Symbol of Authority

"For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels." 1 Corinthians 11:10.

Have you ever wondered why men remove their hats before they pray? It seems to be an odd practice if you are unfamiliar with it. I once asked someone why they removed their hat before praying and they said it was to sign of respect towards God. I would agree with this, but what about if a woman has a hat on her head? Should she remove it? Or should a woman have a hat (or covering) on her head when she prays?

"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved." 1 Corinthians 11:4-5.

According to the Word of God, a woman shows disrespect when her head is uncovered. I have discussed this with different people to find that many do not understand the teaching or dismiss it as a "cultural practice" that is no longer observed. But taking a look at the 11th chapter of the letter to the church at Corinth, one will see that the Apostle Paul writes the above quoted verse 10, stating "...the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head..."

What is the purpose of the headcovering? Is it to draw attention to men or Christ? It is to draw attention to Christ. Colossian 1:18, says "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." The headcovering is a symbol just as the Scripture says. For a symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance; especially : a visible sign of something invisible (definition taken from Merriam-Webster).

The headcovering points to the authority of Christ. Man being the creation of God that shows forth character; males showing his authority and females showing his submission. Together as Man, they show forth the character of God. So when believers gather together to remember the Lord Jesus Christ, the men uncover their heads to show the Headship (authority) of Christ and the women cover their heads to show forth the submission of Christ. Both have their role so "...that in all things He may have the preeminence."

Some other Scriptures to consider along with 1 Corinthians 11:1-16.
- Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7. This Scripture shows us that the heavenly hosts are observing the things we do.
- 1 Peter 1:10-12. This Scripture tells us the heavenly hosts are looking at us even now.
- Ephesians 3:8-12. This Scripture reminds us of our purpose; to make God's wisdom to the Heavens.

Disarmed

"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15

I was reading in Numbers 16, about the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. It says in verse 25, " Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins." The Scriptures go on to tell us that the LORD opened up the ground and swallowed up "...with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods." As I was reflecting on this the above verse quoted from Colossians came to mind. The LORD in Numbers triumphed over those wicked men who rebelled against the command of the LORD through Moses and Aaron. And in these days He has triumphed over those who have rebelled against His command through Jesus Christ. But the interesting thing is this, in Numbers 16:25, it says, "...Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins."

The LORD has spoken to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, and has given us a warning, depart from this wicked and perverse world or suffer the same fate as its ruler. Satan has been disarmed, Christ conquered death by suffering death on the cross and then rising from the grave 3 days later. God's message is clear, depart from this evil world and touching nothing lest you be consumed along with the "god of this age."

Called Out

What is the Church?
Is it a person, place or thing?
Is it a building?
Or is it simply comprised of four walls, a door and a ceiling?
No, the Church is much more than that
If you want a better understanding read Ephesians and the book of Acts
The Church is comprised of those whom the Father has called and collected
And those who confess Jesus is the Christ and has been resurrected
We are workers of iniquity
Whom the LORD has shown mercy
We are but dust of the Earth
But the LORD has seen fit to give us second birth
That we may live a life worthy of His Name
Holy Spirit descend upon us like rain

Originally written 31 December 2010

Apart

Apart from Your Spirit I am blind
Apart from Your Spirit I am confused
Apart from Your Spirit I can not understand You
Apart from Your Spirit I can not know the Son of Man
Apart from Your Spirit there is no light
Apart from Your Spirit I will die in the darkness of the night
Apart from Your Spirit I return to my vomit like a dog
Apart from Your Spirit I am lost in a fog
Unable to see the one true God

Originally written 26 June 2010

After Eden

In the days after Eden
While the land was full of heathens
The LORD left His place on high
To dwell with men for a short time
During His journey through this place
We beheld His glory, full of truth and grace
In the midst of the darkness we received our sight
We beheld the true Light
The One who separated the day and the night

Originally written 12 November 2010

Vintage-Time

And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” John 2:10

Reflecting on the above verse from the Gospel of John, I thought of how the living God has sent His Son. In Isaiah God refers to Israel as His vineyard, and in keeping with this expression, I am struck with how this highlights what the Lord Jesus did. Think for a minute of all the Prophets that the LORD sent forth to His people; Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha and many more. These men being moved by the Holy Spirit spoke mighty words and conveyed truth about the living God. But even though these men brought forth mighty truth about the living God, He kept His best wine until now. God has sent forth His Son to make Himself known to the world. The LORD God creator of Heaven and Earth has kept back the good wine until now. Have you tasted of the good wine that the LORD has now set before all men? Vintage-Time is here and the LORD would have us come enjoy eternal life which is found in His Son, Jesus Christ. Come taste and see that the LORD is good.

The Inner Man

The inner man is full of terror and dread
It's like the Word of God said
It's wicked and deceitful above all things
But if to the cross it clings
New Birth will surely happen
And in Christ alone it find satisfaction
For the things of this world grow strangely dim
When the inner man focuses on Him
But do not be deceived
For the inner man must be redeemed and born again
Before it will seek and submit to the One known as "the beginning and the end"

Inspired by
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Psalm 14

Originally written 2 November 2010