DIRECTIVE #18
MAY 12, 2014
We must attain unto Godliness and we must establish control of the spirit in our hearts.
Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and do it, and to teach statues and ordinance in Israel.”
“In Ezra 7, God sent Ezra (helper) from Babylon (confusion by mixing) to help rebuild the temple (establish the rule of the spirit) in Jerusalem (the teaching of possession of Peace). Ezra is a type of the Holy Spirit. We are the Temple, in possession of peace because the Spirit rules in our hearts. In Ezra 9, Ezra is exceedingly grieved to discover that the people of Israel had not separated themselves from the people of the land. He demands that they immediately separate themselves.” Rev. Kent Beeby, Derby, Kansas.
Also read Deuteronomy 7, Joshua 3:10, Exodus 33:2, 3, 16.
Interpretation:
They were called “Christians” first at Antioch, Acts 11:26. This was in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic city AND church. If we are to evangelize and make disciples (Must be in balance), then we must be “Christian.” This implies that we are “followers and obedient to Christ.” We must be godly and the Spirit must control our minds and hearts. There must be a work from within to without.
Prayer Points: We must be separate from the following:
1. Hittites – descendants of Heth (terror-fear), second son of Canaan – Fear is the greatest enemy of peace. God offers to give us the gift of peace … if we choose to trust in Him (John 14:27)
2. Perizzites – “villagers”, living in open country in unwalled villages – relational boundary issues. A lack of boundaries results in chaotic lives, offences and conflicts that steal our peace. Relational boundaries (courage – asserting self) must be established in order to maintain peace. (Colossians 3:15).
3. Jebusites – descendants of Jebus (threshing place, to tread down, trample), third son of Canaan – Abuse of others. Abusing others leads to feelings of shame which takes away our peace. Also, God’s chastening involves removing our peace. Repentance restores it. (Hebrews12:11).
4. Moabites – descendants of Moab, son of Lot by his eldest daughter – primitive root meaning father including wider meaning, initiation or desire – Lust. It provides short term good feelings (i.e.: drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.), but results in long term losses and feelings of shame, thereby stealing our peace (II Timothy 2:22)
5. Ammonites – closely associated with the Moabites – descendants of Ammon, son of Lot by his youngest daughter – primitive root meaning to dim or darken. Implies starting out bright which is how selfish desire for the things of this world starts. Leads to a carnal mind, which brings death. They look like friends but are really enemies, stealing our peace and diverting us from the things of God that bring life. (Romans 8:6, James 1:14-15)
6. Canaanites – descendants of Ham, son of Noah, father of many other tribes – name means “lowland” or “to bring low”. Low self-worth or self-esteem is a root sin which leads to a struggle to measure up to worldly standards leading to many other sins, which steal or peace. We are justified by faith not the world. (Romans 5:1)
7. Amorites – descendants of Canann – name means “a sayer”, in the sense of publicity, to intend to boast. Seeking prominence or importance leads to competition with others, which steals our peace (Matthew 11:28). Mountaineers – Heights of the World.
8. Egyptians – people of Egypt, from a primitive root meeting seige or enclosure – captive of the world or worldly system which steals our peace until we decide to overcome the world through Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24, I John 2:15).
The declaration of Moses and the People –
“So we shall be separate (distinct), your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” So the Lord said to Moses, “ I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33: 16, 17
In the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Exodus, and Ezra, the lists are slightly different but the main thoughts are there. The Lord is calling the church today to move forward but to do so free from sin. I am in debt to Rev. Kent Beeby for his thoughts on the 8 Nations of Ezra.