Hope - Elizabeth Weber

Elizabeth Weber

Lamentations 3:21-26 

But this I recall to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

 What does hope look like and sound like in the kingdom of God?

I meet with a small group of women for bible scrap-booking. We select a weekly scripture or topical word to study. At our next meeting we share what we have learned and show our artistic interpretation. This is a great group of women, loving, kind, and devoted to God. We have a lot in common regarding trials, great loss and tribulations so there is deep compassion and powerful common ground among us. Recently we started a discussion about hope; however we were not able to fully finish that conversation.

As I drove home that evening, I thought about it more. What is the difference between biblical hope and worldly/earthly hope in realistic terms? I know earthly hope is based on man’s ideals and man’s power. It may look like, wishful thinking, optimism, and the use of common phrases hoping to evoke certain outcomes. Additionally, there are various superstitious exercises that one may engage: knocking on wood, wearing a lucky Tshirt, wearing a sacred amulet, or carrying or posting an idol or statue. Earthly hope is focused on man’s ways to get answers to current problems hoping to bring prompt relief.

That evening I realized that if someone were to ask me about biblical hope, I would have a difficult time expressing my answer with good clarity. It was time for me to draw deeper from the scriptures regarding- hope.

The Hebrew language is a combination of letters, pictures and numbers. The following are common Hebrew words for hope.    

 *Qavah: to wait, to have anticipation along with waiting, related to Hebrew word qav/cord

 *Tiqwah/Tikvah: cord or rope, and from a root word (to bind), it abstract idea for hope

  Yakhal: to wait for, tarry, stay, used in the sense of stillness or silence

Hope and waiting were understood to be closely related, and somewhat interchangeable.

Think of a cord or rope being pulled until there is great tension. This is a good word picture of hope or waiting during a trial. How do Christians hope/wait in this tension? We are not to be in denial of the situation nor should we feel ashamed when in a trial. But how are we to process through the tension of waiting and remaining in hope?

The scriptures teach us and guide us to Wait Well. That’s what I call hope- waiting well.

Let’s consider and meditate on these 7 keys for BUILDING HOPE from the scriptures. The scriptures I share are obviously not exhaustive but to get us started as we gain understanding of biblical hope/waiting.

1).  HOPE in reflection:  The Hebrews were instructed to look back; look back to God. (to remember, recall, recite the truths they learned about Him) In looking back, they remembered what God had done in the past, what He taught them about Himself and they reflected on the many promises of God in order to look forward again.

Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds.

Psalm 105:5 Remember the wondrous works He has done, His miracles and the judgments He uttered.

2). HOPE in seeking God: Talk with God, walk with Him and listen to God, enjoy Him. Find out about Him in His wonderful word. Study the word- instead of looking to man, stories and logic that will not sustain us well in the waiting. Become Word-centric.

Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from out of all his troubles.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.

3). HOPE in the power of the Holy Spirit: We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13) That is covenant language. Depend on the Holy Spirit’s power, not ours, or another persons presumed power. Look at how specifically Holy Spirit ministers...

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

4). HOPE in counsel: The Lord will counsel us with His wisdom and specifically direct us in our lives. He’s AMAZING!! We only need to ask Him- Go to God first not to others expecting them to provide us with hope. Biblical hope is developed through knowing God in increasing intimacy in the midst of trials. Be cautious who we take counsel from and what environments we place ourselves in. They have influence.

Psalm 119:24 Your testimonies (Gods will and character) are my delight; they are my counselors.

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

*God knows what He is doing in our waiting. He has not forgotten us, nor abandoned us! This is not His character.

5). HOPE in waiting: Learning to wait well. This takes time, perseverance, endurance, and commitment. Stay in the process, don’t run, don’t exit off God’s highway.

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined to me and heard my cry.

*RELATIONSHIP- God wants to build our relationship with Him in the waiting.

