was about 14 years old I helped her purchase a decent Yamaha guitar that cost a little more than $300. Kristin has been faithful to continue her playing, and to use this guitar in ministry for the Lord. I knew that she was wanting a better guitar, one that had a built in sound pick-up in it since she was playing before large groups and needing to plug in to sound systems. She had especially commented on how she liked the Taylor brand of guitars (no relationship to Taylor Swift). They are a higher quality guitar, and significantly more expensive than the Yamaha guitar she acquired a decade earlier.

Two years ago on her 25th birthday (she will be 27 this upcoming December 29th, 2014), I asked the Father if He might allow me to purchase for my daughter a nice quality instrument that would satisfy Kristin’s needs and meet the desire of her heart. It is unusual for me to have significant financial resources on hand as I tend to sow whatever money Yahweh gives me into ministry rather than holding it in a bank account. A decent Taylor guitar would cost more than $1,000, but I knew this was not a difficult amount for Yahweh to provide.

I made my petition known to the Father and soon afterwards I received significant financial resources through individual donations. With this money I was able to purchase a very nice Taylor guitar made of beautiful Hawaiian Koa wood. Just before my daughter's birthday a young man in Macon, which is relatively near at hand, advertised this guitar on Craigslist. He was asking $1400 for it, including a very nice hard case that retails for $300. The retail value of this instrument was in excess of $2,000. The young man had even done some upgrades to it such as adding gold tuning pegs to match the gold trim on the guitar. It is truly a beautiful instrument.

A couple days before my daughter’s birthday I took her to meet the young man, view the guitar, and try it out. Kristin loved it. An extra blessing occurred when we found out the young man was a music minister at his church, and the guitar had been used for worship of Yahweh. He was also willing to come down $200 on his asking price. I have rarely seen my daughter so excited about a gift before. She loves this guitar, and takes great delight in it. As a father it gave me great delight to give to her such a nice gift, one which she has continued to use in ministry in prisons, nursing homes, rescue missions, and various gatherings of God’s people.

As a son of God, I seek to be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit of Christ. As I have walked with Him I seek to examine all of my ways, and to know what He approves, and what He disapproves. I have found that He is very willing to guide us when we come to Him with a sincere heart, wanting to know His mind and thoughts that we might honor Him. I hope these words have been helpful to those who read them.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063