Posted on November 23, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“Three times in the year your men shall appear before the Lord Jehovah, the God of Israel.”
Exodus 34:23 (MKJV)
As we get started this day allow me to jump into a little something I found in my Biblical Illustrator commentary. “That seasons for rejoicing were commanded. Let those who think that the Old Dispensation was gloomy remember that there was Divine injunction for joy and feasting three times a year.” Now, considering that Secularland has declared the “Holiday Season” upon us (along with the advent of that infamous day known as “Black Friday” that actually started in October) many could look upon that quoted statement and possibly think this means, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Well, maybe for the residents of Secularland there’s some truth to that but in Christendom that ain’t even close to true. So…
Men, what usually happens to us during this season? Well, we apparently, become Christmas mockery on that big screen know as television. Movies and TV shows, over the years, have been written to show us men as a handsomer version of Homer Simpson, who aren’t capable of ruling their homes, let alone having the abilities to counsel their wife and children in their moments of need. Instead, we become “Turbo Man” like in “Jingle All The Way”. “Myron, you’re taking this too far.” DOH!!
These movies and shows usually end with the dad being the one that has had to learn the hard life lesson from his wife and children. In my home, National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” reminds my family that I was once like Cousin Eddie, but now (because I say I claim the Name above all names) I’m more like Clark Greaseball, especially as I put up Christmas lights and yes, I have punted a plastic Santa across the yard. It had to happen; it was inevitable. Oh bother, what a wretched man I can be. Where’s the Tylenol?
“So be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mountain.” — Exodus 34:2
This season, I started reading Tony Evans’ book “Kingdom Man”. I was looking forward to a light read and an encouragement from a man that I have been privileged to meet, once. However, as I got into chapter one, I began to wonder if all I’ve become after almost 20 years of attempting to walk in His ways is a handsomer version of Homer Simpson who is emptying his RV’s chemical toilet into a sewer and wishing everyone passing me by a “Merry Christmas.” Now that is truly the wretched man, however, by chapter’s end I was finding my nose in Exodus 34. “Moses, we’re gonna try this again.”
After a new set of stone tablets were forged by the Hand of YHVH, and His covenant renewed, YHVH instructs the men of Israel to present themselves to Himself three times a year. In the spring for the Passover, in the summer for the sacrifice of First-fruits, and in the autumn for the Ingathering. This is a big deal because it falls under the heading of Sabbath keeping (for those taking notes). Men, this means El Elyon wants to see you, at least 3x a year, submitted, surrender, obedient and ready to receive His covering, His protection, and His provision. This a bigger deal because this falls under the heading of Covenant keeping and that is something we men haven’t done so well at. Can you say, “it was the woman YOU gave me”?
So, yeah guys, maybe we haven’t done everything by The Book, God truly knows that I haven’t…but that doesn’t allow me resting in that. On the contrary, so long as I stay in The Book, I’ll be encouraged by stuff like this, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
As the onslaught of the “Holiday Season gets underway let’s not find ourselves like Howard Langston going the distance to get the sacred “TURBO MAN” doll (accessories sold separately; batteries not included) to display our attempt at being the man of the house. Instead, be that Kingdom minded man, knowing that the real Turbo Man is the person of Jesus Christ. Be the man that stands up, at the head of his feasting table, surveys the people surrounding him, tells them to bow their heads as he presents himself to YHVH Adonai and asks for a blessing of His covering, His peace, His protection and for the provision that YHVH Adonai has put in front of you. Now its time for turkey, dig in. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, husband, a father, has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “When you lead according to His principles and His kingdom agenda, you free others around you to be what they were created to be as well. Yet when you don’t, you invite a world of chaos, disorder, and destruction not only into your own life, but also into the lives of those within your influence.” — Tony Evans
The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 29-31; James 5 You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