6). HOPE in quietness, stillness, being unmoved, rest:

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!   *Being still, #7503 [relax, let drop, refrain, be quiet].  A word picture- stop ringing our hands, being preoccupied with anxious thoughts- INSTEAD, let our hands drop, sit back and wait well.   

Proverbs 17:27-28 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Have you ever noticed when we are not at rest, we talk a lot more; often these words do not bring us life or bring us healing. Our words need to align with the truths about God that we have learned primarily from scripture.

7). Hope in expectation: The object of our hope is not a specific answer to problems: like a good lab report, a new relationship, a title or position, new job, a different diagnosis or relocation. The object of a Christian’s hope remains the same- it’s God. We are secure in His covenant. He will not/cannot break His covenant with us. We can trust God’s love, He is hesed (covenantal love) at all times.

Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord , who has compassion on you.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore, that the Lord your God- is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.

Pause and ask--What is the object of my hope- is it God or my personal outcomes and desires? What captures my attention as I wait in hope. What is my focus? Am I distracted by anything in my waiting?

Biblical hope waits for the Lord, not for answers. Biblical hope declares the truth about God BEFORE one receives the answer in a trial or pressing problem. In scripture we have numerous examples of people remaining in faith, as they hoped in God, as they waited for Him.  Sometimes the answers never came in this lifetime. Hebrews chapter 11 is famous for this but there are others found in the word.

One of my favorite stories of waiting well is in the book of Esther 4:13. Mordecai says to Esther “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Mordecai had learned to wait well for the Lord. He had already decided to trust God and wait for the Lord’s plan to unfold. Mordecai was convinced that nothing would be permitted to thwart the plan of God. This is a clear example of Kingdom HOPE.

Because Mordecai had learned to wait well for God, he was able to powerfully encourage Esther to look to God, trust God, do what God was asking of her and then wait well.

What are we called to do for such a time as this? What are we to speak, tell, and express about God and His kingdom in our waiting during trials?

Biblical HOPE stabilizes us even when the circumstances and environment around us is unstable.

Jesus is THE HOPE that anchors our soul. Regardless of what is going on in our lives...our soul (mind, will, emotions, thoughts, feelings, responses and actions) and therefore our hope is to be anchored in Christ not in human logic or the culture in which we find ourselves.

Hebrews 6:19  We (believers) have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

The scripture at the beginning of this message: Lamentations 3:21-26: Read it again in view of what we have learned about biblical hope: about waiting well. Verse 21 - But this I call to mind/7725/shoob: look back, bring again to original starting point, recall, restore, allow to return, and have hope/3176/yakhal: I wait, tarry, expect.

What is the “this” that we are to call to mind-- God’s truth stated in this scripture is:

Verse 22 -The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Verse 24 -“The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, “therefore I will hope/3176/yakhal in Him.”

Verse 25 -The Lord is good to those who wait/6960 qavah (to bind together, like twisting, cord) for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.  (Step 2- hope in seeking God.)

Verse 26 -It is good that one should wait/3175/Yakhal quietly1748/still/silently for salvation of the Lord.  

Hope is a choice. Waiting well is a developed and committed choice.

Decide to make the choice to wait well. In so doing, we represent the One True God correctly. We remain faithful to the truth of who God declares Himself to be, and we are stable in trials. Thereafter we can help others by accurately modeling a believer who hopes, who waits well for the Lord.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. She has worked as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. 

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

The Altar of Incense - Elizabeth Weber

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - ELIZABETH WEBER

Elizabeth Weber

Scripture tells us that the believer’s prayers are a sweet scent/fragrance to God. Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4, Psalm 141:2. Hopefully you see your prayers in this way, but if not, let’s go on a brief walk through the Tabernacle of Moses. Our destination is the Altar of Incense in the holy place where sweet perfumed prayers are offered to God as well as worship and intercession. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:12-13, 1Tim 2:1 Luke 18:1

You may be asking, how will a walk through the tabernacle encourage me in my prayer life? Well, the infrastructure and furniture contained in the Tabernacle tell the Gospel story and speak to the covenant relationship we have with the one true God. That makes all the difference.

