February 22, 2023
Some people love leftovers and there a few dishes that make incredible leftovers for eating – think meatloaf. But then again, many people don’t care for the idea of eating something a second time, and the list of reasons is quite lengthy and pretty subjective.
However, the word leftovers isn’t just limited to food. One dictionary said, “A leftover is part of something that has not been used when the other parts have been.”
*Example One – A leftover can be an unused or unwanted piece or item; typically, of small size or value – The scrap carpet samples from the new floor were set aside.
**Example Two – It could also, refer to something that is still existing or present after all of the major parts were put to use, chosen, or removed – After the captains chose players for their teams, Tommy was the leftover.
So, it’s easy to see how the word can be used in a wide variety of ways. Let me ask you, “Have you ever been or felt like a leftover?” Have you ever had something that could be considered a leftover, and felt slighted? Blessed? Made something new out of it? Thrown it away? Leftovers are only as good as what you do with them.
At the time of Jesus there were five main provinces that comprised Israel which was ruled by Herod the Great. He was the acting ruler of the land, given his authority by the Roman Empire. Herod died in 4 B.C. and his heirs started scrambling for ownership of the land. The Roman authorities divided the bulk of the land up between Herod’s three sons.
Archelaus (incredibly ruthless and violent), received the provinces of Judah and Samaria,
Antipas (extremely cunning and adept at political maneuvering), received the provinces of Galilee and Perea, Philip (a mild mannered peace-loving guy, a none descript ruler who made no waves and a plodding administrator – sort of a melba toast sort of guy).
Philip received the leftovers – a hodge-podge of sub sections of land to the NE of the Sea of Galilee. These in a sense, were thrown into a pot and shaken and came out as the province of Iturea – see Luke 3:1. Philip’s gift mix allowed him to manage the little kingdoms of Trachonitis, Gaulanitis, Trachonitis, Paneas, Batanea, Trachonitis, and Auranitis and to keep them in line so as not to antagonize the Roman authorities.
Philip built several important cities in his province. First was a remake of the capital of the ancient kingdom of Geshur, given a new look and the new name of Bethsaida Julias, named after the Roman Caesar’s daughter. The second was Caesarea Philippi, which bore Caesar’s title and his own name to shown his allegiance to the Roman Empire. Philip also encouraged pagan worship of all kinds, so that people never had to look to Jerusalem to worship the one true God. I think this is where the attitude “I don’t need a church or gather with others. I can worship under a tree or in a field all by myself” really got started.
It is no wonder that Jesus brought His followers to this land and asked them a very pointed question, “Who do you say I am?” in Matthew 16. The Lord wanted them to see the effects of carnality and paganism in its truest selfish form and make a commitment to worship Him as the one true God, and to do so as a community called the church.
The Itureans were a tough lot who were good fighters and functioned best as nomads. Philip’s philosophy could probably be expressed by these words … “just give them what they want, let them do what they want, go where they want, and they will be there when you need them.” Sort of the way some politicians in America manipulate people groups so they have their votes when the elections come around.
Jesus demonstrated that true spiritual living was not “Do as you please and serve yourself” but “Serve others and please your Father by doing so.”
The Itureans faded quickly from history, in large part because of their selfish attitudes and actions in lifestyle and worship. After Jesus exposed His boys to this backwater land of selfish indulgence, Scripture records in Luke 9:51 – The VOICE version of the Bible “The time approached for Him to be taken back up to the Father; so strong with resolve, Jesus made Jerusalem His destination.”
Jesus walked away from the selfish attitudes that permeate our world in work and worship. He prioritized His Father’s will, no matter the cost. Anyone can be or function like a people pleaser, a self-indulgent pagan, a taker and not a giver, and a worshiper of this world. Jesus calls us to be different.
BE different in 2023.