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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Why Not Question - 'One Night with the King' - Recommended

'One Night with the King' is a well done movie and highly recommended for those who love the story of Esther. Not only does it show the love shared between the king and queen, but also the customs of the time and the constant threats against the Persian ruler's life. A poisoning attempt was over heard by Mordecai and passed on saving Ahasuerus from certain death.

The protrayal of Esther is well done and shows the heart of the young woman as shown in the Bible. She wins favor with the eunuchs, is favored with a special robe when she goes to the king, and wins the crown of Persia.

Now, much of what goes on the film is lost on the Western audience as the customs are not really understood. For instance, the comment that the women would be allowed to keep their jewelry. It is one of the few things that Eastern women are permitted to own. No doubt they were traded for special favors or items.

Also, the time of purification where the women who were to go into the king spent learning the manners of the court and being bathed so that their skin was soft and scented and therefore pleasurable to the king.

One thing that is not mentioned but shown is the King's quick temper. Historically, this is noted. His anger cost many their lives. This made Esther's position very dangerous and she knew it. This little known fact magnifies the courage of a woman destined to save her people for certain death.

There are many more events shown in the film that help the Western mind understand the culture.

Final word. See the film.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Why Not Question - Why was Elizabeth's lineage so important?

A lot of time has been spent using word studies to better understand the Bible and posing questions which can be answered by using the technique. Now, it is time to cover some of the Biblical customs of the day to better understand scriptures.

Luke 1:5 KJV

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

Notice the importance made of Elizabeth by saying she was a daughter of Aaron. Ever wonder why?

From 'Manners and Customs of the Bible' by James M. Freeman

'Great care was taken in the selection of wives for the Jewish priests, so that the line of the priests might be kept in every respect unsulled. "It was lawful lawful for a priest to marry a Levitess, or indeed, a daughter of Israel; but is was most commendable of all to marry one of the priests' line." Zacharias was specially honored in having his wife one of the descendants of Aaron.'

Interesting to see that the mother of John, the one who proclaimed Christ's coming, was a direct descendant of Aaron, brother of Moses and the voice for his brother before pharoah. How fitting the role should be repeated with the coming of Christ.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Why Not Question - What is the Behemoth in Job?

Job 40:15 KJV Behold now behemoth (a large beast), which I made (bring forth, to do) with thee; he eateth grass (grass, hay, herb, leek) as an ox.

There is much speculation as to what the behemoth is in this verse. The more conservative say it is an elephant or hippopotamus. Others say a crocodile. There has even been those who say it is a dinosaur.

However, when the entire description is put together, another beast rises that has not even been considered. In Job 40:15-18 & 41:14-31 there is more description of this creature.

Strength is in the loins and navel of the belly - moves the tail like a cedar - which is a very big tree - sinews of his stones are wrapped together - bones strong as brass - bones like bars of iron

scales shut up together with a close seal - teeth are terrible - big eyes-
burning lamps come out of his mouth - sparks of fire leap out - does this sound like an elephant or hippo? out of the nostrils comes smoke like a seething pot or kettle - breath kindles flame - and flame comes out of his mouth - now what creature in mythology does this?

flakes of his flesh is joined together - heart firm as stone - when he raises up the mighty are afraid - sword against him can't hold - nor any other weapon - they're easily broken - makes the water boil -

And in verse 33 - Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.

Hmmm, putting together all the pieces suggests that the behemoth of Job is actually a Sea Serpent or Dragon. Which raises another question particularly the fear those of the Middle Ages had of the beasts - were they actually once real and hunted to extinction?

The verses in Job seem to suggest that the creatures actually existed.

Side note - in a documentary there is mention of a writing from someone during the middle ages who gave such an in depth description of the anatomy of a dragon that the person must have had an actual carcass to study.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Why Not Question: Do pets go to heaven?

There is a great deal of speculation as to whether or not pets go to heaven and are later reunited with their owners. Since there is no Biblical basis for the answer, the writer of this blog will share a personal experience.

Acts 2:17 KJV And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and you sons and your daughters shall prophesy(publicly expound), and your young men shall see visions (act of seeing, sight, inspired appearance) , and you old men shall dream (happens in sleep, frequently) dreams.

Galations 3:28c KJV ...there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one (literally one) in Christ Jesus.

Now the reason these two verses are shared is that first, Acts 2:17 says that God's people will have visions and dream dreams. It also specifies men, however, since we are all are one in Christ Jesus, this includes women as well. Now, it has to understood that in Paul's time, men normally were the ones who led. God has made exceptions to this with a woman judge -Deborah and with Esther the queen saving her people, so we can see God will use whomever is needed at the time.

That being said, here is what the blogger is sharing about pets going to heaven based on believers ability to have visions - the act of seeing.

L.O. died when she was 19. I had had her for seventeen years. I point blank asked God where she was. The vision I was shown was of L.O. in her new body, it didn't quite look like her but I knew it was, playing at Jesus feet. She bounced out of heaven briefly to rub against my ankle in a final good bye before she went back.

A few days later, she meowed right outside the bedroom door. Now, yes, there are other cats in the house, but like any good mother, you always know the voice of your child. So did I know the voice of each cat.

A year and half later T. was very ill. I took her to the vet, found out she was sick beyond medical help, and made the difficult decision to put her to sleep. Just as the vet was putting the needle into her leg, L.O. appeared. I knew the moment the two were reunited because L.O. jumped as if the two were playing. Not long afterward I saw the soul, breath life not the spirit, of T. pass.

Two weeks later, T. came around the corner in the kitchen and vanished.

Since L.O. is in heaven and Jesus is caring for her, I saw the two reunited, I know T. also is there waiting. I have the promise that all my furred children will be returned to me when I arrive.

So, yes, I do believe that Christian's pets go to heaven.