We know there is no longer a temple in Israel, post the Romans destroying it in 70 A.D. However, Scripture tells us the body of Christ, is now the temple (1Cor 3:16-17) and we are the priests ministering to God. (1 Peter 2:9)

As we approach the tabernacle we note that there is only one entrance. Jesus said “I am the door”; “I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Our sin kept us from relationship with our heavenly Father, however, Jesus is the way back into covenant relationship with Father. If you have made the decision to come in by the only door, Christ, then be at peace and know you are restored to Father, accepted and blessed. John 10:7-9,14:6, Romans 5:17, Deut. 28:6, Psalm 121:8.

Now we enter the tabernacle, and immediately encounter the Brazen or Bronze Altar where innocent animals were sacrificed to atone for our sins. We pause and reflect on the truth that now, we have been justified by Christ blood and are saved from the wrath of God. You and I have been declared- Not Guilty! Romans 5:9 – “We have been justified by Christ blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:14-22).

From the Brazen Altar we stop at the Bronze Basin, Exodus 30:17- 21. The Bronze Basin and its stand was made from the mirrors of the ministering women, Exodus 38:8. As we wash our hands and feet (daily cleansing) we see our reflection in these mirrors. Pausing for self-examination, here we ask ourselves the hard questions regarding where our feet have taken us and how our hands minister; what are my motives, thoughts, mindsets and my expected outcomes of ministry? Anything that does not come from the Law of Liberty mentioned in James 1:22-25 is cleansed away at this time. The Law of Liberty is the law of Christ or the Law of Love, Hebrews 10:22-25, Titus 3:5.

We are now ready to enter the middle section of the tabernacle, the Holy Place. This area is separated by very thick curtains and would be completely dark except for the light from the Golden Lampstand, Exodus 25:31-40.  Amazingly, this candle stick is made from one piece of gold, (reference to the Trinity). The candlestick has a main stem from which six other branches are supported. At the top of each branch were “cups” of oil that kept the lights from going out. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”. In John 10:30, Jesus declared, “I and the Father are One.” Twice daily the priest trimmed the wicks and added oil so the candle lights always burned brightest. The Golden Candlestick represents the Triune God. We can rejoice and be in peace knowing that we are in covenant with the One True God and He will never break this covenant with us. Isaiah 42:5-9 Psalm 36:9 Isaiah 11:2.

We then move across the room to the Table of Showbread; some refer to it as the Table of Presence, Exodus 25:23. In covenant relationships, the table always represents provision, acceptance, fellowship and peace. If there is any issue between covenant partners, they came together to resolve any issue. The two partners would then share a meal, break bread, together symbolizing that all is well between one-another, and the issue is not to be brought up again as it is resolved. On the table are 12 loaves of bread placed in two stacks of 6 and a vessel of wine representing the covenant meal/communion. In John 6:35 Jesus said “I am the bread of life.” This table is our last pause before going to the Altar of Incense. Here we can exchange anything that is interfering in our covenant relationship with God. For example, I exchange my personal preservation for God‘s servant Spirit, my bitterness for God‘s forgiveness, my worry for God‘s shalom. We are invited and have access to this precious privileged table at anytime, John 6:32, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 23:5.

We finally arrive at the Altar of Incense. We reflect back at what has been confirmed to us as we have walked through the Tabernacle. We entered through the Door, Jesus’ blood has declared us “Not Guilty,” we have washed and have been cleansed by the Word and now serve by the Law of Christ - the Law of Liberty. We are grateful that we no longer walk in darkness but have the light of Christ. We continue to trim our wicks and are filled with Holy Spirit again and again. Lastly, we have a covenant meal exchange with the Lord.

Here at this Altar of Incense we minister to God by praise, worship, and prayers. We minister on behalf of others through our intercession. This altar is placed facing the Ark of the Covenant, which is covered by the Mercy Seat, located in the Holy of Holies. At one time there was a curtain separating the Altar of Incense from the Mercy Seat, but no more as Jesus, our great High Priest has pulled down that curtain of separation by his sacrificial death. Since we are accepted and restored to God, we have assurance that our prayers are heard and accepted as sweet perfume to God, Hebrews 10:19-21.

This square shaped altar (Altar of Incense) receives its hot coals from the Bronze Altar. There are four horns on each corner representing Christ’s authority and power, the premise from which we pray. The altar is made of acacia wood (representing humanity) but is over laid in gold (royalty). Here the “royal priesthood “ministered twice daily by placing a special recipe of incense on the hot coals. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:13.

This sacred incense is described as sweet, pure, holy, perfume and is prepared from five different products. Each product is combined together by a beating process. The original characteristics of these products are lost in the beating, but then a new product emerges. 2Cor 5:16-17, Mark8:34, Matthew 10:39.

My hope is that you see that prayer is not intended to be a work of the flesh but instead, a beautiful expression of the unbreakable covenant that we have with God because of the complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 7:22, 8:13.

Be encouraged precious believer! Elizabeth

Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. She recently retired as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. You can contact her at info@thecovenantcenter.com.

Let Mercy Triumph! Elizabeth Weber

Elizabeth Weber

Although just one chapter and 25 brief verses, the book Philemon is dynamite; it reveals the power of mercy to transform a life. It is the story of three different individuals from three different backgrounds and past identities that have now become Christ followers, with three new hearts and three changed destinies.

First is the apostle Paul, a highly educated Jew, previously a Pharisee, now a believer and currently in a Roman prison. Secondly, Onesimus, a runaway slave from the house of Philemon in Colossae; he ran to Rome, the biggest city at that time. Eventually Onesimus becomes a believer and somehow gets connected to Paul. Onesimus visits and ministers to Paul in prison. Third is Philemon, a wealthy Roman citizen and businessman who became a believer when he heard Paul teaching about the Gospel, probably in Ephesus. Philemon now leads a home congregation, instructing believers in the way of the Gospel.

As we read through the story, let’s step into each of these men’s lives and ask ourselves some challenging questions. What would I do in this situation? What have I done in past similar situations? What type of a mentor or leader am I? How readily do I release mercy to others?

Let’s keep in mind one definition of mercy is, withheld punishment.

Here’s the story. Paul becomes aware that although Onesimus is a believer, he is also a runaway slave. Since Onesimus has broken civic law and wronged Philemon (possibly stolen from him to start a new life in Rome), how should Paul respond as mentor? Paul writes a letter of appeal to Philemon and directs this letter to be read to the entire congregation that Philemon leads. Remember that Paul is also a mentor to Philemon and an apostle to the New Covenant church.

Paul appeals to Philemon from the premise of Christ’s love instead of his authority as an apostle. He does not want Philemon to respond to this situation with either compulsion or favoritism for the relationship Philemon has with Paul. In verse 14 Paul reminds Philemon of his reputation for ministering to the saints; verse 7, Paul makes it clear to Philemon that Onesimus is now a beloved brother and a fellow saint. Verse 16, Paul encourages Philemon to see Onesimus through the eyes of Christ specifically saying, “Formally Onesimus was useless to you but now he is useful to you and to me.” Verse 11, Interestingly, the name Onesimus means useful or profitable. Paul hopes Philemon will see Onesimus as useful or profitable in the kingdom of God not as a returning slave for Philemons business. Should Philemon be unable to righteously respond to Onesimus he will limit Onesimus' ability to express the gifts God has placed in him for the sake of the Kingdom. Finally in verse 17, Paul challenges Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul.

Every verse in this short book is deeply meditative and powerful but especially note verse 18. Paul writes, “If he (Onesimus) has wronged you at all or owes you anything, charge it to my account.” This is a picture of Christ. Colossians 2:13-15. We as leaders are called to take the same position.

Now that you have hopefully read through this book, focus on each man’s position and ponder some difficult things. Concerning Paul, he was in a very painful position as mentor because he had become a father to Onesimus and Onesimus, a son to Paul. Verse 10. Paul had to release “his son” to the Lord. Paul knows well that as a leader and mentor he must operate in God’s wisdom. As a leader, do I have proper expectations of those that I am mentoring and leading? Healthy leaders want to see those they are leading to soar higher than themselves. Note that Paul did not focus on Onesimus’ sin nor the sin issue of slavery. Why? Just like Father God, Paul knows that for righteous change to happen, whether it be in a persons mind or an outcome, the person’s heart must be changed first, by the power of the Gospel.

What was the challenge for Onesimus? He decided to return to Philemon and ask forgiveness for running away and possibly stealing from him as well. Onesimus had no guarantee of the outcome nor could he control it, as being a runaway slave he could be tortured or killed according to civic law at that time. Yet he made the decision to surrender his life and trust his future to the Lord.

Finally for Philemon, this letter would be read to the entire congregation. Members and new converts coming in to the congregation would be watching his response in this situation and following his example. Would I allow myself such vulnerability? Would I be angry with Paul for challenging me before those I’m leading or would I have expected a private meeting with Paul first. Philemon had been wronged, but could he submit his heart to the Lord and release forgiveness and mercy to Onesimus? Would Philemon receive him as a brother and not hold a grudge against him until he felt Onesimus had paid his dues well enough to be fully accepted? Would Philemon be tempted to uncover Onesimus' sin before others bringing shame and planting seeds of judgement in other congregation members toward Onesimus? Remember that Onesimus would be sharing with Philemon at the communion table of the Lord as well.

The covenant table represents that all parties are in agreement and any rift, problem or issue between them had been resolved and never to be discussed again. Lastly, I wonder how Philemon continued to view and treat the issue of slavery in his life, business and congregation. Just because someone is a leader does not mean they have God’s heart perfectly on every issue. Christian leaders especially need to be engaged in continual transformation as Holy Spirit is always revealing the truths, ways and statutes of Christ.

So these three men that had been completely transformed by the mercy of God in their own lives are now in a position to extend mercy to one another although the way mercy would be extended will appear different. Would these men extend mercy without partiality to all others that would come in contact with their lives as they continued to follow Christ or would they do so only if they received what they personally expected in this situation. From what premise do I frame my responses toward people in the every day issues? Do I respond from understanding covenant with God or from human evaluations and wisdom? Would these men submit their hearts to permit this level of maturity in relationships? Do I?

The Gospel of Christ provides both forgiveness and mercy at the same time. They are not independent from one another. The ultimate goal is always the restoration of all people back to God. But people need to see restoration as a reality in their own life first before they can willingly extend it to others. As Christ ambassadors, we communicate the Gospel by the actions, forgiveness, mercy and then restoration. All three matter, none can be eliminated.

Lest you dismiss the challenges in this tiny letter by saying you are not in a leadership role; the fact is every Christian is a leader because true leadership is influence. On a daily basis, in whatever we are doing or saying we are influencing in one direction or another.

Consider the ripple effect of one act of mercy in one individual‘s life. Mercy released will continue to deliver the Gospel to others long after we are gone. May I encourage you to confidently know that only in heaven will you fully see the fruit of mercy extended. Knowing it will cost us so much in every situation, nevertheless, we choose to act righteously; it is our calling and so very worth it. The harvest is waiting; what will your response be to those who come across your path?

Leave a legacy of mercy; let mercy triumph!

James 2:12-13 Speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. (Law of love, Law of Christ) For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Elizabeth Weber

Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. Presently she works as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. You may contact Elizabeth at: info@thecovenantcenter.com